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Various Parameters (various + parameter)
Selected AbstractsStatistical Analysis of Strength Development as a Function of Various Parameters on Activated Metakaolin/Slag CementsJOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN CERAMIC SOCIETY, Issue 2 2010Oswaldo Burciaga-Díaz This investigation statistically examines the strength development on alkaline activation of metakaolin (Mk)/blast furnace slag (BFS) pastes. The main parameters studied are: BFS/Mk weight ratio (100/0, 80/20, 50/50, 20/80, and 0/100), modulus of the alkaline solutions of sodium silicate (M=SiO2/NaO2 at 0, 1, 1.5, 2), %Na2O (5%, 10%, and 15%), and curing time. Cubes were cured at 20°C for up to 360 days; the compressive strength and other characteristics were investigated. A fully factorial experimental design was used to determine the influence of each variable. The curing time and the interaction of the factors BFS/Mk ratio-%Na2O were the most important, followed by the modulus and then the %Na2O; others such as the interaction BFS/Mk ratio modulus were less important. The results indicated that the addition of Mk to BFS reduced the strength, more notably at contents above 50%. For strength development, the most effective modulus was Ms=1 and higher %Na2O were required with higher Mk loads. [source] Voltammetric Detection of Lead(II) Using Amide-Cyclam- Functionalized Silica-Modified Carbon Paste ElectrodesELECTROANALYSIS, Issue 15 2009Stéphanie Goubert-Renaudin Abstract 2-(4,8,11-Triscarbamoylmethyl-1,4,8,11-tetraazacyclotetradec-1-yl)acetamide (TETAM) derivatives bearing 1, 2, or 4 silylated arms have been synthesized and grafted to the surface of silica gel and ordered mesoporous silica samples. The resulting organic-inorganic hybrids have been incorporated into carbon paste electrodes and applied to the preconcentration electroanalysis of Pb(II). The attractive recognition properties of these cyclam derivatives functionalized with amide pendent groups toward Pb(II) species and the highly porous structure of the adsorbents can be exploited for the selective and sensitive detection of the target analyte. Various parameters affecting the preconcentration and detection steps have been discussed with respect to the composition and pH of both accumulation and detection media, the nature of the adsorbent (number of silylated groups linking the macrocycle to silica, texture of materials), the accumulation time, and the presence of interfering cations. Under optimal conditions and for 2,min accumulation at open-circuit, the voltammetric response increased linearly with the Pb(II) concentration in a range extending from 2×10,7 to 10,5,M, while a longer accumulation time of 15,min afforded a linear calibration curve between 10,8 and 10,7,M with a detection limit of 2.7×10,9,M which is well below the European regulatory limit of lead in consumption water. [source] Electrochemically-Induced Deposition of Amine-Functionalized Silica Films on Gold Electrodes and Application to Cu(II) Detection in (Hydro)Alcoholic MediumELECTROANALYSIS, Issue 19 2005Alain Walcarius Abstract Well-adherent amine-functionalized porous silica films have been deposited on gold electrodes by combining the self-assembly technology, the sol,gel process, and the electrochemical modulation of pH at the electrode/solution interface. A partial self-assembled monolayer of mercaptopropyl-trimethoxysilane (MPTMS) was first formed on disposable gold electrodes from recordable CDs (Au-CDtrodes). The so pretreated MPTMS-Au-CDtrodes were immersed in a stable sol solution (pH,3) containing (3-aminopropyl)-triethoxysilane (APTES) and tetraethoxysilane (TEOS). Polycondensation of the APTES and TEOS precursors was then achieved by applying a negative potential for a given period of time to generate a local pH increase at the electrode/solution interface and promote the deposition of the amine functionalized silica film adhering well to the electrode surface owing to the MPTMS monolayer acting somewhat as a "molecular glue". Various parameters affecting the electrodeposition process have been studied and the film permeability to redox probes in solution was characterized by cyclic voltammetry. The amine-functionalized silica film electrodes were then applied to the preconcentration of copper(II) species prior to their electrochemical detection by anodic stripping differential pulse voltammetry. Getting high sensitivity has however required the application of an electrochemical pre-activation step as the majority of the organo-functional groups were in the form of ammonium moieties (because the film was prepared from an acidic sol). This was achieved by applying a sufficiently negative potential to the electrode surface to reduce protons and increase consequently the amine-to-ammonium ratio within the film and, thus, the efficiency of the precocentration process. The resulting device was then optimized for copper(II) determination in hydroalcoholic medium, giving rise to a linear response in the 0.1,10,,M concentration range. [source] The effect of sample temperature on instrumental and sensory properties of mashed potato productsINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF FOOD SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY, Issue 5 2005Wenceslao Canet Summary The effect of sample temperature on texture, firmness and the sensory attributes of fresh and frozen/thawed natural and commercial mashed potatoes was studied. Scanning electron microscopy was used to obtain information on the structure of potato cells and how this is affected by processing. Various parameters were measured and were found to increase at 55 °C, these changes could be related to gelatinisation of the starch remaining in the products. In natural mashed potato, texture profile analysis (TPA) and firmness parameters were lower in the processed than in the fresh samples, indicating a weakening of the structure; this was confirmed by photomicrographs. In commercial mashed potato, TPA parameters measured at 55 and 65 °C and firmness parameters measured at 25 °C were higher in the processed samples, indicating enhanced structural strength; this was confirmed by photomicrographs. Firmness per gram of product was the best instrumental parameter for measuring texture in these products. The results of the different analyses indicated that 55 °C was the preferred temperature for consumption of mashed potatoes. [source] Curcumin reduces indomethacin-induced damage in the rat small intestineJOURNAL OF APPLIED TOXICOLOGY, Issue 6 2007Nageswaran Sivalingam Abstract Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are commonly used in clinical medicine. Their utility is, however, often limited by the adverse effects they produce in the gastrointestinal tract. Oxidative stress has been shown to occur in the small intestine in response to the oral administration of indomethacin, an NSAID commonly used in toxicity studies. In view of this, the effect of curcumin, an agent with anti-oxidant properties, was evaluated on indomethacin-induced small intestinal damage in a rat model. Rats were pretreated with various doses of curcumin (20 mg kg,1, 40 mg kg,1 and 80 mg kg,1) before administering indomethacin at 20 mg kg,1. Various parameters of oxidative stress and the extent of small intestinal damage produced by indomethacin, with and without pretreatment with curcumin, were measured. Macroscopic ulceration was found to occur in the small intestine in response to indomethacin. The viability of enterocytes from indomethacin-treated animals was significantly lower than those from control animals. Drug-induced oxidative stress was also evident as seen by increases in the levels of malondialdehyde and protein carbonyl and in activities of pro-oxidant enzymes such as myeloperoxidase and xanthine oxidase in indomethacin-treated rats. Concomitant decreases were seen in the activities of the antioxidant enzymes catalase and glutathione peroxidase in these animals. Pretreatment with curcumin was found to ameliorate these drug-induced changes. Thus, curcumin appears to hold promise as an agent that can potentially reduce NSAID-induced small intestinal damage. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Extraction and recovery of gold from KAu(CN)2 using cetyltrimethylammonium bromide microemulsionsJOURNAL OF CHEMICAL TECHNOLOGY & BIOTECHNOLOGY, Issue 11 2001Tian-Xi Zhang Abstract Extraction and stripping of KAu(CN)2 from alkaline solution by a w/o microemulsion formed with cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) using 198Au(I) tracer has been investigated. Various parameters, such as the Au(I) concentration in aqueous phase, concentrations of halide ions, NH4SCN and thiodiethylene glycol in stripping solution as well as the relationship between water and Au(I) concentration in the organic phase in the extraction and stripping of Au(I) were studied. The results show that almost all of the Au(I) in the aqueous phase was extracted into the organic phase. The water content decreased significantly with an increase in Au(I) concentration in the organic phase, contrary to the results of a system with tributyl phosphate (TBP) as cosolvent. Almost all of the extracted Au(I) (,98%) can be recovered with pure thiodiethylene glycol as the stripping agent, and ,93% of the Au(I) is stripped with high concentrations of NH4SCN(>3.0,mol,dm,3) or KI (>2.0,mol,dm,3). © 2001 Society of Chemical Industry [source] Ultrasound-assisted dispersive liquid,liquid microextraction coupled with capillary gas chromatography for simultaneous analysis of nine pyrethroids in domestic wastewatersJOURNAL OF SEPARATION SCIENCE, JSS, Issue 12 2010Hongyuan Yan Abstract A simple and rapid ultrasound-assisted dispersive liquid,liquid microextraction method coupled with GC-flame ionization detection was developed for simultaneous determination of nine pyrethroids in domestic wastewater samples. An ultrasound-assisted process was applied to accelerate the formation of the fine cloudy solution using small volume of disperser solvent, which markedly increased the extraction efficiency and reduced the equilibrium time. Various parameters affecting the extraction efficiency were investigated, including the type and volume of extraction solvent and disperser solvent, extraction and ultrasonic time. Good linearity was obtained for all analytes in the range of 0.8,100,,g/L with the correlation coefficient (r2),0.998. The recoveries at three spiking levels ranged from 75.3 to 101.2% with the RSD less than 8.7% (n=5). Under the optimum condition, the enrichment factors for the nine pyrethroids ranged from 728- to 1725-fold. This method offered a good alternative for routine analysis due to its simplicity and reliability. [source] Field-amplified on-line sample stacking for determination of carnosine-related peptides by capillary electrophoresisJOURNAL OF SEPARATION SCIENCE, JSS, Issue 7 2006Ying Huang Abstract An on-line sample stacking method, namely field-amplified sample injection, has been developed for the separation and determination of carnosine, anserine, and homocarnosine by capillary electrophoresis. Using electrokinetic injection, about 130- to 160-fold improvement of sensitivity was achieved without loss of separation efficiency when compared to conventional sample injection. For conventional injection, the samples were dissolved in running buffer and then hydrodynamically injected for 10 s (3.45 kPa). Various parameters affecting separation and sample stacking were optimized. Under optimum conditions, linear responses were obtained over two orders of magnitude and the detection limits (defined as S/N = 3) of carnosine, anserine, and homocarnosine were 1.5×10,8 to 1.6×10,8 mol/L. [source] Review article: hepatitis C virus and calcineurin inhibition after renal transplantationALIMENTARY PHARMACOLOGY & THERAPEUTICS, Issue 8 2005F. FABRIZI Summary The impact of hepatitis C virus on patient and graft survival after renal transplantation remains controversial. However, recent studies have given emphasis on the detrimental role of hepatitis C on long-term patient and graft survival after renal transplantation. Various mechanisms can promote the lower survival in hepatitis C virus-positive recipients, i.e. post-transplant diabetes mellitus, liver disease and infections. Novel evidence has been accumulated showing the inhibitory activity of ciclosporin on the hepatitis C virus replication rate in human hepatocytes; ciclosporin has been shown in vitro to suppress hepatitis C virus replication as effectively as interferon alpha. This effect has not been seen with tacrolimus and is separate from its immunosuppressive activity. Data from patients with normal kidney function or after bone marrow transplantation show that ciclosporin inhibits hepatitis C virus replication. It appears that the progression of liver fibrosis is slower in hepatitis C virus-positive liver transplant recipients treated with ciclosporin than tacrolimus. In contrast, the clinical outcome of hepatitis C in hepatitis C virus-positive patients after liver transplantation treated with ciclosporin vs. tacrolimus has given mixed results. No information after renal transplantation is available. Various parameters can promote the worsening of hepatitis C after renal transplantation but choice of calcineurin inhibition is one of the few risk factors that can potentially be modified by the physician. Prospective, comparative trials of ciclosporin and tacrolimus with large size and adequate follow-up after renal transplantation are in progress. [source] Sagittal spinal alignment in patients with Legg-Calve-Perthes diseasePEDIATRICS INTERNATIONAL, Issue 5 2007HIROSHI KITOH Abstract Background: Legg-Calve-Perthes disease (LCPD) is an avascular necrosis of the capital femoral epiphysis in children. Several studies found a pathophysiological relationship between LCPD and juvenile Scheuermann's kyphosis, suggesting an abnormal spinal condition related to osteochondrogenesis. In the present study sagittal spinal alignment of the patients with LCPD was analyzed to examine associated spinal involvement. Methods: A standing lateral radiograph of the spine was evaluated in 78 patients who had a history of LCPD. Various parameters of sagittal spinal alignment, including thoracic kyphosis (TK), lumbar lordosis (LL), sacral inclination (SI), apex of thoracic kyphosis (TK-apex) and lumbar lordosis (LL-apex), and sagittal balance (SB; positive SB values represent a sagittal balance in front of the sacrum) were measured and compared between the patients with and without vertebral abnormalities. Results: Compared to previously published normative data, relatively decreased LL was evident in LCPD. Most of the patients (65%) had negative SB, which was correlated with decreased SI, more proximal TK-apex, and more distal LL-apex. Vertebral abnormalities including end-plate irregularities and wedging vertebrae were observed in 20 patients. Decreased SI, more distal LL-apex, and more negative SB were remarkable in the patients with vertebral abnormalities. Conclusions: The patients tended to stand in greater negative sagittal balance associated with decreased LL. The characteristic sagittal alignment was prominent especially in the patients with vertebral abnormalities. Wedging vertebrae, probably due to growth disturbance of the vertebral bodies, could result in decreased LL, which leads to posterior pelvic tilt and posterior shift of sagittal balance. [source] Multiple choice tries and distributed hash tablesRANDOM STRUCTURES AND ALGORITHMS, Issue 3 2009Luc Devroye In this article we consider tries built from n strings such that each string can be chosen from a pool of k strings, each of them generated by a discrete i.i.d. source. Three cases are considered: k = 2, k is large but fixed, and k , clog n. The goal in each case is to obtain tries as balanced as possible. Various parameters such as height and fill-up level are analyzed. It is shown that for two-choice tries a 50% reduction in height is achieved when compared with ordinary tries. In a greedy online construction when the string that minimizes the depth of insertion for every pair is inserted, the height is only reduced by 25%. To further reduce the height by another 25%, we design a more refined online algorithm. The total computation time of the algorithm is O(nlog n). Furthermore, when we choose the best among k , 2 strings, then for large but fixed k the height is asymptotically equal to the typical depth in a trie. Finally, we show that further improvement can be achieved if the number of choices for each string is proportional to log n. In this case highly balanced trees can be constructed by a simple greedy algorithm for which the difference between the height and the fill-up level is bounded by a constant with high probability. This, in turn, has implications for distributed hash tables, leading to a randomized ID management algorithm in peer-to-peer networks such that, with high probability, the ratio between the maximum and the minimum load of a processor is O(1). © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Random Struct. Alg., 2009 [source] The chromospherically active binary star EI Eridani: II.ASTRONOMISCHE NACHRICHTEN, Issue 4 2009Long-term Doppler imaging Abstract Data from 11 years of continuous spectroscopic observations of the active RS CVn-type binary star EI Eridani , gained at NSO/McMath-Pierce, KPNO/Coudé Feed and during the MUSICOS 98 campaign , were used to obtain 34 Doppler maps in three spectroscopic lines for 32 epochs, 28 of which are independent of each other. Various parameters are extracted from our Doppler maps: average temperature, fractional spottedness, and longitudinal and latitudinal spot-occurrence functions. We find that none of these parameters show a distinct variation nor a correlation with the proposed activity cycle as seen from photometric long-term observations. This suggests that the photometric brightness cycle may not necessarily be due to just a cool spot cycle. The general morphology of the spot pattern remains persistent over the whole period of 11 years. A large cap-like polar spot was recovered from all our images. A high degree of variable activity was noticed near latitudes of ,60,70° where the appendages of the polar spot emerged and dissolved (© 2009 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim) [source] Most readily usable methods to measure ocular blood flowACTA OPHTHALMOLOGICA, Issue 2009K GUGLETA Purpose SIS Lecture. Methods Literature search. Results Ocular Blood Flow Research Association (OBFRA, recently merged with another organization - ISOCO, into one single Association for Ocular CDirculation - AOC) made a significant contribution to standardization of the blood flow measuring techniques in the field of ophthalmology. A consens was reached on the number of OBF measurements techniques that occured in the past decades. Particular emphasis was placed on the basic technology, specific parameters and interpretation, accuracy and reproducibility, field of clinical applications. Open questions were extensively discussed, limits of each technique clearly postulated. and a consensus statement put together for each of the technique involved. It encompassed techniques like color Doppler imaging, laser Doppler flowmetry (continuous as well as scanning LDF), laser Doppler velocimetry, Retinal Vessel Analyzer, combination of the vessel diameter measurement and the LDV, laser interferometry of the fundus pulsations amplitude, retinal oxymetry, measurements of the pulsatile component of the blood flow, blue field entoptic method and the newest - Doppler OCT. Conclusion There is no overwhelming measuring technique able to cover all the aspects of the research and the daily clinical routine. Various parameters and various vascular beds are involved, which makes the interpretation of the obtained results strenuous. Of particular importance is the capability of OBF measuring techniques to capture one dynamic feature of ocular circulation - its ability to regulate and to response to various challenges. It is widely believed that not the constantly reduced blood flow, but rather the lack of regulation thereof, leads to prevalent ocular diseases. [source] Correlation between 6-min walk test and exercise stress test in healthy childrenACTA PAEDIATRICA, Issue 3 2010A Limsuwan Abstract Aim:, To investigate the correlation between 6-min walk test (SMWT) and incremental treadmill exercise stress test (EST) as indicators for the functional capacity in children. Methods:, Healthy children aged 9,12 years were included. The anthropometric data, SMWT and EST were prospectively measured using the standard protocols. Various parameters were analysed to define the correlation between SMWT and EST. Results:, A total of 100 subjects (53 boys) aged 10.3 ± 1.0 years participated in the study. The SMWT distance was 586.1 ± 44.0 m. Height (r = 0.59, R2 = 35%), length of the leg (r = 0.64, R2 = 41%), heart rate at the end of SMWT (r = 0.59, R2 = 35%) and heart rate difference at the end of SMWT (r = 0.71, R2 = 50%) were found to have significant correlation with SMWT distance. The estimated maximal oxygen consumption (eVO2) obtained during the EST tended to be greater in boys than in girls. Among the parameters obtained during EST, maximal heart rate (r = 0.33, R2 = 11%) and the eVO2 (r = 0.54, R2 = 53%) were found to have significant correlation with SMWT. Conclusions:, SMWT distance is significantly correlated with the eVO2 obtained during the EST. This indicates that SMWT is also one of the predictive markers for EST performance. [source] One-Year Prospective Three-Center Study Comparing the Outcome of a "Soft Bone Implant" (Prototype Mk IV) and the Standard Brånemark ImplantCLINICAL IMPLANT DENTISTRY AND RELATED RESEARCH, Issue 2 2003Bertil Friberg DDS ABSTRACT Background: Oral implant treatment ad modum Brånemark has been used for decades in the rehabilitation of edentate and partially dentate patients. Posterior jaw regions frequently exhibit bone of poor texture, and it is often difficult to obtain primary stability. Thus, it may prove beneficial to deviate from the original protocol and to use implants with a modified design, for example, with a slightly tapered geometry. Purpose: The purpose of the investigation was to compare the early behavior of a modified (prototype Mk IV, Branemark System, Nobel Biocare AB, Gothenburg, Sweden; test) implant with that of the standard Brånemark implant (control) in regions of mainly type 4 bone. Materials and Methods: Three Swedish centers participated, and a total of 44 patients were treated with oral implants for 39 maxillas and 5 mandibles. The study focused on the most distal right and left implant sites (88 implants), which were randomized to receive either a test or a control implant. Various parameters were recorded, such as registered insertion torque (OsseoCare, Nobel Biocare AB), wobbling during insertion, primary and secondary stability (as measured with resonance frequency), and marginal bone loss. The implants were followed up for 1 year. Results.: The test implant more frequently required a higher insertion torque and showed a significantly higher primary stability than the control implant. This difference in stability leveled out over time, and test and control implants exhibited similar secondary stability at abutment operation and at the 1-year visit. Wobbling during insertion was rarely recorded for either of the implant designs. The 1-year cumulative success rate was 93.1% for test implants and 88.4% for control implants. Conclusions: The modified implant design resulted in an increased primary stability, which may be important when placing implants in jaw regions of type 4 bone. However, independent of the achieved primary stability, successful implants tended to approach similar secondary stability in the two designs tested. [source] Electrophysiological Changes In Diabetic Neuropathy: From Subclinical Alterations To Disabling AbnormalitiesJOURNAL OF THE PERIPHERAL NERVOUS SYSTEM, Issue 3 2000M. Baba Clinical spectrum of diabetic neuropathy is variable; it may be asymptomatic, but once established, it becomes irreversible and disabling. Some investigators suggested that earliest change in diabetic nerve function is alteration in axonal excitability due to alterations in ion conductance of axon membrane, although these functional changes of ion channels necessarily cause permanent damage or degeneration of nerve fibers. Among various parameter of nerve conduction study in diabetics, prolonged F-wave latency in the peroneal and tibial nerve seems the commonest abnormality in asymptomatic patients. Decrease in amplitude of compound sensory action potential of sural nerve is another earlier abnormality, which is, then, accompanied by a fall in motor amplitude of peroneal and tibial nerves in advanced patients. In disabled patients no motor response is often elicited in the legs. Previous electrophysiological studies could not make clear if central axons were involved or not in diabetic neuropathy. Recently, our group has demonstrated that somatosensory central conduction from the spinal cord to the sensory cortex is delayed in diabetics as well as in the peripheral conduction, which might be partly responsible for the irreversible clinical presentation of diabetic neuropathy. [source] A graphical generalized implementation of SENSE reconstruction using MatlabCONCEPTS IN MAGNETIC RESONANCE, Issue 3 2010Hammad Omer Abstract Parallel acquisition of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) has the potential to significantly reduce the scan time. SENSE is one of the many techniques for the reconstruction of parallel MRI images. A generalized algorithm for SENSE reconstruction and theoretical background is presented. This algorithm can be used for SENSE reconstruction for any acceleration factor between 2 and 8, for any Phase Encode direction (Horizontal or Vertical), with or without Regularization. The user can select a particular type of Regularization. A GUI based implementation of the algorithm is also given. Signal-to-noise ratio, artefact power, and g -factor map are used to quantify the quality of reconstruction. The effects of different acceleration factors on these parameters are also discussed. The GUI based implementation of SENSE reconstruction provides an easy selection of various parameters needed for reconstruction of parallel MRI images and helps in an efficient reconstruction and analysis of the quality of reconstruction. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Concepts Magn Reson Part A 36A: 178,186, 2010. [source] Simulating the Role of Intrinsic Carbon Impurities in the Divertor Detachment of ASDEX UpgradeCONTRIBUTIONS TO PLASMA PHYSICS, Issue 1-3 2008M. Wischmeier Abstract As part of a general effort in validating SOL fluid Monte Carlo codes, well diagnosed ohmic discharges have been done in ASDEX Upgrade reaching from the lowest accessible density up to densities at which both targets were at least partially detached. The numerical code B2.5-EIRENE has been used to simulate these experiments with a particular focus on detachment. Whilst it is possible to qualitatively reproduce the general experimental observations when transiting from attached to detached plasmas, the simulations do not reproduce the detachment threshold observed in experiment quantitatively. The strong asymmetry of the ion flux density between the inner and the outer target with increasing density and in particular the vanishing ion flux, defined as full detachment, at the inner target cannot be reproduced. The influence of various parameters such as chemical sputtering yields and the effect of the activation of drift terms on the results is analyzed. (© 2008 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim) [source] Fluid Model of a Sheath Formed in Front of an Electron Emitting Electrode Immersed in a Plasma with Two Electron TemperaturesCONTRIBUTIONS TO PLASMA PHYSICS, Issue 2 2005T. Gyergyek Abstract The formation of a sheath in front of a negatively biased electrode (collector) that emits electrons is studied by a one-dimensional fluid model. Electron and ion emission coefficients are introduced in the model. It is assumed that the electrode is immersed in a plasma that contains energetic electrons. The electron velocity distribution function is assumed to be a sum of two Maxwellian distributions with two different temperatures, while the ions and the emitted electrons are assumed to be monoenergetic. The condition for zero electric field at the collector is derived. Using this equation the dependence of electron and ion critical emission coefficients on various parameters - like the ratio between the hot and cool electron density, the ratio between hot and cool electron temperature and the initial velocity of secondary electrons - is calculated for a floating collector. A modification of the Bohm criterion due to the presence of hot and emitted electrons is also given. The transition between space charge limited and temperature limited electron emission for a current-carrying collector is also analyzed. The critical potential, where this transition occurs, is calculated as a function of several parameters like the Richardson emission current, the ratio between the hot and cool electron density, the ratio between hot and cool electron temperature and the initial velocity of secondary electrons. (© 2005 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim) [source] WHAT KIND OF BENEFIT DO WE EXPECT FOR PERORAL PANCREATOSCOPY IN THE DIAGNOSIS OF INTRADUCTAL PAPILLARY MUCINOUS TUMOR OF THE PANCREAS?DIGESTIVE ENDOSCOPY, Issue 2006Taketo Yamaguchi Intraductal papillary mucinous tumor (IPMT) of the pancreas is characterized by slow growth and a relatively favorable prognosis, however, invasive cancer originating in an IPMT is associated with a poor prognosis. Although various parameters in imaging modalities have been advocated to differentiate between benign IPMN and malignant ones, it is not easy to obtain definite diagnosis based on these parameters. Peroral pancreatoscopy (POPS) allows a clear and direct visualization of the pancreatic duct, providing useful information regarding tumor nature in IPMT. The authors have studied the usefulness of POPS in the diagnosis of IPMT. Nevertheless, its usefulness is not necessarily widely accepted and the significance of POPS is still controversial. In this review, the authors intended to address the diagnostic value of POPS and to clarify its role in the diagnosis of IPMT. The authors think treatment of IPMT can be improved by introducing POPS because the determination of surgical procedure as well as the area of resection based on the preoperative diagnosis of the involvement of the main pancreatic duct and branch duct is inevitable. [source] Grain transport mechanics in shallow overland flowECOHYDROLOGY, Issue 3 2009S.N. Prasad Abstract A physical model based on continuum multiphase flow is described to represent saltating transport of grains in shallow overland flows. The two-phase continuum flow of water and sediment considers coupled StVenant-type equations. The interactive cumulative effect of grains is incorporated by a dispersive stress term. The mean fluid thrust on the particle in the saltation layer of grains is expressed in terms of a slip velocity. The continuum model leads to the unexpected, but an interesting result is that particle velocity increases with the solid concentration. This increase predicts monotonic behaviour leading to overestimates of particle velocity at higher sediment concentration. To improve the predictions, grain dynamic equations, which incorporate bed collision, are analysed. The analysis leads to an improved model for predicting saltation height. Incorporation of the results in the continuum model yields a velocity-concentration relationship that is consistent with experimental observations for increasing concentration. Laboratory flume experiments explore the evaluation of various parameters from the measured particle velocities by photonic probes. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Bismuth/Polyaniline/Glassy Carbon Electrodes Prepared with Different Protocols for Stripping Voltammetric Determination of Trace Cd and Pb in Solutions Having SurfactantsELECTROANALYSIS, Issue 2 2010M. Wang Abstract To improve reproducibility, stability and sensitivity, a bismuth (Bi) thin film was coated on glassy carbon (GC) substrates which surfaces were modified with a porous thin layer of polyaniline (PANI) via multipulse potentiostatic electropolymerization to form Bi/PANI/GC electrodes (Bi/PANI/GCEs). The Bi/PANI/GCEs were used successfully for simultaneous detection and determination of Cd2+ and Pb2+ ions, and various parameters were studied with reference to square wave anodic stripping voltammetric (SWASV) signals. The experimental results depicted that the environment-friendly Bi/PANI/GCEs had the ability to rapidly monitor trace heavy metals even in the presence of surface-active compounds. [source] Highly Sensitive and Selective Measurement of Bismuth in Seawater and Drug with 1,2-Phenylenedioxydiacetic Acid by Cathodic Adsorptive Stripping VoltammetryELECTROANALYSIS, Issue 7 2006B. Gholivand Abstract A new method is presented for determination of bismuth based on cathodic adsorptive stripping of complex bismuth with 1,2-phenylenedioxydiacetic acid (PDA) at a hanging mercury drop electrode (HMDE). The effect of various parameters such as pH, concentration of ligand, accumulation potential and accumulation time on the selectivity and sensitivity were studied. The optimum conditions for determination of bismuth include nitric acid concentration 0.01,M, 8.0×10,4,M PDA and accumulation time 120,s, accumulation potential of ,200,mV. The limits of detection are 0.25 and 0.05,nM, and responses are linear 1,1000 and 0.1,400,nM at tacc of 60 and 120,s, respectively. Many common anions and cations do not interfere in the determination of bismuth. The method was applied to the determination of bismuth in some real samples such as sea , and spring water and drug. [source] Simultaneous Determination of Copper and Bismuth by Anodic Stripping Voltammetry Using H-Point Standard Addition Method with Simultaneous Addition of AnalytesELECTROANALYSIS, Issue 17 2005Esmaeil Shams Abstract Simultaneous determination of bismuth and copper by anodic stripping voltammetry using H-point standard addition method (HPSAM) with simultaneous addition of analytes is described. The effect of various parameters including acid concentration, accumulation time, accumulation potential and concentration ratio of analytes in the standard solution on the sensitivity and accuracy of method were investigated. The results of applying the H-point standard addition method showed that Cu2+ and Bi3+ could be determined simultaneously with the concentration ratios of Cu2+ to Bi3+ varying from 1,:,15 to 16,:,1 in the mixed sample. The method was successfully applied to the simultaneous determination of copper and bismuth in some synthetic mixtures. [source] New insight into suction and dilution effects in CE coupled to MS via an ESI interface.ELECTROPHORESIS, Issue 10 2009Dilution effect Abstract The hyphenation of CE with MS is nowadays accepted as a powerful analytical approach. As far as ESI, the most common interface, is concerned, one challenge is to provide the most sensitive as well as quantitative information, which is quite a difficult task, as it is linked, among other factors, to suction and dilution effects. In the coaxial ESI configuration, it has been previously demonstrated that suction effect depends on many parameters inherent to the ESI interface geometry, the prevailing ones being the CE capillary protrusion from the interface needle, the sheath liquid (SL) and the overall BGE flow rates and velocity profile. In this paper, dilution effect is studied, as the CE electrolyte is mixed with SL at the interface. Considering peak intensity and efficiency, this effect was studied as a function of the various parameters of the interface (capillary protrusion from the SL tube, nebulizing gas, SL and CE electrolyte flow rates) or of the source (skimmer and ESI voltages, drying gas flow rate and temperature). It appears that the dilution effect seems slightly lower than what can be anticipated from the proportions of the liquid flow rates. This study also indicates that suction effect has to be considered first to better understand the dilution phenomenon, as suction effect leads to an increase in peak intensity, before a dilution effect appears. [source] Prediction of municipal solid waste generation with combination of support vector machine and principal component analysis: A case study of MashhadENVIRONMENTAL PROGRESS & SUSTAINABLE ENERGY, Issue 2 2009R. Noori Abstract Quantity prediction of municipal solid waste (MSW) is crucial for design and programming municipal solid waste management system (MSWMS). Because effect of various parameters on MSW quantity and its high fluctuation, prediction of generated MSW is a difficult task that can lead to enormous error. The works presented here involve developing an improved support vector machine (SVM) model, which combines the principal component analysis (PCA) technique with the SVM to forecast the weekly generated waste of Mashhad city. In this study, the PCA technique was first used to reduce and orthogonalize the original input variables (data). Then these treated data were used as new input variables in SVM model. This improved model was evaluated by using weekly time series of waste generation (WG) and the number of trucks that carry waste in week of t. These data have been collected from 2005 to 2008. By comparing the predicted WG with the observed data, the effectiveness of the proposed model was verified. Therefore, in authors' opinion, the model presented in this article is a potential tool for predicting WG and has advantages over the traditional SVM model. © 2008 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 2009 [source] Ni2+ removal from aqueous solutions using conditioned clinoptilolites: Kinetic and isotherm studiesENVIRONMENTAL PROGRESS & SUSTAINABLE ENERGY, Issue 1 2009Semra Çoruh Abstract The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of conditioning with NaCl and HCl solutions on removal of Ni2+ ions from aqueous solutions using natural clinoptilolite. Batch studies were performed to evaluate the effects of various parameters such as chemically conditioning, adsorbent amount, contact time, initial pH of the solution, mixing temperature, and initial metal ions. The results clearly showed that the conditioning improved both the exchange capacity and the removal efficiency. Langmuir, Freundlich, Temkin, and Dubinin-Kaganer-Radushkevich (DKR) isotherm models were adopted to describe the adsorption isotherms. Adsorption isotherms of Ni2+ ions could be best modeled by Langmuir equation. Three simplified models including pseudo-second-order, intraparticle diffusion and Elovich were used to test the adsorption kinetics. These results indicate a significant potential for the natural and conditioned clinoptilolites as an adsorbent/ion-exchange material for heavy metal removal. © 2008 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 2009 [source] Bacterial energetics, stoichiometry, and kinetic modeling of 2,4-Dinitrotoluene biodegradation in a batch respirometerENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY & CHEMISTRY, Issue 12 2004Chunlong Zhang Abstract A stoichiometric equation and kinetic model were developed and validated using experimental data from batch respirometer studies on the biodegradation of 2,4-dinitrotoluene (DNT). The stoichiometric equation integrates bacterial energetics and is revised from that in a previous study by including the mass balance of phosphorus (P) in the biomass. Stoichiometric results on O2 consumption, CO2 evolution, and nitrite evolution are in good agreement with respirometer data. However, the optimal P requirement is significantly higher than the stoichiometrically derived P, implying potentially limited bioavailability of P and the need for buffering capacity in the media to mitigate the adverse pH effect for optimal growth of DNT-degrading bacteria. An array of models was evaluated to fit the O2/CO2 data acquired experimentally and the DNT depletion data calculated from derived stoichiometric coefficients and cell yield. The deterministic, integrated Monod model provides the goodness of fit to the test data on DNT depletion, and the Monod model parameters (Ks, X0, ,max, and Y) were estimated by nonlinear regression. Further analyses with an equilibrium model (MINTEQ) indicate the interrelated nature of medium chemical compositions in controlling the rate and extent of DNT biodegradation. Results from the present batch respirometer study help to unravel some key factors in controlling DNT biodegradation in complex remediation systems, in particular the interactions between acidogenic DNT bacteria and various parameters, including pH and P, the latter of which could serve as a nutrient, a buffer, and a controlling factor on the bioavailable fractions of minerals (Ca, Fe, Zn, and Mo) in the medium. [source] Tuning and parameter variation effects in MRAS based speed estimator for sensorless vector controlled induction motor drivesEUROPEAN TRANSACTIONS ON ELECTRICAL POWER, Issue 3 2002M. Wang A frequently applied method of speed-sensorless rotor flux oriented control of induction machines relies on utilisation of model reference adaptive system (MRAS) based speed estimation, where the outputs of the reference and the adjustable model are selected as rotor flux space phasors. Accuracy of the method heavily depends on correct setting of the machine parameters and adjustment of the filter and Pl controller parameters within the estimator. The paper at first describes tuning of various parameters of the estimator, using purely experimental data. The speed estimator is operated in parallel with a commercially available rotor flux oriented induction motor drive with speed sensor and sampled stator voltages and currents are used to tune induction motor parameters, various filters and the Pl controller within the estimator. The procedure is described and illustrated using a comparison between the measured actual speed response during acceleration transients and the corresponding speed estimate obtained from the speed estimator. In the second part of the paper, speed estimation error that will take place in the base speed region due to incorrect setting and/or variation of the parameters of the machine (stator resistance, rotor resistance and magnetising inductance) within the speed estimator is assessed using experimentally recorded data. The experimental results are found to be in very good agreement with previously published theoretical results. [source] Performance analysis of optical code switching routerEUROPEAN TRANSACTIONS ON TELECOMMUNICATIONS, Issue 2 2010F. R. Durand In this work we study and evaluate the performance of an optical code switching router (OCSR), intended to be utilised in hybrid wavelength-division multiplexing/optical code-division multiplexing (WDM/OCDM) networks. This OCSR can transport and route efficiently user data over optical code paths without departing from the optical domain. Limitations of the proposed OCSR are investigated and its superior performance demonstrated based on non-coherent prime codes. Our results indicate that our solution is useful in showing the effects of the optimum threshold level on the OCSR performance. We propose a continuous adjustment of the optimum threshold level based on the measurement of the mean optical power before the decoder. The influence of various parameters of the optical codes on the OCSR performance are also considered and evaluated. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||