Supercritical water oxidation of a model fecal sludge without the use of a co-fuel.

A continuous supercritical water oxidation reactor was designed and constructed to investigate the conversion of a feces simulant without the use of a co-fuel. The maximum reactor temperature and waste conversion was determined as a function of stoichiometric excess of oxygen in order to determine factor levels for subsequent investigation. 48% oxygen excess showed the highest temperature with full conversion. Factorial analysis was then used to determine the effects of feed concentration, oxygen excess, inlet temperature, and operating pressure on the increase in the temperature of the reacting fluid as well as a newly defined non-dimensional number, NJa representing heat transfer efficiency. Operating pressure and stoichiometric excess oxygen were found to have the most significant impacts on NJa. Feed concentration had a significant impact on fluid temperature increase showing an average difference of 46.4°C between the factorial levels.

Effect of Mulligan's and Kinesio knee taping on adolescent ballet dancers knee and hip biomechanics during landing.

Taping is often used to manage the high rate of knee injuries in ballet dancers; however, little is known about the effect of taping on lower-limb biomechanics during ballet landings in the turnout position. This study investigated the effects of Kinesiotape (KT), Mulligan's tape (MT) and no tape (NT) on knee and hip kinetics during landing in three turnout positions. The effect of taping on the esthetic execution of ballet jumps was also assessed. Eighteen pain-free 12-15-year-old female ballet dancers performed ballet jumps in three turnout positions, under the three knee taping conditions. A Vicon Motion Analysis system (Vicon Oxford, Oxford, UK) and Advanced Mechanical Technology, Inc. (Watertown, Massa chusetts, USA) force plate collected lower-limb mechanics. The results demonstrated that MT significantly reduced peak posterior knee shear forces (P = 0.025) and peak posterior (P = 0.005), medial (P = 0.022) and lateral (P = 0.014) hip shear forces compared with NT when landing in first position. KT had no effect on knee or hip forces. No significant differences existed between taping conditions in all landing positions for the esthetic measures. MT was able to reduce knee and the hip forces without affecting the esthetic performance of ballet jumps, which may have implications for preventing and managing knee injuries in ballet dancers.

A unique case of penile necrotizing fasciitis secondary to spontaneous corpus cavernosal abscess.

Corpus cavernosal abscess and necrotizing fasciitis occur rarely, and precipitating factors can usually be elicited with careful history and examination. Whilst both conditions share common risk factors such as diabetes mellitus, this is the first reported case of penile necrotizing fasciitis secondary to spontaneous corpus cavernosal abscess in an otherwise healthy patient. A 32-year-old man presented with 4-day history of swollen, painful penis, with ultrasound confirming corpus cavernosal abscess. Biopsies were taken and the cavity aspirated, but, despite intravenous antibiotics, he developed penile necrotizing fasciitis necessitating open cavernostomy and debridement. The overlying skin defect healed by secondary intention, but the patient experienced persistent postoperative erectile dysfunction, so he was referred for penile prosthesis insertion.

Rosette-forming glioneuronal tumor of the fourth ventricle in an elderly patient.

Rosette-forming glioneuronal tumor of the fourth ventricle (RGNT) is a rare condition, which previously has been described predominantly in middle-aged patients. There is limited experience with this kind of tumor in the elderly. Clinical, neuroimaging, and histological features of an example in a 70-year-old male who presented initially with vertigo are detailed and compared with published cases. Neuroimaging studies demonstrated a 4-cm cystic lesion in posterior fossa containing a 1-cm contrast-enhancing nodule on its lateral margin. The lesion was confined to the fourth ventricle and initially thought to be a hemangioblastoma until angiography clarified the minimal tumor vascularization. Gross total resection was achieved. Pathological examination showed a rosette-forming low grade tumor with a cell proliferation rate of 2% being consistent with RGNT. The postoperative course was uneventful and clinical symptoms resolved completely. There was no tumor recurrence after 2 years follow-up. We confirm that the rare and only recently characterized tumor entity of RGNT can also be found in elderly patients; furthermore, it can be associated with a benign course. The main differential diagnosis of RGNT resulting from CNS-imaging modalities in elderly patients are pilocytic astrocytoma and hemangioblastoma of the posterior fossa, which after metastasis are the most common primary adult intra-axial posterior fossa tumors. Therefore, a subtle preoperative radiological diagnosis is warranted and surgery should be performed by experienced hands to avoid neurological deterioration.

Underwater digital holography for studies of marine plankton.

Conventional and digital holographies are proving to be increasingly important for studies of marine zooplankton and other underwater biological applications. This paper reports on the use of a subsea digital holographic camera (eHoloCam) for the analysis and identification of marine organisms and other subsea particles. Unlike recording on a photographic film, a digital hologram (e-hologram) is recorded on an electronic sensor and reconstructed numerically in a computer by simulating the propagation of the optical field in space. By comparison with other imaging techniques, an e-hologram has several advantages such as three-dimensional spatial reconstruction, non-intrusive and non-destructive interrogation of the recording sampling volume and the ability to record holographic videos. The basis of much work in optics lies in Maxwell's electromagnetic theory and holography is no exception: we report here on two of the numerical reconstruction algorithms we have used to reconstruct holograms obtained using eHoloCam and how their starting point lies in Maxwell's equations. Derivation of the angular spectrum algorithm for plane waves is provided as an exact method for the in-line numerical reconstruction of digital holograms. The Fresnel numerical reconstruction algorithm is derived from the angular spectrum method. In-line holograms are numerically processed before and after reconstruction to remove periodic noise from captured images and to increase image contrast. The ability of the Fresnel integration reconstruction algorithm to extend the reconstructed volume beyond the recording sensor dimensions is also shown with a 50% extension of the reconstruction area. Finally, we present some images obtained from recent deployments of eHoloCam in the North Sea and Faeroes Channel.

A complex fistula caused by an eroding pelvic mesh sling.

Pelvic mesh slings are increasingly used to create abdomino-pelvic partitions. This procedure is usually safe and carries low morbidity and mortality rates. However, we report a case of a 60-year-old male with a history of an abdomino-perineal resection for a low rectal carcinoma followed by adjuvant radiotherapy, who presented with an entero-vesicle-cutaneous fistula as a result of the polypropylene mesh eroding into his small bowel. He had to have a total cystectomy, small bowel resection and mesh removal in order to alleviate his symptoms.

IP core implementation of a self-organizing neural network.

This paper reports on the design issues and subsequent performance of a soft intellectual property (IP) core implementation of a self-organizing neural network. The design is a development of a previous 0.65-/spl mu/m single silicon chip providing an array of 256 neurons, where each neuron stores a 16 element reference vector. Migrating the design to a soft IP core presents challenges in achieving the required performance as regards area, power, and clock speed. This same migration, however, offers opportunities for parameterizing the design in a manner which permits a single soft core to meet the requirements of many end users. Thus, the number of neurons within the single instruction multiple data (SIMD) array, the number of elements per reference vector, and the number of bits of each such element are defined by synthesis time parameters. The construction of the SIMD array of neurons is presented including performance results as regards power, area, and classifications per second . For typical parameters (256 neurons with 16 elements per reference vector) the design provides over 2 000 000 classifications per second using a mainstream 0.18-/spl mu/m digital process. A RISC processor, the array controller (AC), provides both the instruction stream and data to the SIMD array of neurons and an interface to a host processor. The design of this processor is discussed with emphasis on the control aspects which permit supply of a continuous instruction stream to the SIMD array and a flexible interface with the host processor.

Cytoreductive nephrectomy: is it a realistic option in patients with renal cancer?

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the role of cytoreductive nephrectomy (CRN) in improving survival in patients with renal cell cancer. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The case-notes of 268 consecutive patients who presented to our specialized renal cancer clinic between 1998 and 2001 were reviewed. All patients with metastatic disease were assessed for CRN. If their primary tumour was considered operable, they were assessed further using the European Cooperative Oncology Group performance score; only patients with a performance score of 0 or 1 were considered for surgery. RESULTS: In all, 168 patients underwent nephrectomy with curative intent for M0 disease and 11 were treated conservatively. Ninety-four patients with M+ disease (mean age 65 years, range 38-80) were considered for CRN. Thirty-eight patients had an inoperable primary. Of the remaining 56 patients, 20 had a performance status of 0 or 1 and were offered CRN. CONCLUSION: Metastatic disease at presentation occurred in 34% of all patients referred; 40% patients had an inoperable primary and 38% had a performance score of > or =2. With an active policy of considering all patients for CRN, only 7% of those with renal cancer were suitable for this procedure. CRN is unlikely to have a significant effect on overall survival within a population of patients with renal cancer.

Sequence of the genomic RNA of nudaurelia beta virus (Tetraviridae) defines a novel virus genome organization.

The monopartite genome of Nudaurelia beta virus, the type species of the Betatetravirus genus of the family Tetraviridae, consists of a single-stranded positive-sense RNA (ss+RNA) of 6625 nucleotides containing two open reading frames (ORFs). The 5' proximal ORF of 5778 nucleotides encodes a protein of 215 kDa containing three functional domains characteristic of RNA-dependent RNA polymerases of ss+RNA viruses. The 3' proximal ORF of 1836 nucleotides, which encodes the 66-kDa capsid precursor protein, overlaps the replicase gene by more than 99% (1827 nucleotides) and is in the +1 reading frame relative to the replicase reading frame. This capsid precursor is expressed via a 2656-nucleotide subgenomic RNA. The 3' terminus of the genome can be folded into a tRNA-like secondary structure that has a valine anticodon; the tRNA-like structure lacks a pseudoknot in the aminoacyl stem, a feature common to both genera of tetraviruses. Comparison of the sequences of Nudaurelia beta virus and another member of the Tetraviridae, Helicoverpa armigera stunt virus, which is in the genus Omegatetravirus, shows identities of 31.6% for the replicase and 24.5% for the capsid protein. The viruses in the genera Betatetravirus and Omegatetravirus of the Tetraviridae are clearly related but show significant differences in their genome organization. It is concluded that the ancestral virus with a bipartite genome, as found in the genus Omegatetravirus, likely evolved from a virus with an unsegmented genome, as found in the genus Betatetravirus, through evolution of the subgenomic RNA into a separate genomic component, with the accompanying loss of the capsid gene from the longer genomic RNA.

Specificity and effects of host resistance on the African tick Rhipicephalus zambeziensis (Acarina: Ixodidae).

Repeated infestations of the rabbit with adult Rhipicephalus zambeziensis ticks resulted in a ten-fold reduction in engorgement weight of adult ticks and a significant decline in engorgement weight of nymphs. There was no evidence of cross-resistance against the South African bont tick, Amblyomma hebraeum. Immunization of rabbits with crude extracts of whole-tick protein significantly influenced engorgement weights and oviposition rates of adult R. zambeziensis. Histological studies of tissues from R. zambeziensis adults fed on resistant rabbits showed severe gut damage; this was associated with the binding of host IgG to mid-gut cells.

Cell-free translation and identification of the replicative form of Nudaurelia beta virus RNA.

Larvae of the pine emperor moth, Nudaurelia cytherea capensis, infected with Nudaurelia beta virus (N beta V) consistently contained one species of dsRNA. This dsRNA was the correct size to be the replicative form of the N beta V genome and, in Northern blots, it hybridized with 32P-end-labelled virion RNA. Other smaller dsRNAs were obtained in a non-reproducible manner but these had no sequences in common with the genomic probe; no dsRNAs were observed in extracts from virus-free larvae. Cell-free translation of N beta V RNA resulted in the synthesis of only one major polypeptide, of Mr about 71,000, which could not be precipitated by an anti-N beta V serum.

The three-dimensional structure of frozen-hydrated Nudaurelia capensis beta virus, a T = 4 insect virus.

The three-dimensional structure of Nudaurelia capensis beta virus (N beta V) was reconstructed to 3.2-nm resolution from images of frozen-hydrated virions. The distinctly icosahedral capsid (approximately 40-nm diameter) contains 240 copies of a single 61-kDa protein subunit arranged with T = 4 lattice symmetry. The outer surface of unstained virions compares remarkably well with that previously observed in negatively stained specimens. Inspection of the density map, volume estimates, and model building experiments indicate that each subunit consists of two distinct domains. The large domain (approximately 40 kDa) has a cylindrical shape, approximately 4-nm diameter by approximately 4-nm high, and associates with two large domains of neighboring subunits to form a Y-shaped trimeric aggregate in the outer capsid surface. Four trimers make up each of the 20 planar faces of the capsid. Small domains (approximately 21 kDa) presumably associate at lower radii (approximately 13-16.5 nm) to form a contiguous, non-spherical shell. A T = 4 model, constructed from 80 trimers of the common beta-barrel core motif (approximately 20 kDa) found in many of the smaller T = 3 and pseudo T = 3 viruses, fits the dimensions and features seen in the N beta V reconstruction, suggesting that the contiguous shell of N beta V may be formed by intersubunit contacts between small domains having that motif. The small (approximately 1800 kDa), ssRNA genome is loosely packed inside the capsid with a low average density.

Artificial intelligence in the diagnosis of low-back pain and sciatica.

In a prospective trial of 200 patients with low-back pain or sciatica, the diagnostic performance of a computer was compared with that of a clinician in a variety of clinical settings. The results indicate that artificial intelligence techniques can be used for the differential diagnosis of low-back disorders, can outperform clinicians, and can be used to develop better methods of human differential diagnosis.

Urease activity of Brucella species.

Examination of the urease activity of 604 brucella strains showed a limited correlation with species. Most strains of B canis, B neotomae and B suis gave a positive urease reaction within 15 minutes, although some exceptions were noted. A substantial proportion of strains of B abortus and B melitensis also hydrolysed urea as rapidly as most B suis strains. Although most B ovis strains were negative to the urease test, 28.9 per cent of those examined gave positive reactions.

Biodegradable serum albumin polymers for the sustained release of virus antigens in vaccines. A preliminary report.

In an experimental vaccine, virus particles were chemically cross-linked into rabbit serum albumin beads. This vaccine was injected into rabbits without adverse reactions and the humoral antibody levels achieved were comparable to those obtained using virus emulsified in Freund's adjuvant. The antibodies produced were capable of neutralizing virus infectivity.

Disc electrophoresis of phenol:acetic acid:water-soluble proteins for the identification of Yersinia species.

Disc electrophoresis of phenol:acetic acid:water extracts of Yersinia pestis, Y produced pseudotuberculosis, Y enterocolitica, Y philomiragia and Y ruckeri protein separation patterns characteristic of each species. The patterns produced by Y pestis, Y pseudotuberculosis, Y enterocolitica and Y ruckeri showed features in common. Those given by Y philomiragia strains were quite distinctive and showed little similarity to the other Yersinia species. All Y enterocolitica strains produced similar patterns irrespective of biochemical properties. Strains classified as Y intermedia or Y enterocolitica-like produced patterns indistinguishable from those given by Y enterocolitica.