An extended BEM formulation for plates reinforced by rectangular beams

This article presents a BEM formulation developed particularly for analysis of plates reinforced by rectangular beams. This is an extended version of a Previous paper that only took into account bending effects. The problem is now re-formulated to consider bending and membrane force effects. The effects of the reinforcements are taken into account by using a simplified scheme that requires application of ail initial stress field to locally correct the bending and stretching stiffness of the reinforcement regions. The domain integrals due to the presence of the reinforcements are then transformed to the reinforcement/plate interface. To reduce the number of degrees of freedom related to the presence of the reinforcement, the proposed model was simplified to consider only bending and stretching rigidities in the direction of the beams. The complete model can be recovered by applying all six internal force correctors, corresponding to six degrees of freedom per node. Examples are presented to confirm the accuracy of the formulation and to illustrate the level of simplification introduced by this strong reduction in the number of degrees of freedom. (C) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Residence time distribution in holding tubes using generalized convection model and numerical convolution for non-ideal tracer detection

A procedure is proposed for the determination of the residence time distribution (RTD) of curved tubes taking into account the non-ideal detection of the tracer. The procedure was applied to two holding tubes used for milk pasteurization in laboratory scale. Experimental data was obtained using an ionic tracer. The signal distortion caused by the detection system was considerable because of the short residence time. Four RTD models, namely axial dispersion, extended tanks in series, generalized convection and PER + CSTR association, were adjusted after convolution with the E-curve of the detection system. The generalized convection model provided the best fit because it could better represent the tail on the tracer concentration curve that is Caused by the laminar velocity profile and the recirculation regions. Adjusted model parameters were well cot-related with the now rate. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Deconstructing Tick Saliva NON-PROTEIN MOLECULES WITH POTENT IMMUNOMODULATORY PROPERTIES

Dendritic cells (DCs) are powerful initiators of innate and adaptive immune responses. Ticks are blood-sucking ectoparasite arthropods that suppress host immunity by secreting immunomodulatory molecules in their saliva. Here, compounds present in Rhipicephalus sanguineus tick saliva with immunomodulatory effects on DC differentiation, cytokine production, and costimulatory molecule expression were identified. R. sanguineus tick saliva inhibited IL-12p40 and TNF-alpha while potentiating IL-10 cytokine production by bone marrow-derived DCs stimulated by Toll-like receptor-2, -4, and -9 agonists. To identify the molecules responsible for these effects, we fractionated the saliva through microcon filtration and reversed-phase HPLC and tested each fraction for DC maturation. Fractions with proven effects were analyzed by micro-HPLC tandem mass spectrometry or competition ELISA. Thus, we identified for the first time in tick saliva the purine nucleoside adenosine (concentration of similar to 110pmol/mu l) as a potent anti-inflammatory salivary inhibitor of DC cytokine production. We also found prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2) similar to 100 nM) with comparable effects in modulating cytokine production by DCs. Both Ado and PGE(2) inhibited cytokine production by inducing cAMP-PKA signaling in DCs. Additionally, both Ado and PGE(2) were able to inhibit expression of CD40 in mature DCs. Finally, flow cytometry analysis revealed that PGE(2), but not Ado, is the differentiation inhibitor of bone marrow-derived DCs. The presence of non-protein molecules adenosine and PGE(2) in tick saliva indicates an important evolutionary mechanism used by ticks to subvert host immune cells and allow them to successfully complete their blood meal and life cycle.

A family of perfect factorisations of complete bipartite graphs

A 1-factorisation of a graph is perfect if the union of any two of its 1-factors is a Hamiltonian cycle. Let n = p(2) for an odd prime p. We construct a family of (p-1)/2 non-isomorphic perfect 1-factorisations of K-n,K-n. Equivalently, we construct pan-Hamiltonian Latin squares of order n. A Latin square is pan-Hamiltoilian if the permutation defined by any row relative to any other row is a single Cycle. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science (USA).

Genetic Contribution for Non-Syndromic Cleft Lip With or Without Cleft Palate (NS CL/P) in Different Regions of Brazil and Implications for Association Studies

Non-syndromic cleft lip with or without cleft palate (NS CL/P) is a complex disease in which heritability estimates vary widely depending on the population studied. To evaluate the importance of genetic contribution to NS CL/P in the Brazilian population, we conducted a study with 1,042 families from five different locations (Santarem, Fortaleza, Barbalha, Maceio, and Rio de Janeiro). We also evaluated the role of consanguinity and ethnic background. The proportion of familial cases varied significantly across locations, with the highest values found in Santarem (44%) and the lowest in Maceio (23%). Heritability estimates showed a higher genetic contribution to NS CL/P in Barbalha (85%), followed by Santarem (71%), Rio de Janeiro (70%), Fortaleza (64%), and Maceio (45%). Ancestry was not correlated with the occurrence of NS CL/P or with the variability in heritability. Only in Rio de Janeiro was the coefficient of inbreeding significantly larger in NS CL/P families than in the local population. Recurrence risk for the total sample was approximately 1.5-1.6%, varying according to the location studied (0.6-0.7% in Maceio to 2.2-2.8% in Barbalha). Our findings show that the degree of genetic contribution to NS CL/P varies according to the geographic region studied, and this difference cannot be attributed to consanguinity or ancestry. These findings suggest that Barbalha is a promising region for genetic studies. The data presented here will be useful in interpreting results from molecular analyses and show that care must be taken when pooling samples from different populations for association studies. (C) 2011 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Laparoscopic extended cardiomyotomy in children: an effective procedure for the treatment of esophageal achalasia

Purpose: Achalasia of the esophagus is characterized by aperistalsis and incomplete relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter in response to swallowing. The objective of the present study is to present the experience of a modified Heller myotomy via a laparoscopic approach for the treatment of children who had this condition. Methods: A retrospective review of medical records of all patients who underwent this procedure from 2000 to 2009 was performed. The procedure consisted of an extended esophagomyotomy beginning on the lower part of the lower esophageal sphincter and continuing 5 to 6 cm above on the lower third of the esophagus, and then extended 3 to 4 cm below to the stomach, associated with an anterior 180-degree hemi-fundoplication according to Dor`s technique. Results: Fifteen patients were included in the study. There were 8 female and 7 male patients. Mean operating time was 190 minutes with no intraoperative complications and 1 conversion to open surgery because of difficulty in dissecting an inflamed distal esophagus. In a mean follow-up period of 32.3 months, 2 patients had recurrence of mild dysphagia that disappeared spontaneously, and 1 required a single botulinum toxin injection with complete resolution of symptoms. Conclusion: We conclude that the laparoscopic extended Heller myotomy with Dor fundoplication is a safe and effective method for the treatment for achalasia in the pediatric population even in advanced cases. (C) 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Increasing the Rates of Complete Response to Neoadjuvant Chemoradiotherapy for Distal Rectal Cancer: Results of a Prospective Study Using Additional Chemotherapy During the Resting Period

OBJECTIVES: Addition of chemotherapy in the resting period between radiotherapy completion and response assessment during neoadjuvant treatment for distal rectal cancer could potentially increase rates of complete tumor regression. The purpose of this study was to evaluate toxicity rates and the impact of an extended neoadjuvant chemoradiation regimen on complete response rates. METHODS: Thirty-four consecutive patients with nonmetastatic distal rectal cancer were prospectively included. Patients were managed by 5,400 Gy of radiation and 5-fluorouracil/leucovorin-based chemotherapy given for three consecutive days every 21 days for six cycles (three cycles concomitant with radiotherapy). Tumor response assessment was performed at ten weeks from radiation completion. Patients with complete clinical response were strictly monitored and were not immediately operated on. Patients with incomplete clinical response were referred to surgery. RESULTS: Twenty-nine patients had completed 12 months of follow-up and were included in this preliminary analysis. Twenty-eight (97%) successfully completed treatment. Fifteen of 16 patients had Grade III toxicities that were skin-related (93%). Median follow-up was 23 months. Fourteen patients (48%) were considered as complete clinical responders sustained for at least 12 months (median, 24 months) after chemoradiation completion by clinical assessment alone. An additional five patients (17%) were considered as complete responders with ypT0 results after full-thickness local excision. Overall, the complete response rate was 65%. CONCLUSIONS: The addition of chemotherapy during the resting period after neoadjuvant chemoradiation is associated with acceptable toxicity and high tolerability rates. The considerably high rates of complete response in this preliminary series requires further follow-up, but they may provide valuable information for future prospective, randomized trials.

Recommendations for the Use of Extended Criteria Donors in Lung Transplantation

Selection criteria for lung donation were based on initial experiences with lung transplantation without further studies to improve them, thereby guaranting the best use of donated organs. A definition of an extended criteria donor is therefore required to obtain more lungs to meet the demands of patients awaiting transplantation. Studies have been reviewed for the impact on survival and morbidity of age ranges, oxygen fraction, cause of death, smoking habits, x-ray findings, infection, hepatitis serology and non-heart-beating status, seeking to support physicians to make decisions regarding the use of marginal organs.

Validation of non-fluorescent methods to reliably detect acrosomal and plasma membrane integrity of common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus) sperm

Simple, rapid and stable sperm evaluation methods which have been optimized for common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus) are critical for studies involving collection and evaluation of sperm in the field. This is particularly important for new species groups such as Callitrichidae where the sperm have been little studied. Of this family, C jacchus is the best known, and has been chosen as a model species for other members of the genus Callithrix. The fundamental evaluation parameters for sperm of any species are viability and acrosomal status. Semen samples were collected by penile vibratory stimulation. To evaluate sperm plasma membrane integrity, Eosin-Nigrosin was tested here for the common marmoset sperm to be used under field conditions. Further, a non-fluorescent stain for acrosome, the ""Simple"" stain, developed for domestic and wild cats, was tested on common marmoset sperm. This was compared with a fluorescent staining, Fluorescein isothiocyanate-Pisum sativum agglutinin (FITC-PSA), routinely used and validated for common marmoset at the German Primate Centre to evaluate acrosomal integrity. Results obtained with the ""Simple"" stain showed a marked differentiation between sperm with intact and non-intact acrosome both with and without ionophore treatment and closely correlated with results obtained with FITC-PSA. Temperature had no effect on the results with the ""Simple"" stain and the complete processing is simple enough to be carried out under field conditions. These findings indicated that the ""Simple"" stain and Eosin-Nigrosin provide rapid and accurate results for C. jacchus sperm and that those methods can be reliably used as field tools for sperm evaluation for this species. (c) 2008 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Association between breastfeeding duration and non-nutritive sucking habits

Objective To evaluate the relationship between breastfeeding duration and the prevalence of non-nutritive Sucking habits in children with deciduous dentition. Method A cross-sectional survey was conducted on the mothers of 551 children aged 3 to 6 years, randomly selected from public pre-schools in Sao Paulo, Brazil. Mothers were asked to complete a questionnaire that included items regarding their children`s age, gender, race, method and duration of infant feeding, as well as pacifier use and/or digit-sucking habits. According to the answers pertinent to the method and duration of infant feeding, children were assigned to five groups: 1 - never breastfed, 2 - breastfed for a period shorter than 3 months of life, 3 - breastfed for 3 to 6 months, 4 - breastfed for 6 to 9 months, and 5 - breastfed for 9 months or longer. Data were submitted to the Fisher`s exact test with Bonferroni correction for multiple comparisons to analyse possible associations between breastfeeding duration period categories and non-nutritive sucking behaviours. Results Pacifier use frequency was high in groups 1, 2, 3 and 4 (85%, 87.6%, 78% and 70%, respectively), in comparison with that in group 5 (38.6%). The prevalence of non-nutritive sucking habits was significantly reduced in children who were breastfed for nine months or longer (p=0.000). There were no statistically significant differences in the frequencies of pacifier use and/or digit-sucking habits between genders, regardless of the breastfeeding duration period. Conclusion Children aged 3-6 years who were breastfed for nine months or longer had a lower prevalence of non-nutritive sucking habits.

Complete DNA sequence and gene organization of the mitochondrial genome of the liverfluke, Fasciola hepatica L. (Platyhelminthes; Trematoda)

The complete nucleotide sequence of the mitochondrial (mt) DNA molecule of the liverfluke, Fasciola hepatica (phylum Platyhelminthes, class Trematoda, family Fasciolidae), was determined, It comprises 14462 bp, contains 12 protein-encoding, 2 ribosomal and 22 transfer RNA genes, and is the second complete flatworm (and the first trematode) mitochondrial sequence to be described in detail. All of the genes are transcribed from the same strand. Of the genes typically found in mitochondrial genomes of eumetazoans, only atp8 is absent. The nad4L and nad4 genes overlap by 40 nt. Most intergenic sequences are very short. Two larger non-coding regions are present. The longer one (817 nt) is located between trnG and cox3 and consists of 8 identical tandem repeats of 85 nt, rich in G and C, followed by 1 imperfect repeat. The shorter non-coding region (187 nt) exhibits no special features and is separated from the longer region by trnG. The gene arrangement resembles that of some other trematodes including the eastern Asian Schistosoma species (and cyclophyllidean cestode species) but it is strikingly different from that of the African schistosomes, represented by Schistosoma mansoni. The genetic code is as inferred previously for flatworms. Transfer RNA genes range in length from 58 to 70 nt, their products producing characteristic 'clover leaf' structures, except for tRNA(S-VON) and tRNA(S-AGN) lacking the DHU arm.

Identification and minisequencing-based discrimination of SHV beta-lactamases in nosocomial infection-associated Klebsiella pneumoniae in Brisbane, Australia

Extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBLs) are active against oxyimino cephalosporins and monobactams. Twenty-one Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates obtained between 1991 and 1995 at the Princess Alexandra Hospital in Brisbane, Australia, were subject to amplification and sequencing of the SHV beta-lactamase-encoding genes. Thirteen strains were phenotypically ESBL positive. Of these, six strains carried the bla(SHV-2a) gene and seven strains carried the bla(SHV-12) gene. Eight strains were phenotypically ESBL negative. Of these, seven strains carried the non-ESBL bla(SHV-11) gene and one strain carried the non-ESBL bla(SHV-1) gene. There was complete correspondence between the ESBL phenotype and the presence or absence of an ESBL-encoding gene(s). In addition, it was determined that of the 13 ESBL-positive strains, at least 4 carried copies of a non-ESBL-encoding gene in addition to the bla(SHV-2a) or bla(SHV12) gene. A minisequencing-based assay was developed to discriminate the different SHV classes. This technique, termed first-nucleotide change, involves the identification of the base added to a primer in a single-nucleotide extension reaction. The assay targeted polymorphisms at the first bases of codons 238 and 240 and reliably discriminated ESBL-positive strains from ESBL-negative strains and also distinguished strains carrying bla(SHV-2a) from strains carrying bla(SHV-12). In addition, this method was used to demonstrated an association between the relative copy numbers of bla(SHV) genes in individual strains and the levels of antibiotic resistance.

Thermodynamic non-ideality as an alternative source of the effect of sucrose on the thrombin-catalyzed hydrolysis of peptide p-nitroanalide substrates

The inhibitory effect of sucrose on the kinetics of thrombin-catalyzed hydrolysis of the chromogenic substrate S-2238 (D-phenylalanyl-pipecolyl-arginoyl-p-nitroanilide) is re-examined as a possible consequence of thermodynamic non-ideality-an inhibition originally attributed to the increased viscosity of reaction mixtures. However, those published results may also be rationalized in terms of the suppression of a substrate-induced isomerization of thrombin to a slightly more expanded (or more asymmetric) transition state prior to the irreversible kinetic steps that lead to substrate hydrolysis. This reinterpretation of the kinetic results solely in terms of molecular crowding does not signify the lack of an effect of viscosity on any reaction step(s) subject to diffusion control. Instead, it highlights the need for development of analytical procedures that can accommodate the concomitant operation of thermodynamic non-ideality and viscosity effects.

Factorizations of the complete graph into C-5-factors and 1-factors

In this paper, we show that K-10n can be factored into alpha C-5-factors and beta 1-factors for all non-negative integers alpha and beta satisfying 2alpha + beta = 10(n) - 1.

The extended unsymmetric frontal solution for multiple-point constraints

The purpose of this paper is to discuss the linear solution of equality constrained problems by using the Frontal solution method without explicit assembling. Design/methodology/approach - Re-written frontal solution method with a priori pivot and front sequence. OpenMP parallelization, nearly linear (in elimination and substitution) up to 40 threads. Constraints enforced at the local assembling stage. Findings - When compared with both standard sparse solvers and classical frontal implementations, memory requirements and code size are significantly reduced. Research limitations/implications - Large, non-linear problems with constraints typically make use of the Newton method with Lagrange multipliers. In the context of the solution of problems with large number of constraints, the matrix transformation methods (MTM) are often more cost-effective. The paper presents a complete solution, with topological ordering, for this problem. Practical implications - A complete software package in Fortran 2003 is described. Examples of clique-based problems are shown with large systems solved in core. Social implications - More realistic non-linear problems can be solved with this Frontal code at the core of the Newton method. Originality/value - Use of topological ordering of constraints. A-priori pivot and front sequences. No need for symbolic assembling. Constraints treated at the core of the Frontal solver. Use of OpenMP in the main Frontal loop, now quantified. Availability of Software.