Resistant starch type 4‐enriched diet lowered blood cholesterols and improved body composition in a double blind controlled cross‐over intervention

A metabolic health crisis is evident as cardiovascular diseases (CVD) remain the leading cause of mortality in the United States. Effects of resistant starch type 4 (RS4), a prebiotic fiber, in comprehensive management of metabolic syndrome (MetS) remain unknown. This study examined the effects of a blinded exchange of RS4‐enriched flour (30% v/v) with regular/control flour (CF) diet on multiple MetS comorbidities. In a double blind (participants–investigators), placebo‐controlled, cluster cross‐over intervention (n = 86, age≥18, 2–12 week interventions, 2‐week washout) in the United States, individuals were classified as having MetS (With‐MetS) or not (No‐MetS) following International Diabetes Federation (IDF)‐criteria. RS4 consumption compared with CF resulted in 7.2% (p = 0.002) lower mean total cholesterol, 5.5% (p = 0.04) lower non‐HDL, and a 12.8% (p < 0.001) lower HDL cholesterol in the With‐MetS group. No‐MetS individuals had a 2.6% (p = 0.02) smaller waist circumference and 1.5% (p = 0.03) lower percent body fat following RS4 intervention compared to CF. A small but significant 1% increase in fat‐free mass was observed in all participants combined (p = 0.02). No significant effect of RS4 was observed for glycemic variables and blood pressures. RS4 consumption improved dyslipidemia and body composition. Incorporation of RS4 in routine diets could offer an effective strategy for public cardio‐metabolic health promotion.     

Computer-Aided Analysis of a Multiphase Chopper-Driven DC Series Motor and Test Results on a Microprocessor-Based Three-Phase Chopper Drive

A comprehensive digital computer-based analysis using a state-space model which predicts the performance of a dc series motor controlled by a multiphase chopper is presented. The analysis is based on the formulation of system equations in multivariable state-space form and takes into account the nonlinear magnetization curve and the variation of field inductance with load current. The predicted results based on this analysis are shown to agree with the test results on a practical drive system developed for this purpose in which the dc series motor is driven by a microprocessor-based three-phase thyristor chopper. The control circuit development for the practical drive is briefly described.     

On Papkovich-Fadle solutions of crack problems relating to an elastic strip

Papkovich-Fadle eigenfunctions are employed to study a class of crack problems of an elastic strip. A system of series relations is obtained which is reduced to a Fredholm integral equation of the second kind by the use of the generalized orthonormality of the eigenfunctions and the calculus of residues. Four types of crack configuration are considered. Based on the numerical solutions of the integral equations, stress intensity factor and crack energy for two types of edge cracks are reported.Some crack problems of the strip have been attempted by integral transforms which have been widely used in elasticity by Sneddon. It is not clear, however, how they may be used to tackle the problems considered here. The present approach is quite general and straightforward and, may be applied to a wide class of mixed boundary problems.     

A review of the effects and mechanisms of polyphenolics in cancer

This paper is a comprehensive review of the effects of bioactive polyphenolic compounds commonly found in many fruits and vegetables on cancer. These include the pheniolic acids, anthocyanins, catechins, stilbenes and several other flavonoids. We have attempted to compile information from most of the major studies in this area into one source. The review encompasses the occurrence and bioavailability of the polyphenolics, the in vitro and in vivo evidence for their effects on cancer, both positive and negative, and the various mechanisms by which the chemicals may exert their effects. Although most of the work done to date indicates a chemopreventative activity of these compounds, there are some studies that show cancer-inducing or no effects. There are several common mechanisms by which these chemicals exert their effects that could be conducive to additive, synergistic, or antagonistic interactions. These include effects on cellular differentiation, proliferation, and apoptosis, effects on proteins and enzymes that are involved in these processes at a molecular level, and other various effects through altered immune function and chemical metabolism.     

Determination of anti-tubercular agent in mango ginger (Curcuma amada Roxb.) by reverse phase HPLC-PDA-MS

Mango ginger (Curcuma amada) is a spice of high usage in pickles, sauce, culinary formulations and traditional/folk systems of medicine for therapeutic actions in Asian countries. After establishing scheme for isolation and characterisation of labdane diterpene dialdehyde [labda-8(17), 12-diene-15, 16-dial]-an anti-tubercular agent, we developed a new validated HPLC-PDA method for its quantification in C. amada. Chromatography was performed with reverse phase column in isocratic condition at a flow rate of 1.0 mL/min using mobile phase of acidified water and acetonitrile. Specificity of determination was achieved with UV (190-400 nm) and mass spectrum. Good linearity was obtained with correlation coefficients >0.99. In the analytical range the precision and accuracy (RSD%) values were ?2%. Present validated method allowed both the identification and determination of labda-8(17), 12-diene-15, 16-dial, in C. amada rhizome. The method was applied to screen the labdane diterpene dialdehyde in the samples of different geographic locations.     

On the problem of two non-coplanar parallel cracks in a strip

The problem of two non-coplanar parallel Griffith cracks, located symmetrically in a strip is discussed under the assumption of plane strain condition. The crack surfaces are normal to the edges of the strip and are subjected to the same pressure distribution. When the edges are stress free, solution is assumed in the form of a series of complex eigenfunctions. By the use of certain generalized orthonormality relationships and the calculus of residues, two simultaneous Fredholm integral equations are obtained. Similar equations are obtained when the edges of the strip are constrained by smooth rigid planes. Numerical results are given for the case of constant applied pressure.     

Silica-supported tantalum clusters: catalysts for conversion of methane with n-butane to give ethane, propane, and pentanes

Si0₂-supported tantalum clusters were prepared by adsorption of the precursor Ta(CH₂Ph)₅ (Ph is phenyl) on the support followed by treatments in H₂ at 523, 623, and 723 K. The resultant clusters, had approximate average diameters of 0.3, 0.8, and 2 nm, as determined by extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) spectroscopy. The samples were tested as catalysts for conversion of methane with n-butane in a once-through flow reactor operated at atmospheric pressure and 523 K, and EXAFS spectroscopy was used to characterize the used catalysts. The results show that (a) the catalysts are active for the conversion of methane with n-butane to give ethane, propane, and pentanes; (b) catalytic activity decreased to nearly zero over a time on stream of 22 h; (c) the catalyst incorporating the smallest clusters exhibited the highest initial activity and that incorporating the largest clusters exhibited the lowest activity; (d) each used catalyst contained clusters of approximately the same nuclearity as the respective fresh catalyst, but with Ta–Ta bond lengths approximately 0.17 ? longer than those found in the fresh catalysts. The data are consistent with catalysis by the supported clusters, and the product distributions are consistent with disproportionation of n-butane accompanied by the reaction of methane with propane to give other alkanes.     

Gas—Liquid Flow Through Helical Coils in Horizontal Orientation

Experimental investigations have been carried out to evaluate the two‐phase pressure drop and the holdup for gas‐Newtonian liquid flow through helical coils. 24 helical coils and three different liquids were used for the experiments. Empirical correlations have been developed to predict the two‐phase friction factor and the liquid holdup as functions of various physical and dynamic variables of the system. Statistical analysis of the correlations suggests that they are of acceptable accuracy.     

Gas-liquid flow through coils

Experimental investigations have been carried out to evaluate the two-phase pressure drop and the holdup for flow through helical coils. The coils were made of thick wall transparent PVC tube of diameter 0.01 m and 0.013 m. 24 coils were made at different coil diameter and different helix angles (0° to 12°). Three different liquids were used for the experimental studies and air was the gas. Empirical correlations have been developed to predict the two-phase friction factor and the liquid holdup as functions of the physical and dynamic variables of the system. Statistical analyses of the correlations suggest that they are of acceptable accuracy.