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A non-Newtonian flow model for individual elements of a modular tangential counter-rotating twin screw extruder is developed. A non-Newtonian non-isothermal flow model for a composite modular machine is then described. Fill factor, pressure and temperature profiles along the axis of the twin screw machines were predicted for various modular screw configurations. Finally, experiments were carried out on the modular machine to verify the predictions. Generally, good agreement with the flow analysis was found.

The yeast Kluyveromyces marxianus is a potential microbial catalyst for fuel ethanol production from a wide range of biomass substrates. To improve its growth and ethanol yield at elevated temperature under microaerophilic conditions, K. marxianus NRRL Y-1109 was irradiated with UV-C using automated protocols on a robotic platform for picking and spreading irradiated cultures and for processing the resulting plates. The plates were incubated under anaerobic conditions on xylose or glucose for 5 mo at 46 °C. Two K. marxianus mutant strains (designated 7-1 and 8-1) survived and were isolated from the glucose plates. Both mutant strains, but not wild type, grew aerobically on glucose at 47 °C. All strains grew anaerobically at 46 °C on glucose, galactose, galacturonic acid, and pectin; however, only 7-1 grew anaerobically on xylose at 46 °C. Saccharomyces cerevisiae NRRL Y-2403 did not grow at 46 °C on any of these substrates. With glucose as a carbon source, ethanol yield after 3 d at 46 °C was higher for 8-1 than for wild type (0.51 and 0.43 g ethanol/g glucose, respectively). With galacturonic acid as a carbon source, the ethanol yield after 7 d at 46 °C was higher for 7-1 than for wild type (0.48 and 0.34 g ethanol/g galacturonic acid, respectively). These mutant strains have potential application in fuel ethanol production at elevated temperature from sugar constituents of starch, sucrose, pectin, and cellulosic biomass.

In this paper, the authors propose an efficient spatial data structure called the Multi-R tree. The Multi-R tree is an improvement of the R-tree, R+-tree and R*-tree, and can be used as an index structure for spatial databases. The Multi- R tree improves performance by distributing spatial objects into several data spaces instead of one data space in the Rtree, the R+-tree or the R*-tree. Each data space is associated with a tree in the Multi-R tree. The structure of the Multi-R tree eliminates the node redundancy which appears in the R+-tree at leaf level and keeps disjoint intermediate rectangles. A set of new algorithms for the Multi-R tree is also proposed and implemented. Three popular spatial data structures, the R-tree, R+-tree and R*-tree, are implemented based on the algorithms given in original literature to be compared with the Multi-R tree. An experimental performance analysis for four implemented structures is given with various types of testing data sets: random data, uniformly distributed data, VLSI layout data and TIGER/Line file. Namely, the number of disk accesses and actual response time for each of those four data structures to process a query are compared. Construction times, space utilization and actual memory sizes of the four data structures are also given. Results show that the Multi-R tree requires fewer disk accesses and less processing time than the R-tree, R+-tree and the R*-tree do for a deletion operation and answering a range query in most cases except for a point query or a range query with very small size. In the cases of a point query or small size query processing, the performance of the Multi-R tree is still better than the performances of the Rtree and R*-tree but slightly worse than the R+-tree. Thus, the Multi-R tree may be used as an efficient index structure for spatial databases, e.g., geographical information system, CAD, and VLSI etc.

In this paper we simulate the flow of a Newtonian fluid in a tangential counter-rotating twin screw extruder using a cylindrical coordinate lubrication theory model. Special attention is given to the material flows leading to mixing specially to inter-screw and backward leakage between the screws, and how they vary with process conditions.

An analytical solution method capable of determining the geometric configuration and developed tensile forces of mooring lines associated with fixed plate/pile or drag anchors embedded in cohesive seafloor has been developed. The solution method is capable of analyzing multisegmented mooring lines embedded in layered cohesive seafloor soils, utilizing a systematic iterative solution search method based on specified boundary conditions. The results of the developed analytical solution method have been verified through comparisons with the centrifuge model tests and field tests and were found to be very effective.

The leaching behavior of galena in the presence of Thiobacillus ferrooxidans was investigated. In acidic media, at about pH 2.8, galena was oxidized to form lead sulfate. It was observed that the addition of 0.4% ferrous sulfate increased the initial rate of galena leaching and a higher concentration of iron did not appear to inhibit the rate of reaction. The final amount of galena oxidized, approximaiely 92%, was found to be independent of various leaching conditions applied. The physiological behavior of bacteria during the galena leaching has also been studied by monitoring the enzyme activities of sulfide oxidase in the cell fractions of the sphaeroplast and cytoplasm. It was observed that the sulfide oxidase activity was present in the cytoplasm and there was a periplasmic protein unique to galena oxidation.

The electrical and the optical properties of phosphorescent organic light-emitting devices (PHOLEDs) fabricated utilizing a mixed host emitting layer (EML) consisting of N,N'-dicarbazolyl-3,5-benzene (mCP) and 1,3,5-tri(phenyl-2-benzimidazole)-benzene (TPBi) were investigated to clarify the carrier transport mechanisms of PHOLEDs. While the operating voltage of the PHOLEDs with a mixed host EML significantly decreased due to the insertion of TPBi with a high electron mobility, the quantum efficiency of the PHOLEDs decreased due to the hindrance of the exciton energy transfer by TPBi molecules. The electroluminescence spectra for the PHOLEDs with an tris(2-phenylpyridine)iridium-doped mixed host EML showed that the TPBi molecules in the mixed host EML increased the electron injection into the mixed host EML, resulting in a decrease of the shift length of the recombination zone in comparison with a single host EML.

Microbiologically induced calcium carbonate precipitation (MICCP) is a naturally occurring biological process that has shown its potential in remediation of a wide range of structural damages including concrete cracks. In this study, genetically engineered microorganisms, capable of producing extracellular polymeric substances (EPSs) as well as inducing MICCP, were developed based on the assumption that the complex of inorganic CaCO(3) and organic EPS would provide a stronger matrix than MICCP alone as biosealant. In order to develop a recombinant biosealant microorganism, the entire Sporosarcina pasteurii urease gene sequences including ureA, ureB, ureC, ureD, ureE, ureF, and ureG from plasmid pBU11 were sub-cloned into the shuttle vector, pUCP18. The newly constructed plasmid, pUBU1, was transformed into two Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains, 8821 and PAO1, to develop recombinants capable of inducing calcite precipitation in addition to their own ability to produce EPS. Nickel-dependent urease activities were expressed from the recombinant P. aeruginosa 8821 (pUBU1) and P. aeruginosa PAO1 (pUBU1), at 99.4% and 60.9% of the S. pasteurii urease activity, respectively, in a medium containing 2mM NiCl(2). No urease activities were detected from the wild type P. aeruginosa 8821 and P. aeruginosa PAO1 under the same growth conditions. Recombinant Pseudomonas strains induced CaCO(3) precipitation at a comparable rate as S. pasteurii and scanning electron microscopy evidenced the complex of CaCO(3) crystals and EPS layers surrounding the cells. The engineered strains produced in this study are expected to serve as a valuable reference to future biosealants that could be applied in the environment. However, the pathogenic potential of P. aeruginosa, used here only as a model system to show the proof of principle, prevents the use of this recombinant organism as a biosealant. In practical applications, other recombinant organisms should be used.

Transient receptor potential ion channel vanilloid 3 (TRPV3) is expressed in skin keratinocytes and plays an important role in thermal and chemical nociceptions in the periphery. The presence of TRPV3 inhibitors would improve our understanding of TRPV3 function and help to develop receptor-specific analgesics. However, little is known about physiological substances that specifically inhibit TRPV3 activity. Here, we investigated whether 17(R)-resolvin D1 (17R-RvD1), a naturally occurring pro-resolving lipid specifically affects TRPV3 activity.We examined the effect of 17R-RvD1 on sensory TRP channels using Ca(2+) imaging and whole cell electrophysiology experiments in a HEK cell heterologous expression system, cultured sensory neurons and keratinocytes. We also examined changes in sensory TRP agonist-specific acute licking/flicking or flinching behaviours and mechanical and thermal pain behaviours using Hargreaves, Randall-Selitto and von Frey assay systems in the absence and presence of inflammation.We showed that 17R-RvD1 specifically suppresses TRPV3-mediated activity at nanomolar and micromolar concentrations. The voltage-dependence of TRPV3 activation by camphor was shifted rightwards by 17R-RvD1, which indicates its inhibitory mechanism is as a result of a shift in voltage-dependence. Consistently, TRPV3-specific acute pain behaviours were attenuated by locally injected 17R-RvD1. Moreover, the administration of 17R-RvD1 significantly reversed the thermal hypersensitivity that occurs during an inflammatory response. Knockdown of epidermal TRPV3 blunted these antinociceptive effects of 17R-RvD1.17R-RvD1 is a novel natural inhibitory substance specific for TRPV3. The results of our behavioural studies suggest that 17R-RvD1 has acute analgesic potential via TRPV3-specific mechanisms.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: In order to prevent unexpected events such as aspiration pneumonia, cerebral angiography has been performed under fasting in most cases. We investigated prospectively the necessity of fasting before elective cerebral angiography. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study is an open-labeled clinical trial without random allocation. In total, 2554 patients who underwent elective cerebral angiography were evaluated on development of nausea, vomiting, and pulmonary aspiration during and after angiography. Potential risks and benefits associated with fasting were provided in written documents and through personal counseling to patients before the procedure. The patients chose their fasting or nonfasting option. No restriction in diet was given after angiography. The patients were observed for 24 hours. Nausea and vomiting during and within 1 hour after angiography was considered as a positive event associated with cerebral angiography. RESULTS: The overall incidence of nausea and vomiting during and within 1 hour after angiography was 1.05% (27/2554 patients). There was no patient with pulmonary aspiration. No statistical difference in nausea and vomiting development between the fasting and the diet groups was found. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of nausea and vomiting associated with cerebral angiography is low and not affected by diet or fasting. Pulmonary aspiration had no difference between the diet and the fasting group. Our study suggests that fasting may not be necessary for patients who undergo elective cerebral angiography.

As part of a study on the determination of the suction pile vertical pullout loading capacity, five centrifuge model tests have been conducted on a model suction pile embedded in clay. Details of the centrifuge model test procedures and results are described. Variable in the centrifuge model tests includes the point of the mooring line attachment which was varied from the top to the bottom along the side of the model suction pile. The effect of this parameter on the suction pile vertical pullout capacity is described and discussed in detail. Test results indicate that the loading capacity increases, reaches its peak, and then decreases as the loading point moves downward.Copyright © 2011 by ASME

Temperature-sensitive transient receptor potential ion channels (thermoTRPs) expressed in primary sensory neurons and skin keratinocytes play a crucial role as peripheral pain detectors. Many natural and synthetic ligands have been found to act on thermoTRPs, but little is known about endogenous compounds that inhibit these TRPs. Here, we asked whether resolvin D1 (RvD1), a naturally occurring anti-inflammatory and pro-resolving lipid molecule is able to affect the TRP channel activation.We examined the effect of RvD1 on the six thermoTRPs using Ca(2+) imaging and whole cell electrophysiology experiments using the HEK cell heterologous expression system, cultured sensory neurons and HaCaT keratinocytes. We also checked changes in agonist-specific acute licking/flicking or flinching behaviours and TRP-related mechanical and thermal pain behaviours using Hargreaves, Randall-Selitto and von Frey assay systems with or without inflammation.RvD1 inhibited the activities of TRPA1, TRPV3 and TRPV4 at nanomolar and micromolar levels. Consistent attenuations in agonist-specific acute pain behaviours by immediate peripheral administration with RvD1 were also observed. Furthermore, local pretreatment with RvD1 significantly reversed mechanical and thermal hypersensitivity in inflamed tissues.RvD1 was a novel endogenous inhibitor for several sensory TRPs. The results of our behavioural studies suggest that RvD1 has an analgesic potential via these TRP-related mechanisms.

In our previous study, the neuropeptide Y (NPY) C-399T promoter polymorphism (rs16147CT) was identified as a risk factor for ischemic stroke in Koreans. In this study, we investigated whether age and sex modify the genetic effect of C-399T on susceptibility to ischemic stroke.A total of 1,350 subjects (802 ischemic stroke patients, 548 healthy controls) were genotyped for C-399T using a primer extension method. The results were statistically analyzed for the genetic association of C-399T with ischemic stroke and clinical parameters.The TT genotype for C-399T was observed at a significantly lower frequency in stroke patients relative to control (CC+CT vs. TT, odds ratio [OR]=0.578, 95% confidence interval [95% CI]=0.360-0.927, P0.05). This trend was also observed in female (OR=0.495, 95% CI=0.240-1.022) and older subjects (y60, OR=0.556, 95% CI=0.304-1.018) with borderline statistical significance (P=0.0571 and P=0.0574, respectively). However, C-399T allele frequency was not different between controls and stroke patients in any groups. The C-399T polymorphism was found to be associated with body mass index and levels of some blood lipids.The C-399T NPY promoter polymorphism should be considered a genetic risk factor for ischemic stroke in the older adult and female Korean populations.

Molecular characterization of subsurface microbial communities in the former Homestake gold mine, South Dakota, was carried out by 16S rDNA sequence analysis using a water sample and a weathered soil-like sample. Geochemical analyses indicated that both samples were high in sulphur, rich in nitrogen and salt, but with significantly different metal concentrations. Microbial diversity comparisons unexpectedly revealed three distinct operational taxonomic units (OTUs) belonging to the archaeal phylum Thaumarchaeota, typically identified from marine environments, and one OTU belonging to a potentially novel phylum that fell sister to Thaumarchaeota. To our knowledge this is only the second report of Thaumarchaeota in a terrestrial environment. The majority of the clones from Archaea sequence libraries fell into two closely related OTUs and were grouped most closely to an ammonia-oxidizing, carbon-fixing and halophilic thaumarchaeote genus, Nitrosopumilus. The two samples showed neither Euryarchaeota nor Crenarchaeota members that have often been identified from other subsurface terrestrial ecosystems. Bacteria OTUs containing the highest percentage of sequences were related to sulphur-oxidizing bacteria of the orders Chromatiales and Thiotrichales. Community members of Bacteria from individual Homestake ecosystems were heterogeneous and distinctive to each community, with unique phylotypes identified within each sample.

Female mice, eight weeks old, were injected with carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) (10 mg subcutaneously). Groups of mice (n = 10-30) were then injected with enprostil (E) 2, 20 or 50 micrograms/kg body weight (bw) intraperitoneally 15 min and two h after, or E 100 micrograms/kg bw two h after the CCl4 injection. The mice were killed after 24, 48 or 72 h. Plasma activity concentrations of alanine aminotransferase (ALAT) were determined in blood specimens from the iliac veins. The extent of liver cell necrosis in histological sections was recorded on a 100 mm Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and measured using the electronic Mini Mop method. In the group given the highest single dose of E (100 micrograms/kg) a significant lowering of the CCl4-induced liver cell necrosis was found after 24 h. No significant differences were found after 48 and 72 h. In the other groups injected with lower doses of E after CCl4, no significant differences were found compared to groups injected with CCl4 alone.

Objectives The common sequence variants of neuropeptide Y (NPY) were known to be associated with some kinds of diseases including stroke. This study investigated the association of NPY promoter polymorphism, C-399T, with ischemic stroke and its underlying mechanism using in vitro systems. Design and methods Study subjects consisted of 444 ischemic stroke patients and 326 controls without stroke. C-399T genotyping was conducted by a primer extension-based method. Plasma NPY was quantified with an enzyme immunoassay, and transcription characteristics were investigated by a reporter gene assay and an enzyme mobility shift assay. Results A significantly lower frequency of TT genotype was observed in a stroke group (OR[95% CI], 0.399[0.187–0.854], p = 0.0180). The C-399T polymorphism affected the transcription efficiency of NPY gene and its genotypes were related to the changes in plasma NPY levels. Conclusion This study suggests that NPY promoter polymorphism, C-399T, should be considered a genetic risk factor for ischemic stroke.

In India, fly ash generation reached to 130 million tonne per year (mtpy) during 2006-07, leaving about 70 mtpy unutilised posing serious disposal problem. A substantial part of fly ash is disposed off in the form of slurry, called as pond ash occupying hundreds of hectors of land. Environmentally compatible disposal through utilisation of waste materials by appropriate technologies is of increasing importance and imposes interesting technical challenges. There is an extreme scarcity of natural sand to be used as fine aggregate in concrete. Hence it indicates urgent need of effective utilisation of pond ash and crusher stone waste and conserves the natural resources. This paper addresses the use of pond ash and crusher stone waste as fine aggregate by replacing natural sand with pond ash in 25%, 50% and 75% of the total fine aggregate with crusher stone waste. The feasibility of pond ash with crusher stone waste is studied by performing compressive strength, and also correlating it by performing NDT tests.

An analytical solution has been developed to estimate the inclined pullout capacity of an embedded suction anchor in clay seafloor. Validation has been made through comparisons with a limited number of centrifuge model test results. Results indicate that the inclined pullout capacity of an embedded suction anchor in clay decreases as the load inclination angle to the horizontal increases. As the point of the load application moves downward, the inclined pullout capacity increases, reaches its peak, and then starts to decrease.Copyright © 2009 by ASME

In India, conventional concrete is produced by using natural sand from river bed as fine aggregate. Dwindling sand resources poses the environmental problem and hence government restrictions on sand quarrying resulted in scarcity and significant increase in ist cost. This paper presents the performance study of artificial sand as fine aggregate for concrete by comparing ist basic mechanical properties with that of conventional concrete. Three matrices with compressive strength 20, 30 and 40 Mpa were designed and reinforced with crimpled steel fibers at dosage rate of volume fraction 0, 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5 percent. Sufficient numbers of specimens were prepared, cured and tested for compressive strength, flexural strength and split tensile strength at 7 and 28 days curing. The experimental results encourage the full replacement of natural sand by artificial sand. The promotional use of artificial sand will conserve the natural resources for the sustainable development of the concrete in construction industry.

A method has been developed for the prediction of the heat capacity of cargo containment system on LNG vessels during cool-down and warm-up. This is a critical step in the design of of the cargo machinery systems, such as high-duty compressor, warm-up heater, nitrogen generator, etc.. The program consists of two modes which include the calculation methods of cool-down and warm-up of the cargo tanks during a dry-out or ballast voyage. To verify the calculation procedure, a cryogenic simulation was carried out by using liquefied nitrogen on a 200m3 mock-up tank. It was found that the maximum simulation error was within 10% if the capacity of the related cargo machinery systems, and for the total time of cool-down and warm-up.

A three-plasmid yeast expression system utilizing the portable small ubiquitin-like modifier (SUMO) vector set combined with the efficient endogenous yeast protease Ulp1 was developed for production of large amounts of soluble functional protein in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Each vector has a different selectable marker (URA, TRP, or LEU), and the system provides high expression levels of three different proteins simultaneously. This system was integrated into the protocols on a fully automated plasmid-based robotic platform to screen engineered strains of S. cerevisiae for improved growth on xylose. First, a novel PCR assembly strategy was used to clone a xylose isomerase (XI) gene into the URA-selectable SUMO vector and the plasmid was placed into the S. cerevisiae INVSc1 strain to give the strain designated INVSc1-XI. Second, amino acid scanning mutagenesis was used to generate a library of mutagenized genes encoding the bioinsecticidal peptide lycotoxin-1 (Lyt-1) and the library was cloned into the TRP-selectable SUMO vector and placed into INVSc1-XI to give the strain designated INVSc1-XI-Lyt-1. Third, the Yersinia pestis xylulokinase gene was cloned into the LEU-selectable SUMO vector and placed into the INVSc1-XI-Lyt-1 yeast. Yeast strains expressing XI and xylulokinase with or without Lyt-1 showed improved growth on xylose compared to INVSc1-XI yeast.

New methods of safe biological pest control are required as a result of evolution of insect resistance to current biopesticides. Yeast strains being developed for conversion of cellulosic biomass to ethanol are potential host systems for expression of commercially valuable peptides, such as bioinsecticides, to increase the cost-effectiveness of the process. Spider venom is one of many potential sources of novel insect-specific peptide toxins. Libraries of mutants of the small amphipathic peptide lycotoxin-1 from the wolf spider were produced in high throughput using an automated integrated plasmid-based functional proteomic platform and screened for ability to kill fall armyworms, a significant cause of damage to corn (maize) and other crops in the United States. Using amino acid scanning mutagenesis (AASM) we generated a library of mutagenized lycotoxin-1 open reading frames (ORF) in a novel small ubiquitin-like modifier (SUMO) yeast expression system. The SUMO technology enhanced expression and improved generation of active lycotoxins. The mutants were engineered to be expressed at high level inside the yeast and ingested by the insect before being cleaved to the active form (so-called Trojan horse strategy). These yeast strains expressing mutant toxin ORFs were also carrying the xylose isomerase (XI) gene and were capable of aerobic growth on xylose. Yeast cultures expressing the peptide toxins were prepared and fed to armyworm larvae to identify the mutant toxins with greatest lethality. The most lethal mutations appeared to increase the ability of the toxin α-helix to interact with insect cell membranes or to increase its pore-forming ability, leading to cell lysis. The toxin peptides have potential as value-added coproducts to increase the cost-effectiveness of fuel ethanol bioproduction. Copyright © 2008 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

A study was conducted to determine the prevalence of intestinal parasites in children from eight schools located in Phuttamonthon District, Nakhon Prathom Province during November 2004 to December 2004. Stool samples were collected from 1920 students; age range from 7 to 12 years old, and examined for intestinal parasites by using formalin-ethyl acetate concentration technique. Of these subjects, 242 (12.6%) were infected with one or more of 10 intestinal parasitic species. In these infected subjects, 214 (11.1%) were single infections whereas 28 (1.5%) were mix infections. The most frequent parasite was Blastocystis hominis (6.2%). Other parasites were Giardia lamblia (1.7%), Entamoeba coli (1.5%), Endolimax nana (1.0%), Entamoeba histolytica (0.3%), Hookworm (0.3%), Trichuris trichiura (0.1%), Taenia spp. (0.1%), Strongyloides stercolaris (0.1%), and liver fluke or small intestinal fluke (Opisthorchis eggs) (0.1%). Prevalence of protozoan infections was significantly higher than helminth infections (p0.05). Between male and female, there was no significant difference in prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections (p0.05). The results suggest that prevention and control programme for intestinal parasites should be discussed in the design of long term use in this area.

A new series of geldanamycin derivatives were synthesized using a semi-synthetic approach involving genetically engineered biosynthetic intermediates. These analogues were then evaluated for anti-proliferation activity in human cancer cell lines, SK-Br3 and SK-Ov3. Most of the synthesized compounds exhibited potent in vitro anti-proliferation activity toward both cell lines. Such compounds potently inhibited the expression of the Hsp90 client protein ErbB2.

A floating breakwater was built in Southern Korea. Four separate floating breakwater units were moored to ten deeply buried embedded suction anchors. The embedded suction anchor is a type of permanent offshore foundation installed by a suction pile. The cross section of the embedded suction anchor is circular, with its diameter being equal to that of the suction pile that is used to drive it into the seafloor. Vertical flanges are typically added along the circumference to increase its resistance. Determination of the loading capacity and the dimensions of embedded suction anchors are described. Details of the construction and installation of embedded suction anchors, as well as the field proof test results are also discussed. A total of ten steel embedded suction anchors were manufactured and installed successfully. Installation of embedded suction anchors was accomplished with a suction pile attached to its top. Subsequent proof tests validated the design loading capacity of embedded suction anchors. A floating breakwater consisted of four separate units was constructed. Initially, embedded deadweight concrete blocks were considered to moor the floating breakwater units. Later, however, embedded suction anchors replaced the concrete block anchors due to numerous environmental constraints. Each floating unit was anchored with four embedded suction anchors. Field proof tests indicate that the embedded suction anchors can provide necessary resistance against the anticipated wind and wave forces.

This study clarifies the role of co-stimulatory molecules B7.1 and B7.2 in the immune response to 3 types of vaccines: a/ recombinant modified Vaccinia virus Ankara (MVA) (vJH9) expressing prM/E proteins of Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV), b/ recombinant yeast-expressed Hepatitis B virus (YHBV), c/ human plasma-derived Hepatitis B virus (PHBV). We constructed plasmids expressing B7.1 and B7.2 molecules and found that the expression level of B7.2 protein in transfected CHO-k1 cells was higher than that of B7.1 protein. Mice were co-injected with vaccines vJH9, YHBV and PHBV and plasmids expressing B7.1 or B7.2, respectively, and specific antibody titers for each vaccine were monitored at days 7, 14 and 28 post injection (p.i.). In mice injected with vJH9 vaccine and both B7 plasmids, plasmid B7.2 induced a higher anti-JEV immune response than plasmid B7.1. This implies that the stimulation of the B7.2 immune pathway may be a feasible method of boosting protective immunity against a recombinant viral vaccine. Both B7 molecules were able to induce a specific anti-HBV immune response using YHBV vaccine. On the other hand, B7 molecules had little effect to the specific antibody induction in PHBV vaccination. These results suggested that the contribution of B7.1 and B7.2 molecules in an immune response depended on the character and status of the presenting antigen.

In this study, a comprehensive examination of deformation of Al particles impacting on Al substrate was conducted by using the Arbitrary Lagrangian Eulerian (ALE) method to clarify the deposition characteristics of Al powder and effect of surface oxide films in cold spraying. It was found that the deformation behaviour of Al particles is different from that of Cu particles under the same impact conditions owing to its lower density and thus less kinetic energy upon impact. The results indicate that the Al particles need a higher velocity to reach the same compression ratio as that of Cu particles. On the other hand, the numerical results show that the oxide films at particle surfaces influences the bonding condition between the particles and substrate. The inclusions of the crushed oxide films at the interfaces between the depostied particles inhibit the deformation.

We have developed nonintrusive type stress monitoring system based on the PDA (Personal Digital Assistance). This system separated sensing part of the physiological signal and estimating part of the stress states. First, sensing part consists of four electrodes such as one PPG electrode, two EDA electrodes and one SKT electrode. Sensing part was able to measuring heart rate, skin temperature variation, and electrodermal activity, all of which can be acquired without discomfort from finger. Second, estimating part was developed and verified for physiological signal database that was obtained from multiple subjects by presenting stress stimuli that were elaborated to effectively induce stress. This system is a useful measure of human stress in portabel device as PDA and smart phone.

The embedded suction anchor (ESA) is a type of permanent offshore foundation that is installed by a suction pile. The primary factors influencing the horizontal pullout capacity of an ESA include the loading point, the soil type, the embedment depth, and the addition of flanges. The main purpose of this study is to develop an analytical solution that is capable of estimating the horizontal pullout capacity of ESAs with the loading point being anywhere along its length with or without flanges. An analytical solution has been developed to estimate the horizontal pullout capacity of embedded suction anchors in clay seafloor. Validation has been made through comparisons with the centrifuge model test results. Results indicate that the horizontal pullout capacity of the embedded suction anchor in clay increases, reaches its peak, and then starts to decrease as the point of the load application moves downward. The effect of flanges on the horizontal pullout capacity is also found to be significant. The horizontal pullout capacity is a direct function of the loading point. The horizontal pullout capacity increases as the loading point moves downward and the maximum pullout capacity is obtained when the loading point is approximately at the mid-depth. The increase in horizontal pullout capacity can be significant, i.e., more than twice in magnitude when the maximum pullout capacity is compared with that associated with the loading point near the top or tip.

One hundred and sixty burn patients suffering from septicaemia, hospitalized in the Al-Babtain Centre burns unit, Kuwait, between June 1992 and May 2001, were studied. Thirty-two patients (20%) had scalds and 128 (80%) flame burns, thus representing a ratio of 1:4 among septicaemic patients. There were 20 males (62.5%) in the scald group, compared to 73 (57%) with flame burns. Flame burns were significantly higher (p < 0.01) among non-Kuwaiti patients. The mean ages of the scald and flame burn patients were respectively 6.2 and 31.5 yr. The mean total body surface area burn in scalds was 20% and in flame burns 49%, which was significantly higher (p < 0.001). The 34 septicaemic episodes in 32 scald patients and 212 such episodes in 128 flame burn patients showed a significantly higher incidence in the latter group. The majority of septicaemic episodes, in scalds (82.4%) and flame burns (57.6%), were due to gram-positive organisms, mainly methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus epidermidis. A significantly increased number of episodes were due to S. aureus (p < 0.001) and Enterococcus (p < 0.05) in scald patients. More surgical operations were performed in flame burn patients and survival increased significantly with an increasing number of grafting sessions (p < 0.001). The mean hospital stay in flame burn patients (56 days) was significantly higher than in scald patients (23 days) (p < 0.001). It is significant to record that all the 38 deaths (29.7%) were in flame burn septicaemic patients (p < 0.001). The scald and flame burn patients were quite distinct in their demographic and clinical characteristics. The flame burn patients were more vulnerable to septicaemia, with a high risk of mortality.

Low loss, single mode rib waveguides, based on PECVD deposited multi-layer amorphous silicon are fabricated. These waveguide are refractive index and mode-matched to III/V laser waveguides. Methods for monolithic integration of these passive amorphous silicon waveguides with InGaAsP/InP gain sections are demonstrated. Results of a multi-wavelength laser based on an amorphous silicon arrayed wavegu ide grating integrated on a single chip with InGaAsP gain sections are presented. Keywords: Photonic integrated circuits, amorphous silicon, waveguides 1. INTRODUCTION Amorphous silicon is a material that is widely used for solar cells and for thin film transistors in display applications. Amorphous silicon and amorphous silicon alloys such as am orphous silicon nitride or amorphous silicon carbide have received little attention for us e as optical waveguides 1,2 or for application in integrated optics 3 . Hydrogenation of amorphous silicon for termination of dangling bonds results in excellent loss properties in the telecommunication windows (1300nm, 1550nm). This makes this material suitable for high quality passive circuits. Incorporation of nitrogen allows adjustments of the refractive index of these materials covering a broad range of 2-3.5. Optical waveguides can be formed with layers of different refractive indices. And most notably it is possible to match the refractive index of amorphous silicon to the values of InP and its alloys (InGaAsP, GaInAlAs) used in active photonic components. Hydrogenated amorphous silicon alloys can be deposited with plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) processes at temperatures around 200 – 250 °C making them compatible with III/V materials. This simple and high yield process allows for easy and reproducible de position on flat or structured surfaces. Monolithic integration of passive waveguide based devices with active elements such as gain sections has been demonstrated using various techniques using InP / InGaAsP based structures for both active and passive parts

A new breakwater system, utilizing gravity-type concrete caisson superstructure on top of suction piles that act as the subsurface foundations, was designed and successfully installed in the field as part of an experimental project in 2004. The design utilized two concrete suction piles in a row with the diameter of 11 meters each. Four suction piles will support a 17.4 meter by 21.0 meter concrete caisson on top. Instrumentation during installation included the measurements of the suction pressure, pile penetration, and pile tilts.

An analytical parametric study has been conducted to identify the relative significance of several pertinent parameters that are thought to govern the horizontal loading capacity of suction piles. The parameters studied include: the point of horizontal load application, diameter of flange, pile diameter, seafloor soil strength, pile diameter to length ratio, and layered soil properties. Results of the analytical parametric study on each parameter are summarily included and discussions are provided, which can be used in the future for the optimum design of suction piles.

An analytical solution has been developed to estimate the horizontal pullout capacity of embedded suction anchors. Validation has been made through comparisons with the centrifuge model test results. The results indicate that the horizontal pullout capacity of the embedded suction anchor in sand increases, reaches its peak and then starts to decrease as the point of the load application moves downward. The effect of flanges on the horizontal pullout capacity is also found to be significant.

An innovative breakwater system has been introduced for use in areas with thick soft seafloor, utilizing suction piles as the foundations. Gravity-type concrete caissons are placed on top, which resist the lateral loads caused by the wind and waves to protect the harbor behind. In Dec. 2004, four large concrete suction piles were prefabricated and installed successfully in southern Korea. During the installation of suction piles, detailed measurements were made on one pile, including the suction pressure vs. pile penetration relationship. They were used to estimate the mobilized soil strength during the suction pile installation. The calculated mobilized soil strength variation was then expressed as a function of a non-dimensional parameter that included the most essential parameters governing the behavior of suction piles during installation.

One of the most popular ways to improve the software development capability in organizations is to embark upon a Software Process Improvement (SPI) program often based on a normative model. Main concerns in such a SPI program includes creating commitment towards SPI, involving all parts of the organization in the SPI program, and creating opportunities for learning. We suggest the use of project assessments to support SPI programs in addressing these and other important concerns. In this paper we present two techniques to perform project assessments. The paper contains actual results from applying the two techniques in two longitudinal SPI projects in Danske Data and L.M. Ericsson Denmark. The techniques have proven to be effective tools to support the SPI process in terms of the three concerns; commitment participation, and learning.

This paper describes the microbial remediation of cracks in cement mortar specimens that substantially increased the compressive strength, stiffness and modulus of rupture. Additionally, the durability characteristics of the specimens improved also. Test results have clearly demonstrated that microbiologically induced calcite precipitation is effective in remediation of cracks. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) examination was found to be an effective method for characterizing the process of microbial mineral precipitation in cement mortar. The unique imaging and microanalysis capabilities of SEM identified the presence of calcite precipitation inside cracks, bacterial impressions and a new calcite layer on the surface of cement mortar. The calcite layer improves the impermeability of the specimen, thus increasing its resistance to alkaline, sulfate and freeze-thaw attack.

Sheet resistance, Hall mobility, and effective carrier concentration as a function of annealing parameters for boron or phosphorus ion implanted films of polycrystalline Si, Si0.75Ge0.25, and Si0.50Ge0.50 films are presented. The films were ion implanted with boron or phosphorus at dosages between 5×1014 and 4×1015 cm−2, and then thermally annealed between 550 and 650 °C from 0.25 to 120 min. Boron doped films showed decreasing minimum sheet resistance with increasing Ge fraction, while phosphorus doped films exhibited the reverse trend. Both boron and phosphorus doped films showed minima as a function of anneal time. This is attributed to the competing processes of damage annealing versus dopant segregation. Poly‐Si0.50Ge0.50 films achieved minimum resistance faster than poly‐Si films, and the lowest sheet resistances were measured in boron doped, poly‐Si0.50Ge0.50 films.

Light Water reactor (LWR) fuel performance is currently limited by thermal, chemical and mechanical constraints associated with the design, fabrication, and operation of the fuel in incore operation. Corrosion of the zirconium based (Zircaloy-4) alloy cladding of the fuel is a primary limiting factor. Recent success at the University of Florida in developing thin ceramic films with great adhesive properties for metal substrates offers an innovative breakthrough for eliminating a major weakness of the Zircaloy clad. ?The University of Florida proposes to coat the existing Zircaloy clad tubes with a ceramic coating for corrosion protection. An added bonus of this approach would be the implementation of a boron-containing burnable poison outer layer will also be demonstrated as part of the ceramic coating development. In this proposed effort, emphasis will be on the ceramic coating with only demonstration of feasibility on the burnable outer coating approach. This proposed program i s expected to give a step change (approximately a doubling) in clad lifetime before failure due to corrosion. In the development of ceramic coatings for Zircaloy-4 clad, silicon carbide and zirconium carbide coatings will first be applied to Zircaloy-4 coupons and cladding samples by thermal assisted chemical vapor deposition, plasma assisted chemical vapor deposition or by laser ablation deposition. All of these processes are in use at the University of Florida and have shown great potential. The questions of adhesion and thermal expansion mismatch of the ceramic coating to the Zircaloy substrate will be addressed. Several solutions to these conditions will be examined, if needed. These solutions include the use of a zirconium oxide compliant layer, employment of a laser roughened surface and the use of a gradient composition interlayer. These solutions have already been shown to be effective for other high modulus coatings on metal substrates. Mechanical properties and adhesion of the coatings will be monitored as a function of the coating process parameters. The corrosion protection of the various coatings will be evaluated by accelerated corrosion testing. Engineering requirements for coating a full size Zircaloy clad tube will be determined. It is expected that the coating process will add approximately 10 dollars or 10% to the price of a tube. In the second approach, the University of Florida will demonstrate the feasibility to add a boron carbide outer layer to functions as a burnable poison.(B204)

A series of field suction pile pullout tests were conducted inside the Okpo harbor located along the southern coast of Korea. Suction piles having inside diameters of 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5 meters and the length of five meters were tested. The seafloor condition at the Okpo harbor is predominantly clay. The piles were first installed by applying well-controlled suction pressure inside the pile. During the pullout tests, the load vs. pile displacement relationship and the water pressure variation inside the pile were carefully measured. The measurements were then used to validate an analytical solution that was developed previously to estimate the suction pile pullout loading capacity.Copyright © 2003 by ASME