Medium Caliber Research Articles

Spirochetal cyst forms in neurodegenerative disorders, … hiding in plain sight

Here is proposed a hypothesis that a completely unsuspected biology exists for pathogenic spirochetes, namely that the cystic spirochetal forms (long thought to be static and resting or just a dormant cohort) actually are capable of killing mammalian host cells. At least two "lethal" scenarios are proposed; first, the host cell destruction from the "inside out" by small caliber cystic forms invading the host cell cytoplasm, and second host cell destruction by engulfment of entire host cells by large caliber cystic spirochetal forms. Conventional thinking about spirochetal cyst forms is divided between two polar spheres of influence; one a majority community that completely denies the existence of spirochetal cyst forms, and a second group of academically persecuted individuals who accepts the precepts of such antebellum scientists as Schaudinn, Hoffman, Dutton, Levaditi, Balfour, Fantham, Noguchi, McDonough, Hindle, Steiner, Ingraham, Coutts, Hampp, Warthin, Ovcinnikov, and Delamater. Microscopic images of cystic spirochetes are difficult to ignore, but as has been the case in this century, academic "endowments" have nearly expunged all cystic spirochetal image data from the current textbook versions of what is the truth about the spirochetaceae. If the image database from the last century is obliterated; many opportunities to diagnose will be lost. Variously sized cystic spirochetal profiles within diseased nerve cells explain the following structures: Lewy body of Parkinson's disease, Pick body, ALS spherical body, Alzheimer plaque. Borrelia infection is therefore a unifying concept to explain diverse neurodegenerative diseases, based not entirely on a corkscrew shaped profile in diseased tissue, but based on small, medium and large caliber rounded cystic profiles derived from pathogenic spirochetes which are..."hiding in plain sight".

People and guns involved in denied and completed handgun sales

Objective: Denial of handgun purchases by prohibited people and knowledge of the structure of gun commerce have helped to deter and prevent firearm violence. The authors hypothesize that handguns involved...

Analysis of rail surfaces from a multishot railgun

The Naval Research Laboratory has initiated a program to study the effects of high power launch on railgun barrel materials. A rail used for 20 shots on the medium caliber launcher at the University of Texas at Austin Institute for Advanced Technology was analyzed using a variety of surface and bulk diagnostics. Initial results are presented.

Atherosclerotic Lesions of Fetus and Newborn Who Died by Different Causes

Atherosclerosis (AS) is a progressive illness with onset in childhood, and the main cause of death in Western civilization. AS earliest lesions are usually seen in children under one year of age and small children, manifesting as a lesion called fat grooves. Aim: To find and characterize anatomically and pathologically AS lesions in fetuses and newborns. Methods: We studied 13 aortas obtained from autopsies; each aorta was opened lengthwise and examined macroscopically, fixed in 10% formaline and stained with hematoxylin and VanGieson. They were then examined microscopically. Some sections with lesions were fixed in 3% glutaraldehyde for scanning or transmission electronic microscopy. Macroscopic studies: number of lesions, localization, size, color, prominence or not and degree of delimitation. Microscopic studies: type and ultrastructural characterization of AS lesions. Results: Six out of 13 aortas presented lesions (46%); 9 were gray lesions, 100% were well-defined, 9 lesions were not elevated; 91% measured less than 4 mm. The most frequent localization was in abdominal aorta (64%). The great majority of the opposing lesions corresponded to fat groove, some were incipient fibrous plaque. These lesions did not differ from those described in adults either in conventional microscopy or ultrastructure. Conclusion: It is worthwhile mentioning the large amount of AS lesions in the studied aortas. We believe that AS lesions could be a non-pathological process present in arteries of medium and great caliber in human beings at early stages in life.

Experiments to measure melt-wave erosion in railgun armatures

This paper describes experiments to measure melt-wave erosion (MWE) damage in railgun armatures. C-armatures were launched on the Medium Caliber Launcher at the Institute for Advanced Technology (IAT), Leander, TX, and recovered by "soft catching" in a tube filled with cotton rags. Recovered armatures were mechanically profiled to measure erosion depth as a function of position on the contacting surfaces. Although recovered armatures provide only a final snapshot of the erosion process, one can show how erosion proceeds by recovering armatures at different stages of the launch. This type of study requires the use of a crowbar switch at the breech of the railgun to rapidly shunt current out of the armature, thereby interrupting the erosion process at the desired point in the launch. We describe the experimental setup and summarize the results of 11 experiments. The experiments investigated the effect of linear current density (ranging from 35 to 45 kA/mm) and rail material (copper and aluminum) on MWE damage. Lastly, we present some thoughts on contact transition mechanisms that, in some cases, prevented the collection of MWE data.

Application of Guns in Naval Force Protection

ABSTRACTAny warship operating in a littoral environment is highly susceptible to attack from surface raider craft — the so called “Boghammer” threat. The NAVSEA close in gun system (CIGS) requirement stipulates a ten target scenario based on ONI analysis. The purpose of this paper is to discuss those sub‐elements of a gun‐based system that in combination will maximize performance by minimizing engagement time per threat. Modern gun and ammunition designs offer a new option for multipurpose self‐defense on all classes of combatant ships as well as an effective and economical solution to their inner layer defense requirements.The modern designs include: ▪ Medium caliber with high rates of fire, e.g.,1000 rounds per minute (RPM)▪ Extremely accurate fuse technologies combined with muzzle velocity measurement and correction calculations that permit densely delivered payloads.▪ Air bursting ammunition with high lethality from tailored sub‐projectile pay loads that is also impervious to ECM/decoys.▪ Extended engagement ranges from two to six km.A combination of all these features offers a lethality mechanism to defeat any threat by delivering a dense wall of steel between the ship and the threat target.Independently verified modeling has shown that these modern gun systems are able to engage ten targets with a maximum keepout‐range of 2600 m.

CXCR3 Chemokine Receptor Distribution in Normal and Inflamed Tissues: Expression on Activated Lymphocytes, Endothelial Cells, and Dendritic Cells

Using new human CXCR3 chemokine receptor–specific monoclonal antibodies, we studied human CXCR3 tissue distribution in lymphoid and nonlymphoid organs, as well as in inflammatory conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis, Hashimoto's thyroiditis, and dermal vasculitis. CXCR3 was expressed by certain dendritic cell subsets, specifically myeloid-derived CD11c positive cells, not only in those present in normal lymphoid organs, but also in germinal centers generated in inflammatory conditions. CXCR3 expression was also detected in some lymphocyte subsets such as intraepithelial lymphocytes of secondary lymphoid organs and infiltrating lymphocytes in inflammatory conditions. In addition, CXCR3 was constitutively expressed by endothelial cells (EC) of vessels of medium and large caliber but not in small vessels from different organs. Finally, enhanced CXCR3 expression was found in EC and in infiltrating lymphocytes with an activated phenotype in inflammatory diseases. The CXCR3 chemokine receptor may play a role in the regulation of leukocyte migration to inflammatory sites.

人工血管を用いた頚動脈再建術

We describe a strategy for carotid artery reconstruction using synthetic graft. Case 1 is 69 year-old man who presented with right hemiparesis. Angiography showed left carotid artery occlusion and right carotid artery stenosis. The subclavian-carotid artery bypass was performed using a knitted double-velour collagen-impregnated graft (Hemashield). Case 2 is 61 year-old woman who presented with a cervical fist-sized mass. The left common carotid artery were encased by thyroid cancer. Radical tumor resection and carotid artery reconstruction were performed using a ringed expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) vascular graft. Case 3 is 72 year-old man admitted to our clinic with complaint of hoarseness of three months' duration. Angiography demonstrated the encasement of the left carotid artery by a laryngeal tumor. Radical tumor resection and carotid artery reconstruction were performed using Hemashield. All reconstructed carotid arteries using synthetic graft have remained patent, and the postoperative course of all patients was good for a followed-up of 20 months (Case 1), 24 months (Case 2), and 10 months (Case 3). Synthetic graft can be performed satisfactorily in carotid arterial replacement with a medium caliber more than 6 mm in diameter.

Multishot performance of an insulator in a laboratory electromagnetic launcher

Insulator materials for electromagnetic launchers have been extensively evaluated for their performance under plasma armature conditions. Melting, erosion and ablation damage of polymers, glass-reinforced polymers and ceramics have necessitated regular replacement to maintain electrical isolation of rail conductors. A glass-fiber-reinforced polymer insulator from the G series was examined for its performance in a multishot electromagnetic launch (EML) environment employing a solid aluminum armature. Bore surveys were conducted between launches to monitor the condition of the insulator surfaces. Techniques to assess degradation by debris deposition, matrix ablation and gross delamination utilized an in situ optical bore scope and an internal bore gage that measured insulator-to-insulator dimensions in the medium caliber square bore. The widely used, glass-reinforced polymer insulator G10 was found to maintain its electrical integrity over multiple launches. The extent of degradation was found to be dependent upon the magnitude of the local energy dissipation and corresponding location within the gun bore. Measures to control damage through materials engineering can be developed from this knowledge base.

Examination of high frequency contact chatter in trailing arm armatures

Experiments with relatively high action armatures in a medium caliber launcher (35-mm rail height) have shown a repeatable vibration in the armature which is observable in the early parts of both the recorded muzzle voltage and on the contact surface of the rail. Although the vibration or "chatter" in the contact does not appear to grow in amplitude or shift in frequency during this early part of the launch, it is probable that it plays a role in conditioning the armature surface for later transition in the launcher. This paper examines the recorded test data and compares it with structural analyses of the launch package to show that the chatter is correlated with natural vibration modes in the armature. Probable causes of chatter are discussed and tests incorporating some potential solutions are presented. Reduction or elimination of this behavior is important both for long-term bore life of the launcher and maximum launch package performance with payloads that are sensitive to lateral launch loads.

Environmentally Friendly Recycling of Hexal in Medium Caliber Ammunition in Industrial Scale

The major task in the recycling of Hexal used in air defense ammunition is the secure, environmentally friendly and cost-saving removal of the Hexal from the case. For this purpose a production plant was constructed, by which the Hexal can be extracted in one minute from four 35 mm grenades by means of drilling and application of high pressure water. The water treatment turned out to be the key step of this process. Increasingly severe environmental regulations force the industry to clean and reuse the water in the process. The diversity of the cleaning methods available is strongly limited by the explosive as material to be separated, by the broad particle size distribution, the high water throughput and the high purity request of the high-pressure pump. The implemented separation process consists of a sedimentation and a filter part. This offers the advantage that there are no moving parts in the system and therefore the maintenance is relatively simple. Umweltfreundliche Rückgewinnung von Hexal aus Mittelkalibermunition in industriellem Maßstab Beim Recycling von hexalhaltiger Flugabwehrmunition besteht die Hauptaufgabe darin, das Hexal sicher, umweltgerecht und kostensparend aus den Granatkörpern zu entfernen. Zu diesem Zweck wurde eine Trennanlage erstellt, die in einer Minute das Hexal aus vier 35 mm-Granaten mittels Bohren und dem Einsatz von Hochdruckwasser herauslöst. In diesem Zusammenhang hat sich gezeigt, dass der Wasseraufbereitung eine zentrale Bedeutung zukommt. Verschärfte Umweltauflagen zwingen die Betreiber, das verwendete Wasser zu reinigen und wieder im Prozess zu verwenden. Die Vielfalt der verfügbaren Reinigungsverfahren wird allerdings stark eingeschränkt durch den Explosivstoff als abzutrennendes Material, die breite Korngrössenverteilung, den hohen Wasserdurchsatz und die hohe Reinheitsforderung der Hochdruckpumpe. Das schlussendlich realisierte Trennverfahren besteht aus einem Sedimentations- und einem Filterteil. Es bietet den Vorteil, dass im System keine beweglichen Teile vorhanden sind und sich die Wartung relativ einfach gestaltet. Réutilisation écologique de l'hexal dans les munitions de calibre moyen à l'échelle industrielle La tâche principale lors du recyclage des munitions anti-aériennes contenant de l'hexal consiste à retirer l'hexal des obus d'une manière sûre, écologique et économique. À cette fin, on a mis au point une installation permettant d'extraire l'hexal de quatre obus de 35 mm en une minute par perçage et injection d'eau sous haute pression. Le traitement de l'eau s'est avéré être l'étape clef. Du fait des réglementations de plus en plus strictes en matière de protection de l'environnement l'industrie est dans l'obligation d'épurer et de récycler l'eau dans les processus industriels. La diversité des méthodes d'épuration disponibles est fortement limitée du fait de la présence de l'explosif à séparer, de la large répartition granulométrique, du débit d'eau élevé et des exigences de propreté élevées de la pompe à haute pression. Le procédé de séparation mis en place comprend une composante sédimentation et une composante filtre. Il offre l'avantage de ne contenir aucune partie mobile et son entretien est donc relativement facile.

Timoma em cão. Relato de caso

Uma cadela, Dachshund, quatro anos, foi encaminhada ao H.V. da FMVZ-UNESP-Botucatu-SP com historico de prostracao, emagrecimento progressivo, anorexia, cansaco e tosse seca. Ao exame clinico observou-se apatia, secrecao nasal serosa bilateral e dispneia intensa. Radiografia toracica demonstrou efusao pleural, edema pulmonar acentuado, desvio dorsal da traqueia e possivel massa mediastinal. A ultra-sonografia, apos drenagem toracica, confirmou a presenca de massa mediastinal, sendo classificada como neoplasia maligna de origem epitelial pela citologia aspirativa por agulha fina. O animal veio a obito logo apos o diagnostico de neoplasia. A necropsia constatou-se massa mediastinal encapsulada, consistencia macia e superficie de corte com coloracao branco-acinzentada e areas necrotico-hemorragicas, localizada na regiao ântero-ventral do torax. O exame histopatologico demonstrou celulas epiteliais neoplasicas, celulas linfoides (timocitos) com morfologia normal, vasos sanguineos de pequeno e medio calibre, formacoes cisticas com conteudo eosinofilico e corpusculos de Hassall. A imunohistoquimica apresentou positividade para citoqueratina AE1/AE3 e UCHL, confirmando o diagnostico de timoma.

Calbindin 28kD and parvalbumin immunoreactive neurons receive different patterns of synaptic input in the cat superior colliculus

Recent evidence suggests that neurons containing the calcium binding proteins calbindin 28kD (CB) and parvalbumin (PV) have differing distributions which match respectively the distribution of W and Y retinal ganglion cell inputs to the cat superior colliculus (SC). In this study we have used electron microscope immunocytochemistry to study directly the synaptic inputs to neurons containing CB and PV. Aspiration lesions of areas 17–18 of visual cortex were made 4 days prior to sacrifice in order to identify degenerating cortical terminals (CT). Retinal terminals (RTs) were identified by their characteristic morphology including large round synaptic vesicles and pale mitochondria. We photographed RTs and CTs that were in contact with immunoreactive profiles sampled in both the superficial gray and optic layers (ol) of SC. CB immunoreactive (ir) dendrites were usually of small to medium caliber and were found to receive synaptic input from RTs. These RTs were all small profiles forming a single synaptic contact with asymmetric densifications. CBir profiles also received other synaptic input, including from terminals with dark mitochondria that contained flattened synaptic vesicles (F profiles). No CBir dendrites were found to receive CT input even though degenerating CTs were found in the vicinity of CBir profiles. By contrast, both RT and CT were found to contact PVir dendrites. RT terminals contacting PVir dendrites were both small and larger profiles with round synaptic vesicles and asymmetric synaptic densifications. CT were undergoing electron dense degeneration but still sometimes formed asymmetric synaptic densifications with PV neurons. PV cells also received F profile synaptic input. We conclude that CB neurons receive small RT synapses that are probably of W origin, while PV neurons receive both RT and CT synapses which are likely related to the Y pathway.

Ultrastructural aspects of the microvasculature of the cochlea: The internal spiral network

We performed a study of the microvasculature of the cochlea with scanning electron microscopy on corrosion casts in the guinea pig. This study was performed in 140 cochleas from healthy adult guinea pigs. Different microvascular techniques were used, including injection-microdissection in 53 cases, injection-diaphanization in 27 cases, a histologic technique in 34 cases, injection-microdissection-diaphanization in 32 cases, and scanning electron microscopy on corrosion casts in 14 cases. The internal radiating arterioles branch off as collateral branches of the spiral modiolar artery, as first-order collateral branches. We detail the morphology, caliber, trajectory, and collateral branches. Among their collateral branches, are third-order arterioles, the arterioles to the spiral ganglia, and the arterioles of the tympanic lip. The arterioles of the tympanic lip form, through their anastomosis, a rich capillary network at the edge of the spiral lamina, called the internal spiral network. We emphasize the glomeruli of Schwalbe, which arise near the scala tympani as third-order arterioles with a medium caliber of 14 μm. The upper glomeruli, situated in the bony wall, and the lower glomeruli, situated in the width of the osseous spiral lamina, form vascular loops made of anastomosed capillaries with a caliber of less than 10 μm. These loops play an important role as efficient devices, or ″relay stations,” for regulation of cochlear blood flow. The comparison of results obtained with each technique gave the perspective of the cochlear microvasculature with great accuracy. (Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 1999;120:725-9.)

Design and development of a novel flux compression generator for landmine detection applications

The design and development of a novel magnetic flux compressor to generate high power, ground penetrating radar signals is presented and discussed. The high power radar signals are used to detect surface and subsurface landmines. The magnetic flux compressor is housed with other circuitry in a medium caliber (i.e., 30 mm) high-speed projectile to form a compact, kinetic-to-electrical energy converter. The kinetic energy of the high-speed projectile is the flux compressor's primary power source. Flux compressor seed current is externally supplied from a small onboard battery. Computer models are presented that predict the performance of the flux compressor and the force, acceleration, and velocity parameters experienced by the projectile during launch and impact. Generator design guidelines, based on the predictions of the computer model, are presented and discussed. The experimental facility used to launch the projectile to high velocity and test the magnetic flux compression projectile is also discussed. In this facility, a light-gas (i.e., helium) gun accelerates 50 gram (nominal) projectiles to velocities approaching 1000 meters per second. The experimentally measured flux compressor current is compared to that predicted by computer models. Other applications for the flux compression projectile are discussed and include geological surveying, remote sensing, and mining.

Influence of combat vehicle system constraints on EML technology development

This paper presents a portion of an analysis to determine what performance levels EML (electromagnetic launcher) subsystems must achieve to enable EM armament in future weapons systems. In particular, this paper presents the sensitivity of EML viability to (1) the power per unit volume of a pulsed power supply, (2) the efficiency of that power supply, (3) the launch event efficiency, (4) the number of rounds stowed, and (5) the maximum projectile energy attainable. The result is a definition of the minimum performance levels useful for the tactical application considered. Development of alternatives that do not recognize these high system level requirements will not lead to tactical advantages compared to conventional systems. This analysis indicates that EML technology can provide a viable armament alternative for future armored land combat systems requiring high energy projectiles and high on-board projectile count. In order to achieve that goal pulsed power supplies must realize 8000 kW/m/sup 3/ with efficiency exceeding 60%. In addition, the pulsed power must support a system including launch efficiency exceeding 70% for large caliber or 55% for medium caliber armament.

Anatomic study of the deep plantar artery: potential by-pass receptor site.

The deep plantar artery is the main anastomosis between the dorsal and plantar arterial systems of the foot; with no change of calibre it unites the dorsalis pedis artery to the deep plantar arch, the second segment of the lateral plantar artery, passing into the first intermetatarsal space. Our anatomic study of 20 dissections of the deep plantar artery allowed us to verify the near-constancy of its descriptive anatomy and relationships. The deep plantar artery, when present, only found in 16 of our 20 cases, is totally linked to the dorsalis pedis artery. Its easy accessibility via the dorsal route, its medium calibre and the absence of collateral branches make this artery a possible anatomic site for the performance of a distal bypass, the last option before an amputation of the foot becomes necessary, although such a case remains exceptional.

Voltammetric Behavior and Simultaneous Determination of the Antioxidants Propyl Gallate, Butylated Hydroxyanisole, and Butylated Hydroxytoluene in Acidic Acetonitrile-Water Medium Using PLS Calibration

Voltammetric Behavior and Simultaneous Determination of the Antioxidants Propyl Gallate, Butylated Hydroxyanisole, and Butylated Hydroxytoluene in Acidic Acetonitrile-Water Medium Using PLS Calibration

Analytical modelling of normal and oblique ballistic impact on ceramic/metal lightweight armours

This paper presents a new analytical model developed to simulate ballistic impact of projectiles on ceramic/metal add-on armours. The model is based on Tate and Alekseevskii’s equation for the projectile penetration into the ceramic tile, whilst the response of the metallic backing is modelled following the ideas of Woodward’s and den Reijer’s models. The result is a fully new analytical model that has been checked with data of residual mass and residual velocity of real fire tests of medium caliber projectiles on ceramic/metal add-on armours. Agreement observed between experimental and analytical results confirmed the validity of the model. Therefore, the model developed can be a useful tool for optimisation of ceramic/metal armour design.

Hemorragia cerebral en el síndrome de Sneddon

Sneddon syndrome is the association of livedo retricularis and cerebrovascular lesions. It is a vasculopathy of vessels of small and medium calibre which affects young people and is of unknown origin. It is often associated with arterial hypertension and repeated ischemic cerebrovascular accidents which lead to intellectual deterioration. We describe a 49 year old man who, from the age of 23, had had repeated transient or established episodes compatible with ischemic cerebrovascular accidents. These were followed by various neurological sequelae and by intellectual deterioration. Finally he died of a cerebral hemorrhage whilst on anticoagulant treatment with Synthron. We show the neuroimaging findings (CT, MR and angiography) and the neuropathological studies (cerebral hemorrhage, fibrosis of the intima of the vessels of the circle of Willis, absence of inflammation, bilateral unsymmetrical leukoencephalopathy of the cerebral hemispheres and multiple cortical infarcts). We wish to draw attention to the occurrence of this complication, its possible relationship to the vasculopathy mentioned, bursting of one of the arteries of the revascularization complex, arterial hypertension or anticoagulant treatment, and also to add one more case to the few described as having hemorrhage and neuropathology in Sneddon syndrome.