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Machining method is the most commonly used manufacturing method in the industry. The product, which is chipped on the raw material with the help of a cutting tool, is finalized. The manufactured product must be within the dimensional and geometric tolerances determined by the designer in order to discharge its functionality. In addition to these tolerances, surface quality is expected. In this study, the effect of the process parameters on the surface quality of the milling operation, which is the most commonly used machining method, was investigated as experimentally. Experimental design was carried out by using Taguchi L18 orthogonal array and the effect of four process parameters on the surface quality was investigated. ANOVA was carried out in order to investigate the effect of process parameters on experiment results and their statistical significance. The validity of experimental model was investigated by comparing the actual experimental results with the estimated results obtained by Minitab 19. According to Taguchi results; conventional cutting direction, 282 m/min. cutting speed, 0.15 mm/rev. feed rate and 0.5 mm cutting depth were found optimum levels of parameters. P value was found 0.00014 in ANOVA for feed rate parameter and it was found the most important parameter on the experiment results. R² of experiment model was found % 91.4 according to comparison result. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, the generalization of pre-topological spaces called bipretopological spaces (briefly, π-pre-topology) depending on two pre-topologies on an arbitrary universal set has been introduced. New kinds of separations axioms on π-pre-topological spaces are established and some of their properties are investigated. A comparison between four separation axioms on π-pre-topological spaces and pre-topological spaces with different sorts of counterexamples are presented. The topological property for some π-pre-separation axioms are satisfied and its relation with disubgraphs are discussed. A human heart will be studied through it is generated digraph. It is noted that all separation axioms for human heart are not all satisfied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wild rice (Oryza barthii) is increasingly used in Sudan as a food crop. Wild rice is a whole grain, rich in minerals, vitamins, protein, starch, dietary fiber and various phytochemicals; and yet low in fat, with a beneficial fatty acids profile. The objective of this study was to evaluate the socioeconomic significance of wild rice as a famine food crop in Darfur state of Sudan. A study was conducted in five districts (Tullus, Gadad, Demso, Katila, and Umshtoor) in South Darfur in Sudan. Primary data were obtained through a face-to-face semi-questionnaire interview on 146 households; supplemented with interviews of key informants and group discussions. All respondents (100%) not only attested to knowing wild rice and its growth habits, but also consumption (93.8%) of the crop. Wild rice reportedly grows naturally and widely in valleys, although it was dismally exploited by the local population. It is harvested manually and traditionally; and sold mostly in the local markets, without post-harvest value additions. The crop is consumed in various meals, but mainly in the form of porridge. Some respondents (13%) used the crop in times of famine. Wild rice is stored in traditional containers (95.9%) for periods ranging from 8 to 12 years without visible storage problems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Darfur state of Sudan faces famine at different times, thus necessitating a search for improved coping strategies. The objective of this study was to assess the value of Corape (Dactyloctenium aegyptiacum) plant as a food crop during famine periods in Darfur state in Sudan. Atotal of 132 respondents purposely selected from Alfashir, the capital of north Darfur were interviewed using a semi-structured questionnaire. Also, key informants and focus group discussions with local leaders of the area were engaged in data collection. A total of 82.6% attested the existence of the Corape plant in Darfur; while 49.2% confirmed its significance as a famine crop in Darfur. Corape seed is used to prepare different types of meals and its seed stores for 15 - 20 years. Corape vegetation is also used as animal fodder, which according to 28% of the respondents can be stored for 6 to 12 months without significant deterioration in quality. This study concluded that the Corape plant has a good potential as food and fodder plant and can contribute significantly to household food security and livelihoods of local communities, if the problems of storage and pests were tackled. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Middle East Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) is an emerging virus that infects humans and camels with no approved antiviral therapy or vaccine. Some vaccines are in development for camels as a one-health intervention where vaccinating camels is proposed to reduce human viral exposure. This intervention will require an understanding of the prior exposure of camels to the virus and appropriate vaccine efficacy studies in camels. Methods: We conducted a cross sectional seroprevalence study in young dromedary camels to determine the rate of MERS-CoV seropositivity in young camels. Next, we utilised naturally infected camels as a natural challenge model that can be used by co-housing these camels with healthy naive camels in a ratio of 1 to 2. This model is aimed to support studies on natural virus transmission as well as evaluating drug and vaccine efficacy. Results: We found that 90% of the screened camels have pre-existing antibodies for MERS-CoV. In addition, the challenge model resulted in MERS-CoV transmission within 48 h with infections that continued for 14 days post challenge. Conclusions: Our finding suggests that the majority of young dromedary camels in Saudi Arabia are seropositive and that naturally infected camels can serve as a challenge model to assess transmission, therapeutics, and vaccine efficacy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Field experiment was conducted during the two growing seasons of 2013-2014 and 2014-2015, in a private farm at El-Salheya El-Gedida City, Ismailia Governorate, Egypt, to investigate the effect of rice straw (RS) as alternative to sandy soil (SS) and drenching applications of potassium humate (K2-HA) at 2 g/l, potassium silicate (K2SiO3) at 5 g/l, and seaweed extract (SWE) at 0.5 g/l on improving growth of sweet pepper (capsicum annuum L.) plants under deficit irrigation every 2 (I2), 3 (I3) and 4 (I4) days in addition to daily irrigation (I1) as control. Plant samples were taken at 90 days after transplanting to record leaf area, shoot fresh and dry weights, in addition to, determination of leaf relative water content (LRWC), concentrations of N, P, K and Ca. Mean values of drenching applications showed significant increase in the growth parameters ;shoot fresh and dry weights, leaf area, LRWC, as well as, concentrations of N, P and Ca in the two seasons comparing to untreated control and the best results were due to K2- HA followed by SWE then K2SiO3. The highest concentration of K was obtained by K2SiO3 followed by K2-HA then SWE. Plants were grown on RS showed significant increase in LRWC comparing to plants were grown on SS. Plants were applied with I2+ K2-HA+ SS showed the highest significant value of shoot fresh weight, shoot dry weight, leaf area, N, P and Ca concentrations followed by I2+SWE+SScomparing to control plants applied with I1+ SS without drenching applications. Plants were grown on RS showed significant increase in growth parameters comparing with control plants but less than those were grown on SS. The best results were achieved by I3 + K2-HA+ RS, I3 + SWE+ RS, I4 + K2-HA+ RS. Plants were grown on rice strawunderI3 irrigation and applied with K2- HA or SWE showed significant increase in N, P and Ca concentrations, while, under I4 irrigation an increase in N and P concentrations was obtained by K2-HA.The highest concentrations of k were observed with plants grown on SS under the highest level of irrigation deficit I4 by K2SiO3.It could be concluded from the present study that rice straw could alleviate the negative effect of low water supply and applications of K2-HA and SWE are recommended for enhancing sweet pepper growth and nutrient elements uptake under water deficit conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The increasing awareness amongst the society on medico-legal issues as well as the growth of consumerist attitude towards the provision of medical services has caused the medical profession to be subjected to vociferous criticism if they do not meet rising expectations of the society. Substandard services have not been well tolerated and paternalistic approaches in medical treatment are considered to be outmoded and inappropriate. Any dissatisfaction on the part of the patient towards medical services provided nowadays may easily trigger claims in the court of law. This changing trend has also fundamentally changed the behaviour of the courts towards the medical profession. Judicial and legislative interventions in medical practice have created more and more rights for the patients and consequently, corresponding legal duties for the medical profession to uphold. In the present healthcare setting, the medical profession will not be able to provide infallible services without knowledge of the legal standards which they have to adhere. Thus, educating future medical professionals with the fundamentals of law and ethics would ensure greater accountability, knowledge and personal commitment in providing medical services to the society as the ideals of professionalism not only require them to have the necessary expertise, dedication, respect, compassion, empathy, honesty, altruism, responsibility, integrity, self-improvement and accountability but also adherence to the demands of law and highest ethical standards. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper proposes a multi-objective evolutionary algorithm for optimizing model base predictive control (MBPC) tuning parameters applied to the boiling process. The multi-objective evolutionary algorithms are able to incorporate many objective functions that can simultaneously meet robust stability and performance that can satisfy control design objective functions. These promising techniques are successfully implemented to stabilise MBPC at the implications of different levels of model uncertainties. The Pareto optimum technique is able to overcome the problem of trapping the standard genetic algorithms (SGAs) in the local optimum when using the LQ as the objective functions at the price of high model uncertainty. Introducing robust stability and performance objective functions has successfully improved the search procedure for MBPC tuning variables at high model uncertainty. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article discusses a rare case of concurrent vulvar Crohn's disease (CD) and pyoderma gangrenosum (PG). CD is a chronic inflammatory condition that affects the gastrointestinal tract, and vulvar involvement is a rare extraintestinal manifestation. PG is an autoinflammatory dermatitis that is infrequently seen in patients with CD. The article presents the case of a 33-year-old female with vulvar CD and PG, describing her symptoms, physical exam findings, and treatment. The article emphasizes the need for a multidisciplinary approach to care and mentions various treatment options for vulvar CD and PG. [Extracted from the article]

Cymbopogon citratus or lemon grass, is a potential renewable herbaceous biomass alternative. Lemon grass contains silica, which is available for extraction as a filler for various applications. Lemon grass ash is produced at calcination temperatures of 0, 400, 525, 600, and 700 ˚C. The silica content of the lemon grass ash was characterized by X-ray fluorescence (XRF), X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microcopy (SEM), and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) analysis. The shape and texture of the lemon grass ash were studied by SEM. The highest silica content recorded was 24.00% for lemon grass calcined at 400 °C. The porosity of the lemon grass ash increased as the calcination temperature increased from 0 °C to 700 °C. XRD analysis showed that the crystallinity of silica in the lemon grass ash increased with increasing calcination temperature. FTIR analysis confirmed the presence of organic structure in lemon grass without calcination and the inorganic structure of siloxane and silanol bonds present in lemon grass calcined at different temperatures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lemon grass is an inexpensive raw material that can be used to produce natural silica. A method using hydrochloric acid (HCl) leaching followed by thermal combustion at 600℃ was developed to produce purified silica from lemon grass. Acid leaching temperatures of 33, 50, 80, and 110℃ were used. The silica content of the lemon grass ash was characterized using X-ray fluorescence (XRF), X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) analysis. The shape and texture of the lemon grass ash were studied using SEM. The highest silica content (98.59%) was produced by lemon grass that had been treated at the highest leaching temperature (110℃). Other elements that were found in the lemon grass ash were magnesium, calcium, potassium, and chlorine. XRD analysis showed that the crystallinity of the silica in treated lemon grass ash increased with increasing leaching temperature. The FTIR analysis confirmed the presence of siloxane and silanol bonds in lemon grass that was calcined at different leaching temperatures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Social media websites play a prominent role in modern society, and the most popular of these websites is Facebook. Increasingly, physiotherapy clinics have begun to utilize Facebook in order to create pages to publicize their services. There are many factors to consider in the planning, implementing, and maintenance of Facebook pages for physiotherapy clinics, including ethical and privacy issues. The primary purpose of creating a page must be clearly defined, with dedicated clinicians given adequate time to manage the page. This technical article discusses these factors and summarizes the experiences at the University of Otago, New Zealand, in creating a Facebook page for the physiotherapy clinic and provides suggestions for physiotherapy clinicians in operating a Facebook page. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ankle deficiencies occur quite often among poststroke patients and people working in physically demanding professions in general. Computerized telerehabilitation systems have emerged as promising assistive tools for effective diagnosis and rehabilitation interventions. Consequently, the process of recording and analyzing the medical data captured by such systems has become vital for the generation of efficient reports that can assist clinicians to assess their patient's health. In this paper, we present our telerehabilitation system called “Tele-Wobble” that consists of a modified version of a wobble board mounted with sensors and actuators, a software training game, and a web-service architecture that allows for remote monitoring of the patient's training progress. The system aims to provide clinicians with key performance measurements captured during the patient's training session. Our evaluations showed that Tele-Wobble may offer an efficient and cost-effective home-based rehabilitation for patients with ankle deficiencies. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Background The internet plays an important role in the dissemination of health information to the general public. Information on orthopaedic sports medicine websites has been shown to be of a varying standard, and to date there has been no evaluation of the overall quality of concussion-related websites. Methods A four-stage methodological sampling technique was used to identify concussion-related websites. Websites were assessed for the presence of a quality standard (the HONcode ), their adherence to current expert concussion knowledge using a custom-developed concussion checklist ('CONcheck'), and their readability using the established Flesch Reading Ease (FRE) and Flesch--Kincaid Grade Level (FKGL). Results 43 Websites were identified from the search strategy with the majority (70%) not HONcode certified. A wide distribution of scores was seen for the CONcheck (0-22), FRE (16.3-77.4) and FKGL (6-17.8). Statistical analysis using independent t tests between websites with the HONcode and websites without the HONcode showed no significant differences between the two groups for CONcheck (t41=0.571, p=0.571), FRE (t41=0.808, p=0.424) and FKGL(t41=-0.964, p=0.341) scores. Conclusions The variability in the standard of concussion-related websites highlights the need for sports medicine website providers to consider the delivery, content and readability of information to the public. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite being geographically dispersed, abundant, and accounting for almost half of the world's coal reserves, low-rank coals (LRCs) find limited use due to their high moisture content and high propensity for spontaneous combustion. Reducing the moisture content of low-rank coal enhances its heating value and reduces transportation costs, thus increasing its economic value. In addition, dried low-rank coals have been proven to improve plant efficiency, enhance safety, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Although numerous technologies for coal drying already exist, it is often challenging, if not impossible, to find one that is cost-effective in all aspects. When selecting a dryer for coal upgrading applications, factors such as particle size/size distribution, throughput, energy consumption, material handling capabilities, safety, carbon footprint, capital and operating costs, return on investment, etc., are important considerations. This article provides an overview of the patent literature along with the archival literature that deals with drying of coal as well as biomass, which is relevant to coal drying. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a Web-based system for supporting the selection of the most suitable routes for buried urban utilities. The aim of the proposed system is to support (not make) decisions through a collaborative semiautomated environment, in which stakeholders can share information and/or study the impacts of different routing alternatives with respect to decision constraints. First, the knowledge relating to route selection for urban utilities is represented through an ontology. The ontology defines the types and attributes of infrastructure products and the surrounding areas. It also defines the impacts of routing options on surrounding areas through a set of decision criteria adopted to evaluate the effectiveness of any route in terms of its potential impacts. A set of constraints are also defined to help represent/study the decision criteria. Second, a GIS-based system has been created to help visualize route data, interact with users, and support the needed discussions among stakeholders. The portal also achieves data interoperability through wrapping existing geospatial data with ontology structures. Finally, a set of reasoners have been created to help quantify/augment some of the constraints. The system is capable of (1) extracting the attributes of each routing option, (2) testing the interaction/conflicts between route attributes and the constraints of the surrounding area, (3) studying the impacts of a route as stipulated in the ontology, (4) referring users to existing best practices to help enhance routes or address conflicts and, when needed, (5) develop objective measures for comparing different routes. On the microlevel (street level), route options are evaluated through a 'constraint-satisfaction' approach. On the macrolevel (city level), route options are evaluated through a fuzzy inference scoring system. The proposed system focuses on facility life cycle, sustainability, and community impacts. Construction costing, scheduling, labor, and equipment along with other management issues can either be added to the system or, better, analyzed through integrating the system with four-dimensional (4D) modeling tools. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A process design technique is presented for the formability assessment of sheet metal stamping parts and feasibility analysis of process conditions. The proposed approach is based on numerical simulation of stamping processes by using explicit – incremental and implicit – iterative finite element techniques. The influence of the numeric model parameters are investigated with factor analysis and described with response surfaces obtained by multi-linear regression. A forming process leading to springback-critic channel geometry is selected for the application of the proposed methodology. The effects of modeling parameters are determined by evaluating influences of the punch velocity and the element size, in order to obtain a numerically calibrated simulation model. Then the sensitivity of the springback deformations to the contact interface friction and the blankholder force is predicted, and a set of response surfaces is generated. Comparisons with the experimental data indicated the suitability of the proposed approach in springback predictions. The proposed technique is employed in the stamping analysis of an engine suspension bracket made of high-strength steel. The process conditions are investigated in terms of drawbead penetration and blankholder force setting, and the predicted part shapes are compared with CMM measurements of the manufactured parts. An evaluation of computed springback distortions shows a good correlation with experiment results and confirms the use of process parameters estimated with the proposed design. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Comparison was made between properties of recycled newspaper (RNP)/carbon black (CB) and recycled newspaper (RNP)/silica hybrid filled polypropylene (PP)/natural rubber (NR) composites. The properties of composites consisting of processing characteristics, mechanical properties, thermal analysis via thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) morphology and water absorption were studied. The results revealed that the incorporation of CB and silica in the weight ratio of RNP/CB and RNP/silica hybrid has increased stabilization torque of the composites. Certain mechanical properties of the composites such as tensile strength and elongation at break (EB) were found increased, while Young's modulus decreased with increasing CB and silica content. The incorporation of CB in the weight ratio of RNP/CB hybrid shows higher stabilization torque, tensile strength, elongation at break (EB) compared with RNP/silica hybrid of the PP/NR composites. However, RNP/silica hybrid exhibited higher Young's modulus than RNP/CB hybrid of the PP/NR composites. TGA and DSC results indicate that primary and secondary peak of DTG curve, initial degradation temperature (T0), degradation temperature (Tdeg), melting temperature (Tm), heat of fusion of composites (ΔHf(com)), crystallinity of composites (Xcom) and PP (XPP) increased, while total weight loss and thermal degradation rate decreased for both hybrid composites. The RNP/silica hybrid is likely to be more thermal resistance and more crystalline than RNP/CB hybrid of the composites. A correlation between the increment of tensile strength and morphology of the composites was also studied. Results show that the presence of CB and silica has increased interfacial interaction between polymer and filler of the composites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To assess whether application of cocoa butter lotion reduces the development of striae gravidarum (SG). Design Multicentre, double-blind, randomised and placebo-controlled trial. Setting Beirut and Tripoli, Lebanon. Population Nulliparous women presenting for prenatal care. Methods Nulliparous women presenting in the first trimester were randomly assigned to receive a lotion containing cocoa butter or a placebo lotion. Women were instructed to apply the assigned lotion daily until delivery. Main outcome measure The development of striae over the abdomen, breasts and thighs postpartum. Results Of 210 women enrolled, 175 (83%) completed the study. Ninety-one women received the study lotion and 84 received the placebo. There was no difference in the development of SG (45.1% versus 48.8%; P = 0.730) or the severity of SG between cases and controls. The results did not change when presence of stretch marks at enrolment or compliance with the regimen were taken into account. Conclusion Topical application of a lotion containing cocoa butter does not appear to reduce the likelihood of developing striae gravidarum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Natural weathering has been applied to investigate the properties of recycled newspaper (RNP)-filled polypropylene (PP)/natural rubber (NR) composites. Three sizes of RNP (11 mm, 23 mm, and 53 mm) were used in this study. These composites were subjected to natural weathering conditions; i.e, tropical climate in Penang, Malaysia, for 3 and 6 months. Different techniques including mechanical tests, Fourier transform infrared spectrometry (FTIR), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were used in order to obtain a comprehensive view of degradation occurring during the natural weathering of the composites. Results of mechanical tests show that an increasing content of RNP in composites decreased the tensile strength and elongation at break (EB), while increasing the Young's modulus after exposure of 3 and 6 months. Scanning electron microscopy on surfaces after weathering shows that the filler was poorly wetted by the matrix. This explains the reduction in tensile strength and elongation at break after weathering. The Fourier transform infrared spectrometry results on the composites after exposure to natural weathering indicate the presence of carbonyl, vinyl, and hydroxyl groups, which formed from various chemical reactions taking place during weathering. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of recycled newspaper (RNP) loading and size on the processing behavior, mechanical properties, water absorption and morphology of PP/NR composites were investigated. Three sizes of RNP, i.e. 11, 23 and 53 µm were used in this study. Results show that the increasing content of RNP in composites has increased the stabilization torque, tensile strength and elongation at break (up to 5 wt.% of filler content), Young's modulus and water absorption. PP-NR composites with the smallest particle size of RNP show the highest mechanical properties but the lowest water absorption resistance. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) of composites indicate that the smallest particle size of RNP shows better filler-matrix interaction than larger particle size of RNP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Curing characteristics, fatigue, and hysteresis behaviour of feldspar filled SMR L vulcanizates and feldspar filled ENR 50 vulcanizates were studied. Two different types of natural rubber, SMR L and ENR 50 having 0 and 50 mol% of epoxide groups were used. The feldspar filled natural rubber vulcanizates were compared at similar filler loading which were used at 0, 10, 20, and 30 phr of filler loading. The curing characteristics such as scorch time (t2) and cure time (t90) slightly increased with increasing feldspar loading for both rubber vulcanizates. Besides t2 and t90, maximum torque (MHR) significantly increased for both rubbers with increasing feldspar loading. The fatigue test showed that fatigue life decreased with increasing extension ratio, strain energy and filler loading. As the filler loading increased, the poor wetting of the feldspar by the rubber matrix gave rise to poor interfacial adhesion between filler and rubber matrix. Results also indicate that the vulcanizates with the highest feldspar loading exhibited the highest hysteresis. The feldspar filled SMR L vulcanizates showed higher fatigue life and lower hysteresis compare to feldspar filled ENR 50 vulcanizates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There are limited data on the use of lamivudine for patients with severe forms of acute hepatitis B. We report our experience with the use of lamivudine in six patients with acute HBV infection. Lamivudine was justified by disease severity for four patients and by concerns about risk of chronicity for two patients. The diagnoses of the treated patients were: fulminant liver failure (two patients), severe acute hepatitis B, protracted acute hepatitis B, and new HBV infection in the renal dialysis setting (two patients, one with severe liver injury). Serum HBV DNA titres ranged from 105 to 107 copies/mL prior to commencement of lamivudine. Lamivudine treatment was associated with a decline in serum HBV DNA and serum transaminases in all patients. All but one patient survived. A 58-year-old man with fulminant hepatitis and multiple organ failure died despite antiviral treatment. When possible,HBeAg and HBsAg seroconversion was documented during follow-up. In the absence of a randomized, prospective study of lamivudine in patients with severe acute hepatitis B, our data encourage the use of this safe and well tolerated drug. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Comparison studies on effects of feldspar and silica (Vulcasil C) as a filler in (SMR L grade natural rubber) vulcanizates on curing characteristics, mechanical properties, swelling behavior, thermal analysis, and morphology were examined. The incorporation of both fillers increases the scorch time, t2 , and cure time, t90, of SMR L vulcanizates. At a similar filler loading, feldspar exhibited longer t2 and t90 but lower values of maximum torque, MHR, and torque difference, MHR-ML than did silica-filled SMR L vulcanizates. For mechanical properties, both fillers were found to be effective in enhancing the tensile strength (up to 10 phr), tensile modulus, and hardness of the vulcanizates. However, feldspar-filled SMR L vulcanizates showed lower values of mechanical properties than did silica-filled SMR L vulcanizates. Swelling measurement indicates that swelling percentages of both fillers-filled SMR L vulcanizates decrease with increasing filler loading whereas silica shows a lower swelling percentage than feldspar-filled SMR L vulcanizates. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) on fracture surface of tensile samples showed poor filler--matrix adhesion for both fillers with increasing filler loading in the vulcanizates. However, feldspar-filled SMR L vulcanizates showed poorer filler--matrix adhesion than did silica-filled SMR L vulcanizates. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) results indicate that the feldspar-filled SMR L vulcanizates have... [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cocoa shoot (CS), young leaves (CL) and tea leaves (GT) were processed according to green tea processing procedures. Polyphenol components was extracted and analysed using high pressure liquid chromatography. The total polyphenol of CS, CL and GT were 19.0, 28.4 and 17.3 mg/100 mg, respectively. The main catechin-polyphenols in extracts were epicatechin (EC), epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), epigallocatechin (EGC), gallic acid (GA) and epicatechin gallate (ECG). The concentrations of caffeine for CS, CL and GT were 2.24, 1.33 and 3.34 mg/100 mg, respectively. The concentrations of EGCG, in both cocoa leaves, were lower than commercial green tea. However, the concentrations of EC in CS (5.93 mg/100 mg) and in CL (2.82 mg/100 mg) were significantly higher that those found in green tea (0.65 mg/100 mg). The antioxidation properties of the polyphenol extracts were tested, using ferric chloride reduction, and compared against a synthetic antioxidant (BHA). The polyphenol extracts (CS and CL) showed similar antioxidation powers to GT and BHA throughout the entire concentration range (100–2000 ppm). In the oil-based test medium; the antioxidative performance of polyphenol extracts were better than BHA at 50 ppm. At 200 ppm, the performance is quite similar to BHA. At higher concentration (400 ppm) the antioxidant activities are much better than BHA. In the presence of Cu2+ prooxidant (20 ppm), BHA (200 ppm) and all the extracts (200 pmm) showed similar performances. Since the oxidation test was conducted at 65 °C, the 8 days of stability provided by 200 ppm addition of CL and CS extracts, can be equated to 8 months of room temperature (25 °C) stability. Hence, the cocoa leaves extracts have the potential to complement or replace synthetic antioxidants in aqueous and oil-based food applications. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Objective. To define by transvaginal ultrasonography an optimal cutoff for endometrial thickness measurements to be used in screening for endometrial pathologies in asymptomatic breast cancer patients on tamoxifen, and to evaluate the incorporation of saline infusion sonohysterography and Doppler studies into the diagnostic scheme.Methods. Sixty tamoxifen-treated women examined by transvaginal ultrasonography with saline infusion were included in this retrospective study. Variables of interest were endometrial thickness and texture, and the presence of intracavitary fluid at ultrasonography, total endometrial thickness, defined as the sum of the two endometrial layers and the presence of polypoid masses at sonohysterography, and uterine artery flow indices at Doppler ultrasonography. The dilatation and curettage performed after the sonographic scan detected pathological endometrial changes in nine cases, including six endometrial polyps, two endometrial hyperplasias, and one endometrial cancer. All parameters evaluated were compared between patients with benign and pathological endometria. Continuous variables that differed significantly between the groups were investigated further by receiver operating characteristics curve analyses and the diagnostic value of combinations of various parameters by binary logistic regression.Results. The endometrial thickness in patients with proven endometrial pathologies was significantly greater compared with women with benign endometria, both by transvaginal ultrasonography (12.7 ± 5.5 vs. 7.0 ± 4.5 mm; P = 0.003) and by sonohysterography (6.3 ± 2.8 vs. 4.1 ± 1.7 mm; P = 0.036). While saline infusion sonohysterography also revealed a significantly higher frequency of polypoid masses in the former group (67% vs. 2%; P < 0.001), no other significant differences were defined between the groups in regard to any other sonographic or Doppler parameter evaluated. For the diagnosis of any endometrial pathology, the optimal cutoffs of endometrial thickness at ultrasonography and total endometrial thickness at sonohysterography were 9.5 and 5.5 mm, with sensitivities of 89% and 78% and specificities of 78% and 84%, respectively. A logistic regression model including polypoid lesions (B = −4.935; P < 0.001) and total endometrial thickness at sonohysterography (B = 0.432; P = 0.027) as the only two independent variables had a sensitivity of 100% and specificity of 84%.Conclusion. Saline infusion sonohysterography does, yet Doppler ultrasonography does not, add to the value of endometrial thickness measurements by transvaginal ultrasonography in the screen for endometrial pathologies in asymptomatic breast cancer patients on tamoxifen. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Summary:Anecdotally, enteroviruses have been reported to cause serious complications post BMT, but the exact impact of these viruses in the post transplant period has not been reported. We prospectively evaluated stool, urine and throat samples for enteroviruses by viral culture together with relevant body fluids by RT-PCR in 64 allograft recipients receiving grafts T-cell depleted by Campath-1H, following both conventional and reduced-intensity conditioning. Seven patients (10.4%) developed nine episodes of enterovirus infections at a median of 146 days post transplant. Four episodes were associated with symptomatic illnesses, which could be attributable to enteroviruses. There was no mortality directly related to enteroviruses. There was no correlation between dose and mode of Campath-1H use, lymphocyte recovery, IgG and IgA levels and enterovirus isolation. Although enteroviruses tended to be more frequent in TBI-based conventional conditioning recipients, the only significant risk factor for enterovirus infection was unrelated donor graft. The low incidence of the severe enterovirus infections could have been related to a low lymphocyte count in this cohort in the absence of GVHD, particularly CD4+ count, which has been implicated in tissue damage in experimental animals. Further studies are needed to define its impact in different allograft settings.Bone Marrow Transplantation (2004) 33, 425-430. doi:10.1038/sj.bmt.1704359 Published online 22 December 2003 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since the Patient Self-Determination Act became law in 1991, nursing homes routinely address advance directives with all residents. This study investigated the implementation of end-of-life care wishes of residents in one nursing home in Florida. Data were collected from the medical records of residents who died in the facility (n = 75) in one year. Two-thirds of the residents had either completed a living will, or designated a health care decision-maker, and 90.7% of the residents had do-not-resuscitate orders. Findings suggest that in 94% of the cases advance directives were followed, and that professional social work activities contributed to the high rate of compliance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Routine dilatation and curettage (D&C) in all patients with postmenopausal bleeding (PMB) is debatable, as 70%–80% will eventually receive benign diagnoses. Endometrial thickness (ET) measurements by transvaginal ultrasonography (TVUS) are used with high sensitivity to detect patients who would benefit from D&C, yet they suffer from low specificity that fails to reduce undue invasive procedures. The aim of this study was to define optimal cutoffs for ET in diagnosing endometrial pathologies in PMB and to assess a possible complementary role for Doppler ultrasonography. The study population consisted of 97 women with PMB; 39, 22 and 36 of whom had endometrial cancer (EC), benign endometrial pathologies and normal endometrial findings, respectively, defined by D&C performed after TVUS, which was used to measure uterine dimensions and ET, together with pulsatility and resistance indices (PI and RI, respectively) of the uterine arteries. Receiver operating characteristics curves revealed ET to be the most valuable parameter to prognosticate both EC and any endometrial pathology (sensitivities of 90% and 89%, and specificities of 79% and 94% with optimal cutoffs of 9.6 and 7.7 mm, respectively). Binary logistic regression revealed uterine artery RI to be the only independent variable that could be used together with ET, which increased the sensitivity of ET to 97% and 93% for EC and any endometrial pathology, but caused its specificity to regress to 58% and 53%, respectively. Same levels of sensitivity, yet better levels of specificity of 60% and 89%, respectively, were attained by using a cutoff of 6.3 mm for ET alone. Assessing uterine artery Doppler indices has no complementary role for measuring ET in evaluating PMB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Haemorrhagic cystitis (HC) is an important cause of morbidity following stem cell transplantation (SCT) and has been associated with polyoma virus infection. We studied the incidence and outcome of polyoma virus infection in 58 T-cell-depleted SCT patients. T-cell depletion was carried out using Campath-1H, either 10 or 20?mg in vitro (n=33) or 50 or 100?mg in vivo (n=25) following conventional (n=35) or nonmyeloablative conditioning (n=23). A total of 21 patients (36%) had polyoma viruria at a median of 35 days (5-114); 30% among patients receiving Campath in vitro and 44% among those given in vivo. The only risk factor for polyoma viruria was graft-versus-host disease GVHD grade ?2. The onset of polyoma viruria coincided with Cytomegalovirus (CMV) reactivation in all six patients who reactivated both viruses. Prolonged viruria (defined as polyoma viruria >2 weeks) was documented in 10 patients (17%) and this was associated with GVHD ?grade 2. HC occurred in four patients. Prolonged viruria was associated with HC only in patients receiving unrelated donor grafts following conventional conditioning. HC was not observed following nonmyeloablative conditioning despite a higher incidence of prolonged viruria. Thus, HC was uncommon in patients with polyoma viruria following T-cell depletion with Campath, particularly after reduced intensity conditioning.Bone Marrow Transplantation (2003) 31, 379-386. doi:10.1038/sj.bmt.1703847 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

: ObjectiveTo study the value of creatine kinase in ectopic pregnancy with reference to tubal histopathology.: DesignProspective controlled study.: SettingAcademic tertiary-care institution.: PopulationThirty-two women with ectopic pregnancy and 20 controls with intrauterine pregnancies.: MethodsCreatine kinase and β-hCG levels were measured on admission. Ectopic pregnancies were removed at surgery and examined histologically.: Main outcome measuresTubal localisation and integrity of ectopic pregnancies as judged at surgery and later histologically, and placental growth patterns in unruptured ectopic pregnancies classified as intraluminal, extraluminal or mixed as determined histologically.: ResultsCreatine kinase levels were higher in isthmic than ampullary ectopic pregnancies (P = 0.011), and higher in ruptured than in unruptured cases (P = 0.003) and normal pregnancies (P < 0.0001). A creatine kinase value >120iu/L was 65% sensitive and 87% specific in discriminating ruptured from unruptured ectopic pregnancies. Creatine kinase levels were above this cutoff in two of five unruptured ampullary ectopic pregnancies with invasive trophoblastic growth, yet in none of nine cases with intraluminally confined placentation (P = 0.04). Creatine kinase was positively correlated with gestational age in ruptured (P = 0.007), but not in unruptured ectopic pregnancies or normal pregnancies.: ConclusionsSerum creatine kinase may help in discriminating ruptured from unruptured ectopic pregnancies, while it is not useful for the primary diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy. An increase in creatine kinase levels accompanying muscular damage in ectopic pregnancy probably antedates tubal rupture, and may be related to trophoblastic growth patterns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

B Presenter: b Terence Jackson MD | Methodist Richardson Medical Center B Background: b Pancreatic adenocarcinomas (Panc Ca) are often significantly understaged by preoperative computerized tomography (CT) imaging in terms of resectability. Anecdotally, we have found that some Panc Ca are inherently more "Infiltrative" when compared to others that are more "Mass-Forming", even though preoperative imaging deemed them resectable. Using these cases, we would like to support our proposal to addend the nomenclature for Panc Ca to include "Infiltrative" and "Mass-Forming" as descriptors. [Extracted from the article]

Objectives: Topical nasal steroids are a common treatment intervention for olfactory dysfunction. Penetration of topical treatment to the olfactory cleft (OC), such as nasal drops, is greatly dependent on the position of the head when the treatment is administered. We aimed to examine the penetrance of nasal drops to the OC in two different head positions: the Mygind (lying head back) position and the Kaiteki position. Design and Setting: The specimens were firstly positioned in Mygind, and thereafter in Kaiteki positions. Nasal drops mixed with blue food dye were administered into the nostrils in each of the head position. Endoscopic videos were recorded, and two blinded observers scored the extent of olfactory cleft penetration (OCP) using a 4‐point scale (0 = none, 3 = heavy). Participants: Twelve fresh‐frozen cadaver specimens. Main outcome measures: Penetration of the dye into the OC. Results: The mean score of nasal drops penetrance to the OC in the Mygind position was 1.34 (standard deviation, SD = 0.92), as compared to 1.76 (SD = 0.65) in the Kaiteki position. The difference in the OCP score between the two groups was not statistically significant (P >.05). Conclusion: Both Mygind and Kaiteki head positions are reasonable options for patients considering topical nasal drops for olfaction impairment. The preference of one position over the other should be determined by patient's preference and comfort. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the case of a 19-year-old male diagnosed with lumbosacral radiculopathy due to a perineural or Tarlov cyst. He complained of lower back and left leg pain which on examination showed bilateral paravertebral muscle spasm and painful lower back flexion. He was administered a transforaminal epidural steroid injection which immediately brought relief. It was concluded that transforaminal epidural steroid injection is a good option for treating lumbosacral perineural cysts.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to critically examine the content of smartphone apps produced for patients undergoing total hip replacement and total knee replacement surgery. Materials and methods: A systematic search was conducted across the five most popular smartphone app stores: iTunes; Google Play; Windows Mobile; Blackberry App World; and Nokia Ovi. Apps were identified for screening if they: targeted total hip replacement or total knee replacement patients; were free of charge; and were in English. App quality assessment was conducted independently by three reviewers using the Mobile App Rating Scale. Results: 15 apps met the inclusion criteria. On the 5-point Mobile App Rating Scale, the mean overall app quality score was 3.1. Within the Mobile App Rating Scale, the "Aesthetics" subscale had the most inconsistency across all apps, generating the highest and lowest mean scores (4.7 and 1, respectively). The "functionality" subscale had the highest mean score (3.8) among the four subscales, and the "information" subscale had the lowest mean score (2.7). Conclusion: This study highlights that despite a wide range of apps currently available to total hip replacement and total knee replacement patients, there is significant variability in their quality. Future efforts should be made to develop apps in partnership with patients, to improve the content, interactivity and relevance of apps. Clinicians and rehabilitation professionals should consider that patients are using Smartphone apps to supplement their rehabilitation and be aware of currently available apps. Although some apps show promise, at present there is no one openly available app which is clinically recommended for rehabilitation use following total hip replacement and total knee replacement. Rehabilitation professionals tailor recovery programmes to individual patient needs following total hip replacement and total knee replacement, and future apps should also consider personal needs. We recommend that patients are involved in all stages of designing and testing future total hip replacement and total knee replacement rehabilitation apps. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper is a part of a natural dye solar cell project. Conductive transparent oxide (CTO) films have been deposited onto preheated glass substrates using a spray pyrolysis technique. The optical, electrical, structural properties as well as thermal annealing and gamma radiation response were studied. The average optical energy gap of doped films for direct allowed and direct forbidden transitions were found to be 3.92 and 3.68 eV, respectively. The plasmon frequency and plasmon energy after doping were found to be 3.48 × 1014 s −1 and 0.23 eV. The negative absorbance of the doped film was observed in UV-Vis range after applying both thermal annealing and γ-dose irradiation with 22 kGy. The negative refractive index of the doped film in UV range (220 – 300 nm) is promising for optical applications. The electron mobility μe reached a maximum of 27.4 cm2 V−1 s−1 for Sb concentration of 10 %. The corresponding resistivity ρ, and sheet resistance Rs reached their minimum values of 1.1 × 10−3 Ω cm and 35 Ω sq−1, respectively. The dopant concentration has been increased from 4.13 × 1019 to 2.1 × 1020cm−3. The doped film was found to exhibit three diffraction peaks associated with (2 2 2), (2 0 0), and (2 1 1) reflection planes, of which the peak of (2 2 2) of Sb2O3 and the peak of (2 0 0) were very close. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Studies of epidemiology, treatment modalities, and outcomes of childhood central nervous system (CNS) tumors in Sudan are scarce. To address this shortcoming, we evaluated baseline information about the epidemiology, treatment types, and outcomes of childhood CNS tumors at the National Cancer Institute, University of Gezira (NCI-UG) in Wad Madani, Sudan.Methods: We performed a retrospective health facility-based study of children with CNS tumors who were treated at the NCI-UG from January 2000 to December 2015.Results: A total of 62 (5.4% of all childhood cancers) pediatric patients with CNS tumors were identified over the study period. Tumors were more common among male children and involved the infratentorial compartment in 58% of cases. The median age at diagnosis was 9 years (range, 2-14 years). Approximately 60% (n = 37) of the study population had histology-determined diagnoses. Astrocytomas and medulloblastomas were the most common tumors in these cases. The mean time to diagnosis was 6 months (SD, 9). During the study period, the number of children with CNS tumors who were referred for treatment at the NCI-UG increased every year. Of the 37 patients who received surgical interventions, 8 received gross total resections, 20 received partial resections, and 24 received postoperative radiotherapy. The treatment abandonment rate was 11%. The 2-year and 5-year survival rates were 33% and 13%, respectively.Conclusion: Our findings reveal a high incidence of poor outcomes for patients with CNS tumors in Sudan, which is most likely due to many distinct factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study is about to design a simple and low-cost deformation bracelet. The main aim of the study is using the deformation bracelet instead of the crash-box for the low-velocity crashes. The investigated problem is trying to absorb the energy that occurs when a front crash of a B-segment car (~1000 kg) with 15 km/h velocity by radial plastic strain of the bracelet. One of the design parameters is that the force which is necessary for the plastic strain of the bracelet should be lower than the strength of the frame. On the other hand, the 4340 J energy of crash must be absorbed during the plastic strain of the bracelet. That has been observed with the results of analysis and the experimental studies, the width of the bracelet is effective too beside the conical degree on the force that applied during tests. In addition to large deformations, mechanical properties (yield, tensile stresses) of the bracelet material become important for not to be damaged. At the end, it has been understood that the deformation energy can be maximized by changing the geometrical size and the mechanical properties of the deformation bracelet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]