Machine for use in monitoring fatigue life for a plurality of elastomeric specimens

An improved machine is described for use in determining the fatigue life for elastomeric specimens. The machine is characterized by a plurality of juxtaposed test stations, specimen support means located at each of the test stations for supporting a plurality of specimens of elastomeric material, and means for subjecting the specimens at each of said stations to sinusoidal strain at a strain rate unique with respect to the strain rate at which the specimens at each of the other stations is subjected to sinusoidal strain

Fashionable connections: Alicia LeFanu and writing from the edge

This article focuses upon Alicia LeFanu (fl. 1809–36), author of several poems, six multi-volume novels, a critical biography of her grandmother, Frances Sheridan, and articles for the Court Magazine. Descended from an eminent literary family, and since misremembered as a mere ‘petticoat novelist’, LeFanu complicates ideas of the centre and the periphery in her writing. I explore how this interest is figured in LeFanu's use of the chapter epigraph, developing work I have undertaken as editor of LeFanu's early novel, Strathallan (1816). LeFanu's epigraphs persist across her fiction as a dimension in which she not only reflects upon literary legacies, but also contests the boundaries of her own print culture. Through its consideration of LeFanu, as author and reader, the article further reflects upon the significance of her example for a broader understanding of other women writers at the edges and borders of Romanticism, and of their literary networks

A process for the production of a scale-proof and corrosion-resistant coating on graphite and carbon bodies

A process for the production of a corrosion resistant coating on graphite and carbon bodies is described. The carbon or graphite body is coated or impregnated with titanium silicide under the addition of a metal containing wetting agent in a nitrogen free atmosphere, so that a tight coating is formed

Fcgamma receptor-mediated phagocytosis in macrophages lacking the Src family tyrosine kinases Hck, Fgr, and Lyn.

Macrophage Fcgamma receptors (FcgammaRs) mediate the uptake and destruction of antibody-coated viruses, bacteria, and parasites. We examined FcgammaR signaling and phagocytic function in bone marrow-derived macrophages from mutant mice lacking the major Src family kinases expressed in these cells, Hck, Fgr, and Lyn. Many FcgammaR-induced functional responses and signaling events were diminished or delayed in these macrophages, including immunoglobulin (Ig)G-coated erythrocyte phagocytosis, respiratory burst, actin cup formation, and activation of Syk, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase, and extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1 and 2. Significant reduction of IgG-dependent phagocytosis was not seen in hck(-)(/)-fgr(-)(/)- or lyn(-)(/)- cells, although the single mutant lyn(-)(/)- macrophages did manifest signaling defects. Thus, Src family kinases clearly have roles in two events leading to FcgammaR-mediated phagocytosis, one involving initiation of actin polymerization and the second involving activation of Syk and subsequent internalization. Since FcgammaR-mediated phagocytosis did occur at modest levels in a delayed fashion in triple mutant macrophages, these Src family kinases are not absolutely required for uptake of IgG-opsonized particles

How much is the dish? – Was kosten uns Lebensmittel wirklich?

Die Landwirtschaft, die in Deutschland den bei weitem höchsten Flächenbedarf aufweist, ist für eine Vielzahl von Umweltbelastungen verantwortlich, die sich auf alle drei Säulen der Nachhaltigkeit beziehen (Ökonomie, Gesellschaft, Umwelt). Die resultierenden, versteckten Kosten dieser zumeist unzureichend quantifizierten Folgen sind aktuell nicht in die Marktpreise für Lebensmittel einbezogen. Vor diesem Hintergrund identifiziert die Studie drei dieser Umweltfolgen (Stickstoff, Klimagase, Energieerzeugung) quantitativ und aggregiert sie bezogen auf unterschiedliche Kategorien von Nahrungsmitteln. Hierauf aufbauend werden kategoriespezifische externe Effekte berechnet. Eine Internalisierung von kategoriespezifischen Folgekosten, die dem Verursacherprinzip (polluter-pays principle, UN 1992) entspricht, ebnet den Weg in Richtung einer nachhaltigeren Preissetzung für landwirtschaftliche Produkte. Unter Verwendung von Lebenszyklus-Analysen (life cycle analysis) und Metaanalysen zeigen wir, dass die höchsten externen Effekte bzw. Folgekosten mit der Produktion konventionell hergestellter Produkte tierischen Ursprungs einhergehen (192% Aufschlag auf die Erzeugerpreise), die zweithöchsten Aufschläge sich für konventionell hergestellte Milchprodukte (94%) und die niedrigsten für Bio-Lebensmittel pflanzlichen Ursprungs (6%) ergeben. In allen untersuchten Kategorien verursachen biologisch hergestellte Lebensmittel geringere Folgekosten als ihre konventionellen Counterparts. Unser Ansatz leistet einen Beitrag, das Delta zwischen aktuellen Marktpreisen und den tatsächlichen Preisen aufzuzeigen. Hierbei zeigt sich, dass der wahre Wert auszudifferenzieren ist für unterschiedliche Lebensmittelgruppen und Produktionssysteme

Preliminary results on radiation damage in various graphites

Preliminary results of a broad irradiation program on graphite are reported. Within this program graph1tes of different degree of graphitization, given by the different graphitizability of the filler materials, have been studied. The irradiations were carried out with neutron doses up to 5 x 10$^{21}$ nvt at temperatures ranging from 70° to 700°0. The changes in physical properties such as lattice distance, macroscopic dimensions, density, thermal and electrical conductivity, magnetic susceptibility, coefficient of thermal expansion, mechanical strength and others are reported, with special emphasis on the mfiuence of the degree of graphitization

Parental exposure to elevated pCO2 influences the reproductive success of copepods

Substantial variations are reported for egg production and hatching rates of copepods exposed to elevated carbon dioxide concentrations (pCO2). One possible explanation, as found in other marine taxa, is that prior parental exposure to elevated pCO2 (and/or decreased pH) affects reproductive performance. Previous studies have adopted two distinct approaches, either (1) expose male and female copepoda to the test pCO2/pH scenarios, or (2) solely expose egg-laying females to the tests. Although the former approach is more realistic, the majority of studies have used the latter approach. Here, we investigated the variation in egg production and hatching success of Acartia tonsa between these two experimental designs, across five different pCO2 concentrations (385–6000 µatm pCO2). In addition, to determine the effect of pCO2 on the hatching success with no prior parental exposure, eggs produced and fertilized under ambient conditions were also exposed to these pCO2 scenarios. Significant variations were found between experimental designs, with approach (1) resulting in higher impacts; here >20% difference was seen in hatching success between experiments at 1000 µatm pCO2 scenarios (2100 year scenario), and >85% at 6000 µatm pCO2. This study highlights the potential to misrepresent the reproductive response of a species to elevated pCO2 dependent on parental exposure

Verification, Analytical Validation, and Clinical Validation (V3): The Foundation of Determining Fit-for-Purpose for Biometric Monitoring Technologies (BioMeTs)

Digital medicine is an interdisciplinary field, drawing together stakeholders with expertize in engineering, manufacturing, clinical science, data science, biostatistics, regulatory science, ethics, patient advocacy, and healthcare policy, to name a few. Although this diversity is undoubtedly valuable, it can lead to confusion regarding terminology and best practices. There are many instances, as we detail in this paper, where a single term is used by different groups to mean different things, as well as cases where multiple terms are used to describe essentially the same concept. Our intent is to clarify core terminology and best practices for the evaluation of Biometric Monitoring Technologies (BioMeTs), without unnecessarily introducing new terms. We focus on the evaluation of BioMeTs as fit-for-purpose for use in clinical trials. However, our intent is for this framework to be instructional to all users of digital measurement tools, regardless of setting or intended use. We propose and describe a three-component framework intended to provide a foundational evaluation framework for BioMeTs. This framework includes (1) verification, (2) analytical validation, and (3) clinical validation. We aim for this common vocabulary to enable more effective communication and collaboration, generate a common and meaningful evidence base for BioMeTs, and improve the accessibility of the digital medicine field