Frequency shifted feedback cavity (FSFC) lasers can generate continuous broadband radiation or periodic picosecond pulses. To better understand these two different regimes a passive FSFC is modeled ...and its output in the time and frequency domains is calculated. Calculations of the FSFC output indicate that peaks observed using a Fabry-Perot spectrum analyzer can only occur when the FSFC cavity length and intracavity frequency shift satisfy a resonance condition. Calculations also indicate that a radio frequency spectrum analysis of the intensity should show sharp peaks which are independent of the FSFC frequency shift. Additionally, pulses propagating in a FSFC are insensitive to frequency shift detunings, suggesting applications as a stable source of ultrashort laser pulses. Experimental evidence confirming these findings is reported. Results indicate that a FSFC does not support conventional laser modes.< >
This paper develops the application of structural learning theory (SLT) to support the knowledge engineer (KE) in the knowledge acquisition process and the development of expert systems. The ...underlying research focuses on the knowledge to elicit from skilled domain problem solvers, and the
structure(i.e. form and type) of this knowledge using SLT to guide elicitation and interpretation. SLT explicitly models both declarative and procedural knowledge, while presuming an innate backward-chaining mechanism.
Guidelines based on SLT allow knowledge engineers to concentrate on the human-centered knowledge of domain specific problem solvers. In fact, the SLT model presumes that skilled problem solvers do not automatically divulge all rules. This human-centered, needs-based approach provides a point of departure from previous knowledge acquisition methods and serves as a distinguishing feature of this knowledge acquisition method. Specifically grounded in SLT, distinct rule types are developed to be extracted from skilled domain problem solvers. Based on these rule types, guidelines are developed to aid the KEs in the acquisition process.
Perioperative lymphocyte depletion induces allograft tolerance in some animal models, but in humans has only been shown to reduce immunosuppressive requirements. Without maintenance ...immunosuppression, depleted human renal allograft recipients experience rejection characterized by infiltration of the allograft with monocytes and macrophages. T-cell depletion combined with a brief course of deoxyspergualin (DSG), a drug with inhibitory effects on monocytes and macrophages, induces tolerance in nonhuman primates. We therefore performed a trial to determine if lymphocyte depletion with alemtuzumab combined with DSG would induce tolerance in humans.
Five recipients of live donor kidneys were treated perioperatively with alemtuzumab and DSG and followed postoperatively without maintenance immunosuppression. Patients were evaluated clinically, by flow cytometry, and by protocol biopsies analyzed immunohistochemically and with real-time polymerase chain reaction. Results were compared to previously studied patients receiving alemtuzumab alone or standard immunosuppression.
Despite profound T-cell depletion and therapeutic DSG dosing, all alemtuzumab/DSG patients developed reversible rejection that was similar in timing, histology, and transcriptional profile to that seen in patients treated with alemtuzumab alone. Chemokine expression was marked prior to and during rejections.
We conclude that treatment with alemtuzumab and DSG does not induce tolerance in humans. Chemokine production may not be adequately suppressed using this approach.
National beef market basket survey Savell, J W; Harris, J J; Cross, H R ...
Journal of animal science,
07/1991, Letnik:
69, Številka:
7
Journal Article
Recenzirano
Beef retail cases in supermarkets in 12 cities across the United States were surveyed for fat thickness measurements, cut representation, package weights and counts, and case space allocation. ...Randomly selected retail cuts were purchased and transported to Texas A&M University, where they were dissected into separable components. Samples of ground beef were obtained for chemical analysis. Over 42% of the beef retail cuts had no external fat, and approximately 75% of all cuts were boneless. The overall mean fat thickness for all retail cuts in the beef case was .31 cm, and the overall mean fat thickness for steaks and roasts from the major primals - chuck, rib, loin, and round - was .38 cm. The average percentage of separable lean was 79.0%, separable fat was 12.3%, and bone and connective tissue was 8.7%. Retail cuts had more than twice as much separable seam fat as separable external fat. Beef steaks and roasts had 27.4% less separable fat than values from USDA Agriculture Handbook 8-13. Of the ground beef surveyed, 37% was regular, 40% was lean, and over 22% was extra lean. Retail ground beef had approximately 10% less fat than values from USDA Agriculture Handbook 8-13.
The strength of the yen is having a profound effect on financial markets and financial analysts are starting to wonder what the consequences will be to the US if the dollar continues to fall. The yen ...and dollar are examined.
Sirolimus (SRL) absorption and metabolism are affected by p-glycoprotein-mediated transport and CYP3A enzyme activity, which are further under the influences of cytokine concentrations. This ...retrospective study determined the associations of adenosine triphosphate-binding cassette, subfamily B, member 1 (ABCB1) 1236C>T, 2677 G>T/A, and 3435C>T, cytochrome P450, family 3, subfamily A, polypeptide 4 (CYP3A4) -392A>G, cytochrome P450, family 3, subfamily A, polypeptide 5 (CYP3A5) 6986A>G and 14690G>A, interleukin (IL)-10 -1082G>A, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) -308G>A polymorphisms with SRL dose-adjusted, weight-normalized trough concentrations (C/D) at 7 days, and at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after initiation of SRL.
Genotypes for 86 renal transplant patients who received SRL-based maintenance immunosuppressive therapy were determined using polymerase chain reaction followed by chip-based mass spectrometry. The changes of log-transformed C/D over the days posttransplantation were analyzed using a linear mixed-effects model, with adjustments for body mass index and weight-normalized doses of tacrolimus, prednisone, clotrimazole, and statins.
ABCB1 3435C>T and IL-10 -1082G>A were significantly associated with log C/D (P=0.0016 and 0.0394, respectively). Mean SRL C/D was 48% higher in patients with ABCB1 3435CT/TT genotype than those with 3435CC genotype, and was 24% higher in IL-10 -1082GG compared with -1082AG/AA.
ABCB1 3435C>T and IL-10 -1082G>A were significantly associated with long-term SRL dose requirements. Genetics can play a significant role in SRL dosing and may be useful in therapeutic monitoring of SRL in renal transplantation. Future replication studies are needed to confirm these associations.
Highlights • This review article provides an update on multi-faceted roles of estrogen hormone in both normal immune function and auto-immunity. • It reviews the ovarian function and other poor ...reproductive outcomes in young females with SLE. • Gonadotoxic potentials of the immunosuppresive therapies are discussed. • Fertility preservation options are provided in young females who are diagnosed with SLE.
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