Sparse approximations of protein structure from noisy random projections

Single-particle electron microscopy is a modern technique that biophysicists employ to learn the structure of proteins. It yields data that consist of noisy random projections of the protein structure in random directions, with the added complication that the projection angles cannot be observed. In order to reconstruct a three-dimensional model, the projection directions need to be estimated by use of an ad-hoc starting estimate of the unknown particle. In this paper we propose a methodology that does not rely on knowledge of the projection angles, to construct an objective data-dependent low-resolution approximation of the unknown structure that can serve as such a starting estimate. The approach assumes that the protein admits a suitable sparse representation, and employs discrete $L^1$-regularization (LASSO) as well as notions from shape theory to tackle the peculiar challenges involved in the associated inverse problem. We illustrate the approach by application to the reconstruction of an E. coli protein component called the Klenow fragment.Comment: Published in at http://dx.doi.org/10.1214/11-AOAS479 the Annals of Applied Statistics (http://www.imstat.org/aoas/) by the Institute of Mathematical Statistics (http://www.imstat.org

3G networks in emergency telemedicine - An in-depth evaluation & analysis

The evolution of telecommunications technologies in connection with the robustness and the fidelity these new systems provide, have opened up many new horizons as regards the provision of healthcare and the quality of service from the side of the experts to that of the patients. The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the third generation telecommunications systems that are only recently being deployed in Europe, as well as argue on why a transition from 2G and 2.5G to 3G telecommunications systems could prove to be crucial, especially in relation to emergency telemedicine. The experimental results of the use of these systems are analyzed, the implementation of a tele-consultation unit is presented and their exploitation capabilities are explored

Energy management and conservation in the hotel industry of Cyprus : a systematic modelling approach

The present research has investigated the problem of energy management and conservation in the Hotel sector of Cyprus; one of the most important and most dynamic sectors of the island's economy. The methodology of the soft systems approach was considered as the most appropriate method for tackling the complexities involved in the problem situation. The outcome of the research demonstrated that the adoption of this methodology is suitable for investigating problems of energy management and conservation and can indeed be extended by use of "systemic" interactive computer simulation methods. The existing problem situation in the Hotel industry was investigated through design and execution of questionnaires addressed to the main human actors, energy audits, site visits, discussions and statistical analysis of energy related factors. Serious deficiencies were found at all levels. Energy consumption and use patterns were analysed with respect to quantity, quality and timing of energy use. Existing and new technologies were evaluated using life cycle cost-effective analysis methods. Evaluation of alternative energy supply "mixes" using computer simulation techniques were made, which demonstrated the viability of cogeneration, wind and solar collection approaches in some situations. The research concluded that: (a) there is good scope for energy conservation (in the range of 10-20%) by modifying user habits, hotel energy demand, remodeling of existing technology and introduction of new energy efficient technology. (b) there is an immediate need to provide training and education to all human factors involved. (c) there is a need to modify existing energy-policies. (d) there is need to introduce new energy management infrastructure at National level and below. (e) there is real need for changing the attitudes towards energy conservation of all "actors" involved. (f) there is need for further investigation of the energy supply and demand patterns of hotels. Recommendations concerning the introduction of training and education, and changes in policy, attitudes, practice and energy use, and infrastructure are made. All recommendations are based on conceptual models developed following the application of the soft systems methodology

Ambulance 3G

Minimising the time required for a patient to receive primary care has always been the concern of the Accidents and Emergency units. Ambulances are usually the first to arrive on the scene and to administer first aid. However, as the time that it takes to transfer the patient to the hospital increases, so does the fatality rate. In this paper, a mobile teleconsultation system is presented, based primarily on third generation mobile links and on Wi-Fi hotspots around a city. This system can be installed inside an ambulance and will permit high-resolution videoconferencing between the moving vehicle and a doctor or a consultant within a base station (usually a hospital). In addition to video and voice, high quality still images and screenshots from medical equipment can also be sent. The test was carried out in Athens, Greece where a 3G system was recently deployed by Vodafone. The results show that the system can perform satisfactory in most conditions and can effectively increase the patient’s quality of service, while having a modest cost

Studies of integrated control of selected root diseases of sunflowers using Trichoderma harzianum (ECO-T®) and silicon

Thesis (M.Sc.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2009.The soil-borne fungi Rhizoctonia solani Kuhn and Sclerotinia sclerotiorum De Bary are ubiquitous plant pathogens with a wide host range. They are among the most widespread and destructive diseases of many crops, including sunflowers. Although in many cases, the use of chemicals appears to be the most economical and efficient means of controlling plant pathogens, their environmental concerns and the development of tolerance in pathogen populations have led to drastic reduction in their usage and increased the need to find alternative means of disease control. The potential benefits of applying Trichoderma harzianum Rifai and silicon (Si) nutrition to plants have been extensively reviewed. In this study, the ability of T. harzianum (Eco-T®), soluble silicon, and their combination was evaluated on sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.), for their potential to suppress pathogenic strains of R. solani and S. sclerotiorum. The ability of this crop to take up and accumulate Si in different plant parts was also investigated. In vitro assessment of fungal responses to Si in PDA showed that both R. solani and S. sclerotiorum were inhibited in the presence of Si. More inhibition was observed as the Si concentration increased with a relative increase in pH. Maximum growth inhibition was observed at 3000 mg ;-1 – 6000 mg ;-1 of PDA. No difference in inhibition between the two pathogens was observed, thus confirming the fungitoxic/suppressive ability of high Si concentrations to fungal growth. In addition, in vivo trials showed that the Si concentration of 200 mg ;-1 applied weekly significantly increased the dry weight of plants inoculated with R. solani and S. sclerotiorum and was therefore considered the optimum concentration. Assessments on in vitro antifungal activities of Eco-T® on R. solani and S. sclerotiorum, showed that Eco-T® significantly inhibited mycelial growth, in both dual culture methods and volatile and non-volatile compounds produced by Eco-T®. In addition, the combination of Eco-T® and Si was most effective in suppressing damping-off and increasing plant dry weight of sunflower seedlings in the greenhouse. The combination of Si and Eco-T® significantly increased percentage germination, number of leaves and head dry weight of the sunflower cultivars tested. Silicon alone increased growth but was unable to control R. solani and S. sclerotiorum effectively. Rhizotron studies showed that S. sclerotiorum infected the host through the roots and the stem, whereas R. solani only infected the host through the roots. A study on Si uptake and distribution showed that sunflower accumulates Si in various plant tissues. Analysis of plant tissues revealed that more Si was accumulated in leaves > stems > roots, with the Si levels in leaves being significantly higher than in stems and roots. In conclusion, Si alone could be used to increase growth but was unable to control R. solani and S. sclerotiorum. However, Si together with Eco-T® provides an environmentally friendly alternative for the control of R. solani and S. sclerotiorum, and enhanced plant growth and yield

Turkic Motives in English Eposes

AbstractThe contribution of Turkic tribes into the world development caravan was spoken about much this century. There are many sources about that the traces of brave soldiers of Turkic Kaganate inhabited in the Central Asia reached China, Europe, and India. One of them is English eposes with Turkic motives. There have been many talks about Turkic motives in English eposes. It is not because of the current ideas concerning the Turkic source; it is often used in the works of the last century ethnographer- writers. Turkic tribes from the steppe were called barbarous by European people from the wooden territory, the idea confirming the exception of the absence of nomadic civilization was privileged in the developed Europe. Nevertheless, in the history of English literature this heroic epos has an important role. The author of it was people, written in the ancient English-Saxon language; the origin of the work had been kept for centuries, but it was eliminated by the enormous fire in London.Used methods: comparative, applied, historical and integrative

TRIM26 Maintains Cell Survival in Response to Oxidative Stress through Regulating DNA Glycosylase Stability

Oxidative DNA base lesions in DNA are repaired through the base excision repair (BER) pathway, which consequently plays a vital role in the maintenance of genome integrity and in suppressing mutagenesis. 8-oxoguanine DNA glycosylase (OGG1), endonuclease III-like protein 1 (NTH1), and the endonuclease VIII-like proteins 1-3 (NEIL1-3) are the key enzymes that initiate repair through the excision of the oxidized base. We have previously identified that the E3 ubiquitin ligase tripartite motif 26 (TRIM26) controls the cellular response to oxidative stress through regulating both NEIL1 and NTH1, although its potential, broader role in BER is unclear. We now show that TRIM26 is a central player in determining the response to different forms of oxidative stress. Using siRNA-mediated knockdowns, we demonstrate that the resistance of cells to X-ray radiation and hydrogen peroxide generated as a consequence of trim26 depletion can be reversed through suppression of selective DNA glycosylases. In particular, a knockdown of neil1 or ogg1 can enhance sensitivity and DNA repair rates in response to X-rays, whereas a knockdown of neil1 or neil3 can produce the same effect in response to hydrogen peroxide. Our study, therefore, highlights the importance of TRIM26 in balancing cellular DNA glycosylase levels required for an efficient BER response

Organizational factors associated with readiness for change in residential aged care settings

BACKGROUND: Organizational change is inevitable in any workplace. Previous research has shown that leadership and a number of organizational climate and contextual variables can affect the adoption of change initiatives. The effect of these workplace variables is particularly important in stressful work sectors such as aged care where employees work with challenging older clients who frequently exhibit dementia and depression. METHODS: This study sought to examine the effect of organizational climate and leadership variables on organizational readiness for change across 21 residential aged care facilities. Staff from each facility (N = 255) completed a self-report measure assessing organizational factors including organizational climate, leadership and readiness for change. RESULTS: A hierarchical regression model revealed that the organizational climate variables of work pressure, innovation, and transformational leadership were predictive of employee perceptions of organizational readiness for change. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that within aged care facilities an organization\u27s capacity to change their organizational climate and leadership practices may enhance an organization\u27s readiness for change

An evaluation of the lighting environment in the public space of shopping centres

Interior lighting quality influences people's visual comfort and satisfaction with a space. Based on a field study about the effects of lighting environments on occupancies in eight shopping malls with three different latitudes and a wide range of size from 30,000 to 210,000 m2 all over China, this study investigates the differences in subjective evaluations, the correlations between the lighting environments of public spaces and people's evaluations, and the regressions of scene mean luminance. A questionnaire survey and HDR-image techniques have been used to gather subjective feedback and collect physical lighting data. The results show that the subjective evaluations among different groups (gender, age, education background, and duration of stay in the shopping malls) are similar. The existence of daylighting plays an important role in subjective satisfaction, but not crucial enough to their brightness perception. The mean luminance values of these scenes are closely correlated to the diversity of the subjective evaluations. For shopping centres, the optimal Lmean value is 1000 cd/m2 for a mixed daylighting and artificial lighting environment, and 75 cd/m2 as the recommended Lmean value for an artificial lighting environment