Mechanically Assembled Non-Bonded Transducers Utilizing PVDF Film

The objective was to build special transducers having the same operating characteristics as several commercial transducers, but which would fit into specialized housings. This was required by physical space limitations in several test development requests

Inhibition of BACH1 (FANCJ) helicase by backbone discontinuity is overcome by increased motor ATPase or length of loading strand

The BRCA1 associated C-terminal helicase (BACH1) associated with breast cancer has been implicated in double strand break (DSB) repair. More recently, BACH1 (FANCJ) has been genetically linked to the chromosomal instability disorder Fanconi Anemia (FA). Understanding the roles of BACH1 in cellular DNA metabolism and how BACH1 dysfunction leads to tumorigenesis requires a comprehensive investigation of its catalytic mechanism and molecular functions in DNA repair. In this study, we have determined that BACH1 helicase contacts with both the translocating and the non-translocating strands of the duplex are critical for its ability to track along the sugar phosphate backbone and unwind dsDNA. An increased motor ATPase of a BACH1 helicase domain variant (M299I) enabled the helicase to unwind the backbone-modified DNA substrate in a more proficient manner. Alternatively, increasing the length of the 5′ tail of the DNA substrate allowed BACH1 to overcome the backbone discontinuity, suggesting that BACH1 loading mechanism is critical for its ability to unwind damaged DNA molecules

The effectiveness of moxibustion for the treatment of functional constipation: a randomized, sham-controlled, patient blinded, pilot clinical trial

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Moxibustion is an ancient traditional medicine using burning mugworts to stimulate acupuncture points. The aim of this study was to investigate the safety and efficacy of moxibustion for the treatment of constipation using a randomized, sham-controlled, participant-blinded, pilot trial.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Twenty-six participants (identified with either qi (vital energy) deficiency or qi excess syndrome) were randomly divided into either a moxibustion or sham group. Participants were treated with real or sham moxibustion at 4 acupuncture points, ST23 and ST27, bilaterally, 3 times per week for four weeks. The primary outcome was the frequency of defecations; secondary outcomes were the Bristol stool form scale (BSS) and the constipation assessment scale (CAS).</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Of the 26 participants that were randomized, 24 completed the study. Defecation frequency, BSS, and CAS showed no difference between the moxibustion and sham groups. The differences were -0.25 (95% CI: -2.08, 1.58, p = 0.78), -1.22 (95% CI: -2.7, 0.26, p = 0.1), 0.91 (95% CI: -1.46, 3.28, p = 0.44) in defecation frequency, BSS, CAS, respectively. The defecation frequency increased from an average of 3.3 to 4.6 times per week in the moxibustion group (1.5[-0.5, 2], <it>p </it>= 0.06) and from 2.7 to 3.7 stools per week in the sham group (1[-1, 2], <it>p </it>= 0.15) after four weeks of treatment. The difference between participants with a deficiency or an excess syndrome, determined based on assessment of sweat, facial features, pain, body energy, and pulse type, was significant in only defecation frequency. The difference was 3.3 (95% CI: 0.41, 6.19, <it>p </it>= 0.03).</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Moxibustion treatment appears safe, but showed no positive effect on constipation. The effectiveness of moxibustion treatment may depend on the syndrome pattern, and further long-term studies with a larger number of subjects are warranted.</p> <p>Trial registration</p> <p>Clinical Research Information Service, KCT0000168</p

Grain drier fueled with a biomass gasifier. Final performance report

The basic concept of this agricultural crop dryer is to use a biomass gasifier to energize the drying equipment for agricultural crop drying. A blast of heated air is forced through the commodity that is to be dried and this carries off moisture that can cause spoilage and deterioration. In this research project, the objective was to determine if an engine fueled with producer gas from a gasifier could be utilized to operate a fan and if all of the waste heat from the gasifier, gas filtering equipment and the internal combustion engine could be utilized to heat the air. About 75% of the fuel energy going into an internal combustion engine is wasted in the cooling air and through the exhaust and it was proposed that a very efficient crop drier could be developed if most of this energy could be reclaimed. The waste heat from the air cooled engine, the gas coolers and filters and the gasifier can be used to heat the drying air if these components are placed in a tunnel leading to the drier fan. Design and performance of the gasifier and gas-cleanup equipment are described

Transducer characterization

This report has been prepared specifically for ultrasonic transducer users within the Nondestructive Testing Evaluation (NDE) community of the weapons complex. The purpose of the report is to establish an initial set of uniform procedures for measuring and recording transducer performance data, and to establish a common foundation on which more comprehensive transducer performance evaluations may be added as future transducer performance criteria expands. Transducer parameters and the problems with measuring them are discussed and procedures for measuring transducer performance are recommended with special precautionary notes regarding critical aspects of each measurement. An important consideration regarding the recommended procedures is the cost of implementation. There are two distinct needs for transducer performance characterization in the complex. Production oriented users need a quick, reliable means to check a transducer to ascertain its suitability for continued service. Development groups and the Transducer Center need a comprehensive characterization means to collect adequate data to evaluate theoretical concepts or to build exact replacement transducers. The instrumentation, equipment, and procedures recommended for monitoring production transducers are utilitarian and provide only that information needed to determine transducer condition

Current approaches to diagnosing and managing constipation in advanced cancer and palliative care

Constipation is common in advanced cancer. Despite this, clinicians\u27 understanding of the underlying changes affecting the colon and the rest of the gastrointestinal tract are limited. Two case histories are used to illustrate the problems encountered when the current approaches to diagnosing and managing altered bowel habits are unsuccessful. An alternative paradigm in which to consider the problems of constipation encountered by some people with advanced cancer is proposed