Flexible multibody systems modeling for a dynamic analysis with geometric nonlinearity

Las herramientas de simulación en el análisis de sistemas multicuerpo son un campo de investigación vivo y abierto, que permite la reducción de tiempos y costes en el proceso de diseño de sistemas mecánicos. Durante los últimos años, los autores han desarrollado un método de análisis de sistemas multicuerpo con componentes rígidos y flexibles, basado en la aproximación de sistema de referencia móvil. En este tipo de métodos se usan coordenadas que separan el movimiento de gran amplitud del mecanismo, del de pequeña amplitud, debido a la deformación de componentes. Son muy eficientes y están muy extendidos, pero son válidos cuando los componentes flexibles experimentan pequeñas deformaciones. Con componentes suficientemente flexibles trabajando a velocidades elevadas deja de ser admisible la hipótesis de pequeñas deformaciones y aparecen efectos de segundo orden que influyen decisivamente en la predicción del movimiento del sistema. Este trabajo estudia la modelización del fenómeno de rigidización geométrica en el análisis de sistemas multicuerpo con componentes flexibles, con un doble objetivo, la determinación precisa del estado tensional en componentes y la consecución de tiempo real en la simulación de este tipo de sistemas en ordenadores convencionales. Para ello se analiza un sistema en el que esta no linealidad elástica geométrica es significativa y se ensayan dos propuestas basadas, respectivamente, en el aumento del número de modos axiales y en la consideración del movimiento axial causado por la flexión o “foreshortening”. Dichas propuestas permiten mejorar la precisión y la eficiencia de las formulaciones actuales.Peer Reviewe

Magnetization reversal signatures in the magnetoresistance of magnetic multilayers

The simultaneous determination of magnetoresistance and vectorial-resolved magnetization hysteresis curves in a spin valve structure reveals distinct magnetoresistive features for different magnetic field orientations, which are directly related to the magnetization reversal processes. Measurements performed in the whole angular range demonstrate that the magnetoresistive response originates from the intrinsic anisotropic angular dependence of the magnetization orientation between the two ferromagnetic layers. This also provides direct proof that the spin-dependent scattering in the bulk of the magnetic layers is at the origin of the magnetoresistive signal

Functional impairment related to painful physical symptoms in patients with generalized anxiety disorder with or without comorbid major depressive disorder: post hoc analysis of a cross-sectional study

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is the most frequent anxiety disorder in primary care patients. It is known that painful physical symptoms (PPS) are associated with GAD, regardless the presence of comorbid major depressive disorder (MDD). However the specific role of such symptoms in patients' functional impairment is not well understood. The objective of the present study is to assess functional impairment related to the presence of PPS in patients with GAD.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>This is a post hoc analysis of a cross-sectional study. Functioning, in the presence (overall pain score >30; Visual Analog Scale) or absence of PPS, was assessed using the Sheehan Disability Scale (SDS) in three groups of patients; 1) GAD and comorbid MDD (GAD+MDD+), 2) GAD without comorbid MDD (GAD+MDD-), 3) controls (GAD-MDD-). ANCOVA models were used.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Of those patients with GAD+MDD+ (n = 559), 436 (78.0%) had PPS, compared with GAD+MDD- (249 of 422, 59%) and controls (95 of 336, 28.3%). Functioning worsened in both GAD groups in presence of PPS (SDS least squares mean total score: 16.1 vs. 9.8, p < 0.0001, GAD+MDD+; 14.3 vs. 8.2, p < 0.0001, GAD+MDD-). The presence of PPS was significantly associated with less productivity.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>Functional impairment related to the presence of PPS was relevant. Clinical implications should be considered.</p

Factor analysis of the Zung self-rating depression scale in a large sample of patients with major depressive disorder in primary care

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>The aim of this study was to examine the symptomatic dimensions of depression in a large sample of patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) in the primary care (PC) setting by means of a factor analysis of the Zung self-rating depression scale (ZSDS).</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>A factor analysis was performed, based on the polychoric correlations matrix, between ZSDS items using promax oblique rotation in 1049 PC patients with a diagnosis of MDD (DSM-IV).</p> <p>Results</p> <p>A clinical interpretable four-factor solution consisting of a <it>core depressive </it>factor (I); a <it>cognitive </it>factor (II); an <it>anxiety </it>factor (III) and a <it>somatic </it>factor (IV) was extracted. These factors accounted for 36.9% of the variance on the ZSDS. The 4-factor structure was validated and high coefficients of congruence were obtained (0.98, 0.95, 0.92 and 0.87 for factors I, II, III and IV, respectively). The model seemed to fit the data well with fit indexes within recommended ranges (GFI = 0.9330, AGFI = 0.9112 and RMR = 0.0843).</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Our findings suggest that depressive symptoms in patients with MDD in the PC setting cluster into four dimensions: <it>core depressive, cognitive, anxiety </it>and <it>somatic</it>, by means of a factor analysis of the ZSDS. Further research is needed to identify possible diagnostic, therapeutic or prognostic implications of the different depressive symptomatic profiles.</p

Mortality and pulmonary complications in patients undergoing surgery with perioperative SARS-CoV-2 infection: an international cohort study

Background: The impact of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) on postoperative recovery needs to be understood to inform clinical decision making during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. This study reports 30-day mortality and pulmonary complication rates in patients with perioperative SARS-CoV-2 infection. Methods: This international, multicentre, cohort study at 235 hospitals in 24 countries included all patients undergoing surgery who had SARS-CoV-2 infection confirmed within 7 days before or 30 days after surgery. The primary outcome measure was 30-day postoperative mortality and was assessed in all enrolled patients. The main secondary outcome measure was pulmonary complications, defined as pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome, or unexpected postoperative ventilation. Findings: This analysis includes 1128 patients who had surgery between Jan 1 and March 31, 2020, of whom 835 (74·0%) had emergency surgery and 280 (24·8%) had elective surgery. SARS-CoV-2 infection was confirmed preoperatively in 294 (26·1%) patients. 30-day mortality was 23·8% (268 of 1128). Pulmonary complications occurred in 577 (51·2%) of 1128 patients; 30-day mortality in these patients was 38·0% (219 of 577), accounting for 81·7% (219 of 268) of all deaths. In adjusted analyses, 30-day mortality was associated with male sex (odds ratio 1·75 [95% CI 1·28–2·40], p\textless0·0001), age 70 years or older versus younger than 70 years (2·30 [1·65–3·22], p\textless0·0001), American Society of Anesthesiologists grades 3–5 versus grades 1–2 (2·35 [1·57–3·53], p\textless0·0001), malignant versus benign or obstetric diagnosis (1·55 [1·01–2·39], p=0·046), emergency versus elective surgery (1·67 [1·06–2·63], p=0·026), and major versus minor surgery (1·52 [1·01–2·31], p=0·047). Interpretation: Postoperative pulmonary complications occur in half of patients with perioperative SARS-CoV-2 infection and are associated with high mortality. Thresholds for surgery during the COVID-19 pandemic should be higher than during normal practice, particularly in men aged 70 years and older. Consideration should be given for postponing non-urgent procedures and promoting non-operative treatment to delay or avoid the need for surgery. Funding: National Institute for Health Research (NIHR), Association of Coloproctology of Great Britain and Ireland, Bowel and Cancer Research, Bowel Disease Research Foundation, Association of Upper Gastrointestinal Surgeons, British Association of Surgical Oncology, British Gynaecological Cancer Society, European Society of Coloproctology, NIHR Academy, Sarcoma UK, Vascular Society for Great Britain and Ireland, and Yorkshire Cancer Research

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Vision, challenges and opportunities for a Plant Cell Atlas

With growing populations and pressing environmental problems, future economies will be increasingly plant-based. Now is the time to reimagine plant science as a critical component of fundamental science, agriculture, environmental stewardship, energy, technology and healthcare. This effort requires a conceptual and technological framework to identify and map all cell types, and to comprehensively annotate the localization and organization of molecules at cellular and tissue levels. This framework, called the Plant Cell Atlas (PCA), will be critical for understanding and engineering plant development, physiology and environmental responses. A workshop was convened to discuss the purpose and utility of such an initiative, resulting in a roadmap that acknowledges the current knowledge gaps and technical challenges, and underscores how the PCA initiative can help to overcome them.</jats:p

Optimization of PT in cantilever construction of prestressed concrete bridges

&lt;p&gt; In this paper an example of application of structural optimization methodologies is presented describing the minimization of the amount of prestressing steel required in a prestressed concrete bridge built by cantilever construction procedure. The numerical results obtained show that this approach reduces the quantity of material needed and does not introduce any additional complexity to bridge construction.&lt;/p&gt;</jats:p

Análisis del comportamiento estructural de la basílica del Pilar de Zaragoza

En el artículo se presentan los trabajos de desarrollo y validación de un conjunto de modelos estructurales de la basílica del Pilar de Zaragoza planteados con el objetivo de aproximar el estado estructural actual del templo y su nivel de seguridad. Los modelos numéricos se han formulado aplicando el MEF en teoría lineal y no lineal, incluyendo el proceso constructivo y las obras de refuerzo aplicadas a la estructura a lo largo de su historia. Dentro de las no linealidades se considera el comportamiento no lineal de la fábrica de ladrillo mediante modelos con rotura a baja tracción y plastificación en compresión

Análisis del comportamiento estructural de la basílica del Pilar de Zaragoza

En el artículo se presentan los trabajos de desarrollo y validación de un conjunto de modelos estructurales de la basílica del Pilar de Zaragoza planteados con el objetivo de aproximar el estado estructural actual del templo y su nivel de seguridad. Los modelos numéricos se han formulado aplicando el MEF en teoría lineal y no lineal, incluyendo el proceso constructivo y las obras de refuerzo aplicadas a la estructura a lo largo de su historia. Dentro de las no linealidades se considera el comportamiento no lineal de la fábrica de ladrillo mediante modelos con rotura a baja tracción y plastificación en compresión.Peer Reviewe