GalaxyDefenders: desenvolupament d'un side-scrolling shooter per iOS

Aquest projecte neix del interés personal de l’autor per a la indústria dels videojocs. El principal objectiu de l’aplicació és esdevenir un joc complet mitjançant l’ús de tècniques clàssicament empleades en el desenvolupament de jocs en dues dimensions de manera que la experiència i tècniques adquirides sigui el més reutilitzable possible.

Long-term Outcome and Late Side Effects in Endometrial Cancer Patients Treated with Surgery and Postoperative Radiation Therapy.

BACKGROUND: We retrospectively reviewed the long-term outcome and late side effects of endometrial cancer (EC) patients treated with different techniques of postoperative radiotherapy (PORT). METHODS: Between 1999 and 2012, 237 patients with EC were treated with PORT. Two-dimensional external beam radiotherapy (2D-EBRT) was used in 69 patients (30 %), three-dimensional EBRT (3D-EBRT) in 51 (21 %), and intensity-modulated RT (IMRT) with helical Tomotherapy in 47 (20 %). All patients received a vaginal brachytherapy (VB) boost. Seventy patients (29 %) received VB alone. RESULTS: After a median of 68 months (range, 6-154) of follow-up, overall survival was 75 % [95 % confidence interval (CI), 69-81], disease-free survival was 72 % (95% CI, 66-78), cancer-specific survival was 85 % (95 % CI, 80-89), and locoregional control was 86 % (95 % CI, 81-91). The 5-year estimates of grade 3 or more toxicity and second cancer rates were 0 and 7 % (95 % CI, 1-13) for VB alone, 6 % (95 % CI, 1-11) and 0 % for IMRT + VB, 9 % (95 % CI, 1-17) and 5 % (95 % CI, 1-9) for 3D-EBRT + VB, and 22 % (95 % CI, 12-32) and 12 % (95 % CI, 4-20) for 2D-EBRT + VB (P = 0.002 and P = 0.01), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Pelvic EBRT should be tailored to patients with high-risk EC because the severe late toxicity observed might outweigh the benefits. When EBRT is prescribed for EC, IMRT should be considered, because it was associated with a significant reduction of severe late side effects.

Application of a floating well concept to a latch-up-free, low-cost, smart power high-side switch technology

The aim of this brief is to present an original design methodology that permits implementing latch-up-free smart power circuits on a very simple, cost-effective technology. The basic concept used for this purpose is letting float the wells of the MOS transistors most susceptible to initiate latch-up.

Side scan sonar image and geologic interpretation of the Ria de Pontevedra seafloor (Galicia, NW Spain).

High-resolution side scan sonar has been used for mapping the seafloor of the Ría de Pontevedra. Four backscatter patterns have been mapped within the Ría: (1) Pattern with isolated reflections, correlated with granite and metamorphic outcrops and located close to the coastal prominence and Ons and Onza Islands. (2) Pattern of strong reflectivity usually located around the basement outcrops and near the coastline and produced by coarse-grained sediment. (3) Pattern of weak backscatter is correlated with fine sand to mud and comprising large areas in the central and deep part of the Ría, where the bottom currents are weak. It is generally featureless, except where pockmarks and anthropogenic features are present. (4) Patches of strong and weak backscatter are located in the boundary between coarse and fine-grained sediments and they are due to the effect of strong bottom currents. The presence of megaripples associated to both patterns of strong reflectivity and sedimentary patches indicate bedload transport of sediment during high energy conditions (storms). Side scan sonar records and supplementary bathymetry, bottom samples and hydrodynamic data reveal that the distribution of seafloor sediment is strongly related to oceanographic processes and the particular morphology and topography of the Ría.

Use of Railroad Flat Cars for Low-Volume Road Bridges, August 1999

In an attempt to solve the bridge problem faced by many county engineers, this investigation focused on a low cost bridge alternative that consists of using railroad flatcars (RRFC) as the bridge superstructure. The intent of this study was to determine whether these types of bridges are structurally adequate and potentially feasible for use on low volume roads. A questionnaire was sent to the Bridge Committee members of the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) to determine their use of RRFC bridges and to assess the pros and cons of these bridges based on others’ experiences. It was found that these types of bridges are widely used in many states with large rural populations and they are reported to be a viable bridge alternative due to their low cost, quick and easy installation, and low maintenance. A main focus of this investigation was to study an existing RRFC bridge that is located in Tama County, IA. This bridge was analyzed using computer modeling and field load testing. The dimensions of the major structural members of the flatcars in this bridge were measured and their properties calculated and used in an analytical grillage model. The analytical results were compared with those obtained in the field tests, which involved instrumenting the bridge and loading it with a fully loaded rear tandem-axle truck. Both sets of data (experimental and theoretical) show that the Tama County Bridge (TCB) experienced very low strains and deflections when loaded and the RRFCs appeared to be structurally adequate to serve as a bridge superstructure. A calculated load rating of the TCB agrees with this conclusion. Because many different types of flatcars exist, other flatcars were modeled and analyzed. It was very difficult to obtain the structural plans of RRFCs; thus, only two additional flatcars were analyzed. The results of these analyses also yielded very low strains and displacements. Taking into account the experiences of other states, the inspection of several RRFC bridges in Oklahoma, the field test and computer analysis of the TCB, and the computer analysis of two additional flatcars, RRFC bridges appear to provide a safe and feasible bridge alternative for low volume roads.

Side-branch growth in two-dimensional dendrits. Part II: Phase-field model

The development of side-branching in solidifying dendrites in a regime of large values of the Peclet number is studied by means of a phase-field model. We have compared our numerical results with experiments of the preceding paper and we obtain good qualitative agreement. The growth rate of each side branch shows a power-law behavior from the early stages of its life. From their birth, branches which finally succeed in the competition process of side-branching development have a greater growth exponent than branches which are stopped. Coarsening of branches is entirely defined by their geometrical position relative to their dominant neighbors. The winner branches escape from the diffusive field of the main dendrite and become independent dendrites.

Hypertriglyceridemia: a potential side effect of propofol sedation in critical illness.

PURPOSE: Hypertriglyceridemia (hyperTG) is common among intensive care unit (ICU) patients, but knowledge about hyperTG risk factors is scarce. The present study aims to identify risk factors favoring its development in patients requiring prolonged ICU treatment. METHODS: Prospective observational study in the medicosurgical ICU of a university teaching hospital. All consecutive patients staying ≥4 days were enrolled. Potential risk factors were recorded: pathology, energy intake, amount and type of nutritional lipids, intake of propofol, glucose intake, laboratory parameters, and drugs. Triglyceride (TG) levels were assessed three times weekly. Statistics was based on two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and linear regression with potential risk factors. RESULTS: Out of 1,301 consecutive admissions, 220 patients were eligible, of whom 99 (45 %) presented hyperTG (triglycerides >2 mmol/L). HyperTG patients were younger, heavier, with more brain injury and multiple trauma. Intake of propofol (mg/kg/h) and lipids' propofol had the highest correlation with plasma TG (r (2) = 0.28 and 0.26, respectively, both p < 0.001). Infection and inflammation were associated with development of hyperTG [C-reactive protein (CRP), r (2) = 0.19, p = 0.004]. No strong association could be found with nutritional lipids or other risk factors. Outcome was similar in normo- and hyperTG patients. CONCLUSIONS: HyperTG is frequent in the ICU but is not associated with adverse outcome. Propofol and accompanying lipid emulsion are the strongest risk factors. Our results suggest that plasma TG should be monitored at least twice weekly in patients on propofol. The clinical consequences of propofol-related hyperTG should be investigated in further studies.

Whole-body vibration training: metabolic cost of synchronous, side-alternating or no vibrations.

Whole-body vibration training improves strength and can increase maximal oxygen consumption ([·V]O(2max)). No study has compared the metabolic demand of synchronous and side-alternating whole-body vibration. We measured [·V]O₂ and heart rate during a typical synchronous or side-alternating whole-body vibration session in 10 young female sedentary participants. The 20-min session consisted of three sets of six 45-s exercises, with 15 s recovery between exercises. Three conditions were randomly tested on separate days: synchronous at 35 Hz and 4 mm amplitude, side-alternating at 26 Hz and 7.5 mm amplitude (peak acceleration matched at 20 g in both vibration conditions), and no vibrations. Mean [·V]O₂ (expressed as %[·V]O(2max)) did not differ between conditions: 29.7 ± 4.2%, 32.4 ± 6.5%, and 28.7 ± 6.7% for synchronous, side-alternating, and no vibrations respectively (P = 0.103). Mean heart rate (% maximal heart rate) was 65.6 ± 7.3%, 69.8 ± 7.9%, and 64.7 ± 5.6% for synchronous, side-alternating, and no vibrations respectively, with the side-alternating vibrations being significantly higher (P = 0.019). When analysing changes over exercise sessions, mean [·V]O₂ was higher for side-alternating (P < 0.001) than for synchronous and no vibrations. In conclusion, side-alternating whole-body vibration elicits higher heart rate responses than synchronous or no vibrations, and could elevate [·V]O₂, provided the session lasts more than 20 min.

Can dopamine prevent the renal side effects of indomethacin? A prospective randomized clinical study.

BACKGROUND: Indomethacin therapy for closure of a patent ductus arteriosus in preterm neonates is responsible for transient renal insufficiency. Dopamine theoretically reduces the renal side effects of indomethacin therapy. PATIENTS: 33 neonates with a mean gestational age of 28.5 weeks who received indomethacin for treatment of a symptomatic PDA were included in a prospective randomized controlled clinical study. METHOD: 15 patients were treated with indomethacin alone (control group), 18 patients with indomethacin and dopamine (study group). Indomethacin was given in a dose of 0.2 mg/kg/dose intravenously, all patients received three doses with intervall of 12 hours. The dose of dopamine was in all patients 4 micrograms/kg per minute commencing 2 hours prior to the first dose of indomethacin and continuing for 12 hours after the third dose. RESULTS: Indomethacin induced a significant increase in serum creatinin (76.3 mumol/l vs 99.7 mumol/l for the control group, and 70.7 mumol/l vs 93.0 mumol/l for the study group), and weight (1259 g vs 1316 g for the control group, and 1187 g vs 1221 g for the study group). The increase systolic blood pressure (61 mmHg vs 65.7 mmHg) in the study group was significant (p < 0.05) but remained unchanged in the control group. The changes between the study group and the control group were not significant either in serum creatinin, fractional excretion of sodium, or weight gain. The failure rate of ductal closure was not different between the two groups. CONCLUSION: The additional use of dopamine does not reduce the renal side effects of indomethacin.

Five years of sleep apnea treatment with a mandibular advancement device. Side effects and technical complications

Objective: To determine the variation in prevalence of temporomandibular disorders (TMD), other side effects, and technical complications during 5 years of sleep apnea treatment with a mandibular advancement device. Materials and Methods: Forty patients diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea received an adjustable appliance at 70% of the maximum protrusion. The protrusion was then progressively increased. TMD (diagnosed according to the Research Diagnostic Criteria for TMD), overjet, overbite, occlusal contacts, subjective side effects, and technical complications were recorded before and a mean of 14, 21, and 58 months after treatment and analyzed by the Wilcoxon test (P Less-than .05). Results: Fifteen patients still used the oral appliance at the 5-year follow-up, and no significant variation in TMD prevalence was observed. Subjective side effects were common, and a significant reduction was found in overjet, overbite, and in the number of occlusal contacts. Furthermore, the patients made a mean of 2.5 unscheduled dental visits per year and a mean of 0.8 appliance repairs/relines per year by a dental technician. The most frequent unscheduled visits were needed during the first year and were a result of acrylic breakage on the lateral telescopic attachment, poor retention, and other adjustments to improve comfort. Conclusions: Five-year oral appliance treatment does not affect TMD prevalence but is associated with permanent occlusal changes in most sleep apnea patients during the first 2 years. Patients seek several unscheduled visits, mainly because of technical complications.