A recently proposed time-varying generalisation of Vinnicombe's v-gap is shown to have the properties of a metric on a class of causal linear continuous-time systems that admit normalised strong graph representations. An alternative time-varying gap metric is then defined in more general terms and a corresponding robust stability result is derived for linear feedback interconnections. Finally, it

In this work, we present and discuss simulation results for the design of multi-channel neutron focusing guides for extreme sample environments. A single focusing guide consists of any number of supermirror-coated curved outer channels surrounding a central channel. Furthermore, a guide is separated into two sections in order to allow for extension into a sample environment. The performance of a g

Introduction: Many individuals with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) live alone, and this figure is expected to increase. This study aimed to describe the cognitive and functional abilities of solitary-living AD patients, and the potential predictors of their usage of community-based services. Methods: This 3-year, prospective, multicenter study included 1,021 participants with mild-to-moderate AD (Mini-M

A major challenge in the development of peptide-based vaccines is finding the right immunogenic element, with efficient and long-lasting immunization effects, from large potential targets encoded by pathogen genomes. Computer models are convenient tools for scanning pathogen genomes to preselect candidate immunogenic peptides for experimental validation. Current methods predict many false positive

Here, we present an unusual approach of modifying the growth pattern of electroactive bacteria for improving their communication with electrodes. Cells of a known exoelectrogen, Shewanella oneidensis MR-1, were treated with cisplatin, a drug that inhibits cell division but forces the cells to grow longer resulting in a characteristic elongated growth. Such elongated cells showed up to a 5-fold imp

Immunologic responses in the skin can be modulated by such neurotransmitters of sensory nerve fibers as substance P (SP) and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP). The first-generation receptor antagonists were peptides with large molecules and had to be injected intracutaneously. The aim of this study was to examine the topical effects of non-peptide antagonists to substance P (aprepitant) and C

Axially defined GaInP single nanowire (NW) p-i-n junctions are demonstrated, with photocurrent response and yellow-green electroluminescence near the indirect bandgap crossover point at 2.18 eV (569 nm). We use DEZn and H2S as p- and n-type dopants, and find that they both affect the material composition and the crystal structure. The photovoltaic efficiency is comparable to single NW devices from

Objective: To describe the principles and operation of a new telemetry-based function test for the Nucleus (R) cochlear implant, known as the CS19 Intra-Cochlear Impedance Matrix (IIM) and to present results from a multicentre clinical study to establish reproducibility (test-retest reliability) and normative ranges. Method: The IIM test measures bipolar impedances between all electrode pairs and

In models for hadron collisions based on string hadronization, the strings are usually treated as independent, allowing no interaction between the confined colour fields. In studies of nucleus collisions it has been suggested that strings close in space can fuse to form "colour ropes". Such ropes are expected to give more strange particles and baryons, which also has been suggested as a signal for

Most research on child pornography use has been basedonselected clinical or criminal justice samples;riskfactors for child pornography use in the general population remain largely unexplored. In this study, we examined prevalence, risk factors,andcorrelates of viewingdepictions of adult–child sex in a population-representative sample of 1,978 young Swedish men(17–20 years,Mdn=18 years, overall res

Certain personality traits predispose to criminal behavior (CB). We further clarify this relationship in a Swedish national sample.

Working across knowledge-based research programmes, rather than institutional structures, should be central to interdisciplinary research. In this paper, a novel framework is proposed to facilitate interdisciplinary research, with the goals of promoting communication, understanding and collaborative work. Three core elements need to be addressed to improve interdisciplinary research: the types (fo

Gastrointestinal symptoms have a major impact on the quality of life and are becoming more prevalent in the western population. The enteric nervous system (ENS) is pivotal in regulating gastrointestinal functions. Purinergic neurotransmission conveys a range of short and long-term cellular effects. This study investigated the role of the ADP-sensitive P2Y13 receptor in lipid-induced enteric neurop

The objective of this study was to examine the association of the intensity of treatment, ranging from high-dose intensive factor VIII (FVIII) treatment to prophylactic treatment, with the inhibitor incidence among previously untreated patients with severe hemophilia A. This cohort study aimed to include consecutive patients with a FVIII activity

Interactions with bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS), both in aqueous solution and in lipid membranes, were investigated for a series of amphiphilic peptides derived from the C-terminal region of human thrombin, using ellipsometry, dual polarization interferometry, fluorescence spectroscopy, circular dichroism (CD), dynamic light scattering, and z-potential measurements. The ability of these pepti

Chinese universities have undergone a massive transformation in recent decades. In addition to a dramatic increase in the number of universities and students, universities have shifted from primarily providing education to emphasizing research. Omnipresent political control is to be replaced by stronger academic self-organization. The result so far is a growing stratification of Chinese universiti

Technology that facilitates rapid investigation of solid phase extraction protocols using very small amounts of sorbent can save both time and money. The microfabricated ISET (Integrated Selective Enrichment Target) interfaced with MALDI mass spectrometry is able to provide an efficient, economic and generic optimization process for SPE sample preparation. The SPE is performed in a rapid and paral

Background. Peer deviance (PD) is associated with risk for drug abuse (DA). Is this association causal? Method. DA was recorded in official records. PD was defined as the percentage of peers residing in small communities with future DA registrations. We examined offspring in families whose community PD changed when the offspring was 0-15 years of age and then examined families where cousins or sib