bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Adalimumab regulates intracellular TNFα production in patients with rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Zamora-Atenza Carlos , Diaz-Torne Cesar , Geli Carme , Diaz-Lopez Cesar , Ortiz M Angels , Moya Patricia , Castellví Ivan , Nieto Juan C , Cantó Elisabet , Casademont Jordi , Juarez Candido , Llobet Josep M , Vidal Silvia
Published: July 2014

Introduction

Adalimumab is a fully human anti–tumor necrosis factor α (anti-TNFα) monoclonal antibody that specifically blocks the interaction of TNFα with its receptors. It binds both soluble and transmembrane TNFα. We hypothesized that blocking these TNFα signals regulates the altered TNFα production in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients.

Methods

We compared, by flow cytometry, Toll-like receptor induction levels of membrane and intracellular TNFα in monocytes (iTNFα + CD14+ cells) from 12 patients before and after adalimumab treatment with those from 5 healthy donors.

Results

Before starting the treatment, the percentage of iTNFα+ CD14+ cells in the RA patients was significantly lower than that in healthy donors (mean ± SEM = 33.16 ± 4.82% vs 66.51 ± 2.4%, P < 0.001). When we added in vitro TNFα to healthy donor culture cells, levels of iTNFα+ CD14+ cells decreased, suggesting that the TNFα signal was responsible for the iTNFα+ CD14+ cell downregulation observed in the RA patients. After 2, 6 and 12 adalimumab injections, we observed significant blocking of membrane and soluble TNFα and a progressive increase in iTNFα+ CD14+ cells in ten patients with a good to moderate response as defined by the European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) criteria. Levels of iTNFα+ CD14+ cells after 12 injections in these 10 patients were comparable to levels in healthy donors. In two patients, iTNFα+ CD14+ cell upregulation was not observed, and their EULAR-defined responses had not improved. The first patient developed antiadalimumab antibodies, explaining why adalimumab was not able to block membrane and soluble TNFα. In the second patient, adalimumab was discontinued because of adverse effects, which led to a decrease in iTNFα+ CD14+ cells to levels measured before treatment.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that adalimumab treatment in RA patients can return iTNFα levels to those of healthy donors. This effect was not observed in the presence of neutralizing antiadalimumab antibodies.
Follow-Up Care Experiences and Perceived Quality of Care Among Long-Term Survivors of Breast, Prostate, Colorectal, and Gynecologic Cancers
Authors: Weaver Kathryn E. , Aziz Noreen M. , Arora Neeraj K. , Forsythe Laura P. , Hamilton Ann S. , Oakley-Girvan Ingrid , Keel Gretchen , Bellizzi Keith M. , Rowland Julia H.
Published: July 2014

Long-term survivors commonly report follow-up care years after their diagnosis; however, many patients' follow-up lacks important components. Care is more likely to be rated as high quality when one main provider is identified and an oncology specialist is involved.
Second-Opinion Pathologic Review Is a Patient Safety Mechanism That Helps Reduce Error and Decrease Waste
Authors: Middleton Lavinia P. , Feeley Thomas W. , Albright Heidi W. , Walters Ron , Hamilton Stanley H.
Published: July 2014

Second review of a patient's outside pathology by a subspecialist pathologist demonstrates the value of multidisciplinary cancer care in a high-volume comprehensive cancer center.
Culture of How Washington Pays for Medical Care
Authors: Gottlieb Scott
Published: July 2014

The author concludes there are many challenges when it comes to our current payment systems in health care, but it is unlikely that the Medicare agency is going to solve these problems through indiscriminate tactics.
Advanced Imaging Among Health Maintenance Organization Enrollees With Cancer
Authors: Loggers Elizabeth T. , Fishman Paul A. , Peterson Do , O'Keeffe-Rosetti Maureen , Greenberg Caprice , Hornbrook Mark C. , Kushi Lawrence H. , Lowry Sarah , Ramaprasan Arvind , Wagner Edward H. , Weeks Jane C. , Ritzwoller Debra P.
Published: July 2014

Rates of advanced imaging appear comparable among FFS and HMO participants of any age with breast, colorectal, lung, prostate, leukemia, and non-Hodgkin lymphoma cancers.
Potential Approaches to Sustainable, Long-Lasting Payment Reform in Oncology
Authors:   American Society of Clinical Oncology
Published: July 2014

ASCO has produced this document to help guide the oncology and broader health care community in discussions about health care delivery and payment reform in the oncology setting.
Policy Statement on the 340B Drug Pricing Program by the American Society of Clinical Oncology
Authors:   American Society of Clinical Oncology
Published: July 2014

ASCO summarizes issues and recommendations related to the 340B Drug Pricing Program for policymakers to consider from the perspective of professionals dedicated to the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of cancer.
FREDHOLM PROPERTY OF COMPOSITE TWO-DIMENSIONAL INTEGRAL OPERATORS WITH HOMOGENEOUS SINGULAR-TYPE KERNELS IN pL SPACE
Authors: Deundyak Vladimir Mikhaylovich , Romanenko Elena Anatolyevna
Published: July 2014

The authors have previously studied two - dimensional Fredholm integral operators with homogeneous kernels of fiber - singular type. For this class of operators, the symbolic calculus is built using the theory of biloc al operators by V. Pilidi, and Fredholm criterion is formulated through the inversibility of t wo families: the family of one - dimensional convolution operators, and the family of one - dimensional singular integral operators with continuous coefficients. The aim of this work is to study composite two - dimensional integral operators with homogeneous ker nels of fiber singular type analogous to Simonenko’s continual convolution integral operators. This investigation is a part of a more general study of algebra of operators with homogeneous kernels which layers are singular operat ors with piecewise continuo us coefficients. For the considered operators, the symbolic calculus and the necessary and sufficient Fredholm conditions are obtained.
CIRCULAR PUNCH INDENTATION INTO CONTINUOUSLY INHOMOGENEOUS THERMOELASTIC HALF-SPACE UNDER GIVEN CONSTANT TEMPERATURE AT ITS FLAT BOTTOM
Authors: Krenev Leonid Ivanovich , Aizikovich Sergey Mikhaylovich , Mitrin Boris Igorevivich
Published: July 2014

An axial ly symmetric quasistatic thermoelasticity problem on the indentation of a flat - ended cylindrical punch with a constant temperature at its base into the functionally - graded half - space which elasticity modulus, Poisson ratio, heat conductivity and expansion coefficients are independently continuously varying in the boundary layer, is considered. Out of the contact area, the surface is perfectly thermally - insulated and stress - free. The earlier solution, obtained through the combined numerical and analytical ap proach (using Hankel integral transform and the modulating fun ction method) to the unmixed pro b lem on the arbitrary thermomechanical effect upon the inhomogeneous in depth thermoelastic half - space, is applied to solve the problem. The original problem is r educed to the system of dual integral equations. The properties of the dual integral equations kernel transforms allow applying a well - grounded bilateral asymptotic technique which is being actively developed at present. The approximate express ions for d et ermining the thermal flux, the half - space surface displacement, and the contact stresses under the heated stamp base, are obtained with the aid of this method. The numerical values of contact stresses for various cases of the thermomechanical properties va riation in the boundary layer of the half - space are provided. The cases either when values of the thermomechanical coating prope r ties are the same as those of the substrate, or when the property value differs twice (upward or dow n ward) on the surface, and linearly decreases (or goes up) in depth to the value in the substrate, are con sidered.
THREE-DIMENSIONAL CONTACT PROBLEM FOR A TWO-LAYERED EXTRA LOADED ELASTIC BASE
Authors: Pozharskiy Dmitry Alexandrovich , Bedoidze Maria Vasilyevna
Published: July 2014

The three - dimensional Galin’s type contact problem for a two - layered elastic base (a layer completely attached t o a half - space from another material) is investigated when an extra loading (concentrated force) is applied o utside the contact area. The contact zone is supposed to be unknown. The punch foot form is an elliptic parabol oid. The pro blem is reduced to an in tegral equation with respect to the unknown contact pressure distributed in the unknown contact zone. Galanov’s method of nonlinear boundary integral equations is used to determine the con tact pressure and the contact zone simultaneously. Calculations made for various values of elastic and geometric parameters a llow estimating an extra force input to the dependence between the punch settlement and the force app lied to the punch. The problem is important for the strength analysis of coated surfaces of variou s elastic solids subjected to contact and extra loadings. The solution can be also useful in the frame of the discrete contact the ory for bodies with rough surfaces.
DETERMINING LOCATION RADII OF GEAR CHAIN PIVOT LOCUS ON INVOLUTE SPROCKET WRAPS
Authors: Berezhnoy Sergey Borisovich , Voyna Andrey Alexandrovich , Kurapov Georgy Vladimirovich
Published: July 2014

The methods of calculating the location radii of the gear chain pivot locus on the wraps of involute sprockets are suggested. The methods involve a step - by - step “placing” of the chain loops on the sprocket. To determine the chain joints location, surface equidistance of the operating and back tooth profiles which represent the c hain pivot locus upon their contact with the sprocket tooth profiles is used. The location radii of the pivot locus o n the involute sprocket wrap can be defined through the predete r mined position of the first joint, the known length values of the gear chain contact link pitches, and the slack side pretension. The study results allow presenting t he methods of calculating t he gear chain pivot l o cus on the wraps of involute sprockets and the mathematical model algorithm of the chain gearing with involute sprockets. The methods can be used to determine setting of the chain belt with toothed chain providing the minimal we ar - out of the gearing elements.
STUDY ON TUBE SHELL TRANSVERSE DISPLACEMENTS UNDER ITS MACHINING BASED ON COMPUTER SIMULATION
Authors: Golub Bogdan Igorevich
Published: July 2014

The possibility to increase parameter accuracy (pitch of thread, pressure angle, external and internal thread diam eter) for various kinds of thread on the seamless casing is studied. As a means of achieving the targ et goal, the v ibration amplitude contraction arising in the system ‘machine — widget — tool — part’ is considered (MWTP). To solve the problem, a model which describes tube shell oscillations in the course of its processing a nd allows defining the impact on the work end of shell oscillations arising in its loose part is offered. The study is resulted in a math ematical model b ased on the initial parameters method. The calculations found the best (of the considered in the paper) support location diagram under which the arising oscillations are the lowest. The obtained re sults can be used at any enterprise dealing with thread cut ting on the casing tubes.  The investigation results in the following: — optimum quantity of supports for the considered equipment is five; — expansion in the number of supports by no means always leads to the vibration amplitude contraction; — changing in the relative position of supports is an effective means of the vi bration amplitude contraction that acts to increa se thread parameters accuracy.
STUDY ON CYCLIC THERMODURABILITY OF CARBON MATERIALS
Authors: Kuznetsov Dmitry Mikhaylovich , Gaponov Vladimir Lavrentyevich , Buylo Sergey Ivanovich
Published: July 2014

The thermodurability of glass carbon — one of the most promising carbon materials used in the production of lum inophors and semico nductor materials, optical single crystals, etc. — is investigated. The aim of this work was to study the behavior of glass carbon in the course of the thermal - cycle testing. As a diagnostic technique of the m icroflow initiation and progress, the signal re ception of acoustic emission was used. It is shown that a heavy disloc ation motion on the thermal - cycle exposure recognized in the acoustic emission signals is observed in the glass carbon samples when heated. As far as the number of impulses is higher whe n heated than on cooling of the sa mple, it implies the damage accumulation in the structure under the thermal - cyclic handling of the glass carbon sa mples. It is found that damage acc u mulation curves reflected by the acoustic emission pulses differ on the s tage of heating and cooling. It is proposed to use a total curve of the acoustic emission pulses as a potent ial destruction sign of a glass - carbon product when heated.
CAPACITY ANALYSIS OF WORKPIECE BENDING VIBRATIONS EFFECT ON SELF-EXCITATION UNDER DEEP-HOLE DRILLING OF LOW-RIGID PARTS MADE OF HETEROGENEOUS MATERIAL
Authors: Lukyanov Alexander Dmitriyevich , Onoyko Tatyana Sergeyevna , Vereshchetin Pavel Pavlovich
Published: July 2014

A production facility model to be used und er the deep - hole drilling of large - diameter tube plates with a heterogen eous structure made of hard - to - machine materials is presented. Dynamic properties of the object as a composite membrane with several anchorage points are analyzed. Modes of the workpie ce vibrations with account for its i nternal heterogeneous structural features are defined. The object structure transformation in the cou rse of pr ocessing (the formation of a large number of holes) effects on its elastic and dynamic properties. Su ch effect fe atures are considered. To simplify the practical application of the model, some recommendations for t he global stif fness matrix transformation, and the production facility dissipation to the local points correspondin g to the applic ation places under the hole making are given. The research results are focused on the creation of an automatic co ntrol system for the deep - hole drilling of hard - to - machine and heterogeneous materials.
FINITE-ELEMENT MODELLING OF PIEZOELECTRIC ENERGY STORAGE DEVICE BASED ON CANTILEVER
Authors: Solovyev Arkady Nikolayevich , Le Van Duong
Published: July 2014

Simulating a piezoelectric generator which is an element of the energy storage device is considered. A piezoelectric generator appears a cantilever - mounted plate on which the piezoelectric elements are glued, and the inertial mass is attached. Two options of the plate vibration exc itation are investigated. In the first case, the fixed side executes heave harmonic motions at a given frequency and with the desired amplitude; in the second — a ha r monic force is applied to this side. A three - dimensional boundary - value problem of the lin e ar theory of electroelasticity for the composite elastic and piezoelectric body is considered as a mathematical model of the device. The bo undary pro blem is solved through the finite - element package ANSYS. Under the numerical solution, PKR - 7M piezoceramic is taken as a piezoelectric material, whereas fiberglass, duralumin, steel are considered as a plate ma t e rial. Aluminum is used as a material of the inertial mass. Two cases are studied computationally. In the first case , the fixed side e x ecutes vertical harmonic vibrations at a given frequency and with a preset amplitude, in the second case, the force varying in a harmonic fashion is applied to this side. The device resonance frequency dependen ce upon the plate thickness for various materials and upon the value of the inertial element mass is studied. The results are pr esented graphically that allows finding the resonant frequency for certain sizes. The output potentia l dependences at the free electrodes of the piezoelectric elements on the resonant freque ncies and in the low - frequency region on the same parameters are investigated. These results are also presented graphically that allows a des igner to select reasonable feature sizes and the mix of ma terials to optimize the device.
DESIGN MODEL OF DOUBLE-LAYER POROUS FINITE-LENGTH BEARING WITH REGARD TO ANISOTROPY OF POROUS LAYERS AND NONLINEAR FACTORS
Authors: Erkenov Akhmat Chokayevich , Mukutadze Murman Alexandrovich , Novgorodova Victoria Sergeyevna , Сherkasova Tatyana Sergeyevna
Published: July 2014

The asymptotic solution to the problem on the hydrodynamic calculation of the porous double - layer r a dial finite length bearing is provided on the eccentricity ratio levels. The solution is based on full nonlinear Navier — Stokes equations, and on Darcy’s equation. The distinction of the suggested design model is that it allows for the perme ability anisotropy of the porous layers, and availability of a greasing source. A case when greasing forcibly gets thro ugh pores of an external porous layer is considered. A velocity and pressure field in the lubricant and porous layers is found. As a result, analytical expressions for the main performance data of the bearing ar e obtained. The effect of the permeability an isotropy of porous layers, nonlinear factors, as well as the influence of a greasing source on the basic performance chara c teristics of the bearing are evaluated.
OPERATION ACCURACY OF ADAPTIVE FRICTION CLUTCH WITH SEPARATE FORCE CLOSURE
Authors: Shishkarev Mikhail Pavlovich , Uglenko Anton Yuryevich
Published: July 2014

The possibilit y to increase feedback gain and operation accuracy of the adaptive friction clutch is r e vealed at the expense of the friction couple separate force closure of the basic and supplementary friction groups . The load cha racteristic of the clutch is presented i n the form of a curve monotonically i n creasing in the full range of the friction coefficient variation. The obtained results of three options of the coupling fluent param e ters variability have shown that to attain a maximum operation accuracy of the clutch with separate force closure executed according to the second option, it is necessary to take the maximum possible number of friction couples of the basic friction group, and the maximum gain le v el
Population Dynamics of Biota on the Roots of Azolla microphylla Kaulfuss
Authors: ETIKAWATI NITA , JUTONO JUTONO
Published: July 2014

Azolla was a special fern that their associations with Anabaena azollae able to fix free nitrogen from air, to produce protein. Although by the ages, biota diversity those habits on the roots of Azolla increased and effected to protein concentration. The research was to find out population dynamics of biota on the roots of Azolla microphylla Kaulfuss and the growth peak. This study used Completely Randomized Design with 10 kinds of biota, i.e. bacteria, Fungi, Actinomycetes, Protozoa, Alga, Crustacean, Rotifers, Coelenterate, Insect and Molluscs, and it was used 3 replications. Research was conducted within 4 weeks and the populations of biota were observed every week. Data were statistically analyzed using Analysis Variant and Duncanâ€™s Multiple Range Test. The population dynamics ofbiota on the roots of Azolla microphylla Kaulfuss were influenced on its quantity and composition, and the growthpeak is done in 2nd week.Â© 2001 Jurusan Biologi FMIPA UNS SurakartaKey words: Azolla, population dynamics, biota.
Electrophoresis Studies of Ranunculus triplodontus Populations
Authors: SURANTO SURANTO
Published: July 2014

The main purposes of this research were to investigate whether the two distinct types of the morphological characterof Ranunculus triplodontus were genetically controlled or environmental influence. In order to prove the above,electrophoretic examinations were carried out employing for four enzyme systems. The medium support of polyacrilamide was chosen. The samples were collected from seven populations around central plateau and the leaves were used as the isozyme data. The result indicated that variation occurred in certained populations. However, this isozyme data were not able to separate the two types of R. triplodontus into different species. Based on the cluster analysis showed that three groups of seven populations of R. triplodontus were appeared. This research confirms that morphologically distinct species was not supported by the isozyme data, thus the variation found in certain population was mainly influenced by the environmental conditions, and therefore could not be considered as taxonomically distinct.Â© 2001 Jurusan Biologi FMIPA UNS SurakartaKey words: Ranunculus triplodontus, isozyme.
Insectivore Plants Nepenthes sp. at Mount Merbabu
Authors: MULYANTO HERY , CAHYUNINGDARI DEWI , SETYAWAN AHMAD DWI
Published: July 2014

The aims of the research were to know the existence of the Nepenthes at mount Merbabu, variations of its morphology, associated plants, and ecological conditions. Nepenthes are one of plants that were categorized as conserved plant by Indonesian government as indicated in PPRI No. 7/1999. Many researchers attracted to study this unique plant since itâ€™s distinct feature and the way to get nutrient by trapping insects at its sac. Samples were taken randomly along the path for climbing from Selo, Boyolali to the top of the mountain between April to May 2000. The results show that the plants were found at the altitude of around 1500 to 2000 tsl. There were two forms of the sacs, long and short at the same individual plants. The plants grow coiling on Myristica trees and shrubs of Thunbergia fragrans Roxb., and also could grow at the stoned-soil.Â© 2000 Jurusan Biologi FMIPA UNS SurakartaKey words: Nepenthes, morphology, ecology
Studies on Morphological and Phylogenetic Relationship of Salak Pondoh Varieties (Salacca zalacca (Gaert.) Voss.) at Sleman Highlands.
Authors: SUSKENDRIYATI HERWIN , WIJAYATI ARTA , HIDAYAH NUR , CAHYUNINGDARI DEWI
Published: July 2014

The objectives of the study were to know the morphological variation of salak-plants (Salacca zalacca (Gaert.) Voss. and their relationship. The study was conducted in May to April 2000, at Turi and Pakem of Sleman district, Yogyakarta. Samples were randomly taken, 5 plants of each variety were studied their morphological characters such as stem, leaf, flower and fruit. The data collected were then analyzed descriptive comparatively and their relationships were then determined. The result of the study indicate that there were at least 8 varieties of salak at Sleman district, green-, black-, yellow-, manggala-, red-yellow-, golden-, red-, and red-black pondoh. Morphological differences among varieties were markedly different. The closest relationship was found between variety of red-black- and black pondoh, while the farthest relationship among the varieties was manggala pondoh.Â© 2000 Jurusan Biologi FMIPA UNS SurakartaKey words: Salacca zalacca (Gaert.) Voss.), morphology, variety.
Continuous wave and Q-switched operation of diode pumped quasi-three level Nd:YLF lasers
Authors: Spiekermann S. , Laurell F.
Published: July 2014

Quasi-three level lasers have been extensively studied for many years.
Yb:YAG thin disk laser with 1 kW output power
Authors: Stewen C. , Larionov M. , Giesen A. , Contag K.
Published: July 2014

The thin disk laser design enables the operation of a quasi-three-level laser active medium, e. g. Yb:YAG, in the high power regime with high optical efficiency. This requires a high absorption efficiency, which is realized by multiple pump beam passes through the crystal in a quasi-end pumped configuration. Our experimental setup utilizes 16 absorption passes of the pump radiation. Scaling of the output power can then be realized by scaling the pumped area using one or more disks. The experimental investigations yield to a maximum output power of 650 W at 51 % optical efficiency for one crystal and of 1070 W with 48 % optical efficiency for four crystals at a temperature of the cooling water of 15 °C.
Dual-rod Yb:YAG laser for high-power and high-brightness applications
Authors: Honea Eric C. , Beach Raymond J. , Mitchell Scott C. , Skidmore Jay A. , Emanuel Mark A. , Sutton Steven B. , Payne Stephen A. , Avizonis Petras V. , Monroe Robert S. , Harris Dennis G.
Published: July 2014

We describe a diode-pumped Yb.YAG laser producing 1080 W cw with 27.5% optical-optical efficiency and 532 W Q-switched with M2 =2.2 and 17% optical-optical efficiency. The laser uses two composite Yb.YAG rods separated by a 90 degree quartz rotator for bifocusing compensation. A microlensed diode array end-pumps each rod using a hollow lens duct for pump delivery. By changing resonator parameters, we can adjust the fundamental mode size and the output beam quality. Using a flattened gaussian intensity profile to calculate the modefill efficiency and clipping losses, we compare experimental data to modeled output power vs beam quality.
Efficient 2-kW diode-pumped cw Nd:YAG single rod laser
Authors: Akiyama Y. , Takada A. , Takase T. , Sasaki M. , Yuasa H. , Nishida N.
Published: July 2014

We report an output power of 2 kW from single 203-mm diode-pumped Nd:YAG laser rod. The optical-optical efficiency is 47%, the electrical-optical efficiency is 22%.
Diode-pumped, High-Power CW and Modelocked Nd:YLF Lasers
Authors: Snell Kevin J. , Lee Dicky , Wall Kevin F. , Moulton Peter F.
Published: July 2014

Using a side-pumped, Nd:YLF slab laser design, we have obtained a TEM00- mode output power of 25.7 W with 43.5% optical efficiency and a multimode output of nearly 36 W with 46% efficiency. As an amplifier of a SESAM-mode-locked laser, the same design has allowed us to generate, with 4.5-ps pulses at a 100-MHz rate, 15.7 W of average power in the fundamental and 2.9 W of power at the fourth harmonic.
Cooperative Quenching Energy Transfer in La1−xCexF3 Crystal
Authors: Basiev T.T. , Doroshenko M.E. , Osiko V.V.
Published: July 2014

A new phenomena of nonradiative cooperative energy transfer from optically excited single Nd3+ ion to the cooperative acceptor formed by a pair of Ce3+ ions and from single excited Er3+ ion simultaneously to three Ce3+ ions acting as a nonlinear cooperative acceptor was observed by measuring the concentrational quenching of donor ions fluorescence in solid solution of La1−xCexF3.
A comparative study of Nd-doped mixed garnet laser materials for application to 0.94µm lasers
Authors: Walsh Brian M. , Barnes Norman P. , Hutcheson Ralph L. , Equall Randy W.
Published: July 2014

A comparative study of Nd-doped mixed garnet laser materials for compositional tuning in the 0.94 µm region is presented. Of primary importance is a determination of the 0.94 µm line center with composition and the ratio of 0.94 µm cross section to the cross section at 1.06 µm. An assessment is made.regarding the best choice of material for 0.94 µm lasers in H2O DIAL applications.
Pumping schemes for multi-kW thin disk lasers
Authors: Erhard S. , Karszewski M. , Stewen C. , Giesen A. , Contag K. , Voss A.
Published: July 2014

Various pumping schemes for operating thin disk lasers are reported. Starting from quasi-end-pumping of one disk we will discuss how multiple absorption passes in the laser crystal can be realized by using iterative relay imaging. This concept can be extended for pumping several disks simultaneously in one compact setup. For multi-kW operation of the thin disk laser edge-pumping of the laser crystal is proposed for even better performance of the thin disk laser compared to quasi-end-pumped schemes.
Improving tungstate crystal laser performance by optimization of Yb concentration
Authors: Rotyliano S. , Mikhailov V. , Schulz S. , Cable A.
Published: July 2014

We investigate laser performance of Yb:KGW and Yb:KYW crystals with the goal to optimize Yb concentration while reducing crystal thickness. We also report the first room temperature laser operation of 20% Yb: KYW.
Solid-State White-Light Laser Using LiF:F2+** Color Center Crystals
Authors: Jenkins Neil W. , Mirov Sergey B.
Published: July 2014

Development of a solid-state, white-light laser using the color center laser medium, LiF:F2+**, is discussed. Spectroscopic analysis reveals LiF:F2+** is an excellent medium for superbroadband (800-1300 nm) or white-light (400-650 nm) lasing. Two color centers, standard F2+** and a new F2+**-like center, are shown to be responsible for this superbroadband range of tunability. Under proper pump excitation from an Alexandrite laser, both centers can be simultaneously excited to theoretically produce superbroadband lasing in the infrared (800-1300 nm) from a single active medium. Second harmonic generation of this fundamental output produces superbroadband lasing in the visible spectral region (400-650 nm). The experimental lasing results provide good agreement with theory.
Spectroscopic properties of CaBaBO3F (CBFB) and Ca4Y(BO3)3O (YCOB) crystals with Yb3+ and Er3+ ions
Authors: Lebedev V. A. , Voroshilov I. V. , Ignatiev B. V. , Gavrilenko A. N. , Pisarenko V. F. , Saakyan A. V.
Published: July 2014

The Yb, Er:YCOB and Yb, Er:CBFB crystals with good optical quality were obtained by the Czochralsky technology. Stark structures of 4I11/2, 4I13/2 and 4I15/2 multiplets of Er3+ - ions are determined, and kinetic and spectroscopic parameters of the crystals are designed by the reciprocity and Fuhtbauer-Ladenburg method. The decreasing of the multiphonon nonradiative relaxation probability from the 4i13/2 level of the erbium with reduction of the contents of oxyboron (BO3) complexes in structure of crystals is observed. The high values of the luminescence quantum output - 20 % for 4I13/2 level and emission cross section on the 1.59 µm wavelength of 0.5 10−20cm2 are designed in CBFB crystals. The effective energy transfer of Yb-Er with quantum efficiency not less than 96 % is found in the YCOB crystals. The nonradiative interaction parameters are determined and equal CYb-Er = 7.6 10−39 and CYb-Yb = 5.1TO−40 cm6s−1. Thus CBFB and YCOB crystals are of great interest for getting of 1.5 mm laser generation.
Diode-pumped Cr4+:YAG single-crystal fiber laser
Authors: Ishibashi Shigeo , Naganuma Kazunori
Published: July 2014

A directly diode-pumped Cr4+:YAG laser which oscillates in the fundamental transverse mode was constructed using a single-crystal fiber made by the laser-heated pedestal growth method.
Calculations of optimum design parameters for Yb:YAG thin disk lasers
Authors: Contag K. , Erhard S. , Giesen A.
Published: July 2014

Analytical equations are derived that show the general dependence of optimum crystal thickness on system parameters of a thin disk laser. For the calculation of the optimum design parameters of a high power Yb:YAG thin disk laser a numerical model has been used. The numerical model and its parameters as well as the results are presented.
Normal Mode and Q-Switched 0.946 µm Oscillator and Amplifier With Second and Third Harmonic Generation
Authors: Barnes Norman P. , Walsh Brian M. , Reichle Donald J. , Hutcheson Ralph L. , Equall Randy W.
Published: July 2014

A novel, dual cavity, flashlamp pumped, Q-switched, laser produced 98 mJ at 0.946 µm. Nd:GYAG, Nd:Gd
x
Y3-
x
Al5O12, and Nd:YAG, Nd:Y3Al5O12, were evaluated and compared at 0.946, 1.064, and 1.338 µm. For normal mode operation at 0.946 µm, a slope efficiency of ≈0.01 was achieved while a 0.946 µm amplifier achieved a gain of ≈1.27. Second and third harmonic of the Q-switched, 0.946 µm laser achieved an efficiency of 0.42 and 0.31, respectively.
Optical Properties and Laser Oscillations of Highly Neodymium-doped YAG Ceramics
Authors: Shoji Ichiro , Kurimura Sunao , Sato Yoichi , Taira Takunori , Ikesue Akio , Yoshida Kunio
Published: July 2014

Diode-pumped microchip laser oscillation of highly Nd3+-doped polycrystalline YAG ceramics has been realized. The loss of a 2.3 at. % Nd3+-doped ceramic YAG is as low as that of a 0.9 at. % NdYAG single crystal. Using a 3.4 at. % NdYAG ceramic, 2.3 times higher microchip laser power is obtained than with a 0.9 at. % Nd:YAG single crystal.
First OPO based on a cylindrical nonlinear optical crystal
Authors: Pacaud Olivier , Boulanger Benoît , Fève Jean-Philippe , Ménaert Bertrand
Published: July 2014

We demonstrate the first OPO based on a 21.2mm-diameter cylindrical KTP crystal. We obtain a signal wavelength tuning between 1570nm and 1647nm corresponding to an angular tuning of 20.5° with a 1064nm pump.
Injection-Seeded, Pump-Enhanced, Tunable KTA OPO
Authors: Isyanova Yelena , Moulton Peter F.
Published: July 2014

We report single-frequency operation of an angle-tuned, injection-seeded pulsed KTA OPO using a cw tunable diode seed laser. The output pulse energy was increased by ~50% when the single-frequency pump wavelength was resonated in the OPO cavity.
Green Microchip Lasers Based on the Self-Frequency Doubling Crystal Nd:GdCa4O(BO3)3
Authors: Lucas-Leclin G. , Auzanneau S.- C. , Balembois F. , Georges P. , Brun A. , Mougel F. , Aka G. , Vivien D.
Published: July 2014

We report laser and self-doubling experiments on a Nd:GdCOB crystal in a diode-pumped plano-plano cavity. We have obtained 22 mW diffraction-limited green output power at an absorbed pump power of 1.2 W.
Passively mode-locked miniature Nd:YVO4 lasers with up to 49 GHz repetition rate
Authors: Krainer L. , Paschotta R. , Moser M. , Keller U.
Published: July 2014

We present miniature Nd:vanadate (Nd:YV04) lasers which are passively mode-locked at extremely high repetition rates of up to 49 GHz, using semiconductor saturable absorber mirrors (SESAMs). Q-switching instabilities were suppressed by the use of an optimized monolithic cavity design and the use of a SESAM with a small modulation depth and saturation fluence. At 49 GHz repetition rate, we achieved 82 mW average output power, 1.7 pJ pulse energy, and a pulse duration of ~6 ps.
Making up is masculine: The increasing cultural connections between masculinity and make-up
Authors: Miller Janice
Published: July 2014

This article explores the ways in which make-up is increasingly presented as a masculine product and a means to refine appearance with the aim of accessing and expressing conventional forms of masculine power. It is concerned with how the conflation of all the different practices of grooming, cosmetics and make-up in all kinds of writing on men makes it difficult to fully understand how they are really engaging with such possibilities. It therefore argues that those studying fashion and appearance need to improve the language on offer to unpick practices of grooming and cosmetic use in order for the implications of such practices to be fully appreciated. In doing so, it discusses the images and texts that market make-up to men, which contain complex messages about how men should feel about their bodies, how make-up has potential to assert their masculinity and what this masculinity should look like.
Men’s fit preferences in outdoor performance clothing: A qualitative investigation
Authors: Stewart Eloise Faber , Chattaraman Veena , Teel Karla P.
Published: July 2014

This article inductively examines men’s fit preferences and practical fit issues in outdoor performance clothing to reveal how they are influenced by men’s Body Mass Index (BMI) and height. Four focus group interviews (FGIs) were conducted with 21 men and the qualitative data was analysed using the grounded theory approach. Men’s BMI influenced the following themes/sub-themes: fit (pant crotch, seat, hip fit; shirt proportion and fit; pant waist fit and pant leg fit) and sizing (inconsistency across brands; and within a brand). Pant crotch, seat, hip fit were frequently discussed by both normal and overweight men; whereas, shirt fit and sizing inconsistency were more of an issue for the overweight men. Men’s height influenced issues in length (sleeve length; body length; and leg length) and sizing (‘Big & Tall’ sizing). Tall men discussed length issues the most; whereas both regular and tall men discussed that they did not need the ‘Big and Tall’ sizing, but rather they just needed extra length in the sleeves and body.
Interpersonal Factors as Drivers of Quality and Performance in Western–Hong Kong Interorganizational Business Relationships
Authors: Barnes Bradley R. , Leonidou Leonidas C. , Siu Noel Y.M. , Leonidou Constantinos N.
Published: July 2014

The authors report the findings of a study conducted among a sample of 202 Hong Kong–based Chinese importing companies regarding their working relationships with Western export manufacturers. In particular, the study emphasizes the effect of interpersonal factors on financial performance through the intervening roles of intercompany trust and relationship quality. Using structural equation modeling, the authors confirm that (1) several interpersonal relational dimensions—namely, personal communication (sijiao), personal credibility (xinyong), and personal affection (ganqing)—positively influence interfirm trust; (2) trust plays an instrumental role in enhancing the components of the interfirm relationship quality (i.e., cooperation, commitment, and satisfaction); (3) interfirm relationship quality is positively related to superior financial performance; and (4) most of the associations between each of the interpersonal factors and interfirm trust were moderated by the importer's size and foreign supplier's origin as well as by the length of the relationship and which party initiated the relationship. The authors extract several conclusions and implications from the findings and provide directions for further research.
MOLECULAR IDENTIFICATION OF SPONGES OBTAINED FROM SERIBU ISLANDS NATIONAL PARK AND THEIR ASSOCIATED BACTERIA
Authors: Patantis Gintung , Rahmadara Gemilang , Elfidasari Dewi , Chasanah Ekowati
Published: July 2014

Sponges are simple multicellular animals that produced many pharmaceutical secondary metabolites. Some sponge-associated bacteria are proven to produce the same metabolites as their host, giving an opportunity to mass produce the potential metabolites. The aim of this research was to analyze the diversity of sponge-associated bacteria and to identify  the host sponge. Samples were collected from Seribu Islands National Park. Partial identification of sponges were conducted by molecular technique with the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit 1 (CO1) as the target area. The diversity of sponge-associated bacteria was determined by Terminal Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (T-RFLP) method. Result showed that sponges PS-17-12 has similarity with Petrosia sp., while PS-26-12 and PS-38-12 has similarity with Xestospongia muta. From the 3 sponge samples, 85 species of bacteria was obtained which can be classified into 9 phylums and 1 uncultured bacteria/environment sample. Some of  the sponge-associated bacteria identified were known as a potential producer of metabolites with antibiotic activity.
Screening of Antitumor Bioactivity of Fungi Associated with Macro Algae and Sponge from Indrayanti Beach, Jogjakarta
Authors: Fajarningsih Nurrahmi Dewi , Nursid Muhammad , Chasanah Ekowati
Published: July 2014

This research was aimed to isolate marine derived-fungi which associated with macro algae and sponge from Indrayanti Beach, Jogjakarta and to screen the antitumor (T47D and HeLa) bioactivity of the fungi extracts. Three solid media of MEA (malt extract agar), GPY (glucose peptone yeast) and MFM (minimal fungi medium) were used as isolation medium. Each of the pure fungi isolates was then cultivated in 100 ml of liquid medium for 4 weeks at room temperature (27-28°C) in static conditions. The antitumor activity of the fungi extracts were tested against breast tumor cells (T47D) and cervical cancer cells (HeLa) using Thiazolyl Blue Tetrazolium Blue (MTT) assay method. A number of 21 isolates of fungi were isolated from 4 macro algae and 1 sponge samples. The identification of fungi isolate was conducted using combination of molecular approach (ITS1-5.8S-ITS4 DNA regions) and macro-micro morphological characteristics. Among those 21 marine fungi species isolated, MFGK-21 extract showed the best anti-servical tumor (HeLa) with an IC50 value of 240.1 µg/ml and MFGK-27 extract showed the best anti-breast tumor (T47D) with an IC50 value of 59.6 µg/ml. The MFGK-21 fungi isolate was identified as Penicillium steckii, while the MFGK-27 fungi isolate was identified as Aspergillus sydowii.
Endophytic Fungi Isolated from Rhizophora mucronata and Their Antibacterial Activity
Authors: Tarman Kustiariyah , Safitri Dwi , Setyaningsih Iriani
Published: July 2014

Mangrove plants are known as source of traditional medicines. Endophytic fungi have an important economic potential for antibacterial, enzyme and secondary metabolites that are useful especially in pharmaceutical industry. The purpose of this research was to determine the antibacterial activity of the endophytic fungal extracts from mangrove plant Rhizophora mucronata against diarrhea causing bacteria. This research included isolation, characterization, cultivation, extraction, and antibacterial activity test. The study yielded 5 types of endophytic fungi with different morphology. Endophytic fungus DS1 was the selected isolate based on antagonism test. The growth pattern showed the stationary phase of isolate DS1 was on the 15th day. Culture broth extract showed considerable inhibition on Pseudomonas aeruginosa with diameter of inhibition zone was 18.5 mm ± 3.32. Extract of mycelium inhibited the growth of Staphylococcus aureus (2 mm). The culture broth extract showed more potent antibacterial activity in comparison with the mycelium extract.
Reproductive Tract Histology of Thaumastocoris peregrinus (Hemiptera: Thaumastocoridae)
Authors: Souza Gabriely K , Pikart Tiago G , Zanuncio Teresinha V , Wilcken Carlos F , Serrão José E , Zanuncio José C
Published: July 2014

The bronze bug Thaumastocoris peregrinus Carpintero & Dellapé (Hemiptera: Thaumastocoridae) is a pest of Corymbia and Eucalyptus. Thus far, there are no effective control methods for this pest in commercial plantations. A study of the reproductive tract could provide basic strategies for controlling this insect. T. peregrinus females and males, of different ages, were obtained from mass rearing and analyzed using light microscopy. The male reproductive tract has a pair of testes with three globular follicles isolated by a peritoneal sheath, and two pairs of well-developed mesadenial tubular accessory glands. The female reproductive tract includes a pair of ovaries, each with two meroistic telotrophic ovarioles, opening into two long lateral oviducts, which joints in a short common oviduct. This common oviduct ends in a large and folded, thick-cuticle lined bursa copulatrix. Eggs with embryos in the stages of anatrepsis, catatrepsis, and post dorsal closure were found in the reproductive tract of females. The reproductive tract of T. peregrinus males and females are similar to those of other Thaumastocoridae, but differ in the number of ovarioles per ovary in its females.
Influence of Nitrogen Fertilizer on Growth and Yield of Grain Sorghum Hybrids and Inbred Lines
Authors: Mahama George Y. , Prasad P. V. Vara , Mengel David B. , Tesso Tesfaye T.
Published: July 2014

Grain sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] is an important crop in semiarid regions of the world because of its drought tolerance. Nitrogen is one of the most limiting nutrients in crop production due to low availability and loss. We hypothesize that there are differences in physiological and yield traits among grain sorghum genotypes in response to N. The objectives of this study were to determine the responses of sorghum genotypes (hybrids and inbred lines) to N fertilizer and the relationship between their physiological and yield traits. Field experiments were conducted at two locations in Kansas for two seasons (2010 and 2011). Genotype × N regimes and year × genotype interactions were significant for leaf chlorophyll, aboveground biomass, grain yield, and seed number. Overall, the hybrids were superior to inbred lines for grain yield and total aboveground biomass, but grain yields of inbred lines TX2783 and TX7000 were comparable to hybrids. Maximum total aboveground biomass, leaf chlorophyll index, and grain yield were obtained at 90 kg N ha−1. Across years, application of 45 and 90 kg N ha−1 resulted in an increase in yield of 13 and 48% over 0 kg N ha−1, respectively. No strong relationship was detected between genotypes and leaf chlorophyll index or chlorophyll a fluorescence and grain yield, but there was a strong relationship between seed number and total aboveground biomass and grain yield. Leaf chlorophyll index and chlorophyll a fluorescence did not provide physiological basis for differences in N response among the genotypes for grain yield.
Developing Perennial Upland Rice I: Field Performance of Oryza sativa/O. rufipogon F1, F4, and BC1F4 Progeny
Authors: Sacks Erik J. , Roxas Jose P. , Cruz Maria Teresa Sta.
Published: July 2014

Development of perennial upland rice (Oryza sativa L.) could improve food security for subsistence farmers while facilitating the conservation of natural resources, but the feasibility of breeding such a cultivar is unknown. The objective of this study was to determine if O. rufipogon Griff., the wild ancestor of cultivated Asian rice, would be a useful source of genes for introgressing perennial growth habit into cultivated rice. In two trials conducted at the International Rice Research Institute, cultivars were compared with interspecific F1s or with rapidly advanced F4 and BC1F4 families, respectively. After 1 yr, none of the cultivars survived but survival in progeny families ranged from 0 to 85.7%. Average survival for the F1s was 30.6% and only one family out of 31 had no survivors. Correlations between F1 family survival and parental O. rufipogon vigor at 9 mo and 20 mo indicated that at least 1 yr is needed to identify perennial genotypes. Fertility among the progeny was generally good, which should facilitate further breeding efforts. In contrast to the cultivars, which produced only one main crop at the end of the wet season, many progenies produced a ratoon crop during the dry season even though they were drought stressed. The ability to produce a dry season ratoon crop under upland conditions is a new opportunity for increasing food security of subsistence upland rice farmers. Breeding perennial cultivated rice should be feasible but it will likely take 5 to 10 more years.
Developing Perennial Upland Rice II: Field Performance of S1 Families from an Intermated Oryza sativa/O. longistaminata Population
Authors: Sacks Erik J. , Roxas Jose P. , Cruz Maria Teresa Sta.
Published: July 2014

In Southeast Asia, upland rice (Oryza sativa L.) is an annual crop that is typically cultivated on hilly sites, contributing to the erosion of soil and the degradation of watersheds. We wish to develop a perennial upland rice that would help conserve natural resources via a permanent ground cover, while providing subsistence farmers with a valued food. Oryza longistaminata A. Chev. et Roehr. is a highly perennial, rhizomatous relative of O. sativa that may be a useful source of genes for developing perennial upland rice. This study was conducted to evaluate the potential of an O. sativa/O. longistaminata intermated population for developing perennial upland rice. As a baseline for comparison, none of the cultivar controls survived 1 yr. Among 94 S1 families, 1‐yr survival ranged from 0 to 63.6% but only six families had more than 30% survival. On the basis of observations at the soil surface, less than 1% of the progeny plants produced rhizomes. However, three families produced approximately 25% rhizomatous individuals, suggesting the presence of a single locus with large effect. Interspecific crossing barriers led to low S1 yields, with many plants being completely sterile. The low fertility and limited perenniality observed may make further breeding progress with this population difficult.