Arterial thrombosis: a complication of loop ileostomy

Maternal thyrotoxicosis complicates approximately 0.2% of pregnancies. Simultaneous occurrence of maternal and fetal thyrotoxicosis during labor is rare, and control of maternal tachycardia and hypertension, as well as fetal manifestations of thyrotoxicosis, are cornerstones of management. An 18-year-old nulliparous female at 33 weeks gestational age presented in labor with thyrotoxicosis. Fetal tachycardia was present as well. Labetalol therapy resulted in a decrease in maternal pulse and blood pressure, and resolution of fetal tachycardia. Vaginal delivery occurred. Subsequent evaluation demonstrated neonatal thyrotoxicosis and high maternal titers of thyroid-stimulating immunoglobulin. In conclusion, labetalol was beneficial in the treatment of maternal and fetal thyrotoxicosis during labor.     

A new pricing constrained single-product inventory-production model in perishable food for maximizing the total profit

In this paper, a new constrained single-product pricing and inventory model is presented. The goal of the proposed model is to decide on the prices as well as on the inventory and production decisions in order to maximize the total profit. The developed model is a nonlinear programming model which is solved by using hybrid genetic algorithm (HGA) and simulated annealing. Comparison of results obtained from the two algorithms shows that HGA is better. To enhance the performance of our algorithms, we apply the Taguchi experimental design method to tune their parameters. Finally, some recommendations for future developments are presented.     

A probabilistic framework based on statistical learning theory for structural reliability analysis of transmission line systems

This paper describes a novel application of statistical learning theory to structural reliability analysis of transmission lines considering the uncertainties of climatic variables such as, wind speed, ice thickness and wind angle, and of the resistance of structural elements. The problem of reliability analysis of complex structural systems with implicit limit state functions is addressed by statistical model selection, where the goal is to select a surrogate model of the finite element solver that provides the value of the performance function for each conductor, insulator or tower element. After determining the performance function for each structural element, Monte Carlo simulation is used to calculate their failure probabilities. The failure probabilities of towers and the entire line are then estimated from the failure probabilities of their elements/components considering the correlation between failure events. In order to quantify the relative importance of line components and provide the engineers with a practical decision tool, the paper presents the calculation of two types of component importance measures. The presented methodology can be used to achieve optimised design, and to assess upgrading strategies to increase the line capacity.     

Seismic Behavior and Retrofit of Outrigger Knee Joints

Experimental tests were conducted on six 1/3-scale specimens to define the vulnerabilities of existing outrigger bents under in-plane and out-of-plane seismic loading and to develop retrofit measures that address the identified vulnerabilities. The specimens represented knee joints in the SR 99 Spokane Street overcrossing in western Washington State but included deficiencies present in a number of older bridges. The as-built specimens failed at low ductility levels due to shear distress, low torsional strength of the outrigger beam, and reinforcement bond failures within the joint. Threshold principal tension stress values describing the expected condition of the joints were established and compared to values obtained by other researchers. Circular steel jackets were used to retrofit the as-built specimens. The retrofitted specimens developed plastic hinging in the column, with enhanced strength, energy, and ductility capacities. Design and detailing guidelines for retrofitting outrigger bents were proposed.     

Physical,antimicrobial and antibiofilm properties of Zataria multiflora Boiss essential oil nanoemulsion

It was evaluated physical, antibacterial and antibiofilm properties of Zataria multiflora Boiss essential oil (ZEO) and its nanoemulsion. Long‐term stability of nanoemulsion prepared by emulsion phase inversion was satisfying based on low narrow size distribution (polydispersity index ?0.2) and low droplet size (200 nm) over 21 days of storage. Nanoemulsion showed lower minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) on Listeria monocytogenes (2500 µg mL^?1) than Salmonella Typhimurium (5000 µg mL^?1). Killing kinetics study revealed that nanoemulsion was more effective in inhibiting the growth of bacteria in milk than culture media. Both bacteriostatic and bactericidal effects were observed depending on the type of bacteria, nanoemulsion concentration and the time of exposure. Nanoemulsion at 4×MIC concentration reduced 64% and 75% of one‐day‐old biofilm of L. monocytogenes and S. Typhimurium, respectively. In conclusion, nanoemulsion revealed antimicrobial activity, but converting the ZEO to nanoemulsion did not improve its antibacterial activity; however, antibiofilm properties were enhanced.