Expression of the neural cell adhesion molecule NCAM in endocrine cells

We examined the expression of the neural cell adhesion molecule NCAM in a number of endocrine tissues of adult rat and in an endocrine tumor cell line. NCAM was found by immunoelectron microscopy to be present on the surface of all endocrine cells in the three lobes of the hypophysis, although staining was relatively less intense in the intermediate lobe, and in pancreatic islets. Pituicytes, hypophyseal glial cells, were also labeled for NCAM. A rat insulinoma cell line (RIN A2) also expressed NCAM as judged by immunocytochemistry. Analysis of NCAM antigenic determinants (Mr 180, 140, and 120 KD) revealed large variations in the relative proportions of NCAM polypeptides present in the different tissues. Although all tissues and cell lines expressed NCAM-140, NCAM-180 was not detected in the adenohypophysis, pancreas, or adrenal medulla, and NCAM-120 was found in none of the endocrine tissues or cell lines except at low levels in the neurohypophysis. The tumor cell line expressed significant levels of NCAM-180, which was most abundant in the neurohypophysis. These results show that NCAM expression appears to be a general property of endocrine cells, although the antigenic composition differs markedly from that in brain tissue. These data are discussed with regard to the embryological origins of the different endocrine tissues, and possible functional implications are suggested

Dynamical energy analysis on mesh grids: a new tool for describing the vibro-acoustic response of complex mechanical structures

We present a new approach for modelling noise and vibration in complex mechanical structures in the mid-to-high frequency regime. It is based on a dynamical energy analysis (DEA) formulation which extends standard techniques such as statistical energy analysis (SEA) towards non-diffusive wave fields. DEA takes into account the full directionality of the wave field and makes sub-structuring obsolete. It can thus be implemented on mesh grids commonly used, for example, in the finite element method (FEM). The resulting mesh based formulation of DEA can be implemented very efficiently using discrete flow mapping (DFM) as detailed in [1] and described here for applications in vibro-acoustics

Effective constructions in plethysms and Weintraub's conjecture

We give a short proof of Weintraub's conjecture by constructing explicit highest weight vectors in the symmetric power of an even exterior power

Substrate-Integrated Folded Waveguide Slot Antenna

In recent years a number of researchers have proposed novel techniques for fabricating rectangular waveguide using microwave integrated circuit techniques. These so-called substrate integrated guides have been fabricated using multilayer LTCC, multi- and single-layer microwave laminates and photoimageable thick films. All of these structures result in dielectric filled rectangular waveguide and as such have a width reduction of 1/square root of the relative permittivity over conventional waveguide. Furthermore, by their very nature they are easily integrated with planar transmission lines and circuits, allowing hybrid waveguide/microstrip systems to be fabricated on a single substrate. Several researchers have investigated slot antennas and arrays in substrate-integrated guide. In this paper we show a slot antenna in a folded substrate-integrated waveguide. These waveguides have half the width of the other types of substrate-integrated waveguide. As such the present structure allows arrays of slot antennas to be more highly integrated

Underground nuclear power plant siting

This study is part of a larger evaluation of the problems associated with siting nuclear power plants in the next few decades. This evaluation is being undertaken by the Environmental Quality Laboratory of the California Institute of Technology in conjunction with The Aerospace Corporation and several other organizations. Current efforts are directed toward novel approaches to siting plants within the State of California. This report contains the results of efforts performed by The Aerospace Corporation to provide input information to the larger evaluation relative to underground siting of large central station nuclear power plants. Projections of electric power demand in California and the country as a whole suggest that a major increase in generating capacity will be required. The problem is complicated beyond that of a large but straightforward extension of capital investment by increased emphasis on environmental factors combined with the early stage of commercial application and regulation of nuclear power sources. Hydroelectric power generation is limited by the availability of suitable sites, and fossil fueled plants are constrained by the availability of high quality fuels and the adverse environmental and/or economic impact from the use of more plentiful fuels. A substantial increase in the number of nuclear power plants is now under way. This source of power is expected to provide the maj or portion of increased capacity. Other power sources such as geothermal and nuclear fusion are unlikely to satisfy the national needs due to technical problems and the lack of a comprehensive development program. There are several problems associated with meeting the projected power demand. Chief among these is the location of acceptable and economic plant sites. Indeed a sufficient number of sites may not be found unless changes occur in the procedures for selecting sites, the criteria for accepting sites, or the type of site required. Placement of a nuclear plant underground has been suggested as an alternative to present siting practices. It is postulated that the advantages of underground siting in some situations may more than compensate for added costs so that such facilities could be preferred even where surface sites are available. By virtue of greater safety, reduced surface area requirements, and improved aesthetics, underground sites might also be found where acceptable surface sites are not available. Four small European reactors have been constructed partially underground but plans for large size commercial plants have not progressed. Consequently, the features of underground power plant siting are not well understood. Gross physical features such as depth of burial, number and size of excavated galleries, equipment layout, and access or exit shafts/tunnels must be specified. Structural design features of the gallery liners, containment structure, foundations, and gallery interconnections must also be identified. Identification of the nuclear, electrical, and support equipment appropriate to underground operation is needed. Operational features must be defined for normal operations, refueling, and construction. Several magazine articles have been published addressing underground concepts. but adequate engineering data is not available to support an evaluation of the underground concept. There also remain several unresolved questions relative to the advantages of underground siting as well as the costs and other possible penalties associated with this novel approach to siting. These include the degree of increased safety through improved containment; the extent and value of isolation from falling objects, e. g. aircraft; the value of isolation from surface storms and tidal waves; the value of protection from vandalism or sabotage; the extent by which siting constraints are relieved through reduced population-distance requirements or aggravated by underground construction requirements; and the value to be placed upon the aesthetic differences of a less visible facility. The study described in this report has been directed toward some of these questions and uncertainties. Within the study an effort has been made to identify viable configurations and structural liners for typical light water reactor nuclear power plants. Three configurations are summarized in Section 3. A discussion of the underground gallery liner design and associated structural analyses is presented in Section 4. Also addressed in the study and discussed in Section 5 are some aspects of containment for underground plants. There it is suggested that the need for large separations between the plant and population centers may be significantly reduced, or perhaps eliminated. Section 6 contains a brief discussion of operational considerations for underground plants. The costs associated with excavation and lining of the underground galleries have been estimated in Section 7. These estimates include an assessment of variations implied by different seismic loading assumptions and differences in geologic media. It is shown that these costs are a small percentage of the total cost of comparable surface plants. Finally, the parameters characterizing an acceptable underground site are discussed in Section 8. Material is also included in the appendices pertaining to foreign underground plants, span limits of underground excavations, potential siting areas for underground plants in the State of California, pertinent data from the Underground Nuclear Test Program, and other supporting technical discussions

Objective Reconstructions of the Late Wisconsinan Laurentide Ice Sheet and the Significance of Deformable Beds

A three dimensional steady state plastic ice model; the present surface topography (on a 50 km grid); a recent concensus of the Late Wisconsinan maximum margin (PREST, 1984); and a simple map of ice yield stress are used to model the Laurentide Ice Sheet. A multi-domed, asymmetric reconstruction is computed without prior assumptions about flow lines. The effects of possible deforming beds are modelled by using the very low yield stress values suggested by MATHEWS (1974). Because of low yield stress (deforming beds) the model generates thin ice on the Prairies, Great Lakes area and, in one case, over Hudson Bay. Introduction of low yield stress (deformabie) regions also produces low surface slopes and abrupt ice flow direction changes. In certain circumstances large ice streams are generated along the boundaries between normal yield stress (non-deformable beds) and low yield stress ice (deformabie beds). Computer models are discussed in reference to the geologically-based reconstructions of SHILTS (1980) and DYKE ef al. (1982).À partir d'un modèle théorique tridimensionnel de plasticité de la glace, de la topographie actuelle (sur un canevas de 50 km2), du nouveau consensus quant à la limite maximale de la marge glaciaire (PREST, 1984) et d'une carte des seuils de plasticité de la glace, les auteurs ont élaboré des modèles de la calotte glaciaire laurentidienne. On a donc reconstitué par ordinateur une calotte asymétrique à dômes multiples, sans idée préconçue quant aux directions de l'écoulement des glaces. On a évalué les conséquences de la présence éventuelle de lits non résistants en se fondant sur les très bas seuils de plasticité de la glace proposés par MATHEWS (1974). En raison des bas seuils de plasticité (lits non résistants), les modèles démontrent qu'une glace peu épaisse couvrait les Prairies et la région des Grands Lacs, ainsi que la baie d'Hudson, dans un des deux cas. La prise en considération de régions à bas seuils de plasticité (lits non résistants) montre également la présence de pentes faibles et des changements brusques de direction de l'écoulement glaciaire. Dans certains cas, de grands courants glaciaires se manifestent le long des limites entre les endroits où les seuils de plasticité sont normaux (lits rigides) et les endroits où les seuils de plasticité sont bas (lits non résistants). Les modèles obtenus par ordinateur sont ensuite comparés aux reconstitutions de SHILTS (1980) et de DYKE et al. (1982), élaborées à partir des données géologiques.Ein dreidimensionales konstantes Modell der Eis-Plastizitat, die gegenwàrtige Oberflâchentopographie (auf einem Gitternetz von 50 km), ein neuer Konsensus ùber den maximalen glazialen Rand des spâten Wisconsin (PREST, 1984) und eine einfache Karte der Eis-Plastizitàts-Schwelle werden benutzt, um ein Modell der Laurentischen Eisdecke herzustellen. Eine vielfach gewôlbte, asymmetrische Rekonstruktion ist hergestellt worden, ohne vorgefapte Meinung ùber die Richtung des FlieBens. Die Wirkungen von môglicherweise vorhandenen nachgiebigen Betten werden mittels der sehr niedrigen Eisplastizitàtsschwelle, wie sie von MATHEWS (1974) vorgeschlagen wird, im Modell gestaltet. Wegen der niedrigen Plastizitâtsschwelle (nachgiebige Betten) zeigt das Modell dùnnes Eis in den Prairies, der Gegend der grofien Seen und in einem Fall ùber der Hudson Bay. Die Berùcksichtigung von Gebieten mit niedriger Plastizitàtsschwelle (nachgiebige Betten) fùhrt auch zu niedrigen Hàngen und abrupten Wechseln in der Richtung des EisflieBens. Unter gewissen Bedingungen bilden sich breite Eisstrôme entlang der Grenzèn zwischen Gegenden mit normaler Eisplastizitât (bestândige Betten) und geringer Eisplastizitàt (nachgiebige Betten). Durch Computer erstellte Modelle werden in Bezug auf die geologisch erarbeiteten Rekonstruktionen von SHILTS (1980) und DYKE et al. (1982) diskutiert

Discovering predictive variables when evolving cognitive models

A non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm is used to evolve models of learning from different theories for multiple tasks. Correlation analysis is performed to identify parameters which affect performance on specific tasks; these are the predictive variables. Mutation is biased so that changes to parameter values tend to preserve values within the population's current range. Experimental results show that optimal models are evolved, and also that uncovering predictive variables is beneficial in improving the rate of convergence

Five years on: public sector service use related to mental health in young people with ADHD or hyperkinetic disorder five years after diagnosis

This is the peer reviewed version of the article, which has been published in final form at DOI: 10.1111/j.1475-3588.2007.00466.x. This article may be used for non-commercial purposes in accordance with Wiley Terms and Conditions for Self-Archiving.Background: Little is known about ongoing service use among young people with ADHD, but this informationis important to the development of services to support these young people. Methods: A cohort of young people with ADHD or hyperkinetic disorder (n ¼ 115) was followed up five to seven years after diagnosis.Details are presented of their use of public sector services over the 12 months preceding reassessment, compared to young people with ADHD from a large epidemiological study. Results: Most children remained in contact with CAMHS, with high rates of contact with schools, educational professionals and the criminal justice system. Nearly all had taken medication at some point, while many still were using it. There were low reported rates of psychological and group interventions within the last twelve months, but this does not rule out earlier access to such treatments. Conclusions: Children with ADHD utilise long-term support from public sector services, and cross agency strategies or clinics may help to optimise functioning.Wellcome Trus