Transputer control of hydraulic actuators and robots

The paper reports and discusses results from a Danish mechatronic research program focusing on intelligent actuators for intelligent motion control. A mechatronic test facility with a transputer controlled hydraulic robot suitable for real-time experimentation and evaluation of control laws and algorithms is described. Concepts of intelligent motion control and intelligent hydraulic actuators are proposed. Promising experimental path-tracking results obtained from model-based adaptive control algorithms are presented and discussed. The experiments confirm that transputers have significant advantages in intelligent control of actuators and robots for high-speed and high-precision tasks. Further, research on learning controllers and hybrid controller architecture, including real-time switching between control algorithms, benefits from applying transputer technology     

Identification of a human homologue of the Schizosaccharomyces pombe rad17+ checkpoint gene

In the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe the rad17+ gene is required for both the DNA damage-dependent and the DNA replication-dependent cell cycle checkpoints. We have identified a human cDNA homologue of the S. pombe rad17+ checkpoint gene, designated Hrad17. Hrad17 has 49% identity to the S. pombe rad17+ sequence at the DNA level and 49% identity and 72% similarity at the amino acid level. Northern blot analysis indicates elevated levels of expression in testis and in cancer cell lines. Chromosomal localization by fluorescence in situ hybridization indicates that Hrad17 is located on chromosome 4q13.3-21.2. This region is subject to loss of heterozygosity in several human cancers. To begin to understand the protein-protein interactions of the human checkpoint machinery, we have used the yeast two-hybrid system to examine potential interactions between Hrad1, Hrad9, and Hrad17. We demonstrate a physical interaction between Hrad17 and Hrad1 but no interaction with Hrad9.     

Comments on Transient analysis of stored charge in neutral baseregion [and reply]

The commenter addresses questions raised in the above-titled paper by K. Suzuki et al. (ibid., vol.39, p.1164-9, May 1992) concerning the validity of bipolar transistor models using the partitioned-charge (PC) approach for transient simulations. Suzuki et al. assert that the concept of charge partitioning applies only to discharge transients and thus the charge-partition ratio depends on the sign of the emitter-base voltage gradient, which, if true, would greatly reduce the utility of PC-based models. The commenter shows that this is not the case and that their conclusion is due only to a misinterpretation of the PC model. The authors reply     

Low pH enhances the transfer of carotene from carrot juice to olive oil

A current model for carotenoid transport and absorption in the gut proposes an initial solubilization in the oil phase of dietary emulsions followed by incorporation of the carotenoids in mixed bile salt micelles. To assess the relevance of the first stage of this model to what is observed in vivo we have examined the transfer of carotene from carrot juice to olive oil. Increased acidity enhanced the transfer from both whole juice and carotene crystals isolated from carrot chromoplasts. The transfer was significantly slower from whole juice. By using exogenous beta-carotene and measuring its transfer to oil in the presence and absence of carrot juice we have demonstrated that the inhibition of the transfer in juice arises, at least in part, from soluble juice factors. The inhibition is relieved by a fall in pH, which leads to lowering of the electric potential at the oil/aqueous phase interface and aggregation of carrot tissue including crystalline carotene. Under conditions of low pH, oil droplets adhere to the tissue aggregates, allowing carotene to pass into the oil. Our results provide an explanation for why carotene absorption in vivo is depressed by conditions of low gastric acidity.     

Vacuum electronics

This paper explores the recent history and diversity of this remarkable technology, with emphasis on recent advances in the more traditional device types (traveling-wave tube and klystron), as well as more recent innovations such as the microwave power module, inductive output amplifier, fast-wave devices, ultrahigh-power sources, and RF vacuum microelectronics. These advances can be credited to a combination of device innovation, enhanced understanding gained through improved modeling and design, the introduction of superior materials and sub-assembly components and the development of advanced vacuum processing and manufacturing techniques     

Late effects of radiation therapy for prostate carcinoma: the patient''s perspective of bladder, bowel and sexual morbidity

Wound repair is characterized by the presence of a fibrin-rich matrix, but the effect of fibrin on re-epithelialization remains unclear. In this study, we determined the effects of different fibrin matrices on cultured human neonatal keratinocytes. Using purified fibrinogen and fibrin gels generated by the enzymatic action of thrombin, batroxobin (it leads to retention of fibrinopeptide B), or Agkistrodon contortrix thrombin-like enzyme (ACTE; it leads to retention of fibrinopeptide A), we determined the effect of each of these matrices on keratinocyte morphology, attachment, spreading, and replication as compared to tissue culture plastic. Morphologically, keratinocytes seeded on fibrin surfaces were more rounded and formed three-dimensional structures. Specific cell attachment, as measured at either 37 degrees C or 4 degrees C, was not altered on the different fibrin substrates (P > .05) but was increased on fibrinogen and factor XIII cross-linked fibrin (P < .01). However, keratinocytes seeded on fibrin, regardless of the presence or absence of fibrinopeptides A or B, showed a marked decrease (up to 71%) in cell numbers by days 5 (P = .0357) and 10 (P = .0114). Keratinocyte spreading was decreased by 78.8% (P = .0006), 80.3% (P = .0001), and 89.2% (P = .0001) on thrombin-, batroxobin-, and ACTE-generated fibrin, respectively, but not on fibrinogen-coated dishes. However, either the addition of fibronectin or cross-linking of fibrin with factor XIII allowed full keratinocyte spreading to occur (P = .0002 and P = .0013, respectively). We conclude that fibrin inhibits keratinocyte spreading in the absence of other matrix or plasma proteins or cross-linking by factor XIII.     

A reinforcement-based Therapeutic Workplace for the treatment of drug abuse: Three-year abstinence outcomes.

Long-term Therapeutic Workplace effects were evaluated in heroin- and cocaine-dependent, unemployed, treatment-resistant young mothers. Participants were paid to work or to train in the Therapeutic Workplace but had to provide drug-free urine samples to gain daily access. Participants (N=40) were randomly assigned to a Therapeutic Workplace or usual care control group. Therapeutic Workplace participants could work for 3 years. Relative to controls, Therapeutic Workplace participants increased cocaine (28% vs. 54% negative; p=.04) and opiate (37% vs. 60% negative; p=.05) abstinence on the basis of monthly urine samples collected until 3 years after intake. The Therapeutic Workplace can be an effective long-term treatment of cocaine and heroin addiction in poor and chronically unemployed young mothers. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Relation between the number of image planes and the accuracy of three-dimensional echocardiography for measuring left ventricular volumes and ejection fraction

The relation between accuracy of 3-dimensional echocardiography (3DE) in determining left ventricular end-diastolic volume, end-systolic volume, and ejection fraction (compared with magnetic resonance imaging) and the number of component planes used for 3DE ventricular reconstruction was evaluated in 41 adult subjects with normal (n = 24) and abnormal (n = 17) left ventricles. Accuracy and confidence of 3DE gradually increased with use of additional component planes, so that > or = 10 planes from both parasternal and apical windows provided 3DE reconstructions that accurately predict magnetic resonance imaging-measured left ventricular volumes and ejection fraction with confidence.     

Older drivers and road safety: the acceptability of a range of intervention measures

A survey questionnaire was used to ascertain the views of 1932 UK drivers aged between 50 and 90 on a range of measures designed to promote safer driving among the elderly. Factor analysis of the items produced six factors, relating to statistically distinct types of measure. Differences in acceptability on the basis of age and sex were explored. Ratings of the effectiveness of each measure revealed little consensus about which measures would be most effective. Compulsory re-testing after a driving ban, a police power to require an assessment of the driving of anyone observed driving in a risky manner, and a requirement for opticians to report to the licensing authority any driver with sight problems likely to affect driving emerged as the individual measures offering the best combination of acceptability and perceived effectiveness.