An analytical and experimental study of reinforced earth retaining walls

Summary available: p. ix-xiii

Adaptive cooperative communications for enhancing QoS in vehicular networks

In a vehicular network with high mobility, it is challenging to ensure reliable and efficient connections among vehicles and between vehicles and roadside communication units (or infrastructure) such as base stations or WiFi hot spots. In this paper, we propose a method that utilizes cooperative communications for a combined vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) with vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) approach to improving quality of service (QoS) across the vehicular network. In this approach, we have obtained the closed-form expressions of key QoS performances such as outage probability, throughput, energy efficiency, packet delivery ratio, packet loss rate and average end-to-end-delay for different investigated transmission schemes. These performances can be optimized by adaptively selecting appropriate transmission schemes and, as a results, good trade-offs between system reliability and efficiency can also be achieved under various environmental conditions

Evaluation of protection in a mouse model after vaccination with Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculois protein cocktails

Whole-cell vaccines successfully reduce signs of clinical disease and fecal shedding of Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP), however, these vaccines have some limitations. The present study was conducted to identify MAP proteins that might be candidates for the development of an improved vaccine. MAP proteins were screened for immunogenicity in naturally infected cattle and selected based upon reactivity in the interferon- (IFN-) and Western blot assays. Proteins (MAP1087, MAP1204, MAP1272c, and MAP2077c) were arrayed into 4 overlapping cocktails containing 3 proteins each. The efficacy of the proteins within these cocktails as vaccine candidates was evaluated by subcutaneous immunization of mice, followed by challenge with live, virulent MAP. All MAP protein cocktails significantly reduced the recovery of live MAP from the ileum, while cocktails 1 and 3 reduced colonization in the liver. No significant differences were seen in the mesenteric lymph node or spleen, however, cocktail 1 reduced viable MAP in the mesenteric lymph node compared to other treatments. Stimulation of splenocytes upregulated antigen-specific IFN- and IL-23 secretion in all treatment groups, regardless of vaccination. Interestingly, IL-4 was moderately downregulated for vaccinates compared to control infected mice. An increase in total CD25 expression was noted for 3 of the 4 vaccinate groups upon stimulation of splenocytes with a whole-cell sonicate of MAP, with this effect becoming more significant within CD4CD25+ and CD8CD25+ subpopulations. The present study demonstrated that MAP proteins are useful as vaccine candidates to reduce MAP tissue burden

Nonlinear and linear timescales near kinetic scales in solar wind turbulence

The application of linear kinetic treatments to plasma waves, damping, and instability requires favorable inequalities between the associated linear timescales and timescales for nonlinear (e.g., turbulence) evolution. In the solar wind these two types of timescales may be directly compared using standard Kolmogorov-style analysis and observational data. The estimated local (in scale) nonlinear magnetohydrodynamic cascade times, evaluated as relevant kinetic scales are approached, remain slower than the cyclotron period, but comparable to or faster than the typical timescales of instabilities, anisotropic waves, and wave damping. The variation with length scale of the turbulence timescales is supported by observations and simulations. On this basis the use of linear theory—which assumes constant parameters to calculate the associated kinetic rates—may be questioned. It is suggested that the product of proton gyrofrequency and nonlinear time at the ion gyroscales provides a simple measure of turbulence influence on proton kinetic behavior

Anti-inflammatory Activity of the Plant Cannabis sativa (L) Petrolium Ether Extract in Albino Rats

In this study the plant Cannabis sativa seeds petroleum oil extract was investigated for anti- inflammatory activity on albino rats. The inflammation was firstly obtained by using carrageenan suspension 0.1 ml of 10% saline injected at the sub – plantar region of the left limb for inducing a local acute oedema. A decreased in oedema size was reported after 24 hours for the rats pretreated with carrageenan30 minutes before injection with suspension( 4.56, 0.59 and 0.93 for control, 1ml/kg per day and 0.5ml/kg per day groups given C. sativa seed extracts respectively.), compared to Indomethacin standard antiinflammatory drug which reported a decrease in oedema size diameter to 0.55mm, which indicated an increase inhibition percentages were reported for the different pretreated groups 0.00, 87.03, 79.56 and 87.91 including the comparative Indomethacin treated groups of rats respectively. On the other hand, the post-treated groups of rats (given C. sativa oil extract after 30 minutes of injection of suspension) showed a similar results for maximum concentration 1 ml/day of C. sativa oil extract in comparison to the standard drug. Hence, such results recommend the prospect focus for the preventive medication use of the extract. The study also highlights no significant changes for serum and protein of the blood taken from rats of the experiments. Although there were significant decrease in lymphocyte and neutrophil, but the changes were not significant. Indomethacin was given to the rats used for a comparative drug (10mg/kg). Moreover, the drug indomethacin used as a comparative parameter showed similar results in comparison to the extract, hence wise the reported results may be recommended for use as anti-inflammatory agent and should be explored more to formulate drug on basis of its activity

A rapid appraisal of institutions supporting Somali livestock export

This publication presents finding of a rapid appraisal of institutions supporting livestock trade and marketing in Somalia. The study was carried to: identify institutions supporting livestock trade and marketing in the country; evaluate the roles played by these institutions in facilitating livestock trade and marketing information flow; application of grades and standards in livestock trade, and livestock export marketing promotional activities; assess the level of networking among these institutions while facilitating livestock export trade and marketing; analyze constraints faced by these institutions in executing their activities. It was anticipated that this will be useful in designing supportive infrastructure to enable them play an effective role in improving livestock trade and marketing through enhanced accountability and competence. Emphasis was put on organizations involved in livestock marketing information flow, application of grades and standards in livestock products, and, livestock export promotion. This study identifi ed some forms of organizations supporting livestock export trade in Somalia, viz. brokers, veterinary services delivery systems, port authorities, livestock shipping firms, money transfer services, local government and regional administrations that were in-charge of livestock markets, central government, and a variety of private traders associations. These organisations supported the principal market participants: the small-scale traders, agents of exporters, and exporters in their trial to make effective livestock export trade. The organizations operated under a set of rules and procedures that influenced their activities in facilitating livestock. However, it was noted that there was limited capacity to enforce adherence to some of the rules and regulations by these organizations. This appraisal recognized that although there exist informal grading system based on a number of attributes (age of animal, sex of animal, nutritional status, weight and size, breed and health status), none of the identified institutions was engaged in overt activities to develop further and publicize application of these grades in livestock trade. This was noted to persist despite the general knowledge that suitable grading would significantly promote trade. This appraisal established that currently, the main centre of attention of the public sector is at the ports of exit. In these ports, the government implements a rudimentary animal health certifi cation system, based on clinical inspection of animals prior to loading. There are also some instances of monitoring in some of the secondary markets. Implementation of an effective health and certification system is constrained by limited capacity, both human and physical within the respective institutions and by the absence of a central veterinary administration that is recognized internationally. These constraints need urgent redress to guarantee participation in livestock export trade by Somali traders. It is important to note that a certification system put in place should also be cost effective and easy to apply in order to be sustainable

Composition and rheological properties of flour and dough from genetically modified wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) Hi-Line 111

The main objective of this work was to evaluate the composition, nutritional, physical and rheological properties of wheat flour and dough from genetically modified wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) Hi-Line 111 (GMW) compared to conventional wheat (non-GMW). Analyses were conducted to measure the proximate chemical composition with references to 18 components including total solid, protein, lipids, crude fiber, ash, carbohydrate, minerals, amino acids, and fatty acids. In addition, physical and rheological properties such as water absorption, arrival time, dough development time, stability value, dough weakening value, extensibility of dough, resistance to extension, and ratio of resistance/extensibility were evaluated. The results showed that there were no significant differences between GMW and non-GMW in terms of chemical composition. Results revealed the presence of saturated and unsaturated fatty acids wherein there were no significant differences between GMW and its counterpart in the levels of fatty acids. In addition, there were no significant differences on the levels of amino acids. In addition, there were no significant differences between the GMW and non-GMW in the physical and rheological properties. From these results, it can be concluded that GMW Hi-Line 111 is confirmed to have nearly the composition and rheological properties as non-GMW

Intraoperative Corneal Thickness Changes during Pulsed Accelerated Corneal Cross-Linking Using Isotonic Riboflavin with HPMC.

Purpose. To evaluate corneal thickness changes during pulsed accelerated corneal cross-linking (CXL) for keratoconus using a new isotonic riboflavin formula. Methods. In this prospective, interventional, clinical study patients with grades 1-2 keratoconus (Amsler-Krumeich classification) underwent pulsed accelerated (30 mW/cm(2)) CXL after application of an isotonic riboflavin solution (0.1%) with HPMC for 10 minutes. Central corneal thickness (CCT) measurements were taken using ultrasound pachymetry before and after epithelial removal, after riboflavin soaking, and immediately after completion of UVA treatment. Results. Twenty eyes of 11 patients (4 males, 7 females) were enrolled. Mean patient age was 26 ± 3 (range from 18 to 30 years). No intraoperative or postoperative complications were observed in any of the patients. Mean CCT was 507 ± 35 μm (range: 559-459 μm) before and 475 ± 40 μm (range: 535-420 μm) after epithelial removal (P < 0.001). After 10 minutes of riboflavin instillation, there was a statistically significant decrease of CCT by 6.2% from 475 ± 40 μm (range: 535-420 μm) to 446 ± 31 μm (range: 508-400) (P < 0.005). There was no other statistically significant change of CCT during UVA irradiation. Conclusions. A significant decrease of corneal thickness was demonstrated during the isotonic riboflavin with HPMC application while there was no significant change during the pulsed accelerated UVA irradiation

Withdrawal from treatment as an outcome in the Isolde study of COPD

Objectives: To investigate the determinants of patient withdrawal from our study, and the effect of these withdrawals on the outcome of treatment with inhaled corticosteroids in patients with COPD. Design: A double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized trial. Setting: Eighteen outpatient centers in the United Kingdom. Participants: Seven hundred fifty-one patients with stable COPD defined clinically as baseline postbronchodilator FEV1 > 0.8 L and < 85% predicted, FEV1/FVC ratio < 70%, and FEV1 change after albuterol < 10% of predicted. Intervention: Random assignment of either 500 micrograms bid of inhaled fluticasone propionate (FP)using a spacer device or an identical placebo inhaler. Treatment was continued for 3 years or until patients withdrew from follow-up. Measurements and results: Postbronchodilator FEV1 was measured on three occasions before randomization and every 3 months thereafter. Health status was assessed by the disease-specific St. George Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) and the modified short-form 36 questionnaire (SF-36) at baseline and every 6 months. Three hundred thirty-nine patients withdrew, of whom 156 patients received FP. Prescription of frequent courses of oral prednisolone was the most common reason for withdrawing as specified in the protocol (69 patients in the FP group withdrew due to respiratory symptoms, compared with 93 patients in the placebo group). This explained the significantly greater dropout of placebo-treated patients that was most evident when FEV1 was < 50% predicted. Patients withdrawing had a significantly more rapid decline in health status, measured by both the SGRQ and the SF-36 (p < 0.001). Those withdrawing from the placebo group had a more rapid decline in FEV1 and more exacerbations than the FP-treated groups. Baseline FEV1 was lower in dropouts than in patients completing the study receiving placebo, but there was no difference between the respective groups receiving FP. Conclusions: Patients who withdrew from follow-up were those with the most rapidly deteriorating health status and lung function. Losing these patients from the final analysis can reduce the power of a study to achieve its primary end point