Innovative exergy indicators for analyzing an nZEB building to promote new areas of improvement

This study evaluates the energy and exergy performance of buildings towards achieving nearly Zero Energy Building (nZEB) standards by introducing three exergy-based indicators alongside conventional energy metrics. Focused on the LEED Platinum-certified LUCIA building at Valladolid University (Spain), the analysis examines energy and exergy transformations throughout the building’s lifecycle, emphasizing resource consumption, generation systems, and environmental equilibrium across seasons. The study reveals a Non-Renewable Primary Energy Ratio of 67 kWh/m2, closely mirrored by an exergy ratio of 67.2 kWh/m2 due to the high-quality factor of fuel resources. Conversely, the Renewable Primary Energy Ratio stands at 121 kWh/m2, with a corresponding exergy ratio of 88.36 kWh/m2, reflecting the significant contribution of geothermal energy while highlighting areas for demand side optimization. For the same reason, the Renewable Energy Ratio is 0.66 and the Exergy Ratio is 0.56. Despite meeting nZEB criteria, exergy indicators underscore untapped energy-saving potential by aligning resource qualities with demand characteristics. Identifying system weaknesses informs future improvement strategies, potentially enhancing LEED scores. The study advocates for incorporating exergy-based indicators alongside traditional energy metrics in European regulations to accurately assess building performance and define low-ex buildings. Overall, the exergy analysis reveals equipment-specific losses and underscores the qualitative match between energy demand and supply.Funding for open access charge: Universidad de Málaga/CBU

Eleven-year descriptive analysis of closed court verdicts on medical errors in Spain and Massachusetts

To evaluate and compare the characteristics of court verdicts on medical errors allegedly harming patients in Spain and Massachusetts from 2002 to 2012. We reviewed 1041 closed court verdicts obtained from data on litigation in the Thomson Reuters Aranzadi Westlaw databases in Spain (Europe), and 370 closed court verdicts obtained from the Controlled Risk and Risk Management Foundation of Harvard Medical Institutions (CRICO/RMF) in Massachusetts (USA). We included closed court verdicts on medical errors. The definition of medical errors was based on that of the Institute of Medicine (USA). We excluded any agreements between parties before a judgement. Medical errors were involved in 25.9% of court verdicts in Spain and in 74% of those in Massachusetts. The most frequent cause of medical errors was a diagnosis-related problem (25.1%; 95% CI 20.7% to 31.1% in Spain; 35%; 95% CI 29.4% to 40.7% in Massachusetts). The proportion of medical errors classified as high severity was 34% higher in Spain than in Massachusetts (p=0.001). The most frequent factors contributing to medical errors in Spain were surgical and medical treatment (p=0.001). In Spain, 98.5% of medical errors resulted in compensation awards compared with only 6.9% in Massachusetts. This study reveals wide differences in litigation rates and the award of indemnity payments in Spain and Massachusetts; however, common features of both locations are the high rates of diagnosis-related problems and the long time interval until resolution

Nova shema za izravno upravljanje momentom asinkronih motora napajanih iz trofaznog izmjenjivača

This paper presents a novel controller based on Direct Torque Control (DTC) strategy. This controller is designed to be applied in the control of Induction Motors (IM) fed with a three-level Voltage Source Inverter (VSI). This type of inverter has several advantages over the standard two-level VSI, such as a greater number of levels in the output voltage waveforms, lower dV/dt, less harmonic distortion in voltage and current waveforms and lower switching frequencies. In the new controller, torque and stator flux errors are used together with the stator flux angular frequency to generate a reference voltage vector. Experimental results of the novel system are presented and compared with those obtained for Classical DTC system employing a two-level VSI. The new controller is shown to reduce the ripple in the torque and flux responses. Lower current distortion and switching frequency of the semiconductor devices are also obtained in the new system presented.U ovome se članku opisuje novi regulator zasnovan na strategiji izravnog upravljanja momentom i razvijen za primjenu u upravljanju asinkronim motorima napajanim iz trorazinskih izmjenjivača napona. Taj tip izmjenjivača ima nekoliko prednosti u odnosu na standardne dvorazinske izmjenjivače napona, kao što je veći broj razina u izlaznom valnom obliku napona, niži du/dt, manja distorzija harmonika u valnim oblicima napona i struje i niže frekvencije komutacije. U novom regulatoru moment i pogreške u statorskom toku koriste se zajedno s kutnom frekvencijom statora za tvorbu referentne vrijednosti vektora napona. Eksperimentalni su rezultati novog sustava prikazani i uspoređeni s rezultatima klasičnog sustava koji koristi dvorazinski pretvarač napona. Novi regulator pokazuje smanjeni šum u odzivima momenta i toka motora. U predloženom je sustavu također postignuta i manja distorzija struje i manja frekvencija komutacije poluvodičkih sklopova

Dissecting accretion and outflows in accreting white dwarf binaries

This is a White Paper in support of the mission concept of the Large Observatory for X-ray Timing (LOFT), proposed as a medium-sized ESA mission. We discuss the potential of LOFT for the study of accreting white dwarfs. For a summary, we refer to the paper.Comment: White Paper in Support of the Mission Concept of the Large Observatory for X-ray Timin

The effects of kainic acid on the cochlear ganglion of the rat

The effects of locally applied kainic acid on cells and fibers in the rat cochlea were examined in a quantitative and ultrastructural study. Doses of 5 nM per [mu]1 of artificial perilymph destroyed part of the spiral ganglion type I cell population, with no ototoxic effects on cochlear hair cells or supporting cells. Type II cells also appeared unaffected. A quantitative evaluation of the cell loss with the 5 nM dosage showed that 34% of spiral ganglion neurons were lost 10 days after treatment. Doses of 20 nM per [mu]l and 40 nM per [mu]1 did not result in increasing neuronal loss.This differential toxicity could reflect the presence of a sub-population of spiral ganglion cells with an increased number of KA receptors.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/27881/1/0000295.pd

White matter integrity related to functional working memory networks in traumatic brain injury

Objective: This study explores the functional and structural patterns of connectivity underlying working memory impairment after severe traumatic axonal injury. Methods: We performed an fMRI n-back task and acquired diffusion tensor images (DTI) in a group of 19 chronic-stage patients with severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) and evidence of traumatic axonal injury and 19 matched healthy controls. We performed image analyses with FSL software and fMRI data were analyzed using probabilistic independent component analysis. Fractional anisotropy (FA) maps from DTI images were analyzed with FMRIB's Diffusion Toolbox. Results: We identified working memory and default mode networks. Global FA values correlated with both networks and FA whole-brain analysis revealed correlations in several tracts associated with the functional activation. Furthermore, working memory performance in the patient group correlated with the functional activation patterns and with the FA values of the associative fasciculi. Conclusion: Combining structural and functional neuroimaging data, we were able to describe structural white matter changes related to functional network alterations and to lower performance in working memory in chronic TBI

Effect of Maraviroc Intensification on HIV-1-Specific T Cell Immunity in Recently HIV-1-Infected Individuals

The effect of maraviroc on the maintenance and the function of HIV-1-specific T cell responses remains unknown. Subjects recently infected with HIV-1 were randomized to receive anti-retroviral treatment with or without maraviroc intensification for 48 weeks, and were monitored up to week 60. PBMC and in vitro -expanded T cells were tested for responses to the entire HIV proteome by ELISpot analyses. Intracellular cytokine staining assays were conducted to monitor the (poly)-functionality of HIV-1-specific T cells. Analyses were performed at baseline and week 24 after treatment start, and at week 60 (3 months after maraviroc discontinuation). Maraviroc intensification was associated with a slower decay of virus-specific T cell responses over time compared to the non-intensified regimen in both direct ex-vivo as well as in in-vitro expanded cells. The effector function profiles of virus-specific CD8 + T cells were indistinguishable between the two arms and did not change over time between the groups. Maraviroc did not negatively impact any of the measured parameters, but was rather associated with a prolonged maintenance of HIV-1-specific T cell responses. Maraviroc, in addition to its original effect as viral entry inhibitor, may provide an additional benefit on the maintenance of virus-specific T cells which may be especially important for future viral eradication strategies

Mesoporous silica particles are phagocytosed by microglia and induce a mild inflammatory response in vitro

Aim: Mesoporous silica particles (MSPs) are broadly used drug delivery carriers. In this study, the authors analyzed the responses to MSPs of astrocytes and microglia, the two main cellular players in neuroinflammation. Materials & methods: Primary murine cortical mixed glial cultures were treated with rhodamine B-labeled MSPs. Results: MSPs are avidly internalized by microglial cells and remain inside the cells for at least 14 days. Despite this, MSPs do not affect glial cell viability or morphology, basal metabolic activity or oxidative stress. MSPs also do not affect mRNA levels of key proinflammatory genes; however, in combination with lipopolysaccharide, they significantly increase extracellular IL-1β levels. Conclusion: These results suggest that MSPs could be novel tools for specific drug delivery to microglial cells. Plain language summary Mesoporous silica particles (MSPs) are broadly used drug delivery carriers. In this study, the authors analyzed the responses of two types of brain cells, astrocytes and microglia, to MSPs. Mouse astrocytes and microglia were kept alive in cultures and were treated with MSPs that were labeled with a red fluorescent agent to facilitate visualization under the microscope. MSPs are avidly internalized by microglial cells and remain inside the cells for at least 14 days. Despite this, MSPs do not affect glial cell viability or morphology, basal metabolic activity or oxidative stress. When given alone, MSPs do not affect mRNA levels of key proinflammatory genes. However, MSPs given in combination with lipopolysaccharide, a strong proinflammatory agent, significantly increase extracellular levels of IL-1β, one of the proinflammatory mediators studied. These results suggest that MSPs could be novel tools for specific drug delivery to microglial cells

Adipose Tissue Protects against Hepatic Steatosis in Male Rats Fed a High-Fat Diet plus Liquid Fructose: Sex-Related Differences

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is a sexual dimorphic disease, with adipose tissue playing an essential role. Our previous work showed that female rats fed a high-fat high-fructose diet devoid of cholesterol (HFHFr) developed simple hepatic steatosis dissociated from obesity. This study assessed the impact of the HFHFr diet on the male rat metabolism compared with data obtained for female rats. A total of 16 Sprague Dawley (SD) male rats were fed either a control (standard rodent chow and water) or HFHFr (high-fat diet devoid of cholesterol, plus 10% fructose in drinking water) diet for 3 months. Unlike female rats, and despite similar increases in energy consumption, HFHFr males showed increased adiposity and hyperleptinemia. The expression of hormone-sensitive lipase in the subcutaneous white adipose tissue was enhanced, leading to high free fatty acid and glycerol serum levels. HFHFr males presented hypertriglyceridemia, but not hepatic steatosis, partially due to enhanced liver PPARα-related fatty acid β-oxidation and the VLDL-promoting effect of leptin. In conclusion, the SD rats showed a sex-related dimorphic response to the HFHFr diet. Contrary to previous results for HFHFr female rats, the male rats were able to expand the adipose tissue, increase fatty acid catabolism, or export it as VLDL, avoiding liver lipid deposition. Keywords: adipose tissue; fructose; high-fat diet; leptin; non-esterified fatty acids