Density function of random differential equations via finite difference schemes: a theoretical analysis of a random diffusion-reaction Poisson-type problem

[EN] A computational approach to approximate the probability density function of random differential equations is based on transformation of random variables and finite difference schemes. The theoretical analysis of this computational method has not been performed in the extant literature. In this paper, we deal with a particular random differential equation: a random diffusion-reaction Poisson-type problem of the form , , with boundary conditions , . Here, alpha, A and B are random variables and is a stochastic process. The term is a stochastic process that solves the random problem in the sample path sense. Via a finite difference scheme, we approximate with a sequence of stochastic processes in both the almost sure and senses. This allows us to find mild conditions under which the probability density function of can be approximated. Illustrative examples are included.This work has been supported by the Spanish Ministerio de Economia y Competitividad grant MTM2017-89664-P. Marc Jornet acknowledges the doctorate scholarship granted by Programa de Ayudas de Investigacion y Desarrollo (PAID), Universitat Politecnica de Valencia.Calatayud, J.; Cortés, J.; Díaz, J.; Jornet, M. (2020). Density function of random differential equations via finite difference schemes: a theoretical analysis of a random diffusion-reaction Poisson-type problem. Stochastics: An International Journal of Probability and Stochastic Processes (Online). 92(4):627-641. https://doi.org/10.1080/17442508.2019.1645849S627641924Berman, A., & Plemmons, R. J. (1994). Nonnegative Matrices in the Mathematical Sciences. doi:10.1137/1.9781611971262Brezis, H. (2011). Functional Analysis, Sobolev Spaces and Partial Differential Equations. doi:10.1007/978-0-387-70914-7Dorini, F. A., Cecconello, M. S., & Dorini, L. B. (2016). On the logistic equation subject to uncertainties in the environmental carrying capacity and initial population density. Communications in Nonlinear Science and Numerical Simulation, 33, 160-173. doi:10.1016/j.cnsns.2015.09.009Hussein, A., & Selim, M. M. (2012). Solution of the stochastic radiative transfer equation with Rayleigh scattering using RVT technique. Applied Mathematics and Computation, 218(13), 7193-7203. doi:10.1016/j.amc.2011.12.088Jost, J. (2007). Partial Differential Equations. Graduate Texts in Mathematics. doi:10.1007/978-0-387-49319-0Kallianpur, G. (1980). Stochastic Filtering Theory. Stochastic Modelling and Applied Probability. doi:10.1007/978-1-4757-6592-2Lord, G. J., Powell, C. E., & Shardlow, T. (2009). An Introduction to Computational Stochastic PDEs. doi:10.1017/cbo9781139017329Strand, J. . (1970). Random ordinary differential equations. Journal of Differential Equations, 7(3), 538-553. doi:10.1016/0022-0396(70)90100-2Villafuerte, L., Braumann, C. A., Cortés, J.-C., & Jódar, L. (2010). Random differential operational calculus: Theory and applications. Computers & Mathematics with Applications, 59(1), 115-125. doi:10.1016/j.camwa.2009.08.061Williams, D. (1991). Probability with Martingales. doi:10.1017/cbo978051181365

Performance of the \u3ci\u3eLeucaena leucocephala\u3c/i\u3e–\u3ci\u3eMegathyrsus maximus\u3c/i\u3e cv Mombasa System and Local Range Grazed by Pelibuey Ewe-Lambs

Mombasa grass and leucaena have shown an excellent agronomic performance grown in tropical semi-arid ranges, the objective of this study was to compare the agronomic performance of Leucaena-Mombasa grown as a silvopastoral system at two leucaena plant densities (10000 and 15000 plants ha-1) and of Pelibuey ewe-lambs grazing it against native unimproved tropical semi-arid range of the state of Morelos, México. Experimental design was a completely random with two replications. Unimproved native range was mainly deciduous shrubs and mixed herbaceous plants (Poaceae and Asteraceae). Stocking rate was the same across treatments and grazing lasted all rainy season. Of the agronomic variables determined, both Leucaena-Mombasa systems showed the same (p\u3e 0.05) forage on-offer total and expressed as herbage-allowance but 29 and 15% higher (p≤ 0.05) respectively than the unimproved native range. Leucaena-Mombasa at the highest leucaena density showed the highest harvest rate, 22 and 50% higher (p≤ 0.05) than the registered at the lower density and unimproved native range, respectively. Unimproved native range herbaceous layer showed 40% higher (p≤ 0.05) crude protein content than the layer at both Leucaena-Mombasa systems; tree fodder was only different (p\u3c 0.05) in in vitro dry matter digestibility, tree fodder from both Leucaena-Mombasa systems was 32% higher (p≤ 0.05) than that of unimproved native range. Ewe-lambs grazing any of the Leucaena-Mombasa systems showed a daily weight gain 1.5 times higher (p\u3c 0.05) than those grazing the unimproved native range. It was concluded that Leucaena-Mombasa system is an option to improve agronomic and animal performances compare to unimproved tropical native range

Promoting dignified end-of-life care in the emergency department: a qualitative study

Background: Preservation of a dying person’s dignity in the emergency department (ED) is fundamental for the patient, his/her relatives and healthcare professionals. The aim of this study was to explore and interpret physicians’ and nurses’ experiences regarding conservation of dignity in end-of-life care in dying patients in the ED. Methods: A qualitative study based on the hermeneutic phenomenological approach, was carried out in the emergency department of two general hospitals. A total of 16 nurses and 10 physicians participated in the study. Data collection included 12 individual in-depth interviews and 2 focus groups. Results: The findings revealed that two themes represent the practices and proposals for the conservation of dignity in the emergency department: dignified care in hostile surroundings and the design of a system focused on the person’s dignity. Conclusion: Dignifying treatment, redesigning environmental conditions, and reorienting the healthcare system can contribute to maintaining dignity in end-of-life care in the ED

Viscoelastic Effects on the Response of Electroelastic Materials

[EN] Electroelastic materials, as for example, 3M VHB 4910, are attracting attention as actuators or generators in some developments and applications. This is due to their capacity of being deformed when submitted to an electric field. Some models of their actuation are available, but recently, viscoelastic models have been proposed to give an account of the dissipative behaviour of these materials. Their response to an external mechanical or electrical force field implies a relaxation process towards a new state of thermodynamic equilibrium, which can be described by a relaxation time. However, it is well known that viscoelastic and dielectric materials, as for example, polymers, exhibit a distribution of relaxation times instead of a single relaxation time. In the present approach, a continuous distribution of relaxation times is proposed via the introduction of fractional derivatives of the stress and strain, which gives a better account of the material behaviour. The application of fractional derivatives is described and a comparison with former results is made. Then, a double generalisation is carried out: the first one is referred to the viscoelastic or dielectric models and is addressed to obtain a nonsymmetric spectrum of relaxation times, and the second one is the adoption of the more realistic Mooney-Rivlin equation for the stress-strain relationship of the elastomeric material. A modified Mooney-Rivlin model for the free energy density of a hyperelastic material, VHB 4910 has been used based on experimental results of previous authors. This last proposal ensures the appearance of the bifurcation phenomena which is analysed for equibiaxial dead loads; time-dependent bifurcation phenomena are predicted by the extended Mooney-Rivlin equations.Díaz-Calleja, R.; Ginestar Peiro, D.; Compañ Moreno, V.; Llovera Segovia, P.; Burgos-Simon, C.; Cortés, J.; Quijano-Lopez, A.... (2021). Viscoelastic Effects on the Response of Electroelastic Materials. Polymers. 13(13):1-28. https://doi.org/10.3390/polym13132198S128131

Characterization, conservation and loss of dignity at the end-of- life in the emergency department. A qualitative protocol

Aims: to explore and understand the experiences of terminally-ill patients and their relatives regarding dignity during end-of-life care in the emergency department. Background: the respect given to the concept of dignity is significantly modifying the clinical relationship and the care framework involving the end-of-life patient in palliative care units, critical care units, hospices and their own homes. This situation is applicable to in-hospital emergency departments, where there is a lack of research which takes the experiences of end-of-life patients and their relatives into account. Design: a phenomenological qualitative study. Methods: the protocol was approved in December 2016 and will be carried out from December 2016 to December 2020. The Gadamer's philosophical underpinnings will be used in the design and development of the study. The data collection will include participant observation techniques in the Emergency Department, in-depth interviews with terminally-ill patients and focus groups with their relatives. For the data analysis, the field notes and verbatim transcriptions will be read and codified using ATLAS.ti software to search for emerging themes. Discussion: emerging themes that contribute to comprehending the phenomenon of dignity in end-of-life care in the Emergency Department are expected to be found. This study's results could have important implications in the implementation of new interventions in Emergency Departments. These interventions would be focused on improving: the social acceptance of death, environmental conditions, promotion of autonomy and accompaniment, and assumption (takeover) of dignified actions and attitudes (respect for human rights)

Atherosclerotic plaque development in mice is enhanced by myeloid ZEB1 downregulation.

Accumulation of lipid-laden macrophages within the arterial neointima is a critical step in atherosclerotic plaque formation. Here, we show that reduced levels of the cellular plasticity factor ZEB1 in macrophages increase atherosclerotic plaque formation and the chance of cardiovascular events. Compared to control counterparts (Zeb1WT/ApoeKO), male mice with Zeb1 ablation in their myeloid cells (Zeb1∆M/ApoeKO) have larger atherosclerotic plaques and higher lipid accumulation in their macrophages due to delayed lipid traffic and deficient cholesterol efflux. Zeb1∆M/ApoeKO mice display more pronounced systemic metabolic alterations than Zeb1WT/ApoeKO mice, with higher serum levels of low-density lipoproteins and inflammatory cytokines and larger ectopic fat deposits. Higher lipid accumulation in Zeb1∆M macrophages is reverted by the exogenous expression of Zeb1 through macrophage-targeted nanoparticles. In vivo administration of these nanoparticles reduces atherosclerotic plaque formation in Zeb1∆M/ApoeKO mice. Finally, low ZEB1 expression in human endarterectomies is associated with plaque rupture and cardiovascular events. These results set ZEB1 in macrophages as a potential target in the treatment of atherosclerosis.S

Design and baseline characteristics of SALT‐HF trial: hypertonic saline therapy in ambulatory heart failure

Aims Hypertonic saline solution (HSS) plus intravenous (IV) loop diuretic appears to enhance the diuretic response in patients hospitalized for heart failure (HF). The efficacy and safety of this therapy in the ambulatory setting have not been evaluated. We aimed to describe the design and baseline characteristics of the SALT-HF trial participants. Methods and results 'Efficacy of Saline Hypertonic Therapy in Ambulatory Patients with HF' (SALT-HF) trial was a multicenter, double-blinded, and randomized study involving ambulatory patients who experienced worsening heart failure (WHF) without criteria for hospitalization. Enrolled patients had to present at least two signs of volume overload, use >= 80 mg of oral furosemide daily, and have elevated natriuretic peptides. Patients were randomized 1:1 to treatment with a 1-h infusion of IV furosemide plus HSS (2.6-3.4% NaCl depending on plasmatic sodium levels) versus a 1-h infusion of IV furosemide at the same dose (125-250 mg, depending on basal loop diuretic dose). Clinical, laboratory, and imaging parameters were collected at baseline and after 7 days, and a telephone visit was planned after 30 days. The primary endpoint was 3-h diuresis after treatment started. Secondary endpoints included (a) 7-day changes in congestion data, (b) 7-day changes in kidney function and electrolytes, (c) 30-day clinical events (need of IV diuretic, HF hospitalization, cardiovascular mortality, all-cause mortality or HF-hospitalization). Results A total of 167 participants [median age, 81 years; interquartile range (IQR), 73-87, 30.5% females] were randomized across 13 sites between December 2020 and March 2023. Half of the participants (n = 82) had an ejection fraction >50%. Most patients showed a high burden of comorbidities, with a median Charlson index of 3 (IQR: 2-4). Common co-morbidities included diabetes mellitus (41%, n = 69), atrial fibrillation (80%, n = 134), and chronic kidney disease (64%, n = 107). Patients exhibited a poor functional NYHA class (69% presenting NYHA III) and several signs of congestion. The mean composite congestion score was 4.3 (standard deviation: 1.7). Ninety per cent of the patients (n = 151) presented oedema and jugular engorgement, and 71% (n = 118) showed lung B lines assessed by ultrasound. Median inferior vena cava diameter was 23 mm, (IQR: 21-25), and plasmatic levels of N-terminal-pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NTproBNP) and antigen carbohydrate 125 (CA125) were increased (median NT-proBNP 4969 pg/mL, IQR: 2508-9328; median CA125 46 U/L, IQR: 20-114). Conclusions SALT-HF trial randomized 167 ambulatory patients with WHF and will determine whether an infusion of hypertonic saline therapy plus furosemide increases diuresis and improves decongestion compared to equivalent furosemide administration alone

Design and baseline characteristics of SALT-HF trial: hypertonic saline therapy in ambulatory heart failure

Aims: Hypertonic saline solution (HSS) plus intravenous (IV) loop diuretic appears to enhance the diuretic response in patients hospitalized for heart failure (HF). The efficacy and safety of this therapy in the ambulatory setting have not been evaluated. We aimed to describe the design and baseline characteristics of the SALT-HF trial participants. Methods and results: ‘Efficacy of Saline Hypertonic Therapy in Ambulatory Patients with HF’ (SALT-HF) trial was a multicenter, double-blinded, and randomized study involving ambulatory patients who experienced worsening heart failure (WHF) without criteria for hospitalization. Enrolled patients had to present at least two signs of volume overload, use ≥ 80 mg of oral furosemide daily, and have elevated natriuretic peptides. Patients were randomized 1:1 to treatment with a 1-h infusion of IV furosemide plus HSS (2.6–3.4% NaCl depending on plasmatic sodium levels) versus a 1-h infusion of IV furosemide at the same dose (125–250 mg, depending on basal loop diuretic dose). Clinical, laboratory, and imaging parameters were collected at baseline and after 7 days, and a telephone visit was planned after 30 days. The primary endpoint was 3-h diuresis after treatment started. Secondary endpoints included (a) 7-day changes in congestion data, (b) 7-day changes in kidney function and electrolytes, (c) 30-day clinical events (need of IV diuretic, HF hospitalization, cardiovascular mortality, all-cause mortality or HF-hospitalization). Results: A total of 167 participants [median age, 81 years; interquartile range (IQR), 73–87, 30.5% females] were randomized across 13 sites between December 2020 and March 2023. Half of the participants (n = 82) had an ejection fraction >50%. Most patients showed a high burden of comorbidities, with a median Charlson index of 3 (IQR: 2–4). Common co-morbidities included diabetes mellitus (41%, n = 69), atrial fibrillation (80%, n = 134), and chronic kidney disease (64%, n = 107). Patients exhibited a poor functional NYHA class (69% presenting NYHA III) and several signs of congestion. The mean composite congestion score was 4.3 (standard deviation: 1.7). Ninety per cent of the patients (n = 151) presented oedema and jugular engorgement, and 71% (n = 118) showed lung B lines assessed by ultrasound. Median inferior vena cava diameter was 23 mm, (IQR: 21–25), and plasmatic levels of N-terminal-pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NTproBNP) and antigen carbohydrate 125 (CA125) were increased (median NT-proBNP 4969 pg/mL, IQR: 2508–9328; median CA125 46 U/L, IQR: 20–114). Conclusions: SALT-HF trial randomized 167 ambulatory patients with WHF and will determine whether an infusion of hypertonic saline therapy plus furosemide increases diuresis and improves decongestion compared to equivalent furosemide administration alone

Database of multiparametric geophysical data from the TOMO-DEC experiment on Deception Island, Antarctica

We are grateful to the officers and crew of the Spanish vessels 'R/V Hesperides' and 'R/V Las Palmas', the personnel of the Marine Technology Unit (UTM), the military personnel of the 'Gabriel de Castilla' Spanish base, and the members of the TOMODEC Working Group. This manuscript has been partially funded by the following research projects: the Spanish project TEC2015-68752-R (MINECO/FEDER); KNOWAVES; the Spanish Education and Research Ministry grants REN 2001-3833, CGL2005-05789-C02-02/ANT, POL2006-08663, and CGL2008-01660; the U.S. National Science Foundation grant ANT-0230094; the European project MED-SUV funded by the European Union's Seventh Framework Program for research, technological development and demonstration under grant agreement No 308665; the European project EPOS; the European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement No 676564; and the U.S. National Science Foundation grant NSF-1521855 Hazard SEES project. Ocean bottom seismometers were provided by the U.S National Oceanographic Instrument Pool. This publication reflects only the authors' views. The European Commission is not responsible for any use that may be made of the information it contains.Deception Island volcano (Antarctica) is one of the most closely monitored and studied volcanoes on the region. In January 2005, a multi-parametric international experiment was conducted that encompassed both Deception Island and its surrounding waters. We performed this experiment from aboard the Spanish oceanographic vessel 'Hesperides', and from five land-based locations on Deception Island (the Spanish scientific Antarctic base 'Gabriel de Castilla' and four temporary camps). This experiment allowed us to record active seismic signals using a large network of seismic stations that were deployed both on land and on the seafloor. In addition, other geophysical data were acquired, including bathymetric high precision multi-beam data, and gravimetric and magnetic profiles. To date, the seismic and bathymetric data have been analysed but the magnetic and gravimetric data have not. We provide P-wave arrival-time picks and seismic tomography results in velocity and attenuation. In this manuscript, we describe the main characteristics of the experiment, the instruments, the data, and the repositories from which data and information can be obtained.MINECO/FEDER TEC2015-68752-RKNOWAVESSpanish Education and Research Ministry REN 2001-3833 CGL2005-05789-C02-02/ANT POL2006-08663 CGL2008-01660National Science Foundation (NSF) ANT-0230094 NSF-1521855European project MED-SUV - European Union's Seventh Framework Program 308665European project EPOSEuropean Union (EU) 67656

Spain: Underwater Exploration on a Narrow Continental Shelf

In spite of Spain’s long coastline (nearly 8000 km) and its well-established tradition in underwater archaeology, the prehistoric settlement of the continental shelf is practically unknown with very few finds. Underwater research has focused on naval archaeology and, until very recently, no attempt had been made to look for prehistoric underwater sites. In the past decade,new research projects have been launched to explore selected areas on the Cantabrian shelf and offshore of Gibraltar. This chapter summarises the currently available evidence of submerged prehistoric archaeology and the preliminary results of these new project