Parametric modeling of human gradient walking for predicting minimum energy expenditure

A mathematical model to predict the optimum gradient for a minimum energetic cost is proposed, considering previous results that show a minimum energetic cost when gradient is -10%. The model focus on the variation of mechanical energy during gradient walking. It is shown that kinetic energy has a marginal role in low speed gradient walking. Therefore, the model takes in consideration only potential energy. A mathematical parameter that depends on step length is introduced, showing that the optimal gradient is a function of that parameter. Consequently, the optimal negative gradient depends on the individual step length. The model explains why recent results do not suggest a single optimal gradient but rather a range around -10%

Dopamine interaction with a polyamine cryptand of 1H-pyrazole in the absence and in the presence of Cu(II) ions. Crystal structure of [Cu2(H21L](ClO4)3·2H2O

The crystal structure of the binuclear Cu2+ complex [Cu2(H21L)](ClO4)3·2H2O of the cryptand L = 1,4,7,8,11,14,17,20,21,24,29,32,33,36-tetradecaazapentacyclo[12.12.12.1^(6,9).1^(19,22),1,^31,34]hentetraconta-6,9(41),19(40), 21,31,34(39)-hexaene is presented; evidence for the formation in solution of binary L–dopamine and ternary Cu2+–L– dopamine complexes is presented.Escarti Alemany, Francisco, [email protected] ; Garcia-España Monsonis, Enrique, [email protected] ; Latorre Saborit, Julio, [email protected]

Epidemiology and diagnosis of pleural tuberculosis in a low incidence country with high rate of immigrant population : A retrospective study

Background: The confirmatory diagnosis of pleural tuberculosis (pTB) remains challenging. The aim of this study was to describe the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of pTB patients and assess the yield of different diagnostic procedures in a low burden country with a high rate of immigrant population. Methods: All adult patients with pTB between 2007 and 2014 were studied retrospectively. Results: One hundred and three out of 843 patients with tuberculosis had pTB. Fifty-three (54.1%) were male, and the median age was 45 years (range 18-87 years). Fifty-two (50.49%) patients were immigrants. A confirmed diagnosis was reached in 16 patients (15.5%) by microbiological studies of pleural effusion. Lung involvement was demonstrated by sputum smear microscopy in 13/49 (26.5%), sputum GeneXpert MTB/RIF test in 13/20 (65%), and sputum culture in 16/37 (43.2%). High-resolution computed tomography (CT) showed lung involvement in 47.7% of the patients. The cure rate was 91.3% at the 1-year follow-up. Three patients died, all of them within the first month after diagnosis. Conclusions: The detection of lung involvement increased by two-fold when lung CT was used; this correlated with the likelihood of finding a positive microbiological result on sputum sample testing. Pleural microbiological studies had a low diagnostic yield, and sputum could have a complementary role

Recomanacions per a la prevenció i el control de la tuberculosi pediàtrica a Catalunya

Tuberculosi pediàtrica; Diagnòstic de malalties; TractamentsTuberculosis pediátrica; Diagnóstico de enfermedades; TratamientosPediatric tuberculosis; Disease diagnosis; TreatmentsLa finalitat d’aquest document és revisar, des d’una perspectiva multidisciplinària, els reptes en el diagnòstic i el tractament de la TB pediàtrica, l’optimització de la realització dels estudis de contactes, la integració del cribratge de la infecció tuberculosa en el Programa de seguiment del nen sa de l’atenció primària (AP) i el model d’organització assistencial, amb l’objectiu de realitzar recomanacions pràctiques que contribueixin a millorar les respostes que cal articular per a la prevenció i el control de la TB pediàtrica al territori

Characteristics and applications of small, portable gaseous air pollution monitors

BackgroundTraditional approaches for measuring air quality based on fixed measurements are inadequate for personal exposure monitoring. To combat this issue, the use of small, portable gas-sensing air pollution monitoring technologies is increasing, with researchers and individuals employing portable and mobile methods to obtain more spatially and temporally representative air pollution data. However, many commercially available options are built for various applications and based on different technologies, assumptions, and limitations. A review of the monitor characteristics of small, gaseous monitors is missing from current scientific literature.PurposeA state-of-the-art review of small, portable monitors that measure ambient gaseous outdoor pollutants was developed to address broad trends during the last 5-10 years, and to help future experimenters interested in studying gaseous air pollutants choose monitors appropriate for their application and sampling needs.MethodsTrends in small, portable gaseous air pollution monitor uses and technologies were first identified and discussed in a review of literature. Next, searches of online databases were performed for articles containing specific information related to performance, characteristics, and use of such monitors that measure one or more of three criteria gaseous air pollutants: ozone, nitrogen dioxide, and carbon monoxide. All data were summarized into reference tables for comparison between applications, physical features, sensing capabilities, and costs of the devices.ResultsRecent portable monitoring trends are strongly related to associated applications and audiences. Fundamental research requires monitors with the best individual performance, and thus the highest cost technology. Monitor networking favors real-time capabilities and moderate cost for greater reproduction. Citizen science and crowdsourcing applications allow for lower-cost components; however important strengths and limitations for each application must be addressed or acknowledged for the given use

The past, present, and future of the Brain Imaging Data Structure (BIDS)

The Brain Imaging Data Structure (BIDS) is a community-driven standard for the organization of data and metadata from a growing range of neuroscience modalities. This paper is meant as a history of how the standard has developed and grown over time. We outline the principles behind the project, the mechanisms by which it has been extended, and some of the challenges being addressed as it evolves. We also discuss the lessons learned through the project, with the aim of enabling researchers in other domains to learn from the success of BIDS