This paper describes the design and implementation of a low cost, contacless, reliable and sensitive direct torque measurement system applied to small single cylinder engine transient test cell. The ...experimental set-up consists of a three-phase induction machine, used as a transient a.c. dynamometer, and non-regenerative frequency inverter connected to an internal combustion engine. Coupling the engine to the dynamometer is by a low stiffness PA-6 nylon shaft with magnetic pickups at its ends. The sensors phase are zero when torque in PA-6 nylon shaft is null, adjusted in static conditions and engine/dynamometer turned off. Contactless torque measurement occurs by magnetic pickup phase difference during PA-6 nylon shaft torsion promoted by engine in operation. Engine speed is measurement by frequency of magnetic pickup signal. PA-6 nylon shaft torsion promotes a misalignment between sensors phase, proportional to torque application in both direction.The electronic capture unit using pulse train rising edge detection measures this phase change (time shift) in pulses. An embedded microcontroller development kit acquires the time-shifted pulses. This board has circuits for A/D signal conditioning, pulse width modulate channels, and a specific circuit for magnetic pickups signals conditioning, which can measure less then 0.09 Nm resolution, taking 96 time-shifts values. The design and implementation of all embedded electronics and data acquisition system follows electromagnetic compatibility premises, which have resulted in an adequate signal-to-noise ratio so that common and differential mode noises have not edges with amplitude approximately equal to the output magnetic sensors signals. The maximum measurement uncertainty associated with the contacless direct torque measurement system were calculated at 0.54% to 99% confidence interval.The performance is presented under different load conditions, defined by engine throttle position and the results are compared with the engine datasheet performance curves.
We present the results of a semicoherent search for continuous gravitational waves from the low-mass X-ray binary Scorpius X-1, using data from the first Advanced LIGO observing run. The search ...method uses details of the modeled, parametrized continuous signal to combine coherently data separated by less than a specified coherence time, which can be adjusted to trade off sensitivity against computational cost. A search was conducted over the frequency range 25- , spanning the current observationally constrained range of binary orbital parameters. No significant detection candidates were found, and frequency-dependent upper limits were set using a combination of sensitivity estimates and simulated signal injections. The most stringent upper limit was set at , with comparable limits set across the most sensitive frequency range from 100 to . At this frequency, the 95% upper limit on the signal amplitude h0 is marginalized over the unknown inclination angle of the neutron star's spin, and assuming the best orientation (which results in circularly polarized gravitational waves). These limits are a factor of 3-4 stronger than those set by other analyses of the same data, and a factor of ∼7 stronger than the best upper limits set using data from Initial LIGO science runs. In the vicinity of , the limits are a factor of between 1.2 and 3.5 above the predictions of the torque balance model, depending on the inclination angle; if the most likely inclination angle of 44° is assumed, they are within a factor of 1.7.
Studies in population genetics suggest an important relationship between the eNOS G894T polymorphism and occurrence of acute myocardial infarction (AMI), with little known on its influence on the ...post-AMI period.
To investigate the association of allelic variants produced by the G894T transversion in eNOS (rs1799983) with post-AMI variables.
Cross-sectional analyses of anthropometric, clinical and laboratory assessments obtained within the first 24h and after 5 and 30days of the AMI event across T carriers and G homozygotes of eNOS in 371 consecutive cases of AMI with ST-segment elevation admitted to a Brazilian emergency service in cardiology. Genotypes were determined by polymerase chain reaction followed by enzymatic restriction.
Despite no difference between genotypic groups on aspects as Killip–Kimbal classification scores, extension of infarcted mass, lipid profile or pattern of medication use, an increase in serum nitric oxide from admission to day 5 was higher for T carriers (p<0.001). Thirty days post-AMI, peripheral blood flow reserve was larger among T carriers either by flow- (p=0.037) and nitrate-mediated (p=0.040) dilation testing.
Our results suggest an association of the eNOS 894T allele with an apparent improvement in late arterial function in post-AMI patients.
•894T carriers of eNOS have higher blood flow reserve after myorcardial infarction.•Also, 894T carriers show increased rise in nitric oxide post-infarction levels.•The 894T allele apparently improves post-infarction late arterial properties.
Understanding the genetic control of internode length is essential to develop more compact winter squash genotypes. Our objective was to elucidate the genetic control of internode length before and ...after emergence of the first female flower in winter squash, Cucurbita moschata. This was done by estimating the linear and quadratic genetic components and using the maximum likelihood estimation function. The parents used were the long-vined accession BGH 7319 (P1) and the compact cultivar 'Tronco Verde' (P2). The F1 plants from this cross were self-fertilized to obtain the F2 generation, and then they were backcrossed with P1 and P2 to obtain generations BC1 and BC2, respectively. By examining the linear and quadratic genetic components of variations in internode length, we found evidence of dominance effects both before and after flowering, with a reversal in dominance after flowering. Using maximum likelihood, we observed that the internode length before flowering was controlled by one major gene with additive and dominance effects, while the internode length after flowering was controlled by multiple genes with additive and dominance effects, plus environmental effects. Based on these results, strategies using backcrosses for introgression of the major gene controlling this trait before flowering and recurrent selection for introgression of the polygenes involved in trait control after flowering are recommended.
Human bocavirus 1 (HBoV1) is associated with respiratory infections worldwide, mainly in children. Similar to other parvoviruses, it is believed that HBoV1 can persist for long periods of time in ...humans, probably through maintaining concatemers of the virus single-stranded DNA genome in the nuclei of infected cells. Recently, HBoV-1 was detected in high rates in adenoid and palatine tonsils samples from patients with chronic adenotonsillar diseases, but nothing is known about the virus replication levels in those tissues. A 3-year prospective hospital-based study was conducted to detect and quantify HBoV1 DNA and mRNAs in samples of the adenoids (AD), palatine tonsils (PT), nasopharyngeal secretions (NPS), and peripheral blood (PB) from patients undergoing tonsillectomy for tonsillar hypertrophy or recurrent tonsillitis. HBoV1 was detected in 25.3% of the AD samples, while the rates of detection in the PT, NPS, and PB samples were 7.2%, 10.5%, and 1.7%, respectively. The viral loads were higher in AD samples, and 27.3% of the patients with HBoV had mRNA detectable in this tissue. High viral loads and detectable mRNA in the AD were associated with HBoV1 detection in the other sample sites. The adenoids are an important site of HBoV1 replication and persistence in children with tonsillar hypertrophy. The adenoids contain high HBoV1 loads and are frequently positive for HBoV mRNA, and this is associated with the detection of HBoV1 in secretions.
High quality is recommended for drinking water to prevent the transportation of pathogenic bacteria. To ensure its quality, different technologies are applied, and copper-silver ionization is used to ...maintain the microbiological quality. However, considering that the characteristics of this source vary in different scenarios, it was proposed to evaluate the efficacy of copper-silver ionization for the disinfection of drinking water in Tumbes, Peru. For this evaluation, the physicochemical and microbiological parameters of drinking water were tested at different lengths of copper-silver ionization treatment (10, 20 and 30 minutes). Water samples were collected from 20 houses located in urban areas of Tumbes city where Cu-Ag ionizers (Necon GmbH) were installed. The application of Cu-Ag ionization reduced the microbiological load in the water samples, keeping them below the Peruvian permissible limits (mesophilic bacteria < 500 CFU/100 mL and coliforms < 0 CFU/100 mL). However, in samples with a high microbial load and high electrical conductivity, the microbial load was not completely diminished. Cu-Ag ionization considerably improved the microbiological quality of the water, but some physical parameters, such as pH and electrical conductivity, must be taken into account to further improve the results.
Estimating genetic parameters in plant breeding allows us to know the population potential for selecting and designing strategies that can maximize the achievement of superior genotypes. The ...objective of this study was to evaluate the genetic potential of a population of 20 cowpea genotypes by estimating genetic parameters and path analysis among the traits to guide the selection strategies. The trial was conducted in randomized block design with four replications. Its morphophysiological components, components of green grain production and dry grain yield were estimated from genetic use and correlations between the traits. Phenotypic correlations were deployed through path analysis into direct and indirect effects of morphophysiological traits and yield components on dry grain yield. There were significant differences (P < 0.01) between the genotypes for most the traits, indicating the presence of genetic variability in the population and the possibility of practicing selection. The population presents the potential for future genetic breeding studies and is highly promising for the selection of traits dry grain yield, the number of grains per pod, and hundred grains mass. A number of grains per green pod is the main determinant trait of dry grain yield that is also influenced by the cultivar cycle and that the selection for the dry grain yield can be made indirectly by selecting the green pod mass and green pod length.
It is not well established whether the increased number of leukocytes in the seminal fluid impairs the outcomes of assisted reproductive technology (ART). This investigation analysed the outcomes of ...the intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) and intracytoplasmic morphologically selected sperm injection (IMSI) cycles in couples in which the male partner exhibited leukocytospermia.
A total of 100 cycles in 100 couples were included in this study. For the ICSI or IMSI procedures, the patients were divided into two groups according to the presence or absence of leukocytospermia and then matched by (female) age: ICSI: Group I (n = 25): Leukocytospermia - semen samples with a leukocyte count of greater than or equal to 1 × 10(6)/mL; and Group II (n = 25): Non-leukocytospermia - semen samples with a leukocyte count < 1 × 10(6)/mL. IMSI: Group I (n = 25): Leukocytospermia; and Group II (n = 25): Non-leukocytospermia.The endpoints included the rates of fertilisation, implantation, clinical pregnancy, miscarriage, ongoing pregnancy and live birth. Student's t-tests, Mann-Whitney tests and Chi-square tests were performed, and P < 0.05 was considered significant.
The data from the ICSI groups showed that leukocytospermia did not have a negative influence on the rates of fertilisation (Group I: 57.9+/-30.2%, Group II: 61.9+/-27.7%; P = 0.74), implantation (Group I: 12.3%; Group II: 13.5%; P = 0.93), clinical pregnancy (Group I: 24%; Group II: 24%; P = 1.0), miscarriage (Group I: 0, Group II: 0), ongoing pregnancy (Group I: 24%; Group II: 24%; P = 1.0), or live births (Group I: 24%; Group II: 24%; P = 1.0). Similarly, the data from the IMSI groups also showed that the leukocytospermia did not have a negative influence on the rates of fertilisation (Group I: 67.6+/-24.6%, Group II: 59.5+/-28.1%; P = 0.36), implantation (Group I: 17.5%; Group II: 16.7%; P = 0.90), clinical pregnancy (Group I: 28%; Group II: 24%; P = 1.0), miscarriage (Group I: 14.3%; Group II: 0; P = 0.33), ongoing pregnancy (Group I: 24%; Group II: 24%; P = 1.0), or live births (Group I: 24%, 6/25; Group II: 24%, 6/25; P = 1.0).
The results indicate that the leukocytospermia may not have a negative effect on the outcomes of ICSI or IMSI cycles. Nevertheless, it seems that it is necessary to more precisely determine the effects, if any, of seminal leukocytes on fertilisation and implantation processes. Such efforts will help to establish a more reliable leukocyte threshold, which could eventually demonstrate whether there is a negative influence on the ART procedures.
Celotno besedilo
Dostopno za:
DOBA, IZUM, KILJ, NUK, PILJ, PNG, SAZU, SIK, UILJ, UKNU, UL, UM, UPUK
Several dilution conditions techniques are used in internal combustion engines to increase fuel economy and reduce pollutant emissions, primarily nitrogen oxide (NOX), which are generated by the ...thermal pathway. Among the techniques, we can highlight air dilution (lean combustion) and exhaust gas recirculation (EGR). The control of these operations using different types of fuels and biofuels and their peculiarities, are of fundamental importance to remove the maximum efficiency from the process, generating the lowest level of emission and respecting the current legislation. Although several studies have achieved interesting results for reducing emissions and knocks thanks to the dilution of the air, it has been observed that the diluent without oxygen is more efficient. Although air dilution has a slightly lesser effect than EGR, this mode of operation can help to understand the dynamics of engine load dilution, mainly due to the complexity of EGR tests on research engines. Therefore, as a background, tests were carried out experimentally with air dilution in order to understand the behavior for the prediction of future tests with EGR. The tests were performed with hydrated ethanol and speeds of 1500 rpm and 2500 rpm. It was possible to observe that with increasing dilution, there is a gradual increase in the variability of the burn and its displacement to the region close to the inlet valve. It was observed that the dilution provided a decrease in the formation of NOX and CO and an increase in hydrocarbon emissions. Increased rotation due to increased turbulence causes changes in emission values.
Cotton blue disease is an aphid-transmitted cotton disease described in Brazil in 1962 as Vein Mosaic "var. Ribeirão Bonito". At present it causes economically important losses in cotton crops if ...control measures are not implemented. The observed symptoms and mode of transmission have prompted researchers to speculate that cotton blue disease could be attributed to a member of the family Luteoviridae, but there was no molecular evidence supporting this hypothesis. We have amplified part of the genome of a virus associated with this disease using degenerate primers for members of the family Luteoviridae. Sequence analysis of the entire capsid and a partial RdRp revealed a virus probably belonging to the genus Polerovirus. Based on our results we propose that cotton blue disease is associated with a virus with the putative name Cotton leafroll dwarf virus (CLRDV).
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