The thickness of BaTiO3 tape castings as function of the slip system

Román Nava,Sophie Guillemet-Fritsch,Juan Aguilar-Garib,Edgar Reyes,Bernard Durand 한양대학교 세라믹연구소 2012 Journal of Ceramic Processing Research Vol.13 No.2

One of the most popular techniques in the fabrication of multilayer ceramic capacitor (MLCC) is tape casting, which requires the preparation of a slip that could be either solvent or water-based. A requirement of MLCC miniaturization has pushed improvement of this technique up to the point of fabricating ceramic films below 10μm. However, less information on a direct comparison of aqueous and non-aqueous slips systems using BaTiO3 for dielectric tapes below 3.5 μm is available in the literature. Therefore, solvent and water-based systems were studied in this research aimed to weight the different factors on the thickness reduction; in particular the relation between slip viscosity and ceramic tape thickness was established for both slips formulations. It was found that viscosity below 100 mPa·s is a not a general rule since there is an important influence of the solvent medium; nevertheless adhesion tape-substrate plays an important role over the thinning of water-based formulations. The slip viscosity is defined by the dispersant type of aqueous systems and the binder of non aqueous systems, while reduction of the powder size is more sensitive to the solvent medium as for polar/non –polar mixtures. Ceramic tape homogeneity is strongly affected by the presence of hard aggregation and should be accounted for with the use of nanoparticles. A condition was also demonstrated where low viscosities and thinner layers are related.

Valorization of rice bran: Modified supercritical CO2 extraction of bioactive compounds

Oscar Benito-Román,Sandra Varona,María Teresa Sanz,Sagrario Beltrán 한국공업화학회 2019 Journal of Industrial and Engineering Chemistry Vol.80 No.-

In this work, as afirst step in a comprehensive strategy for the valorization of rice bran, the extraction ofoil using supercritical CO2 and ethanol as cosolvent has been studied. The effect of extractiontemperature (40 and 60 C), pressure (30 and 40 MPa) and amount of ethanol used (0, 5 and 10%) has beenconsidered. The quality extracted oil has been evaluated in terms of antioxidant activity, fatty acid profileand bioactive compounds such as phenolics,flavonoids, g-oryzanols, and tocopherols content. Results revealed that, using neat CO2, the best oil in terms of antioxidant activity was obtained at 40 Cand 30 MPa. However, the addition of ethanol as modifier significantly increased the amount of bioactivemolecules extracted and hence the overall antioxidant activity of the oil, which was maximum at 40 MPaand 10% ethanol, regardless the temperature. The use of ethanol also affected the amount of fatty acidsand g-oryzanols extracted.

Effectiveness of Same Versus Mixed Asthma Inhaler Devices: A Retrospective Observational Study in Primary Care

David Price,Henry Chrystyn,Alan Kaplan,John Haughney,Miguel Román-Rodríguez,Annie Burden,Alison Chisholm,Elizabeth V. Hillyer,Julie von Ziegenweidt,Muzammil Ali,Thys van der Molen 대한천식알레르기학회 2012 Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Research Vol.4 No.4

Purpose: Correct use of inhaler devices is fundamental to effective asthma management but represents an important challenge for patients. The correct inhalation manoeuvre differs markedly for different inhaler types. The objective of this study was to compare outcomes for patients prescribed the same inhaler device versus mixed device types for asthma controller and reliever therapy. Methods: This retrospective observational study identified patients with asthma (ages 4-80 years) in a large primary care database who were prescribed an inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) for the first time. We compared outcomes for patients prescribed the same breath-actuated inhaler (BAI) for ICS controller and salbutamol reliever versus mixed devices (BAI for controller and pressurised metered-dose inhaler [pMDI] for reliever). The 2-year study included 1 baseline year before the ICS prescription (to identify and correct for confounding factors) and 1 outcome year. Endpoints were asthma control (defined as no hospital attendance for asthma,oral corticosteroids, or antibiotics for lower respiratory tract infection) and severe exacerbations (hospitalisation or oral corticosteroids for asthma). Results: Patients prescribed the same device (n=3,428) were significantly more likely to achieve asthma control (adjusted odds ratio, 1.15;95% confidence interval [CI], 1.02-1.28) and recorded significantly lower severe exacerbation rates (adjusted rate ratio, 0.79; 95% CI, 0.68-0.93) than those prescribed mixed devices (n=5,452). Conclusions: These findings suggest that, when possible, the same device should be prescribed for both ICS and reliever therapy when patients are initiating ICS.

Vascular Responses to Manual PC6 Acupuncture in Nonsmokers and Smokers Assessed by the Second Derivative of the Finger Photoplethysmogram Waveform

José F. Rivas-Vilchis,Ricardo Escorcia-Gaona,Jorge A. Cervantes-Reyes,Rubén Román-Ramos 사단법인약침학회 2008 Journal of Acupuncture & Meridian Studies Vol.1 No.1

Background: Smoking is reported to increase arterial stiffness. Indices obtained from the second derivative of digital volume pulse (SDDVP) waveform have been proposed to characterize vascular aging and arterial rigidity. PC6 (Neiguan) is a traditional acupoint in each forearm that has been shown to modify cardiovascular functioning. Objective: To investigate the acute effects of manual needling with PC6 on SDDVP indices in healthy chronic smoker and nonsmoker subjects. Subjects and Methods: Aging index (AI) was defined as (b − c − d − e)/a, B:A was calculated as the ratio of the absolute value for the height of the b wave (B) to that of the a wave (A), and D:A was calculated as the ratio of the absolute value for the height of the d wave (D) to that of the a wave (A). These indices derived of the wave components of SDDVP of healthy nonsmokers (n = 40; 28.3 ± 3.0 years old) vs. chronic smokers (n = 30; 29.9 ± 2.9 years old) were compared. The digital volume pulse (DVP) was obtained by measuring infrared light transmission through the finger. Of each subject, a DVP registration 20 minutes long was obtained. PC6 was stimulated unilaterally by manual needling for 5 minutes (1−6 minutes). SDDVP indices were compared in each subject in pre- vs. post-acupuncture periods (30 seconds vs. 18 minutes, respectively). Results: At baseline, we found significant difference in B:A between nonsmokers and smokers. Comparing pre- vs. post-acupuncture periods, B:A and D:A did not show significant differences among nonsmokers, but B:A improved significantly in smokers and AI improved significantly in both nonsmokers and smokers. Conclusion: These findings suggest that manual needling with PC6 could revert some of the deleterious effects on vascular functioning produced by chronic cigarette smoking. Background: Smoking is reported to increase arterial stiffness. Indices obtained from the second derivative of digital volume pulse (SDDVP) waveform have been proposed to characterize vascular aging and arterial rigidity. PC6 (Neiguan) is a traditional acupoint in each forearm that has been shown to modify cardiovascular functioning. Objective: To investigate the acute effects of manual needling with PC6 on SDDVP indices in healthy chronic smoker and nonsmoker subjects. Subjects and Methods: Aging index (AI) was defined as (b − c − d − e)/a, B:A was calculated as the ratio of the absolute value for the height of the b wave (B) to that of the a wave (A), and D:A was calculated as the ratio of the absolute value for the height of the d wave (D) to that of the a wave (A). These indices derived of the wave components of SDDVP of healthy nonsmokers (n = 40; 28.3 ± 3.0 years old) vs. chronic smokers (n = 30; 29.9 ± 2.9 years old) were compared. The digital volume pulse (DVP) was obtained by measuring infrared light transmission through the finger. Of each subject, a DVP registration 20 minutes long was obtained. PC6 was stimulated unilaterally by manual needling for 5 minutes (1−6 minutes). SDDVP indices were compared in each subject in pre- vs. post-acupuncture periods (30 seconds vs. 18 minutes, respectively). Results: At baseline, we found significant difference in B:A between nonsmokers and smokers. Comparing pre- vs. post-acupuncture periods, B:A and D:A did not show significant differences among nonsmokers, but B:A improved significantly in smokers and AI improved significantly in both nonsmokers and smokers. Conclusion: These findings suggest that manual needling with PC6 could revert some of the deleterious effects on vascular functioning produced by chronic cigarette smoking.

Gynecological Surgery and Its Five Steps Towards Resilience: Minimally Invasive Approach in the COVID-19 Era

Inés Gil Prados,Mónica Bellón del Amo,Rebeca Ruiz Román,Francisco Javier García Santos 대한내시경복강경외과학회 2020 Journal of Minimally Invasive Surgery Vol.23 No.4

After the declaration of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, gynecological surgery joins the readjustment process that this great global health crisis implies. In the light of current literature, the five steps towards its resilience are described as below; (1) Dynamic prioritization of surgical indications and reintroduction of elective surgeries: Diverse surgical prioritization lists are published including the most common gynecological pathologies. (2) Minimally invasive surgery through laparoscopy and robotic assistance: Some authors suggest a theoretical but unproven risk of viral transmission during these approaches because of the aerosol generation. These theories are opposed to the well-proven advantages of these approaches compared to open surgery. (3) Optimization of surgical procedures, according to the recommendations of different societies aimed at reducing the dispersion of aerosols and surgical smoke. (4) Clinical, epidemiological and microbiological screening of all patients awaiting prompt surgery: This screening should be adapted to the local alert state. (5) Protection through the reduction of number of persons present in the operating room, and the use of adapted personal protective equipment according to physical proximity to the patient.

The Efficacy and Safety of Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty as an Alternative to Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy

Jin Young Yoon,Román Turró Arau,The Study Group for Endoscopic Bariatric and Metabolic Therapies of the Korean Society of Gastrointe 대한소화기내시경학회 2021 Clinical Endoscopy Vol.54 No.1

Endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty (ESG) is a therapeutic endoscopic technique for reducing the size of the gastric reservoir in obesepatients, using a full-thickness endoscopic suturing device. The effectiveness of ESG in weight loss is significantly greater than that ofhigh-intensity diet and lifestyle therapy and lower than that of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG). The efficacy at 12 months afterESG in terms of percentage of total body weight loss and excess body weight loss was approximately 16% and 60%, respectively. Thewell-known predictive factors for increased weight loss by ESG are good compliance with regular monitoring and post-procedurecare involving a multidisciplinary team approach. Although the underlying mechanism of weight loss induced by ESG is debatable,delayed gastric emptying and early satiation are some of the proposed mechanisms. The pooled rate of adverse events after ESGreported in several meta-analysis studies ranged from 1.5% to 2.3% and the incidence of new-onset gastroesophageal reflux diseaseafter ESG was negligible, indicating that ESG has a superior safety profile to LSG. Moreover, ESG reduced the risk of obesity-relatedmetabolic comorbidities, evidenced by the reduction in HbA1c level, systolic blood pressure, triglyceride level, and risk of hepaticsteatosis and fibrosis; it even improved the quality of life. ESG could be considered safe and qualify as an alternative treatment toLSG.

Provision of a protein-rich supplement for grazing suckling female beef calves to improve productive performance and metabolic response

Moreno Deilen S,Ortega Román M,Marquez David C,Moreira Thiago R,Santos Edson J dos,Almeida Daniel M de,Paulino Mário Fonseca,Rennó Luciana Navajas,Detmann Edenio 아세아·태평양축산학회 2022 Animal Bioscience Vol.35 No.8

Objective: This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of the provision of a proteinrich supplement on productive performance, and metabolic profile on grazing suckling female beef calves in tropical conditions during 150 d of experimentation. Methods: Fifty-six Nellore suckling female calves, and their respective dams were distributed in a completely randomised design and made to undergo two treatments as follows: UNS (without supplementation), and SUP (supplementation with 5 g/kg body weight [BW] of a protein supplement). Throughout the experiment, animal performance and metabolic profile were evaluated. Also, ureagenesis and gluconeogenesis were assessed for gene expression. Results: SUP female calves showed a higher voluntary intake (p≤0.03) of the diet components evaluated, digestibility of organic matter (p≤0.02) and microbial nitrogen production (MICN; p≤0.02) compared to UNS female calves. In its turn, serum urea nitrogen (p≤0.01) and insulin-like growth factor-1 (p≤0.03) levels and ureagenesis (p≤0.04) increased in SUP female calves compared to UNS female calves. Blood glucose and triglyceride levels were not affected by supplementation. The average daily gain (ADG) from SUP female calves was higher (p≤0.02) compared with UNS female calves. However, supplementation did not affect the body measures of the animals. Conclusion: In summary, provision of a protein-rich supplement improves the intake and nutrients digestibility, ADG and final BW and increases metabolic indicators of the protein status in grazing suckling female beef calves in tropical conditions. Objective: This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of the provision of a protein-rich supplement on productive performance, and metabolic profile on grazing suckling female beef calves in tropical conditions during 150 d of experimentation.Methods: Fifty-six Nellore suckling female calves, and their respective dams were distributed in a completely randomised design and made to undergo two treatments as follows: UNS (without supplementation), and SUP (supplementation with 5 g/kg body weight [BW] of a protein supplement). Throughout the experiment, animal performance and metabolic profile were evaluated. Also, ureagenesis and gluconeogenesis were assessed for gene expression.Results: SUP female calves showed a higher voluntary intake (p≤0.03) of the diet components evaluated, digestibility of organic matter (p≤0.02) and microbial nitrogen production (MICN; p≤0.02) compared to UNS female calves. In its turn, serum urea nitrogen (p≤0.01) and insulin-like growth factor-1 (p≤0.03) levels and ureagenesis (p≤0.04) increased in SUP female calves compared to UNS female calves. Blood glucose and triglyceride levels were not affected by supplementation. The average daily gain (ADG) from SUP female calves was higher (p≤0.02) compared with UNS female calves. However, supplementation did not affect the body measures of the animals.Conclusion: In summary, provision of a protein-rich supplement improves the intake and nutrients digestibility, ADG and final BW and increases metabolic indicators of the protein status in grazing suckling female beef calves in tropical conditions.

Montmorillonite clay intercalated with nanoparticles for hydrogen storage

Fabiola Campos,Luis de la Torre,Manuel Román,A. García,A. Aguilar Elguézabal 한양대학교 세라믹연구소 2008 Journal of Ceramic Processing Research Vol.9 No.5

According to the expectations around the world concerning future of energy sources, hydrogen will be in a few years the most important energy carrier for stationary and mobile applications. Hydrogen storage is the bottleneck on the race to commercialize technologies based on the use of hydrogen, and specifically for mobile applications, the research goal for 2010 is to develop a device with at least 6% w/w of storage capacity. Highly porous carbon-based materials are among the most promising materials, with Carbon Molecular Sieves CMS) and Carbon Nanotubes (CNT) the most studied. In both cases materials are structured in such a way that hydrogen must diffuse along channels (micropores) where walls represent a restriction for the adsorption/desorption cycle. In this study, an alternative material is prepared by separation of clay layers with silica nanoparticles of diameter around 12 nm. The hydrogen storage capacity increased from 0.12 for untreated clay to 0.40% w/w for nanoassembled clay, measured at 77 K and atmospheric pressure, and according to intercalated clay characterization, almost all the surface available on the clay was exposed for adsorption. According to the expectations around the world concerning future of energy sources, hydrogen will be in a few years the most important energy carrier for stationary and mobile applications. Hydrogen storage is the bottleneck on the race to commercialize technologies based on the use of hydrogen, and specifically for mobile applications, the research goal for 2010 is to develop a device with at least 6% w/w of storage capacity. Highly porous carbon-based materials are among the most promising materials, with Carbon Molecular Sieves CMS) and Carbon Nanotubes (CNT) the most studied. In both cases materials are structured in such a way that hydrogen must diffuse along channels (micropores) where walls represent a restriction for the adsorption/desorption cycle. In this study, an alternative material is prepared by separation of clay layers with silica nanoparticles of diameter around 12 nm. The hydrogen storage capacity increased from 0.12 for untreated clay to 0.40% w/w for nanoassembled clay, measured at 77 K and atmospheric pressure, and according to intercalated clay characterization, almost all the surface available on the clay was exposed for adsorption.

Frequency spectra characterization of noncoding human genomic sequences

O. Paredes,Rebeca Romo‑Vázquez,Israel Román‑Godínez,Hugo Vélez‑Pérez,Ricardo A. Salido‑Ruiz,J. Alejandro Morales 한국유전학회 2020 Genes & Genomics Vol.42 No.10

Background Noncoding sequences have been demonstrated to possess regulatory functions. Its classifcation is challenging because they do not show well-defned nucleotide patterns that can correlate with their biological functions. Genomic signal processing techniques like Fourier transform have been employed to characterize coding and noncoding sequences. This transformation in a systematic whole-genome noncoding library, such as the ENCODE database, can provide evidence of a periodic behaviour in the noncoding sequences that correlates with their regulatory functions. Objective The objective of this study was to classify diferent noncoding regulatory regions through their frequency spectra. Methods We computed machine learning algorithms to classify the noncoding regulatory sequences frequency spectra. Results The sequences from diferent regulatory regions, cell lines, and chromosomes possessed distinct frequency spectra, and that machine learning classifers (such as those of the support vector machine type) could successfully discriminate among regulatory regions, thus correlating the frequency spectra with their biological functions Conclusion Our work supports the idea that there are patterns in the noncoding sequences of the genome.

Characterization of Cooked Meat Models using Grasshopper (Sphenarium purpurascens ) Soluble Protein Extracted by Alkalisation and Ultrasound as Meat-Extender

Salvador Osvaldo Cruz-López,Héctor Bernardo Escalona-Buendía,Angélica Román-Guerrero,Julieta Domínguez-Soberanes,Yenizey Merit Alvarez-Cisneros 한국축산식품학회 2022 한국축산식품학회지 Vol.42 No.3

The most abundant Orthoptera in Mexico is a small grasshopper (Sphenarium purpurascens) which is considered a food source with increased nutritional value due to its high protein content. Insect proteins have gained relevance because of their high potential as gelling, texturing, and extender agents in the food industry. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of substituting meat with a soluble protein extract from grasshopper obtained by alkalisation or alkalisation-piezoelectric ultrasound, on the techno-functional, physicochemical, and sensory characteristics of cooked meat models (sausages). The soluble protein was extracted in NaHCO3 pH 8 and a piezoelectric ultrasound 5-mm sonotrode at 20 kHz with 99% amplitude. Different formulations with meat substitution: 0%, 5%, 10%, and 15% were prepared and characterised for their rheological behaviour, emulsion stability, weight loss by cooking, total protein content, colour, and texture. Sensory evaluation was conducted with consumers using a test involving check-all-that-apply and overall liking. The alkalisation-piezoelectric ultrasound method improved the solubility and the techno-functional properties of the soluble grasshopper protein when applied in sausages at maximum levels of 10% meat substitution. The sensory evaluation indicated that the formulation with 5% meat substitution exhibited the same acceptability as the control sample. Given these results, the soluble protein treated with alkalisation and piezoelectric ultrasound could be used as an extender in meat products.