Higher order conductivity corrections to the Casimir force

The finite conductivity corrections to the Casimir force in two configurations are calculated in the third and fourth orders in relative penetration depth of electromagnetic zero oscillations into the metal. The obtained analytical perturbation results are compared with recent computations. Applications to the modern experiments are discussed.Comment: 15 pages, 4 figure

Abnormal organogenesis in salivary gland development may initiate adult onset of autoimmune exocrinopathy

Objectives:Salivary gland organogenesis was evaluated in NOD mice, an animal model for autoimmune exocrinopathy, to determine when disease onset is first present in the target tissues. Methods: Submandibular glands were removed for histological, immunohistochemical and biochemical evaluation from neonatal NOD and congenic strains as well as healthy control C57BL/6 mice. Results:Histomorphological analyses of neonatal submandibular glands, the primary target for autoimmune exocrinopathy at 1 day post-partum, revealed delayed morphological differentiation during organogenesis in autoimmune-susceptible NOD mice when compared to nonsusceptible C57BL/6 mice. Acinar cell proliferation was reduced, while expression of Fas, FasL and bcl-2 were increased. Acinar cell proliferation was reduced, while expression, of Fas, FasL and bcl-2 were increased. Throughout the pre-weaning period (21 days) submandibular glands from NOD and NOD congenic strains aberrantly expressed an increased matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and MMP-9 activity. Substitution of two susceptibility alleles (Idd3 and Idd5) in NOD mice resulted in an hierarchical and additive reversal of delayed organogenesis, elevated MMP-9 activity, and aberrant expression of parotid secretory protein. Discussion:NOD-derived mice whose submandibular glands showed normal organogenesis did not progress to develop autoimmune exocrinopathy. Altered organogenesis of target tissue may therefore provide a cellular microenvironment capable of activating autoimmunity.</p

Recommendations on Specifications for Tyre and Vehicle Requirements

This report gives an overview of the general effects of various tyre and vehicle parameters, a brief review of the SILVIA database, and analyses of the influences of various tyre and vehicle parameters on traffic noise. These analyses are based on data present in the SILVIA database, supplemented with results from relevant literature. Based on these analyses recommendations have been made concerning guidelines for vehicle and tyre manufacturers and legislators as a way to improve the performance of low noise surfaces through optimising the vehicle and tyres