Showing papers by "Technion – Israel Institute of Technology published in 1999"

Theory of Bose-Einstein condensation in trapped gases

Abstract: The phenomenon of Bose-Einstein condensation of dilute gases in traps is reviewed from a theoretical perspective. Mean-field theory provides a framework to understand the main features of the condensation and the role of interactions between particles. Various properties of these systems are discussed, including the density profiles and the energy of the ground-state configurations, the collective oscillations and the dynamics of the expansion, the condensate fraction and the thermodynamic functions. The thermodynamic limit exhibits a scaling behavior in the relevant length and energy scales. Despite the dilute nature of the gases, interactions profoundly modify the static as well as the dynamic properties of the system; the predictions of mean-field theory are in excellent agreement with available experimental results. Effects of superfluidity including the existence of quantized vortices and the reduction of the moment of inertia are discussed, as well as the consequences of coherence such as the Josephson effect and interference phenomena. The review also assesses the accuracy and limitations of the mean-field approach.

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and its receptors

Abstract: Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a highly specific mitogen for vascular endothelial cells. Five VEGF isoforms are generated as a result of alternative splicing from a single VEGF gene. These isoforms differ in their molecular mass and in biological properties such as their ability to bind to cell-surface heparan-sulfate proteoglycans. The expression of VEGF is potentiated in response to hypoxia, by activated oncogenes, and by a variety of cytokines. VEGF induces endothelial cell proliferation, promotes cell migration, and inhibits apoptosis. In vivo VEGF induces angiogenesis as well as permeabilization of blood vessels, and plays a central role in the regulation of vasculogenesis. Deregulated VEGF expression contributes to the development of solid tumors by promoting tumor angiogenesis and to the etiology of several additional diseases that are characterized by abnormal angiogenesis. Consequently, inhibition of VEGF signaling abrogates the development of a wide variety of tumors. The various VEGF forms bind to two tyrosine-kinase receptors, VEGFR-1 (flt-1) and VEGFR-2 (KDR/flk-1), which are expressed almost exclusively in endothelial cells. Endothelial cells express in addition the neuropilin-1 and neuropilin-2 coreceptors, which bind selectively to the 165 amino acid form of VEGF (VEGF165). This review focuses on recent developments that have widened considerably our understanding of the mechanisms that control VEGF production and VEGF signal transduction and on recent studies that have shed light on the mechanisms by which VEGF regulates angiogenesis.

SKP2 is required for ubiquitin-mediated degradation of the CDK inhibitor p27.

Abstract: Degradation of the mammalian cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) inhibitor p27 is required for the cellular transition from quiescence to the proliferative state. The ubiquitination and subsequent degradation of p27 depend on its phosphorylation by cyclin-CDK complexes. However, the ubiquitin-protein ligase necessary for p27 ubiquitination has not been identified. Here we show that the F-box protein SKP2 specifically recognizes p27 in a phosphorylation-dependent manner that is characteristic of an F-box-protein-substrate interaction. Furthermore, both in vivo and in vitro, SKP2 is a rate-limiting component of the machinery that ubiquitinates and degrades phosphorylated p27. Thus, p27 degradation is subject to dual control by the accumulation of both SKP2 and cyclins following mitogenic stimulation.

Geometric Nonlinear Functional Analysis

Abstract: Introduction Retractions, extensions and selections Retractions, extensions and selections (special topics) Fixed points Differentiation of convex functions The Radon-Nikodym property Negligible sets and Gateaux differentiability Lipschitz classification of Banach spaces Uniform embeddings into Hilbert space Uniform classification of spheres Uniform classification of Banach spaces Nonlinear quotient maps Oscillation of uniformly continuous functions on unit spheres of finite-dimensional subspaces Oscillation of uniformly continuous functions on unit spheres of infinite-dimensional subspaces Perturbations of local isometries Perturbations of global isometries Twisted sums Group structure on Banach spaces Appendices Bibliography Index.

Culture specific and cross-culturally generalizable implicit leadership theories: Are attributes of charismatic/transformational leadership universally endorsed?

Abstract: This study focuses on culturally endorsed implicit theories of leadership (CLTs). Although cross-cultural research emphasizes that different cultural groups likely have different conceptions of what leadership should entail, a controversial position is argued here: namely that attributes associated with charismatic/transformational leadership will be universally endorsed as contributing to outstanding leadership. This hypothesis was tested in 62 cultures as part of the Global Leadership and Organizational Behavior Effectiveness (GLOBE) Research Program. Universally endorsed leader attributes, as well as attributes that are universally seen as impediments to outstanding leadership and culturally contingent attributes are presented here. The results support the hypothesis that specific aspects of charismatic/transformational leadership are strongly and universally endorsed across cultures.

Approximation theory of the MLP model in neural networks

Abstract: In this survey we discuss various approximation-theoretic problems that arise in the multilayer feedforward perceptron (MLP) model in neural networks. The MLP model is one of the more popular and practical of the many neural network models. Mathematically it is also one of the simpler models. Nonetheless the mathematics of this model is not well understood, and many of these problems are approximation-theoretic in character. Most of the research we will discuss is of very recent vintage. We will report on what has been done and on various unanswered questions. We will not be presenting practical (algorithmic) methods. We will, however, be exploring the capabilities and limitations of this model.

Spectral efficiency of CDMA with random spreading

Abstract: The CDMA channel with randomly and independently chosen spreading sequences accurately models the situation where pseudonoise sequences span many symbol periods. Furthermore, its analysis provides a comparison baseline for CDMA channels with deterministic signature waveforms spanning one symbol period. We analyze the spectral efficiency (total capacity per chip) as a function of the number of users, spreading gain, and signal-to-noise ratio, and we quantify the loss in efficiency relative to an optimally chosen set of signature sequences and relative to multiaccess with no spreading. White Gaussian background noise and equal-power synchronous users are assumed. The following receivers are analyzed: (a) optimal joint processing, (b) single-user matched filtering, (c) decorrelation, and (d) MMSE linear processing.

Optical Spatial Solitons and Their Interactions: Universality and Diversity.

Abstract: Spatial solitons, beams that do not spread owing to diffraction when they propagate, have been demonstrated to exist by virtue of a variety of nonlinear self-trapping mechanisms. Despite the diversity of these mechanisms, many of the features of soliton interactions and collisions are universal. Spatial solitons exhibit a richness of phenomena not found with temporal solitons in fibers, including effects such as fusion, fission, annihilation, and stable orbiting in three dimensions. Here the current state of knowledge on spatial soliton interactions is reviewed.

Estimating sleep patterns with activity monitoring in children and adolescents: how many nights are necessary for reliable measures?

Abstract: Study Objectives: This study provides estimates of reliability for aggregated values from 1 to 7 recording nights for five commonly used actigraphic measures of sleep patterns, reliability as a function of night type (weeknight or weekend night), and stability of measures over several months. Design and Setting: Data are from three studies that obtained 7 nights of actigraph data (using Mini Motionlogger actigraphs and associated validated algorithms [ASA]) on children and adolescents living at home on self-selected sleep-wake schedules. Participants: Participants were 169 children aged 12-60 months, and 55 adolescents aged 11-16 years. Measurements and Results: Up to 28% of weekly recordings may be unacceptable for analysis in young participants because of illness, technical problems, and participant noncompliance; studies aiming to collect 5 nights of actigraph data should record for at least 1 full week. Reliability estimates for values aggregated over any 5 nights were adequate (≥.70) for sleep start time, wake minutes, and sleep efficiency. Measures of sleep minutes and sleep period were less reliable and may require 7 or more nights for estimates of stable individual differences. Reliability for 1- or 2-night aggregates were poor for all measures. We found significant and high correlations between summer and fall session measures for all five variables when weekend nights were included. Conclusions: Five or more nights of usable recordings are required to obtain reliable actigraph measures of sleep for chil

Ubiquitination of p27 is regulated by Cdk-dependent phosphorylation and trimeric complex formation

Abstract: The cellular abundance of the cyclin-dependent kinase (Cdk) inhibitor p27 is regulated by the ubiquitin–proteasome system. Activation of p27 degradation is seen in proliferating cells and in many types of aggressive human carcinomas. p27 can be phosphorylated on threonine 187 by Cdks, and cyclin E/Cdk2 overexpression can stimulate the degradation of wild-type p27, but not of a threonine 187-to-alanine p27 mutant [p27(T187A)]. However, whether threonine 187 phosphorylation stimulates p27 degradation through the ubiquitin–proteasome system or an alternative pathway is still not known. Here, we demonstrate that p27 ubiquitination (as assayed in vivo and in an in vitro reconstituted system) is cell-cycle regulated and that Cdk activity is required for the in vitro ubiquitination of p27. Furthermore, ubiquitination of wild-type p27, but not of p27(T187A), can occur in G1-enriched extracts only upon addition of cyclin E/Cdk2 or cyclin A/Cdk2. Using a phosphothreonine 187 site-specific antibody for p27, we show that threonine 187 phosphorylation of p27 is also cell-cycle dependent, being present in proliferating cells but undetectable in G1 cells. Finally, we show that in addition to threonine 187 phosphorylation, efficient p27 ubiquitination requires formation of a trimeric complex with the cyclin and Cdk subunits. In fact, cyclin B/Cdk1 which can phosphorylate p27 efficiently, but cannot form a stable complex with it, is unable to stimulate p27 ubiquitination by G1 extracts. Furthermore, another p27 mutant [p27(CK−)] that can be phosphorylated by cyclin E/Cdk2 but cannot bind this kinase complex, is refractory to ubiquitination. Thus throughout the cell cycle, both phosphorylation and trimeric complex formation act as signals for the ubiquitination of a Cdk inhibitor.

Analytical and Experimental Investigation of Laser-Textured Mechanical Seal Faces

Abstract: An analytical model is developed to predict the relation between the opening force and operating conditions in a mechanical seal with laser textured microsurface structure in the form of micropores The model is valid for any desired shape of the micropores An optimization is performed for spherical shape micropores evenly distributed on one of the mating rings face to maximize the opening force and fluid film stiffness Results of a parametric study are presented showing the effect of the main design parameters on the seal performance Some results of an experimental investigation with water-lubricated seal rings are also shown and compared with the theoretical model Presented as a Society of Tribologists and Lubrication Engineers paper at the ASME/STLE Tribology Conference in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, October 26–28, 1998

Therapeutic Efficacy of Right Prefrontal Slow Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation in Major Depression: A Double-blind Controlled Study

Abstract: Background Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), a noninvasive technique for stimulation of the brain, has recently been suggested to be effective for the treatment of major depression. We conducted a double-blind, placebo-controlled study to assess the efficacy of slow repetitive TMS (rTMS) in patients with major depression. Methods Seventy patients with major depression (53 women, 17 men; mean age, 58.7 years; SD, 17.2 years) were randomly assigned to receive rTMS or sham rTMS in a double-blind design. Treatment was administered in 10 daily sessions during a 2-week period. Severity of depression was blindly assessed before, during, and after completion of the treatment protocol. Results All patients completed the first week of treatment and 67 completed the entire protocol. Patients who received rTMS had a significantly greater improvement in depression scores compared with those who received sham treatment. At the end of 2 weeks, 17 of 35 patients in the rTMS group, but only 8 of 32 in the sham-treated group, had an improvement of greater than 50% in their depression ratings. Conclusions This controlled study provides evidence for the short-term efficacy of slow rTMS in patients with recurrent major depression. Additional studies will be necessary to assess the efficacy of rTMS as compared with electroconvulsive therapy as well as the long-term outcome of this treatment in major depression and possibly other psychiatric disorders.

Cryptanalysis of Skipjack reduced to 31 rounds using impossible differentials

Abstract: In this paper we present a new cryptanalytic technique, based on impossible differentials, and use it to show that Skipjack reduced from 32 to 31 rounds can be broken by an attack which is faster than exhaustive search.

Enigma of the peripheral benzodiazepine receptor.

Abstract: Benzodiazepines (BZs)2 are used clinically as muscle relaxants, anticonvulsants, anxiolytics, and sedative-hypnotics. These effects are mediated primarily via the central BZ receptors (CBRs) located in the central nervous system (CNS;[Braestrup and Squires, 1977][1]; [Mohler and Okada, 1977][2]; [

Demosaicing: image reconstruction from color CCD samples

Abstract: A simplified color image formation model is used to construct an algorithm for image reconstruction from CCD sensors samples. The proposed method involves two successive steps. The first is motivated by Cok's (1994) template matching technique, while the second step uses steerable inverse diffusion in color. Classical linear signal processing techniques tend to oversmooth the image and result in noticeable color artifacts along edges and sharp features. The question is how should the different color channels support each other to form the best possible reconstruction. Our answer is to let the edges support the color information, and the color channels support the edges, and thereby achieve better perceptual results than those that are bounded by the sampling theoretical limit.

The base of the proteasome regulatory particle exhibits chaperone-like activity.

Abstract: Protein substrates of the proteasome must apparently be unfolded and translocated through a narrow channel to gain access to the proteolytic active sites of the enzyme. Protein folding in vivo is mediated by molecular chaperones. Here, to test for chaperone activity of the proteasome, we assay the reactivation of denatured citrate synthase. Both human and yeast proteasomes stimulate the recovery of the native structure of citrate synthase. We map this chaperone-like activity to the base of the regulatory particle of the proteasome, that is, to the ATPase-containing assembly located at the substrate-entry ports of the channel. Denatured but not native citrate synthase is bound by the base complex. Ubiquitination of citrate synthase is not required for its binding or refolding by the base complex of the proteasome. These data suggest a model in which ubiquitin–protein conjugates are initially tethered to the proteasome by specific recognition of their ubiquitin chains; this step is followed by a nonspecific interaction between the base and the target protein, which promotes substrate unfolding and translocation.

The effect of human resource management practices on the perceptions of organizational and market performance of the firm

Abstract: The purpose of our study is to extend the emerging empirical literature on the firm-level impact of human resource management practices. Results based on a national sample of organizations from private and public sectors in Israel indicate that these practices have a significant impact on both the perceived organizational and market performance of the organization. The single independent variable found to be statistically significant in affecting perceived organizational performance was training practices. In the case of perceived market performance, we found that, in addition to training practices, employee selection practices also significantly affected the perceived market performance.1 © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Fading channels: how perfect need "perfect side information" be?

Abstract: The analysis of flat-fading channels is often performed under the assumption that the additive noise is white and Gaussian, and that the receiver has precise knowledge of the realization of the fading process. These assumptions imply the optimality of Gaussian codebooks and of scaled nearest-neighbor decoding. Here we study the robustness of this communication scheme with respect to errors in the estimation of the fading process. We quantify the degradation in performance that results from such estimation errors, and demonstrate the lack of robustness of this scheme. For some situations we suggest the rule of thumb that, in order to avoid degradation, the estimation error should be negligible compared to the reciprocal of the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR).

The First Direct Synthesis of Corroles from Pyrrole.

Abstract: The solvent-free, catalyst-free condensation of pyrrole and aldehydes provides an extremely facile synthetic pathway to novel corroles [Eq. (1); Ar=C6F5, 2,6-F2C6H3, 2,6-Cl2C6H3]. The product containing pentafluorophenyl groups is an excellent precursor of other derivatives, including an ionic, water-soluble corrole.

Antifolate resistance mediated by the multidrug resistance proteins MRP1 and MRP2.

Abstract: Transfection of multidrug resistance proteins (MRPs) MRP1 and MRP2 in human ovarian carcinoma 2008 cells conferred a marked level of resistance to short-term (1-4 h) exposure to the polyglutamatable antifolates methotrexate (MTX; 21-74-fold), ZD1694 (4-138-fold), and GW1843 (101-156-fold). Evidence for MRP-mediated antifolate efflux relies upon the following findings: (a) a 2-3.3-fold lower accumulation of [3H]MTX and subsequent reduced formation of long-chain polyglutamate forms of MTX; (b) reversal of MTX resistance by probenecid in both transfectants, and (c) ATP-dependent uptake of [3H]MTX in inside-out vesicles of MRP1 and MRP2 transfectants. This report provides a mechanistic basis for resistance to polyglutamatable antifolates through an MRP-mediated drug extrusion.

Secure distributed key generation for discrete-log based cryptosystems

Abstract: Distributed key generation is a main component of threshold cryptosystems and distributed cryptographic computing in general. Solutions to the distributed generation of private keys for discrete-log based cryptosystems have been known for several years and used in a variety of protocols and in many research papers. However, these solutions fail to provide the full security required and claimed by these works. We show how an active attacker controlling a small number of parties can bias the values of the generated keys, thus violating basic correctness and secrecy requirements of a key generation protocol. In particular, our attacks point out to the places where the proofs of security fail. Based on these findings we designed a distributed key generation protocol which we present here together with a rigorous proof of security. Our solution, that achieves optimal resiliency, can be used as a drop-in replacement for key generation modules as well as other components of threshold or proactive discrete-log based cryptosystems.