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Selected AbstractsFrom mixed finite elements to finite volumes for elliptic PDEs in two and three dimensionsINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR NUMERICAL METHODS IN ENGINEERING, Issue 3 2004Anis Younes Abstract The link between Mixed Finite Element (MFE) and Finite Volume (FV) methods applied to elliptic partial differential equations has been investigated by many authors. Recently, a FV formulation of the mixed approach has been developed. This approach was restricted to 2D problems with a scalar for the parameter used to calculate fluxes from the state variable gradient. This new approach is extended to 2D problems with a full parameter tensor and to 3D problems. The objective of this new formulation is to reduce the total number of unknowns while keeping the same accuracy. This is achieved by defining one new variable per element. For the 2D case with full parameter tensor, this new formulation exists for any kind of triangulation. It allows the reduction of the number of unknowns to the number of elements instead of the number of edges. No additional assumptions are required concerning the averaging of the parameter in hetero- geneous domains. For 3D problems, we demonstrate that the new formulation cannot exist for a general 3D tetrahedral discretization, unlike in the 2D problem. However, it does exist when the tetrahedrons are regular, or deduced from rectangular parallelepipeds, and allows reduction of the number of unknowns. Numerical experiments and comparisons between both formulations in 2D show the efficiency of the new formulation. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Effect of Exogenous and Endogenous Antioxidants on 3-Nitropionic Acid-Inducedin vivo Oxidative Stress and Striatal LesionsJOURNAL OF NEUROCHEMISTRY, Issue 4 2000Insights into Huntington's Disease Abstract: 3-Nitropropionic acid (3-NP) is an irreversible inhibitor of complex II in the mitochondria. 3-NP toxicity has gained acceptance as an animal model of Huntington's disease (HD). In the present study, we confirmed that rats injected with 3-NP (20 mg/kg, i.p., daily for 4 days) exhibit increased oxidative stress in both striatum and cortical synaptosomes as well as lesions in the striatum. Synaptosomal membrane proteins from rats injected with 3-NP exhibited a decrease in W/S ratio, the relevant electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) parameter used to determine levels of protein oxidation, and western blot analysis for protein carbonyls revealed direct evidence of increased synaptosomal protein oxidation. Treatment of rats with the brain-accessible free radical spin trap 5-diethoxyphosphoryl-5-methyl-1-pyrroline N -oxide (DEPMPO; 30 mg/kg, i.p., daily 2 h before 3-NP injection) or with N -acetylcysteine (NAC; 100 mg/kg, i.p., daily 2 h before 3-NP injection), a known glutathione precursor, before 3-NP treatments protects against oxidative damage induced by 3-NP as measured by EPR and western blot analysis for protein carbonyls. Furthermore, both DEMPMPO and NAC treatments before 3-NP administration significantly reduce striatal lesion volumes. These data suggest oxidative damage is a prerequisite for striatal lesion formation and that antioxidant treatment may be a useful therapeutic strategy against 3-NP neurotoxicity and perhaps against HD as well. [source] Direct olive oil analysis by low-temperature plasma (LTP) ambient ionization mass spectrometryRAPID COMMUNICATIONS IN MASS SPECTROMETRY, Issue 19 2009Juan F. García-Reyes A fast, reagentless, and direct method is presented for the mass spectrometric analysis of olive oil without any sample pretreatment whatsoever. An ambient ionization technique, the low-temperature plasma (LTP) probe, based on dielectric barrier discharge, is used to detect both minor and trace components (free fatty acids, phenolics and volatiles) in raw untreated olive oil. The method allows the measurement of free fatty acids (the main quality control parameter used to grade olive oil according to quality classes), selected bioactive phenolic compounds, and volatiles. The advantages and limitations of the direct analysis of extremely complex mixtures by the ambient ionization/tandem mass spectrometry combination are discussed and illustrated. The data presage the possible large-scale application of direct mass spectrometric analysis methods in the characterization of olive oil and other foodstuffs. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Characterization of the Vestibulo-Ocular Reflex Evoked by High-Velocity MovementsTHE LARYNGOSCOPE, Issue 7 2004François D. Roy HBSc Abstract Objectives/Hypothesis: The horizontal angular vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR) plays an important role in stabilizing images on the retina throughout head rotations. Current evidence suggests that the VOR behaves linearly at low velocities and nonlinearly at high velocities. The aim of the research was to evaluate and characterize the normal behavior of the reflex evoked by high-velocity head rotations. Study Design: Case control study. Methods: Manually applied head-thrust movements with peak velocities in the range of 100° to 500°/s and peak accelerations up to 7,000°/s 2 were performed on normal volunteers. These head thrusts were comparable with those described in detail by Halmagi and coworkers. Eye and head movements were recorded using the magnetic search coil method. Results: The gain of the VOR is linear at low velocities and saturates at head velocities greater than 350°/s. The values for the normal gain of the reflex were approximated by means of the area between two nonlinear functions. The directional difference parameter, exploring the symmetry of the reflex, indicated that the VOR in normal subjects is symmetric. Conclusion: The gain of the VOR in individuals with intact vestibular function is nonlinear at high angular head velocities. We propose a quantitative means using two nonlinear functions to characterize the normal range of values for the gain of the VOR in individuals with normal vestibular function. A directional difference parameter used in conjunction with the normal range of gains can detect small differences in the symmetry of the VOR and, consequently, reveal unilateral vestibular loss. [source] NMR chemical shift measurements revisited: High precision measurementsCONCEPTS IN MAGNETIC RESONANCE, Issue 4 2007P. Granger Abstract Accurate chemical shifts are now accessible with high field NMR spectrometers. After the recall of the basic formulae, methods are proposed to measure chemical shifts with a high precision. Using two coaxial rotors at the magic angle, the necessary parameters used for correction are measured. The influence of different factors on the precision of the NMR measurements is discussed. Some proposals are given for MAS experiments used with solid-state samples. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Concepts Magn Reson Part A 30A: 184,193, 2007. [source] The Impacts of Supermarket Procurement on Farming Communities in India: Evidence from Rural KarnatakaDEVELOPMENT POLICY REVIEW, Issue 4 2010Bill Pritchard The rapid expansion of supermarket retailing, with its impact on farmer communities, represents a contentious part of India's recent economic development. This article reports on three districts of Karnataka, where a survey of 78 farmers supplying fruits and vegetables to Reliance Fresh, a leading supermarket chain, reveals low levels of vertical co-ordination, a lack of written contracts, and highly competitive environments, with the quality parameters used by supermarkets specifying only a limited set of conditions. These findings suggest that supermarket-led restructuring in India has not yet reached a stable institutional situation. [source] Consistent dynamics suggests tight regulation of biophysical parameters in a small network of bursting neuronsDEVELOPMENTAL NEUROBIOLOGY, Issue 14 2006Attila Szücs Abstract The neuronal firing patterns in the pyloric network of crustaceans are remarkably consistent among animals. Although this characteristic of the pyloric network is well-known, the biophysical mechanisms underlying the regulation of the systems output are receiving renewed attention. Computer simulations of the pyloric network recently demonstrated that consistent motor output can be achieved from neurons with disparate biophysical parameters among animals. Here we address this hypothesis by pharmacologically manipulating the pyloric network and analyzing the emerging voltage oscillations and firing patterns. Our results show that the pyloric network of the lobster stomatogastric ganglion maintains consistent and regular firing patterns even when entire populations of specific voltage-gated channels and synaptic receptors are blocked. The variations of temporal parameters used to characterize the burst patterns of the neurons as well as their intraburst spike dynamics do not display statistically significant increase after blocking the transient K-currents (with 4-aminopyridine), the glutamatergic inhibitory synapses (with picrotoxin), or the cholinergic synapses (with atropine) in pyloric networks from different animals. These data suggest that in this very compact circuit, the biophysical parameters are cell-specific and tightly regulated. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Neurobiol, 2006 [source] ,-cell preservation: a potential role for thiazolidinediones to improve clinical care in Type 2 diabetesDIABETIC MEDICINE, Issue 8 2005L. A. Leiter Abstract Type 2 diabetes is caused by progressively increasing insulin resistance coupled with deteriorating ,-cell function, and there is a growing body of evidence to suggest that both of these defects precede hyperglycaemia by many years. Several studies have demonstrated the importance of maintaining ,-cell function in patients with Type 2 diabetes. This review explores parameters used to indicate ,-cell dysfunction, in Type 2 diabetes and in individuals with a predisposition to the disease. A genetic element undoubtedly underlies ,-cell dysfunction; however, a number of modifiable components are also associated with ,-cell deterioration, such as chronic hyperglycaemia and elevated free fatty acids. There is also evidence for a link between pro-inflammatory cytokines and impairment of insulin-signalling pathways in the ,-cell, and the potential role of islet amyloid deposition in ,-cell deterioration continues to be a subject for debate. The thiazolidinediones are a class of agents that have demonstrated clinical improvements in indices of ,-cell dysfunction and have the potential to improve ,-cell function. Data are accumulating to show that this therapeutic group offers a number of advantages over traditionally employed oral agents, and these data demonstrate the growing importance of thiazolidinediones in Type 2 diabetes management. [source] Inelastic spectra for infilled reinforced concrete framesEARTHQUAKE ENGINEERING AND STRUCTURAL DYNAMICS, Issue 15 2004Matja Abstract In two companion papers a simplified non-linear analysis procedure for infilled reinforced concrete frames is introduced. In this paper a simple relation between strength reduction factor, ductility and period (R,µ,T relation) is presented. It is intended to be used for the determination of inelastic displacement ratios and of inelastic spectra in conjunction with idealized elastic spectra. The R,µ,T relation was developed from results of an extensive parametric study employing a SDOF mathematical model composed of structural elements representing the frame and infill. The structural parameters, used in the proposed R,µ,T relation, in addition to the parameters used in a usual (e.g. elasto-plastic) system, are ductility at the beginning of strength degradation, and the reduction of strength after the failure of the infills. Formulae depend also on the corner periods of the elastic spectrum. The proposed equations were validated by comparing results in terms of the reduction factors, inelastic displacement ratios, and inelastic spectra in the acceleration,displacement format, with those obtained by non-linear dynamic analyses for three sets of recorded and semi-artificial ground motions. A new approach was used for generating semi-artificial ground motions compatible with the target spectrum. This approach preserves the basic characteristics of individual ground motions, whereas the mean spectrum of the whole ground motion set fits the target spectrum excellently. In the parametric study, the R,µ,T relation was determined by assuming a constant reduction factor, while the corresponding ductility was calculated for different ground motions. The mean values proved to be noticeably different from the mean values determined based on a constant ductility approach, while the median values determined by the different procedures were between the two means. The approach employed in the study yields a R,µ,T relation which is conservative both for design and performance assessment (compared with a relation based on median values). Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] A population-based model of the nonlinear dynamics of the thalamocortical feedback network displays intrinsic oscillations in the spindling (7,14 Hz) rangeEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF NEUROSCIENCE, Issue 12 2005Nada A. B. Yousif Abstract The thalamocortical network is modelled using the Wilson,Cowan equations for neuronal population activity. We show that this population model with biologically derived parameters possesses intrinsic nonlinear oscillatory dynamics, and that the frequency of oscillation lies within the spindle range. Spindle oscillations are an early sleep oscillation characterized by high-frequency bursts of action potentials followed by a period of quiescence, at a frequency of 7,14 Hz. Spindles are generally regarded as being generated by intrathalamic circuitry, as decorticated thalamic slices and the isolated thalamic reticular nucleus exhibit spindles. However, the role of cortical feedback has been shown to regulate and synchronize the oscillation. Previous modelling studies have mainly used conductance-based models and hence the mechanism relied upon the inclusion of ionic currents, particularly the T-type calcium current. Here we demonstrate that spindle-frequency oscillatory activity can also arise from the nonlinear dynamics of the thalamocortical circuit, and we use bifurcation analysis to examine the robustness of this oscillation in terms of the functional range of the parameters used in the model. The results suggest that the thalamocortical circuit has intrinsic nonlinear population dynamics which are capable of providing robust support for oscillatory activity within the frequency range of spindle oscillations. [source] Examples of fire engineering design for steel members, using a standard curve versus a new parametric curveFIRE AND MATERIALS, Issue 2-4 2004C. R. Barnett Abstract This paper presents examples of the differences that can occur when a standard time-temperature curve and a parametric time-temperature curve are used to determine temperatures likely to be reached by uninsulated and insulated steel members during a fire. For low and moderate structural fire severity situations, determination of the adequacy of a steel member by comparing the temperature reached in a ,design fire' with the limiting temperature based on the member heat sink characteristics, extent of insulation and utilization factor is becoming increasingly common fire engineering design practice. For this it is important to have an accurate and widely applicable parametric fire model as is practicable. The standard time-temperature curve used in the examples is the ISO 834 curve. The two parametric time-temperature curves used in the paper are the Eurocode parametric curve and a recently developed one termed the ,BFD curve'. The latter has been found to fit the results of a wide range of actual fire tests more closely than do existing parametric curves and is mathematically simpler in form. The shape of the BFD curve and the parameters used to define it bear a strong relationship to both the pyrolysis coefficient (R/Avhv0.5) and the opening factor, F02. The curve also models the development of fire without the need for time shifts. It uses a single and relatively simple equation to generate the temperature of both the growth and decay phases of a fire in a building and only three factors are required to derive the curve. These factors are (i) the maximum gas temperature, (ii) the time at which this maximum temperature occurs, and (iii) a shape constant for the curve. If desired, the shape constant can be different on the growth and the decay sides to model a very wide range of natural fire conditions and test results. This paper presents an overview of the background to the BFD curve. It then illustrates its use in a simple fire engineering design application, where the adequacy of a steel beam is checked using the Eurocode parametric curve and the BFD curve to represent the fire. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] An improved region,time,length algorithm applied to the 1999 Chi-Chi, Taiwan earthquakeGEOPHYSICAL JOURNAL INTERNATIONAL, Issue 3 2006Chien-Chih Chen SUMMARY By means of the region,time,length (RTL) algorithm, which is widely used for investigating the precursory seismicity changes in China, Italy, Japan, Russia and Turkey, we examine the precursory seismic activity occurred prior to the 1999, Mw= 7.6, Chi-Chi earthquake around its epicentre. Based on our calculation of the RTL values, the epicentral area has been found to strongly exhibit the signature of anomalous activity, associated with the seismic quiescence and activation, before the main shock. Also proposed in this study is a helpful method for determining two important parameters used in the RTL analysis, the characteristic time and distance. Such method will largely reduce the ambiguity in the original RTL algorithm. [source] Does an alteration of dialyzer design and geometry affect biocompatibility parameters?HEMODIALYSIS INTERNATIONAL, Issue 2 2006Karel OPATRNÝ Jr. Abstract The aim of the study was to assess the biocompatibility profile of a newly developed high-flux polysulfone dialyzer type (FX-class dialyzer). The new class of dialyzers incorporates a number of novel design features (including a new membrane) that have been developed specifically in order to enhance the removal of small- and middle-size molecules. The new FX dialyzer series was compared with the classical routinely used high-flux polysulfone F series of dialyzers. In an open prospective, randomized, crossover clinical study, concentrations of the C5a complement component, and leukocyte count in blood and various thrombogenicity parameters were evaluated before, and at 15 and 60 min of hemodialysis at both dialyzer inlet and outlet in 9 long-term hemodialysis patients using the FX60S dialyzers and, after crossover, the classical F60S, while in another 9 patients, the evaluation was made with the dialyzers used in reverse order. The comparison of dialyzers based on evaluation of the group including all procedures with the FX60S and the group including procedures with the F60S did not reveal significant differences in platelet count, activated partial thromboplastin times, plasma heparin levels, platelet factor-4, D-dimer, C5a, and leukocyte count at any point of the collecting period. Both dialyzer types showed a significant increase in the plasma levels of the thrombin-antithrombin III complexes; however, the measured levels were only slightly elevated compared with the upper end of the normal range. Biocompatibility parameters reflecting the behavior of platelets, fibrinolysis, complement activation, and leukopenia do not differ during dialysis with either the FX60S or the F60S despite their large differences in design and geometry features. Although coagulation activation, as evaluated by one of the parameters used, was slightly higher with the FX60S, it was still within the range seen with other highly biocompatible dialyzers and therefore is not indicative of any appreciable activation of the coagulation system. Thus, the incorporation of various performance-enhancing design features into the new FX class of dialyzers does not result in a deterioration of their biocompatibility profile, which is comparable to that of the classical F series of dialyzers. [source] A distributed adaptive guard channel reservation scheme for cellular networksINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS, Issue 9 2007H.K. Pati Abstract In this paper, a distributed adaptive guard channel reservation (DAGCR) scheme is proposed to give priority to handoff calls. This scheme is built upon the concept of guard channels and it uses an adaptive algorithm to search automatically the optimal number of guard channels to be reserved at each base station. The quality-of-service (QoS) parameters used are the new and handoff call blockings. Simulation studies are performed to compare the present algorithm with the static guard channel policy. Simulation results show that this proposed algorithm guarantees the handoff call blocking probability to remain below the targeted threshold up to a substantially high offered load with a minimal blocking to new calls up to a moderate offered load and also shows significantly high channel utilization in all offered load conditions. This scheme is examined over a wide range of offered load. Thus, it seems the proposed scheme is very useful in controlling the blocking performances in wireless cellular networks. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Architectural properties of the first dorsal interosseous muscleJOURNAL OF ANATOMY, Issue 4 2010Benjamin W. Infantolino Abstract Muscle architecture is considered to reflect the function of muscle in vivo, and is important for example to clinicians in designing tendon-transfer and tendon-lengthening surgeries. The purpose of this study was to quantify the architectural properties of the FDI muscle. It is hypothesized that there will be consistency, that is low variability, in the architectural parameters used to describe the first dorsal interosseous muscle because of its clear functional role in index finger motion. The important architectural parameters identified were those required to characterize a muscle adequately by modeling. Specifically the mass, cross-sectional area, and length of the tendon and muscle were measured in cadavers along with the muscle fiber optimum length and pennation angle, and the moment arm of the first dorsal interosseous at the metacarpophalangeal joint. These parameters provide a characterization of the architecture of the first dorsal interosseous, and were used to indicate the inherent variability between samples. The results demonstrated a large amount of variability for all architectural parameters measured; leading to a rejection of the hypothesis. Ratios designed to describe the functioning of the muscles in vivo, for example the ratio of tendon to fiber optimum lengths, also demonstrated a large variability. The results suggest that function cannot be deduced from form for the first dorsal interosseous, and that subject-specific architectural parameters may be necessary for the formulation of accurate musculoskeletal models or making clinical decisions. [source] The efficacy of an improved form of the mass-trapping method, forthe control of the olive fruit fly, Bactrocera oleae (Gmelin) (Dipt., Tephritidae): pilot-scale feasibility studiesJOURNAL OF APPLIED ENTOMOLOGY, Issue 5 2002T. Broumas Improvements consisted of the extension of the active life of the toxic trap used, active life referring both to its attracting and killing properties, as well as in trap deployment, which combined efficacy and low cost. The method was compared to bait sprays applied from the ground, which constitutes the current standard method for the control of this pest. Both pest population density and fruit infestation levels, the main parameters used for the evaluation of the two methods were considerably lower during all 4 years of tests in the orchards protected by mass trapping compared with those in the orchards protected by bait sprays. Furthermore no complementary measures were required in the mass-trapping orchards for acceptable crop protection, which was not the case under certain conditions, prior to the introduction of the recent improvements. The cost of the mass-trapping method was approximately US$ 0.40 per tree per year compared with US$ 0.35 for bait sprays (figures of the Greek Ministry of Agriculture). However, the mass-trapping method reduces the amount of insecticide used for olive protection by 99.5% (15 mg a.i. per tree per year as opposed to 3 g in the case of bait sprays). A considerable reduction in the cost of the mass-trapping method is expected with the extension of its use and the mass production of materials used, especially traps. [source] Intermittent and persistent shedding of Escherichia coli O157 in cohorts of naturally infected calvesJOURNAL OF APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY, Issue 5 2004S.E. Robinson Abstract Aims:, We conducted two short-term studies of cohorts of naturally infected calves to determine the prevalence and concentrations of Escherichia coli O157 shed in faeces. Methods and Results:, Two cohorts of calves were sampled; in the first study 14 calves were sampled up to five times a day for 5 days; in the second study a group of 16 separate calves were sampled once or twice a day for 15 days. All cattle within the two cohorts shed E. coli O157 at some point during the respective studies. In 18% of samples, E. coli O157 could only be isolated using immunomagnetic separation after an enrichment period, suggesting concentrations <250 CFU g,1. The highest concentrations recorded were 6·7 × 105 and 1·6 × 106 CFU g,1 for studies 1 and 2 respectively. Conclusions:, Persistent, high shedders (shedding >103 CFU g,1) were evident in both studies but, in the majority of calves, the pathogen was isolated intermittently. Significance and Impact of the Study:, The variable patterns of shedding have important implications for the design of appropriate sampling protocols and for gaining meaningful estimates of parameters used in mathematical models of transmission. [source] Lack of teratogenicity of microcystin-LR in the mouse and toadJOURNAL OF APPLIED TOXICOLOGY, Issue 1 2002N. Chernoff Abstract Microcystin-LR (MC-LR) is a cyanobacterial toxin generated by the organism Microcystis aeruginosa. Although the hepatotoxicity of this chemical has been characterized, the potential developmental toxicity in vertebrates has not been well studied. The purpose of this study was to elucidate the effects of this toxin on the in vivo and in vitro development of mammals and the development of an Anuran (toad). Initial acute toxicity experiments with female CD-1 mice were accomplished with MC-LR administered i.p. in saline. Lethality occurred at 128 and 160 µg kg ,1 and histopathology revealed massive hepatic necrosis with diffuse hemorrhage. Developmental toxicity studies were done with MC-LR administered i.p. for 2-day periods: gestation days 7,8, 9,10 or 11,12. Doses used ranged from 2 to 128 µg kg,1. On gestation day 17, fetuses were weighed and analyzed for gross morphological and skeletal defects. No treatment-related differences were seen in litter size, viability, weight or the incidence of anomalies. Groups of dams dosed with 32,128 µg kg,1 on gestation days 7,8, 9,10 or 11,12 were allowed to give birth and the growth and development of their pups were followed postnatally. There were no significant effects noted in the offspring of the treated dams. Neurulation-staged CD-1 mouse conceptuses were exposed to 50,1000 nM MC-LR in whole embryo culture for 24 h. No significant increase in abnormalities or developmental delays was observed. Finally, exposure of the developing toad. Bufo arenarum was done from stage 17 (tail bud) for 10 days at concentrations of 1,20 mg l,1. No effect on morphological development or survival was noted in any exposed groups. These data indicate that microcystin does not appear to affect development adversely in the mouse (in vivo or in vitro) or the toad at the doses and exposure parameters used. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] A biomechanical and histological analysis of standard versus hydroxyapatite-coated pins for external fixationJOURNAL OF BIOMEDICAL MATERIALS RESEARCH, Issue 2 2008Antonio Moroni Abstract This sheep study was designed to make a comparative evaluation of two external fixation pin types each with and without hydroxyapatite (HA) coating. The two pins had different taper, pitch, and self drilling capabilities. Twenty Orthofix standard, self-tapping pins (group A), 20 Orthofix HA-coated, self-tapping pins (group B), 20 X-caliber, self-drilling, self-tapping pins (group C), and 20 X-caliber HA-coated, self-drilling, self-tapping pins (group D) were selected. Four pins were implanted in the right femurs of 20 adult sheep that were euthanized at 6 weeks. Mean pin insertion torque was 2745 ± 822 Nmm in group A, 2726 ± 784 Nmm in group B, 2818 ± 552 Nmm in group C, and 2657 ± 732 Nmm in group D (ns). Mean pin extraction torque was 1567 ± 541 Nmm in group A, 2524 ± 838 Nmm in group B, 1650 ± 650 Nmm in group C, and 2517 ± 726 Nmm in group D. HA-coated pins (group B and D) had a significantly greater mean pin extraction torque compared to similar uncoated pins (group A and C) (p < 0.0005). Histological analysis showed good osteointegration of the two coated pin types. This study shows that HA-coating is more important for optimal pin fixation than the particular combination of design parameters used in each pin type. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2008 [source] Bioprocess scale-up: quest for the parameters to be used as criterion to move from microreactors to lab-scaleJOURNAL OF CHEMICAL TECHNOLOGY & BIOTECHNOLOGY, Issue 9 2010Marco P. C. Marques Abstract Advances in high-throughput process development and optimization involve the rational use of miniaturized stirred bioreactors, instrumented shaken flasks and microtiter plates. As expected, each one provides different levels of control and monitoring, requiring a compromise between data quantity and quality. Despite recent advances, traditional shaken flasks with nominal volumes below 250 mL and microtiter plates are still widely used to assemble wide arrays of biotransformation/bioconversion data, because of their simplicity and low cost. These tools are key assets for faster process development and optimization, provided data are representative. Nonetheless, the design, development and implementation of bioprocesses can present variations depending on intrinsic characteristics of the overall process. For each particular process, an adequate and comprehensive approach has to be established, which includes pinpointing key issues required to ensure proper scale-up. Recently, focus has been given to engineering characterization of systems in terms of mass transfer and hydrodynamics (through gaining insight into parameters such as kLa and P/V at shaken and microreactor scale), due to the widespread use of small-scale reactors in the early developmental stages of bioconversion/biotransfomation processes. Within this review, engineering parameters used as criteria for scaling-up fermentation/bioconversion processes are discussed. Particular focus is on the feasibility of the application of such parameters to small-scale devices and concomitant use for scale-up. Illustrative case studies are presented. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry [source] Effects of SCN,/H2O2 combinations in dentifrices on plaque and gingivitisJOURNAL OF CLINICAL PERIODONTOLOGY, Issue 3 2001Michael Rosin Abstract Objectives: A 10-week, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical study on 140 male subjects was conducted to determine the effect on plaque and gingivitis of 5 dentifrices containing various thiocyanate (SCN,)/hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) combinations. Materials and Methods: The dentifrices consisted of a gel base without any detergents or abrasives (placebo, group A) to which SCN, and/or H2O2 were added as follows: 0.1% SCN, (group B), 0.5% SCN, (group C), 0.1% SCN,/ 0.1% H2O2 (group D), 0.5% SCN,/0.1% H2O2 (group E) and 0.1% H2O2 (group F). A baseline examination was performed in which the Silness and Löe Plaque Index (PI), the Mühlemann and Son Sulcus Bleeding Index (SBI), and the amount of gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) were recorded using the Periotron 6000 on teeth 16, 12, 24, 36, 32, and 44. The subjects were randomly assigned to either the placebo group (n=40) or one of the test groups (n=20) and used their respective dentifrices over a period of 8 weeks. Finally, each group used the placebo for another 2 weeks (wash-out). Re-examinations were performed after 1, 4, and 8 weeks and the 2-week wash-out period employing the clinical parameters used at baseline. Intragroup changes were analyzed with the Wilcoxon signed-ranks test, using the baseline and wash-out points as references. The Mann-Whitney U test was used for comparisons between the treatment groups and the placebo group. Results: At the 8-week examination, the plaque index in group E (p=0.017) and group F (p=0.032) was lower than in the placebo group. The Sulcus Bleeding Index in group F after 1 week was increased (p=0.023) and the SBI in group E after 8 weeks was reduced (p=0.047) as compared to the placebo group. Conclusion: The results demonstrated that a dentifrice containing 0.5% SCN, and 0.1% H2O2 but no detergents or abrasives inhibited plaque and decreased gingivitis. Zusammenfassung Zielsetzung: Eine 10 Wochen dauernde placebokontrollierte Doppelblindstudie wurde bei 140 männlichen Probanden durchgeführt, um die Auswirkungen von 5 Zahnpasten, die verschiedene Kombinationen von Thiozyanat (SCN,) und Wasserstoffperoxide (H2O2) enthielten, auf Plaque und Gingivitis zu untersuchen. Material und Methoden: Die Zahnpasten bestanden aus einer Gelbasis ohne jegliche Detergentien oder Putzkörper (Placebo, Gruppe A), der SCN, und/oder H2O2 wie folgt beigemengt waren: 0.1% SCN, (Gruppe B), 0.5% SCN, (Gruppe C), 0.1% SCN,/0.1% H2O2 (Gruppe D), 0.5% SCN,/0.1% H2O2 (Gruppe E) und 0.1% H2O2 (Gruppe F). Zu Beginn der Studie wurden der Plaque Index (PI), der Sulkus-Blutungs-Index (SBI) und die Sulkusflüssigkeitsfließrate (SFFR) mit dem Periotron 6000 an den Zähnen 16, 12, 24, 36, 32 und 44 bestimmt. Die Probanden wurden zufällig der Placebogruppe (n=40) oder einer der 5 Testgruppen (n=20) zugewiesen und benutzten die entsprechende Zahnpasta über einen Zeitraum von 8 Wochen. Schließlich benutzte jeder Proband die Placebopasta für weitere 2 Wochen ("wash-out"). Nachuntersuchungen fanden nach 1, 4 und 8 Wochen sowie nach der "wash-out"-Periode statt. Ergebnisse: Zur 8-Wochen-Nachuntersuchung war der PI in den Gruppen E (p=0.017) und F (p=0.032) niedriger als in der Placebogruppe. Der SBI in Gruppe F war im Vergleich zur Placebogruppe nach einer Woche erhöht (p=0.023) und in Gruppe E nach 8 Wochen reduziert (p=0.047). Schlußfolgerungen: Die Ergebnisse zeigen, daß eine Zahnpasta, die 0.5% SCN, und 0.1% H2O2 aber keinerlei Detergentien oder Putzkörper enthält Plaque hemmen und Gingivitis reduzieren kann. Résumé Une étude clinique en double aveugle, controlée par un placebo, sur 10 semaines a été réalisée sur 140 sujets masculins pour déterminer les effets sur la plaque et la gingivite de 5 dentifrices contenant des combinaisons variées de thiocyanate (SCN,)/peroxyde d'hydrogene (H2O2). Les dentifrices étaient constitués d'une base de gel sans détergents ni abrasifs (placebo, groupe A) à laquelle étaient ajoutés SCN, et/ou H2O2 comme suit: 0.1% SCN, (groupe B), 0.5% SCN, (groupe C), 0.1% SCN,/0.1% H2O2 (groupe D), 0.5% SCN,/1% H2O2 (groupe E), et 0.1% H2O2 (groupe F). Un examen initial était réalise au cours duquel, l'indice de plaque de Silness et Löe (PI), l'indice de saignement sulculaire de Mühlemann et Son (SBI), et la quantité de fluide gingival (GCF) étaient enregistrés en utilisant le Periotron 6000 sur les dents 16, 12, 24, 36, 32 et 44. Les sujets étaient assignés au hasard soit dans le groupe placebo (n=20), soit dans un groupe test (n=20) et utilisaient leur dentifrices respectifs pendant une période de 8 semaines. Finalement, chaque groupe utilisait le placebo pendant 2 semaines supplémentaires (lessivage). Une réexamination était réalisée après 1, 4, 8 semaines et après la période de lessivage final de 2 semaines avec les mênes indices qu'à l'examen initial. Les modifications intragroupe étaient analysées par le test de Wilcoxon signed ranks, en utilisant les indices initiaux et ceux relevés lors de la période de lessivage. Le test de Mann-Whitney U fut utilisé pour comparer les groupes test et le groupe placebo. A l'examen de la huitième semaine, les indices de plaque du groupe E (p=0.017) et du groupe F (p=0.032) étaient plus bas que dans le groupe placebo. L'indice de saignement sulculaire du groupe F après une semaine était augmenté (p=0.023) et le SBI du groupe E après 8 semaines était diminué (p=0.047), comparé au groupe placebo. Les résultats montrent qu'un dentifrice contenant 0.5% SCN, et 0.1% H2O2, mais ni détergents, ni abrasifs, inhibe la plaque et réduit la gingivite. [source] Heuristic molecular lipophilicity potential (HMLP): Lipophilicity and hydrophilicity of amino acid side chainsJOURNAL OF COMPUTATIONAL CHEMISTRY, Issue 6 2006Qi-Shi Du Abstract Heuristic molecular lipophilicity potential (HMLP) is applied in the study of lipophilicity and hydrphilcity of 20 natural amino acids side chains. The HMLP parameters, surface area Si, lipophilic indices Li, and hydrophilic indices Hi of amino acid side chains are derived from lipophilicity potential L(r). The parameters are correlated with the experimental data of phase-transferring free energies of vapor-to-water, vapor-to-cyclohexane, vapor-to-octanol, cyclohexane-to-water, octanol-to-water, and cyclohexane-to-octanol through a linear free energy equation ,G°tr,i = b0 + b1Si+ + b2Si, + b3Li + b4Hi. For all above six phase-transfer free energies, the HMLP parameters of 20 amino acid side chains give good calculation results using linear free energy equation. HMLP is an ab initio quantum chemical approach and a structure-based technique. Except for atomic van der Waals radii, there are no other empirical parameters used. The HMLP has clear physical and chemical meaning and provides useful lipophilic and hydrophilic parameters for the studies of proteins and peptides. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem 27: 685,692, 2006 [source] Performance of SuSi: A method for generating atomistic models of amorphous polymers based on a random search of energy minimaJOURNAL OF COMPUTATIONAL CHEMISTRY, Issue 6 2004David Curcó Abstract The performance of a recently developed method to generate representative atomistic models of amorphous polymers has been investigated. This method, which is denoted SuSi, can be defined as a random generator of energy minima. The effects produced by different parameters used to define the size of the system and the characteristics of the generation algorithm have been examined. Calculations have been performed on poly(L,D -lactic) acid (, = 1.25 g/cm3) and nylon 6 (, = 1.084 g/cm3), which are important commercial polymers. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem 25: 790,798, 2004 [source] An Examination of Rater Drift Within a Generalizability Theory FrameworkJOURNAL OF EDUCATIONAL MEASUREMENT, Issue 1 2009Polina Harik The present study examined the long-term usefulness of estimated parameters used to adjust the scores from a performance assessment to account for differences in rater stringency. Ratings from four components of the USMLE® Step 2 Clinical Skills Examination data were analyzed. A generalizability-theory framework was used to examine the extent to which rater-related sources of error could be eliminated through statistical adjustment. Particular attention was given to the stability of these estimated parameters over time. The results suggest that rater stringency estimates obtained at a point in time and then used to adjust ratings over a period of months may substantially decrease in usefulness. In some cases, over several months, the use of these adjustments may become counterproductive. Additionally, it is hypothesized that the rate of deterioration in the usefulness of estimated parameters may be a function of the characteristics of the scale. [source] PREDICTION OF SPRAY-DRIED PRODUCT QUALITY USING TWO SIMPLE DRYING KINETICS MODELSJOURNAL OF FOOD PROCESS ENGINEERING, Issue 6 2005KAMLESH C. PATEL ABSTRACT Increasing attention has been given to spray drying because of its popularity in the manufacturing of various powders with prerequisite quality. A large number of theoretical and experimental studies have been published during the last five decades to study spray-drying operations. Despite this progress, there is still lack of information on the selection of an accurate and simple drying kinetics model to characterize the droplet drying process. This article has particularly focused on the comparison of two simple and effective drying kinetics models: the characteristic drying-rate curve and reaction-engineering approach (REA) models. This article reported mathematical models that can be used to design the spray-drying operation and to predict the particle's characteristics for realistic dryer-wide situations. Both the physical and biochemical quality attributes were investigated regarding their sensitivity to the model parameters used in the two drying kinetics models. The REA model was found to deliver more realistic predictions during the modeling of the droplet drying process for all the sets of conditions tested. [source] MANUFACTURING FUNCTIONALITY OF CHILLED VENISON AND BEEFJOURNAL OF FOOD QUALITY, Issue 5 2007M.M. FAROUK ABSTRACT The functional properties of venison and beef semimembranosus muscle stored at ,1.5C for 4 weeks were compared. Sarcoplasmic protein solubility (SPS), malondialdehyde (MDA) and reactive sulfhydryl (SH) contents were higher in venison compared with beef (P < 0.001). Cooked batter torsion stress, tensile strength, rigidity and yield were higher in beef compared with venison (P < 0.01). Venison and beef did not differ in total protein solubility (TPS), emulsion activity index (EAI) and emulsion stability (ES) (P > 0.05). TPS, EAI, ES, MDA, torsion stress and strain, tensile strength and extensibility in meats from both species increased, and SPS and SH decreased with chilled storage time (P < 0.01). Within the parameters of this study, chilled beef had a better manufacturing functionality compared with venison. Manufacturing functionality in meats from both species improved with chill storage time, but the improvement was more marked in beef compared with venison. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS The following are some of the practical applications of this research: (1) processing parameters used to optimize the manufacturing functionality of beef are not suitable for venison because the latter tenderize much faster than beef with negative implications to manufacturing functionality; (2) the current practice of not vacuum packaging frozen manufacturing meat will have a more deleterious effect on the functionality of venison compared with beef because of the higher rate of lipid oxidation in venison; and (3) the best time to use chilled venison and beef for maximum functionality is at 2 or 3 weeks of storage at ,1.5C. [source] On the influence of imaging conditions and algorithms on the quantification of surface topographyJOURNAL OF MICROSCOPY, Issue 3 2002U. Wendt Summary The influence of the microscopical magnification resulting in different voxel size and shape and of the algorithm on parameters used for the quantification of the surface topography is studied using topographical images obtained by confocal laser scanning microscopy. Fracture surfaces and wire-eroded surfaces of steel were used as samples. The values obtained for the global topometry parameters normalized surface area, mean profile segment length and fractal dimension depend with different degrees on the microscopic magnification and on the algorithm used to compute these values. The topometry values can only be used to establish correlations between the topography and materials properties and for the modelling of surface generating processes if the imaging and computing details are given. [source] Mathematical modeling of appendicular bone growth in glaucous-winged gullsJOURNAL OF MORPHOLOGY, Issue 1 2009James L. Hayward Abstract Development of locomotor activity is crucial in tetrapods. In birds, this development leads to different functions for hindlimbs and forelimbs. The emergence of walking and flying as very different complex behavior patterns only weeks after hatching provides an interesting case study in animal development. We measured the diaphyseal lengths and midshaft diameters of three wing bones (humerus, ulna, and carpometacarpus) and three leg bones (femur, tibiotarsus, and tarsometatarsus) of 79 juvenile (ages 0,42 days) and 13 adult glaucous-winged gulls (Larus glaucescens), a semiprecocial species. From a suite of nine alternative mathematical models, we used information-theoretic criteria to determine the best model(s) for length and diameter of each bone as a function of age; that is, we determined the model(s) that obtained the best tradeoff between the minimized sum of squared residuals and the number of parameters used to fit the model. The Janoschek and Holling III models best described bone growth, with at least one of these models yielding an R2 , 0.94 for every dimension except tarsometatarsus diameter (R2 = 0.87). We used the best growth models to construct accurate allometric comparisons of the bones. Early maximal absolute growth rates characterize the humerus, femur, and tarsometatarsus, bones that assume adult-type support functions relatively early during juvenile development. Leg bone lengths exhibit more rapid but less sustained relative growth than wing bone lengths. Wing bone diameters are initially smaller than leg bone diameters, although this relationship is reversed by fledging. Wing bones and the femur approach adult length by fledging but continue to increase in diameter past fledging; the tibiotarsus and tarsometatarsus approach both adult length and diameter by fledging. In short, the pattern of bone growth in this semiprecocial species reflects the changing behavioral needs of the developing organism. J. Morphol., 2009. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Numerical modeling of highly swirling flows in a through-flow cylindrical hydrocycloneAICHE JOURNAL, Issue 10 2006Jordan Ko Abstract This article aims to identify the most appropriate numerical methodology for simulating hydrocyclone flows with high swirl numbers. The numerical results are validated against the tangential velocity measurements from a cylindrical hydrocyclone with a swirl number of 8.1, which is twice the typical swirl magnitude of industrial hydrocyclones. The linear and quadratic formulations of the Reynolds stress transport (RST) model are used to simulate the anisotropic swirling turbulent flow three-dimensionally in the commercial software package FluentÔ. The tangential velocity profiles predicted by the quadratic RST model are in good agreement with experimental data. They also show Rankine vortex patterns over the entire flow domain. In contrast, the linear RST model fails to predict this important swirl flow feature. In addition, both models predicted a complex axial flow reversal pattern not previously reported in hydrocyclones. This study clearly shows that the quadratic RST model is preferable for future hydrocyclone simulations, especially when the swirl number is large. All necessary physical and numerical parameters used to obtain converged results are given in this article. © American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2006 [source] Disc degeneration and bone density in monozygotic twins discordant for insulin-dependent diabetes mellitusJOURNAL OF ORTHOPAEDIC RESEARCH, Issue 5 2000T. Videman The effects of insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus on bone density and connective tissue degeneration have theoretical interest and practical relevance. Several experimental studies in animals have demonstrated the harmful effects of insulin deficiency on connective tissues. However, clinical studies in humans have produced somewhat contradictory results, most likely due to difficulties controlling for general degeneration and factors associated with diabetes. In nine pairs of monozygotic twins discordant for insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, we compared femoral and lumbar bone mineral density (assessed by dualenergy x-ray absorptiometry) and spinal degeneration (assessed by magnetic resonance imaging). The bone densities were, on average, 0.1,0.3% lower (p = 0.87,0.96) in diabetic patients. However, after controlling for smoking, we found that the bone density in the femoral neck was 2.5% (0.025 g/cm2) lower in diabetic individuals than in their twins (p = 0.09). The five magnetic resonance imaging parameters used to evaluate discdegeneration did not differ between diabetic patients and their twins. In conclusion, our results provide no evidence that insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus has any major effect on bone density or disc degeneration. [source] | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||