Three-dimensional CFD analysis of PEMFC with different membrane thicknesses

PEM fuel cell (PEMFC) is a potential candidate for future source of power used in different applications such as transportations, stationary and portable power. PEMFC consists of different parts including membrane, bipolar plate, flow channel, gas diffusion and catalyst layers. Membrane is one of the most important components of a PEMFC and its physical and geometrical features significantly affect PEMFC efficiency. In this paper, a three-dimensional, single-phase computational model has been improved to scrutinize membrane thickness effect on the PEM fuel cell performance using the ANSYS PEM Fuel Cell Module. Membrane thicknesses are in the range of a range of 0.0127 to 0.189 mm. The results reveal that a decrease in membrane thickness augments the current density at 0.4 and 0.6 V. The peak current density of 3.12 A/cm2 is achieved with 0.027 mm membrane thickness compared the model current density of 1.26 A/cm2 obtained by the model with 0.128 mm membrane thickness at 0.4 V. Oxygen consumption and water production also enhance with reducing membrane thickness at 0.4 and 0.6 V. However change thickness of the membrane has a negligible impact on impact pressure drop in the flow channel. It is found that optimization of membrane thickness are necessary for attaining high efficiency

Hidayet Karakuş’un Çocuk Edebiyatı Çerçevesinde Yazdığı Eserlerinde Eğitime Bakış Açısının Analizi

Çocuklarımızın bilişsel, duyuşsal, zihinsel gelişiminde yaşanacak olumsuzluklar ya da kazanmaları gereken temel değerleri kazanamamaları geleceğimizi yok etme, varlığımızı bitirme noktasına getirecektir. Bu da toplumu idari ya da psikolojik açıdan başka toplumların yönetimine bırakacaktır. Çocuğa göstereceğimiz özen, vereceğimiz önem; çocukların sağlıklı birer birey olmasının yolunu açacak ve içinde bulundukları toplumda önemli roller üstlenmelerini sağlayacaktır. Eğitsel iletiler, çocukların sağlıklı birer birey olmasında büyük önem arz etmektedir. Bu çalışmada Hidayet Karakuş’un çocuklar için yazdığı eserler incelenmiş ve eserlerde 1041  tane eğitsel ileti tespit edilmiştir. Bunların %68’ini kişisel gelişimi destekleyen eğitsel iletiler, % 13’ünü öteki eğitsel iletiler, % 9’unu toplumsal gelişimi destekleyen eğitsel iletiler, % 5,7’sini dini gelişimi destekleyen eğitsel iletiler, % 2’sini ulusal düşüncenin gelişimini destekleyen eğitsel iletiler, % 2’sini evrensel düşüncenin gelişimini destekleyen eğitsel iletiler, % 1’ini ahlaki gelişimi destekleyen eğitsel iletiler ve % 0,003’ünü ekonomik gelişimi destekleyen eğitsel iletiler oluşturmuştur. Ayrıca Karakuş’un çocuklar için yazmış olduğu kitaplarda eğitsel iletileri örtük verdiği görülmüştür

Rapid and enhanced germination at low temperature of alfalfa and white clover seeds following osmotic priming

Abstract Seeds of alfalfa (Medicago sativa) and white clover (Trifolium repens) were primed in 3 priming solutions [2% NaCl, 2% KNO 3 and 300 g/L polyethylene glycol (PEG)] for 2 days at 20°C and their subsequent germination compared with that of untreated seed. Four replications of 50 seeds for germination and 25 seeds for emergence were arranged in a 2-factor factorial completely randomised design. All priming treatments significantly (P<0.05) advanced germination rate and percentage of white clover at 15°C, but produced minimal or negative effects on alfalfa. Priming with PEG significantly (P<0.05) reduced time to 50% of final germination percentage (G 50 = 4.2 days) of white clover in comparison with control seeds (G 50 = 6.5 days). The results indicated that priming seeds in KNO 3 for 2 days at 20°C could improve germination rate and germination percentage of white clover at 15 o C. Possible reasons for the differing responses in the two species are discussed

Determination of potential nutritive value of young, old and senescent leaves of Arbutus andrachne tree

Determination of potential nutritive value of young, old and senescent leaves of Arbutus andrachne tree. J. Appl. Anim. Res., 37: 257-260. Potential nutritive value of young, old and senescent leaves of Arbutus andrachne tree was measured using chemical composition and in vitro gas production technique. Maturity had a significantly adverse effect on the chemical composition and in vitro gas production kinetics. Although crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and acid detergent fiber contents decreased, condensed tannin (CT) and ash contents increased with maturity. The organic matter digestibility (OMD) and metabolisable energy (ME) ranged from 59.34 to 65.47 % and 8.84 to 9.76 MJ/kg DM, respectively. It is concluded that young and old leaves of Arbutus andrachne tree could be considered a moderate quality forage for sheep and goats. However, senescent leaves are only low quality forage

The Effect of Curcumin on Penile Fibrotic Plaque in Rats with Experimental Peyronie's Disease

Objective: No effective medical approach for the treatment of Peyronie's disease (PD) has to date been described. This study was intended to evaluate the antifibrotic, antioxidant, and antiinflammatory effects of curcumin on fibrotic tissue in the tunica albuginea (TA) in a rat model of PD. Materials and Methods: Twenty-four male Sprague Dawley rats aged 10 months were randomized into three groups (n = 8 in each). No PD model was induced in the control group. The PD+saline (PD+Ps) group received fibrin injection, followed two weeks later by saline administration by oral gavage for 14 days. The PD+Curcumin (PD+Cur) group received fibrin injection into the TA followed two weeks later by curcumin administration by oral gavage for 14 days. At the end of the experiment, fibrotic activity was evaluated using stereological and histopathological methods. Transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), one of the most fibrogenic cytokines, was evaluated using immunohistochemistry with an anti-TGF-β1 rabbit monoclonal antibody. Results: Stereological analysis revealed significantly greater Peyronie-like plaque areas in the TA in the PD+Ps group than in the control and PD+Cur groups (p<0.0001). No significant difference was observed between the control and PD+Cur groups (p=0.35). The PD+Ps group exhibited strong TGF-β1 immunoreactivity with increased expression in the collagenous connective tissues and fibroblasts around the TA. Conclusion: Curcumin reduced fibrotic tissue in the TA and may represent a novel therapeutic option in the treatment of PD

Nephrotic syndrome in a patient with Glycogen Storage Disease Type IXb.

Introduction: Glycogen storage disorder (GSD) IXb is characterized by liver and muscle involvement. We present a GSD IXb patient with an incidental union of nephrotic syndrome. Case Report: A 4 year-old-patient was diagnosed with GSD IXb at 13 months of age with mildly elevated transaminases and hepatomegaly. During the follow-up period, there was no hypoglycemia. Development and growth were normal. In the last month, the onset of generalized edema was reported. Urinalysis showed a high protein level. He had low serum albumin, high serum triglycerides cholesterol. Complement levels were normal. The patient was diagnosed as minimal change disease with a renal biopsy. He was treated with oral prednisone. Discussion: Minimal Change Disease is the most common cause of idiopathic nephrotic syndrome cases in children and the first step for therapy is the usage of corticosteroids. This is the first report of nephrotic syndrome associated with GSD IXb disease

Results of paclitaxel (day 1 and 8) and carboplatin given on every three weeks in advanced (stage III-IV) non-small cell lung cancer

BACKGROUND: Both paclitaxel (P) and carboplatin (C) have significant activity in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The weekly administration of P is active, dose intense, and has a favorable toxicity profile. We retrospectively reviewed the data of 51 consecutive patients receiving C and day 1 and 8 P chemotherapy (CT) regimen in advanced stage NSCLC to evaluate the efficacy and toxicity. METHODS: Patients treated in our institutions having pathologically proven NSCLC, no CNS metastases, adequate organ function and performance status (PS) ECOG 0–2 were given P 112.5 mg/m(2 )intravenously (IV) over 1 hour on day 1 and 8, followed by C AUC 5 IV over 1 hour, repeated in every three weeks. PC was given for maximum of 6 cycles. RESULTS: Median age was 58 (age range 39–77) and 41 patients (80%) were male. PS was 0/1/2 in 29/17/5 patients and stage was IIIA/IIIB/IV in 3/14/34 patients respectively. The median number of cycles administered was 3 (1–6). Seven patients (14%) did not complete the first 3 cycles either due to death, progression, grade 3 hypersensitivity reactions to P or lost to follow up. Best evaluable response was partial response (PR) in 45% and stable disease (SD) in 18%. Twelve patients (24%) received local RT. Thirteen patients (25%) received 2nd line CT at progression. At a median follow-up of 7 months (range, 1–20), 25 (49%) patients died and 35 patients (69%) progressed. Median overall survival (OS) was 11 ± 2 months (95% CI; 6 to 16), 1-year OS ratio was 44%. Median time to progression (TTP) was 6 ± 1 months (95% CI; 4 to 8), 1-year progression free survival (PFS) ratio was 20%. We observed following grade 3 toxicities: asthenia (10%), neuropathy (4%), anorexia (4%), anemia (4%), hypersensitivity to P (2%), nausea/vomiting (2%), diarrhea (2%) and neutropenia (2%). Two patients (4%) died of febrile neutropenia. Doses of CT were reduced or delayed in 12 patients (24%). CONCLUSIONS: P on day 1 and 8 and C every three weeks is practical and fairly well tolerated outpatient regimen. This regimen seems to be comparably active to regimens given once in every three weeks

[(18)F]FDG-PET/CT metabolic parameters as useful prognostic factors in cervical cancer patients treated with chemo-radiotherapy.

To compare the prognostic value of different anatomical and functional metabolic parameters determined using [(18)F]FDG-PET/CT with other clinical and pathological prognostic parameters in cervical cancer (CC). Thirty-eight patients treated with standard curative doses of chemo-radiotherapy (CRT) underwent pre- and post-therapy [(18)F]FDG-PET/CT. [(18)F]FDG-PET/CT parameters including mean tumor standardized uptake values (SUV), metabolic tumor volume (MTV) and tumor glycolytic volume (TGV) were measured before the start of CRT. The post-treatment tumor metabolic response was evaluated. These parameters were compared to other clinical prognostic factors. Survival curves were estimated by using the Kaplan-Meier method. Cox regression analysis was performed to determine the independent contribution of each prognostic factor. After 37 months of median follow-up (range, 12-106), overall survival (OS) was 71 % [95 % confidence interval (CI), 54-88], disease-free survival (DFS) 61 % [95 % CI, 44-78] and loco-regional control (LRC) 76 % [95 % CI, 62-90]. In univariate analyses the [(18)F]FDG-PET/CT parameters unfavorably influencing OS, DFS and LRC were pre-treatment TGV-cutoff ≥562 (37 vs. 76 %, p = 0.01; 33 vs. 70 %, p = 0.002; and 55 vs. 83 %, p = 0.005, respectively), mean pre-treatment tumor SUV cutoff ≥5 (57 vs. 86 %, p = 0.03; 36 vs. 88 %, p = 0.004; 65 vs. 88 %, p = 0.04, respectively) and a partial tumor metabolic response after treatment (9 vs. 29 %, p = 0.0008; 0 vs. 83 %, p &lt; 0.0001; 22 vs. 96 %, p &lt; 0.0001, respectively). After multivariate analyses a partial tumor metabolic response after treatment remained as an independent prognostic factor unfavorably influencing DFS and LRC (RR 1:7.7, p &lt; 0.0001, and RR 1:22.6, p = 0.0003, respectively) while the pre-treatment TGV-cutoff ≥562 negatively influenced OS and DFS (RR 1:2, p = 0.03, and RR 1:2.75, p = 0.05). Parameters capturing the pre-treatment glycolytic volume and metabolic activity of [(18)F]FDG-positive disease provide important prognostic information in patients with CC treated with CRT. The post-therapy [(18)F]FDG-PET/CT uptake (partial tumor metabolic response) is predictive of disease outcome

Prognostic factors in solitary plasmacytoma of the bone: a multicenter Rare Cancer Network study

BACKGROUND: Solitary plasmacytoma (SP) of the bone is a rare plasma-cell neoplasm. There are no conclusive data in the literature on the optimal radiation therapy (RT) dose in SP. Therefore, in this large retrospective study, we wanted to assess the outcome, prognostic factors, and the optimal RT dose in patients with SP. METHODS: Data from 206 patients with bone SP without evidence of multiple myeloma (MM) were collected. Histopathological diagnosis was obtained for all patients. The majority (n = 169) of the patients received RT alone; 32 chemotherapy and RT, and 5 surgery. Median follow-up was 54 months (7–245). RESULTS: Five-year overall survival, disease-free survival (DFS), and local control was 70%, 46%, and 88%; respectively. Median time to MM development was 21 months (2–135) with a 5-year probability of 51%. In multivariate analyses, favorable factors were younger age and tumor size < 5 cm for survival; younger age for DFS; anatomic localization (vertebra vs. other) for local control. Older age was the only predictor for MM. There was no dose-response relationship for doses 30 Gy or higher, even for larger tumors. CONCLUSION: Younger patients, especially those with vertebral localization have the best outcome when treated with moderate-dose RT. Progression to MM remains the main problem. Further investigation should focus on adjuvant chemotherapy and/or novel therapeutic agents

Primary breast lymphoma: Patient profile, outcome and prognostic factors. A multicentre Rare Cancer Network study

BACKGROUND: To asses the clinical profile, treatment outcome and prognostic factors in primary breast lymphoma (PBL). METHODS: Between 1970 and 2000, 84 consecutive patients with PBL were treated in 20 institutions of the Rare Cancer Network. Forty-six patients had Ann Arbor stage IE, 33 stage IIE, 1 stage IIIE, 2 stage IVE and 2 an unknown stage. Twenty-one underwent a mastectomy, 39 conservative surgery and 23 biopsy; 51 received radiotherapy (RT) with (n = 37) or without (n = 14) chemotherapy. Median RT dose was 40 Gy (range 12-55 Gy). RESULTS: Ten (12%) patients progressed locally and 43 (55%) had a systemic relapse. Central nervous system (CNS) was the site of relapse in 12 (14%) cases. The 5-yr overall survival, lymphoma-specific survival, disease-free survival and local control rates were 53%, 59%, 41% and 87% respectively. In the univariate analyses, favorable prognostic factors were early stage, conservative surgery, RT administration and combined modality treatment. Multivariate analysis showed that early stage and the use of RT were favorable prognostic factors. CONCLUSION: The outcome of PBL is fair. Local control is excellent with RT or combined modality treatment but systemic relapses, including that in the CNS, occurs frequently