Analysis of spinner straightening utilizing the finite element method

This paper presents analysis methods utilizing the Finite Element Method for spinner straightening, and shows a guideline for optimum conditions. Two types of analysis methods were composed. Model [F-Expl], “full actual model with explicit scheme”, considers the rotational movement of dies as the actual process using the explicit scheme. Model [BndCr], “a model carrying out fundamental analysis on one cross section based on simple bending in the Finite Element Method (FEM)”, uses the FEM only for calculation of simple bending without rotation for obtaining the deformed bar shape. A series of experiments were conducted in an actual production line as well as the analyses by Model [F-Expl] and [BndCr]. The examination mainly focused upon the effect of straightening intensity by changing the die positions. The experimental and analytical results show some mechanism of straightening and a basic guideline for the optimum working condition

Vascular Adhesion Protein-1 Blockade Suppresses Ocular Inflammation After Retinal Laser Photocoagulation in Mice

PURPOSE. To investigate the effect of the vascular adhesion protein-1 (VAP-1) inhibitor RTU-1096 on retinal morphologic changes and ocular inflammation after retinal laser photocoagulation in mice. METHODS. C57BL/6JJcl mice were fed a diet containing RTU-1096, a specific inhibitor for VAP-1, or a control diet ad libitum for 7 days. Laser photocoagulation was performed on the peripheral retina of the animals. The semicarbazide sensitive amine oxidase (SSAO) activities in plasma and chorioretinal tissues were measured. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) images were acquired before and at 1, 3, and 7 days after laser photocoagulation, and thickness of the individual retinal layers was measured. Intravitreal leukocyte infiltration was assessed by histologic analysis. The expression level of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) in retinal tissues were examined by quantitative real-time PCR. RESULTS. One day after laser photocoagulation, the thickness of the outer nuclear layer (ONL) increased in the laser group compared with in the control group, and RTU-1096 administration abrogated the ONL thickening. Histologic analysis and OCT observation revealed that laser photocoagulation caused infiltration of inflammatory cells and the appearance of hyperreflective foci at the vitreoretinal surface, both of which were suppressed by RTU-1096 administration. In addition, systemic administration of RTU-1096 reduced upregulation of the leukocyte adhesion molecules ICAM-1 in the retina. CONCLUSIONS. The current data indicate that VAP-1/SSAO inhibition may be a potential therapeutic strategy for the prevention of macular edema secondary to scatter laser photocoagulation in patients with ischemic retinal diseases such as diabetic retinopathy

Conversion of gaseous nitrogen dioxide to nitrate and nitrite on aqueous surfactants

The hydrolytic disproportionation of gaseous NO2 on water's surface (2 NO_2 + H_2O → HONO + NO_3- + H+) (R1) has long been deemed to play a key, albeit unquantifiable role in tropospheric chemistry. We recently found that (R1) is dramatically accelerated by anions in experiments performed on aqueous microjets monitored by online electrospray mass spectrometry. This finding let us rationalize unresolved discrepancies among previous laboratory results and suggested that under realistic environmental conditions (R1) should be affected by everpresent surfactants. Herein, we report that NO_2(g) uptake is significantly enhanced by cationic surfactants, weakly inhibited by fulvic acid (FA, a natural polycarboxylic acid) and anionic surfactants, and unaffected by 1-octanol. Surfactants appear to modulate interfacial anion coverage via electrostatic interactions with charged headgroups. We show that (R1) should be the dominant mechanism for the heterogeneous conversion of NO_2(g) to HONO under typical atmospheric conditions throughout the day. The photoinduced reduction of NO_2 into HONO on airborne soot might play a limited role during daytime