Transfer of dynamic learning across postures.

When learning a difficult motor task, we often decompose the task so that the control of individual body segments is practiced in isolation. But on re-composition, the combined movements can result in novel and possibly complex internal forces between the body segments that were not experienced (or did not need to be compensated for) during isolated practice. Here we investigate whether dynamics learned in isolation by one part of the body can be used by other parts of the body to immediately predict and compensate for novel forces between body segments. Subjects reached to targets while holding the handle of a robotic, force-generating manipulandum. One group of subjects was initially exposed to the novel robot dynamics while seated and was then tested in a standing position. A second group was tested in the reverse order: standing then sitting. Both groups adapted their arm dynamics to the novel environment, and this movement learning transferred between seated and standing postures and vice versa. Both groups also generated anticipatory postural adjustments when standing and exposed to the force field for several trials. In the group that had learned the dynamics while seated, the appropriate postural adjustments were observed on the very first reach on standing. These results suggest that the CNS can immediately anticipate the effect of learned movement dynamics on a novel whole-body posture. The results support the existence of separate mappings for posture and movement, which encode similar dynamics but can be adapted independently.

High photoluminescence quantum efficiency InGaN multiple quantum well structures emitting at 380 nm

In this paper we report the design of high room temperature photoluminescence internal efficiency InGaN-based quantum well structures emitting in the near ultraviolet at 380 nm. To counter the effects of nonradiative recombination the quantum wells were designed to have a large indium fraction, high barriers, and a small quantum well thickness. To minimize the interwell and interbarrier thickness fluctuations we used Al0.2In0.005Ga0.795N barriers, where the inclusion of the small fraction of indium was found to lead to fewer structural defects and a reduction in the layer thickness fluctuations. This approach has led us to achieve, for an In0.08Ga0.92N/Al0.2In0.005Ga0.795N multiple quantum well structure with a well width of 1.5 nm, a photoluminescence internal efficiency of 67% for peak emission at 382 nm at room temperature. (c) 2007 American Institute of Physics.

Optical and micro-structural properties of high photoluminescence efficiency InGaN/AlInGaN quantum well structures

We have studied the optical properties of a series of InGaN/AlInGaN 10-period multiple quantum wells (MQW) with differing well thickness grown by metal-organic vapor-phase epitaxy that emit at around 380 nm. The aim of this investigation was to optimise the room temperature internal quantum efficiency, thus the quantum well (QW) thicknesses were accordingly chosen so that the overlap of the electron/hole wave function was maximised. At low temperature, we observed a reduction of the photo luminescence decay time with decreasing well width in line with the theoretical predictions. For a structure with well thicknesses of 1.5 nm, we measured a photoluminescence internal quantum efficiency of 67% at room temperature with a peak emission wavelength of 382 nm. (c) 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Flexible representations of dynamics are used in object manipulation.

To manipulate an object skillfully, the brain must learn its dynamics, specifying the mapping between applied force and motion. A fundamental issue in sensorimotor control is whether such dynamics are represented in an extrinsic frame of reference tied to the object or an intrinsic frame of reference linked to the arm. Although previous studies have suggested that objects are represented in arm-centered coordinates [1-6], all of these studies have used objects with unusual and complex dynamics. Thus, it is not known how objects with natural dynamics are represented. Here we show that objects with simple (or familiar) dynamics and those with complex (or unfamiliar) dynamics are represented in object- and arm-centered coordinates, respectively. We also show that objects with simple dynamics are represented with an intermediate coordinate frame when vision of the object is removed. These results indicate that object dynamics can be flexibly represented in different coordinate frames by the brain. We suggest that with experience, the representation of the dynamics of a manipulated object may shift from a coordinate frame tied to the arm toward one that is linked to the object. The additional complexity required to represent dynamics in object-centered coordinates would be economical for familiar objects because such a representation allows object use regardless of the orientation of the object in hand.

Correct biological timing in Arabidopsis requires multiple light-signaling pathways.

Circadian oscillators provide rhythmic temporal cues for a range of biological processes in plants and animals, enabling anticipation of the day/night cycle and enhancing fitness-associated traits. We have used engineering models to understand the control principles of a plant's response to seasonal variation. We show that the seasonal changes in the timing of circadian outputs require light regulation via feed-forward loops, combining rapid light-signaling pathways with entrained circadian oscillators. Linear time-invariant models of circadian rhythms were computed for 3,503 circadian-regulated genes and for the concentration of cytosolic-free calcium to quantify the magnitude and timing of regulation by circadian oscillators and light-signaling pathways. Bioinformatic and experimental analysis show that rapid light-induced regulation of circadian outputs is associated with seasonal rephasing of the output rhythm. We identify that external coincidence is required for rephasing of multiple output rhythms, and is therefore important in general phase control in addition to specific photoperiod-dependent processes such as flowering and hypocotyl elongation. Our findings uncover a fundamental design principle of circadian regulation, and identify the importance of rapid light-signaling pathways in temporal control.

Absence of branches from xylan in Arabidopsis gux mutants reveals potential for simplification of lignocellulosic biomass.

As one of the most abundant polysaccharides on Earth, xylan will provide more than a third of the sugars for lignocellulosic biofuel production when using grass or hardwood feedstocks. Xylan is characterized by a linear β(1,4)-linked backbone of xylosyl residues substituted by glucuronic acid, 4-O-methylglucuronic acid or arabinose, depending on plant species and cell types. The biological role of these decorations is unclear, but they have a major influence on the properties of the polysaccharide. Despite the recent isolation of several mutants with reduced backbone, the mechanisms of xylan synthesis and substitution are unclear. We identified two Golgi-localized putative glycosyltransferases, GlucUronic acid substitution of Xylan (GUX)-1 and GUX2 that are required for the addition of both glucuronic acid and 4-O-methylglucuronic acid branches to xylan in Arabidopsis stem cell walls. The gux1 gux2 double mutants show loss of xylan glucuronyltransferase activity and lack almost all detectable xylan substitution. Unexpectedly, they show no change in xylan backbone quantity, indicating that backbone synthesis and substitution can be uncoupled. Although the stems are weakened, the xylem vessels are not collapsed, and the plants grow to normal size. The xylan in these plants shows improved extractability from the cell wall, is composed of a single monosaccharide, and requires fewer enzymes for complete hydrolysis. These findings have implications for our understanding of the synthesis and function of xylan in plants. The results also demonstrate the potential for manipulating and simplifying the structure of xylan to improve the properties of lignocellulose for bioenergy and other uses.

Valor nutritivo del pasto pangola (Digitaria decumbens stent.) vr. transvala a distintos niveles de fertilización y diversas edades de corte

Este estudio Se desarrolló en el periodo de julio a diciembre de 1990 en el Centro de Investigación Zootecnia “La Polvosa” de la UCA (Universidad Centroamericana), situada en el km 23 112 de la carretera nueva a León, depto. de Managua. El centro se ubica a una elevación de 40 msnrn a 1 2 grados 12 minutos, Latitud norte y 86 grados 22 minutos, longitud oeste registra temperaturas promedio anuales de 32 grados centígrados los y unos 8OO mm de precipitación media por año, por lo cual, es posible calificar su zona agroecológica como de trópico seco se evaluó la respuesta en términos de valor nutritivo del pasto Pangola (Digitaria decumbens Stent.) vr. Transvala, utilizándose un diseño experimental en bloques completos al azar (BCA) con arreglo factorial, se estudió el efecto de dos factores (Niveles de fertilizantes-edades de cortes) con cuatro repeticiones, formándose un total de 16 tratamientos El ensayo contó con un área experimental total de 357.75 mt2 para la toma de muestras, se empleó el método del metro cuadrado realizándose en las parcelas un muestreo sin reemplazo para cada frecuencia en estudio. Previo al momento experimental, se efectúo una poda de control procediéndose después a aplicar de una sola vez los respectivos niveles de fertizante. El estudio estadístico contempló el uso del análisis de varianza (ANDEVA), se hizo una separción de medias por Tukey, y se midió la influencia porcentual (Individual y asociada) de 4 niveles de fertilizante (0, 50,100 y150 kg urea (46%N2) / mz) y 4 edades de corte (15, 30.. 45y 60 días), sobre nueve variables o componentes bromatológicos (MS, PB,FC, ELN, EE, EB (Kcal/ 100g), Cz, Ca y P). Todos los componentes bromatológicos evaluados excepto el EE.. presentaron una variación significativa (P<0.05), bajo el efecto de los factores en estudio. Los niveles de fertilizante influyeron ios valores de mayor mérito con la dosis •150 kg urea / rnz, observando la PB.. 9.76% ;el ELN, 56.54 y la EB,190.97 Kcal ,' 100 g. En tanto que los 50 kg1mz mostraron !os mayores índices en FC (28.88), EE (2.75) y Cz. (11.:39) las parcelas no fertilizadas brindaron los porcentajes más altos de MS (23.78) y Ca (0.60),y el nivel 100 kg/ mz El mejor en P (0.39) y el más bajo en FC (26.61). A su vez con O kg / mz_. Observaron sus níveles minimos la PB (6.91), el ELN (53.58). el valor energético (175.45 Kcal/ 100 g) y el P (O.28), y con 100 kg/ mz los menores en MS y Cz (25.08 y 10.38 respectivamente), a. los 150kg/mz el EE (2.29) y el Ca (0.49), rindieron sus índices más bajos. En cuanto a la frecuencia de corte, la edad 15 días presentó los máximos contenidos en PH (11.95), ELN (56.45),EB (202.40 Kcal/ 100g), EE (2.65) y el mínimo en FC (27.09). Observando el corte a los 60 días, las mayores proporciones en MS (30.91) Cz (12.43) )'Ca (0.58),en tanto que con 30 y 45 días se dieron los más altos valores de P (0.34) FC (28.55) respectivamente los índices más bajos de PB (6.48),ELN (52.63), Ca (0.47)y P (0.30), se obtuvieron a los 45 días de madurez mientras que la MS (22.88) y la Cz (9.56),alcanzaron sus valores más pequeños con 15 días de corte a los 60 días, la EB (175. 42 Kcal ./ 100g) y el EE (2.20) respondieron con sus por cientos más bajos. Para los tratamientos resultantes de la combinación de un nivel de fertilizante y una edad de corte, la interacción 50 kg/mz-60 días reportó el mayor contenido en MS (32.72), sobresaliendo el tratamiento 150 kg / mz-15 días al presentar los valores más altos en EB (214.39 Kcal/100g), PB (14.30) y ELN (59.02), aunque la combinación 50 kg/mz-30 días brindó igual valor en ELN y el máximo en Cz (13.10) con aplicaciones de 100 kg/mz y frecuencia de 15 días se obtuvieron los menores índices en FC (24.82) y Cz (9.37). Consiguiéndose en O kg / mz-15 días el valor más alto en Ca (0.76) y el menor en P (0.22), observando la MS su índice más bajo (18.37) con el tratamiento 100 kg / mz-15 días. Finalmente, en las interacciones que incluyen la frecuencia 45 días, se encontró que las parcelas no fertilizadas presentaron los menores contenidos en PB (5.02), ELN (48.95) y EB (165.44 Kcal/ 1oo g). en cambio al aplicar 100 kg /rnz, se obtuvieron (para la misma interacción) los valores más bajos en EE (1.72), Ca (0.43) y el mayor en P (0.44),en tanto los niveles 50 y 150 kg / mz influyeron los índices más altos en EE (3.85) y FC (30.75) respectivamente.

“神舟”四号中的流体物理实验

在多年地基研究的基础上，作为载人航天工程应用系统的有效载荷，在我国“神舟”四号飞船返回舱在轨飞行期间进行了大Marangoni数(Ma)液滴热毛细迁移空间微重力实验．实验中FC-75液和．5cst硅油分别为滴相和连续相实验流体介质，研究了在稳定、长时间的微重力环境中，不同温度梯度条件下液滴热毛细迁移的现象及特征．Marangoni数到达5500，很大地扩展了过去液滴热毛细迁移实验的Ma参数范围．实验结果表明，大Ma数液滴热毛细迁移特征规律复杂，迁移速度与YGB模型线性预测有明显的差别．文章介绍了液滴热毛细迁移研究进展，给出了此次空间实验的一些主要结果．讨论了大Ma液滴热毛细迁移的特征，并对自行研制的空间实验设备、实验过程进行了简要介绍．

Hybrid Finite Compact-WENO Schemes for Shock Calculation

Hybrid finite compact (FC)-WENO schemes are proposed for shock calculations. The two sub-schemes (finite compact difference scheme and WENO scheme) are hybridized by means of the similar treatment as in ENO schemes. The hybrid schemes have the advantages of FC and WENO schemes. One is that they possess the merit of the finite compact difference scheme, which requires only bi-diagonal matrix inversion and can apply the known high-resolution flux to obtain high-performance numerical flux function; another is that they have the high-resolution property of WENO scheme for shock capturing. The numerical results show that FC-WENO schemes have better resolution properties than both FC-ENO schemes and WENO schemes. In addition, some comparisons of FC-ENO and artificial compression method (ACM) filter scheme of Yee et al. are also given.

Kinetic measurements of cell surface E-selectin/carbohydrate ligand interactions

Selectin/ligand interactions initiate the multistep adhesion and signaling cascades in the recruitment of leukocytes from circulation to inflamed tissues and may also play a role in tumor metastasis. Kinetic properties of these interactions are essential determinants governing blood-borne cells' tethering to and rolling on the vessel wall. Extending our recently developed micropipette method, we have measured the kinetic rates of E-selectin/ligand interactions. Red cells coated with an E-selectin construct were allowed to bind HL-60 or Colo-205 cells bearing carbohydrate ligands. Specific adhesions were observed to occur at isolated points, the frequency of which followed a Poisson distribution. These point attachments were formed at the same rate with both the HL-60 and Colo-205 cells (0.14 +/- 0.04 and 0.13 +/- 0.03 mum(2) s(-1) per unit density of E-selectin, respectively) but dissociated from the former at a rate twice as fast as did from the latter (0.92 +/- 0.23 and 0.44 +/- 0.10 s(-1), respectively). The reverse rates agree well with those measured by the flow chamber. The forward rates are orders of magnitude higher than those of Fc gamma receptors interacting with IgG measured under similar conditions, consistent with the rapid kinetics requirement for the function of E-selectin/ligand binding, which is to capture leukocytes on endothelial surfaces from flow.

Evaluacion de la efectividad de dos metodos terapeuticos para el tratamiento del tumor de Sticker en caninos (Canis familiaris) durante el periodo de mayo a noviembre 2010

Con el objetivo de evaluar comparativamente los resultados de dos métodos de tratamiento (químico y quirúrgico), para eliminar el tumor de Sticker y conocer cual de los dos tratamientos es mas efectivo, se comparo la evolución post-tratamiento de los pacientes, estableciendo ventajas y desventajas de cada uno, además valorando los efectos colaterales de la aplicación de sulfato de vincristina, como compuesto químico, a través del seguimiento evolutivo del paciente y realización de exámenes complementarios (BHC), además de determinar los costos de aplicación y relacionarlos con la efectividad de los mismos, el estudio se llevó a cabo de Mayo a Noviembre del 2010, para ello se utilizaron 12 canes elegidos al azar, de diferentes edades, razas y sexo, previamente diagnosticados con el Tumor Venéreo Transmisible, estos se dividieron en 2 grupos de 6 pacientes cada uno; al primer grupo se le practicó cirugía para extirpar el tumor en el complejo universitario Tania Beteta y el segundo grupo se trato con quimioterapia, realizado en la Clínica Veterinaria Lupita en Granada, aplicando una dosis semanal para cada paciente en dependencia del peso, los datos se analizaron en el programa estadístico SAS, mediante análisis de varianza y separaciones de medias según Duncan, las variables evaluadas fueron recuperación, frecuencia respiratoria (FR), frecuencia cardiaca (FC), examen clínico y evolución del tumor, encontrándose diferencia altamente significativa entre tratamientos, siendo el mejor método el químico, se encontró también diferencia significativa en la FR, donde el método químico fue mejor, en cuanto a la FC no se encontró variación alguna, el tratamiento quirúrgico requirió más examen clínico, se encontró diferencia significativa en la evolución del tumor resultando más efectivo el método químico, se determinó que la evolución de los tratamientos estaban relacionados con el peso vivo de los animales, el costo total para el tratamiento químico fue de $75.58 y para el tratamiento quirúrgico de $ 69.11 con una diferencia de $ 6.48 en contra del tratamiento químico.