Three-dimensional simulation of the rolling of a saturated fibro-porous media

This paper describes recent advances made in computational modelling of the sugar cane liquid extraction process. The saturated fibro-porous material is rolled between circumferentially grooved rolls, which enhance frictional grip and provide a low-resistance path for liquid flow during the extraction process. Previously reported two-dimensional (2D) computational models, account for the large deformation of the porous material by solving the fully coupled governing fibre stress and fluid-flow equations using finite element techniques. While the 2D simulations provide much insight into the overarching cause-effect relationships, predictions of mechanical quantities such as roll separating force and particularly torque as a function of roll speed and degree of compression are not satisfactory for industrial use. It is considered that the unsatisfactory response in roll torque prediction may be due to the stress levels that exist between the groove tips and roots which have been largely neglected in the geometrically simplified 2D model. This paper gives results for both two- and three-dimensional finite element models and highlights their strengths and weaknesses in predicting key milling parameters. (c) 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Three-dimensional analysis of eutectic grains in hypoeutectic Al-Si alloys

An approach to the qualitative analysis of quenched microstructures in three dimensions is presented and demonstrated on unmodified and Sr-modified Al-10% Si samples. The samples were repeatedly polished to obtain a series of digital images through the depth of the microstructure. A three-dimensional reconstruction of the microstructure was obtained by assembling the images of the serial sections. Reconstructions were made of unmodified and Sr-modified Al-Si eutectic grains that were quenched during eutectic solidification. The three-dimensional reconstructions show that strontium modification changes the size and morphology of the Al-Si eutectic grains. Sr-modified eutectic grains are large approximately spherical grains and grow with a high interface velocity. In the unmodified alloy, many small eutectic grains grow from the dendrite arm tips. The unmodified eutectic grains appear to grow from the dendrite tips into the undercooled liquid, rather than back-filling the dendrite envelope, possibly continuing to grow in the same manner as the equiaxed dendrites. (C) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Receptor binding studies disclose a novel class of high-affinity inhibitors of the Escherichia coli FimH adhesin

Mannose-binding type 1 pili are important virulence factors for the establishment of Escherichia coli urinary tract infections (UTIs). These infections are initiated by adhesion of uropathogenic E. coli to uroplakin receptors in the uroepithelium via the FimH adhesin located at the tips of type 1 pili. Blocking of bacterial adhesion is able to prevent infection. Here, we provide for the first time binding data of the molecular events underlying type 1 fimbrial adherence, by crystallographic analyses of the FimH receptor binding domains from a uropathogenic and a K-12 strain, and affinity measurements with mannose, common mono- and disaccharides, and a series of alkyl and aryl mannosides. Our results illustrate that the lectin domain of the FimH adhesin is a stable and functional entity and that an exogenous butyl alpha- D-mannoside, bound in the crystal structures, exhibits a significantly better affinity for FimH (K-d = 0.15 muM) than mannose (K-d = 2.3 muM). Exploration of the binding affinities of alpha-D-mannosides with longer alkyl tails revealed affinities up to 5 nM. Aryl mannosides and fructose can also bind with high affinities to the FimH lectin domain, with a 100-fold improvement and 15-fold reduction in affinity, respectively, compared with mannose. Taken together, these relative FimH affinities correlate exceptionally well with the relative concentrations of the same glycans needed for the inhibition of adherence of type 1 piliated E. coli. We foresee that our findings will spark new ideas and initiatives for the development of UTI vaccines and anti-adhesive drugs to prevent anticipated and recurrent UTIs.

The influence of architecture on degradation and tissue ingrowth into three-dimensional poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) scaffolds in vitro and in vivo

The in vitro and in vivo degradation properties of poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) scaffolds produced by two different technologies-therm ally induced phase separation (TIPS), and solvent casting and particulate leaching (SCPL) were compared. Over 6 weeks, in vitro degradation produced changes in SCPL scaffold dimension, mass, internal architecture and mechanical properties. TIPS scaffolds produced far less changes in these parameters providing significant advantages over SCPL. In vivo results were based on a microsurgically created arteriovenous (AV) loop sandwiched between two TIPS scaffolds placed in a polycarbonate chamber under rat groin skin. Histologically, a predominant foreign body giant cell response and reduced vascularity was evident in tissue ingrowth between 2 and 8 weeks in TIPS scaffolds. Tissue death occurred at 8 weeks in the smallest pores. Morphometric comparison of TIPS and SCPL scaffolds indicated slightly better tissue ingrowth but greater loss of scaffold structure in SCPL scaffolds. Although advantageous in vitro, large surface area:volume ratios and varying pore sizes in PLGA TIPS scaffolds mean that effective in vivo (AV loop) utilization will only be achieved if the foreign body response can be significantly reduced so as to allow successful vascularisation, and hence sustained tissue growth, in pores less than 300 mu m. (C) 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Ena/VASP proteins can regulate distinct modes of actin organization at cadherin-adhesive contacts

Functional interactions between classical cadherins and the actin cytoskeleton involve diverse actin activities, including filament nucleation, cross-linking, and bundling. In this report, we explored the capacity of Ena/VASP proteins to regulate the actin cytoskeleton at cadherin-adhesive contacts. We extended the observation that Ena/vasodilator-stimulated phosphoprotein (VASP) proteins localize at cell-cell contacts to demonstrate that E-cadherin homophilic ligation is sufficient to recruit Mena to adhesion sites. Ena/VASP activity was necessary both for F-actin accumulation and assembly at cell-cell contacts. Moreover, we identified two distinct pools of Mena within individual homophilic adhesions that cells made when they adhered to cadherin-coated substrata. These Mena pools localized with Arp2/3-driven cellular protrusions as well as at the tips of cadherin-based actin bundles. Importantly, Ena/VASP activity was necessary for both modes of actin activity to be expressed. Moreover, selective depletion of Ena/VASP proteins from the tips of cadherin-based bundles perturbed the bundles without affecting the protrusive F-actin pool. We propose that Ena/VASP proteins may serve as higher order regulators of the cytoskeleton at cadherin contacts through their ability to modulate distinct modes of actin organization at those contacts.

In situ observation of bainite growth during isothermal holding

The mechanism of bainite growth has been investigated using in situ transmission electron microscopy observations. It was found that, in a number of alloys studied, a bainitic embryo is made of basic transformation units. These units are either a group of stacking faults or, in two dimensions, a series of parallelograms of different sizes. Thickening/widening of the bainite embryo takes place through shear along the stacking fault planes or twining planes. The bainite embryo is elongated by the formation of new transformation units at both tips of the bainite plate. The three-dimensional morphology of bainite is a convex tens-like lath. It is believed that the bainite embryo grows by shearing, which is controlled by the diffusion of solute atoms during the transformation. As the growth rate is much lower than that of martensite, it is therefore detectable. (c) 2006 Acta Materialia Inc. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Phosphorus nutrition of Caustis blakei grown with two phosphorus sources of different solubility in two soils of differing phosphorus adsorption capacity

A barrier to the domestication of the phosphorus (P) sensitive Australian species Caustis blakei (Cyperaceae) is the standard production systems used commercially which invariably result in problems associated either with P deficiency or P toxicity. This paper reports on the growth responses of Caustis blakei cv. M63 to applications of fertiliser P as either monocalcium phosphate (MCP) or granulated Guano Gold (R) rock phosphate (RP) in two soils with different capacities to adsorb P. The Caustis M63 plants grown in the two soils did not show P toxicity symptoms when fertilised with RP, but shoot dry weight was 30-60% lower than the control in both soils at the highest rate of MCP-P application (156 kg ha(-1), 184 g m(-3)) and this was associated with visible symptoms of drying of the tips of the ultimate branchlets, in the Mt Cotton soil only. The greatest shoot and root dry weights were achieved by plants grown in the higher P adsorbing Palmwoods soil fertilised with RP at P rates of 30-184 g m(-3). Caustis plants grown in the Palmwoods soil had 2.3 times greater root dry weights than plants grown in the Mt Cotton soil irrespective of the P fertiliser type used. Caustis plants growing in Mt Cotton soil which did not receive P showed significantly lower shoot and root dry weight when compared to plants in the Palmwoods soil, probably due to the low initial bicarbonate-extractable P and the high buffering capacity of the Mt Cotton soil. The P concentration in shoots of Caustis fertilised with MCP at 184 g m(-3) was higher when grown in Mt Cotton soil (0.22%) than in the Palmwoods soil (0.15%). The P concentration was lower in the terminal ultimate branchlets (TUB); 0.15% for the Mt Cotton soil and 0.10% for the Palmwoods soil, suggesting that shoots would provide a more useful indicator of P toxicity than the TUB. It is interesting to speculate as to why plants in the Palmwoods soil showed greater root growth and fewer symptoms of P toxicity. This could be because the Palmwoods soil had the greater P adsorption capacity. These results indicate in ground production of Caustis cut foliage will require careful management of P nutrition and understanding of the complex soil/plant interactions associated with the acquisition of P. (c) 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

The Bioeroding Sponge Aka paratypica, a Modern Tracemaking Analogue for the Paleozoic Ichnogenus Entobia devonica

Many attempts have been made by ichnologists to match bioerosion traces to their respective tracemakers. This task has been considered difficult, especially for fossil samples. The present study demonstrates that the Australian bioeroding sponge Aka paratypica can generate a cavity similar to the ichnospecies Entobia devonica. The modern sponge and its cavity are redescribed and compared to the fossil boring. A. paratypica has white fistules and soft, mucoid endosomal tissue. Spicules are stout oxeas with often telescoped or mucronate tips. Observed borings of A. paratypica are rounded and cavernous, with canals and apertures radiating from the chambers in all directions. It was noted that the internal openings of such canals are covered with porous nodules, which may act as sieves against larger particles or intruding endofauna. No obvious microsculpturing was observed in the erosion scars. A. paratypica borings are analogous to ancient E. devonica borings, which to date were only known from the fossil record.

AVALIAÇÃO DAS ALTERAÇÕES DENTÁRIAS E DO PERFIL FACIAL OBTIDAS NO TRATAMENTO ORTODÔNTICO COM BRAQUETES AUTOLIGADOS

Este trabalho teve como objetivo principal avaliar as inclinações dentárias e o perfil facial de pacientes tratados ortodonticamente com braquete autoligado Damon 2, prescrição padrão. Para este estudo, foi selecionada uma amostra de 18 indivíduos, sendo 12 do sexo masculino e 6 do feminino, com idades que variaram de 12 a 20 anos (idade média de 15 anos) e que apresentavam discrepância de modelo negativa (de 4 mm a 15 mm). Como critério de inclusão, os pacientes deveriam apresentar dentição permanente completa até os segundos molares, má oclusão de Classe I de Angle, telerradiografias em norma lateral do início e final do tratamento ortodôntico e modelos de estudo em gesso dos arcos dentários superiores e inferiores do início e final do tratamento ortodôntico. As medições das inclinações ântero-posteriores dos incisivos centrais superiores e incisivos centrais inferiores e alterações do perfil facial foram realizadas por meio das telerradiografias em norma lateral. As distâncias transversais das regiões de cúspide e cervical inter-caninos, primeiros e segundos pré-molares e primeiros molares, foram obtidas medindo-se os modelos de gesso. Todas as mensurações foram realizadas nas telerradiografias e modelos de gesso obtidos antes do início do tratamento ortodôntico (T1) e no final do tratamento (T2). Após a coleta de todos os dados aplicou-se o teste t de Student para comparar as medidas dos dois tempos avaliados neste estudo. Verificou-se diferença estatisticamente significante (p<0,05) na inclinação dos incisivos centrais inferiores e nas dimensões transversais inter-cúspides e inter-cervicais dos primeiros e segundos pré-molares e primeiros molares na maxila. Na mandíbula todas as distâncias transversais (inter cúspides e cervicais) de caninos, primeiros e segundos pré-molares e primeiros molares apresentaram significância estatística (p<0,05), exceto a distância inter-cervical dos caninos inferiores. Concluímos que o tratamento ortodôntico sem extrações de pacientes com má oclusão de Classe I realizados com os braquetes Damon 2, prescrição padrão, não promoveu alteração na inclinação vestíbulo-lingual dos incisivos centrais superiores, aumentou a inclinação vestibular dos incisivos centrais inferiores, não alterou o perfil facial e aumentou de modo significativo a dimensão transversal da maxila e da mandíbula por meio de inclinação vestibular de coroa.(AU)

Reincidência Criminal sob o Enfoque dos Processos Psicossociais

Este estudo teve como objetivo pesquisar a reincidência criminal por meio de três estudos exploratórios. No primeiro foi utilizado o Perfil do Detento no Estado de São Paulo, ano de 2003, documento elaborado pela Secretaria da Administração Penitenciaria, selecionando-se dele a população de 1.280 sujeitos do gênero masculino do Presídio Desembargador "Adriano Marrey" de Guarulhos. Foram encontradas prováveis associações à reincidência criminal nos seguintes fatores: idade, número de delitos cometidos e escolaridade. No segundo utilizou-se um levantamento aleatório, através do número de matrícula dos presos, que atingiu 11% dos 1.654 registrados e classificados em 2004. Os dados dos prontuários criminológicos dessa população carcerária, que foi de 182 sujeitos, foram comparados aos do primeiro estudo. Os resultados corroboraram tendências de associação entre idade, escolaridade, números de delitos e reincidência criminal. No terceiro estudo foram analisados 30 protocolos do Teste do Desenho da Figura Humana (DFH) aplicados em sentenciados do gênero masculino que tinham entre 18 e 35 anos de idade, condenados pelo artigo 157§2° do Código Penal Brasileiro (Assalto a Mão Armada), em regime inicialmente fechado. Esta investigação teve como objetivo conhecer as características de personalidade das pessoas que cometeram crimes. Encontraram-se alguns traços de personalidade que podem estar associados à criminalidade ou a reincidência.Não foram detectadas características psicóticas, mas perturbações e desvios na sexualidade, agressividade, imaturidade, dificuldade de elaboração de frustrações. Estes resultados podem alicerçar o uso das técnicas projetivas nas entrevistas de inclusão. Para tanto se propõe o uso do Desenho da Figura Humana de Machover (1949), com análise proposta por Lourenção Van Kolck (1984). Na discussão dos resultados e nas conclusão foram retomados os fatores que se apresentaram associados à reincidência e alguns temas que se mostraram de interesse para outras pesquisas no campo da psicologia criminal ou penitenciária. Pretendeu-se buscar subsídios que pudessem contribuir para a prevenção da reincidência, com base numa compreensão psicossocial do comportamento criminoso e sempre sob o enfoque da psicologia da saúde. As pessoas envolvidas na execução da pena deverão dar mais ênfase à entrevista de inclusão para cumprir o que determina a Lei de Execução Penal, executando o exame de classificação

Evaluation of routine microbiological techniques for establishing the diagnosis of catheter-related bloodstream infection caused by coagulase-negative staphylococci

Microbiological diagnosis of catheter-related bloodstream infection (CR-BSI) is often based on isolation of indistinguishable micro-organisms from an explanted catheter tip and blood culture, confirmed by antibiograms. Whether phenotypic identification of coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS) allows an accurate diagnosis of CR-BSI to be established was evaluated. Eight patients with a diagnosis of CR-BSI had CoNS isolated from pure blood cultures and explanted catheter tips which were considered as indistinguishable strains by routine microbiological methods. For each patient, an additional three colonies of CoNS isolated from the blood and five from the catheter tip were subcultured and further characterized by antibiogram profiles, analytical profile index (API) biotyping and PFGE. PFGE distinguished more strains of CoNS compared to API biotyping or antibiograms (17, 10 and 11, respectively). By PFGE, indistinguishable micro-organisms were only isolated from pure blood and catheter tip cultures in four out of eight (50%) patients thus supporting the diagnosis of CR-BSI. In another patient, indistinguishable micro-organisms were identified in both cultures; however, other strains of CoNS were also present. The remaining three patients had multiple strains of CoNS, none of which were indistinguishable in the tip and blood cultures, thus questioning the diagnosis of CR-BSI. Phenotypic characterization of CoNS lacked discriminatory power. Current routine methods of characterizing a limited number of pooled colonies may generate misleading results as multiple strains may be present in the cultures. Multiple colonies should be studied using a rapid genotypic characterization method to confirm or refute the diagnosis of CR-BSI. © 2007 SGM.

Introduction to organisational behaviour

Introduction to Organisational Behaviour is the first truly integrated multimedia package for introductory OB modules. It provides a rigorous critique of the essential organisational behaviour topics in a creative, interactive and visual way. Key features include: - Practitioner case studies presenting real organisational dilemmas accompanied by video interviews online where the practitioners talk about approaches and solutions - Tailored tutor resources online, recognising that you have different needs - one area is designed for new OB lecturers; the other contains materials for more experienced OB lecturers - An underpinning focus on employability skills, with tips in the book on how each topic could be linked to different skills and professionally produced video demonstrations online - A global perspective reflecting today's market-place, integrated through global examples and theories including those from developing countries - Innovative learning features including ethical dilemmas, best and worst practice examples, taking your learning further, review and discussion questions, applying theory to practice and a glossary - Written by a team of experts at prestigious UK-based and international institutions - A foreword by Richard Atfield of the Higher Education Academy. Online resources For tutors: - Interviews with practitioners - Demonstrations of employability skills - Additional short and long case study per chapter with questions - Additional discussion and assignment questions - Tutorial activities - PowerPoint slides - Guidance notes - Figures and tables from the book For students: - Web links including YouTube links and links to seminal articles

How to write successful business and management essays

How to Write Successful Business and Management Essays is a systematic guide to successfully producing written work for business and management degrees. The authors address the all too common pitfalls of essay assignments, as well as providing students with a step-by-step programme to approach essay questions, both in coursework and exam contexts. Starting with the basics this book helps develop skills through the use of examples, exercises and checklists. Helpful features include: - Annotated essay examples, showing both good and bad points - Tips on time management and motivation, note taking and effective reading - Final checklists to use before you hand in - Explanation of what the markers are looking for – and how to give it to them Many students find referencing particularly confusing so the book provides detailed but easy-to-use information on what referencing is and how to do it properly.

Navigating through the maze: the practical issues of conducting research for novices

New postgraduate students embark on their research journey typically with little or no experience in doing research. Supervisors and other more experienced student researchers might help them to find their feet during the first few weeks of their research by sharing their own experience of how they solved similar problems during their research. In this way each novice researcher can learn and benefit from other researchers´ ways of resolving problems. This paper discusses the real concerns that researchers reflected upon during a two-day research workshop, where researchers share problems, exchange ideas for overcoming them and learn from each other´s experiences of conducting research. The output from the workshop is in the form of hints and tips that can guide novice researchers when faced with initial problems. The paper can also be used by a department to induct a novice researcher into their environment.

Infection risk associated with a closed luer access device

The potential for microbial contamination associated with a recently developed needleless closed luer access device (CLAD) (Q-Syte™ Becton Dickinson, Sandy, UT, USA) was evaluated in vitro. Compression seals of 50 multiply activated Q-Syte devices were inoculated with Staphylococcus epidermidis NCTC 9865 in 25% (v/v) human blood and then disinfected with 70% (v/v) isopropyl alcohol followed by flushing with 0.9% (w/v) sterile saline. Forty-eight of 50 (96%) saline flushes passed through devices that had been activated up to a maximum of 70 times remained sterile. A further 25 Q-Syte CLADs that had undergone multiple activations were challenged with prefilled 0.9% (w/v) sterile saline syringes, the external luer tips of which had been inoculated with S. epidermidis NCTC 9865 prior to accessing the devices. None of the devices that had been accessed up to 70 times allowed passage of micro-organisms, despite challenge micro-organisms being detected on both the syringe tip after activation and the compression seals before decontamination. These findings suggest that the Q-Syte CLAD may be activated up to 70 times with no increased risk of microbial contamination within the fluid pathway. The device may also offer protection from the external surface of syringe tips contaminated with micro-organisms. © 2005 Hospital Infection Society. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.