Laboratory studies of eddy structures and exchange processes through tidal inlets

The exchange flow through tidal inlets generates two-dimensional large coherent vortical structures (2DLCS), that are much broader than the water depth and exist because of the inherent instability of shallow shear flows. These vortical starting jets are critical to the mixing that occurs in the inlet area. Depending on the tidal period T, the width of the inlet W, and the maximum velocity in the inlet UMAX, the mixing will vary from poor exchange to efficient exchange. Here, we present laboratory and numerical experiments that study the formation of the 2DLCS at the mouth of the inlets. Experiments were conducted at large scale, in the shallow flat-bottomed water basin at the Institute of Hydromechanics of the University of Karlsruhe, Germany, which has the capability to generate a sinusoidal flow that simulates a series of tidal cycles. A set of idealized inlets were arranged in the tank, and by varying the tidal period and the maximum velocity, three different types of life-history were obtained (stationary dipole, dipole entrains, and dipole escapes). These types of life-history are defined by the mixing number depending if KW is equal, less or greater than a critical value. The experiments were visualized using color dye tracers. To quantify the shallow water velocity field, the Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) technique was used. From the PIV data the vorticity field was obtained, and the regions where the vortex formed were identified. Then, a vortex time-evolution analysis was developed using iv physical parameters such as the position on the basin of the vortex, the equivalent diameter, and the maximum vorticity among others. The mixing number accurately predicts the behavior of the vortex for the first cycle on idealized inlets for the subsequent cycles; the structures behave differently than predicted by KW, because the blocking effect of the vortex /formed in the previous cycle. For characteristic times t* tUWless than about 2, the dipole is attached to the inlet and forms rapidly. For later times, the dipole advects downstream, and slowly dissipates. Numerical experiments are also presented. Comparing the numerical data with the laboratory data, good agreement is reached, but important limitations are identified for the grid resolution and domain size

Fluorous l -Carbidopa Precursors : Highly Enantioselective Synthesis and Computational Prediction of Bioactivity

New fluorous enantiopure (S)-α-aminated β-keto esters were prepared through a highly enantioselective electrophilic α-amination step in the presence of europium triflate and (R,R)-phenyl-pybox. These compounds are precursors of fluorinated analogues of l-carbidopa, which is known to inhibit DOPA decarboxylase (DDC), a key protein in Parkinson's disease. Fluorination provides better stability for biological applications, which could possibly lead to DDC inhibitors better than l-carbidopa itself. Induced fit docking computational simulations performed on the new structures interacting with DDC highlight that for an efficient binding at the DDC site, at least one hydroxyl substituent must be present at the aromatic ring of the l-carbidopa analogues and show that the presence of fluorine can further fix the position of the ligand in the active site

Modelización climática mediante SIG aplicadas a los modelos insulares. El caso del archipiélago balear

Ponencia presentada en: III Congreso de la Asociación Española de Climatología “El agua y el clima”, celebrado en Palma de Mallorca del 16 al 19 de junio de 2002.[ES]Siguiendo en la línea de los atlas climáticos desarrollados para Cataluña y la España peninsular, hemos elaborado una cartografía climática digital para el caso del archipiélago balear. Este método de interpolación climática utiliza herramientas típicas de los SIG, análisis estadístico (regresión múltiple) y métodos de interpolación estrictamente matemáticos. Se utilizan los datos de las estaciones meteorológicas (temperatura media del aire –mínimas, medias y máximas– y precipitación) como variables dependientes juntamente con diferentes variables geográficas (altitud, latitud, continentalidad, radiación solar y curvatura del terreno) como variables independientes para realizar la interpolación. También se ha realizado una comparación del comportamiento de las variables geoclimáticas en función de si el territorio estudiado es peninsular o insular.[EN]Following the previous works of the atlas of Catalonia and the atlas of the peninsular Spain, we have obtained a digital cartography for the Balearic Islands. This methodology of climatic interpolation uses GIS tools, statistical analysis (multiple regression) and exclusively mathematical interpolation methods. The data of the meteorological stations (mean air temperature –minimum, mean and maximum– and precipitation) are used as dependent variables and different geographical factors (altitude, latitude, continentality, solar radiation and terrain curvature) are used as independent variables to compute the interpolation. Also we have developed a comparison of the behavior of the geoclimatic variables in function of whether the studied area is a peninsula or an island

Bases per a la promoció de l'envelliment actiu i saludable

Envelliment saludable; Gent gran; RecomanacionsHealthy aging; Old People; RecommendationsEnvejecimiento saludable; Gente mayor; RecomendacionesAquest document de bases per a la promoció de l'envelliment actiu i saludable s'ha elaborat en col·laboració amb diferents Departaments, entitats, institucions i esperem que ajudi a millorar la salut de la gent gran de Catalunya

A Geological Itinerary Through the Southern Apennine Thrust-Belt (Basilicata—Southern Italy)

Open access via Springer Compact AgreementPeer reviewedPublisher PD

Interplay between tectonics, climate and fluvial transport during the Cenozoic evolution of the Ebro Basin (NE Iberia).

Three-dimensional modeling that integrates fluvial sediment transport, crustal-scale tectonic deformation, and lithospheric flexural subsidence is carried out to simulate the landscape and drainage evolution of the Ebro sedimentary basin (NE Iberia). The Ebro Basin underwent a long period of closed intramountain drainage as a result of tectonic topography generation at the Pyrenees, the Iberian Range, and the Catalan Coastal Range. In the late Oligocene, the Catalan Coastal Range underwent extension leading to the formation of the Valencia Trough (NW Mediterranean), but the Ebro Basin remained closed for nearly 15 Myr more before the Ebro River cut through the remnants of the topographic barrier. This drainage opening caused widespread basin incision that shaped spectacular outcrops of the syntectonic and posttectonic infill. Here we investigate the processes controlling these major drainage changes. The modeling results, constrained by a large data set on the tectonic and transport evolution of the area, predict a closed phase characterized by a large lake in the central eastern Ebro Basin. Dry climatic conditions probably lowered the lake level and contributed, together with rift flank uplift, to prolong this endorheic basin stage. The age and amount of reworked sediment after the opening are consistent with an onset of basin incision between 13 and 8.5 Ma as a result of lake capture by escarpment erosion and lake level rise associated with sediment accumulation and wetter climatic conditions. Sea level changes in the Mediterranean had no major impact in the large-scale drainage evolution of the Ebro Basin.This work has been funded by the Netherlands Center for Integrated Solid Earth Science (ISES)

Cenozoic deformation of Iberia: a model for intraplate mountain building and basin development based on analogue modelling

Inferences from analogue models support lithospheric folding as the primary response to large-scale shortening manifested in the present day topography of Iberia. This process was active from the late Oligocene-early Miocene during the Alpine orogeny and was probably enhanced by reactivation of inherited Variscan faults. The modeling results confirm the dependence of fold wavelength on convergence rate and hence the strength of the layers of the lithosphere such that fold wavelength is longest for fast convergence rates favoring whole lithosphere folding. Folding is associated with the formation of dominantly pop-up type mountain ranges in the brittle crust and thickening of the ductile layers in the synforms of the buckle folds by flow. The mountain ranges are represented by upper crustal pop-ups forming the main topographic relief. The wavelengths of the topographic uplifts, both, in model and nature suggest mechanical decoupling between crust and mantle. Moreover, our modeling results suggest that buckling in Iberia took place under rheological conditions where the lithospheric mantle is stronger than the lower crust. The presence of an indenter, inducing oblique shortening in response to the opening of the King's Trough in the north western corner of the Atlantic Iberian margin controls the spacing and obliquity of structures. This leads to the transfer of the deformation from the moving walls towards the inner part of the model, creating oblique structures in both brittle and ductile layers. The effect of the indenter, together with an increase on the convergence rate produced more complex brittle structures. These results show close similarities to observations on the general shape and distribution of mountain ranges and basins in Iberia, including the Spanish Central System and Toledo Mountains.Peer reviewe

Safety and preliminary efficacy on cognitive performance and adaptive functionality of epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) in children with Down syndrome. A randomized phase Ib clinical trial (PERSEUS study)

Purpose: Although some caregivers are using epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) off label in hopes of improving cognition in young adults with Down syndrome (DS), nothing is known about its safety, tolerability, and efficacy in the DS pediatric population. We aimed to evaluate safety and tolerability of a dietary supplement containing EGCG and if EGCG improves cognitive and functional performance. Methods: A total of 73 children with DS (aged 6-12 years) were randomized. Participants received 0.5% EGCG (10 mg/kg daily dose) or placebo for 6 months with 3 months follow up after treatment discontinuation. Results: In total, 72 children were treated and 66 completed the study. A total of 38 participants were included in the EGCG group and 35 in the placebo group. Of 72 treated participants, 62 (86%) had 229 treatment-emergent adverse events (AEs). Of 37 participants in the EGCG group, 13 (35%) had 18 drug-related treatment-emergent AEs and 12 of 35 (34%) from the placebo group had 22 events. In the EGCG group, neither severe AEs nor increase in the incidence of AEs related to safety biomarkers were observed. Cognition and functionality were not improved compared with placebo. Secondary efficacy outcomes in girls point to a need for future work. Conclusion: The use of EGCG is safe and well-tolerated in children with DS, but efficacy results do not support its use in this population. (C) 2022 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. on behalf of American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics

Integrated Micro/Nanoengineered Functional Biomaterials for Cell Mechanics and Mechanobiology: A Materials Perspective

Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/106681/1/adma201304431.pd