Genetic programming based formulation for fresh and hardened properties of self-compacting concrete containing pulverised fuel ash

Self-compacting concrete (SCC) flows into place and around obstructions under its own weight to fill the formwork completely and self-compact without any segregation and blocking. Elimination of the need for compaction leads to better quality concrete and substantial improvement of working conditions. This investigation aimed to show possible applicability of genetic programming (GP) to model and formulate the fresh and hardened properties of self-compacting concrete (SCC) containing pulverised fuel ash (PFA) based on experimental data. Twenty-six mixes were made with 0.38 to 0.72 water-to-binder ratio (W/B), 183–317 kg/m³ of cement content, 29–261 kg/m³ of PFA, and 0 to 1% of superplasticizer, by mass of powder. Parameters of SCC mixes modelled by genetic programming were the slump flow, JRing combined to the Orimet, JRing combined to cone, and the compressive strength at 7, 28 and 90 days. GP is constructed of training and testing data using the experimental results obtained in this study. The results of genetic programming models are compared with experimental results and are found to be quite accurate. GP has showed a strong potential as a feasible tool for modelling the fresh properties and the compressive strength of SCC containing PFA and produced analytical prediction of these properties as a function as the mix ingredients. Results showed that the GP model thus developed is not only capable of accurately predicting the slump flow, JRing combined to the Orimet, JRing combined to cone, and the compressive strength used in the training process, but it can also effectively predict the above properties for new mixes designed within the practical range with the variation of mix ingredients.

The experience of cancer cachexia: A qualitative study of advanced cancer patients and their family members

Background
Cachexia in advanced malignancy is a debilitating syndrome which contributes to approximately two million deaths worldwide annually. In spite of advances in understanding the biomedical aspects of cancer cachexia, little attention has been paid to exploring its holistic impact on patients and those who care for them.

Objective
The aim of this paper is to describe the lived experience of cachexia from the perspective of patients with cancer and their family members.

Design
An interpretative phenomenological approach was employed.

Setting and participants
A purposive sampling strategy recruited 15 patients and 12 family members from the Regional Cancer Centre in Northern Ireland.

Method
Each participant was interviewed during 2004/2005 using an unstructured interview. All interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim. Analysis combined a two stage approach using thematic and interpretative phenomenological analysis.

Results
Analysis generated six superordinate themes that reflected the complex dynamics of the cachexia experience. Themes were: physiological changes in appetite; visuality of cachexia; weight loss interpreted as a bad sign; response from health care professionals; conflict over food; and coping responses.

Conclusions
Findings confirmed that cancer cachexia has far reaching implications for patients and their families, extending beyond physical problems into psychological, social and emotional issues. This insight is a critical first step in the development of more responsive care for these clients.

Effects of Constraint Errors on Parallel Manipulators with Decoupled Motion

From perspective of structure synthesis, certain special geometric constraints, such as joint axes intersecting at one point or perpendicular to each other, are necessary in realizing the end-effector motion of kinematically decoupled parallel manipulators (PMs) along individual motion axes. These requirements are difficult to achieve in the actual system due to assembly errors and manufacturing tolerances. Those errors that violate the geometric constraint requirements are termed “constraint errors”. The constraint errors usually are more troublesome than other manipulator errors because the decoupled motion characteristics of the manipulator may no longer exist and the decoupled kinematic models will be rendered useless due to these constraint errors. Therefore, identification and prevention of these constraint errors in initial design and manufacturing stage are of great significance. In this article, three basic types of constraint errors are identified, and an approach to evaluate the effects of constraint errors on decoupling characteristics of PMs is proposed. This approach is illustrated by a 6-DOF PM with decoupled translation and rotation. The results show that the proposed evaluation method is effective to guide design and assembly.

La recuperación mutua en personas con trastornos psicológicos o diversidad funcional a través de la práctica creativa

En el presente artículo introducimos el concepto de “recuperación mutua” y proponemos las prácticas creativas como herramientas eficientesde recuperación de personas tanto con problemas de salud mental como con algún tipo de diversidad funcional. Frente al concepto clásico de “arte-terapia” nosotros proponemos el concepto de “práctica creativa” como más compatible con el modelo de “recuperación mutua”. Para ello, en primer lugar realizamos un breve repaso crítico a la relación del arte con la locura. Seguidamente, presentamos los conceptos hermanos de “recuperación” y “recuperación mutua” en el marco de lo que se ha venido a denominar las “health humanities”. Para finalizar, describimos dos prácticas creativas que en la actualidad están siendo evaluadas en España en el contexto de un proyecto de investigacióninternacional en recuperación mutua: Los seminarios creativos con personas con trastorno mental grave en el Museo de Arte Contemporáneo de Sevilla y el grupo de teatro con personas con diversidad funcional de la Asociación Síndrome de Down-Sevilla

High tech start-ups in University Science Park incubators: The relationship between the start-up’s lifecycle progression and use of the incubator’s resources

University Science Park incubators (USIs) have emerged as a means by which Government, academia and business can develop high technology business firms (spin out HTBFs) from initial conception through to becoming established small firms, which are ready to move beyond the Science Park confines. Although there is considerable literature on how USIs can be improved and developed there is a paucity of studies, which explore how lifecycle development within HTBFs in USIs can affect how they use the unique resources and opportunities of the USI. Moreover, there is a focus on single point in time studies, which do not adequately investigate the longitudinal dynamics of HTBF lifecycle development within USIs. Therefore, the aim of this paper is to explore the longitudinal use of the unique resources of the USI by HTBFs at different lifecycle stages. The research methodology involved 18 HTBFs within two separate USIs. A series of longitudinal interviews and focus groups were conducted with HTBFs and USI staff over a 36-month period. NUD*IST software was used in developing the coding and analysis of transcripts. The results show that a HTBF's propensity to make effective use of the USI's resources and support increases as the lifecycle stage of the company increases and the small-firm searches for independence and autonomy. Therefore, further research is required to investigate the following two outstanding questions; firstly, which usage pattern is associated with the HTBF's ultimate success or failure in the marketplace? And secondly, are there any services missing from the observed array that the USI could provide to enhance the HTBF's degree of ultimate success? © 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

RNA interference in a cestode reveals specific silencing of selected highly expressed gene transcripts

Evolving RNA interference (RNAi) platforms are providing opportunities to probe gene function in parasitic helminths using reverse genetics. Although relatively robust methods for the application of RNAi in parasitic flatworms have been established, reports of successful RNAi are confined to three genera and there are no known reports of the application of RNAi to the class Cestoda. Here we report the successful application of RNAi to a cestode. Our target species was the common ruminant tapeworm, Moniezia expansa which can significantly impact the health/productivity of cattle, sheep and goats. Initial efforts aimed to silence the neuronally expressed neuropeptide F gene (Me-npf-1), which encodes one of the most abundant neuropeptides in flatworms and a homologue of vertebrate neuropeptide Y (NPY). Double stranded (ds)RNAs, delivered by electroporation and soaking (4-8 h), failed to trigger consistent Me-npf-1 transcript knock-down in adult worms; small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) were also ineffective. Identical approaches resulted in significant and consistent transcript knock-down of actin transcript (71 +/- 4%) following soaking in Me-act-1 dsRNA. Similar successes were seen with hydrophobic lipid-binding protein (Me-lbp-1), with a dsRNA inducing significant target transcript reduction (72 +/- 5%). To confirm the validity of the observed transcript knock-downs we further investigated Me-act-1 RNAi worms for associated changes in protein levels, morphology and phenotype. Me-act-1 RNAi worms displayed significant reductions in both filamentous actin immunostaining (62 +/- 3%) and the amount of actin detected in Western blots (54 +/- 13%). Morphologically, Me-act-1 RNAi worms displayed profound tegumental disruption/blebbing. Further, muscle tension recordings from Me-act-1 RNAi worms revealed a significant reduction in both the number of worms contracting in response to praziquantel (20 +/- 12%) and in their contractile ability. These data demonstrate, to our knowledge for the first time, a functional RNAi pathway in a cestode and show that the robust knock-down of abundant gene transcripts is achievable using long dsRNAs following short exposure times. (C) 2009 Australian Society for Parasitology Inc. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Salbutamol up-regulates matrix metalloproteinase-9 in the alveolar space in the acute respiratory distress syndrome.

Objectives: Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is characterized by alveolar-capillary barrier damage. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are implicated in the pathogenesis of ARDS. In the Beta Agonists in Acute Lung Injury Trial, intravenous salbutamol reduced extravascular lung water (EVLW) in patients with ARDS at day 4 but not inflammatory cytokines or neutrophil recruitment. We hypothesized that salbutamol reduces MMP activity in ARDS.

Methods: MMP-1/-2/-3/-7/-8/-9/-12/-13 was measured in supernatants of distal lung epithelial cells, type II alveolar cells, and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid from patients in the Beta Agonists in Acute Lung Injury study by multiplex bead array and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs)-1/-2 by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. MMP-9 protein and activity levels were further measured by gelatin zymography and fluorokine assay.

Measurements and Main Results: BAL fluid MMP-1/-2/-3 declined by day 4, whereas total MMP-9 tended to increase. Unexpectedly, salbutamol augmented MMP-9 activity. Salbutamol induced 33.7- and 13.2-fold upregulation in total and lipocalin-associated MMP-9, respectively at day 4, compared with 2.0- and 1.3-fold increase in the placebo group, p < 0.03. Salbutamol did not affect BAL fluid TIMP-1/-2. Net active MMP-9 was higher in the salbutamol group (4222 pg/mL, interquartile range: 513-7551) at day 4 compared with placebo (151 pg/mL, 124-2108), p = 0.012. Subjects with an increase in BAL fluid MMP-9 during the 4-day period had lower EVLW measurements than those in whom MMP-9 fell (10 vs. 17 mL/kg, p = 0.004): change in lung water correlated inversely with change in MMP-9, r = -.54, p = 0.0296. Salbutamol up-regulated MMP-9 and down-regulated TIMP-1/-2 secretion in vitro by distal lung epithelial cells. Inhibition of MMP-9 activity in cultures of type II alveolar epithelial cells reduced wound healing.

Conclusions: Salbutamol specifically up-regulates MMP-9 in vitro and in vivo in patients with ARDS. Up-regulated MMP-9 is associated with a reduction in EVLW. MMP-9 activity is required for alveolar epithelial wound healing in vitro. Data suggest MMP-9 may have a previously unrecognized beneficial role in reducing pulmonary edema in ARDS by improving alveolar epithelial healing.

Through-thickness control of polymer bioresorption via electron beam irradiation

Predicable and controlled degradation is not only central to the accurate delivery of bioactive agents and drugs, it also plays a vital role in key aspects of bone tissue engineering. The work addressed in this paper investigates the utilisation of e-beam irradiation in order to achieve a controlled (surface) degradation profile. This study focuses on the modification of commercially and clinically relevant materials, namely poly(L-lactic acid) (PLLA), poly(L-lactide-hydroxyapatite) (PLLA-HA), poly(L-lactide-glycolide) co-polymer (PLG) and poly(L-lactide-DL-lactide) co-polymer (PLDL). Samples were subjected to irradiation treatments using a 0.5 MeV electron beam with delivered surface doses of 150 and 500 kGy. In addition, an acrylic attenuation shield was used for selected samples to control the penetration of the e-beam. E-beam irradiation induced chain scission in all polymers, as characterized by reduced molecular weights and glass transition temperatures (T-g). Irradiation not only produced changes in the physical properties of the polymers but also had associated effects on surface erosion of the materials during hydrolytic degradation. Moreover, the extent to which both mechanical and hydrolytic degradation was observed is synonymous with the estimated penetration of the beam (as controlled by the employment of an attenuation shield). (C) 2010 Acta Materialia Inc. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Omalizumab: the evidence for its place in the treatment of allergic asthma.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2899803/

Visualization of water vapour flow in a packed bed adsorber by near-infrared diffused transmittance tomography

This work presents a procedure based on spatially-resolved near-infrared imaging, in order to observe temperature and composition maps in gas-solid packed beds subjected to effects of aspect ratio and non-isothermal conditions. The technique was applied to the water vapour flow in a packed bed adsorber of low aspect ratio, filled with silica gel, using a tuneable diode laser, focal planar array detector and tomographic reconstruction. The 2D projected images from parallel scanning permitted data to be retrieved from the packing and above the packing sections of 12.0×12.0×18.2mm at a volume-resolution of 0.15×0.15×0.026mm and a time-resolution of less than 3min. The technique revealed uneven temperature and composition maps in the core packed bed and in the vicinity of the wall due to flow maldistribution. In addition, the heat uptake from the packed bed and local cross-mixing were experimentally ascertained by local profiles of the water vapour composition and temperature under various aspect ratios and feed flow rates. The relative deviations in temperature and compositions were 11.1% and 9.3%, respectively. The deviation in composition, which covers the packing and above the packing sections, was slightly higher than the deviation of 8% obtained up-to-date but was limited to the exit of a packed bed adsorber. © 2011.

The policy context of leaving care services: A case study of Northern Ireland

The transition of foster youth from state care to independent living has received increased research, practice, and policy attention in the United States and in many other countries. Most contributions to this literature have focused on documenting poor outcomes across various dimensions of need in the young people's lives whereas little attention has been given to the policy context in which the responses to those needs are being developed. In this article, we argue that there is a pressing need for better understanding of how the policy context can both promote and impede the development of appropriate services. To illustrate our argument, we use Northern Ireland as a policy case study both because of recent initiatives underway there in regard to youth transitions from state care and because of the heightened political sensibilities associated with it as a society. We draw attention to the socio-political historical context, a number of intersecting social policies, and the place of social work as a key occupation involved in delivering service improvements. We conclude by suggesting that this case study not only highlights the need to address similar aspects of the policy on youth transition frorn state care in the United States but also demonstrates the benefits of reflecting on policy development and implementation elsewhere in the world.

CsF and alumina: A mixed homogeneous-heterogeneous catalytic system for the transesterification of sunflower oil with methanol

The activity and nature (i e heterogeneous and/or homogeneous) of catalysts based on CsF supported on alpha-Al2O3 were investigated for the transesterification of vegetable oil with methanol. The effect of the activation temperature, CsF loading and the reusability in a recirculating reactor were first studied CsF/alpha-Al2O3 exhibited the highest activity for a CsF loading of 0 6 mmol/g and when activated at 120 degrees C An important aspect of this study is the effect of CsF leaching into the reaction mixture, which is attributed to the high solubility of CsF in methanol, leading to a complete loss of activity after one run It was Identified that the activity of the catalyst resulted from a synergy between alumina and dissolved CsF, the presence of both compounds being absolutely necessary to observe any conversion The use of an alumina with a higher surface area resulted in a far greater reaction rate, showing that the concentration of surface site on the oxide (probably surface hydroxyl) was rate-limiting in the case of the experiments using the low surface area alpha-Al2O3 This work emphasizes that combined homogeneous-heterogeneous catalytic systems made from the blending of the respective catalysts can be used to obtain high conversion of vegetable oil to biodiesel. Despite the homogeneous/heterogeneous dual character, such a catalytic system may prove valuable in developing a simple and cost-effective continuous catalytic process for biodiesel production (C) 2010 Elsevier B V All rights reserved