A Solar-Hydrogen Energy Conversion Scheme for Agricultural Use

A solar energy activated system is presented which can produce hydrogen and hydrogen-derived fuels (methanol) for use on farms. The device, named solar-kine , also can produce fertilizer (anhydrous ammonia) as a byproduct of the hydrogen. A cost analysis shows that solar-kine may be mass-producible and sold to farmers for between $7,200 and$14,700. This is equivalent to giving the fanner energy at a price of $1.79 to$3.66 per million BTU\u27s (in 1974 dollars). Presently (Spring, 1974) regular gasoline used in tractors at 43¢ per gallon, represents a cost to the farmer of $3.77 per million BTU\u27s. As oil-based fuels increase in price in the next few years, solar-kine may represent a reasonable alternative to keep food prices down. The solar-kine system uses concentrated solar energy which can be converted into a high-density electric current by means of a thermionic heat engine. The rejected heat and electric current from the thermionic converter is supplied to an electrolysis cell which, in turn, produces hydrogen and oxygen gas. Chemical process equipment will use the hydrogen and oxygen to produce a methanol (CH3OH) fuel supply for internal combustion engines used on farm machines. The hydrogen can also be used to manufacture ammonia, ammonium nitrate (NH4NO3), and ammonium sulfate [(NH4)2SO4)] fertilizers. The following materials can be produced which are useful to the farmer: a) hydrogen gas, b) oxygen gas, c) liquid tractor fuel, d) fertilizer, e) ammonia, f) electricity, and e) heat energy We feel that any unconventional energy system, such as solar-kine, must interface and serve the conventional use of fuel energy if it is to have lasting merits. This is why we feel that it is desirable to have the complete conversion of solar energy into a liquid fuel that is safe to handle and store, and which also can be used in any conventional fossil-fuel burning system with minimum modifications. Solar energy is compatible with our environment; it is free, and its supply cannot be exhausted. It is also available at any geographic location without requiring transportation to the user\u27s site (See Fig. 2). Its major advantage over fossil fuel comes from the fact that it does not add any net heat content to the earth [5,6]. A small on-site energy system is best for the farmer because, a) It can be mass produced at 106 or more, units per year,b) Power levels needed by farms are low, 100-500 KW, c)Farm energy is used over a large geographical area, d)The main source of energy (the sun) is everywhere available,e) Heat rejected from the heat engine (thermionic) is used in other portions of the system to increase overall efficiency, and may be used in part to heat buildings,f) The farmer would be energy-independent from the price and supply undulations of the industrial complex,g) Legal considerations which regulate the large energy distribution systems would not apply, or affect, the proposed system as used by the farmer,h) Last, and possibly most important, the farmer would have a dependable fuel supply at the lowest possible cost. In the future, the proposed system will supply energy at a cost much lower than petroleum-derived energy

The effect of acute equine temporomandibular joint inflammation on response to rein-tension and kinematics

BackgroundAlthough the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is the major contact point between the reins in the riders’ hand, the bit in the mouth, and the rest of the horse under saddle, the role of inflammation of this joint on equine locomotion and rein tension is unknown.ObjectiveTo determine the effect of acute TMJ inflammation on rein-tension and horse movement when horses were long-reined on a treadmill.Study designA randomized, controlled, cross-over design.MethodsFive horses were trained by one clinician to walk and trot on a treadmill wearing long-reining equipment instrumented with a rein-tension device and reflective optical tracking markers. Subjective assessment of horse’s dominant side, and movement, were determined without rein-tension (free walk and trot); and with rein-tension (long-reined walk and trot). Continuous rein-force data from both sides were collected over ~60s from each trial. Movement was recorded using a 12-camera optical motion capture system. One randomly assigned TMJ was subsequently injected with lipopolysaccharide and the treadmill tests repeated by investigators blinded to treatment side. A second, identical assessment was performed 10 days later with the opposite TMJ being the target of intervention.ResultsAll horses showed reduced rein-tension on the injected (inflamed) side. Increased rein-tension was required on the non-injected side at trot, to maintain them in the correct position on the treadmill post-injection. The only kinematic variable to show any significant change due to rein tension or TMJ inflammation during the walk or trot was an increase in forward head tilt in the presence of rein tension in the trot after injection.Main limitationsLow number of horses and investigation of response to acute inflammation only.ConclusionTMJ inflammation changed, subjectively and objectively, the response to rein-input, but the horses did not become lame

Contrast arthrography of the equine temporomandibular joint

BackgroundDisorders of the equine temporomandibular joint (TMJ) cause clinical problems and detailed investigations of this joint are becoming more common. Specialist radiographic projections have the potential to highlight osseous abnormalities; however, the ability to assess the intra-articular soft tissue structures is currently limited to computed tomography (with, or without contrast enhancement) or magnetic resonance imaging. Both modalities are expensive and not readily accessible.ObjectiveTo develop a technique of contrast arthrography of both compartments of the equine TMJ in cadavers and then perform the refined technique in three living horses as a proof-of-principle.Study designA descriptive, experimental, study.MethodsContrast arthrography of the discomandibular and discotemporal joint compartments of both TMJs was performed in 12 cadaveric equine heads using needles placed in the caudal pouches of the respective joint compartments. Radiographs were taken using previously published techniques, repeated with the mouth open and after air had been injected into the joints, to perform a double-contrast study. The TMJs of three healthy horses were subsequently examined to determine the validity of the procedure in live animals.ResultsSingle and double-contrast arthrography allowed delineation of the dorsal and ventral surfaces of the intra-articular disc in addition to filling the rostral and caudal joint pouches of the independent joint compartments. Contrast extravasation was common, and in two instances iatrogenic disc penetration resulted in the false diagnosis of pathologic disc perforation. The techniques were well tolerated in all three live horses.Main limitationsLow number of horses.ConclusionContrast arthrography allows interpretation of intra-articular soft tissue structures, but caution is advised in diagnosing intra-articular disc perforation. Even with experience, accessing the discomandibular joint can be challenging

Mindset and its relationship to anxiety in clinical veterinary students

This study investigated anxiety, one aspect of mental wellbeing, in fourth year veterinary students before the final clinical section of their course (intramural rotations (IMR)). It explored the relationship between reported anxiety and ‘mindset’: an individual’s view on the ability to develop (eg, improve intelligence). Questionnaires were completed by 130 students. Students were mindset typed for ability and personality and rated their anxiety towards IMR. Students with different overall mindsets (‘strong growth’, ‘growth’ and ‘fixed’) were invited to participate in focus groups, to discuss causes of their anxieties. Quantitative results indicated 63.1 per cent of students had strong growth or growth mindsets overall, and that females were more fixed mindset-oriented than males. Females reported significantly greater anxiety than males. A fixed mindset view overall, and of ability, were significantly correlated with increased anxiety, while mindset view of personality was not. Students provided various reasons for their anxieties, which differed with mindset. Fixed mindset students (n=2) focused on concerns about knowledge, whereas growth students (n=6) were also anxious about work-life balance and future work. Growth students saw clinicians as future colleagues, rather than intimidating teachers. Students reported an awareness of being graded, although growth students were aware that IMR are learning opportunities

The effect of acute equine temporomandibular joint inflammation on response to rein-tension and kinematics

BackgroundAlthough the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is the major contact point between the reins in the riders’ hand, the bit in the mouth, and the rest of the horse under saddle, the role of inflammation of this joint on equine locomotion and rein tension is unknown.ObjectiveTo determine the effect of acute TMJ inflammation on rein-tension and horse movement when horses were long-reined on a treadmill.Study designA randomized, controlled, cross-over design.MethodsFive horses were trained by one clinician to walk and trot on a treadmill wearing long-reining equipment instrumented with a rein-tension device and reflective optical tracking markers. Subjective assessment of horse’s dominant side, and movement, were determined without rein-tension (free walk and trot); and with rein-tension (long-reined walk and trot). Continuous rein-force data from both sides were collected over ~60s from each trial. Movement was recorded using a 12-camera optical motion capture system. One randomly assigned TMJ was subsequently injected with lipopolysaccharide and the treadmill tests repeated by investigators blinded to treatment side. A second, identical assessment was performed 10 days later with the opposite TMJ being the target of intervention.ResultsAll horses showed reduced rein-tension on the injected (inflamed) side. Increased rein-tension was required on the non-injected side at trot, to maintain them in the correct position on the treadmill post-injection. The only kinematic variable to show any significant change due to rein tension or TMJ inflammation during the walk or trot was an increase in forward head tilt in the presence of rein tension in the trot after injection.Main limitationsLow number of horses and investigation of response to acute inflammation only.ConclusionTMJ inflammation changed, subjectively and objectively, the response to rein-input, but the horses did not become lame

The effects of trauma on intimate relationships: A qualitative study with clinical couples

Research has traditionally focused on the development of symptoms in those who experienced trauma directly but has overlooked the impact of trauma on victims' families. In recent years, researchers and clinicians have begun to examine how individual exposure to traumatic events affects the spouses or partners, children, and professional helpers of trauma survivors. The current study examines qualitative interview data from 17 individuals, analyzed using a retroductive methodology to identify how intimate relationships are affected when there is a history of trauma exposure. The following primary themes were identified: increased communication, decreased communication, increased cohesion/connection, decreased cohesion/connection, increased understanding, decreased understanding, sexual intimacy problems, symptoms of relationship distress, support from partner, and relationship resources. Areas for future research and clinical implications are identified

AID-Targeting and Hypermutation of Non-Immunoglobulin Genes Does Not Correlate with Proximity to Immunoglobulin Genes in Germinal Center B Cells

Upon activation, B cells divide, form a germinal center, and express the activation induced deaminase (AID), an enzyme that triggers somatic hypermutation of the variable regions of immunoglobulin (Ig) loci. Recent evidence indicates that at least 25% of expressed genes in germinal center B cells are mutated or deaminated by AID. One of the most deaminated genes, c-Myc, frequently appears as a translocation partner with the Ig heavy chain gene (Igh) in mouse plasmacytomas and human Burkitt's lymphomas. This indicates that the two genes or their double-strand break ends come into close proximity at a biologically relevant frequency. However, the proximity of c-Myc and Igh has never been measured in germinal center B cells, where many such translocations are thought to occur. We hypothesized that in germinal center B cells, not only is c-Myc near Igh, but other mutating non-Ig genes are deaminated by AID because they are near Ig genes, the primary targets of AID. We tested this “collateral damage” model using 3D-fluorescence in situ hybridization (3D-FISH) to measure the distance from non-Ig genes to Ig genes in germinal center B cells. We also made mice transgenic for human MYC and measured expression and mutation of the transgenes. We found that there is no correlation between proximity to Ig genes and levels of AID targeting or gene mutation, and that c-Myc was not closer to Igh than were other non-Ig genes. In addition, the human MYC transgenes did not accumulate mutations and were not deaminated by AID. We conclude that proximity to Ig loci is unlikely to be a major determinant of AID targeting or mutation of non-Ig genes, and that the MYC transgenes are either missing important regulatory elements that allow mutation or are unable to mutate because their new nuclear position is not conducive to AID deamination