bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Calculation and Analysis on Flexural Strengthening with CFRP Laminate Considering the Preexisting Strain
Authors: Sun Hao , Liu Shi Lin , Li Xiao Gang
Published: October 2013

The preexisting strains of structures have some influence on the efficiency of CFRP Laminate. Based on the analysis of the abundant existing research productions, the calculation formulas of CFRP Laminate are proposed based on the supposition of plane section and balance of forces considering the preexisting strain. And the formulas are easy to understand and master for designers. By discussing the relation between the preexisting strain and relative depth of compression area, the essentials of the impact on reinforcement effect of residual strain are confirmed. The results can offer reference bases for strengthening engineering design with CFRP.
Improved Rigid Cable Method for Pre-Stress Optimization in Suspend-Dome Structures
Authors: Du Wen Feng , Zhu Li Ming , Sun Zhi Fei
Published: October 2013

For considering the losses of pre-stress in suspend-dome structures, an improved rigid cable method was proposed. The main character of this method is the temperature stress is applied to corresponding element to compensate the loss of pre-stress. The relationship between temperature and pre-stress loss is deduced, which can give the definite num of temperature needed to add on the corresponding elements. An example and engineering application are discussed. Results show that the improved rigid cable method is effective and applicable.
Numerical Simulation of Diaphragm Wall-Pile-Soil Interaction
Authors: Chen Long , Chu Xi Hua , Xu Yuan Jie
Published: October 2013

The construction of underground infrastructures often requires to excavate in close vicinity of existing structures. In these conditions, the main design requirement is that of limiting ground deformations caused by excavation to ensure the safety of the structure. The diaphragm wall was used to meet this requirement on the background of a hydropower station in China. In this paper, a series of 3D finite element analyses was carried out for modeling the installation of diaphragm walls based on ABAQUS. The contact pair between the wall, the pile and soil was built by the master-slave method. The elastic model is adopted for the diaphragm wall and the pile, the elastic-plastic model based Mohr-Coulomb was applied to soil. The construction process and the running state were also simulated to estimate whether the plan was appropriate while considering the initial ground stress. The results obtain by numerical simulation agree with the observed data, the deformation process can be satisfactorily modeled. So this simulation method of the diaphragm wall can be used as reference for similar hydraulic projects.
A Study on Economic Post Project Evaluation of Cascade Hydropower Stations Based on Data Envelopment Analysis
Authors: Tang Bin Bin , Liu Bao Chen , Deng Zhi Hua
Published: October 2013

This paper takes cascade hydropower station project as the research object. It puts forward an economic post project evaluation of hydropower station`s analysis framework -- "static analysis and comprehensive evaluation" based on building the evaluation index set and data envelopment analysis. This paper takes economic post project evaluation of Yuanshui cascade hydropower station as an example to verify the science and effectiveness of the analysis framework and model. The results enrich the theory and model technique of economic post project evaluation of hydropower stations.
Water Diversion and Sediment Prevention of Head Complex of CCS Hydropower Station
Authors: Liu Xu Chao , Dong Li Li , Han Jian , Zhou Xue Mei
Published: October 2013

Low dam of the head complex of CCS hydropower station results in its small capacity, in order to reduce the wear of turbines, higher requirement is demanded for the head complex design. Water diversion and sediment prevention system design together with general layout of the project, a forward flushing, flood discharging, lateral intaking system is formed. The basic purpose of reducing sediment diversion is reached by the comprehensive measures of interception, sedimentation, ejection, combined with reasonable reservoir operation scheduling system.
Research on Diaphragm Reinforcement Design of Continuous Composite Girder Bridge with Corrugated Steel Webs
Authors: Li Wen Hu , Ren Da Long , Zhao Feng Hua
Published: October 2013

Diaphragm distributes lateral loads, and improves mechanical properties of bridge structure of prestressed concrete (PC) continuous wide girder bridge. The role of diaphragm is more prominent in composite wide girder bridge with corrugated steel webs, which stiffness is smaller compared with PC continuous bridge. Diaphragm is calculated and analyzed of composite box-girder bridge with corrugated steel webs, and reinforcement schemes are presented, aimed at diaphragm crack width overrun and insufficient bearing capacity. The reinforcement scheme is adding prestressed steel cables and special supports, stress and crack resistance are analyzed on reinforced diaphragm to verify the existing problems can be completely solved.
Research on Bending Performance of Continuous Composite Girder Bridge with Corrugated Steel Webs
Authors: Ren Da Long , Zhao Feng Hua
Published: October 2013

Corrugated steel webs have crinkled effect without capacity bearing the axial force and bending moment, which leads to its effective elastic modulus is smaller than that of material. This paper deduced the computational formula of effective elastic modulus corrugated steel webs, and puts forward the calculation method for corrugated steel webs of composite beams. Combined with a continuous composite box-girder bridge with corrugated steel webs, the finite element model is built to analyze the bending performance such as normal tensile stress, normal compressive stress and crack resistance.
Synthesis of Polycarboxylate Superplasticizer for High Strength Concrete and Application in Tianjin Goldin 117 Mega Tower
Authors: He Yun Jun , Tai Wei , Zhou Jin Zhong , Zheng Guan Jun , Bi Yao
Published: October 2013

A new type of polycarboxylate superplasticizer with high dispersibility was synthesized by the method of free radical polymerization and the hydrothermal reaction. The synthetic process optimized the influencing factors of reaction had been discussed, including proportion of acid and ether, reaction temperature, initiator concentration, heat preservation time and additive. The dispersibility of new product was superior under the condition of low water/cement ratio, testing by gel permeation chromatography and C60 self-compacting concrete. The new product had already been used in Tianjin Goldin 117 Mega Tower project. The performance of C70 fresh mixed self-compacting concrete, which was added with new product, was very excellent in Tianjin Goldin 117 Mega Tower project, and was satisfied with the design code for high-strength self-compacting concrete in China. It is possible to realize industrial production.
Study on Optimized Shock Absorption Design of a Floating Cable-Stayed Bridge
Authors: Wu Sheng Ping , Xu Li , Fang Zhen Zheng
Published: October 2013

Floating system of cable-stayed bridges under seismic action will produce larger longitudinal bending moment and displacement, in order to ensure the safety of the structure, damping measures should be taken in longitudinal direction. Taking a mainspan for 416 m of the cable-stayed bridge as an example, four different damper layout schemes were analyzed by nonlinear dynamic time history method. The results show that installing viscous dampers at the abutment location to function better comparing with other three cases. For getting the best damping effect, the optimal parameters of damper are analyzed. The investigation indicates that adding viscous dampers can significantly reduce the girder movements, and the reduction depends on damper parameters. Finally, the optimal damping parameters with ξ=0.3 and C=10000 can be chosen for this cable-stayed bridge.
Simulation Analysis on Construction Control of Low Tower Cable-Stayed Bridge
Authors: Yang Zhu Lin , Zhao Hui , Liu Shi Ming
Published: October 2013

To ensure the construction quality, safety and reliability, according the design drawings, construction process and the related design code, this paper establishes the simulation model by the software of MIDAS/CIVIL for the analysis of construction control of the low tower cable-stayed bridge. The calculation results showed that the maximum cumulative horizontal displacement of the tower and vertical displacement of the beam is 13.8mm and 154mm respectively, which can be adjusted by setting camber. At completion state of the cable-stayed bridge, the stresses of the tower and the beam are both in compressive with the maximum of 14.47MPa and 14.03MPa respectively, which are both less than the limits of corresponding materials. The bridge is safe and reliable.
Finite Element Modal Analysis of the Cable-Stayed Bridge
Authors: Wu Ji Lin , Song Chun Cao
Published: October 2013

In the process of modeling, ignoring the displacement of the pier directly replaced with fixed constraint, beam elements were adopted to simulate girder and pylon, and link elements were adopted to simulate the cable. The first ten order natural vibration mode and natural frequency were obtained, and the dynamic characteristics analysis of a single pylon cable-stayed bridge was discussed, which can provide certain reference and guidance for solving the problem of the cable-stayed bridge design.
Application on Grillage Method in Box Girder Bridges
Authors: Feng Jian Ping , Zhang Xue Long , Zhu Zheng , Huang Ping Ming , Wang Di , Niu Yan Wei
Published: October 2013

Grillage method was an effective method for analyzing bridge structures. In order to validate the grillage method met the requirements of engineering precision in calculation about box girder bridges, the grillage model and the plate element model of the bridge were built by using the finite element software Midas/Civil; under the premise of the same loading location and the load value, the deflection values and the stress values calculated from the two models were compared, and the corresponding error ranges were obtained. The results show that the differences between them meet the engineering accuracy and using the grillage method in box girder bridges is reasonable.
Bridge Structure Detection Based on Load Test
Authors: Zeng Yan , Zeng Yong
Published: October 2013

By the detection of a three spans continuous beam bridge, the detection loading method and arrangement of measuring points are discussed, the static and dynamic detection results such as the deflection, stress and inherent vibration frequency are comparative analyzed with those of theoretical calculation. Results show that the bridge is safe under actual working condition, which provides the basis for normal operation and maintenance of the bridge.
The Reliability Sensitivity Analysis of Composite Beam Cable-Stayed Bridge during Construction Stage
Authors: Jia Bu Yu , Yu Xiao Lin , Yan Quan Sheng , Chen Zhou
Published: October 2013

A 10DOF composite beam element was developed, which had taken the interface slip effect and geometric nonlinearity into consideration. The method to obtain structural response gradients of composite beam was analyzed, meanwhile the reliability index was achieved by using the FORM method and on this basis, and the sensitivity of random variable parameters could be finished. At last the control of target elevation was took as state performance function, the sensitivity analysis of random variable parameters which might have an effect on the elevation control reliability was effectively completed, and some useful conclusions which were be beneficial to construction control of composite beam cable-stayed bridge obtained.
Analysis of Loading Test Research on a Steel-Concrete Composite Box Girder Bridge
Authors: Wang Zhi Yong , Sun Qiu Yan , Wang Du Bo
Published: October 2013

In order to understand the overall mechanical characteristics of a steel-concrete composite box girder bridge, static and dynamic tests were carried out. According to the results of tests and calculations, its bearing capacity and working performance were evaluated. The results show that the stress and deformation at control cross-section of the bridge meet design requirements under the static load, the vibration frequency and impact coefficient consistent with the theoretical calculation results under the dynamic load.
Research on Wind-Resistant Capability of Two Common Section Forms for Long Span Bridges
Authors: Xie Jia Li , Ma Cun Ming , Lei Chun Xu , Duan Qing Song
Published: October 2013

Long span bridges have two main section forms including streamlined closed steel box girder and twin steel box girder. In order to compare the wind-resistant capacity, the finite element software ANSYS is adopted to establish the calculation structural models of Third Bosphorus Bridge respectively with two kinds of sections in the same width. According to the analysis of the wind-induced internal force and the flutter stability, the respective advantages of the two section forms in terms of wind-resistant capability are discussed. The analysis results could be used as reference in the section design of long span bridges.
An Improved Algorithm for Moving Force Identification
Authors: Chen Zhen , Han Jun Ling , Li Jun Jie
Published: October 2013

The pretreatment conjugate gradient method (PCGM) is proposed to improve the ill-posed problem of moving force identification. Compared with the time domain method (TDM), the identification accuracy of the time-varying bending moment responses is more obviously improved. Meanwhile, the pretreatment matrix is very important to the PCGM because it affects the identification accuracy and robust noise immunity as well as ill-posed problems identification to some extent, choosing proper preconditioned matrix can effectively improve both of identification accuracy and efficiency of the PCGM.
The Bench Method Numerical Simulation of Soft Rock Tunnel
Authors: Fan Hao Bo , Lai Jin Xing , Hou Dan Dan
Published: October 2013

This paper based on Chaoyang tunnel by bench method excavation, using the finite element numerical simulation method, simulates the surrounding rock displacement of soft rock tunnel and the stress characteristics of supporting structure to get the various stages of tunnel surrounding rock stress, strain and the internal force changes of tunnel supporting structure. After the analyses of the numerical simulation results and field monitoring measurement data, the safety and rationality of the method are determined. The research provides certain reference for highway tunnel design and construction.
Study on Test Scheme of Shield Tunnel Prestressed Segment Joint
Authors: Liu Feng Jun , Fang An Lin
Published: October 2013

Mechanical property of the segment joint for fabricated shield tunnel lining is the key factor for segment lining design and research. Based on the test prototype of shield tunnel segment lining with about 6m diameter, the test scheme of prestressed segment joint has been studied. On account for the influencing factors of prestressing force, prestressed reinforcement shape, joint shape and bending moment, the test structure and test conditions were designed. And the test content and methods were brought out, the test procedure and notes were discussed.
Analysis of Influence Factors of Tunnel Surrounding Rock Stability and Researches of its Control Methods
Authors: Bao Xian Kai
Published: October 2013

This paper analyzes various factors about the surrounding rock stability in tunnel, on this basis, proposes control methods and ideas about the surrounding rock stability in tunnel, and discusses in detail the relationship of bolt working load and the surrounding rock stability. Using the approach of non-destructive monitoring bolts can be well monitor the surrounding rock stability of entire process. The result will provide great reference for research studies on stability of surrounding rock and the engineering construction.
Experimental Research on Si-Mn Slag Cementitious Material
Authors: Zhang Xu Fang , Wu Jun Yu
Published: October 2013

A Si-Mn Slag Cementitious Material was prepared by mixing Si-Mn slag, circulating fluidization bed slag as raw material. The results shows that circulating fluidization bed slag and Si-Mn slag has a preferably additive effect in a certain range by combination of lime, anhydrite and anhydrous sodium sulfate as activator, and the strength of samples reach the peak at circulating fluidization bed slag of 8%, Si-Mn slag of 70%, anhydrous sodium sulfate of 2%, anhydrite of 10%, lime of 10%. The strength, setting time and soundness were also tested and the results can meet most of the requirements of OPC standard (42.5) GB/T 175-2007.
Detection and Safety Evaluation on Cavity in Tunnel Lining
Authors: Xu Ze Pei , Li Xi Bing
Published: October 2013

Due to the construction technology and concrete structure of tunnel, cavity can be engendered in the composite lining. To evaluate the influence of the cavity on tunnel lining, cavity must be first detected, and safety evaluation of tunnel structure can be taken with the detection results. With the tunnel engineering example, a typical section chosen has been checked, and the safety of cavity was evaluated. It can provide a reference method for the detection and safety evaluation on cavity in tunnel lining.
Research on Thermal Stress of Subway Tunnel in Construction Period
Authors: Zhao Xin Ming , Zhang Xiao Yao , Wang Jian Kui , Hu Shao Wei , Lu Jun
Published: October 2013

This article calculates the thermal fields and thermal stress fields of the subway tunnel concrete during construction using finite element software ABAQUS. With the calculating laws of distribution of the two fields mentioned above, this paper provides several suggestions for designing and constructing of subway tunnel.
Targeting Uptake Receptors on Human Plasmacytoid Dendritic Cells Triggers Antigen Cross-Presentation and Robust Type I IFN Secretion
Authors: Tel Jurjen , Sittig Simone P. , Blom Rebecca A. M. , Cruz Luis J. , Schreibelt Gerty , Figdor Carl G. , de Vries I. Jolanda M.
Published: October 2013

Plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs) play a crucial role in initiating immune responses by secreting large amounts of type I IFNs. Currently, the role for human pDCs as professional APCs in the cross-presentation of exogenous Ags is being re-evaluated. Human pDCs are equipped with a broad repertoire of Ag uptake receptors and an efficient Ag-processing machinery. In this study, we set out to investigate which receptor can best be deployed to deliver Ag to pDCs for Ag (cross-)presentation. We show that targeting nanoparticles to pDCs via the C-type lectins DEC-205, DC immunoreceptor, blood DC Ag-2, or the FcR CD32 led to uptake, processing, and (cross-) presentation of encapsulated Ag to both CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. This makes these receptors good candidates for potential in vivo targeting of pDCs by nanocarriers. Notably, the coencapsulated TLR7 agonist R848 efficiently activated pDCs, resulting in phenotypical maturation as well as robust IFN-α and TNF-α production. Taken together, their cross-presentation capacity and type I IFN production to further activate components of both the innate and adaptive immune system mark pDCs as inducers of potent antitumor responses. These findings pave the way to actively recruit human pDCs for cellular cancer immunotherapy.
Reduced T Cell–Dependent Humoral Immune Response in Microsomal Prostaglandin E Synthase-1 Null Mice Is Mediated by Nonhematopoietic Cells
Authors: Kojima Fumiaki , Frolov Andrey , Matnani Rahul , Woodward Jerold G. , Crofford Leslie J.
Published: October 2013

Microsomal PGE synthase-1 (mPGES-1) is an inducible enzyme that specifically catalyzes the conversion of PGH2 to PGE2. We showed that mPGES-1 null mice had a significantly reduced incidence and severity of collagen-induced arthritis compared with wild-type (WT) mice associated with a marked reduction in Abs to type II collagen. In this study, we further elucidated the role of mPGES-1 in the humoral immune response. Basal levels of serum IgM and IgG were significantly reduced in mPGES-1 null mice. Compared with WT mice, mPGES-1 null mice exhibited a significant reduction of hapten-specific serum Abs in response to immunization with the T cell–dependent (TD) Ag DNP-keyhole limpet hemocyanin. Immunization with the T cell–independent type 1 Ag trinitrophenyl-LPS or the T cell–independent type 2 Ag DNP-Ficoll revealed minimal differences between strains. Germinal center formation in the spleen of mPGES-1 null and WT mice were similar after immunization with DNP-keyhole limpet hemocyanin. To determine whether the effect of mPGES-1 and PGE2 was localized to hematopoietic or nonhematopoietic cells, we generated bone marrow chimeras. We demonstrated that mPGES-1 deficiency in nonhematopoietic cells was the critical factor for reduced TD Ab production. We conclude that mPGES-1 and PGE2-dependent phenotypic changes of nonhematopoietic/mesenchymal stromal cells play a key role in TD humoral immune responses in vivo. These findings may have relevance to the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune inflammatory diseases associated with autoantibody formation.
Towards a universal definition of competitive intelligence
Authors: Pellissier Rene , Nenzhelele Tshilidzi E.
Published: October 2013

Background: Enterprises face intense competition caused by globalisation. Consequently, enterprises look for tools that provide a competitive advantage. Competitive intelligence (CI) provides a competitive advantage to enterprises of all sizes. There are many definitions of CI but no universally accepted one.Objectives: The purpose of this research is to review the current literature on CI with the aim of identifying and analysing CI definitions to establish the commonalities and differences, to propose a universal and comprehensive definition of CI and to set the borders of CI for common understanding amongst CI stakeholders.Method: The study was qualitative in nature and content analysis was conducted on all identified sources establishing and analysing CI definitions. To identify relevant literature, academic databases and search engines were used. A review of references in related studies led to more relevant sources, the references of which were further reviewed and analysed. Keywords ‘competitive intelligence’, ‘marketing intelligence’ and ‘business intelligence’ were used in search engines to find relevant sources. To ensure reliability, only peer-reviewed articles were used.Results: The majority of scholars define CI as a process and acknowledge that CI is collected from the internal and external or competitive environment. They also outline the goals of CI, which are to help in decision-making and provide a competitive advantage.Conclusion: The proposed definition outlines the process, purpose, source, deliverables, beneficiaries, benefit, ethicality and legality of CI, sets out the borders of CI and ensures a common understanding amongst CI stakeholders.
Recurrent Challenges for Clinicians: Emergence of Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, Vancomycin Resistance, and Current Treatment Options
Authors: Tarai Bansidhar , Das Poonam , Kumar Dilip
Published: October 2013

Gram-positive pathogens mainly, Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus and coagulase-negative Staphylococcus, are developing increasing resistance to glycopeptides that pose a problem in treating infections caused by these pathogens. Vancomycin is the treatment of choice in treating methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA). Community-acquired MRSA is associated with infections in patients without recent history of hospital admission and without the classical risk factors for MRSA carriage (including healthcare personnel). MRSA poses new threats and challenges beyond the hospital with the emergence of community-acquired MRSA. Indiscriminate use of vancomycin leads to the emergence and spread of vancomycin resistance in multidrug resistant strains is of growing concern in the recent years. Minimum Inhibitory concentration (MIC) remains an important determinant in choosing the right antibiotics. Infections caused by MRSA strains with vancomycin MIC > 4 μg/mL leads to the vancomycin treatment failure. The Clinical Laboratory Standards Institute had also lowered the cut-off susceptibility and resistance breakpoints for vancomycin. Despite the availability of newer antimicrobial agents (Linezolid, Daptomycin, Tigecycline) for drug-resistant Gram-positive pathogens, clinicians and patients still need options for treatment of MRSA infection. There is a need to reduce the global burden of infections caused by Gram-positive pathogens and its resistant strains (mainly MRSA). Continuous efforts should be made to prevent the spread and the emergence of glycopeptide resistance by early detection of the resistant strains and using the proper infection control measures in the hospital setting.
Role of GenoType® Mycobacterium Common Mycobacteria/Additional Species Assay for Rapid Differentiation between Mycobacterium tuberculosis Complex and Different Species of Non-tuberculous Mycobacteria
Authors: Singh Amresh Kumar , Maurya Anand Kumar , Umrao Jyoti , Kant Surya , Kushwaha Ram Awadh Singh , Nag Vijaya Laskshmi , Dhole Tapan N
Published: October 2013

Background: Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC) and non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) may or may not have same clinical presentations, but the treatment regimens are always different. Laboratory differentiation between MTBC and NTM by routine methods are time consuming and cumbersome to perform. We have evaluated the role of GenoType® Mycobacterium common mycobacteria/additional species (CM/AS) assay for differentiation between MTBC and different species of NTM in clinical isolates from tuberculosis (TB) cases.

Materials and Methods: A total of 1080 clinical specimens were collected from January 2010 to June 2012. Diagnosis was performed by Ziehl-Neelsen staining followed by culture in BacT/ALERT 3D system (bioMerieux, France). A total of 219 culture positive clinical isolates (BacT/ALERT® MP cultures) were selected for differentiation by p-nitrobenzoic acid (PNB) sensitivity test as and BIO-LINE SD Ag MPT64 TB test considering as the gold standard test. Final identification and differentiation between MTBC and different species of NTM were further confirmed by GenoType® Mycobacterium CM/AS assay (Hain Lifescience, Nehren, Germany).

Results: Out of 219 BacT/ALERT® MP culture positive isolates tested by PNB as 153 MTBC (69.9%) and by GenoType® Mycobacterium CM/AS assay as 159 (72.6%) MTBC and remaining 60 (27.4%) were considered as NTM species. The GenoType® Mycobacterium CM/AS assay was proved 99.3% sensitive and 98.3% specific for rapid differentiation of MTBC and NTM. The most common NTM species were; Mycobacterium fortuitum 20 (33.3%) among rapid growing mycobacteria and Mycobacterium intracellulare 11 (18.3%) among slow growing mycobacteria.

Conclusion: The GenoType® Mycobacterium assay makes rapid and accurate identification of NTM species as compared with different phenotypic and molecular diagnostic tool and helps in management of infections caused by different mycobacteria.
Procalcitonin as a Predictor of Sepsis and Outcome in Severe Trauma Patients: A Prospective Study
Authors: Rajkumari Nonika , Mathur Purva , Sharma Satyapriya , Gupta Babita , Bhoi Sanjeev , Misra Mahesh C
Published: October 2013

Introduction: Despite the advances in medical sciences, the morbidity and mortality due to sepsis in severe trauma patients remains high; hence the need for early and accurate diagnosis. Very few prospective studies are available in a country like India, which tried to analyze the prediction of sepsis using serum procalcitonin (PCT) in such a large scale among trauma patients. This study explores the role of the biomarker PCT in early diagnosis of sepsis and prediction of outcomes in severe trauma cases.

Materials and Methods: We studied the patient population prospectively in two different groups. One with acute trauma but no clinical evidence of sepsis and the second group with clinical evidence of sepsis and are followed. Bronchoalveolar lavage, tracheal aspirates, pus, urine, body fluids from sterile body sites, etc., were collected including blood for culture and serum for PCT assays. Such assays were done on samples collected on days 1 and 4 and then compared. Additionally, C-reactive protein (CRP) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) levels were also tested. Antimicrobial sensitivity tests were carried out for all the isolates from the clinical samples and correlated with the clinically suspected cases of sepsis. Outcomes of the patients were noted.

Results: Patients with high initial PCT levels (>2 ng/ml) in severe trauma cases had poor outcomes and risk of developing complications. Its correlation with severe outcomes was better marked as compared with CRP and ESR levels. The difference in PCT levels between days 1 and 4 in group two patients was statistically significant (P = 0.006) but were not statistically significant for CRP (P = 0.646) and ESR (P = 0.935). The study also shows that PCT levels fall in response to appropriate antimicrobial treatment.

Conclusion: PCT is a useful biomarker for early and accurate prediction of sepsis in severe trauma patients. If used in adjunct to clinical findings, it proves to be a good biomarker for early diagnosis, treatment and for monitoring response to therapy in confirmed cases of sepsis. It will prove to be a good supportive indicator of sepsis in early stages for the trauma patients in a low resource country like India.
Fluoroquinolone Therapy in Staphylococcus aureus Infections: Where Do We Stand?
Authors: Gade Neeta D , Qazi Mohiuddin S
Published: October 2013

Aim: The study aimed to evaluate the utility of various commonly used fluoroquinolones against Staphylococcus aureus isolates.

Materials and Methods: A total of 250 isolates of S. aureus were studied from different clinical specimens like blood, pus, wound swabs, sputum, ear swabs, and body fluids between November 2009 and December 2011. All the isolates were tested for their susceptibility to fluoroquinolones and other antimicrobial agents by Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method using criteria of standard zone of inhibition. Methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) detection was done by cefoxitin disk diffusion method. The MRSA isolates were tested for minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) to vancomycin by E-test strips. All the MRSA strains were sent to National Staphylococcal Phage-typing Centre, Maulana Azad Medical College, New Delhi for phage typing.

Results: A total of 107 strains of S. aureus (42.8%) were detected as MRSA. Multidrug resistance was observed among the MRSA strains more commonly than among the MSSA stains. Among the fluoroquinolones, maximum resistance in MRSA was seen to ciprofloxacin (92.5%), followed by ofloxacin (80.4%). None of the S. aureus isolates showed resistance to vancomycin and linezolid. The MICs of vancomycin for the MRSA tested ranged from 0.5 to 2 μg/ml. Phage typing pattern of 107 MRSA isolates revealed that 37 (34.6%) MRSA isolates were nontypeable and 70 (65.4%) were typeable.

Conclusion: Ciprofloxacin can no longer be used in empirical therapy against MRSA infections. Use of other members of fluoroquinolone should be limited only to those strains that show laboratory confirmation of their susceptibility. Vancomycin remains the drug of choice to treat MRSA infections.
Efficacy and safety of human papillomavirus vaccine for primary prevention of cervical cancer: A review of evidence from phase III trials and national programs
Authors: Basu Partha , Banerjee Dipanwita , Singh Priyanka , Bhattacharya Chandrani , Biswas Jaydip
Published: October 2013

The Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines have been widely introduced in the national immunization programs in most of the medium and high income countries following endorsement from national and international advisory bodies. HPV vaccine is unique and its introduction is challenging in many ways – it is the first vaccine developed to prevent any cancer, the vaccine is gender specific, it targets adolescent females who are difficult to reach by any health intervention programs. It is not unusual for such a vaccine to face scepticism and reservations not only from lay public but also from professionals in spite of the clinical trial results convincingly and consistently proving their efficacy and safety. Over the last few years millions of doses of the HPV vaccine have been administered round the world and the efficacy and safety data have started coming from the real life programs. A comprehensive cervical cancer control program involving HPV vaccination of the adolescent girls and screening of the adult women has been proved to be the most cost‑effective approach to reduce the burden of cervical cancer. The present article discusses the justification of HPV vaccination in the backdrop of natural history of cervical cancer, the mechanism of action of the vaccines, efficacy and safety data from phase III randomized controlled trials as well as from the national immunization programs of various countries.
Chronic myeloid leukemia in children and adolescents: A single center experience from Eastern India
Authors: Raut Lalit , Bohara Vinay V. , Ray Siddhartha S. , Chakrabarti Prantar , Chaudhuri Utpal
Published: October 2013

Context: Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML) constitutes around 3% of leukemia in the children and adolescent age group. Aims: The aim of the study was to evaluate the characteristics at presentation and the treatment outcome of CML in the children and adolescent age group. Settings and Design: Retrospective analysis was carried out at a single center in India. Materials and Methods: Thirteen patients (≤17 years) attending CML outdoor from April 2008 to August 2012 were included in the analysis. Statistical Analysis Used: The mean and median of various parameters were calculated using a Microsoft excel sheet. SPSS 16.0 version software was used to calculate OS and PFS. Results: CML-CP was the most common phase at presentation. Maximum patients belonged to the 14 - 17 year old age group. Disease was common in the male sex. Splenic discomfort and asthenia were the most common symptoms and splenomegaly was the most common sign. Conclusions: The treatment with Imatinib was effective and well-tolerated.
Comprehensive update on cancer scenario of Bangladesh
Authors: Hussain Syed Md Akram
Published: October 2013

Bangladesh, at 142 million people, is the ninth most populous country in the world. There are 13 to 15 lakh cancer patients in Bangladesh, with about two lakh patients newly diagnosed with cancer each year. As an overview, lung cancer and mouth-oropharynx cancer rank as the top two prevalent cancers in males. Other types of cancers are esophagus cancer and stomach cancer. In women, cancer cervix uteri and breast cancer are most prevalent. Other cancer types, which affect women, are mouth and oropharynx cancer, lung cancer, and esophagus cancer. There are around 150 qualified clinical oncologists and 16 pediatric oncologists working in the different parts of the country. Regular cancer treatment is available in 19 hospitals and 465 hospital beds are attached as indoor or day care facilities for chemotherapy in the oncology/radiotherapy departments. There are about 15 linear accelerators, 12 Co-60 teletherapy and 12 brachytherapy units currently available. Approximately, 56 cancer chemotherapeutic agents are obtainable in Bangladesh. Research facilities are available at tertiary care centers and a few multi country collaborative research activities are ongoing. Bangladesh has a unique National Cancer Control Strategy and Plan of Action 2009-2015 formulated with the assistance of WHO with an objective to develop and implement continuum of cancer care through a comprehensive cancer control programe. Preventive measures taken to reduce the incidence of cancer include reduced tobacco smoking, change of dietary habit and reduced food adulteration, ensuring reproductive hygiene, increased physical activity, and reduced occupational hazard. Awareness buildup and media campaign are going on by organizing the general people, opinion leaders of the society, and boy and girl scout. Training of general physicians on cancer warning signs and setup of early cancer detection centers at each medical college and district levels are ongoing. Beside these, some other major cancer programs have taken place for early detection of breast, cervical and oral cancer by Bangladesh Government and NGOs such as ICDDR'B, BRAC, Ahsania Mission Cancer Hospital, BSMMU, Bangladesh Cancer Society, Ashic Foundation, Amader Gram, AK Khan Healthcare Trust, CANSUP, Oncology club etc. Piloting of cervical cancer vaccination has recently been completed. Improving the cancer scenario overnight is not an easy task but policy makers may become interested and push this agenda forward, if the huge health impact and economic loss caused by cancer become evident to them. Besides, Bangladesh has accepted reduction of cancer morbidity and mortality targets set by United Nations and World Health Organization as a part of global non-communicable disease prevention agreement.
Angelina’s choice
Authors: Goel Nishu Singh
Published: October 2013

This is an opinion piece on how a celebrity’s personal choice to undergo prophylactic mastectomy on discovery of an aberrant gene, when publicly promoted, carries in itself the power to influence and impact healthcare trends and decisions. When celebrities advocate causes that are universally and uniformly acceptable and indisputable as the best in the realm of healthcare and cure (e.g. no smoking), it creates well-being and awareness in society at large. But those which are personal choices made out of a repertoire of other available and effective options may, because of celebrity preference, don the mantle of a norm. They thus run the danger of being blindly replicated by others without proper awareness and knowledge of the true potential of disease, risk factors, and other existing remedial or risk-reducing measures. Society should thus be encouraged to question, debate, and understand the validity, authenticity, and reason of the choices, especially those with a medical basis. This tempering of information with intelligence and rationale and making informed choices based on facts will serve humanity as a whole.
Development of Test Bench and Characterization of Performance in Small Internal Combustion Engines
Authors: Ausserer Joseph K. , Litke Paul J. , Groenewegen Jon-Russell , Rowton Alexander , Polanka Marc , Grinstead Keith
Published: October 2013

Small internal combustion engines (ICEs), (<7.5 kW), possess low thermal efficiencies due to high thermal losses. As the surface area to volume ratio increases beyond 1.5 cm2/cc, the increase in thermal losses leads to a drop off of engine efficiency and power. This effort describes the development and validation of a test stand to characterize thermal losses of small ICEs, optimize combustion phasing, and eventually enable heavy fuel operation. The test stand measures torque, rotational speed, brake power, intake air mass flow, up to 48 temperatures (including ambient, intake, cylinder head, fuel, and exhaust), 8 pressures (including ambient, intake, and exhaust), throttle position, and fuel and air mass flows. Intake air temperature and cylinder head temperature are controlled and adjustable. Three geometrically similar engines with surface area to volume ratios near 1.5 cm2/cc were selected from 3W Modellmotoren. During bench validation the 3W 55i engine's power, torque, brake specific fuel consumption, efficiency, and equivalence ratio were mapped in the stock configuration. The engine developed a peak power output of 2.1 kW at 7000 rpm, 54% of its manufacturer rated power. Additional tuning of the exhaust or carburetor may achieve manufacturer rated performance.
Corrosion Resistance Improvement Technology of Anodic Oxide Films on Aluminum Alloy that uses a Lithium Hydroxide Solution
Authors: Fujita M. , Tanaka H. , Muramatsu H. , Asoh H. , Ono S.
Published: October 2013

The anodic oxide films are formed to improve the corrosion resistance on aluminum alloy that used as the parts of engines and car bodies. Because these films are porous structure, it is necessary to seal the pores to further improve the corrosion resistance. The pores are sealed with hydrated alumina by treating the films in boiling water or solution that added sealing additives. These hydration sealing has a problem that energy consumption is large because of long sealing time and high temperature of solution. In this study, the authors have developed a new sealing treatment (Lithium sealing) using a lithium hydroxide solution to solve above problem. Lithium sealing mainly sealed the pores with lithium aluminate double salt (LiH(AlO2)2·5H2O). This salt was rapidly formed in strong alkaline solution at room temperature, so that the sealing time was reduced to about 1/10 compared with the conventional sealing. This salt was formed from the surface of the film to the depth part, especially, much more salt was formed in the upper part of the film. It contributed to the corrosion resistance improvement. We have developed to apply Lithium sealing to the outboard machine parts used in a severe erosive environment.
Small Kerosene Droplet Evaporation Near Butane Diffusion Flame
Authors: Enomoto Hiroshi , Kunioka Shogo , Mangalla Lukas Kano , Hieda Noboru
Published: October 2013

An experimental study has been conducted at small kerosene droplet behavior near well-defined butane diffusion flame for the critical need on high efficient and cleaner energy technology. High temperature of background gas was generated using butane flame. Microflame from butane can reach the maximum temperature around 1200K at tip of outer glass. Single droplet of kerosene was injected by a small injector tube (30 μm-diameter) in to hot environment. Droplet of kerosene was released by attachment of piezo actuator on wall injector. Once the droplet is exposed to the hot atmosphere of micro flame, the temporal regression of the droplet surface was recorded. Droplet diameter was observed by CCD camera with strobe light flash at 180ns. The images captured in this experiment were analyzed by post-processing software to determine the vaporization of droplet. Temperature of background gas was measured by K-type thermocouple and speed of droplet released from injector was also measured to investigate the effect of relative velocity between droplet and background gas. The result shows that the linear changing point of droplet diameter is started at different droplet temperature and different initial velocity. For further movement to high temperatures environment the vaporization rate of droplet is almost linear with time.
Insights on organic aerosol aging and the influence of coal combustion at a regional receptor site of central eastern China
Authors: Hu W. W. , Hu M. , Yuan B. , Jimenez J. L. , Tang Q. , Peng J. F. , Hu W. , Shao M. , Wang M. , Zeng L. M. , Wu Y. S. , Gong Z. H. , Huang X. F. , He L. Y.
Published: October 2013

Abstract. In order to understand the aging and processing of organic aerosols (OA), an intensive field campaign (Campaign of Air Pollution at Typical Coastal Areas IN Eastern China, CAPTAIN) was conducted March–April at a receptor site (a Changdao island) in central eastern China. Multiple fast aerosol and gas measurement instruments were used during the campaign, including a high resolution time-of-flight aerosol mass spectrometer (HR-ToF-AMS) that was applied to measure mass concentrations and non-refractory chemical components of submicron particles (PM1nr). The average mass concentration of PM1(PM1nr+black carbon) was 47 ± 36 μg m−3 during the campaign and showed distinct variation, depending on back trajectories and their overlap with source regions. Organic aerosol (OA) is the largest component of PM1 (30%), followed by nitrate (28%), sulfate (19%), ammonium (15%), black carbon (6%), and chloride (3%). Four OA components were resolved by positive matrix factorization (PMF) of the high-resolution spectra, including low-volatility oxygenated organic aerosol (LV-OOA), semi-volatile oxygenated OA (SV-OOA), hydrocarbon-like OA (HOA) and a coal combustion OA (CCOA). The mass spectrum of CCOA had high abundance of fragments from polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) (m/z 128, 152, 178, etc.). The average atomic ratio of oxygen to carbon in OA (O / C) at Changdao was 0.59, which is comparable to other field studies reported at locations downwind of large pollution sources, indicating the oxidized nature of most OA during the campaign. The evolution of OA elemental composition in the van Krevelen diagram (H / C vs. O / C) showed a slope of −0.63; however, the OA influenced by coal combustion exhibits a completely different evolution that appears dominated by physical mixing. The aging of organic aerosols vs. photochemical age was investigated. It was shown that OA / ΔCO, as well as LV-OOA / ΔCO and SV-OOA / ΔCO, positively correlated with photochemical age. LV-OOA accounted for 73% of the OA secondary formation (SOA) in the oldest plumes (photochemical age of 25 h). The kOH at Changdao, by assuming SOA formation and aging as a first-order process proportional to OH, was calculated to be 5.2 × 10−12 cm3 molec.−1 s−1, which is similar to those determined in recent studies of polluted air in other continents.
Stratospheric O3 changes during 2001–2010: the small role of solar flux variations in a chemical transport model
Authors: Dhomse S. S. , Chipperfield M. P. , Feng W. , Ball W. T. , Unruh Y. C. , Haigh J. D. , Krivova N. A. , Solanki S. K. , Smith A. K.
Published: October 2013

Abstract. Solar spectral fluxes (or irradiance) measured by the SOlar Radiation and Climate Experiment (SORCE) show different variability at ultraviolet (UV) wavelengths compared to other irradiance measurements and models (e.g. NRL-SSI, SATIRE-S). Some modelling studies have suggested that stratospheric/lower mesospheric O3 changes during solar cycle 23 (1996–2008) can only be reproduced if SORCE solar fluxes are used. We have used a 3-D chemical transport model (CTM), forced by meteorology from the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF), to simulate middle atmospheric O3 using three different solar flux data sets (SORCE, NRL-SSI and SATIRE-S). Simulated O3 changes are compared with Microwave Limb Sounder (MLS) and Sounding of the Atmosphere using Broadband Emission Radiometry (SABER) satellite data. Modelled O3 anomalies from all solar flux data sets show good agreement with the observations, despite the different flux variations. The off-line CTM reproduces these changes through dynamical information contained in the analyses. A notable feature during this period is a robust positive solar signal in the tropical middle stratosphere, which is due to realistic dynamical changes in our simulations. Ozone changes in the lower mesosphere cannot be used to discriminate between solar flux data sets due to large uncertainties and the short time span of the observations. Overall this study suggests that, in a CTM, the UV variations detected by SORCE are not necessary to reproduce observed stratospheric O3 changes during 2001–2010.