Shear Testing of Topologically Optimised Web Cover Plates in Splice Connections-Experiment Design and Results.

Testing shear-resisting plates in steel connections is one of the most challenging laboratory undertakings in steel construction, as the most common experimental layout design includes simulating the connection with its adjoining members. This significant hindrance gained particular magnitude as the need to test prototypes of topologically optimised shear cover plates became more pressing. Indeed, new code-compliant topology optimisation approaches for steel construction have recently been offered, and physically non-linear analyses have been demonstrated to be vital for assessing these elements. Hence, a rapid and reliable experimental process has become a fundamental necessity. To answer this need, a novel layout is herein proposed, in which topologically optimised and previously numerically examined bolted shear plates of a well-known steel joint were tested. The results allowed for the definition of the material trilinear model for use in subsequent numerical analysis, as well as the validation of the numerical simulation results. The discrepancy between the previously mathematically anticipated and empirically determined ultimate resistance did not exceed 1.7%.

Ancient DNA SNP-panel data suggests stability in bluefin tuna genetic diversity despite centuries of fluctuating catches in the eastern Atlantic and Mediterranean.

Atlantic bluefin tuna (Thunnus thynnus; BFT) abundance was depleted in the late 20th and early 21st century due to overfishing. Historical catch records further indicate that the abundance of BFT in the Mediterranean has been fluctuating since at least the 16th century. Here we build upon previous work on ancient DNA of BFT in the Mediterranean by comparing contemporary (2009-2012) specimens with archival (1911-1926) and archaeological (2nd century BCE-15th century CE) specimens that represent population states prior to these two major periods of exploitation, respectively. We successfully genotyped and analysed 259 contemporary and 123 historical (91 archival and 32 archaeological) specimens at 92 SNP loci that were selected for their ability to differentiate contemporary populations or their association with core biological functions. We found no evidence of genetic bottlenecks, inbreeding or population restructuring between temporal sample groups that might explain what has driven catch fluctuations since the 16th century. We also detected a putative adaptive response, involving the cytoskeletal protein synemin which may be related to muscle stress. However, these results require further investigation with more extensive genome-wide data to rule out demographic changes due to overfishing, and other natural and anthropogenic factors, in addition to elucidating the adaptive drivers related to these.

Time-Domain and Monostatic-like Frequency-Domain Methods for Bistatic SAR Simulation.

In recent years, an increasing interest has been devoted to bistatic SAR configurations, which can be effectively used to improve system performance and/or to increase the amount of physical information retrievable from the observed scene. Within this context, the availability of simulation tools is of paramount importance, for both mission planning and processing algorithm verification and testing. In this paper, a time domain simulator useful to obtain the point-spread function and the raw signal for the generic bistatic SAR configuration is presented. Moreover, we focus on the case of two bistatic configurations, which are of considerable interest in actual SAR applications, i.e., the translational invariant SAR and the one-stationary SAR acquisition geometries, for which we obtain meaningful expressions of the Transfer Functions. In particular, these expressions are formally equal to those obtained for the monostatic SAR configuration, so that the already available monostatic simulator can be easily adapted to these bistatic cases. The point-target raw signals obtained using the (exact) time domain simulator and the (approximated) frequency domain one are compared, with special attention to acquisition geometries that may be of practical interest in Formation-Flying SAR applications. Results show that the phase difference between raw signals simulated with the two approaches is, in all cases, smaller (and often much smaller) than about 10 degrees, except that at the very edge of the raw signals, where however, it does not exceed about 50 degrees.

Software Tool for Soil Surface Parameters Retrieval from Fully Polarimetric Remotely Sensed SAR Data.

The retrieval of soil surface parameters, in particular soil moisture and roughness, based on Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) data, has been the subject of a large number of studies, of which results are available in the scientific literature. However, although refined methods based on theoretical/analytical scattering models have been proposed and successfully applied in experimental studies, at the operative level very simple, empirical models with a number of adjustable parameters are usually employed. One of the reasons for this situation is that retrieval methods based on analytical scattering models are not easy to implement and to be employed by non-expert users. Related to this, commercially and freely available software tools for the processing of SAR data, although including routines for basic manipulation of polarimetric SAR data (e.g., coherency and covariance matrix calculation, Pauli decomposition, etc.), do not implement easy-to-use methods for surface parameter retrieval. In order to try to fill this gap, in this paper we present a user-friendly computer program for the retrieval of soil surface parameters from Polarimetric Synthetic Aperture Radar (PolSAR) imageries. The program evaluates soil permittivity, soil moisture and soil roughness based on the theoretical predictions of the electromagnetic scattering provided by the Polarimetric Two-Scale Model (PTSM) and the Polarimetric Two-Scale Two-Component Model (PTSTCM). In particular, nine different retrieval methodologies, whose applicability depends on both the used polarimetric data (dual- or full-pol) and the characteristics of the observed scene (e.g., on its topography and on its vegetation cover), as well as their implementation in the Interactive Data Language (IDL) platform, are discussed. One specific example from Germany's Demmin test-site is presented in detail, in order to provide a first guide to the use of the tool. Obtained retrieval results are in agreement with what was expected according to the available literature.

Cholesterol-loaded cyclodextrins prevent cryocapacitation damages in buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) cryopreserved sperm.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of cholesterol-loaded cyclodextrins (CLC) on motility, viability, capacitation status, and in vivo fertility of buffalo frozen-thawed sperm. After the initial semen assessment, buffalo sperm were diluted in BULLXcell extender containing 0- (control), 1.5-, and 3-mg/mL CLC and cryopreserved. At thawing, sperm motility was evaluated by phase contrast microscopy, and viability-capacitation status was assessed by Hoechst 33258-chlortetracycline (CTC) assay. Capacitation status was also evaluated by an indirect immunofluorescence assay to localize phosphotyrosine-containing proteins. Moreover, buffaloes were artificial inseminated to assess the in vivo-fertilizing potential of CLC-treated semen. No differences among control, 1.5-, and 3-mg/mL CLC-treated groups were recorded in both sperm motility (66.5 ± 5.6, 68.8 ± 4.8, and 68.8 ± 4.8, respectively) and viability (86.5 ± 1.9, 87.6 ± 1.5, 88.4 ± 2.3, respectively). However, the extender supplementation with CLC significantly reduced sperm cryocapacitation. Indeed, CLC treatment decreased (P < 0.01) the proportion of sperm showing the CTC pattern B (capacitated sperm) compared with the control (69.6 ± 3.4, 37.8 ± 1.5, and 51.3 ± 4.7, respectively, with 0, 1.5-, and 3-mg/mL CLC; P < 0.01). Furthermore, the percentage of sperm displaying tyrosine-phosphorylated pattern EA (i.e. high capacitation level) was reduced (P < 0.01) in both CLC-treated groups (10.8 ± 3.3 and 5.6 ± 1.6, respectively, with 1.5- and 3-mg/mL CLC) compared with the control (37.3 ± 6.9), reaching values similar to those recorded in fresh semen (11.0 ± 3.5). In addition, treating sperm with 3-mg/mL CLC increased (P < 0.01) the percentage of nonfluorescent (pattern NF), i.e., non-capacitated sperm (41.8 ± 3.6) compared with fresh semen (11.0 ± 6.9). No differences were recorded in pregnancy rates at 60 days post-artificial insemination among control, 1.5- and 3-mg/mL CLC groups (59.7%, 65.6%, and 56.9%, respectively). In conclusion, CLC treatment of buffalo sperm strongly decreases sperm cryocapacitation damages, without affecting the in vivo fertilizing capability.

Correction: Atlantic Bluefin Tuna (Thunnus thynnus) Biometrics and Condition.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0141478.].

Atlantic Bluefin Tuna (Thunnus thynnus) Biometrics and Condition.

The compiled data for this study represents the first Atlantic and Mediterranean-wide effort to pool all available biometric data for Atlantic bluefin tuna (Thunnus thynnus) with the collaboration of many countries and scientific groups. Biometric relationships were based on an extensive sampling (over 140,000 fish sampled), covering most of the fishing areas for this species in the North Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea. Sensitivity analyses were carried out to evaluate the representativeness of sampling and explore the most adequate procedure to fit the weight-length relationship (WLR). The selected model for the WLRs by stock included standardized data series (common measurement types) weighted by the inverse variability. There was little difference between annual stock-specific round weight-straight fork length relationships, with an overall difference of 6% in weight. The predicted weight by month was estimated as an additional component in the exponent of the weight-length function. The analyses of monthly variations of fish condition by stock, maturity state and geographic area reflect annual cycles of spawning and feeding behavior. We update and improve upon the biometric relationships for bluefin currently used by the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas, by incorporating substantially larger datasets than ever previously compiled, providing complete documentation of sources and employing robust statistical fitting. WLRs and other conversion factors estimated in this study differ from the ones used in previous bluefin stock assessments.

An X-band radar system for bathymetry and wave field analysis in a harbour area.

Marine X-band radar based systems are well tested to provide information about sea state and bathymetry. It is also well known that complex geometries and non-uniform bathymetries provide a much bigger challenge than offshore scenarios. In order to tackle this issue a retrieval method is proposed, based on spatial partitioning of the data and the application of the Normalized Scalar Product (NSP), which is an innovative procedure for the joint estimation of bathymetry and surface currents. The strategy is then applied to radar data acquired around a harbour entrance, and results show that the reconstructed bathymetry compares well with ground truth data obtained by an echo-sounder campaign, thus proving the reliability of the whole procedure. The spectrum thus retrieved is then analysed to show the evidence of reflected waves from the harbour jetties, as confirmed by chain of hydrodynamic models of the sea wave field. The possibility of using a land based radar to reveal sea wave reflection is entirely new and may open up new operational applications of the system.

Comment on "Impacts of biodiversity loss on ocean ecosystem services".

Worm et al. (Research Articles, 3 November 2006, p. 787) investigated the importance of biodiversity to marine ecosystem services across temporal and spatial scales. In projecting the extent of future fisheries collapse, we argue that the authors inappropriately extrapolated beyond their available observations and used data on marine reserves and fishery closures that are not representative of global fisheries.

Evolución de una fractura de cadera en pacientes mayores de 90 años: estudio observacional / Evolution of a hip fracture in patient bigger than 90 years: I study observational

Del período 1992-97 se revisaron 25 fracturas del fémur proximal en mayores de 90 años. La relación Femenino/Masculino fue de 3.1/1 (19/6) ninguno procedía de una institución de salud o de cuidados de enfermería. El 72 por ciento cumplía con labores domésticas y eran independientes en su domicilio y en la comunidad. El 32 por ciento no tenía ningún tipo de enfermedad el 72 por ciento no consumía medicamento. El 20 por ciento fumaba o masticaba chimo. El 64 por ciento con fractura en el área del trocánter. Permanecieron hospitalizados entre 0-15 días el 72 por ciento y el 95 por ciento se intervino en este mismo lapso. Los implantes más utilizados para resolver este tipo de lesión eran: para las fracturas del trocánter mayor la placa angulada de 95 grados en el 62 por ciento (8/13) y para las del cuello femoral la prótesis de Thompson en el 67 por ciento de las lesiones (4/6), es de hacer notar que 6 pacientes con fracturas del cuello femoral no se intervinieron. El en 47 por ciento de los casos la cirugía duro 91 y 120 minutos, al 79 por ciento se le suministró anestesia general. En los primeros 6 meses no se murió ningún paciente, en los siguientes 180 días falleció el 100 por ciento de los no operados el 26 por ciento (5/19) de los intervenidos. Entre 1 y 3 años mortalidad ascendió al 47 por ciento (9/19), el 26 por ciento sobrevivió más de 3 años. Luego de la cirugía el 64 por ciento no camino el 70 por ciento quedó con acortamiento, el 75 por ciento con dolor y el 50 por ciento con algún tipo de incapacidad. El 67 por ciento de estas complicaciones están relacionadas con la placa angulada de 95 grados.

Epidemiología de las fracturas intracapsulares en pacientes mayores de 60 años en el Hospital Universitario de Los Andes, (Mérida - Venezuela) / Epidemiology of the intracapsular fractures in patient bigger than 60 years in the University Hospital from The Andes, (Merida - Venezuela)

Se revisaron 41 historias de pacientes con fracturas intracapsulares que ingresaron al Hospital Universitario de Los Andes (Mérida Venezuela) entre 1992 y 1997. Los resultados evidencian una incidencia de este tipo de patología de 1.1 casos por cada 10.000 habitantes; más frecuente en el sexo femenino con una proporción de 1,3/1; el promdio de edad es mayor en el hombre con 76,4 años; el trazo de la fractura se localiza en el 73 por ciento de los casos en el área subcapital del lado derecho y la mayoría proceden del área urbana. El 68 por ciento de los pacientes laboran en su domicilio; el 1 por ciento de las fracturas ocurren en el baño; el 39 por ciento refirieron más de dos enfermedades preexistentes; el 95 por ciento caminaban o estaban de pie en el momento de la caída; el 54 por ciento eran independientes, tanto en la casa como la comunidad. El 39 por ciento tenían hábitos tabáquicos y el 7 por ciento ingerían alcohol de manera rutinaria. Los pacientes con fracturas subcapitales consumen más días de hospitalización

Epidemiología de las fracturas extracapsulares en pacientes mayores de 55 años en el Hospital Universitario de Los Andes, (Mérida Venezuela) / Epidemiology of the extracapsular fractures in patient bigger than 55 years in the University Hopsital from The Andes, (Merida Venezuela)

Del total de pacientes que ingresaron al Hospital Universitario de Los Andes (Mérida Venezuela) en el lapso 1992-1997, se seleccionaron 98 historias, de pacientes mayores de 55 años, que cumplían con los requisitos de un formulario elaborado previamente. Los resultados evidencian que el 68 por ciento eran mujeres, con un promedio de edad de 79.6 años, la mayoría (69 por ciento) procedentes del área urbana. El 86 por ciento eran independientes tanto dentro como fuera del domicilio. El 79 por ciento se cayó de su propia altura estando de pie o caminando, especialmente en el baño de la casa. La fractura intertrocantérica representa el 75 por ciento de los casos, ella aumenta de manera progresiva hasta los 90 años. El 31 por ciento tenían más de dos enfermedades preexistentes, el 36 por ciento tenían hábitos tabáquicos y el 21 por ciento tenían fracturas previas. El 65 por ciento de los pacientes hospitalizados 15 días o menos y el 56 por ciento se intervino de manera quirúrgica antes de los 10 días

Epidemiología de las fracturas del fémur proximal en el IAHULA: 1990-1996 / Epidemiology of the proximal femoral fractures in the IAHULA: 1990-1996

Se efectuó un análisis retrospectivo de 309 historias del Instituto Autónomo Hospital Universitario de Los Andes (Mérida, Venezuela), de fracturas de la extremidad superior del fémur, producto de traumas de baja energía, todas mayores de 50 años, durante el período 1990-1996. Se demostró un incremento en el número de casos, con una incidencia de 37 casos por cada 10.000 habitantes, que el sexo femenino es el más afectado en una proporción de 2.5/1, con un promedio general de edad de 75.7 años. A pesar que la relación extra/intracapsular es de 1.3/1, se encontró más fracturas del cuello femoral en mujeres menores de 70 años, y más fracturas del trocánter en hombres entre 50 a 59 años