On Vanishing Theorems For Vector Bundle Valued p-Forms And Their Applications

Let $F: [0, \infty) \to [0, \infty)$ be a strictly increasing $C^2$ function with $F(0)=0$. We unify the concepts of $F$-harmonic maps, minimal hypersurfaces, maximal spacelike hypersurfaces, and Yang-Mills Fields, and introduce $F$-Yang-Mills fields, $F$-degree, $F$-lower degree, and generalized Yang-Mills-Born-Infeld fields (with the plus sign or with the minus sign) on manifolds. When $F(t)=t, \frac 1p(2t)^{\frac p2}, \sqrt{1+2t} -1,$ and $1-\sqrt{1-2t},$ the $F$-Yang-Mills field becomes an ordinary Yang-Mills field, $p$-Yang-Mills field, a generalized Yang-Mills-Born-Infeld field with the plus sign, and a generalized Yang-Mills-Born-Infeld field with the minus sign on a manifold respectively. We also introduce the $E_{F,g}-$energy functional (resp. $F$-Yang-Mills functional) and derive the first variational formula of the $E_{F,g}-$energy functional (resp. $F$-Yang-Mills functional) with applications. In a more general frame, we use a unified method to study the stress-energy tensors that arise from calculating the rate of change of various functionals when the metric of the domain or base manifold is changed. These stress-energy tensors, linked to $F$-conservation laws yield monotonicity formulae. A "macroscopic" version of these monotonicity inequalities enables us to derive some Liouville type results and vanishing theorems for $p-$forms with values in vector bundles, and to investigate constant Dirichlet boundary value problems for 1-forms. In particular, we obtain Liouville theorems for $F-$harmonic maps (e.g. $p$-harmonic maps), and $F-$Yang-Mills fields (e.g. generalized Yang-Mills-Born-Infeld fields on manifolds). We also obtain generalized Chern type results for constant mean curvature type equations for $p-$forms on $\Bbb{R}^m$ and on manifolds $M$ with the global doubling property by a different approach. The case $p=0$ and $M=\mathbb{R}^m$ is due to Chern.Comment: 1. This is a revised version with several new sections and an appendix that will appear in Communications in Mathematical Physics. 2. A "microscopic" approach to some of these monotonicity formulae leads to celebrated blow-up techniques and regularity theory in geometric measure theory. 3. Our unique solution of the Dirichlet problems generalizes the work of Karcher and Wood on harmonic map

How control systems influence product innovation processes: examining the role of entrepreneurial orientation

This paper yields insights into the channels through which Management Accounting and Control Systems (MACS) exert an influence on product innovation by examining the extent to which different forms of control (i.e. value systems, diagnostic control systems, interactive control systems) are directly associated with the distinct phases of innovation processes. Using survey data collected from 118 medium and large Spanish companies, we find that: (1) value systems and interactive control systems have significant main effects on the creativity, coordination and knowledge integration, and filtering (sub-)phases of innovation processes; and (2) the significance and direction of these influences vary depending on the Entrepreneurial Orientation (EO) of firms. By highlighting the relevance of EO in shaping the influence of MACS on product innovation processes, this study calls for caution in generalising the expected effects of MACS on innovation

Interspecies discrimination of A. fumigatus and siblings A. lentulus and A. felis of the Aspergillus section Fumigati using the AsperGenius® assay

The AsperGenius® assay detects several Aspergillus species and the A. fumigatus Cyp51A mutations TR34/L98H/T289A/Y121F that are associated with azole resistance. We evaluated its contribution in identifying A. lentulus and A. felis, 2 rare but intrinsically azole-resistant sibling species within the Aspergillus section Fumigati. Identification of these species with conventional culture techniques is difficult and time-consuming. The assay was tested on (i) 2 A. lentulus and A. felis strains obtained from biopsy proven invasive aspergillosis and (ii) control A. fumigatus (n=3), A. lentulus (n=6) and A. felis species complex (n=12) strains. The AsperGenius® resistance PCR did not detect the TR34 target in A. lentulus and A. felis in contrast to A. fumigatus. Melting peaks for L98H and Y121F markers differed and those of the Y121F marker were particularly suitable to discriminate the 3 species. In conclusion, the assay can be used to rapidly discriminate A. fumigatus, A. lentulus and A. felis.

The role of CD27-CD70-mediated T cell co-stimulation in vasculogenesis, arteriogenesis and angiogenesis

Cardiolog

Validity of a low-cost Lichtenstein open inguinal hernia repair simulation model for surgical training

Purpose: Simulation training allows trainees to gain experience in a safe environment. Computer simulation and animal models to practice a Lichtenstein open inguinal hernia repair (LOIHR) are available; however, a low-cost model is not. We constructed an inexpensive model using fabric, felt, and yarn that simulates the anatomy and hazards of the LOIHR. This study examined the fidelity, and perceived usefulness of our developed simulation model by surgical residents and expert surgeons. Methods: A total of 66 Dutch surgical residents and ten international expert surgeons were included. All participants viewed a video-demonstration of LOIHR on the simulation model and subsequently performed the surgery themselves on the model. Afterward, they assessed the model by rating 13 statements concerning its fidelity (six model, three equipment, and four psychological) and six usefulness statements o

INTERACTION, Training and monitoring of daily-life physical interaction with the environment after stroke

The objective of the recently started EU project INTERACTION is to develop an unobtrusive and modular system for monitoring the quality of daily-life activities of stroke subjects involving the upper and lower limbs

A Unified Algebraic Approach to Few and Many-Body Correlated Systems

The present article is an extended version of the paper {\it Phys. Rev.} {\bf B 59}, R2490 (1999), where, we have established the equivalence of the Calogero-Sutherland model to decoupled oscillators. Here, we first employ the same approach for finding the eigenstates of a large class of Hamiltonians, dealing with correlated systems. A number of few and many-body interacting models are studied and the relationship between their respective Hilbert spaces, with that of oscillators, is found. This connection is then used to obtain the spectrum generating algebras for these systems and make an algebraic statement about correlated systems. The procedure to generate new solvable interacting models is outlined. We then point out the inadequacies of the present technique and make use of a novel method for solving linear differential equations to diagonalize the Sutherland model and establish a precise connection between this correlated system's wave functions, with those of the free particles on a circle. In the process, we obtain a new expression for the Jack polynomials. In two dimensions, we analyze the Hamiltonian having Laughlin wave function as the ground-state and point out the natural emergence of the underlying linear $W_{1+\infty}$ symmetry in this approach.Comment: 18 pages, Revtex format, To appear in Physical Review

Temporal fluctuations of waves in weakly nonlinear disordered media

We consider the multiple scattering of a scalar wave in a disordered medium with a weak nonlinearity of Kerr type. The perturbation theory, developed to calculate the temporal autocorrelation function of scattered wave, fails at short correlation times. A self-consistent calculation shows that for nonlinearities exceeding a certain threshold value, the multiple-scattering speckle pattern becomes unstable and exhibits spontaneous fluctuations even in the absence of scatterer motion. The instability is due to a distributed feedback in the system "coherent wave + nonlinear disordered medium". The feedback is provided by the multiple scattering. The development of instability is independent of the sign of nonlinearity.Comment: RevTeX, 15 pages (including 5 figures), accepted for publication in Phys. Rev.

Tolerance to bronchodilating effects of salmeterol in COPD

AbstractLoss of bronchodilator effectiveness or tolerance has been observed with inhaled beta-agonists but not with inhaled anticholinergic medications. Initially, tolerance is reflected in loss of bronchial protection against stimuli followed by loss of bronchodilator properties. However, generally such observations have been reported in asthma. A 6-month randomized, double-dummy placebo-controlled trial comparing tiotropium to salmeterol provided the opportunity to examine spirometric tolerance to long-acting beta-agonists in patients with COPD. Spirometry was measured over 12h at baseline and at days 15, 57, 116 and 169. Changes over time from baseline were compared relative to changes observed with placebo. A total of 623 patients participated (tiotropium=209, salmeterol=213, placebo=201). The groups were similar in age (mean=65 years), gender (75% men), and baseline FEV1 (mean=1.08±0.37l [40±12% predicted]). Relative to placebo, both active drugs improved morning pre-drug, peak and average FEV1 and FVC throughout the trial. However, from day 1 to 169, salmeterol was associated with a higher decline in average FEV1 and FVC (0–12h) (difference from placebo: −36 and −115ml, PPP1 (−12ml) were observed with salmeterol. Tiotropium was associated with further improvements in spirometry from days 1 to 15 and no evidence of tolerance from day 15 to the end of the trial. In conclusion, tolerance to pharmacologic bronchodilation occurs with long-acting beta-agonists such as salmeterol and not with inhaled anticholinergics

Specific oligomerization of the 5-HT1A receptor in the plasma membrane

In the present study we analyze the oligomerization of the 5-HT1A receptor within living cells at the sub-cellular level. Using a 2-excitation Förster Resonance Energy Transfer (FRET) method combined with spectral microscopy we are able to estimate the efficiency of energy transfer based on donor quenching as well as acceptor sensitization between CFP-and YFP-tagged 5-HT1A receptors at the plasma membrane. Through the analysis of the level of apparent FRET efficiency over the various relative amounts of donor and acceptor, as well as over a range of total surface expressions of the receptor, we verify the specific interaction of these receptors. Furthermore we study the role of acylation in this interaction through measurements of a palmitoylation-deficient 5-HT1A receptor mutant. Palmitoylation increases the tendency of a receptor to localize in lipid rich microdomains of the plasma membrane. This increases the effective surface density of the receptor and provides for a higher level of stochastic interaction