Meteorological inputs play a vital role on regional air quality modelling. An extensive sensitivity analysis of the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model was performed, in the framework of the Integrated Assessment Modelling System for the Iberian Peninsula (SIMCA) project. Up to 23 alternative model configurations, including Planetary Boundary Layer schemes, Microphysics, Land-surface models, Radiation schemes, Sea Surface Temperature and Four-Dimensional Data Assimilation were tested in a 3 km spatial resolution domain. Model results for the most significant meteorological variables, were assessed through a series of common statistics. The physics options identified to produce better results (Yonsei University Planetary Boundary Layer, WRF Single-Moment 6-cIass microphysics, Noah Land-surface model, Eta Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Laboratory longwave radiation and MM5 shortwave radiation schemes) along with other relevant user settings (time-varying Sea Surface Temperature and combined grid-observational nudging) where included in a "best case" configuration. This setup was tested and found to produce more accurate estimation of temperature, wind and humidity fields at surface level than any other configuration for the two episodes simulated. Planetary Boundary Layer height predictions showed a reasonable agreement with estimations derived from routine atmospheric soundings. Although some seasonal and geographical differences were observed, the model showed an acceptable behaviour overall. Despite being useful to define the most appropriate setup of the WRF model for air quality modelling over the Iberian Peninsula, this study provides a general overview of WRF sensitivity and can constitute a reference for future mesoscale meteorological modelling exercises.

High oxidation potential as well as other advantages over other tertiary wastewater treatments have led in recent years to a focus on the development of advanced oxidation processes based on sulfate radicals (SR-AOPs). These radicals can be generated from peroxymonosulfate (PMS) and persulfate (PS) through various activation methods such as catalytic, radiation or thermal activation. This review manuscript aims to provide a state-of-the-art overview of the different methods for PS and PMS activaton, as well as the different applications of this technology in the field of water and wastewater treatment. Although its most widespread application is the elimination of micropollutants, its use for the disinfection of wastewater is gaining increasing interest. In addition, the possibility of combining this technology with ultrafiltration membranes to improve the water quality and lifespan of the membranes has also been discussed. Finally, a brief economic analysis of this technology has been undertaken and the different attempts made to implement it at full-scale have been summarized. As a result, this review tries to be useful for all those people working in that area.

A common pattern of hypoxic-ischemic cerebral injury in the term newborn involves predominantly cerebral cortex and subcortical white matter. We describe 20 term newborns with moderate or severe acute hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy who exhibit a different pattern of abnormalities on computed tomography, with evidence of decreased tissue attenuation predominantly in thalami and basal ganglia and relative preservation of cerebral cortex and white matter. Profound, acute hypoxic-ischemic insult (eg, umbilical cord prolapse, uterine rupture, or massive placental abruption) was documented in 16 of 20 infants (80%). Characteristic clinical features during the newborn period included irritability, tonic posturing of limbs, and persistent lower cranial nerve dysfunction, often with prominent tongue fasciculations. This pattern of central injury appears to be highly predictive of poor outcome; 7 newborns (35%) died, and all survivors who had follow-up to 18 months of age (11) had major neurological sequelae (eg, spastic quadriplegia, choreoathetosis, and persistent feeding problems). This pattern of hypoxic-ischemic cerebral injury corresponds closely to experimental animal models of "acute total" perinatal asphyxia.

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