Living cells accumulate compensatory solutes for protection against the harmful effects of extreme environmental conditions such as high salinity, temperature and desiccation. Even at high concentrations these solutes do not disrupt the normal cellular functions and at times counteract by stabilizing the cellular components. These properties of compensatory solutes have been exploited for stabilizing proteins and cells in vitro. Betaines are widespread natural compensatory solutes that have also been used in other applications such as therapeutic agents and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) enhancers. Some biomedical applications of novel synthetic analogues of natural betaines were investigated. Natural compensatory solutes are either dipolar zwitterionic compounds or polyhydroxyl compounds, and the physical basis of compensation may differ between these, so one focus was on synthetic betaines with hydroxyl substituents. The majority of the synthetic solutes stabilized different model proteins against stress factors such as high and low temperatures. The presence of hydroxyl groups improved protection against desiccation. The observed stabilization effect is not just on the catalytic activity of the enzyme, but also on its structural conformation. Synthetic compensatory solutes have a potential application as protein stabilizers. Dimethylthetin was evaluated as a therapeutic agent and found to be harmful in a sheep model. However, from the study we were able to generate a large-animal continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) model and showed that glycine betaine could be added to the dialysis fluid in chronic renal failure. Some synthetic compensatory solutes reduce the melting temperatures of DNA better than most natural solutes. Synthetic solutes were identified that have potential to enhance PCR and could replace some reagents marketed by commercial suppliers. Density, viscosity and molecular model data on the solutes showed correlations with the biochemical effects of the solutes, but no physical measurements were found that reliably predicted their potential for biotechnological applications.

This report explains the need to develop a configuration manager that handles transmission equipment which exists in the Swedish Defence telecommunications network. The configuration module will display the configurations and compatibility among the equipment and their software which are all part of the network. Also included in this report are tools, methods and results for the development of a prototype for the configuration manager. The prototype consists fundamentally of a database assisted by a user friendly website. The transmission equipment handles a lot of important transmission of information and is in the hands of a department of SAAB, OFGCA, by orders from the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV). Within the work included in this order exists a continuous update of both software and hardware which the equipment consists of. Therefore it’s highly important that there is a monitoring of which of the software and hardware is compatible with one another, ensuring that the functions of the system work properly. The consistent updating has resulted in compatibility issues between components and because of this, a need for a configuration manager has arisen. / Den här rapporten uttrycker behovet av att ta fram en konfigurationsmodul för transmissionsutrustningar som ingår i Försvarets telenät (FTN). Konfigurationsmodulen ska mätta ett behov av att kunna se konfigurationerna och kompatibilitet för de utrustningar samt dess programvaror som ingår i telenätet. Rapporten inkluderar även verktyg, metoder och resultat för framtagningen av en prototyp till konfigurationsmodulen. Prototypen består i grunden av en databas med en tillhörande, interaktionsvänlig, hemsida. Transmissionsutrustningarna hanterar en mängd viktig informationsöverföring och en avdelning på Saab, OFGCA, ansvarar för dessa på uppdrag av Försvarets materialverk (FMV). I arbetet som uppdraget innebär pågår en ständig uppdatering av både mjuk- och hårdvara som utrustningarna består av. Det innebär att det är mycket viktigt att det utförs övervakning av vilka mjuk- och hårdvaruversioner som är kompatibla. Detta för att säkerställa att systemets funktioner fungerar korrekt. Den ständiga uppdateringen har medfört kompatibilitetsproblem mellan komponenter och därför har det växt fram ett behov av att ta fram en konfigurationsmodul.

In recent years, development of various imaging, recording and stimulation tools are rapidly advancing our knowledge of the human anatomy and its underlying interconnections. As a truly non-invasive tool, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), is creating new opportunities to understand large scale biological processes with a fine detail. Furthermore, novel materials and microfabrication techniques are allowing researchers to develop tools that record bio-signal or modulate complex physiology with high temporal precision. However, these tools, when used individually can elucidate only a partial view of the human body and the brain. There is a growing need in both the research and clinical community to find ways to perform these modalities together and visualize biological systems across a vast range of spatiotemporal scale. However, severe methodological challenges act as bottlenecks for any such multimodal integration.<br><div><br></div><div>To address this critical need, I have designed an MRI-safe platform for high-fidelity bio-signal recording and electrical stimulation during concurrent MRI imaging. Central to this system are novel miniaturized microelectronic devices, that operate wirelessly in synchrony with MRI scans. The system leverages surplus functionalities of a conventional scanner to integrate with the imaging system and provide a simple and inexpensive solution towards multimodal imaging. This work also describes a systematic approach for development and evaluation of this plug-and-play system through in-vivo experiments in animal models. The clinical relevance of the multimodal imaging platform was further showcased through a study on the mechanism of SUDEP (Sudden death in epilepsy), a terminal complication associated with epilepsy. With future refinements, I expect this platform will provide affordable, accessible, and reliable solutions for multimodal imaging in animals and humans, creating unique opportunities for basic scientific research and clinical diagnosis.<br></div>

給定兩個隨機變數的條件機率矩陣A和B，相容性問題的主要課題包 含：(一)如何判斷他們是否相容？若相容，則如何檢驗聯合分配的唯一性 或找出所有的聯合分配；(二)若不相容，則如何訂定測量不相容程度的方 法並找出最近似聯合分配。目前的文獻資料有幾種解決問題的途徑，例 如Arnold and Press (1989)的比值矩陣法、Song et al. (2010)的不可約 化對角塊狀矩陣法及Arnold et al. (2002)的數學規劃法等，經由這些方法 的啟發，本文發展出創新的特徵向量法來處理前述的相容性課題。 當A和B相容時，我們觀察到邊際分配分別是AB′和B′A對應特徵值1的 特徵向量。因此，在以邊際分配檢驗相容性時，特徵向量法僅需檢驗滿足 特徵向量條件的邊際分配，大幅度減少了檢驗的工作量。利用線性代數中 的Perron定理和不可約化對角塊狀矩陣的概念，特徵向量法可圓滿處理相 容性問題(一)的部份。 當A和B不相容時，特徵向量法也可衍生出一個測量不相容程度的簡單 方法。由於不同的測量方法可得到不同的最近似聯合分配，為了比較其優 劣，本文中提出了以條件分配的偏差加上邊際分配的偏差作為評量最近似 聯合分配的標準。特徵向量法除了可推導出最近似聯合分配的公式解外， 經過例子的驗證，在此評量標準下特徵向量法也獲得比其他測量法更佳的 最近似聯合分配。由是，特徵向量法也可用在處理相容性問題(二)的部份。 最後，將特徵向量法實際應用在兩人零和有限賽局問題上。作業研究的 解法是將雙方採取何種策略視為獨立，但是我們認為雙方可利用償付值表 所提供的資訊作為決策的依據，並將雙方的策略寫成兩個條件機率矩陣， 則賽局問題被轉換為相容性問題。我們可用廣義相容的概念對賽局的解進 行分析，並在各種測度下討論賽局的解及雙方的最佳策略。 / Given two conditional probability matrices A and B of two random variables, the issues of the compatibility include: (a) how to determine whether they are compatible? If compatible, how to check the uniqueness of the joint distribution or find all possible joint distributions; (b) if incompatible, how to measure how far they are from compatibility and find the most nearly compatible joint distribution. There are several approaches to solve these problems, such as the ratio matrix method(Arnold and Press, 1989), the IBD matrix method(Song et al., 2010) and the mathematical programming method(Arnold et al., 2002). Inspired by these methods, the thesis develops the eigenvector approach to deal with the compatibility issues. When A and B are compatible, it is observed that the marginal distributions are eigenvectors of AB′ and B′A corresponding to 1, respectively. While checking compatibility by the marginal distributions, the eigenvector approach only checks the marginal distributions which are eigenvectors of AB′ and B′A. It significantly reduces the workload. By using Perron theorem and the concept of the IBD matrix, the part (a) of compatibility issues can be dealt with the eigenvector approach. When A and B are incompatible, a simple way to measure the degree of incompatibility can be derived from the eigenvector approach. In order to compare the most nearly compatible joint distributions given by different measures, the thesis proposes the deviation of the conditional distributions plus the deviation of the marginal distributions as the most nearly compatible joint distribution assessment standard. The eigenvector approach not only derives formula for the most nearly compatible distribution, but also provides better joint distribution than those given by the other measures through the validations under this standard. The part (b) of compatibility issues can also be dealt with the eigenvector approach. Finally, the eigenvector approach is used in solving game problems. In operations research, strategies adopted by both players are assumed to be independent. However, this independent assumption may not be appropriate, since both players can make decisions through the information provided by the payoffs for the game. Let strategies of both players form two conditional probability matrices, then the game problems can be converted into compatibility issues. We can use the concept of generalized compatibility to analyze game solutions and discuss the best strategies for both players in a variety of measurements.

When tomato Craigella is infected with Verticillium dahliae Dvd-E6 (Dvd-E6), a tolerant state is induced with substantial pathogen load, but few symptoms. Unexpectedly, these plants are more robust and taller with Dvd-E6 behaving as an endophyte. Some endophytes can protect plants from virulent pathogens. This research was undertaken to improve understanding of the cellular and molecular nature of Verticillium tolerance in tomato, especially whether infection by Dvd-E6 can protect Craigella from virulent V. dahliae, race 1 (Vd1). To permit mixed infection experiments a restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP)-based assay was developed and used for differentiating Dvd-E6 from Vd1, when present in mixed infections. The results suggested that protection involves molecular interplay between Dvd-E6 and Vd1 in susceptible Craigella (CS) tomatoes, resulting in restricted Vd1 colonization. Further studies showed a dramatic reduction of Vd1 spores and mycelia. To examine genetic changes that account for these biological changes, a customized DNA chip (TVR) was used to analyze defense gene mRNA levels. The defense gene response was categorized into four groups. Group 1 was characterized by strong induction of defense genes followed by suppression. However, Vd1-induced gene suppression was blocked by Dvd-E6 in mixed infections. These genes included some transcription factors and PR proteins such as class IV chitinases and beta glucanases which are known to target fungal spores and mycelia. Experiments also were repeated with a Craigella resistant (CR) isoline containing a fully active Ve locus (Ve1+ and Ve2+). The biological results showed that the presence of the Ve1+ allele resulted in restricted Vd1 colonization and, in a mixed infection with Dvd-E6, Vd1 was completely eliminated from the plant stem. Surprisingly, there was no significant increase in defense gene mRNAs. Rather, elevated basal levels of defense gene products appeared sufficient to combat pathogen attack. To investigate functional effects of the genetic changes observed, an inducible RNAi knockdown vector for a defense gene (TUS15G8) with unknown function (pMW4-TUS15G8) as well as the Ve2 resistance gene (pMW-Ve2) was prepared as a initial step for future transformation analyses. Taken together the results reveal intriguing but complex biological and molecular changes in mixed infections, which remain a basis for future experiments and potential agricultural benefits. / Canadian Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan

台北市自民國72年起，公佈實施土地使用分區管制規則以來，至今已十幾年，但對於住宅區之環境品質並無明顯改善，反而突顯實施土地使用分區之分組及允許使用組別的問題，究其原因，是法規制定太偏於混合使用及允許使用組別太多。尤其附條件允許組別更為嚴重，幾乎與商業區差不多，而其中產生一些行業別與住宅不相容的情形。 有鑑於此，本研究乃期望透過混合使用相關研究回顧遴選出適當之評估指標項目，再收集專家學者對評估指標之意見，進行修正所遴選之評估指標，作為混合使用環境品質之評估基礎。在其中發現混合使用評估指標相對權重以「守望相助與警衛」權重最大、其次是「購物方便性」、第三為「餐飲方便性」。而「垃圾收集」與「污水排放問題」之小指標相對權重較小。由此不難理解，在專家的觀念裡混合使用之居住環境需以居住安全性之「守望相助與警衛」為第一考量，然後才能考慮混合使用生活之便利性。 由以上所建構之評估指標，經收集居民的意見與專家之賦予權重之後，經整理計算後，所得到評估指數正負得知，混合使用環境品質評估指標中以「寧便居住環境」、「公共安全」之指數呈現正值，而「環境污染公害」為負值，將其大指標之指數加總，發現總值為正數，得知混合使用之居住環境可能是好處多於壞處。 得知評估指標之指數大小之後，筆者再建立相容性行業別操作方式，進行計算行業別之評估指數大小，並建立數學模式，發現行業別之指數總和越大，代表居民與專家愈能接受該行業。負面值越大表示排斥性越大。同時可理解相容性越高之行業對環境影響越少，且對生活機能幫助越大。進而可透過行業別之排序，依混合使用環境品質需求，再訂定不同混合標準，以塑造不同等級之居住環境。 另在新、舊地區之實證過程中得知；混合使用的行業會因道路寬度、區位而有不同混合比例，其中立體混合也與平面混合成正相關。而從實際新、舊地區之業種調查發現，在大安區之業種是屬於都市型，而在萬華區之業種是屬於鄰里型。 綜合言之；本研究透過相關理論回顧與分析，所建立住宅區土地混合使用之評估指標，作為相容性之行業別判斷依據。在其中發現行業別之相容性，可依本研究所擬之評估指標判斷業別對居住環境的影響情形，同時可透指數分析再訂定業種相容性標準，而進行衡量評估指標與行業別之相關性計算。尤其在行業別設立時，將可能對住宅使用產生正面或負面影響情形，以指標的方式表達；如行業別是否產生噪音振動、垃圾處理方式、停車問題、空氣污染..等等問題，儘可能再設有評估標準。待相容性行業別執行一段時間後，依執行情形來修正評估標準，以利後續土地混合使用業種相容性之參考。 / Since the announcement and execution of the Zoning Act of Taipei Metropolitan in 1983, there is no obvious improvement on the living quality in the residential areas. Conversely, there are some issues on the usage classification and permitted usage categories. After further research, it’s found that the Zoning Act biased on the mixed-use, which permitted too much usage in one category. The most serious one was the permitted usage in its appendix, which made the usage of residential area almost the same as the commercial area. After researching on the related documents on mixed-use, the study emerged the appropriate evaluation indicators. Then collecting the experts’ comments, the study modified evaluation indicators accordingly, which formed the bases of environmental evaluation of mixed-use. In between, the relative importance of top three indicators was ranked as “residents’ mutual help and guard”, “shopping convenience” and “dinning convenience”. Both “trash collection” and “waste water manipulation” were less concerned. It understandable that in experts’ concepts, the residential safety was the first consideration then the living convenience. Based on the above evaluation indicators and collected comments from the residents and experts, the study came out the positive and negative values of evaluation indicators. The “quiescence and convenience of living environment” and “public safety” were positive value but “environmental pollution” was negative value. Summing up the big indicators, the value was positive which meant people possibly evaluated highly on the mixed-use in the residential environment. Understanding the importance of indicators, the study rebuilt the operation model for compatible businesses, which calculated the values of business evaluation indicators and built mathematical model. Then the study found out that the greater positive values of summed up indicators, the more representative residents and experts accepted the business. The greater the negative value, the more exclusivity represented. More compatible businesses would less impact the environment but enhance the living functionality. Ranking the business sequences according to the needs of environmental quality in mixed-use, we could build up different grades of living environments by setting up different mixed-use standards. It was proven from the study on the new and old residential areas that the mixed-use ratio of businesses would be differed by the width of road and location in which vertical and horizontal mixed-use are positively related. From the field study, the businesses in Ta-An district belonged to the metropolitan type but those in Wan-Hua district belonged to the tithing type. In summary, the study went through the review and analysis of related thesis then built the evaluation indicators for mixed-use in residential area, which in turn were the bases to identify the businesses compatibility. Utilizing the evaluation indicators, we could identify the business compatibility and its impact on the living environment. Simultaneously, through indicator analysis, new business compatibility could be redefined and evaluate the relationship between evaluation indicators and business relativity. Especially for the business category, which would heavily impact the environment, the indicators could be identified as, e.g., voice and vibration pollution, trash manipulation, parking issue, air pollution...which needed more evaluation standards. After some time of execution, the results could be used to modify the evaluation standard, which would be the reference for the succeeding study of land mixed-use.

No description available.

Dans un avion, un hélicoptère ou un lanceur actuel, des milliers de capteurs, pour la plupart non critiques sont utilisés pour la mesure de divers paramètres (températures, pressions, positions...) Les résultats sont ensuite acheminés par des fils vers les calculateurs de bord qui les traitent. Ceci implique la mise en place de centaines de kilomètres de câbles (500 km pour un avion de ligne) dont le volume est considérable. Il en résulte une grande complexité de conception et de fabrication, des problèmes de fiabilité, notamment au niveau des connexions, et une masse importante. Par ailleurs l'instrumentation de certaines zones est impossible car leur câblage est difficilement envisageable par manque d'espace. En outre, s'il est souvent intéressant d'installer de nouveaux capteurs pour faire évoluer un aéronef ancien, l'installation des câbles nécessaires implique un démantèlement partiel, problématique et coûteux, de l'appareil. Pour résoudre ces problèmes, une idée innovante a émergé chez les industriels de l'aéronautique : commencer à remplacer les réseaux filaires reliant les capteurs d'un aéronef et leur centre de décision par des réseaux sans fil. Les technologies de communication sans fil sont aujourd'hui largement utilisées dans les marchés de l'électronique de grande consommation. Elles commencent également à être déployées pour des applications industrielles comme l'automobile ou le relevé à distance de compteurs domestiques. Cependant, remplacer des câbles par des ondes représente un défi technologique considérable comme la propagation en milieu confiné, la sécurité, la sureté de fonctionnement, la fiabilité ou la compatibilité électromagnétique. Cette thèse est motivée d'une part par l'avancée non négligeable dans le milieu aérospatial que pourrait être l'établissement d'un réseau sans fil à bord d'aéronefs dans la résolution de problématique classiques comme l'allégement et l'instrumentation. Il en résulterait donc : * Une meilleure connaissance de l'environnement et de la santé de l'aéronef * Un gain sur le poids. * Un gain en flexibilité. * Un gain en malléabilité et en évolutivité. * Un gain sur la complexité. * Un gain sur la fiabilité D'autre part, étant donnée la complexité de la conception de ce réseau de capteur sans fil, il a été nécessaire d'appliquer une méthodologie évolutive et adaptée mais inspirée de l'ingénierie système. Il est envisageable, vu le nombre de sous-systèmes à considérer, que cette méthodologie soit réutilisable pour d'autre cas pratiques. Une étude aussi complète que possible a été réalisée autour de l'existant déjà établi sur le sujet. En effet, on peut en lisant ce mémoire de thèse avoir une idée assez précise de ce qui a été fait. Une liste a été dressée de toutes les technologies sans fil en indiquant leur état de maturité, leurs avantages et leurs inconvénients afin de préciser les choix possibles et les raisons de ces choix. Des projets de capteurs sans fil ont été réalisés, des technologies sans fil performantes et personnalisables ont été développées et arrivent à maturité dans des secteurs variés tels que la domotique, la santé, l'automobile ou même l'aéronautique. Cependant aucun capteur sans fil n'a été véritablement installé en milieu aérospatial car de nombreux verrous technologiques n'ont pas été levés. Fort des expériences passées, et de la maturité qu'ont prise certaines technologies, des conclusions ont été tirées des projets antérieurs afin de tendre vers des solutions plus viables. Une fois identifiés, les verrous technologiques ont été isolés. Une personnalisation de notre solution a été à envisager afin de remédier tant que faire se peut à ces points bloquants avec les moyens mis à disposition. La méthodologie appliquée nous a permis d'identifier un maximum de contraintes, besoins et exigences pour mieux focaliser les efforts d'innovation sur les plus importantes et choisir ainsi les technologies les plus indiquées.