Semantic specification using tree manipulation languages

Software tools are used to generate compilers automatically from formal descriptions of languages. Methods for specifying the syntax of languages are well-established and well-understood; however, methods for formal semantic specification are not. The method most commonly used for semantic specification is an attribute grammar.;This thesis examines an alternative method of semantic specification. TreeSem is defined as a Tree Manipulation Language applicable to semantic specification. A TreeSem program is easier to read and to write than a corresponding attribute grammar specification.;Algorithms for translation of a TreeSem program into an equivalent attribute grammar specification, and for translation of an attribute grammar specification into an equivalent Tree Sem program are presented. Proof of correctness of the algorithms is discussed. The dual translations show the theoretical specification power of TreeSem to be the same as that of attribute grammars. Also, since both translations are provided, the compiler writer is free to choose the semantic specification method he wishes to use. The appropriate translation can be applied to implement the compiler using the more efficiently interpreted method, as research continues to improve the executable efficiency of either method

COBRA Subsidies for Laid-Off Workers: An Initial Report Card

Reviews the implementation of the government subsidy of COBRA health insurance premiums for laid-off workers in the 2009 stimulus package and its effects on COBRA enrollment and medical spending. Considers policy implications for access and affordability

Federal Subsidy for Laid-Off Workers' Health Insurance: A First Year's Report Card for the New COBRA Premium Assistance

Analyzes how the subsidy for laid-off workers' costs to continue their health coverage, included in the 2009 stimulus bill, affected enrollment. Considers determining factors, implications of health reform for extending the subsidy, and lessons learned

Biomimetic Polymeric Particles for Biomedical Therapeutics

The overall goal of this thesis is to investigate the various applications in which micron and nanometer sized polymeric particles could be synthesized to mimic biological cells and tissues to achieve a therapeutic effect. Particularly, the emphasis of this particle design is on the development of artificial antigen presenting cells (aAPC) for immunotherapy. Although the work in this thesis is varied in nature, this dissertation can be broadly categorized in three aims. In Aim 1, the role of shape in the design of aAPC was investigated with respect to use for cancer immunotherapy. An automated process was developed for the generation of anisotropic particles as well as a model system with which to evaluate their therapeutic efficacy in combination with immune checkpoint blockades. These therapeutics were then evaluated in a murine model and non-spherical aAPC were found to outperform spherical aAPC. Furthermore, the core polymeric material was modified to generate much stronger aAPC, with sufficient immunostimulation to engage the endogenous immune cells. In Aim 2, the role of surface chemistry was investigated in the design and use of particles for biomimetic drug delivery applications. Particles with biomimetic surface bound lipid membranes were synthesized to mimic the natural biological membrane of a cell. Anisotropic particles were synthesized and coated with naturally derived red blood cell membranes and were found to outperform equivalently coated spherical nanoparticles in various important drug delivery parameters such as pharmacokinetics and cellular uptake and elimination. In Aim 3, the role of stimulus response was investigated with respect to particle design. Particles with thermally triggered shape memory effect were synthesized and found to allow for spatiotemporally controlled shape control of spherical and ellipsoidal particles. In addition, focused ultrasound triggered drug delivery particles were synthesized to enable focal, noninvasive neuromodulation in a rat seizure model. The particle therapeutic systems developed as part of this thesis will have a wide and diverse impact on multiple fields in medicine including immunotherapy, regenerative medicine, and neuromodulation

OPTIC: Orbiting Plutonian Topographic Image Craft Proposal for an Unmanned Mission to Pluto

The proposal for an unmanned probe to Pluto is presented and described. The Orbiting Plutonian Topographic Image Craft's (OPTIC's) trip will take twenty years and after its arrival, will begin its data collection which includes image and radar mapping, surface spectral analysis, and magnetospheric studies. This probe's design was developed based on the request for proposal of an unmanned probe to Pluto requirements. The distinct problems which an orbiter causes for each subsystem of the craft are discussed. The final design revolved around two important factors: (1) the ability to collect and return the maximum quantity of information on the Plutonian system; and (2) the weight limitations which the choice of an orbiting craft implied. The velocity requirements of this type of mission severely limited the weight available for mission execution-owing to the large portion of overall weight required as fuel to fly the craft with present technology. The topics covered include: (1) scientific instrumentation; (2) mission management; (3) power and propulsion; (4) attitude and articulation control; (5) structural subsystems; and (6) command, control, and communication

M.E.366-J embodiment design project: Portable foot restraint

During space shuttle operations, astronauts require support to carry out tasks in the weightless environment. In the past, portable foot restraints (PFR) with orientations adjustable in pitch, roll, and yaw provided this support for payload bay operations. These foot restraints, however, were designed for specific tasks with a load limit of 111.2 Newtons. Since the original design, new applications for foot restraints have been identified. New designs for the foot restraints have been created to boost the operational work load to 444.8 Newtons and decrease setup times. What remains to be designed is an interface between the restraint system and the extravehicular mobility unit (EMU) boots. NASA provided a proposed locking device involving a spring-loaded mechanism. This locking mechanism must withstand loads of 1334.4 Newtons in any direction and weigh less than 222.4 Newtons. This paper develops an embodiment design for the interface between the PFR and the EMU boots. This involves design of the locking mechanism and a removable cleat that allows the boot to interface with this mechanism. The design team used the Paul Beitz engineering methodology to present the systematic development, structural analysis, and production considerations of the embodiment design. This methodology provides a basis for understanding the justification behind the decisions made in the design

Kane County water resources investigations: interim report on shallow aquifer potentiometric surface mapping

"Prepared for Kane County Development and Resources Management Department.""April 2005."Includes bibliographical references (p. 47-49)

Systematic Evaluation of Pancreas Allograft Quality, Outcomes and Geographic Variation in Utilization

Pancreas allograft acceptance is markedly more selective than other solid organs. The number of pancreata recovered is insufficient to meet the demand for pancreas transplants (PTx), particularly for patients awaiting simultaneous kidney-pancreas (SPK) transplant. Development of a pancreas donor risk index (PDRI) to identify factors associated with an increased risk of allograft failure in the context of SPK, pancreas after kidney (PAK) or pancreas transplant alone (PTA), and to assess variation in allograft utilization by geography and center volume was undertaken. Retrospective analysis of all PTx performed from 2000 to 2006 (n = 9401) was performed using Cox regression controlling for donor and recipient characteristics. Ten donor variables and one transplant factor (ischemia time) were subsequently combined into the PDRI. Increased PDRI was associated with a significant, graded reduction in 1-year pancreas graft survival. Recipients of PTAs or PAKs whose organs came from donors with an elevated PDRI (1.57–2.11) experienced a lower rate of 1-year graft survival (77%) compared with SPK transplant recipients (88%). Pancreas allograft acceptance varied significantly by region particularly for PAK/PTA transplants (p < 0.0001). This analysis demonstrates the potential value of the PDRI to inform organ acceptance and potentially improve the utilization of higher risk organs in appropriate clinical settings.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/78607/1/j.1600-6143.2009.02996.x.pd