Resolution of rupture directivity in weak events: 1-D versus 2-D source parameterizations for the 2011, M-w 4.6 and 5.2 Lorca earthquakes, Spain

Resolving robust source parameters of small-moderate magnitude earthquakes is still a challenge in seismology. We infer directivity from apparent source time functions (ASTFs) at regional distance and quantify the associated uncertainties. ASTFs are used for (i) modeling a propagating 1-D line source from the duration data and (ii) inverting the 2-D slip distribution from the full signals. Slip inversion is performed through a Popperian scheme, where random trial models are either falsified on account of large misfit, or else become members of the solution set of the inverse problem. We assess the resolution of rupture directivity representing centroid shifts from the solution set in a rose diagram. Using as example an event with well-studied rupture directivity, the 2011 Mw 5.2 Lorca (Spain) earthquake, 1-D and 2-D parameterizations yield similar estimates for direction (N213°E and N220°E, respectively) and asymmetry (67:33, 65:35) of rupture propagation, as well as rupture length (2.1 km, 2.7 km) and speed (3.5 km/s, 3.25 km/s). The high rupture velocity ≥ 90% vS may be held primarily responsible for the strong directivity effect of this earthquake. We show that inversion of apparent source durations is intrinsically unable to resolve highly asymmetric bilateral ruptures, while inversion of full ASTFs misses part of the signal's complexity, suggesting the presence of deconvolution artifacts. We extend the analysis to the Mw 4.6 foreshock of the Lorca earthquake, inferring similar directivity parameters and slip pattern as for the mainshock. The rupture toward SW of both earthquakes suggests that this direction could be inherent to the fault segment

Dynamic risk control by human nucleus accumbens

Real-world decisions about reward often involve a complex counterbalance of risk and value. Although the nucleus accumbens has been implicated in the underlying neural substrate, its criticality to human behaviour remains an open question, best addressed with interventional methodology that probes the behavioural consequences of focal neural modulation. Combining a psychometric index of risky decision-making with transient electrical modulation of the nucleus accumbens, here we reveal profound, highly dynamic alteration of the relation between probability of reward and choice during therapeutic deep brain stimulation in four patients with treatment-resistant psychiatric disease. Short-lived phasic electrical stimulation of the region of the nucleus accumbens dynamically altered risk behaviour, transiently shifting the psychometric function towards more risky decisions only for the duration of stimulation. A critical, on-line role of human nucleus accumbens in dynamic risk control is thereby established

IPD—the Immuno Polymorphism Database

The Immuno Polymorphism Database (IPD), http://www.ebi.ac.uk/ipd/ is a set of specialist databases related to the study of polymorphic genes in the immune system. The IPD project works with specialist groups or nomenclature committees who provide and curate individual sections before they are submitted to IPD for online publication. The IPD project stores all the data in a set of related databases. IPD currently consists of four databases: IPD-KIR, contains the allelic sequences of killer-cell immunoglobulin-like receptors, IPD-MHC, a database of sequences of the major histocompatibility complex of different species; IPD-HPA, alloantigens expressed only on platelets; and IPD-ESTDAB, which provides access to the European Searchable Tumour Cell-Line Database, a cell bank of immunologically characterized melanoma cell lines. The data is currently available online from the website and FTP directory. This article describes the latest updates and additional tools added to the IPD project

Nephroprotective Effect of the Virgin Olive Oil Polyphenol Hydroxytyrosol in Type 1-like Experimental Diabetes Mellitus: Relationships with Its Antioxidant Effect

The aim of this study was to determine whether hydroxytyrosol administration prevented kidney damage in an experimental model of type 1 diabetes mellitus in rats. Hydroxytyrosol was administered to streptozotocin-diabetic rats: 1 and 5 mg/kg/day p.o. for two months. After hydroxytyrosol administration, proteinuria was significantly reduced (67–73%), calculated creatinine clearance was significantly increased (26–38%), and the glomerular volume and glomerulosclerosis index were decreased (20–30%). Hydroxytyrosol reduced oxidative and nitrosative stress variables and thromboxane metabolite production. Statistical correlations were found between biochemical and kidney function variables. Oral administration of 1 and 5 mg/kg/day of hydroxytyrosol produced an antioxidant and nephroprotective effect in an experimental model of type 1-like diabetes mellitus. The nephroprotective effect was significantly associated with the systemic and renal antioxidant action of hydroxytyrosol, which also influenced eicosanoid production

Advanced Analysis of Motor Currents for the Diagnosis of the Rotor Condition in Electric Motors Operating in Mining Facilities

© 1972-2012 IEEE. Predictive maintenance of electric motors is a topic of increasing importance in many industrial applications. The mining industry is not an exception; many electric motors operating in mining facilities are critical machines, and their unexpected failures may imply significant losses and can be hazardous for the users. Due to these facts, an increasing research effort has been dedicated to investigate new techniques that are able to provide a reliable diagnostic of the motor condition. Over recent years, monitoring of electrical quantities (e.g., motor currents) has emerged as a very attractive option for determining the health of several motor parts (rotor, eccentricities, bearings) due to its very interesting advantages: possibility of remote motor monitoring, noninvasive nature, simple application, broad fault coverage, etc. The traditional methods based on the analysis of motor currents during a steady-state operation [motor current signature analysis (MCSA)] are being complemented when not replaced by more reliable approaches. This paper applies an innovative transient-based methodology to several case studies referred to large motors operating in mining facilities. The results prove how this modern methodology enables us to overcome some important drawbacks of the classical MCSA, such as its unsuitability under varying speed conditions, and may provide an earlier indication of rotor electrical asymmetries under such working conditions

The IMGT/HLA database

It is 14 years since the IMGT/HLA database was first released, providing the HLA community with a searchable repository of highly curated HLA sequences. The HLA complex is located within the 6p21.3 region of human chromosome 6 and contains more than 220 genes of diverse function. Of these, 21 genes encode proteins of the immune system that are highly polymorphic. The naming of these HLA genes and alleles and their quality control is the responsibility of the World Health Organization Nomenclature Committee for Factors of the HLA System. Through the work of the HLA Informatics Group and in collaboration with the European Bioinformatics Institute, we are able to provide public access to these data through the website http://www.ebi.ac.uk/imgt/hla/. Regular updates to the website ensure that new and confirmatory sequences are dispersed to the HLA community and the wider research and clinical communities. This article describes the latest updates and additional tools added to the IMGT/HLA project

Evaluation of the Detectability of Electromechanical Faults in Induction Motors Via Transient Analysis of the Stray Flux

© 1972-2012 IEEE. The stray flux that is present in the vicinity of an induction motor is a very interesting information source to detect several types of failures in these machines. The analysis of this quantity can be employed, in some cases, as a supportive tool to complement the diagnosis provided by other quantities. In other cases, when no other motor quantities are available, stray flux analysis can become one of the few alternatives to evaluate the motor condition. Its noninvasive nature, low cost, and easy implementation makes it a very interesting option that requires further investigation. The aim of this work is to evaluate the suitability of the stray flux analysis under the starting transient as a way to detect certain faults in induction motors (broken rotor bars and misalignments), even when these types of faults coexist in the motor. To this end, advanced signal processing tools will be applied. Several positions of the flux sensors are considered in this study. Also, for the first time, a fault indicator based on the stray flux analysis under the starting is introduced and its sensitivity is compared versus other indicators relying on other quantities. It must be emphasized that, since the capture of the transient and steady-state flux signals can be carried out in the same measurement, the application of the approach presented in this work is straightforward and its derived information may become crucial for the diagnosis of some faults.Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad’ (MINECO) and FEDER program in the framework of the ‘Proyectos I+D del Subprograma de Generación de Conocimiento, Programa Estatal de Fomento de la Investigación Científica y Técnica de Excelencia’ (ref: DPI2014-52842-P)

Bone turnover markers for early detection of fracture healing disturbances: A review of the scientific literature

Imaging techniques are the standard method for assessment of fracture healing processes. However, these methods are perhaps not entirely reliable for early detection of complications, the most frequent of these being delayed union and non-union. A prompt diagnosis of such disorders could prevent prolonged patient distress and disability. Efforts should be directed towards the development of new technologies for improving accuracy in diagnosing complications following bone fractures. The variation in the levels of bone turnover markers (BTMs) have been assessed with regard to there ability to predict impaired fracture healing at an early stage, nevertheless the conclusions of some studies are not consensual. In this article the authors have revised the potential of BTMs as early predictors of prognosis in adult patients presenting traumatic bone fractures but who did not suffer from osteopenia or postmenopausal osteoporosis. The available information from the different studies performed in this field was systematized in order to highlight the most promising BTMs for the assessment of fracture healing outcome

Economic and agronomic impact assessment of wheat straw based alkyl polyglucoside produced using green chemical approaches

Results from a previous environmental impact assessment highlight the potential for the proposed process, that converts low-value agricultural residue (wheat straw) into a high-value biosurfactant, to result in significant (>75%) GHG savings, relative to the commercial candidate derived from palm kernel and wheat grain. This was achieved via the use of low-energy techniques like supercritical CO2 extraction, low-temperature microwave and in-situ fractionation of platform chemicals. Despite the environmental benefits, process commercialization relies on the economic feasibility of the production. Adopting a ‘cradle-to-gate’ life cycle costing approach, this paper has quantified the economic feasibility and resource efficiency characteristics of producing wheat-straw based APG, via the previously suggested green low-waste generating processes. Here, we undertook economic analysis of a wheat straw-derived APG production pathway, in comparison to palm-kernel and wheat-grain APG. Total processing costs were determined to range between $0.92-$1.87 per kg of wheat straw-APG demonstrating relatively better output service quality and energy efficiency, while conventional APG costs $1.95-$2.87 per kg, highlighting the significant potential of the residue-derived pathway to be scaled to commercial-level. In addition, a semi-quantitative assessment of the demand-based implications of adopting and scaling-up the green process, in the current context and practices of wheat cultivation was also undertaken. Potential agronomic impact that might be result from such scale-up scenarios, focusing on the effect of conventional residue incorporation practiced by farmers was assessed in detail to encourage farmers opt for informed choices and also to encourage both environmentally and economically sustainable systems-thinking