Modelling and simulation of the effect loading on structures using and adaptive blending of discrete and finite element methods

We present a new computational model for predicting the effect of blast loading on structures. The model is based in the adaptive coupling of the finite element method (FEM) and the discrete element method (DEM) for the accurate reproduction of multifracturing and failure of structures under blast loading. In the paper we briefly describe the basis of the coupled DEM/FEM technology and demonstrate its efficiency in its application to the study of the effect of blast loading on a masonry wall, a masonry tunnel and a double curvature dam

Advances in the development of the discrete element method for excavation processes

This work presents new developments of the discrete element method improving e ciency and accuracy of modelling of rock-like materials, especially in excavation processes.Postprint (published version

Validación del Cuestionario de Autoevaluación de la Creatividad en la Enseñanza Universitaria CACEU-2010

La creatividad es un vector formativo de la enseñanza y de las relaciones entre estudiantes y profesores en la Educación Superior. A tal fin, el Cuestionario de Autoevaluación de la Creatividad en la Enseñanza Universitaria (CACEU-2010) se ha diseñado para conocer cómo comprenden los profesores universitarios la creatividad aplicada a su enseñanza y facilitar su autoevaluación. Se estructuró como una escala de autoinforme, conformada por 44 ítemes. Se estudió la validez de contenido, realizada por jueces expertos. La fiabilidad se obtuvo con el método Alpha de Cronbach, y el parámetro obtuvo valores entre 0,70 y 0,94 para las diferentes subescalas utilizadas

Gastrostomy uptake in motor neurone disease: a mixed-methods study of patients’ decision making

Objectives: Gastrostomy decision making is a complicated, multifaceted process for people with motor neuron disease (MND). This study explored demographic and disease-related factors that may impact on gastrostomy uptake; and reasons why people with MND accepted or declined gastrostomy, with a focus on how perceptions of swallowing and nutrition may influence decision making.Design: Prospective, cross sectional, mixed methods.Setting: An Australian multidisciplinary, specialty MND Service.Participants: 33 patients were recommended gastrostomy by the treating medical specialist. 16 of 33 were invited to participate in the prospective decision making study; of whom 10 provided informed consent.Primary and secondary outcome measures: Demographic and disease-related factors contributing to uptake are described. A stepped approach was applied to gain a comprehensive understanding of why people with MND accept or decline gastrostomy. Instruments included standardised assessments, nutrition survey and semistructured interview. Data were collected at three separate appointments, spanning a 3-week period.Results: Gastrostomy uptake was 73% following medical specialist recommendation. Participants took days, weeks or months to consider their preferences, with lengthy hospital waiting times for the procedure. Gender, site of onset and rate of disease progression were observed to contribute to uptake. Age and symptom duration did not. Integration of quantitative and qualitative data suggests that patient perceptions of swallowing and nutrition contribute to gastrostomy acceptance; however, the decision making process is heterogeneous and these factors may not be the sole or primary reasons for acceptance. Other reported factors included: reducing carer burden, improving quality of life, increasing independence, continuing participation in social outings and gaining control.Conclusions: Future research may give greater insight into how healthcare organisations can better facilitate gastrostomy decision making, to meet the needs of people living with MND. Larger, prospective, multisite studies may build on these findings to better inform clinical guidelines and minimise the impacts of delayed gastrostomy insertion

Lucky 13

Jenny Lambert latest Furman student to receive Truman Awar

Charge transport through a single molecule of trans-1-bis-diazofluorene [60]fullerene

Fullerenes have attracted interest for their possible applications in various electronic, biological, and optoelectronic devices. However, for efficient use in such devices, a suitable anchoring group has to be employed that forms well-defined and stable contacts with the electrodes. In this work, we propose a novel fullerene tetramalonate derivate functionalized with trans-1 4,5-diazafluorene anchoring groups. The conductance of single-molecule junctions, investigated in two different setups with the mechanically controlled break junction technique, reveals the formation of molecular junctions at three conductance levels. We attribute the conductance peaks to three binding modes of the anchoring groups to the gold electrodes. Density functional theory calculations confirm the existence of multiple binding configurations and calculated transmission functions are consistent with experimentally determined conductance values.Comment: 22 pages, 6 figure

Extended QCD(2) from dimensional projection of QCD(4)

We study an extended QCD model in (1+1) dimensions obtained from QCD in 4D by compactifying two spatial dimensions and projecting onto the zero-mode subspace. We work out this model in the large $N_c$ limit and using light cone gauge but keeping the equal-time quantization. This system is found to induce a dynamical mass for transverse gluons -- adjoint scalars in QCD(2), and to undergo a chiral symmetry breaking with the full quark propagators yielding non-tachyonic, dynamical quark masses, even in the chiral limit. We study quark-antiquark bound states which can be classified in this model by their properties under Lorentz transformations inherited from 4D. The scalar and pseudoscalar sectors of the theory are examined and in the chiral limit a massless ground state for pseudoscalars is revealed with a wave function generalizing the so called 't Hooft pion solution.Comment: JHEP class, 16 pages, 3 figures. Change in the title, some improvements in section 2, minors changes and comments added in introduction and conclusions. References added. Version appearing in JHE

Transcranial static magnetic stimulation reduces seizures in a mouse model of Dravet syndrome

Dravet syndrome is a rare form of severe genetic epilepsy characterized by recurrent and long-lasting seizures. It appears around the first year of life, with a quick evolution toward an increase in the frequency of the seizures, accompanied by a delay in motor and cognitive development, and does not respond well to antiepileptic medication. Most patients carry a mutation in the gene SCN1A encoding the α subunit of the voltage-gated sodium channel Nav1.1, resulting in hyperexcitability of neural circuits and seizure onset. In this work, we applied transcranial static magnetic stimulation (tSMS), a non-invasive, safe, easy-to-use and affordable neuromodulatory tool that reduces neural excitability in a mouse model of Dravet syndrome. We demonstrate that tSMS dramatically reduced the number of crises. Furthermore, crises recorded in the presence of the tSMS were shorter and less intense than in the sham condition. Since tSMS has demonstrated its efficacy at reducing cortical excitability in humans without showing unwanted side effects, in an attempt to anticipate a possible use of tSMS for Dravet Syndrome patients, we performed a numerical simulation in which the magnetic field generated by the magnet was modeled to estimate the magnetic field intensity reached in the cerebral cortex, which could help to design stimulation strategies in these patients. Our results provide a proof of concept for nonpharmacological treatment of Dravet syndrome, which opens the door to the design of new protocols for treatmentXunta de Galicia | Ref. ED431C 2022/05 (CR)Instituto de Salud Carlos III | Ref. PI16/00425Agencia Estatal de Investigación | Ref. PID2019-108250RJ-100Agencia Estatal de Investigación | Ref. RYC2019–026380-

Pre-pregnancy maternal obesity associates with endoplasmic reticulum stress in human umbilical vein endothelium

Obesity associates with the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress-induced endothelial dysfunction. Pregnant women with pre-pregnancy maternal obesity (PGMO) may transfer this potential risk to their offspring; however, whether ER stress occurs and associates with foetoplacental endothelial dysfunction in PGMO is unknown. We studied the l-arginine transport and nitric oxide (NO) synthesis in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) from women with PGMO or with a normal pre-pregnancy weight. We analysed the expression and activation of the ER stress sensors protein kinase RNA-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase (PERK), inositol-requiring enzyme 1α (IRE1α), and activating transcription factor 6 (ATF6). PGMO associated with lower endothelial NO synthase activity due to increased Thr-inhibitor and decreased Ser-stimulator phosphorylation. However, higher expression and activity of the human cationic amino acid transporter 1 was found. PGMO caused activation of PERK and its downstream targets eukaryotic initiation factor 2 (eIF2α), C/EBP homologous protein 10 (CHOP), and tribbles-like protein 3 (TRB3). Increased IRE1α protein abundance (but not its phosphorylation or X-box binding protein 1-mRNA splicing) and increased c-Jun N-terminal kinase 1 phosphorylation was seen in PGMO. A preferential nuclear location of the activating transcription factor 6 (ATF6) was found in HUVECs from PGMO. All the changes seen in PGMO were blocked by TUDCA but unaltered by tunicamycin. Thus, PGMO may determine a state of ER stress via upregulation of the PERK-eIF2α-CHOP-TRB3 axis signalling in HUVECs. This phenomenon results in foetoplacental vascular endothelial dysfunction at birth