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Optimization of room-temperature continuous-wave cr (4+)-Doped solid-state lasers: experiment and modeling
No full textA novel study to determine the optimum crystal and resonator parameters for Cr4+ doped lasers subjected to lifetime thermal loading was permormed. The comparison of the results of lasing threshold, pump absorption saturation, and power efficiency measurements was done with the predictions of a theoretical model to determine the laser cross sections. Using the best-fit cross-section values, numerical optimization studies were carried out to determine the optimum crystal absorption, resonator reflectivity, and crystal length which maximized the output power
Analysis of parametric resonances in comb-driven microscanners
No full textDynamic behavior of a comb-driven torsional microscanner is governed by a nonlinear parametric differential equation. Theoretically, such systems have multiple resonances located near the integer fractions of twice the mechanical resonance frequency. The number of observable parametric resonances strongly depends on the damping of the system, whereas the stable and unstable operating regions are determined by drive-voltage and drive-frequency. In atmospheric pressure, only first few of these parametric resonances are observable within the operation voltage range of the devices. This paper explores the effect of damping on the various characteristics of parametric resonances and some unusual scanner behavior rarely seen in mechanical structures. A numerical and an analytical model for comb-driven microscanners are presented. Frequency responses of various devices are experimentally measured inside a vacuum chamber at different ambient pressures ranging from atmospheric pressure to 30 mTorr. Experimental results are compared with analytical and simulation results
MEMS raster correction scanner for SXGA resolution retinal scanning display
No full textA high-frequency resonant horizontal scanner and a linearly driven vertical scanner at display frame rates can create a 2-D raster for video display. The combined motion of the two scanners forms a sinusoidal raster in the vertical direction where the raster line spacing is uniform only at the center and becomes progressively nonuniform towards the left and right edges of the display screen. Nonuniformities degrade the image quality and can be corrected by the addition of a third scanner to the system. Last year we reported the requirements and some of the early results in our MEMS-based raster correction scanner development effort. Since then, a lot of progress was made and the scanner was successfully incorporated into an SXGA resolution helmet-mounted display system. In this paper we report the results of thick copper coil development, new coil and magnet design for electromagnetic actuator, thermal flatness testing, new mounting design, and finally the performance measurements for the HMD system with a raster correction scanner
beta III-Tubulin: A novel mediator of chemoresistance and metastases in pancreatic cancer
No full textPancreatic cancer is a leading cause of cancer-related deaths in Western societies. This poor prognosis is due to chemotherapeutic drug resistance and metastatic spread. Evidence suggests that microtubule proteins namely, beta-tubulins are dysregulated in tumor cells and are involved in regulating chemosensitivity. However, the role of beta-tubulins in pancreatic cancer are unknown. We measured the expression of different beta-tubulin isotypes in pancreatic adenocarcinoma tissue and pancreatic cancer cells. Next, we used RNAi to silence beta III-tubulin expression in pancreatic cancer cells, and measured cell growth in the absence and presence of chemotherapeutic drugs. Finally, we assessed the role of beta III-tubulin in regulating tumor growth and metastases using an orthotopic pancreatic cancer mouse model. We found that beta III-tubulin is highly expressed in pancreatic adenocarcinoma tissue and pancreatic cancer cells. Further, we demonstrated that silencing beta III-tubulin expression reduced pancreatic cancer cell growth and tumorigenic potential in the absence and presence of chemotherapeutic drugs. Finally, we demonstrated that suppression of beta III-tubulin reduced tumor growth and metastases in vivo. Our novel data demonstrate that beta III-tubulin is a key player in promoting pancreatic cancer growth and survival, and silencing its expression may be a potential therapeutic strategy to increase the long-term survival of pancreatic cancer patients
TBC1D24 genotype-phenotype correlation: epilepsies and other neurologic features
No full textObjective: To evaluate the phenotypic spectrum associated with mutations in TBC1D24. Methods: We acquired new clinical, EEG, and neuroimaging data of 11 previously unreported and 37 published patients. TBC1D24 mutations, identified through various sequencing methods, can be found online (http://lovd.nl/TBC1D24). Results: Forty-eight patients were included (28 men, 20 women, average age 21 years) from 30 independent families. Eighteen patients (38%) had myoclonic epilepsies. The other patients carried diagnoses of focal (25%), multifocal (2%), generalized (4%), and unclassified epilepsy (6%), and early-onset epileptic encephalopathy (25%). Most patients had drug-resistant epilepsy. We detail EEG, neuroimaging, developmental, and cognitive features, treatment responsiveness, and physical examination. In silico evaluation revealed 7 different highly conserved motifs, with the most common pathogenic mutation located in the first. Neuronal outgrowth assays showed that some TBC1D24 mutations, associated with the most severe TBC1D24-associated disorders, are not necessarily the most disruptive to this gene function. Conclusions: TBC1D24-related epilepsy syndromes show marked phenotypic pleiotropy, with multisystem involvement and severity spectrum ranging from isolated deafness (not studied here), benign myoclonic epilepsy restricted to childhood with complete seizure control and normal intellect, to early-onset epileptic encephalopathy with severe developmental delay and early death. There is no distinct correlation with mutation type or location yet, but patterns are emerging. Given the phenotypic breadth observed, TBC1D24 mutation screening is indicated in a wide variety of epilepsies. A TBC1D24 consortium was formed to develop further research on this gene and its associated phenotypes
A principle of universal strife: Ricoeur and Merleau-Ponty's critiques of Marxist universalism, 1953-1956
No full textLongitudinal dependence of lightning-induced electron precipitation
No full textObservations of lightning-induced electron precipitation (LEP) events at three geographic regions show characteristics which systematically vary with both longitude and hemisphere. These observations are quantitatively interpreted using a novel atmospheric interaction model designed to predict the characteristics of LEP events at any longitude and midlatitude L-shell by accounting for the effects of precipitating electrons which are backscattered from the atmosphere. The model of atmospheric backscatter (ABS) calculates atmospheric backscatter responses for individual monoenergetic electron beams with a single incident pitch angle using a Monte Carlo model of atmospheric interactions. The ABS model also includes an asymmetric (non-ideal dipole) geomagnetic field model in calculations of the pitch angle of backscattered electrons entering the conjugate hemisphere. Using a realistic distribution of precipitating electrons, the results of this backscatter calculation at three separate longitudes are compared with VLF remote sensing data collected on nearly north-south great circle paths (GCPs). Results predicted by the model and confirmed by data indicate that all four primary LEP characteristics exhibit longitudinal and hemispheric dependence which can be explained in terms of precipitating electrons backscattered from the atmosphere. By combining these effects with previously calculated radiation belt electron loss rates due to lightning at a single location it is possible to estimate the global loss of radiation belt electrons due to lightning
Turkey's Kurdish conflict: changing context, and domestic and regional implications
No full textThis article develops new analytical categories that are necessary to analyze Turkey's Kurdish conflict in its changed domestic and international environments and to evaluate the policy options. If Turkish state policies and discourse, and that of the other regional and international actors, signal to Kurds that the Turkish and Kurdish identities are mutually exclusive categories with rival interests, radical shifts may occur in Turkish Kurds' social and political identities and preferences. If state policies promote these identities as complements with compatible interests, radical shifts are unlikely and Turkey can play a more constructive regional role
Terrestrial gamma ray flash production by lightning current pulses
No full textTerrestrial gamma ray flashes (TGFs) are brief bursts of gamma rays observed by satellites, typically in coincidence with detectable lightning. We incorporate TGF observations and the key physics behind current TGF production theories with lightning physics to produce constraints on TGF production mechanisms. The combined constraints naturally suggest a mechanism for TGF production by current pulses in lightning leader channels. The mechanism involves local field enhancements due to charge redistribution in current pulses and draws seed energetic particles from cold runaway in breakdown processes. The mechanism can reproduce the observed TGF time scale including multipulse TGFs, is in agreement with existing production altitude estimates, and may help explain TGF spectra by naturally producing unbeamed emissions
Terrestrial gamma ray flash production by active lightning leader channels
No full textThe production of terrestrial gamma ray flashes (TGFs) requires a seed energetic electron source and a strong electric field. Lightning leaders naturally provide seed electrons by cold runaway and strong electric fields by charge accumulation on the channel. We model possible TGF production in such fields by simulating the charges and currents on the channel. The resulting electric fields then drive simulations of runaway relativistic electron avalanche and photon emission. Photon spectra and directional distributions produced by the model agree qualitatively with observations. Simulations with a variety of initial conditions indicate sufficient electric fields are produced if an unbranched channel supports a current pulse of at least 100 kA such as occurs if the channel is at least 1 km long and embedded in an ambient electric field of at least 100 kV m(-1). The mechanism does not strongly depend on altitude as friction and characteristic electric field strengths scale similarly. Seed particle production is not directly simulated, but estimates of seed production rates suggest current pulse activity of similar to 1 ms duration can account for TGF-scale emission