Comparison between Ecuadoran Genotypes of Cavy Litters (Cavia porcellus) and Cavies Bred in Peru

Background: The threat of extinction posed on different unprotected genotypes from the Andean Ranges of Ecuador is calling for new studies and preservation measures to keep the biological diversity of the area, which has enormous perspectives for human nutrition. The aim of this paper was to compare the sizes and weights up to the weaning stage of native Ecuadoran cavy litters in Azuay province, with the Peruvian-bred line. Methods: The study took place on Irquis experimental farm, belonging to the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, University of Cuenca, Ecuador. The database was based on the records of breeding animals screened among farmers from Azuay and Cañar, and it included their phenotypic traits. Results: No significant differences were observed in the month of parturition, or the number of parturitions, or the genotype regarding the size of the litter at weaning. The data from Azuay and Peru were similar in terms of litter size at birth (3.1 and 3.2, respectively). However, it was higher regarding litter weight at birth and weaning (432 and 837 g, compared to the 313 and 570 g from Azuay, but no different from Cañar). Conclusions: The native genotypes from Azuay and Cañar were inferior to the Peruvian genotype, in terms of birth weight and weaning weight. Azuay was no different from Peru, according to litter size at birth or weaning. The potential observed in this genotype should be further developed.Background: The threat of extinction posed on different unprotected genotypes from the Andean Ranges of Ecuador is calling for new studies and preservation measures to keep the biological diversity of the area, which has enormous perspectives for human nutrition. The aim of this paper was to compare the sizes and weights up to the weaning stage of native Ecuadoran cavy litters in Azuay province, with the Peruvian-bred line. Methods: The study took place on Irquis experimental farm, belonging to the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, University of Cuenca, Ecuador. The database was based on the records of breeding animals screened among farmers from Azuay and Cañar, and it included their phenotypic traits. Results: No significant differences were observed in the month of parturition, or the number of parturitions, or the genotype regarding the size of the litter at weaning. The data from Azuay and Peru were similar in terms of litter size at birth (3.1 and 3.2, respectively). However, it was higher regarding litter weight at birth and weaning (432 and 837 g, compared to the 313 and 570 g from Azuay, but no different from Cañar). Conclusions: The native genotypes from Azuay and Cañar were inferior to the Peruvian genotype, in terms of birth weight and weaning weight. Azuay was no different from Peru, according to litter size at birth or weaning. The potential observed in this genotype should be further developed

Measurements of droplet size in shear-driven atomization using ultra-small angle x-ray scattering

[EN] Measurements of droplet size in optically-thick, non-evaporating, shear-driven sprays have been made using ultra-small angle x-ray scattering (USAXS). The sprays are produced by orifice-type nozzles coupled to diesel injectors, with measurements conducted from 1 - 24 mm from the orifice, spanning from the optically-dense near-nozzle region to more dilute regions where optical diagnostics are feasible. The influence of nozzle diameter, liquid injection pressure, and ambient density were examined. The USAXS measurements reveal few if any nanoscale droplets, in conflict with a popular computational model of diesel spray breakup. The average droplet diameter rapidly decreases with downstream distance from the nozzle until a plateau value is reached, after which only small changes are seen in droplet diameter. This plateau droplet size is consistent with the droplets being small enough to be stable with respect to further breakup. Liquid injection pressure and nozzle diameter have the biggest impact on droplet size, while ambient density has a smaller effect. (C) 2017 Published by Elsevier Ltd.X-ray spray research at Argonne is supported by the DOE Advanced Combustion Program. We acknowledge team leaders Gurpreet Singh and Leo Breton for their support. These experiments were performed at the 7-BM, 9-ID, and 15-ID beamlines of the Advanced Photon Source, Argonne National Laboratory. ChemMatCARS Sector 15 is principally supported by the Divisions of Chemistry (CHE) and Materials Research (DMR), National Science Foundation, under grant number NSF/CHE-1346572. Use of the Advanced Photon Source, an Office of Science User Facility operated for the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science by Argonne National Laboratory, was supported by the U.S. DOE under Contract No. DE-ACO2-06CH11357. R. Payri was funded by a Fulbright visiting scholar grant in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, Culture and Sports of Spain (reference PRX14/00331) while performing this work. J.P. Viera was funded by the Spanish MINECO grant EEBB-I-15-0976 under project TRA2012-36932.Kastengren, A.; Ilavsky, J.; Viera-Sotillo, JP.; Payri, R.; Duke, DJ.; Swantek, A.; Tilocco, FZ.... (2017). Measurements of droplet size in shear-driven atomization using ultra-small angle x-ray scattering. International Journal of Multiphase Flow. 92:131-139. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijmultiphaseflow.2017.03.005S1311399

X-ray radiography of cavitation in a beryllium alloy nozzle

[EN] Making quantitative measurements of the vapor distribution in a cavitating nozzle is difficult, owing to the strong scattering of visible light at gas-liquid boundaries and wall boundaries, and the small lengths and time scales involved. The transparent models required for optical experiments are also limited in terms of maximum pressure and operating life. Over the past few years, x-ray radiography experiments at Argonne's Advanced Photon Source have demonstrated the ability to perform quantitative measurements of the line of sight projected vapor fraction in submerged, cavitating plastic nozzles. In this paper, we present the results of new radiography experiments performed on a submerged beryllium nozzle which is 520m in diameter, with a length/diameter ratio of 6. Beryllium is a light, hard metal that is very transparent to x-rays due to its low atomic number. We present quantitative measurements of cavitation vapor distribution conducted over a range of non-dimensional cavitation and Reynolds numbers, up to values typical of gasoline and diesel fuel injectors. A novel aspect of this work is the ability to quantitatively measure the area contraction along the nozzle with high spatial resolution. Analysis of the vapor distribution, area contraction and discharge coefficients are made between the beryllium nozzle and plastic nozzles of the same nominal geometry. When gas is dissolved in the fuel, the vapor distribution can be quite different from that found in plastic nozzles of the same dimensions, although the discharge coefficients are unaffected. In the beryllium nozzle, there were substantially fewer machining defects to act as nucleation sites for the precipitation of bubbles from dissolved gases in the fuel, and as such the effect on the vapor distribution was greatly reduced.Raul Payri was funded by a Fulbright visiting scholar grant in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, Culture and Sports of Spain (reference PRX14/00331) while performing this work. Juan P Viera was funded by the Spanish MINECO (grant EEBB-I-15-0976 under project TRA2012-36932).Duke, DJ.; Matusik, KE.; Kastengren, AL.; Swantek, AB.; Sovis, N.; Payri, R.; Viera-Sotillo, JP.... (2017). X-ray radiography of cavitation in a beryllium alloy nozzle. International Journal of Engine Research. 18(1-2):39-50. https://doi.org/10.1177/1468087416685965S3950181-

Comparación de camadas de cobayas (Cavia porcelus) de genotipos ecuatorianos y la línea mejorada Perú

Background: The danger of disappearance of the different unprotected genotypes in the Andean highlands of Ecuador forces us to study and propose conservation measures to maintain that biological richness that has enormous prospects for the feeding of humanity. The objective of the study was to compare the sizes and weights of the litters until the weaning of native Ecuadorian guinea pigs from the provinces of Azuay, Cañar and the improved line of Peru. Methods: The study was carried out in the experimental farm of Irquis of the Faculty of Agropecific Sciences of the University of Cuenca. The database was constructed with the records of breeders prospective among the farmers of the provinces of Azuay and Cañar, taking as a reference the phenotypic characteristics. Results: No significant differences were proved for the month of parturition or for the number of births or the genotype in the size of the litter at weaning. The Azuay did not differ from Peru in the size of the litter at birth (3.1 and 3.2 respectively). This one exceeded in the weight of the litter at birth and at weaning with 432 and 837 g at 313 and 570 g of Azuay, which does not differ from the Cañar genotype. Conclusions: The Creole genotypes of Azuay and Cañar showed inferiority in the traits related to birth weight and mortality compared to Peru. The Azuay does not differ from Peru or in litter size at birth or at weaning, this genotype manifested a potential that can be developed.Antecedentes: El peligro de desaparición de los diferentes genotipos no protegidos en la sierra andina ecuatoriana obliga a estudiar y proponer medidas de conservación para mantener esa riqueza biológica que tiene perspectivas enormes para la alimentación de la humanidad. El objetivo del trabajo fue comparar los tamaños y pesos las camadas hasta el destete de cobayas nativas ecuatorianas procedentes de las provincias del Azuay, Cañar y de la línea mejorada Perú. Métodos: El estudio se llevó acabo en la granja experimental de Irquis de la Facultad de Ciencias Agropecuarias de la Universidad de Cuenca. La base de datos se construyó con los registros de reproductoras prospectadas entre los campesinos de las provincias de Azuay y Cañar tomando como referencia las características fenotípicas. Resultados: No se probaron diferencias significativas para el mes de parto ni para el número de partos ni del genotipo en el tamaño de la camada al destete. El Azuay no difirió del Perú en el tamaño de la camada al nacer (3,1 y 3,2 respectivamente). Este si superó en el peso de la camada al nacer y al destete con 432 y 837 g a 313 y 570 g del Azuay, que no difiere del genotipo Cañar. Conclusiones: Los genotipos criollos de Azuay y Cañar mostraron inferioridad en los rasgos relacionados al peso al nacer y al destete respecto al Perú. El Azuay no difiere del Perú ni en el tamaño de la camada al nacer ni al destete, este genotipo manifestó un potencial que puede ser desarrollado

Linking instantaneous rate of injection to X-ray needle lift measurements for a direct-acting piezoelectric injector

Internal combustion engines have been and still are key players in today's world. Ever increasing fuel consumption standards and the ongoing concerns about exhaust emissions have pushed the industry to research new concepts and develop new technologies that address these challenges. To this end, the diesel direct injection system has recently seen the introduction of direct-acting piezoelectric injectors, which provide engineers with direct control over the needle lift, and thus instantaneous rate of injection (ROI). Even though this type of injector has been studied previously, no direct link between the instantaneous needle lift and the resulting rate of injection has been quantified. This study presents an experimental analysis of the relationship between instantaneous partial needle lifts and the corresponding ROI. A prototype direct-acting injector was utilized to produce steady injections of different magnitude by partially lifting the needle. The ROI measurements were carried out at CMT-Motores Termicos utilizing a standard injection rate discharge curve indicator based on the Bosch method (anechoic tube). The needle lift measurements were performed at the Advanced Photon Source at Argonne National Laboratory. The analysis seeks both to contribute to the current understanding of the influence that partial needle lifts have over the instantaneous ROI and to provide experimental data with parametric variations useful for numerical model validations. Results show a strong relationship between the steady partial needle lift and the ROI. The effect is non-linear, and also strongly dependent on the injection pressure. The steady lift value at which the needle ceases to influence the ROI increases with the injection pressure. Finally, a transient analysis is presented, showing that the needle velocity may considerably affect the instantaneous ROI, because of the volume displaced inside the nozzle. Results presented in this study show that at constant injection pressure and energizing time, this injector has the potential to control many aspects of the ROI and thus, the heat release rate. Also, data presented are useful for numerical model validations, which would provide detailed insight into the physical processes that drive these observations, and potentially, to the effects of these features on combustion performance.The submitted manuscript has been created by UChicago Argonne, LLC, Operator of Argonne National Laboratory (Argonne). Argonne, a U.S. Department of Energy Office of Science laboratory, is operated under Contract No. DE-AC02-06CH11357. The U.S. Government retains for itself, and others acting on its behalf, a paid-up nonexclusive, irrevocable worldwide license in said article to reproduce, prepare derivative works, distribute copies to the public, and perform publicly and display publicly, by or on behalf of the Government.Viera-Sotillo, JP.; Payri, R.; Swantek, AB.; Duke, DJ.; Sovis, N.; Kastengren, AL.; Powell, CF. (2016). Linking instantaneous rate of injection to X-ray needle lift measurements for a direct-acting piezoelectric injector. Energy Conversion and Management. 112:350-358. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enconman.2016.01.038S35035811

Physician Perception of Blood Pressure Control and Treatment Behavior in High-Risk Hypertensive Patients: A Cross-Sectional Study

Objective: We examined physician perception of blood pressure control and treatment behavior in patients with previous cardiovascular disease and uncontrolled hypertension as defined by European Guidelines. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in which 321 primary care physicians throughout Spain consecutively studied 1,614 patients aged ≥18 years who had been diagnosed and treated for hypertension (blood pressure ≥140/90 mmHg), and had suffered a documented cardiovascular event. The mean value of three blood pressure measurements taken using standardized procedures was used for statistical analysis. Results: Mean blood pressure was 143.4/84.9 mmHg, and only 11.6% of these cardiovascular patients were controlled according to 2007 European Guidelines for Hypertension Management target of <130/80 mmHg. In 702 (49.2%) of the 1426 uncontrolled patients, antihypertensive medication was not changed, and in 480 (68.4%) of these cases this was due to the physicianś judgment that blood pressure was adequately controlled. In 320 (66.7%) of the latter patients, blood pressure was 130-139/80-89 mmHg. Blood pressure level was the main factor associated (inversely) with no change in treatment due to physician perception of adequate control, irrespective of sociodemographic and clinical factors. Conclusions: Physicians do not change antihypertensive treatment in many uncontrolled cardiovascular patients because they considered it unnecessary, especially when the BP values are only slightly above the guideline target. It is possible that the guidelines may be correct, but there is also the possibility that the care by the physicians is appropriate since BP <130/80 mmHg is hard to achieve, and recent reviews suggest there is insufficient evidence to support such a low BP targetFunding for this study was obtained from RECORDATI ESPAÑA, S.L through an unrestricted grant. Krista Lundelin has a ‘‘Rio Hortega’’ research training contract (Expediente CM10/00327) from the Ministry of Science and Innovation (Instituto de Salud Carlos III), Spain Governmen

Predictors of Hospitalized Exacerbations and Mortality in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Background and Aim Exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) carry significant consequences for patients and are responsible for considerable health-care costs?particularly if hospitalization is required. Despite the importance of hospitalized exacerbations, relatively little is known about their determinants. This study aimed to analyze predictors of hospitalized exacerbations and mortality in COPD patients. Methods This was a retrospective population-based cohort study.We selected 900 patients with confirmed COPD aged 35 years by simple random sampling among all COPD patients in Cantabria (northern Spain) on December 31, 2011. We defined moderate exacerbations as events that led a care provider to prescribe antibiotics or corticosteroids and severe exacerbations as exacerbations requiring hospital admission.We observed exacerbation frequency over the previous year (2011) and following year (2012). We categorized patients according to COPD severity based on forced expiratory volume in 1 second (Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease [GOLD] grades 1?4). We estimated the odds ratios (ORs) by logistic regression, adjusting for age, sex, smoking status, COPD severity, and frequent exacerbator phenotype the previous year. Results Of the patients, 16.4%had 1 severe exacerbations, varying from 9.3%in mild GOLD grade 1 to 44%in very severe COPD patients. A history of at least two prior severe exacerbations was positively associated with new severe exacerbations (adjusted OR, 6.73; 95%confidence interval [CI], 3.53?12.83) and mortality (adjusted OR, 7.63; 95%CI, 3.41?17.05). Older age and several comorbidities, such as heart failure and diabetes, were similarly associated. Conclusions Hospitalized exacerbations occurred with all grades of airflow limitation. A history of severe exacerbations was associated with new hospitalized exacerbations and mortality

Academic productivity of young people with allergic rhinitis:A MASK-air® study

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