Highest Pr Research Articles

Reproductive potential and implant loss in female hamadryas baboons (Papio hamadryas) previously contracepted with melengestrol acetate contraceptive implants at AZA institutions.

Melengestrol acetate (MGA) implants are a progestin-based reversible contraceptive used to manage fertility in animals. MGA implants are recommended for replacement every 2 years; however, reproduction may be suppressed longer if implants are not removed. In this study, we investigated whether the probability of reproducing (pR) differed among nonimplanted females, females with MGA implants removed, and females whose implants were not removed. In addition, since implant loss in hamadryas baboons is a concern, we explored whether female age, institution, implant placement year, implant location, or implant placement type (intramuscular vs. subcutaneous) differed for females whose implants were lost compared to those that were not. The pR differed significantly across all three treatment conditions with the nonimplanted group having the highest pR. The pR plateaued at 63% after 40 months for the implant-removed group compared to 96% after 84 months in the nonimplanted group. There was no reproduction after contraception if implants were not removed (7.83-45.53 months). In the nonimplanted group, pR was significantly higher for older and parous females. In terms of implant loss, we found that implant placement type was significantly associated with implant loss, such that there were fewer losses when implants were placed intramuscularly (IM) as compared to subcutaneously. Our results suggest that placing MGA implants IM is likely to reduce loss. When loss is prevented, MGA implants are an effective form of contraception and are reliably reversibly in most individuals when removed. However, if not removed, they can prevent reproduction longer than 2 years.

Effect of initiator on the catalytic performance of zinc(II) complexes supported by aminomethylquinoline and aminomethylpyridine derived ligands in stereoselective ring opening polymerization of rac-lactide

Zinc(II) complexes, namely [LnZnCl2] (Ln = LA–LD) supported with N,N'-bidentate aminomethylquinoline and aminomethylpyridine derived ligands, such as 2-(piperidin-1-ylmethyl)quinoline (LA), 4-(quinolin-2-ylmethyl)morpholine (LB), 2-(piperidin-1-ylmethyl)pyridine (LC), and 4-(pyridin-2-ylmethyl)morpholine (LD), were synthesized and structurally characterized. The structural data revealed that distorted tetrahedral geometries are adopted by Zn(II) metal ions by coordinating with corresponding ligands in a bidentate fashion. Catalytic studies conducted with these complexes in the presence of initiating reagents, i.e., LiMe, LiOCHMe2, and LiCl, showed that they can initiate ring-opening polymerization (ROP) of rac-lactide (rac-LA). All the tested initiators were active, with the in situ catalytic systems of [LnZnCl2] and [LiMe] displaying marked differences in the initiation, polymerization rate and control toward ROP of rac-LA compared to the in situ catalytic systems of [LnZnCl2] and [LiOiPr], giving an 87% conversion of rac-LA within 30 sec using [rac-LA]:[LBZnCl2]:[LiMe] = 100:1:2 at 0 ℃. Polylactides (PLAs) obtained were of low molecular weights with slightly higher polydispersity indices (PDI = 1.21–1.25) in all cases regardless of the initiating Zn(II) system and variations in ancillary ligands. Overall, the higher hetero-enriched PLAs were provided by the in situ catalytic systems of [LnZnCl2] and [LiMe] (the highest Pr up to 0.86 at 0 ℃) compared to that with the in situ system of [LnZnCl2] and [LiOiPr].

Optimization of ultrasound-homogenization combined extraction of phenolics in peony roots and leaves

Paeonia ostii is the representative of oil-utilized peony, its roots (PR) and leaves (PL) are discarded as by-products, resulting in a waste of resources. The exploration of extraction process of active ingredients from PR/PL is beneficial to the comprehensive utilization. In this work, the optimum process of Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction (UAEo) of total flavonoids content (TFC) from PR and PL was determined by single factor and response surface methodology. The results showed that UAEo was 80 min, 1:5 g/mL, 250 W, 33.83 mg Rutin/g dw for PR and 60 min, 1:10 g/mL, 250 W, 25.85 mg Rutin/g dw for PL. Then, Homogenization-Assisted Extraction (HAE), Homogenization-Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction (HUAEo) and Ultrasound-Homogenization-Assisted Extraction (UHAEo) were further analyzed. The highest PR(PL)-TFC by HUAEo at homogenization 5 min was 49.58 ± 0.25 mg/g with an increase of 46.6% (33.02 ± 0.04 mg/g with an increase of 27.7%). The highest PR/PL-total phenolic content by the HUAEo reached 77.84 ± 0.52 mg/g dw and 146.62 ± 2.77 mg/g dw for homogenization 3 min. However, there was no significant difference between HUAEo and UHAEo. In conclusion, the TFC increased with the extension of HAE time, and the combined extraction was higher yield than the single extraction.

Design and simulation of standalone solar PV system using PVsyst Software: A case study

Solar energy is quick creating source of energy in all over the world. The total installed solar power in India till 30th April 2020 is 34811.78 MW. This paper presents the study of load requirement in mechanical department office in engineering college Bikaner and accordingly, designing and installation of stand-alone solar PV System. Analysis of performance ratio and losses has also been done using PVsyst simulation software. The average annual energy requirement in the department of mechanical engineering office is 1086.24 kWh and the energy available through solar panel is 1143.6 KWh, whereas energy supplied to the user is 1068.12 kWh a little less than the required load. The reduced power capacity of the system is because of different kinds of losses. The performance ratio analysis reveals that the highest PR was recordedin themonth of December is 86% and lowest PR,64% was obtained in the month of April, whereas the average PR for year is 72.8%. The reduced power capacity of the system is because of different kinds of losses.

Fabrication of Al2O3-coated BiFeO3 particles and fine-grained ceramics with improved electric properties

(1-x)BiFeO3@xAl2O3 ceramics with x = 0, 2.5, 5, and 7.5 mol% were prepared via the Stober coating method. The effects of Al2O3 coating on microstructure, dielectric, and ferroelectric properties had been investigated. At x = 5 and 7.5, the samples had a great Al2O3-coating effect. XRD results indicated that excessive Al2O3 coating increased the formation of secondary phases (Bi2Fe4O9 and Bi24A12O39). At x = 7.5, the sample had the highest relative density (95.8%) and lowest loss tangent (0.02 at 1 kHz ). Compared with the pure BiFeO3 sample, the Al2O3-coated samples had improved Bi-O strength and less oxygen vacancy, and the reduction of Fe3+ was decreased. The leakage current density decreased gradually. At x = 5, the sample had the highest Pr value (1.53 µC/cm2). These electric properties changes were ascribed to the generation of secondary phases, the fine grains, and the fewer vacancies.

Monitoring the form of resistance of populations of schools of culture and culture to the insecticide

Goal. To study the toxicity of the modern variety of insecticides from different classes of chemical substances at the level of the mean concentration (СК50, %) of the active substance for the common cereal aphids, cabbage flea, rape blossom weevil, common spider mite. Based on these data to determine the rate of resistance of natural populations of these species of phytophagous arthropods to insecticides.
 Methodology. The sensitivity of phytophagous arthropods was studied on natural populations collected on crops of winter wheat, canola, soybeans in the Kiev region in 2015—2018. For the poisoning of cereal aphids and mites using the method of immersion of the populated lists wheat and soybeans, and flea beetles and pollen beetle — dip them in a gauze bag for 3 seconds in the appropriate solution of insecticides. Were taken 24 hours after poisoning. Toxicological parameters were calculated by using Proban.
 Results. Identifies the different sensitivity of the natural arthropod populations to current insecticides. In terms of the mean concentration (СК50, %) of the active substance rapeseed pollen beetle were most sensitive to Configure, while the rest of the drugs is almost the same. Over the years research is more resistant to Decis Profi turned ordinary spider mites. This pest was a higher resistance.
 Conclusions. The sensitivity of arthropods to insecticides of different chemical classes depends on the characteristics of the pest and the properties of the drug. Indicators of resistance are determined by the biology of the phytophage and terms of use of insecticide. The highest PR was observed for polyvoltine species (aphids, mites). Low levels of resistance to phytophagous pyrethroid insecticides can be explained by two factors: a smaller volume of use or reversion (return of chuvstvitelnosti to the initial level).

Experimental outdoor performance evaluation of photovoltaic plant in a Sahara environment (Algerian desert)

This paper present the experimental study of the pilot photovoltaic plant installed in the desert environment in the region of Ghardaia (32.26N°, 03.46E°) per season and per sky condition (sunny, partly cloudy and cloudy) based on the measurements quantities (meteorological and electrical data) which are obtained from the PV grid-connected system site. The main goal of this study is to investigate the impact of season and sky conditions on the performance of grid-connected PV system. This study was carried out in applied research unit for renewable energies (URAER). The assessed factors of the PV installation include energy output, reference yield YR, array yield YA, final yield YF, array losses LC, system losses LS and performance ratio PR. The experimental results are presented and discussed well in sunny and cloudy. The results show that the highest PR was in winter due to the low average ambient temperature and irradiation; the maximum values of reference yield, array yield, and final yield were in summer day due to high level of daily solar irradiation. In addition, the performance of the grid-connected PV system does not completely depend on solar radiation, but depends on other environmental effects such as ambient temperature but less than the solar radiation.

Influence of Crystallization Temperature on Structural, Ferroelectric, and Ferromagnetic Properties of Lead-Free Bi0.5(Na0.8K0.2)0.5TiO3 Multiferroic Films

Lead-free Bi0.5(Na0.8K0.2)0.5TiO3 (abbreviated as BNKT) films have been synthesized via a sol-gel technique on Pt/Ti/SiO2/Si substrates, and the dependence of the physical properties in BNKT films were investigated as a function of the crystallization temperature. The BNKT films were annealed at different temperatures (600, 650, 700, and 750°C) for 60 min in the air. The results of this study showed that the optimal crystallization temperature is 700°C. At this, the BNKT films exhibited a single perovskite phase structure and high-dense surface. Besides, the remanent (Pr) and maximum (Pm) polarization reached their highest values of 9.2 µC/cm2 and 30.6 µC/cm2, respectively. All the films showed a weak ferromagnetic behavior with the maximum saturated magnetization (Ms) of 2.1 emu/cm3. These values are equivalent to the highest Pr and Pm values in previous reports on lead-free films.

Using Dynamic Cone Penetrometer Tester to Determine CBR and Bearing Pressures of Subsurface Soils in Parts of Owerri, Southeastern Nigeria

Using dynamic cone penetrometer tester (DCPT) to determine the CBR and bearing pressure of subsurface soils in parts of Owerri, southeastern Nigeria were investigated in this study. Six (6) DCPT were measured to the depth of 6 m. The data obtained from field DCP test was plotted on the graph of penetration resistance (mm/blow) versus penetration depth (m); which revealed the soil profile of three layers with different penetration consistencies and resistances. The highest PR (mm/blow) recorded was 11.4 mm/blow and the lowest is 55.5 mm/blow. The layers encountered during the measurement ranges from loose, medium and dense soils, where the average thicknesses of loose layers ranges from 0.1 to 0.5 m, medium layers 0.5 to 3.0 m and dense layers 3.0 to 6 m. The average CBR values recorded at interval of 1m to 6 m depths are as follows: 5%, 8%, 12%, 15%, 16% and 16%. Accordingly, the averages bearing pressures calculated were 104.8 KN/m2, 165.5 KN/m2, 231.9 KN/m2, 283.3 KN/m2, 291.5 KN/m2 and 301.1 KN/m2. It shows significant increase in strength with depths.

Using Dynamic Cone Penetrometer Tester to Determine CBR and Bearing Pressures of Subsurface Soils in Parts of Owerri, Southeastern Nigeria

Using dynamic cone penetrometer tester (DCPT) to determine the CBR and bearing pressure of subsurface soils in parts of Owerri, southeastern Nigeria were investigated in this study. Six (6) DCPT were measured to the depth of 6 m. The data obtained from field DCP test was plotted on the graph of penetration resistance (mm/blow) versus penetration depth (m); which revealed the soil profile of three layers with different penetration consistencies and resistances. The highest PR (mm/blow) recorded was 11.4 mm/blow and the lowest is 55.5 mm/blow. The layers encountered during the measurement ranges from loose, medium and dense soils, where the average thicknesses of loose layers ranges from 0.1 to 0.5 m, medium layers 0.5 to 3.0 m and dense layers 3.0 to 6 m. The average CBR values recorded at interval of 1m to 6 m depths are as follows: 5%, 8%, 12%, 15%, 16% and 16%. Accordingly, the averages bearing pressures calculated were 104.8 KN/m2, 165.5 KN/m2, 231.9 KN/m2, 283.3 KN/m2, 291.5 KN/m2 and 301.1 KN/m2. It shows significant increase in strength with depths.

Piezoelectric and Ferroelectric Properties of KNbO<sub>3</sub> Added Bi<sub>0.5</sub>Na<sub>0.5</sub>TiO<sub>3</sub> Ceramics

The fabrication of lead-free (1-x)Bi0.5Na0.5TiO3 - xKNbO3 or (1-x)BNT-xKN ceramics where x = 0.00, 0.05, 0.10, and 0.15 was carried out by the modified two-step mixed oxide method. The effects of KNbO3 on structure, piezoelectric and ferroelectric properties were systematically investigated. XRD results revealed that the (1-x)BNT-xKN ceramics with low KN content of x less than 0.05 contained ferroelectric phase with a rhombohedral symmetry while the ceramics with x = 0.05 possessed pseudocubic structure. The higher KN content (x ≥ 0.10) ceramics had symmetries rhombohedral structure. At room temperature, the highest Pr and low Ec were obtained when the composition of x = 0.05. Moreover, the results showed the moderate KN addition could enhance the piezoelectric response. The d33 of 0.95BNT-0.05KN reached as high as 125 pC/N.

Operational power performance of south-facing vertical BIPV window system applied in office building

The purposes of this study are to analyze the power efficiency of BIPV system under actual operating condition and to reveal the factors of performance decrease through annual monitoring of the south-facing vertical BIPV window system (the capacity of 10.6kWp) whose performance was affected by partial shading.The study first investigated the monthly PR of each inverter to verify what caused the decrease in power performance by analyzing PR variation. Then, the shading analysis was performed using a simulation to analyze the capture loss of measured power performance and ultimately to find out the effect by partial shading components such as small overhang louvers of each floor, obstructions of adjacent building, and nearby hillock.The one-year measurement of the power performance showed that the annual average reference yield was 2.15h/day and the final yield was 1.52h/day; moreover, it was analyzed that the annual average capture loss was 0.49h/day and the system loss was 0.14h/day. Monthly average reference yield in summer (between April and August) showed only 1.28h/day which was 54% lower than the other seasons with average 2.77h/day. The annual average of PR was 0.69 (the monthly maximum of 0.77 and minimum of 0.58); the average PR in the summer with low reference yield was 0.64, while the average PR for other seasons was 0.73. Whereas monthly variation of LS (system loss) did not show big difference of under 9%, monthly LC (capture loss) highly varied with fluctuation. These primarily arise from the effect of the partial shading and vertically installed angle of south-facing BIPV modules.The BIPV system consisted of four arrays and installed on the same south façade. However, the power performance analysis per array showed that each array had different performances. The arrays located above the facade had the highest PR, from 0.74, 0.75, 0.66, and 0.62 respectively in order. In addition, LS and LC analysis of each array showed that there was performance difference mainly by LC, due to the influence of an adjacent building located in the south.The analysis using the simulation showed the adjacent building did not cast any shading but affected on decrease in diffuse solar radiation whose amount was depending on the array location. When it comes to the lowest array, nearly 7% of annual insolation was blocked by front building. The shading analysis, furthermore, revealed that the overhang louvers caused a partial shading problem in spite of short extrusion of 40mm depth all through the year, and particularly, showed a big effect during summer because of high solar altitude. The extruded louvers caused decrease in 4.5% of average insolation loss over the year.

Surface Morphologies of PVDF-TrFE/MgO Nanocomposite Thin Films and its Effect on the Ferroelectric Properties

The enhancement of ferroelectric and dielectric properties of PVDF-TrFE by incorporating various percentages of Magnesium Oxide (1 – 7%) for spin coated nanocomposite thin film was demonstrated. Observations showed uniform distribution and low agglomeration of MgO in the PVDF-TrFE nanocomposite thin film, especially for 3% MgO. Additionally, the 3% MgO incorporated into PVDF-TrFE had generated the highest Pr (88 mC/m2) and dielectric constant (13.6) in comparison other percentage compositions. However, the addition of more than 3% MgO filler loading caused a reduction in the ferroelectric and dielectric properties of the nanocomposite thin films.

Pathological responses after angiogenesis or EGFR inhibitors in metastatic colorectal cancer depend on the chemotherapy backbone.

Background:Optimal preoperative treatment before colorectal cancer metastases (CRCM) resection remains unclear. This study evaluated pathological responses (pR) in CRCM resected after chemotherapy alone or combined with angiogenesis or epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitors.Methods:Pathological response was retrospectively evaluated on 264 resected metastases from 99 patients. The proportion of responding metastases after different preoperative treatments was reported and compared. Patient's progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were compared based on pR.Results:The combination of anti-angiogenics with oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy resulted in more pR than when they were combined with irinotecan-based chemotherapy (80% vs 50% P<0.001). Inversely, the combination of EGFR inhibitors with oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy seemed to induce fewer pR than when they were combined with irinotecan-based treatment (53% vs 72% P=0.049). Overall survival at 5 years was improved for patients with a pR in all resected metastases compared with those who did not achieve a pR (68.5% vs 32.6% P=0.023) and this response was the only factor predicting OS in a multivariate analysis.Conclusion:The chemotherapy partner combined with angiogenesis or EGFR inhibitors influenced pR in resected CRCM. In our exploratory analysis anti-angiogenic/oxaliplatin-based regimens and anti-EGFR/irinotecan-based regimens were associated with the highest pR. Prospective randomised trials should be performed to validate these observations.

들잔디에 오버씨딩 시 한지형 잔디의 피복율과 초종전이

Research was initiated to evaluate cool-season grass (CSG) overseeding effects on coverage and species transition in Korean lawngrass (Zoysia japonica Steud.) and to determine CSGs and their seeding rate for a practical overseeding. Treatments were comprised of Kentucky bluegrass (KB, Poa pratensis L.), perennial ryegrass (PR, Lolium perenne L.), tall fescue (TF, Festuca arundinacea Schreb.) and their mixtures. Significant differences were observed in turfgrass coverage and species transition. Since overseeding, the coverage was highest in PR, followed by TF and lowest in KB. The highest coverage in polystand was associated with Mixture IV (TF 50 + PR 50) at a seeding rate of 150 g m -2 which had highest PR and TF, but without KB. Regarding turfgrass transition, zoysiagrass recovery continued to come back up to 80% from late March. But it reduced after early October. Zoysiagrass in monostand was greatest in KB and lowest in TF, but variable in polystand. For the fast and great coverage in winter, it would be the best to apply with PR at 100 g m -2 and equal combination of PR and TF by 1/2 in the mixture at 150 g m -2 . For the smooth spring transition to zoysiagrass, however, KB application at 50 g m -2 is recommended.

Quantitative gene expression by RT-PCR in the tubular, cribriform, mucinous, and papillary histologic subtypes of invasive breast cancer.

10 Background: ER+ special histologic breast cancer subtypes are prognostically significant. Here we report the special histologic subtypes of ER+ breast carcinoma and associated patterns of observed gene expression as measured by the 21 gene OncotypeDX assay. Methods: All tumors from 6/1/04-5/31/12 were included in analyses. Central path used WHO criteria. Ductal NOS (DC), tubular (TC), cribriform (CC), mucinous (MC) and papillary (PC) carcinomas were included. Quantitative expression of 16 cancer related genes was measured on a scale from 2 to 15 (relative to reference genes) where a 1 unit increment is associated with ~2-fold change in expression. Recurrence Score (RS) was calculated as published. Descriptive stats for the RS and individual genes [ER, PR, invasion gene group (IGG) and proliferation gene group (PGG)] were obtained. Comparisons of means were adjusted to control the overall error rate under any complete or partial null hypothesis. Results: DC accounted for 95.1%, TC 0.7% , CC 0.3%, MC 3.1% and PC 0.7% of 246,555 cases. For all types a wide continuous range of RS was noted. DC had the highest mean RS, followed in decreasing order by MC, TC, CC and PC. PC had the highest ER and PC and CC the highest PR. TC had the lowest ER. ER was not different between CC and MC but PR was. The proportion with ER+/PR- phenotype was different among the subtypes: TC (8.1%) and CC (7.1%) had the lowest incidence whereas MC (12.9%) and PC (10.3%) were more similar to DC (14.1%). TC had lowest PGG expression. MC and PC had lower IGG expression compared to other subtypes. Conclusions: The special subtypes had a wide continuous range of RS: DC had the highest mean RS, followed in decreasing order by MC, TC, CC and PC. PC had the highest ER and PC and CC the highest PR. TC had the lowest ER (may reflect submission bias). ER was not different between CC and MC but PR was. The proportion with ER+/PR- phenotype was different among the subtypes: TC and CC had the lowest incidence, MC and PC were more similar to DC. TC had the lowest PGG expression. MC and PC had lower IGG expression. [Table: see text]

Human papilloma virus (HPV) in man – does infected sperm plays a role in male infertility?

male partners between the groups were not statistically different. The group with the highest ratio of normal morphology seemed to have the highest PR as expected. On the contrary, it was noticeable that there was no pregnancy in patients with severe teratospermia below 4% strict normal morphology. Although the PRs between the groups were not significantly different, the PRs showed linear increasing pattern according to the increase of normal morphology. CONCLUSION: Severe teratospermia seemed to have the detrimental effect on the PRs in IUI in couples with otherwise normal semen parameters in this study. In case of severe teratospermia, we may skip IUI to get proper PR.

Effect of Prandtl Number on Free Convection in a Solar Collector Filled with Nanofluid

Numerical study of the influence of Prandtl number on free convection flow phenomena in a solar collector having glass cover plate and sinusoidal absorber is done. The working fluid is water-Al2O3 nanofluid. The cover plate has initially constant temperature Th, while bottom absorber is at temperature Tc, with Th > Tc. The remaining walls are considered adiabatic. By Penalty Finite Element Method the governing differential equations with boundary conditions are solved. The effect of the Prandtl number on the flow pattern and heat transfer has been depicted. Comprehensive average Nusselt number, average temperature and mean velocity inside the collector are presented as a function of the governing parameter mentioned above. The highest Pr causes the greatest heat transfer. The enhancing performance of heat transfer rate is more effective for the water-Al2O3 nanofluid than the base fluid.

The effects of sintering temperature and content of x on phase formation, microstructure and dielectric properties of (1−x)(Bi0.4871Na0.4871La0.0172TiO3)−x(BaZr0.05Ti0.95O3) ceramics prepared via the combustion technique

(1−x)(Bi0.4871Na0.4871La0.0172TiO3)−x(BaZr0.05Ti0.95O3) ceramics (abbreviated (1−x)BNLT−xBZT) where 0.1≤x≤0.3 were fabricated by the combustion technique using glycine as fuel. BNLT and BZT powders were calcined at temperatures of 825 °C for 4 h and 925 °C for 6 h, respectively. After that they were mixed with the different compositions. It was found that the optimum sintering temperature of (1−x)BNLT−xBZT ceramic was obtained at 1125 °C for 2 h. This ceramic had the highest density. The structure of the (1−x)BNLT−xBZT ceramics exhibited the co-existence of tetragonal and rhombohedral phases with x≤0.1. The tetragonality increases with the increase of x content. The average grain size, the density and the Curie temperatures decrease with increasing x content. The maximum dielectric constant and the highest Pr were at about 4850 and 12.7 μC/cm2, respectively, and were obtained by the 0.85BNLT−0.15BZT sample.

Influence of Ca substitution on microstructure and electrical properties of Ba(Zr,Ti)O3 ceramics

In the present work, lead-free (Ba1−xCax)(Zr0.04Ti0.96)O3 (x=0.00–0.09) ceramics were fabricated via a solid-state reaction method. The microstructure and electrical properties of the ceramics were investigated. The microstructure of the BCZT ceramics showed a core shell structure at compositions of x=0.03 and 0.06. The substitution of small amount of Ba2+ by Ca2+ resulted in an improvement of the piezoelectric, dielectric and ferroelectric properties of the ceramics. The orthorhombic–tetragonal phase transition was found in the composition of x≤0.03. Piezoelectric coefficient of d33∼392pC/N and lowest Ec∼3.3kV/cm with highest Pr∼14.1μC/cm2 were obtained for the composition of x=0.03 while its Curie temperature (TC) was as high as 125°C. However, the ferroelectric to paraelectric transition temperature had slightly shifted towards room temperature with increasing Ca2+ concentration.