Multi-input, multi-output regulator design for constant disturbances and non-zero set points with application to automatic landing in a crosswind

Undesirable steady offsets result when a stationary, linear regulator using state feedback is subjected to constant disturbances and/or non-zero setspoints. To eliminate these offsets, the disturbances and non-zero setpoints can be fed forward to the control. Only when the number of outputs is less than or equal to the number of control inputs can the outputs be maintained at arbitrary non-zero setpoints. The state and the disturbance may be estimated using a constant gain Kalman filter or by modeling the constant disturbances as exponentially correlated processes with long correlation times

A Modular Low-clearance Wrist Orthosis for Improving Wrist Motion in Children with Cerebral Palsy

Children with Cerebral Palsy (CP) often exhibit impairments in the coordination of the grip and lift phases of arm movements that directly impact their ability to perform activities of daily living (ADLs). The application of assistive robotic therapy to children with spastic hemiplegic CP has shown that augmented movement training can lead to improved functional outcomes and improved arm kinematics. Assistive robotic therapy of the wrist has been shown to help improve motor skills in stroke patients, but the devices employed are often large and obtrusive, focusing on a repeated motion rather than a task-based itinerary. Here, we propose a lightweight low clearance wrist orthosis for use in children with Cerebral Palsy that actuates pronation/supination and flexion/extension of the wrist

As-built design specification of the CAMS/CAS interface tape report generation program

There are no author-identified significant results in this report

The alpha 1/beta 1 and alpha 6/beta 1 integrin heterodimers mediate cell attachment to distinct sites on laminin.

This study was undertaken to determine the roles of individual alpha/beta 1 integrin heterodimers in promoting cellular interactions with the different attachment-promoting domains of laminin (LN). To do this, antibodies to the integrin beta 1 subunit or to specific integrin alpha subunits were tested for effects on cell attachment to LN, to elastase fragments E1-4 and E1, derived from the short arms and core of LN's cruciform structure, and to fragment E8 derived from the long arm of this structure. The human JAR choriocarcinoma cells used in this study attached to LN and to fragments E1 and E8. Attachment to E1-4 required a much higher substrate coating concentration, suggesting that it is a poor substrate for JAR cell attachment. The ability of cells to attach to different LN domains suggested the presence of more than one LN receptor. These multiple LN receptors were shown to be beta 1 integrin heterodimers because antibodies to the integrin beta 1 subunit inhibited attachment of JAR cells to LN and its three fragments. To identify the individual integrin alpha/beta 1 heterodimers that mediate interactions with these LN domains, mAbs specific for individual beta 1 heterodimers in human cells were used to study JAR cell interactions with LN and its fragments. An anti-alpha 6/beta 1-specific mAb, GoH3, virtually eliminated cell attachment to E8 and partially inhibited attachment to E1 and intact LN. Thus the major alpha 6/beta 1 attachment domain is present in fragment E8. An alpha 1/beta 1-specific mAb (S2G3) strongly inhibited cell attachment to collagen IV and partially inhibited JAR attachment to LN fragment E1. Thus, the alpha 1/beta 1 heterodimer is a dual receptor for collagen IV and LN, interacting with LN at a site in fragment E1. In combination, the anti-alpha 1- and anti-alpha 6-specific antibodies completely inhibited JAR cell attachment to LN and fragment E1. Thus, the alpha 1/beta 1 and alpha 6/beta 1 integrin heterodimers each function as LN receptors and act together to mediate the interactions of human JAR choriocarcinoma cells with LN

Energetic Electron Tracks and DNA Strand Breaks

A theoretical model with no adjustable parameters is presented to evaluate the strand break yields for incident electrons between 100 eV and 1 MeV. Indirect mechanisms as well as direct mechanisms are included for the production of strand breaks. The model includes the following features: (i) multiple scattering of low energy electrons; (ii) decay of hydroxyl radicals in an aqueous solution containing Tris buffer; (iii) Monte Carlo simulation of the motion of hydroxyl radicals for interaction with the DNA sites; and (iv) stochastic aspects of the direct ionization on the DNA sites and the use of oscillator strength of a DNA molecule. The model is presented using numerical values characteristic of a dilute aqueous solution of SV40 DNA (10 μg/ml) containing 10 mM of Tris. The results have been expressed in terms of yields (indirect and direct) and D37 (indirect only) values as a function of electron energy. The yields have been normalized to breaks/rad/dalton. In the absence of experimental data with different energy electrons, the results of the present calculations have been folded into the estimation of strand breaks induced by heavy charged particles. When these results are compared with experimental data for mammalian cells under conditions such that enzymatic strand break repair is negligible, there is good qualitative agreement with the model. With the expectation that experimental data will soon be available with photons, the present model has been used to predict the strand break yields with electromagnetic radiation for thick as well as thin targets

LANDSAT menhaden and thread herring resources investigation, Gulf of Mexico

The author has identified the following significant results. The most significant achievements thus far include the successful charting of high probability fishing areas from LANDSAT MSS data and the successful simulation of an operational satellite system to provide tactical information for the commercial harvest of menhaden

Digital Infrastructure Development within a Nonprofit Polymer Science Library: An Analysis of the Transition to Digital Serials at the Michigan Molecular Institute

The authors analyze the issues that the Michigan Molecular Institute Library (MMI) will face in making the transition to digital serials. Supporting a specialized research institute, the library has a limited number of serial subscriptions (68) from a large number of publishers (42). Furthermore, its specialized nature limits the number of potential consortia partners. Strengths include a user community of skilled researchers in a well-defined research area. In making the transition, MMI will encounter both similar and different issues than those found in larger academic and research libraries. Topics covered include current access, planning, licensing, archival concerns, interlibrary loan, interoperability, and emerging trends. The authors recommend that the MMI librarian periodically evaluate the collection strategy in keeping with changing trends

Learning Community Coordinator Efforts to Address Students with Potential Psychiatric/Psychological Disabilities

In structuring and providing leadership for learning community programs, learning community coordinators must address myriad issues and situations in order to create an experience that aids student learning and success. All types of students participate in learning communities, including students with psychiatric/psychological disabilities; however, learning community coordinators may not proactively consider ways of addressing the needs of this particular student population. This qualitative study explored the experiences of learning community coordinators working with students with psychiatric/psychological disabilities within the specific context of the learning community and sought to identify successes, challenges, and recommendations for working with these students. Participants highlighted the value of student self-disclosure, the benefits of utilizing peer mentors, colleague challenges, successes they experienced working with students with psychiatric/psychological disabilities, and recommendations for other learning community coordinators

Decoding the Notch signal.

Notch signalling controls many key cellular processes which differ according to the context where the pathway is deployed due to the transcriptional activation of specific sets of genes. The pathway is unusual in its lack of amplification, also raising the question of how it can efficiently activate transcription with limited amounts of nuclear activity. Here, we focus on mechanisms that enable Notch to produce appropriate transcriptional responses and speculate on models that could explain the current gaps in knowledge

Four-year Growth Results from 16 Year Old Intensively Managed Low Density Loblolly Pine Plantations

In 1994 eighty four permanent research plots were established in two twelve year-old loblolly pine (Pinus taeda) plantations in East Texas. Plots differed in relation to: soil-site type, density of trees per acre, fertilization treatments, and competing vegetation control. Three levels of thinning treatments reduced the basal areas to 36,60, and 84 square feet of basal area (approximately 100,200, and 300 stems, respectively) per acre. All residual trees were pruned to a height of 25 feet. Plots were re-measured in 1995, 1996, and 1998. Significant differences in diameter and height growth rates were detected in 1996 and 1998. Average diameter growth rates from 1995 to 1998 ranged from 0.64 to 0.31 inches per year depending on density class and treatment type