Experimental study of the interaction range and association rate of surface-attached cadherin 11

We describe a method allowing quantitative determination of the interaction range and association rate of individual surface-attached molecules. Spherical beads (1.4 micro(m) radius) were coated with recombinant outer domains of the newly described classical type II cadherin 11, a cell adhesion molecule. Beads were driven along cadherin-coated surfaces with a hydrodynamic force of approximately 1 pN, i.e., much less than the mechanical strength of many ligand-receptor bonds. Spheres displayed periods of slow motion interspersed with arrests of various duration. Particle position was monitored with 50 Hz frequency and 0.025 micro(m) accuracy. Nearly 1 million positions were recorded and processed. Comparison between experimental and computer-simulated trajectories suggested that velocity fluctuations might be related quantitatively to Brownian motion perpendicular to the surface. The expected amplitude of this motion was of order of 100 nm. Theoretical analysis of the relationship between sphere acceleration and velocity allowed simultaneous determination of the wall shear rate and van der Waals attraction between spheres and surface. The Hamaker constant was estimated at 2.9 x 10(-23) J. The frequency of bond formation was then determined as a function of sphere velocity. Experimental data were consistent with the view that the rate of association between a pair of adhesion molecules was approximately 1.2 x 10(-3) s-1 and the interaction range was approximately 10 nm. It is concluded that the presented methodology allows sensitive measurement of sphere-to-surface interactions (with approximately 10 fN sensitivity) as well as the effective range and rate of bond formation between individual adhesion molecules.     

Dermoid cyst of the pancreas: a rare cystic neoplasm

Dermoid cysts of the pancreas, also called cystic teratomas, are a rare entity and are included in the group of neoplasms with a germ cell origin. Only twelve cases have been described in the world literature. The symptomatology is due to tumor compression of the neighboring tissues. Ultrasonography and computed tomography may be helpful, but there are no pathognomonic data for their preoperative recognition. The differential diagnosis should include all other cystic tumors of the pancreas. Complete surgical removal is mandatory. We describe the diagnostic and surgical procedures in a 74 year-old man with a pre-operatively unsuspected dermoid cyst. We review the previously published cases and emphasize the appropriate therapeutical management.     

Laser interferometer with fine-focused beams to monitor the spatial position of an object

Analogies with interferometers using a light source with low temporal coherence are used to analyze the principles of the construction of laser interferometers with averaging over the photodetector aperture, whose sensitivity to the position of an object being monitored at the maximum of the output signal is as good as that of low-coherence interferometry and tomography. Pis’ma Zh. Tekh. Fiz. 24, 19–24 (February 26, 1998)     

On the robustness of population-based versus point-basedoptimization in the presence of noise

Practical optimization problems often require the evaluation of solutions through experimentation, stochastic simulation, sampling, or even interaction with the user. Thus, most practical problems involve noise. We address the robustness of population-based versus point-based optimization on a range of parameter optimization problems when noise is added to the deterministic objective function values. Population-based optimization is realized by a genetic algorithm and an evolution strategy. Point-based optimization is implemented as the classical Hooke-Jeeves pattern search strategy and threshold accepting as a modern local search technique. We investigate the performance of these optimization methods for varying levels of additive normally distributed fitness-independent noise and different sample sizes for evaluating individual solutions. Our results strongly favour population-based optimization, and the evolution strategy in particular     

Beta-gamma radiation from leaching resistant glasses containing uranium ions

The β and γ decay of uranium atoms from xUO₃(100 - x)[3B₂O₃ · MO] glass systems, where M=Sr or Pb and 0 ≤ × ≤ 20 mol%, is investigated. The γ decay data are very close to each other, for the same UO₃ contents, in both the systems. The composition dependence of the β decay exhibits a lower slope in the lead borate matrix than in the strontium borate matrix. The ratio between the β activity of samples with the same uranium ion concentrations in the two investigated glass systems is a function of the x values. The results are correlated with the amount of radioactive nuclides and with the structural environments of the radionuclides. The leaching treatment in water at temperatures below 100°C evidenced no aqueous dissolution of glass samples.     

Application of shape-memory alloys in nuclear power

Scientific-Research and Design Institute of Electrical Engineering, Special Office of Machine Design. Translated from Atomnaya énergiya, Vol. 79, No. 4, pp. 304–306, October, 1995.     

Structural strength of frozen soils during thawing

Conclusions Frozen clayey soils of semi-hard and hard consistency and sandy soils of medium density have a structural strength equal to the value of the actual pressure under complete saturation, and, consequently, the suspending effect of water, and their deformation is determined by the presence of ice striations and the extent to which the macropores that form after their complete thawing are interconnected. From The Editorial Office: Problems that are extremely interesting from the scientific and practical standpoint are touched upon in the paper. The authors, however, do not always adequately substantiate their own assumptions. Making note of the influence exerted by the suspending action of water on the settlement of frozen soils, the authors fail to cite data on comparison of the results of settlement computation with allowance for and with disregard of the suspending effect of water and actual settlement; this would impart greater persuasiveness to their assumptions. The authors' conclusions on the structural strength of soils are also insufficiently founded — neither physicomechanical characteristics of the soils under consideration nor geologic sections are cited, and there is no comparison made between computed and actual settlements.By publishing the paper "in order of discussion," therefore, the editorial office hopes that other specialists will participate in the solution of these critical problems.Translated from Osnovaniya, Fundamenty i Mekhanika Gruntov, No. 5, pp. 17–18, September–October, 1989.