Formalised Online Creativity using ThinXels

Computer-supported creativity tools are one example of Group Support Systems (GSS) which have been shown to outperform their traditional face-to-face counterparts. We present a framework for GSS which is based on formal languages and the new concept of a ThinXel. The name "ThinXel " (thinking element) is formed analogously to the wellknown "pixel " (picture element) in Computer Science. We claim that ThinXel-based GSS can provide significant advantages. A ThinXel is defined as an elementary instruction leading to a response which has a well-defined function in the context of the group's goal. ThinXels can be sequenced according to formal rules to form more complex modules like the statements in a computer programming language. These modules can be collected to form a library which can be assembled to create facilitation scripts for entire meetings or workshops. Our approach allows an unambiguous, compact representation of the facilitation steps for both traditional and computer-based group processes. We believe that it will eventually allow them to be completely formalised and to a large extent even automated. We will present experimental results carried out with a ThinXel-based software tool. These illustrate concepts from ThinXel-based ideation and provide quantitative evidence which supports our claim

Mechanisms, safety and efficacy of a B cell epitope-based vaccine for immunotherapy of grass pollen allergy

Background: We have developed a recombinant B cell epitope-based vaccine (BM32) for allergen-specific immunotherapy (AIT) of grass pollen allergy. The vaccine contains recombinant fusion proteins consisting of allergen-derived peptides and the hepatitis B surface protein domain preS as immunological carrier. Methods: We conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled AIT study to determine safety, clinical efficacy and immunological mechanism of three subcutaneous injections of three BM32 doses adsorbed to aluminum hydroxide versus aluminum hydroxide (placebo) applied monthly to grass pollen allergic patients (n = 70). Primary efficacy endpoint was the difference in total nasal symptom score (TNSS) through grass pollen chamber exposure before treatment and 4 weeks after the last injection. Secondary clinical endpoints were total ocular symptom score (TOSS) and allergen-specific skin response evaluated by titrated skin prick testing (SPT) at the same time points. Treatment-related side effects were evaluated as safety endpoints. Changes in allergen-specific antibody, cellular and cytokine responses were measured in patients before and after treatment. Results: Sixty-eight patients completed the trial. TNSS significantly decreased with mean changes of −1.41 (BM32/20 μg) (P = 0.03) and −1.34 (BM32/40 μg) (P = 0.003) whereas mean changes in the BM32/10 μg and placebo group were not significant. TOSS and SPT reactions showed a dose-dependent decrease. No systemic immediate type side effects were observed. Only few grade 1 systemic late phase reactions occurred in BM32 treated patients. The number of local injection site reactions was similar in actively and placebo-treated patients. BM32 induced highly significant allergen-specific IgG responses (P < 0.0001) but no allergen-specific IgE. Allergen-induced basophil activation was reduced in BM32 treated patients and addition of therapy-induced IgG significantly suppressed T cell activation (P = 0.0063). Conclusion: The B cell epitope-based recombinant grass pollen allergy vaccine BM32 is well tolerated and few doses are sufficient to suppress immediate allergic reactions as well as allergen-specific T cell responses via a selective induction of allergen-specific IgG antibodies. (ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT01445002.

Protection of Marine Mammals

Within the European Defense Agency (EDA), the Protection of Marine Mammals (PoMM) project, a comprehensive common marine mammal database essential for risk mitigation tools, was established. The database, built on an extensive dataset collection with the focus on areas of operational interest for European navies, consists of annual and seasonal distribution and density maps, random and systematic sightings, an encyclopedia providing knowledge on the characteristics of 126 marine mammal species, data on marine mammal protection areas, and audio information including numerous examples of various vocalizations. Special investigations on marine mammal acoustics were carried out to improve the detection and classification capabilities

Packaged BiCMOS embedded RF-MEMS switches with integrated inductive loads

This paper presents packaged BiCMOS embedded RF-MEMS switches with integrated inductive loads for frequency tuning at mm-wave frequencies. The developed technique provides easy optimization to maximize the RF performance at the desired frequency without having an effect on the switch mechanics. Insertion loss less than 0.25 dB and isolation better than 20 dB are achieved from 30 to 100 GHz. A glass cap with a silicon frame is used to package the switch. Single-pole-double-throw (SPDT) switches and a 24 - 77 GHz reconfigurable LNA is also demonstrated as a first time implementation of single chip BiCMOS reconfigurable circuit at such high frequencies

RF-MEMS switch module in a 0.25 µm BiCMOS technology

A BiCMOS embedded RF-MEMS switch module is demonstrated. The module consists of four main blocks: 1) RF-MEMS switch technology, 2) Switch models for design-kit implementation, 3) High Voltage (HV) generation and digital interface, 4) Flexible packaging. The RF-MEMS switch technology is detailed by focusing on the contact model, especially in the down-state. Electromagnetic (EM) and lumped-element models are demonstrated to integrate into foundry process design kit (PDK). The integrated on-chip HV generation and control circuitries are described. A flexible packaging technique is also introduced to package either standalone switches or circuits with several switches

An investigation of Interface-GMRES(R) for fluid–structure interaction problems with flutter and divergence

The basic subiteration method for solving fluid–structure interaction problems consists of an iterative process in which the fluid and structure subsystems are alternatingly solved, subject to complementary partitions of the interface conditions. The main advantages of the subiteration method are its conceptual simplicity and its modularity. The method has several deficiencies, however, including a lack of robustness and efficiency. To bypass these deficiencies while retaining the main advantages of the method, we recently proposed the Interface-GMRES(R) solution method, which is based on the combination of subiteration with a Newton–Krylov approach, in which the Krylov space is restricted to the interface degrees-of-freedom. In the present work, we investigate the properties of the Interface-GMRES(R) method for two distinct fluid–structure interaction problems with parameter-dependent stability behaviour, viz., the beam problem and the string problem. The results demonstrate the efficiency and robustness of the Interface-GMRES(R) method

Direct exoplanet investigation using interstellar space probes

Experience in exploring our own solar system has shown that direct investigation of planetary bodies using space probes invariably yields scientific knowledge not otherwise obtainable. In the case of exoplanets, such direct investigation may be required to confirm inferences made by astronomical observations, especially with regard to planetary interiors, surface processes, geological evolution, and possible biology. This will necessitate transporting sophisticated scientific instruments across interstellar space, and some proposed methods for achieving this with flight times measured in decades are reviewed. It is concluded that, with the possible exception of very lightweight (and thus scientifically limited) probes accelerated to velocities of ∼0.1c with powerful Earth-based lasers, achieving such a capability may have to wait until the development of a space-based civilization capable of leveraging the material and energy resources of the solar system