Optical imaging of anatomical maps derived from magnetic resonanceimages using time-independent optical sources

Presents a model suitable for computing images of absorption cross sections of thick tissue structures illuminated at near infrared (NIR) wavelengths from tomographic projection data. Image reconstruction is accomplished by solving a system of linear equations derived from transport theory. Reconstruction results using different algebraic solvers are shown for anatomical maps of the breast, derived from magnetic resonance imaging data, containing two simulated pathologies, in which case qualitatively good reconstructions were obtained. Evaluation of magnetic resonance (MR) data to optimize NIR optical tomographic imaging methods and to assess the feasibility of a combined MR-optical measurement scheme is discussed     

FATIGUE CRACK GROWTH UNDER MODE II LOADING

Abstract— The behavior of fatigue crack growth for low and medium carbon steels, an austenitic stainless steel and an aluminum alloy under pure Mode II loading was investigated experimentally, using cruciform specimens. The results show that under pure Mode II loading, fatigue crack propagation has three possibilities, namely, bifurcation into two branches, propagation along the original Mode II direction, and the mixture of these two situations, depending on the material. The growth rate da/dN vs. ΔK_II relation for Mode II propagation is similar to a Pans type law for Mode I growth. Fractographic observations by optical microscopy and SEM were made also on all specimens tested. When a crack branched, striations parallel to the crack front which were often associated with Mode I fatigue crack growth were observed and long marks parallel to the crack propagation direction were also found for slanted fracture surfaces. When a crack propagated along the original Mode II direction, many frictional marks parallel to the crack propagation direction were observed.     

Mobile robot path planning based on hierarchical hexagonal decomposition and artificial potential fields

In this article, a new algorithm based on an artificial potential field and hierarchical cell decomposition technique is developed to solve the find-path problem for a mobile robot. The complete map of the workspace including obstacle locations is assumed to be known a priori. The basic cell structure used for decomposition is a hexagon. The artificial potential field is based on an attractive force from the goal position and repelling forces from the obstacles. Computer simulations of the algorithm for various obstacle scenarios are also presented. © 1994 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.     

Molecular cloning of human class IV alcohol dehydrogenase cDNA

A cDNA encoding a new type of alcohol dehydrogenase was cloned from a human stomach cDNA library. PCR amplification of 5'-stretch human stomach lambda gt11 library, using degenerate inosine-containing oligonucleotide probes compatible with peptide sequences of human sigma-ADH, resulted in a single product. Subsequently, internal non-degenerate primers were constructed according to the sequences occurring in the product. By PCR with combinations of these new primers and lambda gt11 forward and reverse primers, fragments of the cDNA containing its 5' and 3' ends were amplified. The full length cDNA sequence has 1125 nucleotides with a 72% similarity to those of human class I ADH. The polypeptide sequence, predicted from the cDNA, corresponds to 373 amino acids with a high degree of similarity (96%) to fragments of sigma-ADH previously reported. Northern hybridization analysis with the specific probe for the mRNA of this protein showed that it is expressed in the human stomach but not in the liver. These data indicate that the cDNA we cloned is that of human class IV ADH.     

Evidence for superantigen involvement in insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus aetiology

Insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) is a T-cell-mediated autoimmune disease whose onset is believed to be triggered by unknown environmental factors acting on a predisposing genetic background. Islet-infiltrating T (IIT) cells from two IDDM patients, who had died at the onset of the disease from brain swelling as a complication of ketoacidosis, were analysed. The results provided evidence for the involvement of a pancreatic islet cell membrane-bound superantigen as a diabetes aetiopathogenetic factor. There was a selective expansion of a T-cell receptor (TCR) variable segment of the beta-chain (V beta 7) in these IIT cells in association with unselected V alpha-chain segments; extensive junctional diversity of the TCR V beta 7 chains; and evidence of positive selection, after exposure to diabetic islet cell membrane preparations, of V beta 7+ T-cell clones among peripheral blood lymphocytes from non-diabetic individuals.     

Analysis of the genes encoding the variable regions of human IgG rheumatoid factor

OBJECTIVE: To better understand the immunoglobulin variable (V) region repertoire of rheumatoid factors (RF). METHODS: We characterized the heavy (H) and light (L) chain gene segments utilized in a monospecific IgG RF secreting hybridoma (AEE111F) which were derived from a patient with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The hybridoma was established by fusion of a mouse myeloma cell line with bone marrow derived mononuclear cells from a patient with RA. First strand complementary DNA (cDNA) was generated and used for a polymerase chain reaction amplification of the H and L chain V domains. The amplified V domains were sequenced and compared with an extensive database of germline and cDNA V gene segments. RESULTS: The VH sequence was found to be 96% homologous to a previously described fetal VH3 cDNA (60P2). The VL sequence was also highly homologous to the previously described V lambda II gene (96%) derived from a patient with systemic lupus erythematosus which correlated with an 8.12 idiotype (Id), and to an antibacterial antibody against the Haemophilus influenzae type b capsular polysaccharide (94.7%). CONCLUSION: The overlap among this RF VL gene and the 2 reported V lambda sequences of antibodies that expressed anti-DNA related Id and an environmental pathogen specificity suggests that a part of the IgG RF isolated from patients with RA may thus be derived from the physiological natural antibody repertoire during an abnormal immune response and then develop high affinity, monospecific RF by the selection of an antigen driven mechanism.     

Chronic herpes simplex encephalitis initially presenting with persistent myoclonus

A 59-year-old female patient with atypical chronic herpes simplex encephalitis was reported. Initial symptom was persistent myoclonus involving the trunk and limb muscles, and later lateral gaze palsy to the left side, cerebellar ataxia, consciousness disturbance and other brainstem symptoms including absence of corneal and gag reflex and vocal cord palsy developed. The patient was successfully treated with high dose of acyclovir. Electroencephalogram was normal in the initial stage but later showed diffuse slow waves. Although CT scan and MRI showed no abnormal finding in the cerebral cortex, brainstem lesion was observed on PD weighted image of MRI. Lumbar puncture yielded a clear cerebrospinal fluid, with slightly elevated protein, increased lymphocytes, and elevated titer of herpes simplex virus type I. The serological data, albumin ratio (10.3), antibody index (12.3) and antibody ratio (7.1) were consistent with herpes simplex encephalitis. Ten days' administration of acyclovir, 1,200 mg a day and repeated three times, was prominently effective for the myoclonus and consciousness disturbance. A diagnosis of chronic herpes simplex encephalitis initially presenting with brainstem encephalitis was made. Judging from the clinical and EEG findings, the brainstem lesion was initially thought to be a cause of myoclonus in this case. However, somatosensory evoked potential (SPE) of both upper and lower extremities revealed enlarged amplitude (giant SEP), and long loop reflex was enhanced (C-reflex) on the left. Giant SEP and C-reflex imply cerebral cortex as the origin of the myoclonus. Brainstem inflammatory lesion might have involved the ascending inhibitory system, thus disinhibiting the cortical sensorimotor area and causing cortical myoclonus.