Turbulence generation by a shock wave interacting with a random density inhomogeneity field

When a planar shock wave interacts with a random pattern of pre-shock density non-uniformities, it generates an anisotropic turbulent velocity/vorticity field. This turbulence plays an important role at the early stages of the mixing process in the compressed fluid. This situation emerges naturally in shock interaction with weakly inhomogeneous deuterium-wicked foam targets in Inertial Confinement Fusion (ICF) and with density clumps/clouds in astrophysics. We present an exact small-amplitude linear theory describing such interaction. It is based on the exact theory of time and space evolution of the perturbed quantities behind a corrugated shock front for a single-mode pre-shock non-uniformity. Appropriate mode averaging in 2D results in closed analytical expressions for the turbulent kinetic energy, degree of anisotropy of velocity and vorticity fields in the shocked fluid, shock amplification of the density non-uniformity, and sonic energy flux radiated downstream. These explicit formulas are further simplified in the important asymptotic limits of weak/strong shocks and highly compressible fluids. A comparison with the related problem of a shock interacting with a pre-shock isotropic vorticity field is also presented.Comment: This article corresponds to a presentation given at the Second International Conference and Advanced School "Turbulent Mixing and Beyond," held on 27 July - 07 August 2009 at the Abdus Salam International Centre for Theoretical Physics, Trieste, Italy. That Conference Proceeding will be published as a Topical Issue of the Physica Scripta IOP scienc

Study on the criteria for assessing skull-face correspondence in craniofacial superimposition

Craniofacial superimposition has the potential to be used as an identification method when other traditional biological techniques are not applicable due to insufficient quality or absence of ante-mortem and post-mortem data. Despite having been used in many countries as a method of inclusion and exclusion for over a century it lacks standards. Thus, the purpose of this research is to provide forensic practitioners with standard criteria for analysing skull-face relationships. Thirty-seven experts from 16 different institutions participated in this study, which consisted of evaluating 65 criteria for assessing skull-face anatomical consistency on a sample of 24 different skull-face superimpositions. An unbiased statistical analysis established the most objective and discriminative criteria. Results did not show strong associations, however, important insights to address lack of standards were provided. In addition, a novel methodology for understanding and standardizing identification methods based on the observation of morphological patterns has been proposed

Study on the performance of different craniofacial superimposition approaches (II): Best practices proposal

Craniofacial superimposition, although existing for one century, is still a controversial technique within the scientific community. Objective and unbiased validation studies over a significant number of cases are required to establish a more solid picture on the reliability. However, there is lack of protocols and standards in the application of the technique leading to contradictory information concerning reliability. Instead of following a uniform methodology, every expert tends to apply his own approach to the problem, based on the available technology and deep knowledge on human craniofacial anatomy, soft tissues, and their relationships. The aim of this study was to assess the reliability of different craniofacial superimposition methodologies and the corresponding technical approaches to this type of identification. With all the data generated, some of the most representative experts in craniofacial identification joined in a discussion intended to identify and agree on the most important issues that have to be considered to properly employ the craniofacial superimposition technique. As a consequence, the consortium has produced the current manuscript, which can be considered the first standard in the field; including good and bad practices, sources of error and uncertainties, technological requirements and desirable features, and finally a common scale for the craniofacial matching evaluation. Such a document is intended to be part of a more complete framework for craniofacial superimposition, to be developed during the FP7-founded project MEPROCS, which will favour and standardize its proper application

MEPROCS framework for Craniofacial Superimposition : Validation study

Craniofacial Superimposition (CFS) involves the process of overlaying a skull with a number of ante-mortem images of an individual and the analysis of their morphological correspondence. The lack of unified working protocols and the absence of commonly accepted standards, led to contradictory consensus regarding its reliability. One of the more important aims of 'New Methodologies and Protocols of Forensic Identification by Craniofacial Superimposition (MEPROCS)' project was to propose a common framework for CFS, what can be considered the first international standard in the field. The framework aimed to serve as a roadmap for avoiding particular assumptions that could bias the process. At the same time, it provides some empirical support to certain practices, technological means, and morphological criteria expected to facilitate the application of the CFS task and to improve its reliability. In order to confirm the utility and potential benefits of the framework use, there is a need to empirically evaluate it in CFS identification scenarios as close as possible to the reality. Thus, the purpose of this study is to validate the CFS framework developed. For that aim 12 participants were asked to report about a variable number of CFS following all the recommendations of the framework. The results are analysed and discussed according to the framework understanding and fulfilment, the participants' performance, and the correlation between expected decisions and those given by the participants. In view of the quantitative results and qualitative examination criteria we can conclude that those who follow the MEPROCS recommendations improve their performance

MEPROCS framework for Craniofacial Superimposition : Validation study

Craniofacial Superimposition (CFS) involves the process of overlaying a skull with a number of ante-mortem images of an individual and the analysis of their morphological correspondence. The lack of unified working protocols and the absence of commonly accepted standards, led to contradictory consensus regarding its reliability. One of the more important aims of 'New Methodologies and Protocols of Forensic Identification by Craniofacial Superimposition (MEPROCS)' project was to propose a common framework for CFS, what can be considered the first international standard in the field. The framework aimed to serve as a roadmap for avoiding particular assumptions that could bias the process. At the same time, it provides some empirical support to certain practices, technological means, and morphological criteria expected to facilitate the application of the CFS task and to improve its reliability. In order to confirm the utility and potential benefits of the framework use, there is a need to empirically evaluate it in CFS identification scenarios as close as possible to the reality. Thus, the purpose of this study is to validate the CFS framework developed. For that aim 12 participants were asked to report about a variable number of CFS following all the recommendations of the framework. The results are analysed and discussed according to the framework understanding and fulfilment, the participants' performance, and the correlation between expected decisions and those given by the participants. In view of the quantitative results and qualitative examination criteria we can conclude that those who follow the MEPROCS recommendations improve their performance

Alternative approaches to determine the efficiency of biomixtures used for pesticide degradation in biopurification systems

Biopurification systems were developed for the biological treatment of pesticide-containing wastewaters originated from agricultural production. They are aimed at reducing point-source contamination related to the inadequate handling of pesticides during filling and cleaning of spraying equipment or improper disposal of application residues. These systems contain a biomixture, which comprises their biologically active core where accelerated pesticide degradation takes place. It is a common practice to determine the efficiency of biomixtures by analytical approaches that are focused on the quantification of the pesticides and their subsequent dissipation in time. Nonetheless, the simple removal of original pesticide molecule does not necessarily indicate that the treatment process is ecologically friendly, due to the possible formation of transformation products of high toxicity that are difficult to identify and quantify. This chapter discusses alternative approaches to obtain a more complete scenario regarding biomixture efficiency. These approaches include the determination of the pesticide mineralization using radiolabeled pesticides and ecotoxicological assays to determine the detoxification degree achieved by the matrix. Similarly, as the useful life of biomixtures varies according to the materials employed in its production and the climatic conditions of every region, the authors also suggest a methodology to monitor the performance of biomixtures during their aging process.UCR::Vicerrectoría de Investigación::Unidades de Investigación::Ciencias Básicas::Centro en Investigación en Contaminación Ambiental (CICA

A genetic analysis of a Spanish population with early onset Parkinson’s disease

[Introduction] Both recessive and dominant genetic forms of Parkinson’s disease have been described. The aim of this study was to assess the contribution of several genes to the pathophysiology of early onset Parkinson’s disease in a cohort from central Spain.[Methods/patients] We analyzed a cohort of 117 unrelated patients with early onset Parkinson’s disease using a pipeline, based on a combination of a next-generation sequencing panel of 17 genes previously related with Parkinson’s disease and other Parkinsonisms and CNV screening.[Results] Twenty-six patients (22.22%) carried likely pathogenic variants in PARK2, LRRK2, PINK1, or GBA. The gene most frequently mutated was PARK2, and p.Asn52Metfs*29 was the most common variation in this gene. Pathogenic variants were not observed in genes SNCA, FBXO7, PARK7, HTRA2, DNAJC6, PLA2G6, and UCHL1. Co-occurrence of pathogenic variants involving two genes was observed in ATP13A2 and PARK2 genes, as well as LRRK2 and GIGYF2 genes.[Conclusions] Our results contribute to the understanding of the genetic architecture associated with early onset Parkinson’s disease, showing both PARK2 and LRRK2 play an important role in Spanish Parkinson’s disease patients. Rare variants in ATP13A2 and GIGYF2 may contribute to PD risk. However, a large proportion of genetic components remains unknown. This study might contribute to genetic diagnosis and counseling for families with early onset Parkinson’s disease.This study was supported by grants from the Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness [PI14/01823, PI16/01575, PI18/01898] co-founded by ISCIII (Subdirección General de Evaluación y Fomento de la Investigación) and by Fondo Europeo de Desarrollo Regional (FEDER), the Consejería de Economía, Innovación, Ciencia y Empleo de la Junta de Andalucía [CVI-02526, CTS-7685], the Consejería de Salud y Bienestar Social de la Junta de Andalucía [PI-0437-2012, PI-0471-2013], the Sociedad Andaluza de Neurología, the Fundación Alicia Koplowitz, the Fundación Mutua Madrileña. Pilar Gómez-Garre was supported by the "Miguel Servet" (from ISCIII-FEDER) and “Nicolás Monardes” (from Andalusian Ministry of Health) programs. Silvia Jesús Maestre was supported by the "Juan Rodés" program (from ISCIII-FEDER). Cristina Tejera was supported by VPPI-US from the Universidad de Sevilla