Strategies in Underwriting the Costs of Catastrophic Disease

In this thesis we address the problem of integrated software pipelining for clustered VLIW architectures. The phases that are integrated and solved as one combined problem are: cluster assignment, instruction selection, scheduling, register allocation and spilling. As a first step we describe two methods for integrated code generation of basic blocks. The first method is optimal and based on integer linear programming. The second method is a heuristic based on genetic algorithms. We then extend the integer linear programming model to modulo scheduling. To the best of our knowledge this is the first time anybody has optimally solved the modulo scheduling problem for clustered architectures with instruction selection and cluster assignment integrated. We also show that optimal spilling is closely related to optimal register allocation when the register files are clustered. In fact, optimal spilling is as simple as adding an additional virtual register file representing the memory and have transfer instructions to and from this register file corresponding to stores and loads. Our algorithm for modulo scheduling iteratively considers schedules with increasing number of schedule slots. A problem with such an iterative method is that if the initiation interval is not equal to the lower bound there is no way to determine whether the found solution is optimal or not. We have proven that for a class of architectures that we call transfer free, we can set an upper bound on the schedule length. I.e., we can prove when a found modulo schedule with initiation interval larger than the lower bound is optimal. Experiments have been conducted to show the usefulness and limitations of our optimal methods. For the basic block case we compare the optimal method to the heuristic based on genetic algorithms. This work has been supported by The Swedish national graduate school in computer science (CUGS) and Vetenskapsrådet (VR)

Integration of BMP and Insulin/IGF-1 Signaling Regulates Multiple Homeostatic Functions in \u3ci\u3eCaenorhabditis elegans\u3c/i\u3e

The maintenance of homeostatic functions is key to the survival and well-being of an organism. Regulation of homeostasis relies on varied inputs, both intrinsic and extrinsic, to potentiate a web of interconnected signaling relays. Insulin/IGF-1 signaling (IIS) is a well-known regulator of glucose and lipid metabolism, as well as having far reaching effects in other homeostatic mechanisms. On the other hand, bone morphogenetic protein (BMP), a member of the transforming growth factor beta signaling superfamily, is known for its role in differentiation and development, with only recent studies highlighting potential roles in metabolic homeostasis. Here we elucidate new functions for C. elegans DBL-1/BMP signaling in regulating homeostasis through interaction with DAF-2/IIS via three distinct patterns of interaction. First, we show that both pathways can work independently, as seen in the regulation of body size. Second, we show that the two pathways can work via an epistatic relationship; DBL-1/BMP functions upstream of DAF-2/IIS to influence intestinal lipid stores through the regulation of ins-4. Lastly, we identify an antagonistic mode of interaction where DBL-1/BMP can interact with DAF-2/IIS downstream of daf-2/InsR through changes in the localization of SKN-1. Together, these data highlight various means by which both DBL-1/BMP and DAF-2/IIS can co-regulate homeostatic functions in C. elegans. The complexity and redundancy found in many mammalian pathways proves a difficult hurdle in elucidating mechanisms of interaction. Here we provide a model to further study the interactions of BMP and IIS to provide insight into human homeostasis

An Ontology-based Image Repository for a Biomedical Research Lab

We have developed a prototype web-based database for managing images acquired during experiments in a biomedical research lab studying the factors controlling cataract development. Based on an evolving ontology we are developing for describing the experimental data and protocols used in the lab, the image repository allows lab members to organize image data by multiple attributes. The use of an ontology for developing this and other tools will facilitate intercommunication among tools, and eventual data sharing with other researchers

Method of analysis for determining and correcting mirror deformation due to gravity

The Navy Precision Optical Interferometer, located near Flagstaff, Arizona, is a ground-based interferometer that collects, transports, and modulates stellar radiation from up to six primary flat collectors, known as siderostats, through a common vacuum relay system to a combiner. In the combiner, the modulated beams are superimposed, fringes obtained, and data recorded for further analysis to produce precise star positions or stellar details. The current number of observable stellar objects for the astrometric interferometer can increase from 6000 to at least 47,000 with the addition of full-aperture 20-deg down-tilting beam compressors in each optical train. Such an aperture increase, from the current 12.5 to 35 cm, opens the sky to many additional and fainter stars. Engineering analysis of our beam compressor primary mirror shows that the maximum allowable sag, 21 nm, occurs prematurely at 2.8-deg down-tilt angle. Furthermore, at the operational down-tilt angle of 20 deg, the wavefront deformation increases to 155 nm. We present a finite element analysis technique and design modification concept to reduce tilt-induced deformation on the mirror surface. This work is a first pass to determine the feasibility for a mechanical solution path forward. From this analysis, we found that four outwardly applied 17.8-N forces on the rear surface of the mirror could reduce sag from 155 to 32 nm at 20-deg down-tilt angle

Sensitive protein detection using an optical fibre long period grating sensor anchored with silica core gold shell nanoparticles

Copyright ©2014 Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers. This paper was published in the Proceedings of SPIE and is made available with permission of SPIE. One print or electronic copy may be made for personal use only. Systematic electronic or print reproduction and distribution, duplication of any material in this paper for a fee or for commercial purposes, or modification of the content of the paper are prohibited.An optical fibre long period grating (LPG), modified with a coating of silica gold (SiO2:Au) core/shell nanoparticles (NPs) deposited using the layer-by-layer (LbL) method, was employed for the development of a bio-sensor. The SiO2:Au NPs were electrostatically assembled onto the LPG with the aid of a poly(hydrochloride ammonium) (PAH) polycation layer. The LPG sensor operates at the phase matching turning point to provide the highest sensitivity. The SiO2:Au NPs were modified with biotin, which was used as a ligand for streptavidin (SV) detection. The sensing mechanism is based on the measurement of the refractive index change induced by the binding of the SV to the biotin. The lowest detected concentration of SV was 19 nM using an LPG modified with a 3 layer (PAH/SiO2:Au) thin film

Spacecraft

In this twentieth century, we are privileged to witness the first steps toward realization of an age-old dream: the exploration of space. Already, in the first few years of the Space Age, man has been able to penetrate the layer of atmosphere which surrounds his planet and to venture briefly into space. Scores of man-made objects have been thrust into space, some of them to roam the solar system forever. Behind each space mission are years of patient research, thousands of man-hours of labor, and large sums of money. Because the sums involved are so enormous, the question is frequently asked, "Is it worth it?" Many people want to know what return this huge investment will bring to mankind. The return on the investment is knowledge. The accumulation of knowledge over the centuries has made possible our advanced way of life. As we unlock more and more of the secrets of the universe through space exploration, we add new volumes to the encyclopedia of man's knowledge. This will be applied to the benefit of mankind. For the practical-minded, there are concrete benefits to our way of life. Although we are still in the Stone Age of space exploration, a number of immediate applications of space technology are already apparent. For instance, imagine the benefits of an absolutely perfect system of predicting the weather. Or, going a step further, even changing the weather. And wouldn't it be fascinating to watch the next Olympic games, telecast from Tokyo, on your TV set? These are just a few of the practical benefits made possible by space technology

Phylogeny of a Neotropical Clade in the Gesneriaceae: More Tales of Convergent Evolution

The Gesneriaceae is a family known for convergent evolution of complex floral forms. As a result, defining genera and resolving evolutionary relationships among such genera using morphological data alone has been challenging and often does not accurately reflect monophyletic lineages. The tribe Episcieae is the most diverse within Neotropical Gesneriaceae in terms of its number of species and morphological diversity. As a result, defining genera using floral characters has been historically troublesome. Here we investigate relationships among genera of the tribe using an array of chloroplast DNA, nuclear ribosomal genes, and low-copy nuclear genes to provide resolution for the monophyly of the genera and relationships among the monophyletic groups. All known genera in the tribe (with the exception of the monospecific Lampadaria) have been sampled, and most have been sampled to provide an assessment to determine their monophyly. Of the 17 genera in the tribe that comprise more than a single species, we have sampled 15 with at least two species. The following six genera are identified as para- or polyphyletic: Neomortonia, Episcia, Paradrymonia, Nautilocalyx, Codonanthe, and Nematanthus. Our results strongly support at least three independent origins of fleshy fruits, which are defined here as fleshy display capsules or indehiscent berries

Recent Decisions

Admiralty--Damages in a Maritime Collision or Stranding Caused by Mutual Fault Must be Apportioned According to the Comparative Negligence of the Parties Anne Markey ============================= Admiralty--Wrongful Death--General Maritime Law Provides Remedy for Pain and Suffering of Decedent Incurred in Wrongful Death on High Seas but not for Funeral Expenses James F. Maddox ============================= Arbitration--Securities Regulation--In International Sale of Securities, Arbitration Agreement is Binding not Withstanding Non-Waiverability of Judicial Remedy of Securities Exchange Act of 1934 Thomas C. Eklund ============================= IMMIGRATION--ALIEN COMMUTERS, BOTH DAILY AND SEASONAL, WHO HAVE ONCE OBTAINED THE STATUS OF IMMIGRANTS ARE PROPERLY CLASSIFIED AS SPECIAL IMMIGRANTS LAWFULLY ADMITTED FOR PERMANENT RESIDENCE RETURNING FROM A TEMPORARY VISIT ABROAD Thomas F. Taylor ============================ INSURANCE--WAR RISK EXCLUSION CLAUSE DOES NOT BAR RECOVERY UNDER AN ALL RISK POLICY FOR DAMAGES RESULTING FROM TERRORIST ACTIVITIES Ralph Vinciguerra ============================ INTERNATIONAL ARBITRATION--U.N. CONVENTION ON THE RECOGNITION AND ENFORCEMENT OF FOREIGN ARBITRAL AWARDS--DEFENSES RAISED AGAINST ENFORCEMENT OF FOREIGN ARBITRAL AWARD WILL BE NARROWLY CONSTRUED BY U.S. COURTS TO COMPLY WITH PRO-ENFORCEMENT POLICY OF THE CONVENTION Clark Mervi

Contrasting multi-site genotypic distributions among discordant quantitative phenotypes: the APOA1/C3/A4/A5 gene cluster and cardiovascular disease risk factors

Most tests of association between DNA sequence variation and quantitative phenotypes in samples of randomly chosen individuals rely on specification of genotypic strata followed by comparison of phenotypes across these strata. This strategy often succeeds when phenotypic differences are caused by one or two single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) among the surveyed markers. However, when multiple-SNP haplotypes account for observed phenotypic variation, identification of the best partitioning requires examination of an inordinate number of SNP combinations. An alternative approach is to rank individuals by their phenotypic measures and ask whether attributes of the genotypic variation show a non-random distribution along this phenotypic ranking. One simple version of this strategy selects the top and bottom tails of the distribution, and then tests whether genotypes from these two samples are drawn from a single population. This framework does not require the recovery of phased haplotypes and allows contrasts between large numbers of sites at once. We use a method based on this approach to identify associations between plasma triglyceride level, a risk factor for cardiovascular disease, and multi-site genotypes located in the APOA1/C3/A4/A5 cluster of apolipoprotein genes in unrelated individuals (1,071 African-American females, 780 African-American males, 1,036 European-American females, and 930 European-American males) sampled from four US cities as part of the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) study. Method performance is investigated using simulations that model genealogical variation and different genetic architectures. Results indicate that this multi-site test can identify genotype-phenotype associations with reasonable power, including those generated by some simple epistatic models. Genet. Epidemiol . 2006. © 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/55790/1/20163_ftp.pd

Health, educational and employment outcomes among children treated for a skin disorder : Scotland-wide retrospective record linkage cohort study of 766,244 children

Acknowledgments The authors would like to acknowledge the support of the electronic Data Research and Innovation Services (eDRIS) within Public Health Scotland for their involvement in obtaining approvals, provisioning, and linking data and the use of the secure analytical platform within the National Safe Haven. Funding: The study was sponsored by Health Data Research UK (www.hdruk.ac.uk) (grant reference number MR/S003800/1 awarded to Dr Michael Fleming) which is a joint investment led by the Medical Research Council, together with the National Institute for Health Research (England), the Chief Scientist Office (Scotland), Health and Care Research Wales, Health and Social Care Research and Development Division (Public Health Agency, Northern Ireland), the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council, the Economic and Social Research Council, the British Heart Foundation and Wellcome Trust. The sponsor and funders had no role in the design and conduct of the study; collection, management, analysis, and interpretation of the data; preparation, review or approval of the manuscript, or decision to submit the manuscript for publication.Peer reviewedPublisher PD