Quantifying machine flexibility

There are several studies aiming to quantify several aspects of flexibility in manufacturing systems like routing flexibility, product mix flexibility, volume flexibility, etc. However, there is still a need to develop more generic measures that can be used to quantify flexibility of systems in order to enable decision-makers to reach better decisions in selecting between different system configurations. In this study, a new approach which is based on digraph theory and matrix algebra is proposed to quantify flexibility. Several examples are also provided to illustrate the proposed approach and its practicality and usefulness. The proposed approach is a novel one and can be used to model and quantify several types of flexibilities. In this research, the proposed modelling approach is explained through machine flexibility mainly due to the fact that most of the other flexibility types in manufacturing systems rely on this flexibility type.     

Optimization of a Computer Simulation Model for Packing of Concrete Aggregates

A simulation algorithm was developed for modeling the dense packing of large assemblies of particulate materials (in the order of millions). These assemblies represent the real aggregate systems of portland cement concrete. Two variations of the algorithm are proposed: sequential packing model and particle suspension model. A developed multicell packing procedure as well as fine adjustment of the algorithm's parameters were useful to optimize the computational resources (i.e., to realize the trade-off between the memory and packing time). Some options to speed up the algorithm and to pack very large volumes of spherical entities (up to 10 million) are discussed. The described procedure resulted in a quick method for packing of large assemblies of particulate materials. The influence of model variables on the degree of packing and the corresponding distribution of particles was analyzed. Based on the simulation results, different particle size distributions of particulate materials are correlated to their packing degree. The developed algorithm generates and visualizes dense packings corresponding to concrete aggregates. These packings show a good agreement with the standard requirements and available research data. The results of the research can be applied to the optimal proportioning of concrete mixtures.     

Anthranilamide-pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine conjugates as p53 activators in cervical cancer cells

A library of new anthranilamide-pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine conjugates were designed, synthesized, and evaluated for their anticancer activity in cervical cancer cells such as HeLa and SiHa that possess low levels of p53. All 24 conjugates showed antiproliferative activity, while some of them exhibit significant cytotoxicity. In assays related to cell-cycle distribution, these conjugates induced G(2) /M arrest in HeLa cells and G(1) cell-cycle arrest in SiHa cells. Immunocytochemistry assays revealed that these compounds cause nuclear translocation of p53, thereby indicating the activation of p53. In cervical cancer cells, the p53 protein is degraded by E6 oncoprotein. Immunoblot and RT-PCR analyses proved the presence of mitochondria-mediated apoptosis with involvement p53 target genes such as BAX, Bcl2, and p21 (CDKI). Moreover, these compounds increased the phosphorylated forms of p53 and provide signals for apoptosis induction. Interestingly, one of the conjugates, (2-phenyl-7-(3,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl)pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidin-5-yl)(4-(2-(thiophen-2-ylmethylamino)benzoyl)piperazin-1-yl)methanone, is the most promising candidate in this series and has the potential to be taken up for further detailed studies.     

ROOM OPEN POSTTION ON THE EFFECTS OF INDOOR NATURAL VENTILATION IN SUMMER

针对一般家庭中的典型客厅类型,运用计算流体力学方法对其夏季自然通风特性进行了数值模拟,分析了不同风道口高度对房间的速度场、温度场的影响,结果可为住宅设计提供相关的参考依据.     

Concanavalin A immobilized magnetic poly(glycidyl methacrylate) beads for antibody purification

Concanavalin A (Con A) immobilized magnetic poly(glycidyl methacrylate) (mPGMA) beads in monosize and spherical for (1.62 μm in diameter) were used for the purification of human immunoglobulin G (IgG) from human plasma. Con A was immobilized by covalent binding onto the mPGMA beads. The maximum IgG adsorption on the mPGMA-Con A beads was observed at pH 6.0. The nonspecific IgG adsorption onto the plain mPGMA beads was very low (0.22 mg/g). Scatchard analysis of the adsorption isotherm for IgG on mPGMA-Con A beads showed an affinity constant (K_a) of 1.39 × 10⁵ M⁻¹ and a theoretical maximum adsorption capacity of 109.1 mg/g. An apparent IgG adsorption capacity of 66.2 mg/g was observed under the experimental conditions. IgG adsorption capacity from human plasma was observed as 48.0 mg/g. The adsorption of human serum albumin from plasma was 2.0 mg/g. The total protein adsorption was determined to be 50.0 mg/g. IgG molecules could be repeatedly adsorbed and eluted with the mPGMA-Con A beads without noticeable loss in the IgG adsorption capacity. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012     

Topography of brain sodium accumulation in progressive multiple sclerosis

Object

Sodium accumulation is involved in neuronal injury occurring in multiple sclerosis (MS). We aimed to assess sodium accumulation in progressive MS, known to suffer from severe neuronal injury.

Materials and methods

3D-²³Na-MRI was obtained on a 3T-MR-scanner in 20 progressive MS patients [11 primary-progressive (PPMS) and nine secondary-progressive (SPMS)] and 15 controls. Total sodium concentrations (TSC) within grey matter (GM), normal-appearing white matter (WM) and lesions were extracted. Statistical mapping analyses of TSC abnormalities were also performed.

Results

Progressive MS patients presented higher GM–TSC values (48.8 ± 3.1 mmol/l wet tissue vol, p < 0.001) and T₂lesions-TSC values (50.9 ± 2.2 mmol/l wet tissue vol, p = 0.01) compared to GM and WM of controls. Statistical mapping analysis showed TSC increases in PPMS patients confined to motor and somatosensory cortices, prefrontal cortices, pons and cerebellum. In SPMS, TSC increases were associated with areas involving: primary motor, premotor and somatosensory cortices; prefrontal, cingulate and visual cortices; the corpus callosum, thalami, brainstem and cerebellum. Anterior prefrontal and premotor cortices TSC were correlated with disability.

Conclusion

Sodium accumulation is present in progressive MS patients, more restricted to the motor system in PPMS and more widespread in SPMS. Local brain sodium accumulation appears as a promising marker to monitor patients with progressive MS.     

Inorganic-organic phase arrangement as a factor affecting gas-phase desulfurization on catalytic carbonaceous adsorbents

Dried sewage sludge was physically mixed with waste paper (paper-to-sludge ratios from 25% to 75%). To increase the catalytic activity, from 1% to 6% calcium hydroxide was added to the mixtures. Then the precursors were carbonized at 950 degrees C. The performance of materials as H2S adsorbents was tested using a home-developed dynamic breakthrough test. The samples, before and after the adsorption process, were characterized by adsorption of nitrogen, potentiometric titration, thermal analysis, XRF, and SEM. Differences in the performance were linked to the surface properties. Itwas found that mixing paper with sludge increases the amount of H2S adsorbed/oxidized in comparison with that adsorbed/oxidized by the adsorbents obtained from pure precursors (sludge or waste paper) and the capacity is comparable to those of the best activated carbons existing on the market. Although both sewage sludge and waste paper provide the catalytic centers for hydrogen sulfide oxidation, the dispersion of the catalyst and its location within accessible pores is an important factor. The presence of cellulose in the precursor mixture leads to the formation of a light macroporous char whose particles physically separate the inorganic catalytic phase of the sewage sludge origin, decreasing the density of the adsorbent and thus providing more space for storage of oxidation products. This, along with calcium, contributes to a significant increase in the capacity of the materials as hydrogen sulfide adsorbents. On their surface about 30 wt % H2S can be adsorbed, mainly as elemental sulfur or sulfates. The results demonstrate the importance of the composition and arrangement of inorganic/ organic phases for the removal of hydrogen sulfide. The interesting finding is that although some microporosity is necessary to increase the storage area for oxidation products, the carbonaceous phase does not need to be highly microporous. It is important that it provides space for deposition of sulfur, which is formed on the inorganic-phase catalyst. That space can be in meso- and macropores as shown in the case of char derived from the waste paper.     

Anticandidal activity of cobalt containing sunflower oil‐based polymer

Bioactive metal cobalt containing sunflower oil‐based polyesteramide resin was developed by condensation polymerization reaction among oil‐derived sunflower fatty amide diol, adipic acid, and cobalt chloride. Microwave‐assisted synthesis was used throughout the reaction as it enhances reaction rate, gives higher yield, and greater purity of the products. Spectroscopic techniques, such as Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and proton‐nuclear magnetic resonance, have been used to establish the structure of the polymers. Presence of cobalt in polymer has been confirmed through atomic absorption spectroscopy. Standard laboratory methods such as acid value, hydroxyl value, saponification value, iodine value, specific gravity, and viscosity were used to study the physicochemical characteristics of the polymers. Thermal behavior of the polymer was analyzed using thermogravimetry/differential thermal analysis. The synthesized polymers were evaluated for their biological activity. This study indicates that the synthesized polymer has significant antifungal activity against Candida, including azole‐resistant strains, advocating further investigation for clinical applications in the treatment of fungal infections. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 53:2650–2658, 2013. © 2013 Society of Plastics Engineers     

可降解血管支架用Mg-4.0Zn-0.2Mn-0.2Ca微细管的体外降解行为

通过浸泡实验和电化学测试研究了Mg-4.0Zn-0.2Mn-0.2Ca（质量分数）微细管的体外降解行为与腐蚀机理。结果表明,退火处理可以提高微细管的耐腐蚀性。长期浸泡实验表明腐蚀过程相对均匀,退火微细管在Hank''s溶液中的腐蚀速率约为0.30 mm/a。在浸泡初期,退火管材表面生成Mg(OH)₂,形成保护膜,阻碍腐蚀进行。虽然Mg(OH)₂膜上形成的羟基磷灰石（HA）可以进一步降低腐蚀速率,但是镁基体中粗大的第二相会增强电偶腐蚀效应,并且生成的大量氢气,从而破坏HA膜,使腐蚀继续进行。