Fatigue Strength of Metals under Alternating Stresses of Varying Amplitude

The criterion on fatigue damage and the formulas which can predict the fatigue lives and fatigue limits of metallic members under alternating stresses of varying amplitude, are established. The fatigue tests under alternating stresses of varying amplitude were carried out by the specially designed testing machines of three types, using unnotched or notched specimens of low-carbon steel, high-carbon steel and duralumin. And it is concluded that the fatigue lives and fatigue limits of metals subjected to varying repeated stresses like this can be determined by the analysis introduced in this paper

Reply to "Comment on `Transition from Bose glass to a condensate of triplons in Tl1−x_{1-x}Kx_xCuCl3_3'"

Showing low-temperature specific heat and other experimental data and also on the basis of established physics, we argue against the comment made by Zheludev and H\"{u}vonnen criticizing our recent study on the magnetic-field-induced spin ordering and critical behavior in Tl$_{1-x}$K$_x$CuCl$_3$, which is described as the Bose glass-condensate transition of triplons.Comment: 2 pages, 2 figures, accepted for publication in Phys. Rev.

Analysis of Human Hand Impedance Properties Depending on Driving Conditions

This paper examines the influence of driving conditions on human hand impedance properties by using an originally developed driving simulator. A set of driving tests combining driving speed and the existence of a road centerline was carried out with five subjects. The results statistically demonstrate that humans steer a vehicle with increasing hand stiffness by activating arm muscles, i.e., under some tension, on the straight load especially at a lower speed with a centerline. In addition, it was confirmed that there was a clear correlation between steering behaviors and human hand stiffness according to the driving conditions. Human impedance measurement in driving would be useful to ascertain not only steering behaviors but also driver's physical and mental conditions for driving conditions, which may be required to develop an intelligent driving support system

Advanced glycation end products modulate transcriptional regulation in mesangial cells

Advanced glycation end products modulate transcriptional regulation in mesangial cells. Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) stimulate synthesis of extracellular matrix (ECM) in a receptor-mediated manner on mesangial cells. In the present study, we examined the transcriptional regulation of the gene for type IV collagen [(IV)collagen], which is one of the major components of mesangial sclerosis, after stimulation of AGEs on mesangial cells. The methylation pattern of the promoter/enhancer region of (IV)collagen gene was similar in AGE-treated and control cells. AGEs significantly increased the transcriptional activity of the (IV)collagen gene, as measured by transient transaction assays using the reporter gene construct containing (IV)collagen promoter/enhancer and the chloramphenicol acetyltransferase gene. AGEs also increased smooth muscle α-actin mRNA levels as well as its transcriptional activity. Nuclear factor binding of the promoter of (IV)collagen gene was stimulated by AGEs. Furthermore, AGEs dramatically decreased the mRNA levels of (IV)collagen promoter binding protein (MSW), a larger subunit of DNA replication complex, AP1. These results suggest that AGEs increase expression of (IV)collagen gene by modulating the levels of promoter binding proteins. These transcriptional events may play a critical role in ECM accumulation in response to AGEs

YKL-40 is associated with MIA syndrome in HD

Chitinase-3-like protein 1 (YKL-40) is a glycoprotein associated with inflammation and tissue remodeling that has recently been used as a marker of inflammation in hemodialysis (HD) patients. In this study, we aimed to determine whether YKL-40 has potential to serve as a nutritional parameter in Japanese HD patients. The serum YKL-40 concentration, hematological parameters, inflammatory marker levels, anthropometric measurements, and laboratory values were measured in 88 patients receiving HD. The geriatric nutritional risk index (GNRI) was used as a nutritional assessment tool. 45.4% of patients were malnourished. YKL-40 correlated positively with age, alkaline phosphatase, alanine transaminase and γ-glutamyl transpeptidase (γ -GTP) levels, but not with nutritional status, and correlated inversely with ankle brachial index score, a predictor of atherosclerosis. Furthermore, multiple regression analysis confirmed that γ-GTP, GNRI and age correlated with YKL-40. YKL-40 elevation was associated with γ-GTP, GNRI and age in HD patients

AMS 14C Dating of Iron Artifacts: Development and Application

From the 18th International Radiocarbon Conference held in Wellington, New Zealand, September 1-5, 2003.We have developed a prototype carbon extraction system for accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS) radiocarbon dating of archaeological iron remains by combusting them with a RF induction furnace. We have also successfully tested and used a method of carbon extraction from iron using a CuCl2 solution. Modifications to our carbon extraction systems and methods provide us acceptable performances; carbon yield is normally around 80% and the 14C background level is as low as 42-48 ka BP in 14C apparent age. We have also conducted an iron refining experiment to examine the sources for carbon 14C age derived from iron, using established AMS 14C dating and carbon extraction systems. Our refining experiment was conducted on iron slag, which are by-products formed during iron smelting methods in the 7th century AD, and using modern charcoal as fuel. The aim of the experiment was to determine whether original carbon characteristics in the original iron materials would be preserved, or if the carbon signature would be replaced to some degree by the modern charcoal. AMS 14C measurements on the refined iron yielded 14C ages equivalent to those of the modern charcoal fuel. The result indicates that the original carbon signatures in the iron slag from 7th century production was replaced completely by modern carbon used in our experiment. The experiment confirms the assumption that 14C ages on iron products are associated with the fuel source of the iron smelting or refining process. We also report on the dating of iron slag materials excavated from the Gennaitouge iron smelting site, where 14C dates were consistent with the age of the site estimated by archaeological evidence.The Radiocarbon archives are made available by Radiocarbon and the University of Arizona Libraries. Contact [email protected] for further information.Migrated from OJS platform February 202