1,925 research outputs found

    Determination of the Elastic Constants of a Metal-Laminated Composite Material using Artificial Neural Networks

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    This chapter explores the use of an artificial neural network (ANN) to obtain the elastic constants of the components of a metal laminated composite material (MLCM). The dataset for the training and validation of the ANN was obtained by applying an analytical model developed for the study of stresses in MLCM. The information used in the dataset corresponds to MLCM configurations and data generated with variants registered in the structural presentation of the inputs and outputs. The best configuration found for the generation of the ANN models yielded an average relative error of less than 4% in relation to the results of the constants evaluated and published in a previous article. As shown in this research, it is important to have a clear definition of the problem as well as an effective selection and preparation of the characteristics of the training data during the constitutive modeling of composite materials and the correct application of the ANN

    Obtaining of a Constitutive Models of Laminate Composite Materials

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    The study of the mechanical behavior of composite materials has acquired great importance due to the innumerable number of applications in new technological developments. As a result, many theories and analytical models have been developed with which its mechanical behavior is predicted; these models require knowledge of elastic properties. This work describes a basic theoretical framework, based on linear elasticity theory and classical lamination theory, to generate constitutive models of laminated materials made up of orthotropic layers. Thus, the models of three orthotropic laminated composite materials made up of layers of epoxy resin reinforced with fiberglass were also obtained. Finally, by means of experimental axial load tests, the constants of the orthotropic layers were determined

    Using a Floating-Gate MOS Transistor as a Transducer in a MEMS Gas Sensing System

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    Floating-gate MOS transistors have been widely used in diverse analog and digital applications. One of these is as a charge sensitive device in sensors for pH measurement in solutions or using gates with metals like Pd or Pt for hydrogen sensing. Efforts are being made to monolithically integrate sensors together with controlling and signal processing electronics using standard technologies. This can be achieved with the demonstrated compatibility between available CMOS technology and MEMS technology. In this paper an in-depth analysis is done regarding the reliability of floating-gate MOS transistors when charge produced by a chemical reaction between metallic oxide thin films with either reducing or oxidizing gases is present. These chemical reactions need temperatures around 200 °C or higher to take place, so thermal insulation of the sensing area must be assured for appropriate operation of the electronics at room temperature. The operation principle of the proposal here presented is confirmed by connecting the gate of a conventional MOS transistor in series with a Fe2O3 layer. It is shown that an electrochemical potential is present on the ferrite layer when reacting with propane

    Primary recovery of hyaluronic acid produced in Streptococcus equi subsp. zooepidemicus using PEG-citrate aqueous two-phase systems

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    Given its biocompatibility, rheological, and physiological properties, hyaluronic acid (HA) has become a biomaterial of increasing interest with multiple applications in medicine and cosmetics. In recent decades, microbial fermentations have become an important source for the industrial production of HA. However, due to its final applications, microbial HA must undergo critical and long purification processes to ensure clinical and cosmetic grade purity. Aqueous two-phase systems (ATPS) have proven to be an efficient technique for the primary recovery of high-value biomolecules. Nevertheless, their implementation in HA downstream processing has been practically unexplored. In this work, polyethylene glycol (PEG)–citrate ATPS were used for the first time for the primary recovery of HA produced with an engineered strain of Streptococcus equi subsp. zooepidemicus. The effects of PEG molecular weight (MW), tie-line length (TLL), volume ratio (VR), and sample load on HA recovery and purity were studied with a clarified fermentation broth as feed material. HA was recovered in the salt-rich bottom phase, and its recovery increased when a PEG MW of 8000 g mol−1 was used. Lower VR values (0.38) favoured HA recovery, whereas purity was enhanced by a high VR (3.50). Meanwhile, sample load had a negative impact on both recovery and purity. The ATPS with the best performance was PEG 8000 g mol−1, TLL 43% (w/w), and VR 3.50, showing 79.4% HA recovery and 74.5% purity. This study demonstrated for the first time the potential of PEG–citrate ATPS as an effective primary recovery strategy for the downstream process of microbial HA

    Electrical Stimulation at the ST36 Acupoint Protects against Sepsis Lethality and Reduces Serum TNF Levels through Vagus Nerve- and Catecholamine-Dependent Mechanisms

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    Electrical vagus nerve (VN) stimulation during sepsis attenuates tumor necrosis factor (TNF) production through the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway, which depends on the integrity of the VN and catecholamine production. To characterize the effect of electroacupuncture at ST36 (EA-ST36) on serum TNF, IL-6, nitrite, and HMGB1 levels and survival rates, based on VN integrity and catecholamine production, a sepsis model was induced in rats using cecal ligation and puncture (CLP). The septic rats were subsequently treated with EA-ST36 (CLP+ST36), and serum samples were collected and analyzed for cytokines levels. The serum TNF, IL-6, nitrite, and HMGB1 levels in the CLP+ST36 group were significantly lower compared with the group without treatment, the survival rates were significantly higher (P<0.05), and the acute organ injury induced by CLP was mitigated by EA-ST36; however, when subdiaphragmatic vagotomy was performed, the serum levels of TNF in the CLP+ST36 group did not show a significant difference compared with the group without electrostimulation, and, similarly, no significant difference in serum TNF levels was found under the pharmacological blockade of catecholamines. These results suggest that in rats with CLP sepsis models EA-ST36 reduces serum TNF levels through VN- and atecholamine-dependent mechanisms

    Guía de práctica clínica para el tamizaje y manejo de adultos con desnutrición o riesgo de desnutrición en el seguro social del Perú (EsSalud)

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    Introduction: This article summarizes the clinical practice guide (CPG) for the screening and management of malnourished patients or patients at risk of malnutrition in the Social Security of Peru (EsSalud). Objective: To provide clinical recommendations based on evidence for the screening and management of malnourished patients or patients at risk of malnutrition in EsSalud. Methods: A CPG for the screening, management and monitoring of malnourished patients or patients at risk of malnutrition in EsSalud was developed. To this end, a guideline development group (local GDG) was established, including medical specialists and methodologists. The local GDG formulated 9 clinical questions to be answered by this CPG. Systematic searches of systematic reviews and -when it was considered pertinent- primary studies were conducted in Pubmed and CENTRAL during 2021. The evidence to answer each of the posed clinical questions was selected. The quality of the evidence was evaluated using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) methodology. In periodic work meetings, the local GDG used the GRADE methodology to review the evidence and formulate the recommendations, points of good clinical practice, and the flowchart of screening and management. Finally, the CPG was approved with Resolution No. 128-IETSI-ESSALUD-2021. Results: This CPG addressed 9 clinical questions, divided into three topics: screening, management and monitoring of malnourished patients or patients at risk of malnutrition. Based on these questions, 6 recommendations (3 strong recommendations and 3 weak recommendations), 39 points of good clinical practice, and 2 flowcharts were formulated. Conclusion: This article summarizes the methodology and evidence-based conclusions from the CPG for the screening, management and monitoring of malnourished patients or patients at risk of malnutrition in EsSalud.Introducción: El presente artículo resume la guía de práctica clínica (GPC) para el tamizaje y manejo de los pacientes desnutridos o en riesgo de desnutrición del Seguro Social del Perú (EsSalud). Objetivo: Proveer recomendaciones clínicas basadas en evidencia para el tamizaje y manejo de pacientes desnutridos o en riesgo de desnutrición en EsSalud. Métodos: Se conformó un grupo elaborador de la guía (GEG) que incluyó profesionales de la salud y metodólogos. El GEG formuló 9 preguntas clínicas a ser respondidas por la presente GPC. Se realizó búsquedas sistemáticas de revisiones sistemáticas y cuando fue considerado pertinentes estudios primarios. Se seleccionó la evidencia para responder cada una de las preguntas clínicas planteadas. La certeza de la evidencia fue evaluada usando la metodología Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE). En reuniones de trabajo periódicas, el GEG usó la metodología GRADE para revisar la evidencia y formular las recomendaciones, los puntos de buenas prácticas clínicas y los flujogramas de tamizaje y manejo. Finalmente, la GPC fue aprobada con Resolución N° 128-IETSI-ESSALUD-2021. Resultados: La presente GPC abordó 9 preguntas clínicas, divididas en tres temas: tamizaje, manejo y monitoreo de pacientes desnutridos o en riesgo de desnutrición. En base a dichas preguntas se formularon 6 recomendaciones (3 recomendaciones fuertes y 3 condicionales), 39 puntos de buena práctica clínica, y 2 flujogramas. Conclusión: El presente artículo resume la metodología y las conclusiones basadas en evidencias de la GPC para el tamizaje, manejo y monitoreo de pacientes desnutridos o en riesgo de desnutrición en EsSalud

    WHO Global Survey on Maternal and Perinatal Health in Latin America: classifying caesarean sections

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    <p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Caesarean section rates continue to increase worldwide with uncertain medical consequences. Auditing and analysing caesarean section rates and other perinatal outcomes in a reliable and continuous manner is critical for understanding reasons caesarean section changes over time.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>We analyzed data on 97,095 women delivering in 120 facilities in 8 countries, collected as part of the 2004-2005 Global Survey on Maternal and Perinatal Health in Latin America. The objective of this analysis was to test if the "10-group" or "Robson" classification could help identify which groups of women are contributing most to the high caesarean section rates in Latin America, and if it could provide information useful for health care providers in monitoring and planning effective actions to reduce these rates.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>The overall rate of caesarean section was 35.4%. Women with single cephalic pregnancy at term without previous caesarean section who entered into labour spontaneously (groups 1 and 3) represented 60% of the total obstetric population. Although women with a term singleton cephalic pregnancy with a previous caesarean section (group 5) represented only 11.4% of the obstetric population, this group was the largest contributor to the overall caesarean section rate (26.7% of all the caesarean sections). The second and third largest contributors to the overall caesarean section rate were nulliparous women with single cephalic pregnancy at term either in spontaneous labour (group 1) or induced or delivered by caesarean section before labour (group 2), which were responsible for 18.3% and 15.3% of all caesarean deliveries, respectively.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>The 10-group classification could be easily applied to a multicountry dataset without problems of inconsistencies or misclassification. Specific groups of women were clearly identified as the main contributors to the overall caesarean section rate. This classification could help health care providers to plan practical and effective actions targeting specific groups of women to improve maternal and perinatal care.</p

    Insights into Land Plant Evolution Garnered from the Marchantia polymorpha Genome.

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    The evolution of land flora transformed the terrestrial environment. Land plants evolved from an ancestral charophycean alga from which they inherited developmental, biochemical, and cell biological attributes. Additional biochemical and physiological adaptations to land, and a life cycle with an alternation between multicellular haploid and diploid generations that facilitated efficient dispersal of desiccation tolerant spores, evolved in the ancestral land plant. We analyzed the genome of the liverwort Marchantia polymorpha, a member of a basal land plant lineage. Relative to charophycean algae, land plant genomes are characterized by genes encoding novel biochemical pathways, new phytohormone signaling pathways (notably auxin), expanded repertoires of signaling pathways, and increased diversity in some transcription factor families. Compared with other sequenced land plants, M. polymorpha exhibits low genetic redundancy in most regulatory pathways, with this portion of its genome resembling that predicted for the ancestral land plant. PAPERCLIP
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