Search

Symptoms of depression and high risk of sarcopenia are common among the older population; however, the associations between these remain unclear. Thus, the present study identified whether depressive symptoms are associated with older adults’ sarcopenia risks. This nationally representative study in Taiwan investigated the older adult population (≥ 65 years) using a telephone survey conducted between 2019 and 2020. Design: Self-reported data obtained included depressive symptoms (5-item from Center for Epidemiological Studies-Depression scale), sarcopenia risks (SARC-F questionnaire), and individual characteristics. The generalized additive models were used to examine the nonlinear associations between depressive symptoms and the risk of sarcopenia. A total of 1,068 older Taiwanese adults (72.15 ± 5.71 years; 52.7% women) participated in the survey. In the unadjusted model, the results showed a significant nonlinear association between high scores on the CES-D and sarcopenia scores (p

Micro-scale hole drilling on metallic sheets has been employed in a wide range of personal computing devices, such as smart phones and tablet computers. Laser machining, micro-electro-discharge machining, and chemical etching are the methods used for fabricating micro-scale holes. In this paper, we propose a hybrid sequential stamping and laser machining process. The alignment in the hybrid process is critical, and a patented device called the ball-cone-hole magnet was used in the experiments to achieve an alignment error of less than 1 µm. The fabrication results obtained by laser-only, stamping-only, and the proposed hybrid process were compared. The diameters of inlets and outlets, as well as the cross-section of holes, were compared herein. The surface roughness of the sidewalls’ inside holes was measured. The proposed hybrid stamping and laser machining process provides an alternative fabrication method for the micro-scale hole drilling process with better hole quality than a laser-only machi...

Due to the ever-increasing population and the price of houses, humans in the future may not have the opportunity to own their own land to build houses. With the change of living patterns, small-house families will become more and more popular, even mobile homes. This research uses market analysis, specification analysis, and according to the project design process, uses brainstorming and KJ method to find out design strategies and execute design projects. This research uses an expert industrial design process to design a residential space design suitable for 2040 and conforms to the following design principles: 1. For tomorrow House design will be aesthetic, smart, modern, and simple. 2. For tomorrow houses should have appropriate dimensions design and have moveable functions. 3. For tomorrow houses should include functions, space-saving and high-tech design. 4. For tomorrow house design should be able to accommodate 2-4 people. 5. In order to be multifunctional, the complexity of furniture design will increase. The expert industrial design process, analysis, and design methods described in this study will provide designers with a better grasp of the principles of future residential design, home furniture, and other related product design.

Heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems in commercial buildings consume the largest amount of energy. Recent surge in energy cost necessitates constant re-evaluation of HVAC system for most of the buildings. The objective of this study is to present the strategic approach on energy saving analysis of the HVAC system and chiller sizing optimization for a library building. Energy modeling code (eQUEST) for buildings simulation has been applied to verify and predict the long-term energy consumption of HVAC systems. To improve the accuracy of simulation results, the actual performance curves of the chillers and pumps were the inputs of curve fitting data from on-site field measurements data. Energy consumption data acquisition from the building energy management system (BEMS) for one year has been conducted comprehensively to calibrate energy modeling and to quantify energy saving results. The results revealed good agreement between energy modeling and BEMS data with the error of les...

In this paper, we carry out a theoretical study of the correlation coefficients between exponential order statistics and their monotonicity properties. Then, aided by a Monte Carlo simulation study, we make some conjectures about the correlation structure of order statistics from a larger class of distributions.

Synchrotron X-ray diffraction has been used to map the crack tip stress field, load redistribution and the variation in interfacial shear stress along bridging fibres local to a matrix crack during fatigue crack growth in Ti–6Al–4V/unidirectional SCS-6 SiC monofilament composite at elevated temperature. Quasi-static fatigue cycles were applied in a diffractometer at the same stress amplitudes and temperatures (120 and 300 °C) as those used in prior off-line fatigue testing. The elastic fibre strains were measured ply by ply along the fibres and in the matrix in the region of the crack. In this manner the crack affected zone was mapped, and subsequently the interfacial shear stress levels deduced as a function of distance from the crack at these temperatures. The results are compared with previous studies of load redistribution at room temperature and the fibre sliding stresses compared with those needed to slide pristine fibres to evaluate degradation of the interfacial shear strength caused by interfacial wear during fatigue. The implications for the use of such composites at elevated temperatures, for example in aero engines, are discussed.

Background Gabapentin is an anticonvulsant and adjuvant analgesic. It is effective in several pain studies. Neuropathic pain is the most difficult type of pain to treat. In this study, we examined if intrathecal gabapentin could prevent nerve injury-induced pain. Methods Under isoflurane anaesthesia, male Sprague–Dawley rats (200–250 g) underwent right L5/6 spinal nerve ligation and placement of an intrathecal catheter connected to an infusion pump. After surgery, intrathecal saline or gabapentin (20 µg h−1) was given for 7 days (n=8 per group). The right hind paw withdrawal threshold to von Frey filament stimuli and withdrawal latency to radiant heat were determined before (baseline) and once daily for 7 days after surgery. Haematoxylin and eosin and toluidine blue staining were used to evaluate the neurotoxicity of gabapentin (40 µg h−1). Results Seven days after nerve ligation, the affected paw withdrawal threshold and latency of saline-treated rats decreased from the baseline 11.7 (11.7–22.2) [median (inter-quartile range)] to 1.6 (0.9–3.2) g and 10.8 (10.5–11.2) to 4.3 (4.2–7) s, respectively. Rats receiving gabapentin (20 µg h−1) had higher withdrawal threshold [9.9 (9.9–19.3) g] and latency [11.5 (9.7–11.9) s] on day 7 after ligation. No obvious histopathological change or growth retardation was detected after intrathecal gabapentin (40 µg h−1) infusion. Conclusions We showed a preventative effect of intrathecal gabapentin on the development of nerve injury-induced mechanical allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia. Our data suggest that continuous intrathecal gabapentin may be considered as an alternative for the prevention of nerve injury-induced pain.

Dibenzoylmethane (DBM) belongs to the flavonoid family and is a minor constituent of the root extract of licorice and the β-diketone analogue of curcumin. It exhibits antimutagenic, anticancer, and chemopreventive effects. Ornithine decarboxylase (ODC), the rate-limiting enzyme of the polyamine biosynthetic pathway, plays an important role in growth, proliferation, and transformation. Our previous studies showed ODC overexpression prevented etoposide-, paclitaxel-, and cisplatin-induced apoptosis. Here, we investigated one mechanism of DBM-induced apoptosis and the antiapoptotic effects of ODC during DBM treatment. We found that DBM induced apoptosis, promoted reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, and disrupted the mitochondrial membrane potential (Δ ψm. N-acetylcysteine, a ROS scavenger, reduced DBM-induced apoptosis, which led to the loss of Δ ψm due to reduced ROS. Overexpression of ODC in parental cells had the same effects as the ROS scavenger. The results demonstrated that DBM-induced apoptosis was a ROS-dependent pathway and ODC overexpression blocked DBM-induced apoptosis by inhibiting intracellular ROS production. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biochem Mol Toxicol 25:312–319, 2011; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/jbt.20391

Magnetic properties and growth mechanism of ultrathin Co films on Si(111)-7 x 7 surface have been studied by using both surface magneto-optic Kerr effect (SMOKE) and scanning tunneling microscopy (STM), respectively. STM results show that the growth mechanism of ultrathin Co films on Si(111)-7 x 7 surface at room temperature belongs to Stranski-Krastanov (SK) growth mode. Due to formation of CoSi2 layer, no magnetic signal could be detected by SMOKE for 1-4 ML Co deposited on Si(111) surface. Because of rougher surface, both longitudinal and perpendicular magnetic anisotropy configuration appear for 4.2-10 ML Co/Si(111) films. When the Co thickness is increased to 10 ML, only longitudinal anisotropy configuration is found, resulting from the contribution to the volume anisotropy. Furthermore, in-plane coercivity increases with Co coverage because of enhancement of ferromagnetic coupling with Co thickness, out-of-plane coercivity increases with Co coverage due to the increment of demagnetized field, induced by the rougher Co surface and pinhole structures.

The full-length cDNA sequence of a putative urea transporter (lfUT) of the facilitated diffusion UT-A type has been cloned from the African lungfish Protopterus annectens. The lfUT cDNA is 1990 bp in length and its open reading frame encodes a 409 amino acid long protein, with a calculated molecular mass of 44,723 Da. The sequence is closest to those of amphibians ( approximately 65% amino acid homology), followed by mammals and elasmobranchs ( approximately 60%), and then teleosts ( approximately 50%). lfUT was clearly expressed in gill, kidney, liver, skeletal muscle and skin. Upon re-immersion in water after 33 days of air exposure ('terrestrialization'), lungfish exhibited a massive rise in urea-N excretion which peaked at 12-30 h with rates of 2000-5000 micromol-N kg(-1) h(-1) (versus normal aquatic rates of

The mechanisms of ammonia excretion at fish gills have been studied for decades but details remain unclear, with continuing debate on the relative importance of non-ionic NH(3) or ionic NH(4)(+) permeation by various mechanisms. The presence of an apical Na(+)/NH(4)(+) exchanger has also been controversial. The present study utilized an in vitro cultured gill epithelium (double seeded insert, DSI) of freshwater rainbow trout as a model to investigate these issues. The relationship between basolateral ammonia concentration and efflux to apical freshwater was curvilinear, indicative of a saturable carrier-mediated component (K(m)=66 micromol l(-1)) superimposed on a large diffusive linear component. Pre-exposure to elevated ammonia (2000 micromol l(-1)) and cortisol (1000 ng ml(-1)) had synergistic effects on the ammonia permeability of DSI, with significantly increased Na(+) influx and positive correlations between ammonia efflux and Na(+) uptake. This increase in ammonia permeability was bidirectional. It could not be explained by changes in paracellular permeability as measured by [(3)H]PEG-4000 flux. The mRNA expressions of Rhbg, Rhcg2, H(+)-ATPase and Na(+)/H(+) exchanger-2 (NHE-2) were up-regulated in DSI pre-exposed to ammonia and cortisol, CA-2 mRNA was down-regulated, and transepithelial potential became more negative. Bafilomycin (1 micromol l(-1)), phenamil (10 micromol l(-1)) and 5-(N,N-hexamethylene)amiloride (HMA, 10 micromol l(-1)) applied to the apical solution significantly inhibited ammonia efflux, indicating that H(+)-ATPase, Na(+) channel and NHE-2 pathways on the apical surface were involved in ammonia excretion. Apical amiloride (100 micromol l(-1)) was similarly effective, while basolateral HMA was ineffective. Pre-treatment with apical freshwater low in [Na(+)] caused increases in both Rhcg2 mRNA expression and ammonia efflux without change in paracellular permeability. These data suggest that Rhesus glycoproteins are important for ammonia transport in the freshwater trout gill, and may help to explain in vivo data where plasma ammonia stabilized at 50% below water levels during exposure to high environmental ammonia ( approximately 2300 micromol l(-1)). We propose an apical ;Na(+)/NH(4)(+) exchange complex' consisting of several membrane transporters, while affirming the importance of non-ionic NH(3) diffusion in ammonia excretion across freshwater fish gills.

Sequential synchrotron X-ray microtomography and diffraction have been applied to follow the growth of fatigue cracks and the associated load redistribution in a Ti/SiC fibre composite. A sequence of micron resolution tomographs reveal for the first time how the cracks progress from ply to ply around the fibres. Complementary high spatial resolution (40 μm) diffraction scans interleaved between the tomographic image acquisitions during the fatigue experiment have enabled the fibre strains and thereby the interfacial shear stress to be mapped as a function of crack growth. The matrix crack front was found to bow out between fibres, eventually reconnecting further downstream. This leads to the prolonged retention of bridging matrix ligaments and increased crack path tortuosity. The rate of crack growth was found to slow somewhat as a fibre is approached. As the crack grew past the fibres under observation the extent of the sliding region and the level of the fibre bridging stress increased. The interfacial shear strength after fatigue was around 60 MPa in the crack-tip region, in common with previous experiments.

A field-programmable gate array (FPGA)-based adaptive backstepping control system with radial basis function network (RBFN) observer is proposed to control the mover position of a linear induction motor (LIM). First, the indirect field-oriented mechanism is adopted for controlling the LIM. Next, a backstepping control law is designed step by step for the tracking control of periodic reference trajectories, in which the uncertainties are lumped by a conservative constant. However, the lumped uncertainty is unknown and difficult to obtain in advance in practical applications. Therefore an RBFN is derived to observe the lumped uncertainty in real-time, and an adaptive backstepping control system with RBFN observer is resulted. Then, an FPGA chip is adopted to implement the indirect field-oriented mechanism and the developed control algorithms for possible low-cost, high-performance industrial applications. The effectiveness of the proposed control scheme is verified by some simulated and experimental results. By using the adaptive backstepping control system with RBFN observer, the FPGA-based LIM drive possesses the advantages of good transient control performance and robustness to uncertainties in the tracking of periodic reference trajectories.

An interval type-2 fuzzy neural network (IT2FNN) is developed for the position control of a Θ-axis motion-control stage using a linear ultrasonic motor to confront the uncertainties of the motion-control stage. A T2FNN consists of a type-2 fuzzy linguistic process as the antecedent part and a three-layer interval neural network as the consequent part. A general T2FNN is computationally intensive due to the complexity of reducing type 2 to type 1. Therefore an IT2FNN is adopted to simplify the computational process. Moreover, the developed IT2FNN combines the merits of an interval type-2 fuzzy logic system and a neural network. Furthermore, the parameter-learning of the IT2FNN, which is based on the supervised gradient decent method using a delta adaptation law, is performed on line. Experimental results show that the dynamic behaviours of the proposed IT2FNN control system are more effective and robust with regard to uncertainties than the type-1 FNN control system.

Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) is an important pest of agriculture and horticulture crops that includes many morphologically indistinguishable biotypes. Molecular markers can provide a scientific method to rapidly identify biotypes. In this study, we attempted to develop specific primer sets for rapidly and stably identifying various biotypes of B. tabaci. We developed sequence characterized amplified region (SCAR) markers for each of six B. tabaci (Gennadius) biotypes (A, B, Q, Nauru, An and S). Two primer sets (BaAF/BaAR and BaQF/BaQR) were designed from random amplified polymorphic DNA-specific fragments for the A and Q biotypes. Four forward primers, BaBF, BaNaF, BaANF and BaSF, with a common reverse primer, L2-N-3014, for the other four biotypes of B, Nauru, An and S, respectively, were used based on their individual mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I sequences. Six of these SCARs were useful in distinguishing each biotype from the others. Application of these SCARs will be helpful in rapidly identifying biotypes for quarantine pest control to prevent the invasion of the various biotypes.

SUMMARYThe mechanism(s) of ammonia excretion in the presence of elevated external ammonia are not well understood in fish. Recent studies in other organisms have revealed a new class of ammonia transporters, Rhesus glycoprotein genes(Rh genes), which may also play a role in ammonia excretion in fish. The first objective of this study was to clone and characterize Rhgenes in a fish species with a relatively high tolerance to environmental ammonia, the mangrove killifish Kryptolebias marmoratus (formerly Rivulus marmoratus). We obtained full-length cDNAs of three Rh genes in K. marmoratus: RhBG (1736 bp), RhCG1 (1920 bp) and RhCG2 (2021 bp), which are highly homologous with other known Rh gene sequences. Hydropathy analysis revealed that all three Rh genes encode membrane proteins with 10–12 predicted transmembrane domains. RhBG, RhCG1 and RhCG2 are highly expressed in gill tissue, with RhBG also present in skin of K. marmoratus. Exposure to elevated environmental ammonia (2 mmol l–1 NH4HCO3) for 5 days resulted in a modest (+37%) increase in whole-body ammonia levels, whereas gill RhCG2 and skin RhCG1 mRNA levels were upregulated by 5.8- and 7.7-fold, respectively. RhBG mRNA levels were also increased in various tissues, with 3- to 7-fold increases in the liver and skeletal muscle. In a separate group of killifish exposed to air for 24 h, RhCG1 and RhCG2 mRNA levels were elevated by 4- to 6-fold in the skin. Thus, the multifold induction of Rh mRNA levels in excretory tissues (gills and skin) and internal tissues in response to conditions that perturb normal ammonia excretion suggests that RhBG, RhCG1 and RhCG2 may be involved in facilitating ammonia transport in this species. Furthermore, the findings support earlier studies demonstrating that the skin is an important site of ammonia excretion in K. marmoratus.

Summary Chinese-type noodles were prepared from wheat flour fortified with 7–21% defatted peanut and 4–12% cowpea flours. A full factorial 4X4 design was used. Fifteen supplemented Chinese-type noodle formulae and a control sample were analysed for protein content and physical and sensory qualities. The protein content of noodles was increased as the level of peanut/cowpea flours increased. Colour and cutting force of supplemented noodles were affected negatively by cowpea and peanut flours, respectively. Sensory scores for firmness and yellowness of supplemented Chinese-type noodles were decreased as the level of peanut/cowpea flours increased. Computer-generated response surface and contour plot interpretations revealed that up to 15% peanut flour and 8% cowpea flour supplementation will produce acceptable supplemented Chinese noodles with high protein content (21%).

Electrostatic forces have been applied during the spraying of a target to enhance energy efficiency, reduce resource input and environmental pollutant output, and improve overall product quality and economic competitiveness. This study was therefore undertaken to develop a prediction response surface methodology (RSM) model of an electrostatic spray system to maximize solution attachment on the target. A ball with a surface area of 77.3 cm2 was used as a model to simulate a spherical food sample. Results indicated that the cross-products of height decrement and distance from the target to the sprayer nozzle were the most significant contributing factors for solution attachment to the front and back sides of the target, respectively. Multiple regression yielded models to predict solution attachment as functions of the contributing factors studied (air pressure from 138 to 276 kPa, distance from 80 to 120 cm, and height decrement from 10 to 20 cm) with coefficients of determination (R2) of 0.69 and 0.75 for the front and back sides of the target, respectively. Within the range of parameters tested, the response predictive model suggested that 7 s of electrostatic spraying with parameter values of 276 kPa air pressure, 100 cm distance, and 10 cm height decrement using a 1.50 mm disk orifice would achieve the most efficient solution attachment to the target. Verification studies on tomatoes and apples supported the findings that electrostatic charge enhanced spray efficiency and uniformity. This study may hence provide guidelines for the development of effective spray applications, such as sanitizing or watering target food materials.

Background T-type Ca 2+ channels (TCC) are important for pain transmission, especially the Ca V 3.2 subtype. In this study, we examined the effects of intrathecal TCC blockers in the L5/6 spinal nerve ligation pain rat model. Methods Under isoflurane anaesthesia, rats received right L5/6 spinal nerve ligation and intrathecal catheters (attached to an infusion pump) were sited. After surgery, saline, mibefradil, ethosuximide or NiCl 2 were given intrathecally for seven days. The right hindpaw withdrawal thresholds to von Frey hair stimuli and withdrawal latencies to radiant heat were measured before and once daily for seven days after surgery. Double immunofluorescence and western blotting were used to examine the expression of Ca V 3.2 in dorsal root ganglion (DRG) and spinal cord. Results On post-ligation day seven, rats receiving mibefradil, ethosuximide or NiCl 2 had significant higher median withdrawal thresholds (15.0, 10.2, and 10.9 g) and latencies (8.0, 7.6 and 7.6 s) than saline-treated rats (1.6 g and 4.3 s, respectively). Ca V 3.2 was expressed in parvalbumin + , IB4 + , CGRP + and VR1 + neurones in DRG and most neurones in spinal dorsal horn. Ca V 3.2 was up-regulated in the right L5/6 DRG and spinal cord seven days after nerve ligation. Conclusions In this study, we demonstrated that intrathecal TCC blockers attenuate the development of nerve injury-induced mechanical allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia. Our data suggest that continuous intrathecal infusion of TCC or Ca V 3.2 blockers may be a promising alternative for the management of nerve injury-induced pain.

Ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) plays an essential role in various biological functions, including cell proliferation, differentiation and cell death. However, how it prevents the cell apoptotic mechanism is still unclear. Previous studies have demonstrated that decreasing the activity of ODC by difluoromethylornithine (DFMO), an irreversible inhibitor of ODC, causes the accumulation of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and cell arrest, thus inducing cell death. These findings might indicate how ODC exerts anti-oxidative and anti-apoptotic effects. In our study, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) induced apoptosis in HL-60 and Jurkat T cells. The kinetic studies revealed that the TNF-alpha -induced apoptotic process included intracellular ROS generation (as early as 1 h after treatment), the activation of caspase 8 (3 h), the cleavage of Bid (3 h) and the disruption of mitochondrial membrane potential (Delta psi(m)) (6 h). Furthermore, ROS scavengers, such as glutathione (GSH) and catalase, maintained Delta psi(m) and prevented apoptosis upon treatment. Putrescine and overexpression of ODC had similar effects as ROS scavengers in decreasing intracellular ROS and preventing the disruption of Delta psi(m) and apoptosis. Inhibition of ODC by DFMO in HL-60 cells only could increase ROS generation, but did not disrupt Delta psi(m) or induce apoptosis. However, DFMO enhanced the accumulation of ROS, disruption of Delta psi(m) and apoptosis when cells were treated with TNF-alpha . ODC overexpression avoided the decline of Bcl-2, prevented cytochrome c release from mitochondria and inhibited the activation of caspase 8, 9 and 3. Overexpression of Bcl-2 maintained Delta psi(m) and prevented apoptosis, but could not reduce ROS until four hours after TNF-alpha treatment. According to these data, we suggest that TNF-alpha induces apoptosis mainly by a ROS-dependent, mitochondria-mediated pathway. Furthermore, ODC prevents TNF-alpha -induced apoptosis by decreasing intracellular ROS to avoid Bcl-2 decline, maintain Delta psi(m), prevent cytochrome c release and deactivate the caspase cascade pathway.

The effect of the repeated unit length on the substantially increasing molecular motion and entropy change (−TΔSm) of polymer blends was investigated with solid-state 13C NMR and differential scanning calorimetry within a miscible window. The hydrogen-bonding strength, from the formation of the phenolic–polyester interaction, was not high enough to overcome the breaking-off of the self-association of the phenolic. With respect to the increasing repeated unit length, the polyester resonance intensity of the solid-state 13C NMR spectra was weakened because of the reduction in the cross-polarization efficiency in highly mobile samples. The glass-transition temperature of the blend and the proton spin–lattice relaxation time from NMR experiments were also reduced. The effect of the reduced hydrogen-bonding strength on blending brought about a tendency of higher entropy (−TΔSm) and higher molecular mobility of the blend. Accordingly, poly(decamethylene adipate) possessed the longest repeated unit length and exhibited the most mobile one in this phenolic/polyester blend family. The molecular segmental motion and entropy progressively increased while the repeated unit length of the guest polymers increased within a miscible window. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 41: 679–686, 2003

The effect of association reaction length on the substantial increase of molecular motion as well as entropy (−TΔSm) of phenolic–polyamide blends is investigated with the 13C solid-state NMR and DSC. The H-bonding strength by forming the phenolic–polyamide interaction is great enough to overcome the breaking off the self-association of phenolic. With respect to decreasing the association reaction, the polyamide resonance intensity of 13C solid-state NMR spectra is weakened due to the reduction of the cross-polarization efficiency at a high mobile sample. The glass transition temperature of phenolic–polyamide blend as well as TH1ρ value from NMR experiments is also decreased. The decreasing strength of H-bonding resulting from blending causes higher entropy (−TΔSm) and higher molecular mobility of the phenolic–polyamide blends. Accordingly, the polyamide-66 possesses higher H-bonding force and exhibits more mobile role in this phenolic/polyamide blends family. It can be concluded that the molecular segmental motion and entropy are progressively decreased while increasing the inter-association force of the polyamide within the miscible window.

There are various types of foundation structure for offshore wind power, engineers may assess the condition of ocean at wind farm, and arrange the transportation, installation of each structure members, furthermore, considering the ability of manufacture steel structure as well, then make an optimum design. To design jacket offshore structure, unlike onshore cases, offshore structure also need to estimate the wave excitation effect. The aim of this paper is to study the difference of natural frequency between different kinds of structural stiffness and discuss the effect of different setting of boundary condition during analysis, besides, compare this value with the natural frequency of sea wave, in order to avoid the resonance effect. In this paper, the finite element analysis software ABAQUS is used to model and analyze the natural vibration behavior of the jacket structure.

Diurnal changes in microclimate in a greenhouse are often greater than changes in daily averages over weeks or months. Thus, one may hypothesize that changing the nutrient solution concentration supplied to plants at intervals less than one day would improve tomato yield and quality. To test this hypothesis research was conducted to compare four nutrient control strategies for their effects on plant growth, fruit yield, fruit quality, and root characteristics of `Counter' tomato [Lycopersicon esculentum (L.) Mill.]. The four strategies were 1) ECvariable, adjustment of nutrient solution electrical conductivity (EC) at 15-min intervals according to greenhouse microclimate over the previous 15-min and empirical models of photosynthesis and transpiration; 2) ECdaily, daily adjustment of nutrient solution EC based on each morning's 24-hour weather forecast; 3) EC3.7, supply of a single high nutrient solution of 3.7 dS·m-1; or 4) EC1.5, low nutrient solution EC of 1.5 dS·m-1 for the entire growth period. Mean effluent EC levels were 1.8 dS·m-1 for treatment EC1.5, 5.1 dS·m-1 for treatment EC3.7, 3.6 dS·m-1 for treatment ECdaily, and 3.4 dS·m-1 for treatment ECvariable. Except for fresh weight (FW) of roots, growth characteristics did not differ significantly among treatments. Total production averaged 12.2 kg·m-2 FW and 1.0 kg·m-2 dry weight (DW); and fruit yield averaged 6.7 kg·m-2. Dry matter content, yield loss to blossom-end rot, and firmness responded linearly to treatment EC. In general, ECdaily yielded higher fruit quality and ECvariable lower fruit quality than that predicted by linear regression. Although our strategy of short-term dynamic changes of nutrient solution EC according to changes in climate variables did not increase yield, daily adjustment of nutrient solution EC improved external fruit quality characteristics and may be practical for grower adoption.

The interassociation equilibrium constant and interaction behavior between OH and amide group in phenolic resin/polyamide 6 blend have been investigated. There is a very strong intermolecular hydrogen bonding in the phenolic/polyamide 6 blend. K A = 639.64 is calculated from the Painter-Coleman association model (PCAM). Quantitative description of the intermolecular hydrogen bonding number resulted from solid FTIR spectra is rather close to that predicted by PCAM. The self-association of polyamide 6 is replaced by the interassociation in the phenolic rich region. The phenolic resin/polyamide 6 blend is miscible and phase separation does not occur throughout the blend range from room temperature to molten state, causing a high K A value. The T g deviation of phenolic resin/polyamide 6 is negative throughout the blending range. The phenolic-polyamide 6 interaction formed is not large enough to overcome the breaking off of the self-association of phenolic resin and polyamide 6. It is attributed to the long repeated unit of polyamide 6 which hinders the self-association of phenolic resin, especially on phenolic righ region, consequently, increasing the entropy of polymer blends.

An asymptotic theory is presented for the analysis of laminated circular conical shells. The formulation begins with the basic equations of three-dimensional elasticity. By means of proper nondimensionalization and asymptotic expansion, the equations of three-dimensional elasticity can be decomposed into recursive sets of differential equations at various levels. After integrating these equations through the thickness direction in succession, we obtain the recursive sets of governing equations for the bending of a laminated circular conical shell. Note that the stiffness coefficients in the formulation are functions of the longitudinal coordinate. This involves the mathematical complexities in the formulation and the use of the existing analytical approach is restricted. The method of differential quadrature (DQ) is adopted for solving the problems of various orders. The formulation reveals that the differential operators corresponding to the governing equations of various orders remain the same. The nonhomogeneous terms of the higher-order problems are related to the lower-order solutions. Solution procedure of the DQ method for the leading order can be repeatedly applied for the solution to the higher-order level. In view of the efficiency and accuracy of the DQ method, the asymptotic solution of the present study is obtained readily and asymptotically approaches the three-dimensional solution. The illustrative examples are given to demonstrate the performance of the theory.

Recent studies indicate that peaches harvested at the right maturity stage are preferred by consumers. Reliable means of assessing peach maturity will increase efficiency and reduce costs. Current methods for determining harvest maturity of peaches are either subjective or destructive and are inherently inconsistent and wasteful. Nondestructive and objective methods for maturity sensing are needed. A laser air-puff firmness detector (consisting of a sample holder, a surge air tank, a displacement laser sensor, and a solenoid valve) was used to nondestructively measure the firmness of an engineered rubber ball inflated to an internal pressure of 13.8–34.5 kPa, and then three cultivars (Dixie Red, Harvester, and Sun Prince) of peaches at different maturities. The readings were related to peach mass and the penetrometer firmness from the Instron universal testing machine. The rubber ball deformation increased linearly as the tank air pressure increased ( R 2 =0.94 and 0.97). The firmness of the rubber ball indicated by compression tests was highly correlated with the firmness indicated by the laser air-puff detector ( R 2 =0.985). Peach mass and nondestructive deformation both increased and destructive penetrometer firmness decreased with time towards the optimum picking date. These results show that the laser air-puff firmness detector was able to sense the firmness of peaches. Multiple regression analysis showed a significant correlation among laser air-puff, penetrometer firmness, and mass data of peaches ( R 2 =0.774).

A series of LaTi1-xVxO3 compounds (0 ≤ x ≤ 1) have been prepared by the dc arc-melting method and characterized by conventional powder X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis, four-probe resistivity, and magnetic susceptibility studies. Selected members of this series have been characterized by synchrotron X-ray diffraction, neutron diffraction, selected area electron diffraction. Samples in the 0.2 ≤ x ≤ 0.3 region are ∼3−4% La deficient (e.g., La0.97Ti0.8V0.2O3). Like the LaMO3 end members where M = Ti, V, the LaTi1-xVxO3 phases are barely orthorhombic (almost tetragonal) and adopt the perovskite-type GdFeO3 structure (space group Pnma). Most of the LaTi1-xVxO3 phases are antiferromagnetic (AF) insulators including LaTiO3 (TN = 148 K) and LaVO3 (TN = 140 K). For the LaTi1-xVxO3 phases in the 0 < x < 0.10 region, the AF ordering temperatures and resistivities are reduced with increasing vanadium concentration. The 0.10 ≤ x ≤ 0.25 region comprises poorly metallic (ρ298 ≈ 10-2 Ω cm), paramagnetic pha...

Humic and fulvic acids and other naturally derived organic compounds such as proteins and fatty acids are important constituents of soil solutions and surface waters and groundwater. The presence of both hydrophilic polar or ionic functional groups and hydrophobic structural units on these natural o

Instrumental measurement of color places hue in a 360° continuum, but sensory description of color usually refers to distinct hues - red, green, yellow etc. Color evaluation of «Golden Delicious » apples by both an instrumental method and an experienced sensory panel was conducted to determine if sensory panelists perceive changes of golden apple color in green and yellow hues separately or on a hue continuum from green to yellow. Apple color changed from green to yellow during storage. Two different sensory scoring ballots were used to determine if sensory panelists view color in discrete green and yellow hues or on a green-to-yellow continuum. Data collected from this sandy demonstrated that sensory panelists can detect the color changes of decreasing greenness, increasing yellowness, and color change from green to yellow in an equal fashion. Hue angle represented the best predictor of sensory color perception

Treatment of aflatoxin-contaminated peanut kernels in 0.075% hydrogen peroxide for 1 min has been proposed to reduce aflatoxin contamination by 90%. The effect of hydrogen peroxide treatment on the flavor quality, texture and color was, therefore, investigated. Two hundred grams of peanuts were submerged in a solution containing 0, 0.075 or 0.225% hydrogen peroxide for 1 and 3 min. Treated peanuts were dried to 8-9% moisture, blanched and stored in plastic bags for 0, 1, 2 and 3 weeks at 39 C. Peak areas identified as hexanal increased with increasing hydrogen peroxide concentration, regardless of the treatment and storage time. No significant differences in peak areas identified as ethanol were observed after a 3-week storage time, regardless of the concentration of hydrogen peroxide and treatment time. Hydrogen peroxide treatment and storage of treated peanuts did not significantly affect the lightness (L), chroma (C) and texture of the treated peanuts. Furthermore, sensory analysis conducted on peanut brittle prepared from raw peanuts and peanuts treated with 0.075% hydrogen peroxide for 1 min showed no significant difference between the two samples evaluated.

A normal-sized ovarian papillary serous carcinoma is rare. We present the case of a 46-year-old woman with progressive abdominal fullness of one week's duration. The medical evaluation revealed abdominal carcinomatosis with normal-sized ovaries and an elevated serum CA-125 level of 147,365.8 U/ml. Cytoreductive surgery (hysterectomy, bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, omentectomy, lymphadenectomy, infracolic omentectomy, peritoneal biopsy, washing cytology, and appendectomy) was performed. The histologic examination revealed an ovarian serous papillary carcinoma. Adjuvant chemotherapy was administered. The serum CA-125 level decreased after completion of treatment. Normal-sized ovarian serous surface papillary carcinomas should be kept in mind as an origin of disease in patients who have peritoneal carcinomatosis, which sometimes is a diagnostic dilemma of the disease source. We report this case to emphasize the clinical symptoms and importance of the early and accurate diagnosis of a normal-sized ovarian papillary serous carcinoma.

To determine the long-term toxicity of concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT), using high-dose rate intracavitary brachytherapy (HDRICB) compared to radiation (RT) alone in patients with advanced cervical cancer using a control-cohort study.A total of 332 cases of Stage IIB-III disease were included in this comparative study. Seventy-three patients were treated with a 3-insertion schedule and labeled group A, whereas the other 146 patients with a 4-insertion schedule became group B. One hundred and thirteen patients treated by a 4-insertion protocol with concurrent weekly cisplatin were labeled group C.The cumulative rate of grade 2 or above rectal complication was 13.7% for group A, 9.6% for the group B and 15.9% for group C (p = 0.76), whereas the grade 3 to 4 non-rectal radiation-induced intestinal injury was 6.8% for group A, 6.2% for group B and 9.7% for group C (p = 0.20). Grade 2 to 4 late bladder toxicity was higher in group C, with the cumulative rate being 5.5% for group A, 4.8% for group B and 15.0% for group C (p = 0.004). The independent factor for a rectal complication was the occurrence of a bladder complication (p = 0.01, hazard ratio 3.06). The independent factors for bladder complications were the use of CCRT (p = 0.01, hazard ratio 2.08), and the occurrence of rectal complications (p = 0.02, hazard ratio 2.77).When treating advanced cervical cancer, HDRICB consisting of four 6 Gy insertions and weekly cisplatin shows a trend of increasing late bladder complications. The interval between drug administration and HDRICB should be kept long enough to avoid any synergistic effect of both regimens.

Though malignant transformation of endometriosis has been documented, malignancy arising from extragonadal endometriosis is rare. We present the case of a 39-year-old woman with abdominal pain and fullness after menstruation. Evaluation revealed a cul-de-sac mass and CA-125 level of 1048 U/ml. A hysterectomy, bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, and omentectomy were performed. Endometrioid adenocarcinoma with a clearly defined transition zone from endometriosis to adenocarcinoma was noted histologically. Adjuvant chemotherapy and GnRH agonist treatment was administered. Serum CA-125 level was 1.51 U/ml 19 months after completion of treatment. Patients with endometriosis and elevated CA-125 levels should be managed aggressively and CA-125 levels monitored until they have normalized.

Scalp avulsion is a rare but severe injury and usually happens as an industrial accident. This report concerns a successful salvage in scalp avulsion resulting from hair entrapment in a rotating machine. Most of the literature on scalp avulsion has focused on the technique of scalp replantation, with few addressing preoperative evaluation and preparation in the emergency department. The work-up before surgical treatment will also be reviewed. Scalp avulsion is a threatening blood loss injury. Rapid cessation of bleeding, wound compression and aggressive fluid resuscitation are important. With adequate resuscitation, careful evaluation and replantation as soon as possible the outcome is usually acceptable.

Signal processing circuits are very useful elements in fuzzy logic, artificial neural network, and image application. In image processing, median filter is adopted to remove pulse noise. In the paper, a real-time CMOS analog median circuit is proposed. Based on current-mirror, current comparison, and some digital logics, a new analog median filter with high-speed low chip area is achieved. By using TSMC 0.35 mum CMOS technology, the median filter provides a 0.4-muA discriminability and well tracked the median value among input currents. In addition, the median filter cell can be expanded to have signal level 'sort' capability.

Prolactin has more than 300 separate functions including affecting mammary growth, differentiation, secretion and anti-apoptosis. In the previous studies, prolactin induced Bcl-2 expression to prevent apoptosis and also provoked the activity of ornithine decarboxylase (ODC). Our previous data showed that ODC overexpression upregulates Bcl-2 and prevents tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha)- and methotrexate (MTX)-induced apoptosis. Here, we further investigate whether prolactin prevents MTX-induced apoptosis through inducing ODC activity and the relationship between ODC and Bcl-2 upon prolactin stimulation. Prolactin prevented MTX-induced apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner in HL-60 cells. Following prolactin stimulation, ODC enzyme activity also shows an increase in a dose-dependent manner, expressing its maximum level at 3 h, and rapidly declining thereafter. Prolactin-induced ODC activity is completely blocked by a protein kinase C delta (PKCdelta) inhibitor, rottlerin. However, there are no changes in the expressions of ODC mRNA and protein level after prolactin stimulus. It indicates that prolactin may induce ODC activity through the PCKdelta pathway. Besides, Bcl-2 expresses within 1 h of prolactin treatment and this initiating effect of prolactin is not inhibited by alpha-difluoromethylornithine (DFMO). However, Bcl-2 is further enhanced following prolactin stimulation for 4 h and this enhancement is blocked by DFMO. Bcl-2 has no effect on ODC activity and protein levels, but ODC upregulates Bcl-2, which is inhibited by DFMO. Overall, there are two different forms of prolactin effect, it induces Bcl-2 primarily, and following this it stimulates ODC activity. Consequently induced ODC activity further enhances the expression of Bcl-2. The anti-apoptotic effect of prolactin is diminished by DFMO and recovered by putrescine. Obviously, ODC activity is one basis for the anti-apoptotic mechanisms of prolactin. A Bcl-2 inhibitor, HA14-1, together with DFMO, completely blocks the anti-apoptotic effects of prolactin. These results suggest that increasing ODC activity is another way of prolactin preventing MTX-induced apoptosis and that this induction of ODC activity enhances the expression of Bcl-2 strongly enough to bring about the anti-apoptotic function.