Magnetometric determination of the angular position of an object

A method is described for finding the angular position of an object by measuring at two selected points in space the components of an alternating magnetic field set up by two sources. The angular position of the object and its coordinates can be measured even if the object is moved or rotated about any axis through 0 to 360° in the presence of magnetic interference. Translated from Izmeritel'naya Tekhnika, No. 12, pp. 34–37, December, 1996.     

Neural networks for contract bridge bidding

The objective of this study is to explore the possibility of capturing the reasoning process used in bidding a hand in a bridge game by an artificial neural network. We show that a multilayer feedforward neural network can be trained to learn to make an opening bid with a new hand. The game of bridge, like many other games used in artificial intelligence, can easily be represented in a machine. But, unlike most games used in artificial intelligence, bridge uses subtle reasoning over and above the agreed conventional system, to make a bid from the pattern of a given hand. Although it is difficult for a player to spell out the precise reasoning process he uses, we find that a neural network can indeed capture it. We demonstrate the results for the case of one-level opening bids, and discuss the need for a hierarchical architecture to deal with bids at all levels.     

A preliminary investigation into the microscopic depassivation of passive titanium implant materials in vitro

A sensitive electrochemical technique has been used to examine the passive state of titanium-based materials in Ringer's physiological solution. At ambient temperature, the alloy Ti-6Al-4V shows transient microscopic breakdown of the passive state induced by the presence of chloride ions, and enhanced by increased acidity. These breakdown events involve highly localized depassivation of the passive surface followed by repassivation. Under similar experimental conditions no breakdown of passive titanium was detected.     

Reconstitution of CD3 zeta coupling to calcium mobilization via genetic complementation

The integrity of the T cell receptor complex (CD3-TCR) transduction machinery is central to T cell development and to T cell effector function. Molecular dissection of the multimeric CD3-TCR complex revealed that at least two associated polypeptides, CD3 zeta and CD3 epsilon, autonomously couple antigenic recognition event to early and late events of the intracytoplasmic activation cascade. A 18-amino acid motif based on a tandem YXXL stretch, the activation receptor homology sequence 1 (ARH-1) motif, is necessary and sufficient to the transducing properties of both CD3 zeta and CD3 epsilon. Stimulation of chimeric molecules made of ecto- and transmembrane domains of various cell surface proteins and intracytoplasmic domains of CD3 epsilon or CD3 zeta leads to an increase in the intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) in Jurkat cells. We describe here that a similar CD25/zeta chimeric molecule was unable to induce a detectable [Ca2+]i rise upon CD25 cross-linking once expressed in the murine thymoma BW-. A Ca2+ influx could, however, be triggered in BW- cells by thapsigargin, i.e. following depletion of Ca2+ stores. Somatic cell hybrids made from BW- and either thymocytes or mature lymph node T cells reconstituted the coupling of CD3 zeta to the Ca2+ signal via an ARH-1 motif-dependent pathway. However, pervanadate-induced Ca2+ mobilization, a phenomenon attributed to tyrosine phosphorylation, was impaired in BW-cells and reconstituted in hybridomas. In contrast to the Ca2+ response, IL-2 production was induced in both BW- and hybrids cells, which questions the functional relevance of [Ca2+]i augmentation in T cell activation. In conclusion, the properties of the BW- thymoma, which define a novel group of CD3 zeta transduction cell mutants, as well as its complementation by somatic cell fusion demonstrate that this cell line represents a useful model to dissect the signaling pathway that couples CD3 zeta to Ca2+ mobilization by genetic reconstitution.     

Magnetic resonance imaging of disseminated sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis is a chronic demyelinating disease. Paraclinical examinations may contribute to the diagnosis of multiple sclerosis. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has a very high sensitivity concerning multiple sclerosis, and has made it possible to visualize multiple sclerosis plaques in vivo, to follow each plaque over the course of time and in this way to obtain information about the pathogenesis. MRI has shown that the size of plaques may vary considerably, and that plaques are dynamic structures with the ability to change in size over few weeks. By using MRI and the contrast agent Gadolinium-DTPA, it is possible to distinguish a newly developed plaque from an older one. Therefore, MRI has become an important examination in therapeutic trials. Just now, MRI with Gadolinium-DTPA is being used to evaluate the efficacy of plasmapheresis and immunoglobulin treatment in a joint study between Rigshospitalet and Hvidovre Hospital.     

Probability-based current dipole localization from biomagneticfields

Focal biomagnetic sources are described as pointlike current dipoles. The dipole parameters, position, and moment coordinates are commonly determined from biomagnetic data using iterative nonlinear optimization algorithms such as the Levenberg-Marquardt algorithm. However, even for single-dipole sources, mislocalizations can occur due to side minima of the cost function or due to a wrong choice of the start vector. This can be shown by introducing a cost function where the independent variables are only the position coordinates instead of position and moment coordinates. This dimensional reduction-which is also possible for multiple dipole sources-is achieved by calculating the cost function at each position with the position and data-dependent, optimum dipole moments. The authors call these dipoles with-in a least squares sense-optimum moments, locally optimal dipoles. The visualization of such a single-dipole cost function and of the iteration steps of the Levenberg-Marquardt algorithm show why mislocalizations cannot be avoided. Therefore, the authors propose an alternative noniterative localization algorithm for single-dipole sources without this drawback. It uses localization probabilities calculated by means of the locally optimal dipoles. Besides the determination of the dipole parameters, the proposed algorithm furnishes a reliable error for each localization. Its effectiveness is shown with simulated and real patient data     

Cytotoxicity versus antibacterial activity of some antiseptics in vitro

The relationship between endometriosis and infertility is observed frequently. Patients with both conditions require a conservative approach to their management. Since hormonal therapy is one of those approaches, we sought to compare the efficacy of Danazol and Gestrinone in 80 infertile patients (48 and 32, respectively). Therapy lasted 6 months in both treatment groups, and all patients studied had laboratory tests performed and were clinically evaluated and classified through laparoscopy before and after therapy. The improvement of symptoms and favorable follow-up were similar with both treatments. The reestablishment of menstrual patterns and fertility were also nearly alike in both groups. However, Gestrinone was associated with fewer secondary effects and is easier to administer than Danazol. We conclude that Gestrinone is a useful medication in the management of the infertile patient with endometriosis.     

Finances and Well-Being: A Dynamic Equilibrium Model of Resources.

This study of 513 Dutch farmers tested a dynamic equilibrium model of resources (an extension of the conservation of resources theory; S. E. Hobfoll, 1989, 1998, 2001). With structural equation modeling, the advantages of a 3-wave longitudinal design were comprehensively used, such as addressing bidirectional causal effects and within-individual vs. between-individual change. This allowed for a careful analysis of the management function of resources in the stress process. Results showed that well-being had stronger within-person stability than finances. Increased levels of financial problems temporarily increased psychological distress but not self-reported illness. Conversely, farmers with higher stable baselines of psychological distress also had higher baselines of self-reported illness and experienced more negative changes in their financial situation. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Technological strategies to improve photostability of a sunscreen agent

Due to the reduction of the ozone layer, there is an increasing need of effective UV protection systems with minimized side-effects. Trans-2-ethylhexyl- p -methoxycinnamate ( trans -EHMC) represents one of the most widely used sunscreen compound. Several studies demonstrated that trans -EHMC is unstable following UV irradiation both in solution and in emulsion formulations. Moreover, various reports of photocontact sensitization induced by trans -EHMC have appeared in the literature. Consequently, in order to ensure adequate efficacy and safety for this sunscreen agent, there is a need for new carrier systems to enhance trans -EHMC photostability. In the present study the photostability of the filter in different formulation types (emulsion–gel, gel and emulsion) with various ingredients is evaluated. In addition, nanoparticles based on poly- D , L -lactide-co-glycolide (PLGA) as carrier for trans -EHMC are investigated. The influence of nanoparticle matrix on the photochemical stability of the sunscreen agent is also presented. The results obtained demonstrated that PLGA nanoparticles are effective in reducing the light-induced degradation of the sunscreen agent. Moreover, the choice of formulation type and the excipients used play an important role in order to obtain a stable cosmetic product containing trans -EHMC.