For many decades, studies have addressed the development of plastic strains in flexible pavements. Currently, there are models available that allow predicting this type of failure, and it is a common practice to include them in the structural design of pavements. However, variables required for this prediction are complex and difficult to obtain on site; therefore, they are not easy to apply in the diagnostic process. The measurement of deflections is a structural evaluation method for flexible pavements, whose value may include the competence of the pavement as a whole. This research seeks to correlate deflection data on the pavement’s surface with probable plastic strains over time, and to use this prediction to calculate the pavement’s remaining service life, with the criterion of maximum rutting allowed. Real-scale data from 4 different lanes were tested by the National Laboratory of Materials and Structural Models of the University of Costa Rica. The proposed model was able to predict future rutting using as input the thickness of the pavement structure, the surface deflection measured at loads of 40 kN, and the equivalent axle repetition; a high goodness of fit was achieved. The rut level estimate should help maintenance and rehabilitation policies of the road management system to be assessed and applied at the right time.

El desarrollo de deformaciones plásticas en pavimentos flexibles ha sido un tópico de investigación desde hace varias décadas. Actualmente se cuenta con modelos que permiten predecir este tipo de falla, siendo una práctica común considerarlos en el diseño estructural de pavimentos. Sin embargo, las variables requeridas para dicha predicción son complejas o difíciles de obtener en campo, lo que hace que su aplicación en el proceso de auscultación no sea sencilla. La medición de deflexiones es una técnica de evaluación estructural de pavimentos flexibles cuyo valor puede considerar la competencia del conjunto pavimento. Esta investigación busca correlacionar los datos de deflexiones en la superficie del pavimento con las deformaciones plásticas probables en el tiempo y usar esta predicción para estimar la vida remanente del pavimento usando como criterio el ahuellamiento máximo permisible. Se utilizaron datos adquiridos en 4 pistas distintas ensayadas a escala real por el Laboratorio Nacional de Materiales y Modelos Estructurales de la Universidad de Costa Rica. El modelo propuesto logra predecir el ahuellamiento futuro usando como insumo el espesor de la estructura de pavimento, la deflexión superficial medida a 40kN de carga, y la repetición de ejes equivalentes, logrando una bondad de ajuste alta. Con la estimación del nivel de ahuellamiento se espera que las políticas de mantenimiento y rehabilitación propias de un sistema de administración de pavimentos sean calibradas y aplicadas a su debido tiempo.

Abstract Objective: Evaluate isokinetic muscle performance of the hamstring and quadriceps muscles in male handball players, as well as verify the effect of handball match on salivary cortisol and immunoglobulin A by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Method: The isokinetic parameters evaluated were peak torque, fatigue index, and hamstring/quadriceps peak torque ratio. Saliva samples were collected before and after a simulated handball match, as well as after 2 h of recovery. Analysis of saliva by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy was based on infrared region of the pure substances (cortisol and human salivary cortisol and immunoglobulin A). Results: No significant difference was found between the non-dominant and dominant lower limb at 60 and 180°/s, in extension and flexion for variables of peak torque and fatigue index. The hamstring/quadriceps ratio at 60°/s was lower than at 180°/s. The main absorption bands of cortisol are in the region (1180-955 cm−1) and human salivary cortisol and immunoglobulin A bands in the region (1584-1489 cm−1). The saliva samples collected before and after match showed no significant difference. The variation of cortisol per playing positions was positively correlated with session rate of perceived exertion. Conclusions: The handball players had good muscle performance of the lower limbs in the isokinetic evaluation. The Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis identified the main absorption bands of cortisol and salivary cortisol and immunoglobulin A, as well as playing positions that demand higher stress levels, through changes of bands related to salivary cortisol.

Resumo Objetivo: Avaliar o desempenho muscular isocinético dos flexores e extensores do joelho em jogadores de handebol do sexo masculino, bem como verificar o efeito da partida de handebol sobre o cortisol salivar e imunoglobulina A por espectroscopia no infravermelho. Método: Os seguintes parâmetros foram avaliados com dinamômetro isocinético: o torque máximo, índice de fadiga e razão agonista/antagonista. Amostras de saliva foram coletadas antes e depois de uma partida de handebol simulada, bem como depois de 2 horas de recuperação. Análise de saliva por espectroscopia no infravermelho foi baseada na região do infravermelho das substâncias puras (cortisol e imunoglobulina A humano). Resultados: Não foi encontrada diferença significativa entre dos membros inferiores não-dominante e dominante em 60 e 180°/s, em extensão e flexão para variáveis do torque máximo e índice de fadiga. A relação flexores/extensores do joelho a 60°/s foi inferior a 180°/s. As principais bandas de absorção do cortisol estão na região (1180-955 cm-1) e bandas de imunoglobulina A humana na região (1584-1489 cm-1). As amostras de saliva coletadas antes e depois do jogo não apresentaram diferenças significativas. A variação do cortisol por posições de jogo foi positivamente correlacionada com a taxa de percepção subjetiva de esforço da sessão. Conclusões: Os jogadores de handebol tiveram bom desempenho muscular dos membros inferiores na avaliação isocinética. A análise espectroscopia no infravermelho identificou as principais bandas de absorção de cortisol e imunoglobulina A, bem como as posições de jogo que exigem níveis mais elevados de estresse, através de mudanças de bandas relacionadas com cortisol salivar.

Resumen Objetivo: Evaluar el rendimiento muscular isocinético de los isquiotibiales y los cuádriceps en jugadores de balonmano masculino, así como examinar el efecto de un partido de balonmano en el cortisol salival y la inmunoglobulina A por espectroscopia infrarroja con transformada de Fourier. Método: Los parámetros isocinéticos evaluados fueron el torque máximo, el índice de fatiga y la razón de torque máximo isquiotibial/cuádriceps. Las muestras de saliva se recogieron antes y después de un partido de balonmano simulado y tras 2 h de recuperación. El análisis de la saliva por espectroscopia infrarroja con transformada de Fourier se basó en las regiones de infrarrojos de sustancias puras (cortisol, cortisol salival y la inmunoglobulina A humana). Resultados: No hubo diferencias significativas entre los miembros inferiores dominante y no dominante a 60 y 180°/s, en extensión y flexión para torque máximo e índice de fatiga. La razón isquiotibial/cuádriceps a 60°/s fue inferior que a 180°/s. Las principales bandas de absorción de cortisol se encuentran en la región (1180-955 cm−1) y cortisol salival e inmunoglobulina A en la región (1584-1489 cm−1). Las muestras de saliva recogidas antes y después del partido no muestran diferencias significativas. La variación de cortisol por la posición de juego se correlacionó positivamente con la tasa de esfuerzo percibido en la sesión. Conclusiones: Los jugadores de balonmano mostraron buen rendimiento muscular de los miembros inferiores en la evaluación isocinética. El análisis por espectroscopia infrarroja con transformada de Fourier identificó las principales bandas de cortisol y cortisol salival e inmunoglobulina A, así como las posiciones de juego que requieren mayores niveles de estrés, por medio de los cambios en las bandas relacionadas con el cortisol salival.

The occurrence of a tracheal foreign body in a three-month-old male Poodle referred to a Teaching Veterinary Hospital due to acute coughing, gagging and nausea is reported. A bronchoscopy under general anesthesia was performed in order to obtain a diagnose. During the bronchoscopy a foreign body (maize popcorn) was observed in the intrathoracic trachea. The surgeon attempted to remove it by endoscopy, but no success was achieved. Therefore, an open procedure was performed and the foreign body removed. The patient progressed satisfactorily after the thoracotomy.

Este trabalho apresenta as conseqüências do surgimento das erosões no interior das estruturas de concreto das galerias de águas pluviais urbanas, com base em inspeções feita em mais de 180 km na rede de drenagem da cidade de Belo Horizonte (Brasil). O artigo descreve a gênese das erosões que podem ser por abrasão, por cavitação e por ataque químico, mostrando os processos de formação e evolução das patologias, chamando a atenção que elas podem levar as estruturas ao colapso. São apresentados os procedimentos de segurança para a realização das inspeções e os altos riscos envolvidos no trabalho. O artigo também aborda as principais características que os materiais devem ter para resistir às erosões e procura estabelecer relações entre as diferentes patologias e as características hidráulicas operacionais, visando o desenvolvimento ulterior de um programa de gestão patrimonial.

This work shows the consequences of the emergence of erosions on concrete structures of urban stormwater channels, based on inspections in over 180 km of channels in the drainage system in Belo Horizonte (Brazil). The article describes the origins of erosion, which can be abrasion, cavitation and chemical attacks, and shows the formation and evolution processes of pathologies, stressing the fact that they can cause the structures to collapse. Safety inspection procedures and the high risks involved are presented. The article also addresses the main characteristics materials should have to be erosion resistant, and establishes relationships between the different pathologies and the operational hydraulic characteristics of the channels, aiming at the future development of a patrimonial management program.

Objective. To analyze cervical discectomy complications with anterior approach. Material and methods. Retrospectively clinical cases series of 193 patients, between December 1989 to December 2004, in the Hospital Germans Trias i Pujol in Badalona. We analyzed complications arisen with cervical anterior approach and its relation with differents procedures. Demographic variables (age, sex), clinical variables (onset symptoms, cervical pathology cause, complication type, and duration time) and surgical variables (operated levels number, procedure, graft used) were analyzed. We made a statistical analysis with multivariant analysis, T-Student test and Chi-square test to analyze the relation between the complicationsand different studied variables. Results. We found complications in 50 patients (25,91%). Most frequent has been dysphagia, present in 15 patients. Most of them appear with transitory form (13 patients) and in very few occasions permanent form (2 patients). T-Student test in statistical analysis showed no statistically significant differences (p=0,431) between the ages and complications, and were not statistically significant differences, used Chi-square test, in sex (p=0,515), in onset symptoms (p=0,923), in pathology origin (p=0,364), in a procedure(p=0,295), and graft used (p=0,382). We found statistically significant differences in operated levels number (p=0,018) with a ratio for the advantages (single /multiple) of 2,221. Multivariant analysis with linear regression model considering age, sex and operated levels number, showed that persistist the risk of complications in operated number levels, independently of the age or sex, being the multiple spaces a 117.3% more frequent than the single space (OR 2,173; IC95% 1,104-4,279). Conclusions. 1. Cervical anterior approach, is a simple technique, and safe surgically procedure with under number of complications. 2. Dysphagia is most frequent complication, but it is inherent to the procedure and it is solved without treatment in most ocasions. 3. Have been many the procedures used for the cervical spine fixation, with more than 40 years of experience, and still it is to define as he is the best one. It would be necessary more studies of prospective multicentric character to be able to compare clinical, radiological results, and the presence of complications.

Objetivo. Analizar las complicaciones de pacientes intervenidos mediante abordaje cervical anterior en la patología de la columna. Material y métodos. Estudio retrospectivo de una serie de 193 casos clínicos, entre Diciembre de 1989 y Diciembre de 2004, en el Hospital Germans Trias i Pujol de Badalona, donde se analizaron las complicaciones surgidas con el abordaje cervical anterior y su relación con las distintas técnicas aplicadas. Se analizaron variables sociodemográficas (edad, sexo), variables clínicas (sintomatología inicial, origen de la patología cervical, tipo de complicación, y tiempo de duración de la complicación) y quirúrgicas (número de niveles intervenidos, nivel intervenido, tipo de intervención realizada, tipo de injerto utilizado). A partir de los datos obtenidos se realizó un análisis estadístico con modelos de análisis multivariante, con la prueba de T-Student y con el test de Chi-cuadrado para analizar la relación entre las complicaciones y las distintas variables estudiadas. Resultados. De todos los individuos estudiados (193), hallamos complicaciones en 50 pacientes (25,91%). De ellas, la más frecuente fue la disfagia, presente en 15 pacientes. La mayoría de ellas se presentaron de forma transitoria (13 pacientes) y en muy pocas ocasiones de forma permanente (2 pacientes). El análisis estadístico mediante la prueba de la T de Student mostró que no existían diferencias estadísticamente significativas (p=0,431) entre las edades de los pacientes que habían presentado complicaciones frente a los que no, y tampoco se encontraron diferencias estadísticamente significativas, utilizado el test de la Chi-cuadrado, respecto el sexo (p=0,515), síntomas iniciales (p=0,923), origen de la patología (p=0,364), tipo de intervención realizada (p=0,295), y tipo de injerto utilizado (p=0,382). Donde sí encontramos diferencias estadísticamente significativas fue en el número de niveles intervenidos (p=0,018) con una razón de las ventajas para el número de nivelesúnico/múltiple) de 2,221. Con el análisis multivariante siguiendo en modelo de regresión lineal considerando edad, sexo y número de niveles intervenidos, observamos que persistía el riesgo de complicaciones del número de espacios intervenidos, independientemente de la edad o el sexo, siendo los múltiples espacios un 117,3% más frecuente que la intervención de un único (OR 2,173; IC95% 1,104-4,279) Conclusiones. 1. La cirugía de la columna cervical por vía anterior, es una técnica simple, y un procedimiento quirúrgicamente seguro con un número bajo de complicaciones. 2. La disfagia es la complicación más frecuente, pero que se encuentra casi inherente al procedimiento y en la mayoría de ocasiones se resuelve sin tratamiento. 3. Han sido muchos los procedimientos utilizados para la fijación de la columna cervical, con más de 40 años de experiencia, y aún queda por definir cual es el mejor. Harían falta más estudios de carácter multicéntrico y de cohorte prospectiva para poder comparar resultados clínicos, radiológicos, y la presencia de complicaciones.

We apply the complete nonlinear Time Dependent Ginzburg Landau (TDGL) equations to study the vortex dynamics in a mesoscopic type II superconductor using the numerical method based on the technique of gauge invariant variables. The solution of these equations shows how the vorticity penetrates into and goes out of the superconductor through the surface boundary. We calculate the spatial distribution of the superconducting electron density and the phase of the superconducting order parameter in a mesoscopic superconducting square sample containing two holes in the presence of a uniform perpendicular magnetic field. The dynamics of different vortex states are studied as a function of the external magnetic field.

Millimeter-sized single crystals of CaLaBaCu3O7-delta were grown by the conventional self-flux technique. In this report we present a characterization of the structural and morphological properties of our first time grown single crystals. X-Ray diffraction patterns show that the unit cell of the samples corresponds to a tetragonal structure. SEM images evidence excellent morphological properties without presence of twins. EDX measurements show the difficulty of Ca to enter in the structure. The implications of our results are extensively presented and discussed.

The anisotropic effects on the dynamical phases of a vortex lattice driven by a uniform Lorentz force are investigated by numerical simulations. A square array of columnar defects is represented by a periodic pinning potential. We assume that ow is elastic, so that the vortex-vortex interactions can be represented by elastic forces. V-I characteristics and mean-square displacements and velocities for different orientations of the driving force are calculated. It is found that, for a wide range of driving force magnitude and orientation, the vortex lattice is transversely pinned in high symmetry directions of the pinning potential. In addition, the transverse pinned vortex lattice is thermally depinned at high enough temperatures.

Current and magnetic field profiles of bent strips in external magnetic fields and with applied currents are numerically calculated. The flat strip is correctly obtained as the limiting case of bent strips when the bend angle is zero. The Meissner response and the flux penetration are studied, the latter under the consideration of high critical currents and small bends. The dependence of these profiles on the creep exponent (by a material relation E alpha (j / jc)n) is also studied. In the presence of an external magnetic field the flux penetration is delayed in bent strips compared with at strips. In the case of an applied current the flux penetration from the strip edge is also delayed, but a flux front starting from the corner is also observed.