Automatic inspection planning within a feature-based CAD system

This paper describe a CIM system which incorporates automatic generation of inspection on plans for coordinate measuring machines (CMMs). Design is done in terms of form features. Associated with each feature are inspection plan fragments (IPFs) which are instances of inspection procedures. There are three basic types of plan fragments for CMMs: (1) fragments for checking the internal dimensions of a feature, (2) fragments for checking the relationships between features, and (3) modified fragments for use when the feature to be inspected intersects another feature. Using this approach, a list of suitable inspection points and approach vectors is generated. A path planner then combines the elements of the list to produce a valid inspection path for the CMM. The system is consistent with the accepted ANSI Y14.5M standard for dimensioning and tolerancing as well as with observed industrial practice.     

The use of neuronal networks on multielectrode arrays as biosensors

Mammalian spinal neuronal networks growing on arrays of photoetched electrodes in culture provide a highly stable system for the long-term monitoring of multichannel, spontaneous or evoked electrophysiological activity. In the absence of the homeostatic control mechanisms of the central nervous system, these networks show remarkable sensitivities to minute chemical changes and mimic some of the properties of sensory tissue. These sensitivities could be enhanced by receptor up-regulation and altered by the expression of unique receptors. The fault-tolerant spontaneous network activity is used as a dynamic platform on which large changes in activity signify detection of chemical substances. We present strategies for the expression of novel supersensitivities to foreign molecules via genetic engineering that involves the grafting of ligand binding cDNA onto truncated native receptor DNA and the subsequent expression of such chimeric receptors.     

Long-term prognosis of breast cancer: an analysis of 462 patients in a general hospital in south east Netherlands

In this study the long-term prognosis was analysed of all 462 consecutive female breast cancer patients who were diagnosed and carefully staged between 1970 and 1980 in a 600-bed community hospital in Eindhoven, south east Netherlands. Follow-up of recurrence and causes of death was obtained until 1 January 1993. Observed survival rates at 5, 10 and 20 years were 66%, 45% and 32%, respectively, and the corresponding breast cancer-specific survival rates were 71%, 54% and 44%. The yearly risk for a recurrence of breast cancer after treatment steadily decreased from 10% the first year to 1% after 10 years. In a multivariate survival analysis both tumour size and nodal status appeared to be equally important prognostic factors in the first 5 years after diagnosis. After 5 years only tumour size had independent prognostic value, which was not significant any more after 10 years. In patients with a tumour size < or = 2 cm and without lymph node involvement at diagnosis, the risk for a recurrence was found to be negligible after 10 years. Those patients may be considered cured, although a search for early diagnosis of a second primary breast cancer in this group is still advisable.     

Functioning of the porcine pituitary-adrenocortical axis during neonatal development

A study was conducted with neonatal boars to measure age-related changes in functioning of the pituitary-adrenocortical axis. Pigs were randomly assigned to control (n = 7-10/age) or treated (1-min restraint, n = 9-11/age) groups to be sampled at either 12, 19, or 26 days of age. Blood samples were taken via catheter 10 min before and 3, 10, and 20 min after restraint or at similar time intervals in controls. One day later, pigs were killed and adrenal glands obtained for ACTH receptor measurements. Basal plasma ACTH concentrations were greatest (p = 0.035) on day 12 when compared with later ages, but basal plasma cortisol concentrations were comparable at the three ages. Compared with controls, restraint elevated incremental plasma ACTH and cortisol responses at each age (p < 0.004). On day 12, maximal plasma ACTH (p = 0.0006) and incremental cortisol (p < 0.006) responses to restraint were greater than at later ages. Binding to adrenal ACTH receptors was greatest (p < 0.05) at day 13, which may help explain the apparently increased in vivo response of the adrenal gland to ACTH at this time. Restrained pigs had increased growth rates with increasing age (p = 0.016) whereas growth rates for control pigs did not differ with age. At day 27, 24 h after the 1-min restraint, body weights of restrained pigs exceeded those of control pigs (p = 0.045). At day 20, adrenal DNA and protein in pigs restrained 24 h previously were greater than in control pigs (p < 0.05). These data suggest age-related changes in functioning of the pituitary-adrenal axis in neonatal boars, and an absence of period during neonatal life when the porcine pituitary adrenocortical axis cannot respond to a stressor. The data also indicate both rapid and long-term responses of the adrenal to a very modest stressor and suggest an extreme sensitivity of neonatal pigs to environmental perturbations.     

Uptake of pre-emergent herbicides by corn: distribution in plants and soil

We experienced an uncommon case of coronary sinus atrial septal defect, which was not associated with a left superior vena cava (LSVC). A 29-year-old woman, who experienced fatigue during moderate exercises, was found to have the atrial septal defect located in the lower part of the septum by echocardiography preoperatively. On operation, the coronary sinus ASD was diagnosed. The ostium of coronary sinus was located in the left atrium. This type is classified as partially unroofed coronary sinus without LSVC. Our case, in the absence of the LSVC, was repaired by simple closure of the coronary sinus ASD, so the coronary veins drained into the left atrium. Postoperative course was uneventful.     

Cardiovascular adjustments to high- and low-intensity exercise do not regulate temporary threshold shifts

Sixteen adults cycled for 10 min at low and high intensities--with and without noise. The noise consisted of a 1/3 octave band-filtered noise with a 2,000 Hz center frequency at 104 dB SPL. Regardless of whether or not noise was present, systolic blood pressure increased 14% and 40% above rest during low- and high-intensity exercise, respectively. Heart rate also increased above rest (36% and 90%) during low- and high-intensity exercise, respectively. Temporary threshold shifts (TTS) at 3,000, 4,000 and 6,000 Hz could not be differentiated following low- and high-intensity exercise when noise was not present. We report significant TTS at the three frequencies following 10 min of noise exposure with or without low- or high-intensity exercise. TTS was not influenced by either the 14-40% increase in blood pressure or the 36-90% increase in heart rate induced by exercise. The inability of noise alone to influence either blood pressure or heart rate appears to implicate systems other than the cardiovascular in the regulation of hearing sensitivity.