bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Canola Cake as a Potential Substrate for Proteolytic Enzymes Production by a Selected Strain ofAspergillus oryzae: Selection of Process Conditions and Product Characterization
Authors: Freitas Adriana C. , Castro Ruann J. S. , Fontenele Maria A. , Egito Antonio S. , Farinas Cristiane S. , Pinto Gustavo A. S.
Published: December 2013

Oil cakes have excellent nutritional value and offer considerable potential for use in biotechnological processes that employ solid-state fermentation (SSF) for the production of high value products. This work evaluates the feasibility of using canola cake as a substrate for protease production by a selected strain ofAspergillus oryzaecultivated under SSF. The influences of the following process parameters were considered: initial substrate moisture content, incubation temperature, inoculum size, and pH of the buffer used for protease extraction and activity analysis. Maximum protease activity was obtained after cultivatingAspergillus oryzaeCCBP 001 at 20°C, using an inoculum size of 107 spores/g in canola cake medium moistened with 40 mL of water to 100 g of cake. Cultivation and extraction under selected conditions increased protease activity 5.8-fold, compared to the initial conditions. Zymogram analysis of the enzymatic extract showed that the protease molecular weights varied between 31 and 200 kDa. The concentrated protease extract induced clotting of casein in 5 min. The results demonstrate the potential application of canola cake for protease production under SSF and contribute to the technological advances needed to increase the efficiency of processes designed to add value to agroindustrial wastes.
Fractional-Order Fast Terminal Sliding Mode Control for a Class of Dynamical Systems
Authors: Zhao Guoliang
Published: December 2013

This paper introduces a novel fractional fast terminal sliding mode control strategy for a class of dynamical systems with uncertainty. In this strategy, a fractional-order sliding surface is proposed, the corresponding control law is derived based on Lyapunov stability theory to guarantee the sliding condition, and the finite time stability of the closeloop system is also ensured. Further, to achieve the equivalence between convergence rate and singularity avoidance, a fractional-order nonsingular fast terminal sliding mode controller is studied and the stability is presented. Finally, numerical simulation results are presented to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Optimal Placement of Wireless Sensor Nodes for Bridge Dynamic Monitoring Based on Improved Particle Swarm Algorithm
Authors: You Ting , Jin Huixia , Li Peijiang
Published: December 2013

The issue of optimal placement of wireless sensor networks (WSNs) is one of the major challenges for dynamic monitoring of bridges. It should be solved based on combining the effective monitoring of the dynamic performance of a bridge with the energy consumption of WSNs. Thus, the relationship between the bridge modal and the energy consumption of wireless networks is derived. Optimizing sensor location is achieved by using the improved wavelet particle swarm algorithm, which overcomes the disadvantage of the conventional particle swarm algorithm by applying mutation operator to the selected particles with certain small probability. Based on the comparison between the ANSYS simulation results and the measured bridge data, as well as the energy distribution diagram of WSNs, the proposed method is shown to reflect the dynamic performance of the test bridge well. Moreover, the method effectively controls the energy consumption of WSNs and achieves reasonable optimization effects. Therefore, this method can be used for dynamic monitoring of wireless sensors in various bridge types.
Small Intestinal Obstruction Caused by Anisakiasis
Authors: Takano Yuichi , Gomi Kuniyo , Endo Toshiyuki , Suzuki Reika , Hayashi Masashi , Nakanishi Toru , Tateno Ayumi , Yamamura Eiichi , Asonuma Kunio , Ino Satoshi , Kuroki Yuichiro , Nagahama Masatsugu , Inoue Kazuaki , Takahashi Hiroshi
Published: December 2013

Small intestinal anisakiasis is a rare disease that is very difficult to diagnose, and its initial diagnosis is often surgical. However, it is typically a benign disease that resolves with conservative treatment, and unnecessary surgery can be avoided if it is appropriately diagnosed. This case report is an example of small intestinal obstruction caused by anisakiasis that resolved with conservative treatment. A 63-year-old man admitted to our department with acute abdominal pain. A history of raw fish (sushi) ingestion was recorded. Abdominal CT demonstrated small intestinal dilatation with wall thickening and contrast enhancement. Ascitic fluid was found on the liver surface and in the Douglas pouch. His IgE (RIST) was elevated, and he tested positive for the anti-Anisakisantibodies IgG and IgA. Small intestinal obstruction by anisakiasis was highly suspected and conservative treatment was performed, ileus tube, fasting, and fluid replacement. Symptoms quickly resolved, and he was discharged on the seventh day of admission. Small intestinal anisakiasis is a relatively uncommon disease, the diagnosis of which may be difficult. Because it is a self-limiting disease that usually resolves in 1-2 weeks, a conservative approach is advisable to avoid unnecessary surgery.
Pregnancy Complicated by Portal Hypertension Secondary to Biliary Atresia
Authors: O'Sullivan O. E. , Crosby D. , Byrne B. , Regan C.
Published: December 2013

Biliary atresia is a rare idiopathic neonatal cholestatic disease characterized by the destruction of both the intra- and extrahepatic biliary ducts. As the disease is progressive all cases will develop portal fibrosis, cirrhosis, and portal hypertension with the sequelae of varices, jaundice, and eventually liver failure requiring a transplant. Survival rates have improved considerably with many females living well in to be childbearing age. Due to the complexity of the disease these pregnancies are considered, high risk. We report the antenatal, intrapartum, and postpartum managements of a pregnancy complicated by biliary atresia. Furthermore, we highlight the importance of a multidisciplinary team approach in optimizing obstetric care for this high risk group.
Influence of the Dopants on the Mechanical Properties of Alumina-Based Ceramics
Authors: Kaygorodov Anton Sergeevich , Krutikov Vasily Ivanovich , Paranin Sergey Nikolaevich
Published: December 2013

In the present study the mechanical properties of dense alumina-based ceramics obtained by two processing routes are investigated. The application of magnetic-pulsed compaction or hot pressing of the powder leads to a comparable combination of microhardness, elastic modulus, and fracture toughness. The insertion of Al into Al2O3 powder increases the microdistortions of the crystalline lattice, resulting in the sufficient decrease of indentation wear-resistance. The usage of ZrO2 or TiCN as dopants to alumina matrix improves slightly the mechanics of the composites with a noticeable decrease of the material lost by 30% compared to pure alumina at closely spaced arrays of indents. Regardless of the synthesis method, the ceramic grains were formed completely with the fracture travelling along the grain boundaries.
Effects of Dietary Nitrates on Systemic and Cerebrovascular Hemodynamics
Authors: Bond Vernon , Curry Bryan H. , Adams Richard G. , Asadi M. Sadegh , Millis Richard M. , Haddad Georges E.
Published: December 2013

Cerebral blood flow dysregulation is often associated with hypertension. We hypothesized that a beetroot juice (BRJ) treatment could decrease blood pressure and cerebrovascular resistance (CVR). We subjected 12 healthy females to control and BRJ treatments. Cerebrovascular resistance index (CVRI), systolic blood pressure (SBP), total vascular resistance (TVR), and the heart rate-systolic pressure product (RPP) measured at rest and at two exercise workloads were lower after the BRJ treatment. CVRI, SBP, and RPP were lower without a lower TVR at the highest exercise level. These findings suggest improved systemic and cerebral hemodynamics that could translate into a dietary treatment for hypertension.
Thymidylate Synthase as a Predictive Biomarker for Pemetrexed Response in NSCLC
Authors: Bukhari Ali A. , Goudar Ranjit K.
Published: December 2013

In recent years, major strides in cancer research have made it possible to select personalized chemotherapy recommendations based on an individual patient’s tumor biology. The prognostic and/or predictive ability of biomarkers seeks to tailor the use of targeted chemotherapy and can result in improved clinical outcomes with reduced toxicity. A proliferation of new technology and pharmacotherapeutics in the setting of current FDA Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendment (CLIA) standards has resulted in a recent surge in direct-to-physician biomarker tests. However, in the absence of clinical validation, there is the concern that the biomarkers may be utilized prematurely, resulting in improper chemotherapy selection and patient harm. Thymidylate synthase (TS) has been marketed as a predictive biomarker for the use of pemetrexed in NSCLC. We will examine the evidence behind the use of TS as a predictive biomarker to predict response to pemetrexed in NSCLC. At this time, the evidence does not currently support using TS assays to guide chemotherapy selection outside of a clinical research protocol.
Significance of Some Soil Amendments and Phosphate Dissolving Bacteria to Enhance the Availability of Phosphate in Calcareous Soil
Authors: Khalil Ahmed A.
Published: December 2013

A field experiment was carried-out on a private farm at the Salah El-Din village, El-Bostan district, Nobaria, El-Behera Governorate, Egypt. The aim of this study was to evaluate the best combination of rock phosphate (RP), sulphur (S), organic manure, and phosphate dissolving bacteria (PDB) inoculation to enhance the availability of phosphorous from rock phosphate and their effects on yield of broad bean plants (cv. Luz doe Otono L.). It was found that either sulphur application or PDB inoculation with RP had a significant effect on broad bean yield and its quality. Application of RP and different soil amendments individually or together increased N, P, and K contents in straw and seeds of broad bean plant. The highest contents of the studied nutrients were found when the plants were fertilized by a mixture of RP and different soil amendments. Results also showed the important role of organic matter, sulphur, and PDB for releasing phosphorus from rock phosphate. The combination of soil amendments with RP as a natural P-source, has the possibility of saving significant quantities of industrialized inorganic phosphate fertilizers.
Effects ofTamarindus indicaFruit Pulp Extract on Abundance of HepG2 Cell Lysate Proteins and Their Possible Consequential Impact on Metabolism and Inflammation
Authors: Chong Ursula R. W. , Abdul-Rahman Puteri S. , Abdul-Aziz Azlina , Hashim Onn H. , Mat-Junit Sarni
Published: December 2013

The fruit pulp extract ofTamarindus indicahas been reported for its antioxidant and hypolipidemic properties. In this study, the methanol extract ofT. indicafruit pulp was investigated for its effects on the abundance of HepG2 cell lysate proteins. Cell lysate was extracted from HepG2 cells grown in the absence and presence of the methanol extract ofT. indicafruit pulp. Approximately 2500 spots were resolved using two-dimensional gel electrophoresis and the abundance of 20 cellular proteins was found to be significantly reduced. Among the proteins of reduced abundance, fourteen, including six proteins involved in metabolism (including ethanolamine phosphate cytidylyltransferase), four mitochondrial proteins (including prohibitin and respiratory chain proteins), and four proteins involved in translation and splicing, were positively identified by mass spectrometry and database search. The identified HepG2 altered abundance proteins, when taken together and analyzed by Ingenuity Pathways Analysis (IPA) software, are suggestive of the effects ofT. indicafruit pulp extract on metabolism and inflammation, which are modulated by LXR/RXR. In conclusion, the methanol fruit pulp extract ofT. indicawas shown to cause reduced abundance of HepG2 mitochondrial, metabolic, and regulatory proteins involved in oxidative phosphorylation, protein synthesis, and cellular metabolism.
Ethyl Pyruvate Ameliorates Hepatic Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury by Inhibiting Intrinsic Pathway of Apoptosis and Autophagy
Authors: Shen Miao , Lu Jie , Dai Weiqi , Wang Fan , Xu Ling , Chen Kan , He Lei , Cheng Ping , Zhang Yan , Wang Chengfen , Wu Dong , Yang Jing , Zhu Rong , Zhang Huawei , Zhou Yinqun , Guo Chuanyong
Published: December 2013

Background. Hepatic ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury is a pivotal clinical problem occurring in many clinical conditions such as transplantation, trauma, and hepatic failure after hemorrhagic shock. Apoptosis and autophagy have been shown to contribute to cell death in hepatic I/R injury. Ethyl pyruvate, a stable and simple lipophilic ester, has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties. In this study, the purpose is to explore both the effect of ethyl pyruvate on hepatic I/R injury and regulation of intrinsic pathway of apoptosis and autophagy.Methods. Three doses of ethyl pyruvate (20 mg/kg, 40 mg/kg, and 80 mg/kg) were administered 1 h before a model of segmental (70%) hepatic warm ischemia was established in Balb/c mice. All serum and liver tissues were obtained at three different time points (4 h, 8 h, and 16 h).Results. Alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and pathological features were significantly ameliorated by ethyl pyruvate (80 mg/kg). The expression of Bcl-2, Bax, Beclin-1, and LC3, which play an important role in the regulation of intrinsic pathway of apoptosis and autophagy, was also obviously decreased by ethyl pyruvate (80 mg/kg). Furthermore, ethyl pyruvate inhibited the HMGB1/TLR4/ NF-κb axis and the release of cytokines (TNF-αand IL-6).Conclusion. Our results showed that ethyl pyruvate might attenuate to hepatic I/R injury by inhibiting intrinsic pathway of apoptosis and autophagy, mediated partly through downregulation of HMGB1/TLR4/ NF-κb axis and the competitive interaction with Beclin-1 of HMGB1.
Structural, Electrical, and Magnetic Study of SrNi2+(Li1+Fe3+)0.5Fe16O27 Ferrite
Authors: Arjunwadkar P. R. , Salunkhe M. Y. , Dudhe C. M.
Published: December 2013

W-type ferrite having chemical formula SrNi(LiFe)0.5Fe16O27 was prepared by using conventional solid state reaction method at little low temperature (1100°C). The prolonged and continuous heating resulted in better product formation and it has validated that the Lithium present in the compound facilitates the synthesis. Typical IR bands observed are assigned to the Fe–O bonds in S block of W ferrite structure and the band near 914.3 cm−1 is assigned to the stretching vibrations of Sr–O. High resistivity is found which suggested presence of very small amount of mixed valency cations on equivalent lattice apart from the little amount created due to the release of an electron by divalent Ni to become trivalent. The magnetic properties of compound do not differ much from those of the reported for SrNi2W ferrite except a little decrease in saturation magnetization at room temperature due to canting effect. The experimental observations support presumed site preferences to a greater extent and also the prediction that the Li present on 4fVI sub-lattice results in small canting effect of 12k cations. The low value of coercivity observed is attributed to the larger particle size resulting due to prolonged heating.
An Experimental Investigation of Sewage Sludge Gasification in a Fluidized Bed Reactor
Authors: Calvo L. F. , García A. I. , Otero M.
Published: December 2013

The gasification of sewage sludge was carried out in a simple atmospheric fluidized bed gasifier. Flow and fuel feed rate were adjusted for experimentally obtaining an air mass : fuel mass ratio (A/F) of 0.2 < A/F < 0.4. Fuel characterization, mass and power balances, produced gas composition, gas phase alkali and ammonia, tar concentration, agglomeration tendencies, and gas efficiencies were assessed. Although accumulation of material inside the reactor was a main problem, this was avoided by removing and adding bed media along gasification. This allowed improving the process heat transfer and, therefore, gasification efficiency. The heating value of the produced gas was 8.4 MJ/Nm, attaining a hot gas efficiency of 70% and a cold gas efficiency of 57%.
An Adaptive Estimation Scheme for Open-Circuit Voltage of Power Lithium-Ion Battery
Authors: Zhang Yun , Zhang Chenghui , Cui Naxin
Published: December 2013

Open-circuit voltage (OCV) is one of the most important parameters in determining state of charge (SoC) of power battery. The direct measurement of it is costly and time consuming. This paper describes an adaptive scheme that can be used to derive OCV of the power battery. The scheme only uses the measurable input (terminal current) and the measurable output (terminal voltage) signals of the battery system and is simple enough to enable online implement. Firstly an equivalent circuit model is employed to describe the polarization characteristic and the dynamic behavior of the lithium-ion battery; the state-space representation of the electrical performance for the battery is obtained based on the equivalent circuit model. Then the implementation procedure of the adaptive scheme is given; also the asymptotic convergence of the observer error and the boundedness of all the parameter estimates are proven. Finally, experiments are carried out, and the effectiveness of the adaptive estimation scheme is validated by the experimental results.
Early versus Delayed Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy for Acute Cholecystitis: A Prospective Randomized Trial
Authors: Verma Sushant , Agarwal P. N. , Bali Rajandeep Singh , Singh Rajdeep , Talwar Nikhil
Published: December 2013

Introduction. Very few studies demonstrate the feasibility of laparoscopic cholecystectomy for acute cholecystitis. However, most surgeons prefer to delay surgery in the acute phase. The aim of this prospective randomized study was to evaluate the safety and feasibility of laparoscopic cholecystectomy for acute cholecystitis.Materials and Methods. Between August 2010 and March 2012, 30 patients with a diagnosis of acute cholecystitis underwent early laparoscopic cholecystectomy within 72 h of admission. This study group was compared with a control group of 30 patients of acute cholecystitis, who underwent delayed laparoscopic cholecystectomy after an initial period of conservative treatment.Results. There was no significant difference in the conversion rates (3 early versus 2 delayed), postoperative analgesia requirements, postoperative pain scores, or duration of postoperative stay (1.67 days early versus 1.47 days delayed). However, duration of surgery was significantly more in the early group (65.78 minutes early versus 56.83 minutes delayed). Surgery was abandoned in 2 patients from the early group because of difficult anatomy. No complications and mortality were seen in either group.Conclusions. Early laparoscopic cholecystectomy for acute cholecystitis is safe and feasible, offering the additional benefit of a shorter hospital stay. It should be offered to patients with acute cholecystitis, provided the surgery is performed within 72 h from the onset of symptoms.
Some Approximation Properties of Modified Jain-Beta Operators
Authors: Mishra Vishnu Narayan , Patel Prashantkumar
Published: December 2013

Generalization of Szász-Mirakyan operators has been considered by Jain, 1972. Using these generalized operators, we introduce new sequences of positive linear operators which are the integral modification of the Jain operators having weight functions of some Beta basis function. Approximation properties, the rate of convergence, weighted approximation theorem, and better approximation are investigated for these new operators. At the end, we generalize Jain-Beta operator with three parameters α, β, and γ and discuss Voronovskaja asymptotic formula.
Overview of Community-Acquired Pneumonia and the Role of Inflammatory Mechanisms in the Immunopathogenesis of Severe Pneumococcal Disease
Authors: Steel Helen C. , Cockeran Riana , Anderson Ronald , Feldman Charles
Published: December 2013

Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality among the infectious diseases. Despite the implementation of national pneumococcal polyvalent vaccine-based immunisation strategies targeted at high-risk groups,Streptococcus pneumoniae(the pneumococcus) remains the most common cause of CAP. Notwithstanding the HIV pandemic, major challenges confronting the control of CAP include the range of bacterial and viral pathogens causing this condition, the ever-increasing problem of antibiotic resistance worldwide, and increased vulnerability associated with steadily aging populations in developed countries. These and other risk factors, as well as diagnostic strategies, are covered in the first section of this review. Thereafter, the review is focused on the pneumococcus, specifically the major virulence factors of this microbial pathogen and their role in triggering overexuberant inflammatory responses which contribute to the immunopathogenesis of invasive disease. The final section of the review is devoted to a consideration of pharmacological, anti-inflammatory strategies with adjunctive potential in the antimicrobial chemotherapy of CAP. This is focused on macrolides, corticosteroids, and statins with respect to their modes of anti-inflammatory action, current status, and limitations.
Validation of the ISAAC Standardized Questionnaire Used by Schoolchildren from Mexicali, Baja California, Mexico
Authors: Gorozave-Car Karla , Barraza-Villarreal Albino , Escamilla-Núñez Consuelo , Hernandez-Cadena Leticia , Sanín-Aguirre Luz Helena , Cortez-Lugo Marlene , Blanco-Muñoz J. , Riojas-Rodríguez Horacio , Moreno-Macias Hortensia , Romieu Isabelle
Published: December 2013

Background. In Mexico, several studies have been conducted under the ISAAC methodology; nevertheless, no validation studies of the ISAAC questionnaire based on objective clinical testing in our country have been published. Aims of the Study. To validate the ISAAC questionnaire, used in a study of prevalence of allergic diseases, based on medical, respiratory, and allergic evaluations of schoolchildren being 11 to 16 years old in Mexicali, Mexico. Material and Methods. We conducted a cross-sectional study to validate the ISAAC questionnaire through the generation of an index (considered as gold standard) using pre- and postbronchodilator spirometry test, exhaled nitric oxide measurements, and atopic evaluations. 114 schoolchildren were included (23 asthmatics with respiratory symptoms and 91 nonasthmatics without respiratory symptoms) and we evaluated the sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive value of the questionnaire using discriminant analysis. Results. We observed sensitivity of 35.2% and specificity of 93.3% and the positive and negative predictive values were 82.6% and 61.5%, respectively. Conclusions. Our findings indicate that the ISAAC Mexican version questionnaire was less sensitive and more specific when compared to the gold standard; however, it is adequate and able to discriminate children with and without asthma and a useful tool to use in epidemiological studies.
Tregitope Peptides: The Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient of IVIG?
Authors: De Groot Anne S. , Cousens Leslie , Mingozzi Federico , Martin William
Published: December 2013

Five years ago, we reported the identification and characterization of several regulatory T-cell epitopes (now called Tregitopes) that were discovered in the heavy and light chains of IgG (De Groot et al. Blood, 2008). When added ex vivo to human PBMCs, these Tregitopes activated regulatory T cells (Tregs), increased expression of the transcription factor FoxP3, and induced IL-10 expression in CD4+T cells. We have now shown that coadministration of the Tregitopes in vivo, in a number of different murine models of autoimmune disease, can suppress immune responses to antigen in an antigen-specific manner, and that this response is mediated by Tregs. In addition we have shown that, although these are generally promiscuous epitopes, the activity of individual Tregitope peptides is restricted by HLA. In this brief report, we provide an overview of the effects of Tregitopes in vivo, discuss potential applications, and suggest that Tregitopes may represent one of the “active pharmaceutical ingredients” of IVIg. Tregitope applications may include any of the autoimmune diseases that are currently treated almost exclusively with intravenous immunoglobulin G (IVIG), such as Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy (CIDP) and Multifocal Motor Neuropathy (MMN), as well as gene therapy and allergy where Tregitopes may provide a means of inducing antigen-specific tolerance.
Genotypically Different Clones ofStaphylococcus aureusAre Diverse in the Antimicrobial Susceptibility Patterns and Biofilm Formations
Authors: Atshan Salman Sahab , Nor Shamsudin Mariana , Lung Leslie Than Thian , Sekawi Zamberi , Pei Pei Chong , Karunanidhi Arunkumar , Jeevajothi Nathan Jayakayatri , Mateg Ali Alreshidi , Ghaznavi-Rad Ehsanollah , Abduljaleel Salwa A. , Awang Hamat Rukman
Published: December 2013

This study evaluated whether genotypically different clinical isolates ofS. aureushave similar susceptibilities to individual antibiotics. It further aims to check the impact of biofilm on thein vitroactivity of vancomycin, daptomycin, linezolid, and tigecycline againstS. aureusclones. The study used a total of 60 different clinical MSSA and MRSA isolates. Susceptibilities were performed in planktonic cultures by macrobroth dilution and epsilon-test (E test) system. Biofilm production was determined using an adherent plate assay. The efficacy of antimicrobial activities against biofilms formation was checked using confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). The study found that similar and differentspa, MLST, and SCCmectypes displayed high variation in their susceptibilities to antibiotics with tigecycline and daptomycin being the most effective. The biofilms were found resistant to high concentrations of most antibiotics tested with daptomycin being the most effective drug used in adhesive biofilms. A considerable difference exists among similar and various clone types against antibiotics tested. This variation could have contributed to the degree of virulence even within the same clonal genotype and enhanced heterogeneity in the infection potential. Thus, the development of a rapid and precise identification profile for each clone in human infections is important.
Diagonal Hessian Approximation for Limited Memory Quasi-Newton via Variational Principle
Authors: Marjugi Siti Mahani , Leong Wah June
Published: December 2013

This paper proposes some diagonal matrices that approximate the (inverse) Hessian by parts using the variational principle that is analogous to the one employed in constructing quasi-Newton updates. The way we derive our approximations is inspired by the least change secant updating approach, in which we let the diagonal approximation be the sum of two diagonal matrices where the first diagonal matrix carries information of the local Hessian, while the second diagonal matrix is chosen so as to induce positive definiteness of the diagonal approximation at a whole. Some numerical results are also presented to illustrate the effectiveness of our approximating matrices when incorporated within the L-BFGS algorithm.
Simulation Analysis of Combustion Parameters and Emission Characteristics of CNG Fueled HCCI Engine
Authors: Diaz P. M. , Austin N. , Maniysundar K. , Manoj Abraham D. S. , Palanikumar K.
Published: December 2013

The naturally aspirated compressed natural gas (CNG) fueled homogeneous charge compression ignition (HCCI) engine operation region is narrow between heavy knock at rich air-fuel mixture side and misfire at the lean air-fuel mixture side. However, high activation energy is needed to attain autoignition temperature of CNG fueled HCCI engine. This paper seeks to provide guidance in overcoming challenges of CNG fueled HCCI engine by using CHEMKIN. It is used to investigate the fundamental characteristics of the homogeneous charge compression ignition combustion process for different air-fuel mixture inlet temperature, relative air-fuel ratio of 2.5, and with hemispherical bowl types of combustion chambers. The variation of various properties like the peak cylinder pressure, peak cylinder temperature, CO emission, NO emission, soot emission, and HC emission are studied. It is necessary to develop new combustion models to simulate and predict all parameters with high accuracy.
Rare Presentation of Gerbode Defect in a 4-Month-Old Nigerian and a Review of the Literature
Authors: Otaigbe Barbara E. , Orubide Douye
Published: December 2013

A Gerbode defect is a very rare congenital anomaly which presents as a direct or an indirect type. We report a 4 month old Nigerian child who presented with poor feeding and failure to thrive and whose echocardiography confirmed an indirect Gerbode with a direct left ventricle to right atrial shunt due to adherent leaflets of the tricuspid valve. This was confirmed by surgery done outside the country.
Bedside Ultrasound in Workup of Self-Inserted Headset Cable into the Penile Urethra and Incidentally Discovered Intravesical Foreign Body
Authors: Hajiran Ali , Point Dana C. , Zaslau Stanley
Published: December 2013

There are multiple reports of foreign bodies inserted into the lower urinary tract. We report the case of an incidentally discovered foreign body identified within the bladder in a male patient presenting with a radio antenna protruding from the urethra attached to a head set. On workup patient was found to have an additional foreign body within the bladder and second radiolucent object within the urethra. This case demonstrates the importance of complete evaluation of the lower urinary tract during workup of inserted foreign bodies and the value of the bedside ultrasound as a diagnostic tool in distinguishing between rectal and genitourinary tract insertion.
On the Discrete-TimeGeoX/G/1Queues underN-Policy with Single and Multiple Vacations
Authors: Kim Sung J. , Kim Nam K. , Park Hyun-Min , Chae Kyung Chul , Lim Dae-Eun
Published: December 2013

We consider the discrete-timeGeoX/G/1queue underN-policy with single and multiple vacations. In this queueing system, the server takes multiple vacations and a single vacation whenever the system becomes empty and begins to serve customers only if the queue length is at least a predetermined threshold valueN. Using the well-known property of stochastic decomposition, we derive the stationary queue-length distributions for both vacation models in a simple and unified manner. In addition, we derive their busy as well as idle-period distributions. Some classical vacation models are considered as special cases.
Characteristics and Outcomes of Elderly Patients Refused to ICU
Authors: Pintado María-Consuelo , Villa Patricia , González-García Natalia , Luján Jimena , Molina Rocío , Trascasa María , López-Ramos Esther , Martínez Cristina , Cambronero José-Andrés , de Pablo Raúl
Published: December 2013

Background. There are few data regarding the process of deciding which elderly patients are refused to ICU admission, their characteristics, and outcome. Methods. Prospective longitudinal observational cohort study. We included all consecutive patients older than 75 years, who were evaluated for admission to but were refused to treatment in ICU, during 18 months, with 12‐month followup. We collected demographic data, ICU admission/refusal reasons, previous functional and cognitive status, comorbidity, severity of illness, and hospital and 12‐month mortality. Results. 338 elderly patients were evaluated for ICU admission and 88 were refused to ICU (26%). Patients refused because they were “too ill to benefit” had more comorbidity and worse functional and mental situation than those admitted to ICU; there were no differences in illness severity. Hospital mortality rate of the whole study cohort was 36.3%, higher in patients “too ill to benefit” (55.6% versus 35.8%, P < 0.01), which also have higher 1‐year mortality (73.7% versus 42.5%, P < 0.01). High comorbidity, low functional status, unavailable ICU beds, and age were associated with refusal decision on multivariate analysis. Conclusions. Prior functional status and comorbidity, not only the age or severity of illness, can help us more to make the right decision of admitting or refusing to ICU patients older than 75 years.
Heavy Water Reduces GFP Expression in Prokaryotic Cell-Free Assays at the Translation Level While Stimulating Its Transcription
Authors: Hohlefelder Luisa S. , Stögbauer Tobias , Opitz Madeleine , Bayerl Thomas M. , Rädler Joachim O.
Published: December 2013

Thein vitroproliferation of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells is remarkably hampered in the presence of heavy water (D2O). Impairment of gene expression at the transcription or translation level can be the base for this effect. However, insights into the underlying mechanisms are lacking. Here, we employ a cell-free expression system for the quantitative analysis of the effect of increasing percentages of D2O on the kinetics ofin-vitroGFP expression. Experiments are designed to discriminate the rates of transcription, translation, and protein folding using pDNA and mRNA vectors, respectively. We find that D2O significantly stimulates GFP expression at the transcription level but acts as a suppressor at translation and maturation (folding) in a linear dose-dependent manner. At a D2O concentration of 60%, the GFP expression rate was reduced to 40% of an undisturbed sample. We observed a similar inhibition of GFP expression by D2O in a recombinantEscherichia colistrain, although the inhibitory effect is less pronounced. These results demonstrate the suitability of cell-free systems for quantifying the impact of heavy water on gene expression and establish a platform to further assess the potential therapeutic use of heavy water as antiproliferative agent.
Shoulder Pain, Functional Status, and Health-Related Quality of Life after Head and Neck Cancer Surgery
Authors: Wang Hsiao-Lan , Keck Juanita F. , Weaver Michael T. , Mikesky Alan , Bunnell Karen , Buelow Janice M. , Rawl Susan M.
Published: December 2013

Head and neck cancer (HNC) patients experience treatment-related complications that may interfere with health-related quality of life (HRQOL). The purpose of this study was to describe the symptom experience (shoulder pain) and functional status factors that are related to global and domain-specific HRQOL at one month after HNC surgery. In this exploratory study, we examined 29 patients. The outcome variables included global HRQOL as well as physical, functional, emotional, and social well-being. Symptom experience and functional status factors were the independent variables. In the symptom experience variables, shoulder pain distress was negatively associated with physical well-being (R2=0.24). Among the functional status variables, eating impairment was negatively related to global HRQOL (R2=0.18) and physical well-being (R2=0.21). Speaking impairment and impaired body image explained a large amount of the variance in functional well-being (R2=0.45). This study provided initial results regarding symptom experience and functional status factors related to poor HRQOL in the early postoperative period for HNC patients.
To Enhance Light Extraction for Organic Light-Emitting Diodes by Body Modification of Substrate
Authors: Wang Jun , Wang Chong , Jiang Yadong
Published: December 2013

A facile approach of body modification on substrate is introduced to enhance the light extraction for organic devices. The lateral metal reflective film (LMRF) was coated on side of substrate and microlens array (MLA) was fabricated on forward surface of substrate. The two methods of improving light output are simulated and optimized to form body modification. The metal thin film was evaporated on the side of reversal trapezoid shape substrate to form LMRF layer and the MLA with semicircle shape was fabricated on the substrate using normal photolithography process. The external quantum efficiency of fabricated organic device with body modification is ~1.8 times higher than the device with normal substrate.
Inefficient Vibrational Cooling of C60 in a Supersonic Expansion
Authors: Stewart Jacob T. , Brumfield Brian E. , Gibson Bradley M. , McCall Benjamin J.
Published: December 2013

High-resolution gas-phase infrared spectroscopy of buckminsterfullerene (C60) was attempted near 8.5 μm using cavity ring-down spectroscopy. Solid C60 was heated in a high-temperature (~950 K) oven and cooled using an argon supersonic expansion generated from a 12.7 mm × 150 μm slit. The expected S/N ratio is ~140 for vibrationally cold C60, but no absorption signal has been observed, presumably due to a lack of vibrational cooling of C60 in the expansion. Measurements of D2O at 875 K are presented as a test of instrument alignment at high temperature and show that efficient rotational cooling of D2O occurs in the hot oven (Trot = 20 K in the expansion), though vibrational cooling does not occur. The attempted C60 spectroscopy is compared to previous work which showed efficient vibrational cooling of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Possible alternative experiments for observing a cold, gas-phase spectrum of C60 are also considered.
Substrate Integrated Waveguide Cross‐Coupling Filter with Multilayer Hexagonal Cavity
Authors: Wu B. , Xu Z. Q. , Liao J. X.
Published: December 2013

Hexagonal cavities and their applications to multilayer substrate integrated waveguide (SIW) filters are presented. The hexagonal SIW cavity which can combine flexibility of rectangular one and performance of circular one is convenient for bandpass filter’s design. Three types of experimental configuration with the same central frequency of 10 GHz and bandwidth of 6%, including three‐order and four‐order cross‐coupling topologies, are constructed and fabricated based on low temperature cofired ceramic (LTCC) technology. Both theoretical and experimental results are presented.
Prospective Study on Retinal Nerve Fibre Layer Thickness Changes in Isolated Unilateral Retrobulbar Optic Neuritis
Authors: Yau Gordon S. K. , Lee Jacky W. Y. , Lau Patrick P. K. , Tam Victor T. Y. , Wong Winnie W. Y. , Yuen Can Y. F.
Published: December 2013

Purpose. To investigate the retinal nerve fibre layer (RNFL) thickness after unilateral acute optic neuritis using optical coherence tomography (OCT). Patients and Methods. This prospective cohort study recruited consecutive patients with a first episode of isolated, unilateral acute optic neuritis. RNFL thickness and visual acuity (VA) of the attack and normal fellow eye were measured at presentation and 3 months in both the treatment and nontreatment groups. Results. 11 subjects received systemic steroids and 9 were treated conservatively. The baseline RNFL thickness was similar in the attack and fellow eye (P ≥ 0.4). At 3 months, the attack eye had a thinner temporal (P = 0.02) and average (P = 0.05) RNFL compared to the fellow eye. At 3 months, the attack eye had significant RNFL thinning in the 4 quadrants and average thickness (P ≤ 0.0002) compared to baseline. The RNFL thickness between the treatment and nontreatment groups was similar at baseline and 3 months (P ≥ 0.1). Treatment offered better VA at 3 months (0.1 ± 0.2 versus 0.3 ± 0.2 LogMAR, P = 0.04). Conclusion. Generalized RNFL thinning occurred at 3 months after a first episode of acute optic neuritis most significantly in the temporal quadrant and average thickness. Visual improvement with treatment was independent of RNFL thickness.
F18-FLT PET/CT in Patients with Gastric Carcinoma
Authors: Małkowski Bogdan , Staniuk Tomasz , Śrutek Ewa , Gorycki Tomasz , Zegarski Wojciech , Studniarek Michał
Published: December 2013

The aim of the study was to evaluate the usefulness of 18F-FLT PET/CT in the detection and differentiation of gastric cancers (GC). 104 consecutive patients (57 cases of adenocarcinoma tubulare (G2 and G3), 17 cases of mucinous adenocarcinoma, 6 cases of undifferentiated carcinoma, 14 cases of adenocarcinoma partim mucocellulare, and 10 cases of end stage gastric cancer) with newly diagnosed advanced gastric cancer were examined with FLT PET/CT. For quantitative and comparative analyses, the maximal standardized uptake value (SUVmax) was calculated for both the tumors and noninvaded gastric wall.Results.There were found, in the group of adenocarcinoma tubulare,SUVmax1.5–23.1 (7.46±4.57), in mucinous adenocarcinoma,SUVmax2.3–10.3 (5.5±2.4), in undifferentiated carcinoma,SUVmax3.1–13.6 (7.28±3.25), in adenocarcinoma partim mucocellulare,SUVmax2–25.3 (7.7±6.99), and, in normal gastric wall,SUVmax1.01–2.55 (1.84±0.35). For the level of 2.6 cut-off value between the normal wall and neoplasm FLT uptake from ROC analysis, all but five gastric cancers showed higher accumulation of FLT than noninfiltrated mucosa.Conclusion.Gastric cancer presents higher accumulation of 18F-FLT than normal, distended gastric mucosa. Significantly higher accumulation was shown in cancers better differentiated and with higher cellular density.
Analyzing Lifestyle and Consumption Pattern of Hire Groups under Product Service Systems in Taiwan
Authors: Tu Jui-Che , Huang Yu-Chen , Hsu Chuan-Ying , Cheng Yu-Wen
Published: December 2013

This study explores the characteristics of rental goods, integrates the green concept in the design and development, and introduces the concept of product service into the rental consumption trend in Taiwan. This study takes the questionnaire survey to collect various opinions of the consumers to rental consumption and also classifies the Taiwanese consumers into five clusters based on the life styles, and the names of clusters are simple financial management cluster, environment and taste cluster, fashionable and flexible cluster, careful purchase cluster, and smart consumption cluster. Finally, conclusions are as follows. (1) The green consumption cognition and attitude of the consumers to the environmental goods can help to master the factor of green consumption property for developing the rental commodities. (2) The market segmentation of the rental consumption market can be enhanced by the variables of available life styles. (3) The applications with product service rental characteristics should take the opinion feedback of the consumers into the sustainable product development conditions and expand the service property of the product. (4) As the cost of cradle-to-cradle recycling pattern is high, the support and promotion of the government can help to construct the business model of product service rental consumption and develop the rental economy.
Sustainable Power Generation in Continuous Flow Microbial Fuel Cell Treating Actual Wastewater: Influence of Biocatalyst Type on Electricity Production
Authors: Ismail Zainab Z. , Jaeel Ali Jwied
Published: December 2013

Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) have the potential to simultaneously treat wastewater for reuse and to generate electricity. This study mainly considers the performance of an upflow dual‐chambered MFC continuously fueled with actual domestic wastewater and alternatively biocatalyzed with aerobic activated sludge and strain of Bacillus Subtilis. The behavior of MFCs during initial biofilm growth and characterization of anodic biofilm were studied. After 45 days of continuous operation, the biofilms on the anodic electrode were well developed. The performance of MFCs was mainly evaluated in terms of COD reductions and electrical power output. Results revealed that the COD removal efficiency was 84% and 90% and the stabilized power outputs were clearly observed achieving a maximum value of 120 and 270 mW/m2 obtained for MFCs inoculated with mixed cultures and Bacillus Subtilis strain, respectively.
Solution of Fractional Partial Differential Equations in Fluid Mechanics by Extension of Some Iterative Method
Authors: Hemeda A. A.
Published: December 2013

An extension of the so-called new iterative method (NIM) has been used to handle linear and nonlinear fractional partial differential equations. The main property of the method lies in its flexibility and ability to solve nonlinear equations accurately and conveniently. Therefore, a general framework of the NIM is presented for analytical treatment of fractional partial differential equations in fluid mechanics. The fractional derivatives are described in the Caputo sense. Numerical illustrations that include the fractional wave equation, fractional Burgers equation, fractional KdV equation, fractional Klein-Gordon equation, and fractional Boussinesq-like equation are investigated to show the pertinent features of the technique. Comparison of the results obtained by the NIM with those obtained by both Adomian decomposition method (ADM) and the variational iteration method (VIM) reveals that the NIM is very effective and convenient. The basic idea described in this paper is expected to be further employed to solve other similar linear and nonlinear problems in fractional calculus.
Electrical Conductivity Studies of Polyaniline Nanotubes Doped with Different Sulfonic Acids
Authors: Khalid Mohd. , Tumelero Milton A. , Brandt Iuri. S. , Zoldan Vinicius C. , Acuña Jose J. S. , Pasa Andre A.
Published: December 2013

Self-assembled polyaniline (PANI) nanotubes were prepared in the presence of three different sulfonic acids as dopant, namely, p-toluenesulfonic acid, camphorsulfonic acid, and tetrakis(4-sulfonatophenyl)porphyrin, by oxidative polymerization using ammonium peroxydisulfate as the oxidant. The morphology of the PANI nanotubes was determined by SEM and TEM and the electrical conductivity was measured as a function of temperature. The PANI nanotubes were also characterized by FTIR, XRD, UV-Vis, and cyclic voltammetry. We have found that the dopants had a noteworthy effect on the electrical conductivity whithout significant changes in the morphology of the PANI nanotubes.
Applying Probability Theory for the Quality Assessment of a Wildfire Spread Prediction Framework Based on Genetic Algorithms
Authors: Cencerrado Andrés , Cortés Ana , Margalef Tomàs
Published: December 2013

This work presents a framework for assessing how the existing constraints at the time of attending an ongoing forest fire affect simulation results, both in terms of quality (accuracy) obtained and the time needed to make a decision. In the wildfire spread simulation and prediction area, it is essential to properly exploit the computational power offered by new computing advances. For this purpose, we rely on a two‐stage prediction process to enhance the quality of traditional predictions, taking advantage of parallel computing. This strategy is based on an adjustment stage which is carried out by a well‐known evolutionary technique: Genetic Algorithms. The core of this framework is evaluated according to the probability theory principles. Thus, a strong statistical study is presented and oriented towards the characterization of such an adjustment technique in order to help the operation managers deal with the two aspects previously mentioned: time and quality. The experimental work in this paper is based on a region in Spain which is one of the most prone to forest fires: El Cap de Creus.