Structural proteins of the cytoskeleton as markers for determining tumor histogenesis

The data of literature about the structure of cytoskeleton proteins in the normal and malignant cells are analyzed. The possibilities of using a specific polyclonal serum and a monoclonal antibody for a more precise ascertainment of the origin and diagnostic of tumours are discussed. The intermediate and active filaments may be used as a new class of histochemical markers. Laminin, the protein of basement membranes, probably, plays an important role in metastatic spreading.     

A psychological study of advanced manufacturing technology: the concept of coupling

The role played by technology as a discrete independent variable in shaping the design of work is explored. The concept of coupling is developed and an empirical study of work with advanced manufacturing technology (AMT), using measurement scales derived from this concept, is outlined. Results indicate that operators of tightly coupled AMT perceive stronger supervisory influence on their working methods and show signs of lower intrinsic job satisfaction and poorer mental health than operators of more loosely coupled AMT. Implications for job redesign are discussed.     

The incremental stiffness of an assembly of particles

Summary The problem of fairly densily packed particles with rate independent though otherwise arbitrary interaction is investigated in two dimensions. It is shown that slow changes in a statistically uniform medium in the pre-failure deformation state can be described by a stiffness tensor. An approximate expression for this tensor is obtained from first principles. The connection with the perfectly random heterogeneous medium is established. A simple example for round rough particles in an isotropic packing of four contacts is given.With 8 Figure     

Relation of registration with yield and termination of first lactation in dairy goats

First lactation records of 9941 Alpine, 2383 LaMancha, 11,203 Nubian, 3714 Saanen, and 4649 Toggenburg dairy goat does were obtained from the USDA to evaluate relation of registration (purebred, American, or grade) with lactation yield traits (mature equivalent milk and fat yields) and with reason for termination of lactation (normal, sold for dairy, or culled). Does were grouped by age at first kidding (11 through 16 mo or 21 through 26 mo) and by calendar year (1976 through 1978, 1979 through 1981, or 1982 through 1984). Data were analyzed within breed and year group for yield traits and within breed for reason of termination. Registration and age at first kidding accounted for little variation in mature equivalent milk and fat yields or in reason for termination.     

Excitation and Detection of Nonlinear Waves on a Charged Surface of Liquid Hydrogen

A new technique for exciting nonlinear waves on a charged surface of liquid hydrogen is described. Methods of optical detection of surface oscillations in experiments on capillary turbulence at frequencies of up to 10 kHz are discussed. The results of a study of capillary waves on the surface of liquid hydrogen are presented.     

PCR-based procedures in detection and DNA-fingerprinting of Salmonella from samples of animal origin

The usefulness of selected PCR-protocols for the detection of Salmonella in 117 samples of animal origin (17 raw minced meat, 27 raw chicken meat, 8 raw sausages, and 25 egg samples, as well as 18 poultry faecal, and caecal swabs samples) and DNA-fingerprinting typing is shown. To establish an accurate PCR-procedure for Salmonella detection the following parameters were evaluated: two pre-PCR concentration procedures, centrifugation and immunomagnetic separation (IMS) using Dynabeads anti- Salmonella; the specificity and sensitivity of 10 sets of primers; and different conditions of the amplification reaction. In light of the results obtained from the use of PCR-based procedures alone or in combination with conventional methods, the following findings can be underlined: First, IMS is more efficient than centrifugation in the recovery of Salmonella. Second, the selected IMS/PCR-detection protocol is less time-consuming (45 h) than the IMS/culture procedure (90 h), and a good concordance between them was found when the Kappa coefficient was calculated (0·87). Third, PCR-ribotyping technique showed a very low discrimination power, being able to differentiate only three profiles. Fourth, RAPD technique using specific primers supports previous works in which it was proposed as a simple and useful tool for discriminating isolates between and within serotypes. Fifth, The efficiency, rapidity, and flexibility of the PCR-protocols applied were high, and they can be performed using two PCR-programs and the same basic equipment.     

Some Regularities of Heat and Mass Transfer in the Case of Fire Within a Building

Results of a numerical investigation of heat and mass transfer at the initial stage of fire within a building in combustion of kerosene, carried out with the use of a three-dimensional mathematical field model, are presented. A comparison of the distribution of the averaged temperatures and velocities along the vertical axis of the convective column and of the mass rates of gas flows through an open opening with the experimental data has been made. Substantial three-dimensional inhomogeneities of the velocities and the temperatures in the near-ceiling layer have been revealed. It has been established that near the opening there is a critical separation zone which influences significantly the parameters of natural gas transfer.     

Predicting the performance of concrete structures exposed to chemically aggressive environment—Field validation

The behavior of two series of concrete slabs exposed to sulfate-bearing soils was investigated by a numerical model called STADIUM. In addition to the diffusion of ions and moisture, the model also accounts for the effects of dissolution/precipitation reactions on the transport mechanisms. The simulations yielded by the model were compared to the actual degradation of the slabs after 8 years of exposure. The microstructural alterations of concrete resulting from the penetration of magnesium, chloride and sulfate ions were studied by backscatter mode scanning electron microscope observations and energy-dispersive X-ray analyses. The comparison of both series of data indicates that the model can reliably predict the various features of the microstructural alterations of concrete.

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Résumé Le comportement de deux séries de dalles sur sol en béton exposées à des sols chimiquement agressifs a été étudié à l'aide d'un code de calcul numérique appelé STADIUM. Ce modèle permet de décrire le transport couplé de l'eau et des ions dans des matériaux poreux non-saturés en prenant en considération l'influence des réactions chimiques. Les résultats des simultations de la dégradation du béton après huit ans d'exposition à des ions chlore, sulfate et magnésium. Les observations ont été réalisées par microscopie électronique à balayage. Des analyses par dispersion des rayons X ont également été effectuées. Les données démontrent clairement que le modèle perment de prédire avec précision le comportement du béton soumis à différents types d'agression chimique.

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Editorial Note Laval University (Canada) is a RILEM Titular Member. Prof. J. Marchand was awarded the 2000 Robert L'Hermite Medal. He is Editor in Chief for Concrete Science and Engineering and Associate Editor for Materials and Structures. He participates in RILEM TC 186-ISA ‘Internal Sulfate attack’.     

Multifactor Experiments under Superdeep-Penetration Conditions

Consideration is given to the possibility of controlling the efficiency of the process of superdeep penetration of a high-velocity microstriker flux into metal obstacles due to the employment of ballast elements in the jet and to additional supply of energy in compression by an explosive charge along the external perimeter.