New diagnostic and therapeutic approaches to treat ventricular tachycardias originating at the summit of the left ventricle role of merged hemodynamic-MRI and alternative ablation sources

The left ventricular (LV) summit is the most common site of idiopathic epicardial LV arrhythmias and frequently represents a diagnostic and a therapeutic challenge.1 We present a case of sustained monomorphic ventricular tachycardia (SMVT) originating at the LV summit that underwent failed cryosurgical epicardial ablation and was successfully treated with the aid of merged hemodynamic and contrast-enhanced MRI (CE-MRI).

Fertilization Management: Assessing New Techniques and Key Interactions to Increase Crop Yields With Less N2O Emissions

El óxido nitroso (N2O) es un potente gas de efecto invernadero (GHG) proveniente mayoritariamente de la fertilización nitrogenada de los suelos agrícolas. Identificar estrategias de manejo de la fertilización que reduzcan estas emisiones sin suponer un descenso de los rendimientos es vital tanto a nivel económico como medioambiental. Con ese propósito, en esta Tesis se han evaluado: (i) estrategias de manejo directo de la fertilización (inhibidores de la nitrificación/ureasa); y (ii) interacciones de los fertilizantes con (1) el manejo del agua, (2) residuos de cosecha y (3) diferentes especies de plantas. Para conseguirlo se llevaron a cabo meta-análisis, incubaciones de laboratorio, ensayos en invernadero y experimentos de campo. Los inhibidores de la nitrificación y de la actividad ureasa se proponen habitualmente como medidas para reducir las pérdidas de nitrógeno (N), por lo que su aplicación estaría asociada al uso eficiente del N por parte de los cultivos (NUE). Sin embargo, su efecto sobre los rendimientos es variable. Con el objetivo de evaluar en una primera fase su efectividad para incrementar el NUE y la productividad de los cultivos, se llevó a cabo un meta-análisis. Los inhibidores de la nitrificación dicyandiamide (DCD) y 3,4-dimetilepyrazol phosphate (DMPP) y el inhibidor de la ureasa N-(n-butyl) thiophosphoric triamide (NBPT) fueron seleccionados para el análisis ya que generalmente son considerados las mejores opciones disponibles comercialmente. Nuestros resultados mostraron que su uso puede ser recomendado con el fin de incrementar tanto el rendimiento del cultivo como el NUE (incremento medio del 7.5% y 12.9%, respectivamente). Sin embargo, se observó que su efectividad depende en gran medida de los factores medioambientales y de manejo de los estudios evaluados. Una mayor respuesta fue encontrada en suelos de textura gruesa, sistemas irrigados y/o en cultivos que reciben altas tasas de fertilizante nitrogenado. En suelos alcalinos (pH ≥ 8), el inhibidor de la ureasa NBPT produjo el mayor efecto. Dado que su uso representa un coste adicional para los agricultores, entender las mejores prácticas que permitan maximizar su efectividad es necesario para posteriormente realizar comparaciones efectivas con otras prácticas que incrementen la productividad de los cultivos y el NUE. En base a los resultados del meta-análisis, se seleccionó el NBPT como un inhibidor con gran potencial. Inicialmente desarrollado para reducir la volatilización de amoniaco (NH3), en los últimos años algunos investigadores han demostrado en estudios de campo un efecto mitigador de este inhibidor sobre las pérdidas de N2O provenientes de suelos fertilizados bajo condiciones de baja humedad del suelo. Dada la alta variabilidad de los experimentos de campo, donde la humedad del suelo cambia rápidamente, ha sido imposible entender mecanísticamente el potencial de los inhibidores de la ureasa (UIs) para reducir emisiones de N2O y su dependencia con respecto al porcentaje de poros llenos de agua del suelo (WFPS). Por lo tanto se realizó una incubación en laboratorio con el propósito de evaluar cuál es el principal mecanismo biótico tras las emisiones de N2O cuando se aplican UIs bajo diferentes condiciones de humedad del suelo (40, 60 y 80% WFPS), y para analizar hasta qué punto el WFPS regula el efecto del inhibidor sobre las emisiones de N2O. Un segundo UI (i.e. PPDA) fue utilizado para comparar el efecto del NBPT con el de otro inhibidor de la ureasa disponible comercialmente; esto nos permitió comprobar si el efecto de NBPT es específico de ese inhibidor o no. Las emisiones de N2O al 40% WFPS fueron despreciables, siendo significativamente más bajas que las de todos los tratamientos fertilizantes al 60 y 80% WFPS. Comparado con la urea sin inhibidor, NBPT+U redujo las emisiones de N2O al 60% WFPS pero no tuvo efecto al 80% WFPS. La aplicación de PPDA incrementó significativamente las emisiones con respecto a la urea al 80% WFPS mientras que no se encontró un efecto significativo al 60% WFPS. Al 80% WFPS la desnitrificación fue la principal fuente de las emisiones de N2O en todos los tratamientos mientras que al 60% tanto la nitrificación como la desnitrificación tuvieron un papel relevante. Estos resultados muestran que un correcto manejo del NBPT puede suponer una estrategia efectiva para mitigar las emisiones de N2O. Con el objetivo de trasladar nuestros resultados de los estudios previos a condiciones de campo reales, se desarrolló un experimento en el que se evaluó la efectividad del NBPT para reducir pérdidas de N y aumentar la productividad durante un cultivo de cebada (Hordeum vulgare L.) en secano Mediterráneo. Se determinó el rendimiento del cultivo, las concentraciones de N mineral del suelo, el carbono orgánico disuelto (DOC), el potencial de desnitrificación, y los flujos de NH3, N2O y óxido nítrico (NO). La adición del inhibidor redujo las emisiones de NH3 durante los 30 días posteriores a la aplicación de urea en un 58% y las emisiones netas de N2O y NO durante los 95 días posteriores a la aplicación de urea en un 86 y 88%, respectivamente. El uso de NBPT también incrementó el rendimiento en grano en un 5% y el consumo de N en un 6%, aunque ninguno de estos incrementos fue estadísticamente significativo. Bajo las condiciones experimentales dadas, estos resultados demuestran el potencial del inhibidor de la ureasa NBPT para mitigar las emisiones de NH3, N2O y NO provenientes de suelos arables fertilizados con urea, mediante la ralentización de la hidrólisis de la urea y posterior liberación de menores concentraciones de NH4 + a la capa superior del suelo. El riego por goteo combinado con la aplicación dividida de fertilizante nitrogenado disuelto en el agua de riego (i.e. fertirriego por goteo) se considera normalmente una práctica eficiente para el uso del agua y de los nutrientes. Algunos de los principales factores (WFPS, NH4 + y NO3 -) que regulan las emisiones de GHGs (i.e. N2O, CO2 y CH4) y NO pueden ser fácilmente manipulados por medio del fertirriego por goteo sin que se generen disminuciones del rendimiento. Con ese propósito se evaluaron opciones de manejo para reducir estas emisiones en un experimento de campo durante un cultivo de melón (Cucumis melo L.). Los tratamientos incluyeron distintas frecuencias de riego (semanal/diario) y tipos de fertilizantes nitrogenados (urea/nitrato cálcico) aplicados por fertirriego. Fertirrigar con urea en lugar de nitrato cálcico aumentó las emisiones de N2O y NO por un factor de 2.4 y 2.9, respectivamente (P < 0.005). El riego diario redujo las emisiones de NO un 42% (P < 0.005) pero aumentó las emisiones de CO2 un 21% (P < 0.05) comparado con el riego semanal. Analizando el Poder de Calentamiento global en base al rendimiento así como los factores de emisión del NO, concluimos que el fertirriego semanal con un fertilizante de tipo nítrico es la mejor opción para combinar productividad agronómica con sostenibilidad medioambiental en este tipo de agroecosistemas. Los suelos agrícolas en las áreas semiáridas Mediterráneas se caracterizan por su bajo contenido en materia orgánica y bajos niveles de fertilidad. La aplicación de residuos de cosecha y/o abonos es una alternativa sostenible y eficiente desde el punto de vista económico para superar este problema. Sin embargo, estas prácticas podrían inducir cambios importantes en las emisiones de N2O de estos agroecosistemas, con impactos adicionales en las emisiones de CO2. En este contexto se llevó a cabo un experimento de campo durante un cultivo de cebada (Hordeum vulgare L.) bajo condiciones Mediterráneas para evaluar el efecto de combinar residuos de cosecha de maíz con distintos inputs de fertilizantes nitrogenados (purín de cerdo y/o urea) en estas emisiones. La incorporación de rastrojo de maíz incrementó las emisiones de N2O durante el periodo experimental un 105%. Sin embargo, las emisiones de NO se redujeron significativamente en las parcelas enmendadas con rastrojo. La sustitución parcial de urea por purín de cerdo redujo las emisiones netas de N2O un 46 y 39%, con y sin incorporación de residuo de cosecha respectivamente. Las emisiones netas de NO se redujeron un 38 y un 17% para estos mismos tratamientos. El ratio molar DOC:NO3 - demostró predecir consistentemente las emisiones de N2O y NO. El efecto principal de la interacción entre el fertilizante nitrogenado y el rastrojo de maíz se dio a los 4-6 meses de su aplicación, generando un aumento del N2O y una disminución del NO. La sustitución de urea por purín de cerdo puede considerarse una buena estrategia de manejo dado que el uso de este residuo orgánico redujo las emisiones de óxidos de N. Los pastos de todo el mundo proveen numerosos servicios ecosistémicos pero también suponen una importante fuente de emisión de N2O, especialmente en respuesta a la deposición de N proveniente del ganado mientras pasta. Para explorar el papel de las plantas como mediadoras de estas emisiones, se analizó si las emisiones de N2O dependen de la riqueza en especies herbáceas y/o de la composición específica de especies, en ausencia y presencia de una deposición de orina. Las hipótesis fueron: 1) las emisiones de N2O tienen una relación negativa con la productividad de las plantas; 2) mezclas de cuatro especies generan menores emisiones que monocultivos (dado que su productividad será mayor); 3) las emisiones son menores en combinaciones de especies con distinta morfología radicular y alta biomasa de raíz; y 4) la identidad de las especies clave para reducir el N2O depende de si hay orina o no. Se establecieron monocultivos y mezclas de dos y cuatro especies comunes en pastos con rasgos funcionales divergentes: Lolium perenne L. (Lp), Festuca arundinacea Schreb. (Fa), Phleum pratense L. (Php) y Poa trivialis L. (Pt), y se cuantificaron las emisiones de N2O durante 42 días. No se encontró relación entre la riqueza en especies y las emisiones de N2O. Sin embargo, estas emisiones fueron significativamente menores en ciertas combinaciones de especies. En ausencia de orina, las comunidades de plantas Fa+Php actuaron como un sumidero de N2O, mientras que los monocultivos de estas especies constituyeron una fuente de N2O. Con aplicación de orina la comunidad Lp+Pt redujo (P < 0.001) las emisiones de N2O un 44% comparado con los monocultivos de Lp. Las reducciones de N2O encontradas en ciertas combinaciones de especies pudieron explicarse por una productividad total mayor y por una complementariedad en la morfología radicular. Este estudio muestra que la composición de especies herbáceas es un componente clave que define las emisiones de N2O de los ecosistemas de pasto. La selección de combinaciones de plantas específicas en base a la deposición de N esperada puede, por lo tanto, ser clave para la mitigación de las emisiones de N2O. ABSTRACT Nitrous oxide (N2O) is a potent greenhouse gas (GHG) directly linked to applications of nitrogen (N) fertilizers to agricultural soils. Identifying mitigation strategies for these emissions based on fertilizer management without incurring in yield penalties is of economic and environmental concern. With that aim, this Thesis evaluated: (i) the use of nitrification and urease inhibitors; and (ii) interactions of N fertilizers with (1) water management, (2) crop residues and (3) plant species richness/identity. Meta-analysis, laboratory incubations, greenhouse mesocosm and field experiments were carried out in order to understand and develop effective mitigation strategies. Nitrification and urease inhibitors are proposed as means to reduce N losses, thereby increasing crop nitrogen use efficiency (NUE). However, their effect on crop yield is variable. A meta-analysis was initially conducted to evaluate their effectiveness at increasing NUE and crop productivity. Commonly used nitrification inhibitors (dicyandiamide (DCD) and 3,4-dimethylepyrazole phosphate (DMPP)) and the urease inhibitor N-(n-butyl) thiophosphoric triamide (NBPT) were selected for analysis as they are generally considered the best available options. Our results show that their use can be recommended in order to increase both crop yields and NUE (grand mean increase of 7.5% and 12.9%, respectively). However, their effectiveness was dependent on the environmental and management factors of the studies evaluated. Larger responses were found in coarse-textured soils, irrigated systems and/or crops receiving high nitrogen fertilizer rates. In alkaline soils (pH ≥ 8), the urease inhibitor NBPT produced the largest effect size. Given that their use represents an additional cost for farmers, understanding the best management practices to maximize their effectiveness is paramount to allow effective comparison with other practices that increase crop productivity and NUE. Based on the meta-analysis results, NBPT was identified as a mitigation option with large potential. Urease inhibitors (UIs) have shown to promote high N use efficiency by reducing ammonia (NH3) volatilization. In the last few years, however, some field researches have shown an effective mitigation of UIs over N2O losses from fertilized soils under conditions of low soil moisture. Given the inherent high variability of field experiments where soil moisture content changes rapidly, it has been impossible to mechanistically understand the potential of UIs to reduce N2O emissions and its dependency on the soil water-filled pore space (WFPS). An incubation experiment was carried out aiming to assess what is the main biotic mechanism behind N2O emission when UIs are applied under different soil moisture conditions (40, 60 and 80% WFPS), and to analyze to what extent the soil WFPS regulates the effect of the inhibitor over N2O emissions. A second UI (i.e. PPDA) was also used aiming to compare the effect of NBPT with that of another commercially available urease inhibitor; this allowed us to see if the effect of NBPT was inhibitor-specific or not. The N2O emissions at 40% WFPS were almost negligible, being significantly lower from all fertilized treatments than that produced at 60 and 80% WFPS. Compared to urea alone, NBPT+U reduced the N2O emissions at 60% WFPS but had no effect at 80% WFPS. The application of PPDA significantly increased the emissions with respect to U at 80% WFPS whereas no significant effect was found at 60% WFPS. At 80% WFPS denitrification was the main source of N2O emissions for all treatments. Both nitrification and denitrification had a determinant role on these emissions at 60% WFPS. These results suggest that adequate management of the UI NBPT can provide, under certain soil conditions, an opportunity for N2O mitigation. We translated our previous results to realistic field conditions by means of a field experiment with a barley crop (Hordeum vulgare L.) under rainfed Mediterranean conditions in which we evaluated the effectiveness of NBPT to reduce N losses and increase crop yields. Crop yield, soil mineral N concentrations, dissolved organic carbon (DOC), denitrification potential, NH3, N2O and nitric oxide (NO) fluxes were measured during the growing season. The inclusion of the inhibitor reduced NH3 emissions in the 30 d following urea application by 58% and net N2O and NO emissions in the 95 d following urea application by 86 and 88%, respectively. NBPT addition also increased grain yield by 5% and N uptake by 6%, although neither increase was statistically significant. Under the experimental conditions presented here, these results demonstrate the potential of the urease inhibitor NBPT in abating NH3, N2O and NO emissions from arable soils fertilized with urea, slowing urea hydrolysis and releasing lower concentrations of NH4 + to the upper soil layer. Drip irrigation combined with split application of N fertilizer dissolved in the irrigation water (i.e. drip fertigation) is commonly considered best management practice for water and nutrient efficiency. Some of the main factors (WFPS, NH4 + and NO3 -) regulating the emissions of GHGs (i.e. N2O, carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4)) and NO can easily be manipulated by drip fertigation without yield penalties. In this study, we tested management options to reduce these emissions in a field experiment with a melon (Cucumis melo L.) crop. Treatments included drip irrigation frequency (weekly/daily) and type of N fertilizer (urea/calcium nitrate) applied by fertigation. Crop yield, environmental parameters, soil mineral N concentrations, N2O, NO, CH4, and CO2 fluxes were measured during the growing season. Fertigation with urea instead of calcium nitrate increased N2O and NO emissions by a factor of 2.4 and 2.9, respectively (P < 0.005). Daily irrigation reduced NO emissions by 42% (P < 0.005) but increased CO2 emissions by 21% (P < 0.05) compared with weekly irrigation. Based on yield-scaled Global Warming Potential as well as NO emission factors, we conclude that weekly fertigation with a NO3 --based fertilizer is the best option to combine agronomic productivity with environmental sustainability. Agricultural soils in semiarid Mediterranean areas are characterized by low organic matter contents and low fertility levels. Application of crop residues and/or manures as amendments is a cost-effective and sustainable alternative to overcome this problem. However, these management practices may induce important changes in the nitrogen oxide emissions from these agroecosystems, with additional impacts on CO2 emissions. In this context, a field experiment was carried out with a barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) crop under Mediterranean conditions to evaluate the effect of combining maize (Zea mays L.) residues and N fertilizer inputs (organic and/or mineral) on these emissions. Crop yield and N uptake, soil mineral N concentrations, dissolved organic carbon (DOC), denitrification capacity, N2O, NO and CO2 fluxes were measured during the growing season. The incorporation of maize stover increased N2O emissions during the experimental period by c. 105 %. Conversely, NO emissions were significantly reduced in the plots amended with crop residues. The partial substitution of urea by pig slurry reduced net N2O emissions by 46 and 39 %, with and without the incorporation of crop residues respectively. Net emissions of NO were reduced 38 and 17 % for the same treatments. Molar DOC:NO3 - ratio was found to be a robust predictor of N2O and NO fluxes. The main effect of the interaction between crop residue and N fertilizer application occurred in the medium term (4-6 month after application), enhancing N2O emissions and decreasing NO emissions as consequence of residue incorporation. The substitution of urea by pig slurry can be considered a good management strategy since N2O and NO emissions were reduced by the use of the organic residue. Grassland ecosystems worldwide provide many important ecosystem services but they also function as a major source of N2O, especially in response to N deposition by grazing animals. In order to explore the role of plants as mediators of these emissions, we tested whether and how N2O emissions are dependent on grass species richness and/or specific grass species composition in the absence and presence of urine deposition. We hypothesized that: 1) N2O emissions relate negatively to plant productivity; 2) four-species mixtures have lower emissions than monocultures (as they are expected to be more productive); 3) emissions are lowest in combinations of species with diverging root morphology and high root biomass; and 4) the identity of the key species that reduce N2O emissions is dependent on urine deposition. We established monocultures and two- and four-species mixtures of common grass species with diverging functional traits: Lolium perenne L. (Lp), Festuca arundinacea Schreb. (Fa), Phleum pratense L. (Php) and Poa trivialis L. (Pt), and quantified N2O emissions for 42 days. We found no relation between plant species richness and N2O emissions. However, N2O emissions were significantly reduced in specific plant species combinations. In the absence of urine, plant communities of Fa+Php acted as a sink for N2O, whereas the monocultures of these species constituted a N2O source. With urine application Lp+Pt plant communities reduced (P < 0.001) N2O emissions by 44% compared to monocultures of Lp. Reductions in N2O emissions by species mixtures could be explained by total biomass productivity and by complementarity in root morphology. Our study shows that plant species composition is a key component underlying N2O emissions from grassland ecosystems. Selection of specific grass species combinations in the context of the expected nitrogen deposition regimes may therefore provide a key management practice for mitigation of N2O emissions.

New concepts and techniques for the development of high-efficiency concentrating photovoltaic modules

El interés por los sistemas fotovoltaicos de concentración (CPV) ha resurgido en los últimos años amparado por el desarrollo de células multiunión de muy alta eficiencia basadas en semiconductores de los grupos III-V. Estas células han permitido obtener módulos de concentración con eficiencias que prácticamente duplican las del panel plano y que llegan al 35% en los módulos récord. Esta tesis está dedicada al diseño y la implementación experimental de nuevos conceptos que permitan obtener módulos CPV que no sólo alcancen una eficiencia alta en condiciones estándar sino que, además, sean lo suficientemente tolerantes a errores de montaje, seguimiento, temperatura y variaciones espectrales para que la energía que producen a lo largo del año sea máxima. Una de las primeras cuestiones que se abordan es el diseño de elementos ópticos secundarios para sistemas cuyo primario es una lente de Fresnel y que permiten, para una concentración fija, aumentar el ángulo de aceptancia y la tolerancia del sistema. Varios secundarios reflexivos y refractivos han sido diseñados y analizados mediante trazado de rayos. En particular, utilizando óptica anidólica y basándose en el diseño de una sola etapa conocido como ‘concentrador dieléctrico que funciona por reflexión total interna‘, se ha diseñado, fabricado y caracterizado un secundario con salida cuadrada que, usado junto con una lente de Fresnel, permite alcanzar simultáneamente una elevada eficiencia, concentración y aceptancia. Además, se ha propuesto y prototipado un método alternativo de fabricación para otro de los secundarios, denominado domo, consistente en el sobremoldeo de silicona sobre células solares. Una de las características que impregna todo el trabajo realizado en esta tesis es la aproximación holística en el diseño de módulos CPV, es decir, se ha prestado especial atención al diseño conjunto de la célula y la óptica para garantizar que el sistema total alcance la mayor eficiencia posible. En este sentido muchos sistemas ópticos desarrollados en esta tesis han sido diseñados, caracterizados y optimizados teniendo en cuenta que el ajuste de corriente entre las distintas subcélulas que comprenden la célula multiunión bajo el concentrador sea muy próximo a uno. La capa antirreflectante sobre la célula funciona, en cierto modo, como interfaz entre la óptica y la célula, por lo que se ha diseñado un método de optimización de capas antirreflectantes que considera no sólo el amplio rango de longitudes de onda para el que las células multiunión son sensibles sino también la distribución angular de intensidad sobre la célula creada por la óptica de concentración. Además, la cuestión de la falta de uniformidad también se ha abordado mediante la comparación de las distribuciones espectrales y espaciales de irradiancia que crean diferentes ópticas (simuladas mediante trazado de rayos y fotografiadas) y las pérdidas de eficiencia que experimentan las células iluminadas por dichas ópticas de concentración medidas experimentalmente. El efecto de la temperatura en la óptica de concentración también ha sido objeto de estudio de esta tesis. En particular, mediante simulaciones de elementos finitos se han dado los primeros pasos para el análisis de las deformaciones que sufren los dientes de las lentes de Fresnel híbridas (vidrio-silicona), así como el cambio de índice de refracción con la temperatura y la influencia de ambos efectos sobre el funcionamiento de los sistemas. Se ha implementado un modelo que tiene por objeto considerar las variaciones ambientales, principalmente temperatura y contenido espectral de la radiación directa, así como las sensibilidades térmica y espectral de los sistemas CPV, con el fin de maximizar la energía producida por un módulo de concentración a lo largo de un año en un emplazamiento determinado. Los capítulos 5 y 6 de este libro están dedicados al diseño, fabricación y caracterización de un nuevo concepto de módulo fotovoltaico denominado FluidReflex y basado en una única etapa reflexiva con dieléctrico fluido. En este nuevo concepto la presencia del fluido aporta algunas ventajas significativas como son: un aumento del producto concentración por aceptancia (CAP, en sus siglas en inglés) alcanzable al rodear la célula con un medio cuyo índice de refracción es mayor que uno, una mejora de la eficiencia óptica al disminuir las pérdidas por reflexión de Fresnel en varias interfaces, una mejora de la disipación térmica ya que el calor que se concentra junto a la célula se trasmite por convección natural y conducción en el fluido y un aislamiento eléctrico mejorado. Mediante la construcción y medida de varios prototipos de unidad elemental se ha demostrado que no existe ninguna razón fundamental que impida la implementación práctica del concepto teórico alcanzando una elevada eficiencia. Se ha realizado un análisis de fluidos candidatos probando la existencia de al menos dos de ellos que cumplen todos los requisitos (en particular el de estabilidad bajo condiciones de luz concentrada) para formar parte del sistema de concentración FluidReflex. Por ´ultimo, se han diseñado, fabricado y caracterizado varios prototipos preindustriales de módulos FluidReflex para lo cual ha sido necesario optimizar el proceso de fabricación de la óptica multicavidad a fin de mantener el buen comportamiento óptico obtenido en la fabricación de la unidad elemental. Los distintos prototipos han sido medidos, tanto en el laboratorio como bajo el sol real, analizando el ajuste de corriente de la célula iluminada por el concentrador FluidReflex bajo diferentes distribuciones espectrales de la radiación incidente así como el excelente comportamiento térmico del módulo. ABSTRACT A renewed interest in concentrating photovoltaic (CPV) systems has emerged in recent years encouraged by the development of high-efficiency multijunction solar cells based in IIIV semiconductors that have led to CPV module efficiencies which practically double that of flat panel PV and which reach 35% for record modules. This thesis is devoted to the design and experimental implementation of new concepts for obtaining CPV modules that not only achieve high efficiency under standard conditions but also have such a wide tolerance to assembly errors, tracking, temperature and spectral variations, that the energy generated by them throughout the year is maximized. One of the first addressed issues is the design of secondary optical elements whose primary optics is a Fresnel lens and which, for a fixed concentration, allow an increased acceptance angle and tolerance of the system. Several reflective and refractive secondaries have been designed and analyzed using ray tracing. In particular, using nonimaging optics and based on the single-stage design known as ‘dielectric totally internally reflecting concentrator’, a secondary with square output has been designed, fabricated and characterized. Used together with a Fresnel lens, the secondary can simultaneously achieve high efficiency, concentration and acceptance. Furthermore, an alternative method has been proposed and prototyped for the fabrication of the secondary named dome. The optics is manufactured by direct overmolding of silicone over the solar cells. One characteristic that permeates all the work done in this thesis is the holistic approach in the design of CPV modules, meaning that special attention has been paid to the joint design of the solar cell and the optics to ensure that the total system achieves the highest attainable efficiency. In this regard, many optical systems developed in the thesis have been designed, characterized and optimized considering that the current matching among the subcells within the multijunction solar cell beneath the optics must be close to one. Antireflective coating over the cell acts, somehow, as an interface between the optics and the cell. Consequently, a method has been designed to optimize antireflective coatings that takes into account not only the broad wavelength range that multijunction solar cells are sensitive to but also the angular intensity distribution created by the concentrating optics. In addition, the issue of non-uniformity has also been addressed by comparing the spectral and spatial distributions of irradiance created by different optics (simulated by ray tracing and photographed) and the efficiency losses experienced by cells illuminated by those concentrating optics experimentally determined. The effect of temperature on the concentrating optics has also been studied in this thesis. In particular, finite element simulations have been use to analyze the deformations experienced by the facets of hybrid (silicon-glass) Fresnel lenses, the change of refractive index with temperature and the influence of both effects on the system performance. A model has been implemented which take into consideration atmospheric variations, mainly temperature and spectral content of the direct normal irradiance, as well as thermal and spectral sensitivities of systems, with the aim of maximizing the energy harvested by a CPV module throughout the year in a particular location. Chapters 5 and 6 of this book are devoted to the design, fabrication, and characterization of a new concentrator concept named FluidReflex and based on a single-stage reflective optics with fluid dielectric. In this new concept, the presence of the fluid provides some significant advantages such as: an increased concentration acceptance angle product (CAP) achievable by surrounding the cell with a medium whose refractive index is greater than one, an improvement of the optical efficiency by reducing losses due to Fresnel reflection at several interfaces, an improvement in heat dissipation as the heat concentrated near the cell is transmitted by natural convection and conduction in the fluid, and an improved electrical insulation. By fabricating and characterizing several elementary-unit prototypes it was shown that there is no fundamental reason that prevents the practical implementation of this theoretical concept reaching high efficiency. Several fluid candidates were investigated proving the existence of at least to fluids that meet all the requirements (including the stability under concentrated light) to become part of the FluidReflex concentrator. Finally, several pre-industrial FluidReflex module prototypes have been designed and fabricated. An optimization process for the manufacturing of the multicavity optics was necessary to attain such an optics quality as the one achieved by the single unit. The module prototypes have been measured, both indoors and outdoors, analyzing the current matching of the solar cells beneath the concentrator for different spectral distribution of the incident irradiance. Additionally, the module showed an excellent thermal performance.

New aspects and strategies for methane mitigation from ruminants

The growing demand for sustainable animal production is compelling researchers to explore the potential approaches to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases from livestock that are mainly produced by enteric fermentation. Some potential solutions, for instance, the use of chemical inhibitors to reduce methanogenesis, are not feasible in routine use due to their toxicity to ruminants, inhibition of efficient rumen function or other transitory effects. Strategies, such as use of plant secondary metabolites and dietary manipulations have emerged to reduce the methane emission, but these still require extensive research before these can be recommended and deployed in the livestock industry sector. Furthermore, immunization vaccines for methanogens and phages are also under investigation for mitigation of enteric methanogenesis. The increasing knowledge of methanogenic diversity in rumen, DNA sequencing technologies and bioinformatics have paved the way for chemogenomic strategies by targeting methane producers. Chemogenomics will help in finding target enzymes and proteins, which will further assist in the screening of natural as well chemical inhibitors. The construction of a methanogenic gene catalogue through these approaches is an attainable objective. This will lead to understand the microbiome function, its relation with the host and feeds, and therefore, will form the basis of practically viable and eco-friendly methane mitigation approaches, while improving the ruminant productivity.

A system of systems engineering approach to design new smarter and energy efficient products

The concept of smartness of energy efficient products and systems from a business perspective has been investigated by several authors. The problem of understanding, designing, engineering and governing these technologies requires new concepts. The emergence of these modern technologies causes a myriad of interconnected systems, which are working together to satisfy the necessities of modern life. The problem of understanding, designing, engineering, and governing these technologies requires new concepts. Development of System of System Engineering (SoSE) is an attempt by the systems engineering and science community to fulfill this requirement.

Improving Crop Models: Incorporating New Processes, New Approaches, and Better Calibrations

Early ancestors of crop simulation models (De Wit, 1965; Monteith, 1965; Duncan et al., 1967) were born before primitive personal computers were available (e.g. Apple II released in 1977, IBM PC released in 1981). Paleo-computer programs were run in mainframes with the support of punch cards. As computers became more available and powerful, crop models evolved into sophisticated tools summarizing our understanding of how crops operate. This evolution was triggered by the need to answer new scientific questions and improve the accuracy of model simulations, especially under limiting conditions.

Feo, inútil, inestable: pensamiento crítico contemporáneo y procesos proyectivos en arquitectura = Ugly, useless, unstable: contemporary critical thought and projective processes in architecture

La presente tesis doctoral persigue dos objetivos simultáneos: Determinar el alcance de los criterios clásicos para la evaluación de arquitectura y poner en crisis la prevalencia de esos mismos criterios dentro del marco crítico y productivo actual. En concreto, esta tesis se interroga sobre la posible contribución de determinadas corrientes del pensamiento post-estructuralista y neo-materialista a las tareas de expansión y transformación de los criterios clásicos antes mencionados. Asimismo, se plantea la oportunidad de formalizar estas incorporaciones conceptuales como metodologías para el proyectar arquitectónico. La tesis emplea un análisis pormenorizado de las cualidades implícitas en la triada Firmitas, Utilitas, Venustas elaborada por Vitruvio como vehículo para calibrar la influencia de los paradigmas de pensamiento clásico en nuestras posiciones críticas contemporáneas. Como reacción al carácter dominante de dichos paradigmas, y con la ayuda de una compilación selectiva de ejemplos procedentes de los campos artístico y arquitectónico, la presente tesis procede a examinar y clasificar diversas estrategias arquitectónicas basadas en la no conformidad con los criterios clásicos de evaluación de la disciplina. A la hora de realizar esta tarea, y con el objetivo de superar el dualismo trascendental que caracteriza la gran mayoría de dichos criterios clásicos, se propone un modelo analítico y multidimensional que formula las instancias arquitectónicas como posibles posiciones dentro de un extenso continuo combinatorio de cualidades formales, estructurales y organizativas. Este modelo conceptual permite replantear el aparente antagonismo entre los principios de Vitruvio y sus opuestos, estableciendo en su lugar un dominio operativo continuo de producción arquitectónica. Esta operación abre una ventana de oportunidad para expandir los límites del marco crítico actual más allá de las fronteras establecidas por nuestra herencia clásica. En consecuencia con esta voluntad, la presente tesis pretende habilitar un ámbito para el análisis crítico de las estrategias que caracterizan ciertas corrientes del proyectar contemporáneo, pero también contribuir a informar nuevas aproximaciones metodológicas al proceso de proyecto, desplazando progresivamente su foco desde lo descriptivo hacia lo proyectivo. ABSTRACT This doctoral thesis attempts to simultaneously determine the scope of the classical criteria for the evaluation of architecture and challenge their prevalence within the current framework of architectural production and criticism. It examines how specific strands of post-structuralism and neo-materialism may contribute to both the expansion and the transformation of these criteria and, in doing so, sets itself the goal of mobilising these conceptual incorporations as explicit design methodologies. A detailed analysis of the formal, structural and organisational qualities implicit in Vitruvius’ triad Firmitas, Utilitas, Venustas is used as a starting point to determine the influence of classical paradigms in our current critical positions. As a reaction to this critical pervasiveness, and supported by a curated collection of artistic and architectural works, diverse approaches to non-compliance with the classical criteria of assessment are examined and classified. In order to facilitate this endeavour -and to overcome the transcendental dualism of most classical critical approaches in architecture- this thesis puts forward an analytical, multidimensional model that formulates architectural instances as possible positions within a larger combinatory continuum of formal, structural and organisational qualities. Using this conceptual model, the apparent antagonism between Vitruvius’ principles and its non-compliant opposites is reframed as a continuous operative domain of architectural production, which in turn opens up a window of opportunity to expand the limits of our critical framework beyond the boundaries of classical paradigms. In doing so, this thesis attempts not only to foster a better understanding of some of the strategic approaches that characterise contemporary systems of architectural production, but also to inform future methodological approaches to architectural design, hence situating itself beyond the domain of the descriptive and moving towards the projective.

Relationships of dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate in the elderly with functional, psychological, and mental status, and short-term mortality: A French community-based study

In human beings of both sexes, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) circulating in blood is mostly an adrenally secreted steroid whose serum concentration (in the micromolar range and 30–50% higher in men than in women) decreases with age, toward ≈20–10% of its value in young adults during the 8th and 9th decades. The mechanism of action of DHEA and DHEAS is poorly known and may include partial transformation into sex steroids, increase of bioavailable insulin-like growth factor I, and effects on neurotransmitter receptors. Whether there is a cause-to-effect relationship between the decreasing levels of DHEAS with age and physiological and pathological manifestations of aging is still undecided, but this is of obvious theoretical and practical interest in view of the easy restoration by DHEA administration. Here we report on 622 subjects over 65 years of age, studied for the 4 years since DHEAS baseline values had been obtained, in the frame of the PAQUID program, analyzing the functional, psychological, and mental status of a community-based population in the south-west of France. We confirm the continuing decrease of DHEAS serum concentration with age, more in men than in women, even if men retain higher levels. Significantly lower values of baseline DHEAS were recorded in women in cases of functional limitation (Instrumental Activities of Daily Living), confinement, dyspnea, depressive symptomatology, poor subjective perception of health and life satisfaction, and usage of various medications. In men, there was a trend for the same correlations, even though not statistically significant in most categories. No differences in DHEAS levels were found in cases of incident dementia in the following 4 years. In men (but not in women), lower DHEAS was significantly associated with increased short-term mortality at 2 and 4 years after baseline measurement. These results, statistically established by taking into account corrections for age, sex, and health indicators, suggest the need for further careful trials of the administration of replacement doses of DHEA in aging humans. Indeed, the first noted results of such “treatment” are consistent with correlations observed here between functional and psychological status and endogenous steroid serum concentrations.

Third-generation synchrotron x-ray diffraction of 6-μm crystal of raite, ≈Na3Mn3Ti0.25Si8O20(OH)2⋅10H2O, opens up new chemistry and physics of low-temperature minerals

The crystal structure of raite was solved and refined from data collected at Beamline Insertion Device 13 at the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility, using a 3 × 3 × 65 μm single crystal. The refined lattice constants of the monoclinic unit cell are a = 15.1(1) Å; b = 17.6(1) Å; c = 5.290(4) Å; β = 100.5(2)°; space group C2/m. The structure, including all reflections, refined to a final R = 0.07. Raite occurs in hyperalkaline rocks from the Kola peninsula, Russia. The structure consists of alternating layers of a hexagonal chicken-wire pattern of 6-membered SiO4 rings. Tetrahedral apices of a chain of Si six-rings, parallel to the c-axis, alternate in pointing up and down. Two six-ring Si layers are connected by edge-sharing octahedral bands of Na+ and Mn3+ also parallel to c. The band consists of the alternation of finite Mn–Mn and Na–Mn–Na chains. As a consequence of the misfit between octahedral and tetrahedral elements, regions of the Si–O layers are arched and form one-dimensional channels bounded by 12 Si tetrahedra and 2 Na octahedra. The channels along the short c-axis in raite are filled by isolated Na(OH,H2O)6 octahedra. The distorted octahedrally coordinated Ti4+ also resides in the channel and provides the weak linkage of these isolated Na octahedra and the mixed octahedral tetrahedral framework. Raite is structurally related to intersilite, palygorskite, sepiolite, and amphibole.

Radical SAM, a novel protein superfamily linking unresolved steps in familiar biosynthetic pathways with radical mechanisms: functional characterization using new analysis and information visualization methods

A novel protein superfamily with over 600 members was discovered by iterative profile searches and analyzed with powerful bioinformatics and information visualization methods. Evidence exists that these proteins generate a radical species by reductive cleavage of S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) through an unusual Fe-S center. The superfamily (named here Radical SAM) provides evidence that radical-based catalysis is important in a number of previously well- studied but unresolved biochemical pathways and reflects an ancient conserved mechanistic approach to difficult chemistries. Radical SAM proteins catalyze diverse reactions, including unusual methylations, isomerization, sulfur insertion, ring formation, anaerobic oxidation and protein radical formation. They function in DNA precursor, vitamin, cofactor, antibiotic and herbicide biosynthesis and in biodegradation pathways. One eukaryotic member is interferon-inducible and is considered a candidate drug target for osteoporosis; another is observed to bind the neuronal Cdk5 activator protein. Five defining members not previously recognized as homologs are lysine 2,3-aminomutase, biotin synthase, lipoic acid synthase and the activating enzymes for pyruvate formate-lyase and anaerobic ribonucleotide reductase. Two functional predictions for unknown proteins are made based on integrating other data types such as motif, domain, operon and biochemical pathway into an organized view of similarity relationships.

New Members and Foreign Associates Elected to the National Academy of Sciences on May 1, 2001: 72 New Members Chosen by the Academy

The Academy has elected 72 new members and 15 foreign associates from 10 countries in recognition of their distinguished and continuing achievements in original research. The election was held during the business session of the 138th annual meeting of the Academy. Election to membership in the Academy is considered one of the highest honors that can be accorded a U.S. scientist or engineer. Foreign associates are non-voting members of the Academy, with citizenship outside of the United States.

New Members and Foreign Associates Elected to the National Academy of Sciences on May 2, 2000: 60 New Members Chosen by the Academy

The Academy has elected 60 new members and 15 foreign associates from 9 countries in recognition of their distinguished and continuing achievements in original research. The election was held during the business session of the 137th annual meeting of the Academy. Election to membership in the Academy is considered one of the highest honors that can be accorded a U.S. scientist or engineer. Foreign associates are non-voting members of the Academy, with citizenship outside of the United States.

Volunteer Engagement: Does Engagement Predict the Degree of Satisfaction among New Volunteers and the Commitment of Those who have been Active Longer?

This study examines the concept of engagement in samples of volunteers from different non-profit organisations. Study 1 analyzes the psychometric properties of the abbreviated version of the Utrecht Work Engagement Scale (UWES) (Schaufeli, Bakker, & Salanova, 2006a). Two factorial structures are examined: one-dimensional and three-dimensional structures. Based on the Three-Stage Model of Volunteers’ Duration of Service (Chacón, Vecina, & Dávila, 2007), Study 2 investigates the relationship between engagement, volunteer satisfaction, and intention to remain in a sample of new volunteers and the relationship between engagement, organisational commitment, and intention to remain in a sample of veteran volunteers. Moderated mediation analysis is provided using duration of service as a moderator in order to set a splitting point between new and veteran volunteers. The results of the confirmatory factor analysis suggest that the three-factor model fits better to the data. Regarding the structural models, the first one shows that engagement is crucial to volunteer satisfaction during the first stage, while volunteer satisfaction is the key variable in explaining intention to continue. The second structural model shows that engagement reinforces the participant’s commitment to the organisation, while organizational commitment predicts intention to continue. Both models demonstrate a notable decline when samples are changed.

Revisiting the Late Jurassic-Early Cretaceous of the NW South Iberian Basin: new ages and sedimentary environments

The study of the Upper Jurassic-Lower Cretaceous deposits (Higueruelas, Villar del Arzobispo and Aldea de Cortés Formations) of the South Iberian Basin (NW Valencia, Spain) reveals new stratigraphic and sedimentological data, which have significant implications on the stratigraphic framework, depositional environments and age of these units. Moreover, these new data encourage revising the previously proposed stratigraphic correlations between the studied units and those deposited in adjacent areas of the Iberian Basin. The Higueruelas Fm was deposited in a mid-inner carbonate platform where oncolitic bars migrated by the action of storms and where oncoid production progressively decreased towards the uppermost part of the unit. The overlying Villar del Arzobispo Fm has been traditionally interpreted as an inner platform-lagoon evolving into a tidal-flat. Here it is interpreted as an inner-carbonate platform affected by storms, where oolitic shoals protected a lagoon, which had siliciclastic inputs from the continent. The Aldea de Cortés Fm has been previously interpreted as a lagoon surrounded by tidal-flats and fluvial-deltaic plains. Here it is reinterpreted as a coastal wetland where siliciclastic muddy deposits interacted with shallow fresh to marine water bodies, aeolian dunes and continental siliciclastic inputs. The contact between the Higueruelas and Villar del Arzobispo Fms, classically defined as gradual, is interpreted here as gradual and rapid, because the transition between both units comprises few meters. More importantly, the contact between the Villar del Arzobispo and Aldea de Cortés Fms, previously considered as unconformable, is here interpreted as gradual. The presence of Alveosepta in the Villar del Arzobispo Fm suggests that at least part of this unit is Kimmeridgian, unlike the previously assigned Late Tithonian-Middle Berriasian age. Consequently, the underlying Higueruelas Fm, previously considered Tithonian, should not be younger than Kimmeridgian. Accordingly, sedimentation of the Aldea de Cortés Fm, previously considered Valanginian-Hauterivian, probably started during the Tithonian and it may be considered part of the regressive trend of the Late Jurassic-Early Cretaceous cycle. This is consistent with the dinosaur faunas, typically Jurassic, described in the Villar del Arzobispo and Aldea de Cortés Fms.

Recovery from Pediatric Brain Injury: A Preliminary Comparison of Longitudinal Data on Psychological Symptomology and Mental Health Treatment

Objective: To document the course of psychological symptomology, mental health treatment, and unmet psychological needs using caregiver reports in the first 18 months following pediatric brain injury (BI). Method: Participants included 28 children (aged 1-18 years) who were hospitalized at a children's hospital's rehabilitation unit. Caregiver reports of children's psychological symptoms, receipt of mental health treatment, and unmet psychological needs were assessed at one month, six months, 12 months, and 18 months post-BI. Results: Caregivers reported a general increase in psychological symptoms and receipt of mental health treatment over the 18 months following BI; however, there was a substantial gap between the high rate of reported symptoms and low rate of reported treatment. Across all four follow-up time points there were substantial unmet psychological needs (at least 60% of sample). Conclusions: Findings suggest that there are substantial unmet psychological needs among children during the first 18 months after BI. Barriers to mental health treatment for this population need to be addressed.