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Abstract: Autologous chondrocyte transplantation (ACT) has been established to contribute cartilage regeneration over the past years; however, many obstacles need to be overcome. Recently, newer ACT technique involves cotransplantation of chondrocytes and biomaterial. Although various proposed intelligent biomaterials exist, many of them remain insufficient and controversial. In this study, we aimed to examine the effects of natural extracellular matrix (ECM) to the proliferation rate and differentiation on the chondrocytes. We first derived a natural ECM sheet from 10-μm-thick frozen sections of porcine knee cartilages. We then cultured the chondrocytes derived from a rabbit's knee on a dish precoated with the natural ECM. Then we assessed differentiation and chondrogenic potential of the cells compared with those grown in untreated culture dishes. We characterized the gene expression of chondrogenic markers, such as collagen type II, SOX-9, and aggrecan, as well as the level of ECM protein with the use of reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction analysis. The cells cultured with the ECM sheet showed highest chondrogenic potential and differentiation. Therefore, we can induce good chondrogenesis by with the use of a natural ECM sheet on the culture dish. The readily available and easy-to-handle thin ECM sheets create an environment that promotes efficient cartilage regeneration. Our data suggest that this natural ECM scaffold improved the chondrogenic differentiation of the cells in vitro by providing a favorable microenvironment. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Highlights: [•] Liquid of low oxygen content can be obtained by the use of multifunctional catalyst. [•] Competitive steam adsorption on the acid sites slows down cyclization reactions. [•] Metal functions seem to convert phenolics and acid sites of zeolite other oxygenates. [•] Ni–V seems to promote production of some hydrogenated products. [•] Low PAH formation was observed and can be attributed to steam presence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] Usefulness of positron beam measurement for characterization of corrosion layer. [•] The calcium carbonate was deposited on the surface of both HPDC and SVDC alloys. [•] Larger volume fraction of eutectic phase in SVDC alloy than HPDC alloy. [•] Higher corrosion resistance of SVDC alloy than HPDC alloy. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Details behind the experimental technique of ultrasonic velocity profiling (UVP) to obtain in situ velocity measurements of both aqueous and organic phases in commercial solvent extraction SX settlers are presented. The commercial applicability and benefit of the process is demonstrated via the on-site analysis of two settlers at a commercial copper solvent extraction operation. The two settlers had the same dimensions and were operated under essentially equivalent conditions but differed in terms of being assessed before and after routine maintenance, with the internal ‘furniture’ configuration of the latter also being modified. UVP-determined organic and aqueous flow pattern results from the two settlers are reported and compared in relation to the furniture configuration/maintenance status of each. The results highlight the potential for UVP analysis to ascertain flow patterns in commercial solvent extraction settlers to benefit industrial operations directly and to enable the development of improved mathematical (computational fluid dynamics) modelling of flow patterns in settlers. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Highlights: [•] Flexible solution-processed OFET arrays with vertical short channels were fabricated. [•] The OFETs are air-stable with output current-density over 0.3A/cm2 under low voltage. [•] The new semiconducting polymer and structural design to achieve the high performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] We investigated the adsorption of uranyl onto Montmorillonite surface. [•] We studied the surface energy between layered Montmorillonite sheets. [•] We studied the work of adhesion between radionuclide and charged Montmorillonite. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] α-Syn overexpression led to pPP2Ac increased and consequent phosphatase inhibition. [•] α-Syn overexpressing showed higher calmodulin/Src complex formation. [•] PP2A activation protected against α-Syn-induced SK-N-SH cells injury. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Ground-borne vibration from underground tunnels is a major environmental concern in urban areas. Various studies, mostly based on numerical methods, have been conducted to investigate this problem. In the numerical models, soil stiffness and damping are commonly assumed to remain constant with depth (homogeneous assumption) in order to simplify the problem. However, various studies in the field of geotechnical engineering have shown that soil properties change with depth due to the effect of increased confining stress. This paper presents a study of the effects of variation of soil properties with depth (soil non-homogeneity) on ground-borne vibration from an underground tunnel. Both centrifuge and numerical modelling were used to perform the study. In the centrifuge model, a plastic pipe was buried within sand to model the underground tunnel. Vibration excitation was applied to the model tunnel invert by a small shaker. The tunnel and soil response was measured using accelerometers during the tests. Corresponding numerical models, based on FLAC 3D, were built to simulate the centrifuge tests. The potential boundary effects of the centrifuge tests were examined by the numerical models. The model responses for both homogenous and non-homogenous cases were also calculated by the numerical models. Comparison of the experimental and numerical results shows that a homogenous model can give acceptable estimates of the tunnel behaviour. However, a clear improvement of estimates of soil behaviour is observed when the variation of soil properties with depth is considered in the numerical model. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The aim of the present paper is to investigate the adsorption of uranyl species (UO2)2+(H2O)5 onto kaolinite (001) surfaces. To this end we have employed molecular dynamic simulations based on CLAYFF force field potential. Various types of surface model for inner-sphere adsorption complexes and one model for outer-sphere adsorption complexes were optimized. In order to have a neutral structure, the uranyl (UO2)2+(H2O)5 or the kaolinite was deprotonated to form the outer-sphere or inner-sphere adsorption complexes. Both singly protonated and partially deprotonated states of the Al(0) kaolinite surface were considered for adsorption in the model of inner-sphere complexes. The first uranyl coordination shell exhibits pentagonal bi-pyramidal symmetry with the pentagonal formed by 5 water molecules. We show that the average U–OW distances are between 2.49 and 2.57Å for water molecules. The bond of uranyl with deprotonated O− center is always short because of the charge attraction. The obtained results agree well with density functional calculations and EXAFS measurements, and show how and why the adsorption of uranyl appears on the surface of kaolinite. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Purpose/objective(s): To evaluate the efficiency and safety of Nab-paclitaxel plus cisplatin and concomitant thoracic radiotherapy in locally advanced non-small-cell lung cancer.Materials/methods: A total of 68 cases locally advanced NSCLC patients were enrolled in this study, and 38 cases were enrolled so far (1:1 in the experimental group and the control group, 19 cases in each group, 1 case in each group did not complete the treatment, a total of 36 cases were available for statistical analysis). The control group received paclitaxel combined with cisplatin regimen chemotherapy (paclitaxel 175mg/m2 on day 1, cisplatin 75mg/m2 on day 2; every 3-4 weeks for 2 consecutive cycles. Experimental group: nab-paclitaxel weekly at a dose of 40mg/m2, Cisplatin 75mg/m2 and repeated every 3-4 weeks for 2 consecutive cycles. Both groups received concomitant aggressive radical three-dimensional thoracic radiotherapy with continuously accelerated hyperfractionation. The primary endpoint was ORR and safety (including treatment-induced bone marrow suppression, the toxicity of liver and kidney function, cardiotoxicity, radiation pneumonia, and other toxic side effects). Secondary endpoints were local progression-free survival rate, the local recurrence rate of the primary tumor, and the local control rate of the primary tumor.Results: 38 patients completed concomitant chemoradiotherapy. The effective rates ORR of experimental group and control group were 89.6% and 68.5%, respectively. The short-term efficacy was CR (0 cases 0%, 1 case 5.2%), PR (17 cases 89.6%, 12 cases 63.3%), SD (1 case 5.2%, 5 cases 26.3%), PD (1 case 5.2%, 1 case 5.2%) P = 0.001. Grade 3/4 leukopenia 2 (10.5%), 14 (73.7%), P = 0.001; grade 3/4 neutropenia 2 (10.5%), 14 (73.7%), P = 0.001; grade 3/4 anemia 1 (5.3%) and 2 (10.5%), P = 0.547; grade 3/4 thrombocytopenia 0(0%) and 2 (10.5%) of, P = 0.146. There were 11 (57.9%) and 6 (31.6%) of grade I radiation esophagitis, and 8 (42.1%) and 13 (68.4%) of grade II esophagitis respectively. No grade III-IV esophagitis was found.Conclusion: The ORR and short-term efficiency of nab-paclitaxel plus cisplatin concomitant radiotherapy are better than the control group, and the hematological toxicity is lower than the control group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background No prospective study has investigated the relationship between type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and the risk of primary liver cancer (PLC) in mainland China, and little is known about the effect of diabetes duration on PLC risk. Design Data from two population-based cohorts (the Shanghai Men's Health Study, SMHS, 2002–2006 and the Shanghai Women's Health Study, SWHS, 1996–2000) were thus used to assess the associations among T2DM, diabetes duration and PLC risk in Chinese population. Results During follow-up through 2009, 344 incident PLC cases were identified among 60 183 men and 73 105 women. T2DM is significantly associated with the increased risk of PLC in both men [hazard ratio (HR) = 1.63, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.06–2.51] and women (HR = 1.64, 95% CI 1.03–2.61). The highest risk of incident liver cancer was observed in the first 5 years after diabetes diagnosis, and decreased substantially with the prolonged diabetes duration (Ptrend < 0.001). No synergistic interaction in the development of PLC was found between diabetes and other known risk factors. Conclusions T2DM is associated with the increased risk of subsequent liver cancer within 5 years after diagnosis in Chinese population, suggesting that hyperinsulinaemia rather than hyperglycaemia is more likely to be a primary mediator for this association. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The mechanical properties of the standard tensile samples of AM60 Mg-alloy obtained by conventional high pressure die casting (HPDC) and by melt conditioned high pressure die casting (MC-HPDC) have been assessed with the Weibull statistical model in association with the microstructural features, porosity levels and fracture morphology. It is found that three-parameter Weibull analysis is capable of evaluating the mechanical properties of AM60 magnesium alloy and assessing the improvement in the mechanical properties with melt conditioning in die casting process. The increased values of Weibull characteristic parameters show improvement in the strength and ductility of the AM60 alloy with melt conditioning. The reduced porosity levels and the improved microstructural uniformity in the die castings are found to be responsible for the improvement of the mechanical properties and the variation of the characteristic parameters in Weibull statistical distribution. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Background: Dendritic cells (DCs) are the most powerful antigen-presenting cells in the body. Immature DCs (imDCs) can induce transplantation tolerance. In this study, using a mouse model of skin transplantation. We explored the antigen uptake by imDCs, changes in phenotype and function after antigen loading, as well as survival of skin grafts. Methods: Mononuclear cells from C57BL/6 mice mixed with a tritiated leucine ([3H]Leu) antigen supernate were incubated with Kunming mice imDC and mature DCs. We recorded the expressions of surface molecules that were detected using flow cytometry, mixed lymphocyte reactions, mean survival times, and postoperative morphological changes in skin grafts. Results: After the addition of allogeneic antigen supernate, the counts per minute of imDCs were significantly higher than those of mature DCs. The expression rates of IA/IE and CD80 significantly increased on the cell surface of imDCs. The counts per minute of imDCs in mixed lymphocyte reactions in the presence of allogeneic antigens was significantly higher than those of controls. Comparing mean survival times with controls, skin grafts were significantly longer in the imDCs groups from donors or from a third party carrying donor antigens. Conclusions: ImDCs display a strong antigen uptake, gradually maturing in terms of phenotype and function after loading. Complementary application of cytotoxic T-lymphocyte–associated antigen 4 immunoglobulin blocks the immune response of imDCs. Both imDCs from the third party carrying donor antigens and those from the donor strain can establish antigen-specific immune tolerance to allogeneic skin grafts. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: For the study of ground-borne vibration from surface sources, it is commonly assumed that soil properties remain constant with depth. However, various studies in the field of geotechnical engineering have shown that soil properties (stiffness and damping) change with depth due to the effect of increasing confining stress. Ground-borne vibration is hence unrealistically simulated if constant soil properties are assumed throughout a half space or a soil layer. This paper presents a study of the effect of the variation of soil properties with depth, referred to as soil non-homogeneity, on ground-borne vibrations induced by surface sources. The study involved physical modelling using a geotechnical centrifuge and numerical modelling using EDT and FLAC to gain further understanding of experimental results. In the centrifuge model, a dynamic excitation was applied to a rigid foundation resting on the surface of sand within a cylindrical container. Dynamic soil response was measured using accelerometers on the surface and within the soil. Comparison of the experimental and numerical results demonstrated that it is important to account for the variation of soil properties with depth when studying ground-borne vibration from surface sources. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background A number of epidemiological studies have reported inconsistent findings on the association between meat consumption and lung cancer. Design We therefore conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to investigate the relationship between meat consumption and lung cancer risk in epidemiological studies. Results Twenty-three case–control and 11 cohort studies were included. All studies adjusted for smoking or conducted in never smokers. The summary relative risks (RRs) of lung cancer for the highest versus lowest intake categories were 1.35 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.08–1.69) for total meat, 1.34 (95% CI 1.18–1.52) for red meat, and 1.06 (95% CI 0.90–1.25) for processed meat. An inverse association was found between poultry intake and lung cancer (RR = 0.91, 95% CI 0.85–0.97), but not for total white meat (RR = 1.06, 95% CI 0.82–1.37) or fish (RR = 1.01, 95% CI 0.96–1.07). Conclusions The relationship between meat intake and lung cancer risk appears to depend on the types of meat consumed. A high intake of red meat may increase the risk of lung cancer by about 35%, while a high intake of poultry decreases the risk by about 10%. More well-designed cohort studies on meat mutagens or heme iron, meat cooking preferences, and doneness level are needed to fully characterize this meat–lung cancer association. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Abstract: The feasibility and benefits of applying a novel multi-variable dynamic gain scheduling (DGS) approach to a complex ‘industry-scale’ aircraft model are investigated; the latter model being a non-linear representation of the intrinsically unstable F16 aircraft incorporating detailed aerodynamic data. DGS is a novel control approach, which involves scheduling controller gains with one (or more) of the system states whilst accounting for the ‘hidden coupling terms’ ensuring a near-ideal response. It is effective for non-linear systems exhibiting rapid dynamic changes between operating points. Recently, this approach has been extended to a multi-variable and multi-input context. Hence, unlike previous DGS work on realistic aircraft models, relevant feedback gains are to be scheduled with all (i.e. two) state variables in order to demonstrate the ability of the approach to compensate for non-linearity during rapid manoeuvres and consequently achieving better flying qualities over a range of conditions than standard gain scheduling. Time history simulations are used to draw comparisons with the more traditional ‘static’ gain scheduling and input gain scheduling methods. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This work mainly focuses on the development of germanium-based thin-film piezoresistive strain gauges on thin NiTi and stainless steel cylinders. These microgauges enable the real-time measurement of the cylinder’s strain distribution from which its deflection status can be deduced, based on an analytical mechanical model of thin cantilever beams. The adaptation of thin cylinders to typical micromachining equipment requires several adjustments in preparation works. The fabrication process of germanium microgauges also has to be adjusted according to the particularities of metal substrates. A number of polycrystalline germanium strain microgauges of various dimensions are implemented on thin cylinders. The results of the fabrication process are presented. The existing constraints of the current process and the potential improvement measures are then discussed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Eu3+-doped strontium molybdate red phosphors (Sr1− x MoO4:Eu x (x =0.01–0.2)) for white light-emitting diodes (LED) were synthesized by the solid-state reaction method. The fluorescent intensities of the as-prepared phosphors were remarkably improved. The excitation and emission spectra demonstrate that these phosphors can be effectively excited by the near-UV light (395nm) and blue light (466nm). Their emitted red light peaks are located at 613nm, and the highest quantum yield value (η) of the as-grown red phosphor, which is 95.85%, is much higher than that of commercial red phosphor (77.53%). These red phosphors plus commercial yellow powers (1:10) were successfully packaged with the GaN-based blue chips on a piranha frame by epoxy resins. The encapsulated white LED lamps show high performance of the CIE chromaticity coordinates and color temperatures. Moreover, to explain the fluorescent spectra of these phosphors, a complete 3003×3003 energy matrix was successfully built by an effective operator Hamiltonian including free ion and crystal field interactions. For the first time, the fluorescent spectra for Eu3+ ion at the tetragonal (S 4) Sr2+ site of SrMoO4 crystal were calculated from a complete diagonalization (of energy matrix) method. The fitting values are close to the experimental results. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Coordinating inventory and transportation policies can lead to substantial cost savings and improved service levels especially when the companies relay on third-party logistics providers to transport the products across the supply chain. In this paper, therefore focus has been given on a supply chain system of multi-supplier, single warehouse and multi-retailer with backlogging and transportation capacity. The paper aims to suggest replenishment policies that can minimize system-wide cost by taking advantage of quantity discounts in the transportation cost structures. The problem considered in this paper has been formulated as an integer programming model. The supply chain problem is usually complex and involves massive calculations hence it is difficult to obtain an optimal solution. Therefore, to overcome this issue a Genetic Algorithm (GA) based approach has been suggested to resolve the problem. The computational results demonstrate the robustness and efficacy of the GA in optimizing replenishment policies. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Crystallization kinetics of undercooled Fe-B hypereutectic alloy was researched using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) technique. With the combination of melt-fluxing and high pure argon gas to purify and protect the melts, high undercooling up to 410K was obtained successfully. The comparison of time dependent transformation fraction at different undercoolings has shown that the crystallization rate increased firstly with increasing ΔT until 354K and then, the crystallization process was retarded with the further increase of ΔT. Applying quantitative thermodynamic calculation, the evolution of the nucleation and growth rates as a function of temperature was described. On this basis, the temperature–time-transformation (TTT) curve was thus constructed, which gives a reasonable explanation of the observed experimental results. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The dependence of microstructure on undercooling for Cu50Co50 immiscible alloy and the relations between dendrite fragmentation and liquid phase separation were studied by melt-fluxing in combination with cyclic superheating. It is shown that homogeneous dispersed structure can be obtained by dendrite fragmentation because of the increased solute content in primary dendrite, which is advantageous for strengthening dendrite remelting effect and thermal plateau time following recalescence. As for the sample after liquid separation, typical dual-layer structure forms, while dendrite fragmentation still exists and its extent, volume fraction are influenced by the solute contents of two immiscible layers. Quantitative thermodynamic calculation was further performed to support the experimental results. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Applying the melt-fluxing method, rapid solidifications of undercooled Cu50Co50 immiscible and Cu70Ni30 solid solution alloys were performed to investigate the grain refinement regularity at moderate undercooling. Due to the essential distinction of physical properties between these alloys, grain refinement phenomenon was detected in Cu50Co50 alloy with a tendency of liquid separation, while dendrite structure appears for Cu70Ni30 alloy. The association of microstructure morphology to non-equilibrium solidification process was constructed with the description of recalescence degree as a function of undercooling. Quantitative thermodynamic calculation for the undercooled liquid of the researched systems was carried out to elucidate the influence of liquid separation on the variation of Gibbs free energy for the subsequent rapid solidification, which gives a better understanding of the as-observed experimental results. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The EU directive on waste of electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) 2002/96/EC has set a goal of recovering 70–80% in terms of materials and energy. Nowadays, thermal cracking (pyrolysis) of such waste streams is receiving renewed attention, due to the energy and material recovery that can be achieved and therefore the sustainable waste management. However, it still lacks the kinetic background which is of great importance for a successful design of thermochemical processes. In this study the kinetic parameters of WEEE (originating from small household appliances) pyrolysis using highly pre-heated nitrogen under six different heating rates (1–2.5K/s) have been estimated using a combination of model-free and model fitted methods. Even though WEEE is heterogeneous material, similar behavior at each of the six different heating rates applied was observed. The activation energy of the pyrolysis process determined with two different model-free methods gave comparable results. Pre-exponential factor and reaction order were determined using the Coats-Redfern method. The estimated kinetic parameters for the WEEE pyrolysis are: E =95.54kJ/mol, A =1.06×108 and n =3.38. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Considering nucleation, growth and impingement, a numerical model was proposed to describe the transformation kinetics of rapid solidification in bulk undercooled Fe–B hypereutectic alloy. Applying heat balance and solute conservation, the changes of temperature and composition of residual liquid are proved to be not only dependent of time, but also associated with the solidified fraction during the transformation. Accordingly, the driving force for non-equilibrium solidification, as well as the determined nucleation and growth rates, decreases with the process of transformation. On this basis, the primary grain size distribution formed in this process can be predicted with the combination of classical Kolmogorov–Johnson–Mehl–Avrami (KJMA) equation and a probability statistic analysis. Good agreement between the model prediction and experimental results has shown the validity of the proposed model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Assuming phenomenological thermal flow balance and solute conservation, the non-equilibrium transformation path has been studied for recalescence of bulk undercooled hypereutectic Fe–B alloy. Taking advantage of the defined stoichiometry for primarily formed intermetallic Fe2B, a convenient and accurate tracking of the average liquid concentration during recalescence can be performed. Applying thermodynamic calculations for liquid/solid Gibbs energy difference, the predictions of the post-recalescence temperature T R and the as-formed solid fraction in recalescence are shown to be in good agreement with the experimental results. On this basis, a transformation path accompanied by the evolution of temperature and concentration in the residual liquid has been constructed. This clearly shows a transition from non-equilibrium to near-equilibrium process upon recalescence. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In the present work, thermodynamic and kinetic calculations were combined to study the glass forming ability of Cu–Zr binary system. Applying thermodynamic association model, the primarily crystallized phase and its corresponding driving force can be determined firstly. Then, the whole Time–Temperature–Transformation (TTT) diagrams basing on homogeneous and heterogeneous nucleation modes have been constructed quantitatively. As for the former case, the critical cooling rate is underestimated by about three orders of magnitude in comparison with the experimental observation. As for the latter case adopting suitable values of catalytic factor f(θ) and potential nuclei N 1, the predictions agree well with the experimental results, and moreover, the nose temperature of TTT diagram is upper-shifted. This has been discussed using a competition of the atomic mobility and the reduced nucleation barrier, as well as its further effect on the nucleation and growth process. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Assuming thermal balance and solute conservation, a numerical model has been proposed to describe the recalescence behavior of bulk-undercooled Cu–Ni melts. Applying a finite-difference scheme, the transformed solid fraction upon recalescence is given as a function of the liquid temperature, while the average liquid concentration can be tracked by calculation of the liquid/solid (L/S) Gibbs energy difference, in combination with a dendrite growth model. Accordingly, a transition from non-equilibrium to equilibrium process has been described from the evolution of L/S Gibbs energy difference. Applying the present model, the experimentally observed maximum recalescence temperature can be well predicted. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A study was conducted to evaluate whether the risk of acidosis in dairy cows can be lowered by increasing the physically effective fiber (peNDF) concentration of the diet, either through increased theoretical chop length of alfalfa silage or higher proportion of forage in the diet. The experiment was designed as a replicated 4 x 4 Latin square using 8 ruminally cannulated lactating dairy cows. Treatments were arranged in a 2 x 2 factorial design; 2 forage particle lengths (FPL) of alfalfa silage (short and long) were combined with low (35:65) and high (60:40) forage:concentrate (F:C) ratios [dry matter (DM) basis]. Dietary peNDF concentration (DM basis) was determined from the sum of the proportion of dietary DM retained either on the 2 sieves (8 and 19 mm) or on the 3 sieves (1.18, 8, and 19 mm) of the Penn State Particle Separator multiplied by the neutral detergent fiber concentration of the diet. The dietary peNDF concentrations were altered by changing the F:C or the FPL, and ranged from 10.7 to 17.5% using 2 sieves, or from 23.1 to 28.2% using 3 sieves. Intake of peNDF was increased by increasing FPL but not by increasing F:C ratio because of the reduction of DM intake at the higher F:C ratio. Chewing activity, including number of chews and chewing time, increased with increasing F:C ratio or FPL. Mean ruminal pH was elevated by 0.4 and 0.2 units with increasing F:C ratio and FPL, respectively. Lowering the F:C ratio decreased the duration that ruminal pH was below 5.8 (1.2 vs. 8 h/d). Increased F:C ratio or FPL reduced ruminal volatile fatty acids concentration from 137 to 122 or from 133 to 126 mM, respectively, whereas acetate:propionate ratio was increased from 2.55 to 3.46 with increasing F:C ratio. Dietary peNDF concentration measured using 2 sieves was correlated to chewing time (r = 0.57) and mean ruminal pH (r = 0.75), whereas dietary peNDF concentration measured using 3 sieves was correlated to mean ruminal pH (r = 0.83) and negatively correlated to the time that pH was below 5.8 (r = -0.78). This study shows that the risk of ruminal acidosis is high for cows fed a low F:C diet. Increasing the proportion of forage in the diet helps prevent ruminal acidosis through increased chewing time, a change in meal patterns, and decreased ruminal acid production. Increasing FPL elevates ruminal pH, but in low forage diets, increased FPL does not alleviate subacute acidosis because the fermentability of the diet is high and changes in chewing activity are marginal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Ferroelectric polymer based 0–3 composite films are attractive for applications such as capacitors and electric energy storage devices. In this paper, deformation and fracture behavior under uniaxial tension is characterized for BaTiO3/poly(vinyledene fluoride-trifluoroethylene) (abbreviated as BT/P(VDF-TrFE)) ferroelectric composite film. Compared with the pure P(VDF-TrFE) copolymer film, the composite film with a small volume fraction of BT powders shows an enhanced ductility in accompany with reduced stiffness and fracture strength. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) observation and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis are carried out to examine the morphology and microstructure change during uniaxial tension. It is demonstrated that addition of a small amount of BaTiO3 powders into the copolymer matrix inhibits the growth of the crystallite size, causes reduction in the crystalline content and a loosely packed molecular chain structure. Consequently, the fracture strain increases while the stiffness and fracture strength decreases for the composite films. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A model laboratory scale membrane bioreactor (MBR) for the treatment of swine wastewater has been studied to illustrate the removal mechanisms of selected endocrine disrupting compounds (EDCs). A pilot scale MBR was also operated to confirm the results from the laboratory scale study. Liquid extraction with cyclohexane followed by yeast estrogen screen (YES) assay was used to determine the estrogenic activity (EA) of wastewater and sludge samples. Both laboratory and pilot scale MBRs were demonstrated to be effective systems for EA removal from swine wastewater. The average removal rate was 93.5% in terms of EA in the soluble phase of swine wastewater, and 94.5% in terms of total EA. During the steady-state operation period total COD removal efficiencies ranged from 68.5% to 82.7% and up to 99.9% removal of NH3-N was achieved with proper pH control. A model mass balance revealed that over 85% of the influent EA was reduced through MBR process by degradation or evaporation. An average of 9.4% of the influent EA was removed from the MBR system in the wasted sludge, whereas 5.4% of the EA in the influent was found in the treated effluent. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: We investigate theoretically CdTe quantum dots containing a single impurity, including the sp–d exchange interaction between carriers and the magnetic ion and the short-range exchange interaction between electron and hole. We find anticrossing behaviors in the energy spectrum of the electron–hole (e–h) pair that arise from the interplay between exchange interactions and the magnetic field. In addition to the s–d exchange interaction, we find that other mechanisms inducing the anticrossings become important in the strong heavy hole–light hole (hh–lh) mixing regime. The transition strengths between the states with spin projection of ion decrease (increase) with increasing magnetic fields due to the alignment of the spin. The spin splitting of the e–h pair states depends sensitively on the external magnetic and electric field, which reveals useful information about the spin orientation and position of the magnetic ion. Meanwhile, the manipulation of the position of the magnetic ion offers us a way to control the spin splitting of the carriers. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This report details a chimeric goat derived by injecting caprine embryonic germ (EG) cells into a host blastocyst. The EG cells, isolated from the primordial genital ridge of white Guanzhong goat fetuses (28–42 days of pregnancy), had alkaline phosphatase activity and several stem cell markers, including SSEA-1, c-kit, and Nanog. Ten to 20EG cells were microinjected into the blastocoelic cavity of a host blastocyst collected from a black goat following natural service. Twenty-nine injected blastocysts were transferred into nine white surrogate goats. One of the recipients maintained pregnancy to term and gave birth to three kids: one male, one female, and a dead, malformed fetus of undetermined gender; all three fetuses were black, but the female and the malformed fetus each had a large white spot on their head. Based on PCR and microsatellite DNA assay, the female and the malformed fetus were monozygotic twins and chimeras. Microsatellite assay on various tissues from the dead fetus (including skin, blood, liver, placenta, lung, heart, spleen, muscle, and brain), revealed that these tissues and organs were chimeric and contained cells derived from EG cells. In conclusion, caprine EG cells differentiated into all three germ layers in vivo. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of feeding essential oils from garlic (GAR) and juniper berry (JUN), or monensin (MO) on feed intake, ruminal fermentation, the site and extent of digestion, microbial protein synthesis, milk production, and immune status in dairy cows. Four midlactating Holstein cows fitted with ruminal and duodenal cannulas were used in a 4 x 4 Latin square design with 21-d periods and 4 treatments: control (no additive), MO (330 mg/cow per d), GAR (5 g/cow per d), and JUN (2 g/cow per d). Cows were fed ad libitum a TMR consisting of 40% forage and 60% barley-based concentrate. Dry matter intake averaged 20.4 kg/d and was not affected by dietary additives. Total tract digestibilities of dry matter, organic matter, fiber, and starch were not affected by experimental treatments. However, ruminal digestibilities of dry matter and organic matter were higher (+13%) for GAR and JUN than for the control diet, mainly because of increased crude protein digestion in the rumen. Feeding GAR and JUN increased ruminal digestion of dietary protein by 11% as compared with the control. In contrast, ruminal digestion of dietary protein was reduced by 11% with MO as compared with the control. Milk fat content was lower for MO (2.68%) than for the GAR (3.46%), JUN (3.40%), and control (3.14%) diets. No effects of GAR, JUN, or MO were observed on milk production, ruminal microbial protein synthesis, ruminal pH, and ruminal concentrations of volatile fatty acids and ammonia N. The total and differential numbers of white blood cells as well as serum amyloid A and haptoglobin were not affected by the treatments, suggesting that additives had no effect on the immune status of cows. Results of this study indicate that supplementing dairy cows with GAR (5 g/d) and JUN (2 g/d) essential oils improved feed digestibility in the rumen, but possibly at the expense of a reduction in the flow of bypass protein to the small intestine. Feeding monensin could be beneficial in terms of increasing bypass protein from the rumen but did not improve feed digestion or milk production under the current experimental conditions [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Stretching dominated lattice grids reinforced by glass fibers and carbon fibers filled with spongy materials were designed and manufactured to achieve multifunctional structures with microwave absorbing abilities. The reflectivity of the GFRC and CFRC grid panels was measured in the darkroom at normal and oblique incidences, respectively. GFRC grid panels of 20mm thickness and CFRC panels of 18mm thickness displayed excellent microwave absorbing abilities in the range from 4GHz to 18GHz. The reflectivity of the grid panels is poorer than that of the foam panels in the range from 4GHz to 10GHz, but is better in the range from 10GHz to 18GHz. That difference in the reflectivity enhancement is explained by the grating lobe mechanism. The studies show that the composite grid panels are structural absorbent with weight efficiency. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Drying of biological materials such as fruits and vegetables provides shelf-stable commodities ensuring food security and ease of distribution. There exists numerous drying processes available for the adequate drying of bio-materials. Applying microwave energy to a drying process provides an efficient means of transferring energy for moisture removal. A review of recent microwave assisted drying applications is presented here along with research results on drying of carrots under varying microwave power modes and the comparative drying of mushrooms by microwave/convection and microwave/vacuum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To evaluate the clinical value of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in identifying the tumour number, ablation range and feeding vessels before ultrasound-guided radiofrequency ablation (RFA), and to compare the efficacy of RFA after CEUS with the efficacy of RFA after non-enhanced ultrasonography (US) without contrast medium administration. Materials and methods: From 2002 to 2005, 81 patients with 110 HCCs underwent CEUS with SonoVue before RFA treatment (group A). Eighty six patients with 112 HCCs who underwent US without contrast enhancement before RFA served as the control group (group B). The average diameters of the lesions in group A and group B were 3.6±1.1cm and 3.5±1.1cm, respectively. There were no significant differences in clinical data between the two groups. Regular follow-up after treatment was performed using contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CECT). After treatment, complete necrosis was defined as the absence of viable tissue in treated tumours at the 1-year follow-up CECT. Results: Using CEUS an additional seven small lesions (≤2.0cm) were found compared with those found using CECT and conventional US. CEUS showed that 56.4% of lesions (62/110 tumours) were larger in size and 49.1% (54/110 tumours) became more irregular in shape during the arterial phase than on conventional US. Feeding vessels were detected using CEUS in 52 (91.2%) of 57 lesions that were larger than 3.5cm. The follow-up period was at least 1 year for each case. The complete tumour necrosis rate in group A was significantly higher than that in group B (92.2% versus 83.0%; p =0.036). Conclusion: CEUS can be used to more accurately define the size and contour of lesions, and to detect additional small or satellite lesions and the feeding vessel of HCC tumours. CEUS provided important information for designing the ablation protocol, and might improve the efficacy of RFA. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Intake of physically effective neutral detergent fiber (peNDF) of dairy cows was altered by adjusting the proportion of forage in the diet and forage particle length, and effects on nutrient intake, site and extent of digestion, microbial N synthesis, and milk production were measured. The experiment was designed as a triplicated 4 x 4 Latin square using 12 lactating dairy cows, with 4 that were ruminally and duodenally cannulated, 4 that were ruminally cannulated, and 4 that were intact. Thus, the site and extent of digestion, and microbial N synthesis were measured in a single 4 x 4 Latin square. Treatments were arranged in a 2 x 2 factorial design; 2 forage particle lengths (FPL) of alfalfa silage (short and long) were combined with low (35:65) and high (60:40) forage:concentrate (F:C) ratios (dry matter basis). Dietary peNDF content was determined from the sum of the proportion (dry matter basis) of dietary dry matter retained either on the 2 screens (8- and 19- mm) or on the 3 screens (1.18-, 8-, and 19-mm) of the Penn State Particle Separator multiplied by the neutral detergent fiber content of the diet. An increased F:C ratio reduced intakes of dry matter and starch by 9 and 46%, respectively, but increased intake of fiber from forage sources by 53%. Digestibility of dry matter in the total tract was not affected, whereas total digestion of fiber and N was improved by increasing the F:C ratio. Improved total fiber digestion resulted from higher ruminal digestion, which was partially due to a shift in starch digestion from the rumen to the intestine with the increased F:C ratio. Actual milk yield was decreased but production of 4% fat-corrected milk was similar between the low and high F:C diets because of increased milk fat content. Increased FPL increased intake of peNDF, especially when the high F:C diet was fed. However, nutrient intakes, N metabolism in the digestive tract, and milk production were not affected. Digestibility of neutral detergent fiber in the total tract was increased because of improved fiber digestion in the rumen with increased FPL. These results indicate that feeding dairy cows a low F:C diet is beneficial in terms of increasing feed intake, microbial N synthesis, and milk production. However, low F:C diets do not maximize feed digestion and production efficiency because of the effects of subacute ruminal acidosis. Increased FPL improves fiber utilization with minimal effects on the digestion of other nutrients and milk production. Increasing dietary peNDF, through an increased proportion of forage or increased FPL, improves fiber digestion because of improved rumen function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alfalfa silages varying in theoretical chop length and diets high and low in forage proportion were used to evaluate whether increasing the physically effective (pe) neutral detergent fiber (NDF) content of dairy cow diets reduces the risk of acidosis. The experiment was designed as a replicated 4 x 4 Latin square using 8 ruminally cannulated lactating dairy cows. Treatments were arranged in a 2 x 2 factorial design; 2 forage particle lengths (FPL) of alfalfa silage (short and long) were combined with low (35:65) and high (60:40) forage:concentrate (F:C) ratios [dry matter (DM) basis]. Dietary peNDF content (DM basis) was determined from the sum of the proportion of dietary DM retained on either the 2 sieves (8 and 19 mm) or the 3 sieves (1.18, 8, and 19 mm) of the Penn State Particle Separator multiplied by the NDF content of the diet. The dietary peNDF contents ranged from 9.6 to 19.8% using 2 sieves, or from 28.6 to 34.0% using 3 sieves. Intake of peNDF was increased by increasing both the F:C ratio and the FPL of the diets. However, F:C ratio and FPL affected chewing activity differently; increasing F:C ratio increased chewing time but increasing FPL only increased chewing when a high-forage diet was fed. Mean ruminal pH was increased by 0.5 and 0.2 units with increasing F:C ratio and FPL, respectively. Cows fed the low F:C diet had >10 or 7 h daily in which ruminal pH was below 5.8 or 5.5, respectively, compared with 1.2 and 0.1 h for cows fed the high F:C ratio diet. Increased F:C ratio reduced ruminal VFA concentration from 135 to 121 mM but increased the acetate:propionate ratio from 1.82 to 3.13. Dietary peNDF content when measured using 2 sieves was positively correlated to chewing time (r = 0.61) and mean ruminal pH (r = 0.73), and negatively correlated to the time that pH was below 5.8 or 5.5 (r = -0.46). This study shows that the risk of ruminal acidosis is high for cows fed a low F:C diet, particularly when finely chopped silage is used. Intake of dietary peNDF is a good indicator of ruminal pH status of dairy cows. Increasing the proportion of forage in the diet helps prevent ruminal acidosis through increased chewing time, a change in meal patterns, and decreased ruminal acid production. Increasing FPL elevates ruminal pH, but in low-forage diets increased FPL does not completely alleviate subacute acidosis because the fermentability of the diet is high and changes in chewing activity are marginal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Milling of sucrose has been carried out as part of an initiative to develop a methodology for predicting the milling behaviour of organic solids based on their single particle properties. The work includes the single particle impact testing and bulk milling using a single ball oscillating mill. The results show that sucrose is a brittle material with the breakage extent proportional to the square of the impact velocity and the proportionality factor increases with particle size. The bulking milling behaviour is analysed by assuming the first order kinetics. The corresponding rate constant is found to be a function of milling dynamics expressed in terms of the mill oscillating frequency. Relationship between the rate constant and the proportionality factor derived from the single particle impact testing is established. Discussion of the relationship is made and suggestions for the future work are given. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations of dilute gas–solid flow through a curved duct bend were performed. Non-uniform sized glass spheres with a mean diameter of were used as the dispersed phase. The curved bend is square-sectioned and has a turning radius of hydraulic diameter). Turbulent flow quantities for were calculated based on a differential Reynolds stress model. The solids mass loading considered is 0.00206 and hence justifies the application of one-way coupling between gas and particles. A Lagrangian particle-tracking algorithm which takes into account the effect of shear-slip lift (SSL) force on particles and particle-wall interactions (PWIs) has been utilised to predict velocities of the dispersed phase. The predictions were compared against the experimental data measured using Laser–Doppler Anemometry (LDA). The study found that the predicted gas flow field has a strong influence over the predicted particle velocities. PWI model considerably affects the prediction of particle velocity and distribution of particles at the inner duct wall within the bend. Inclusion of the SSL force also helps the distribution of the particle tracks towards the duct centre in the vertical duct downstream of the bend. Within the bend, particle velocities near the inner wall have been grossly over-predicted in the simulation, especially at mid-bend. The present study thus highlights the importance of the predicted gas flow field, SSL force and particle-wall collisions to Lagrangian particle tracking. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The mucosal folding is a phenomenon observed for some biological tissues, including the pulmonary airway and gastrointestinal tract. In order to understand the mechanism of the formation of mucosal folding, a thick-walled two-layered cylindrical mathematical model was developed to investigate the buckling behavior under the external pressure and circular outer boundary condition. With the finite element method, the validity and accuracy of the proposed model was verified. The results showed that the fold number was in the range of 4–6, which was agreed with the experimental observation for the mucosal folding of a porcine esophagus. The fold number was found to decrease with the increase in the ratio of the inner to outer material stiffness. The increase in the thickness of inner layer also caused a slight declination of the fold number. Since the effects of both the material and geometrical nonlinearities have been accounted for, this model is more general to be used for the prediction of the buckling behavior of the layered structure with a wide range of thickness ratios and/or stiffness ratios. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Adoptive immunotherapy is emerged as one of the leading treatments in cancer. The clinical applications require ex vivo expansion of lymphocytes to therapeutic doses in a timely manner under strict cGMP compliance. Culture medium is one important determinant for successful cell expansion. Many efficient expansion strategies incorporate serum or plasma as a supplement to provide cells with a richer milieu to grow in. However, autologous serum has supply limitations for meeting the expected commercial demand for immunotherapies. Moreover, pooled human serum or animal-derived serum bring the inherent concern about risk of infection transmission. Human platelet lysate (hPL) is well recognized as an efficient xenogenic-free alternative to FBS for manufacturing cells and cellular products. To address the risk management for pathogen transmission, we have assessed the feasibility of gamma irradiation as a pathogen reduction treatment for hPL and validated its efficacy for virus inactivation. Our gamma irradiation process demonstrated low impact on hPL potency and long-term stability. In this study, we evaluated the potential use of gamma-irradiated human platelet lysate (GI hPL) on immune cell expansion. To compare the potency of different culture supplements, peripheral blood mononuclear cells were activated and expanded in the presence of interleukin 2 (IL2). T cell expansion in GI hPL supplemented medium showed higher yields than the expansion obtained with autologous plasma. For NK cell expansion, the potency of GI hPL and plasma were comparable. The cytotoxicity of NK cells against K562 cells was high and comparable for both GI hPL and plasma. High viability was observed in all expanded lymphocytes. The results suggest that GI hPL is a viable and valuable alternative cell culture supplement for ex vivo expansion of immune cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Based on the Kachanov method and the alternating iteration technique, a new method is proposed to deal with the problem of the strongly interacted multiple cracks in an infinite plate. Unlike the Kachanov method which neglects the interaction of the tractions of the non-uniform components, the tractions of the non-uniform components on the surfaces of cracks are considered through the alternating technique. The accuracy and efficiency of present method are validated by comparing the results of two collinear and two parallel overlapped open the cracks obtained by the present method with those of the exact solutions, the results of the Kachanov method and the alternating iteration technique. Applications of present method in solving sliding close crack problems and evaluating the plastic zones demonstrate the versatility of present method. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A prototype product suite, containing the Terra 8-day, Aqua 8-day, Terra–Aqua combined 8- and 4-day products, was generated as part of testing for the next version (Collection 5) of the MODerate resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) leaf area index (LAI) products. These products were analyzed for consistency between Terra and Aqua retrievals over the following data subsets in North America: single 8-day composite over the whole continent and annual time series over three selected MODIS tiles (1200×1200 km). The potential for combining retrievals from the two sensors to derive improved products by reducing the impact of environmental conditions and temporal compositing period was also explored. The results suggest no significant discrepancies between large area (from continent to MODIS tile) averages of the Terra and Aqua 8-day LAI and surface reflectances products. The differences over smaller regions, however, can be large due to the random nature of residual atmospheric effects. High quality retrievals from the radiative transfer based algorithm can be expected in 90–95% of the pixels with mostly herbaceous cover and about 50–75% of the pixels with woody vegetation during the growing season. The quality of retrievals during the growing season is mostly restricted by aerosol contamination of the MODIS data. The Terra–Aqua combined 8-day product helps to minimize this effect and increases the number of high quality retrievals by 10–20% over woody vegetation. The combined 8-day product does not improve the number of high quality retrievals during the winter period because the extent of snow contamination of Terra and Aqua observations is similar. Likewise, cloud contamination in the single-sensor and combined products is also similar. The LAI magnitudes, seasonal profiles and retrieval quality in the combined 4-day product are comparable to those in the single-sensor 8-day products. Thus, the combined 4-day product doubles the temporal resolution of the seasonal cycle, which facilitates phenology monitoring in application studies during vegetation transition periods. Both Terra and Aqua LAI products show anomalous seasonality in boreal needle leaf forests, due to limitations of the radiative transfer algorithm to model seasonal variations of MODIS surface reflectance data with respect to solar zenith angle. Finally, this study suggests that further improvement of the MODIS LAI products is mainly restricted by the accuracy of the MODIS observations. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Barley silages varying in theoretical chop length were used to evaluate the effects of physically effective (pe) neutral detergent fiber (NDF) content of dairy cow diets on nutrient intakes, site and extent of digestion, microbial protein synthesis, and milk production. The experiment was designed as a replicated 3 x 3 Latin square using 6 lactating dairy cows with rum(hal and duodenal cannulas. During each of 3 periods, cows were offered 1 of 3 diets (low, medium, and high peNDF) obtained using barley silage that varied in particle length: fine (theoretical chop length of 4.8 mm), medium (equal proportions of long and fine silages), and long I theoretical chop length of 9.5 mm). The peNDF contents were determined by multiplying the proportion (dry matter basis) of feed retained on the 2 screens (8 and 19 mm) of the Penn State Particle Separator by the NDF content of the diet, and were 10.5, 11.8, and 13.8% for the low, medium, and high diets, respectively. Increased forage particle length linearly increased intake of peNDF but intakes of dry matter, organic matter, starch, and N were highest for cows fed the medium peNDF diet. Digestibilities of organic matter, NDF, and acid detergent fiber in the total tract were linearly decreased with increasing dietary peNDF, although total digestibility of starch and N was not affected by the treatments. Nevertheless, decreased digestibility due to increased dietary peNDF did not reduce milk production or milk composition because the cows were in mid to late lactation. Ruminal microbial protein synthesis and microbial efficiency were numerically higher with the low peNDF than with the medium or high peNDF diets. These results indicate that increasing the peNDF content of a diet containing barley silage decreases fiber digestibility in the total tract and lowers microbial efficiency. Therefore, the benefits of increasing dietary particle size, expressed as peNDF, on reducing the risk of ruminal acidosis should be weighed against potentially negative effects on efficiency of feed use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A study was conducted to investigate the effects of physically effective neutral detergent fiber (peNDF) content of dairy cow diets containing corn silage as the sole forage on intake, chewing, ruminal pH, microbial protein synthesis, digestibility, and milk production. A second objective was to compare current methods of measuring peNDF to determine the most suitable approach for use in ration formulation. The experiment was designed as a replicated 3 x 3 Latin square using 6 lactating dairy cows with ruminal cannulas. Diets varied in peNDF content (high, medium, and low) by altering the particle length of corn silage. The physical effectiveness factors (pef) and peNDF contents of the corn silage and diets were determined based on the original (19- and 8-mm sieves) and new Penn State Particle Separator (PSPS; 19-, 8-, and 1.18-mm sieves). A dry-sieving technique that measures the proportion of particles retained on a 1.18-mm sieve was also used. The new PSPS and the 1.18-mm sieve produced similar estimates of pef and peNDF of diets but gave higher values than the original PSPS. There was a much smaller range in pef of corn silage when 3 sieves, rather than 2, were used with the PSPS (range of 0.93 to 0.96 vs. 0.41 to 0.72, respectively). Consequently, increased forage particle length in the diets increased dietary peNDF content and its intake when using the original PSPS; however, the new PSPS and the 1.18-ram sieve failed to detect changes in dietary peNDF and peNDF intake. The peNDF values estimated based on fractional NDF rather than the total NDF content were higher, but the ranking of diets was not changed. Increased intake of peNDF linearly increased digestibility of CP and tended to linearly increase digestibility of fiber in the total tract. As a result, milk yield tended to linearly increase with no effect on milk composition. Ruminal microbial protein synthesis and microbial efficiency were higher with the medium peNDF than with the high or low peNDF diets. Total chewing time and ruminating time were linearly increased with increasing dietary peNDF, whereas influence of dietary peNDF on ruminal pH and fermentation was minimal. This study showed that increasing peNDF content of diets improved fiber digestion. Of the systems used to measure peNDF, the original PSPS provided a good description of dietary particle length and its effects on chewing time and rumen pH, whereas the new PSPS provided a more consistent chewing index, the ratio of total chewing activity to peNDF, across diets varying in chop length of corn silage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The research revealed that the singular value of the signal is a sensitive criterion for detecting the singularity occurring in amplitude, and the construction entropy proposed in the paper is a satisfactory criterion for detecting the singularity occurring in signal construction. Based on the idea of information fusion, a composite singularity detection criterion has been designed. Experiments proved that the composite criterion can successfully identify the singularities from signals, whatever they are characterized by the sudden changes in amplitude, construction or frequency. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A CFD (computational fluid dynamics) model of a solvent extraction pulsed column has been developed and run with a single water phase. The results are compared with experimental measurements taken on a pilot scale column using PIV (particle image velocimetry). The pulsed column investigated had disk–doughnut internals and was operated under pulsing intensities ranging from 10 to 32.5mm/s. PIV measurements of velocity were used to validate the CFD model and to characterise the pulsing flow of a single phase through the column. The CFD modelling was performed for the same geometry and operating conditions using a 2D computational grid and a low Reynolds Number – turbulence model. An improved velocity prediction was achieved by adding a gap between the doughnut internal and the pulsed column wall. The combined measurements and predictions give insight into the effect of the geometry internals on the flow hydrodynamics in the pulsed column. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]