On a Use Case Points Measurement Tool for Effective Project Management

Proceedings Workshop on Accountability and Traceability in Global Software Engineering (ATGSE2007)Nagoya, Japan, December 3, 2007Co-located with the 14th Asia-Pacific Software Engineering Conference (APSEC'07

Efficient Search for Energetically Favorable Molecular Conformations against Metastable States via Gray-Box Optimization

In order to accurately understand and estimate molecular properties, finding energetically favorable molecular conformations is the most fundamental task for atomistic computational research on molecules and materials. Geometry optimization based on quantum chemical calculations has enabled the conformation prediction of arbitrary molecules, including de novo ones. However, it is computationally expensive to perform geometry optimizations for enormous conformers. In this study, we introduce the gray-box optimization (GBO) framework, which enables optimal control over the entire geometry optimization process, among multiple conformers. Algorithms designed for GBO roughly estimate energetically preferable conformers during their geometry optimization iterations. They then preferentially compute promising conformers. To evaluate the performance of the GBO framework, we applied it to a test set consisting of seven dipeptides and mycophenolic acid to determine their stable conformations at the density functional theory level. We thus preferentially obtained energetically favorable conformations. Furthermore, the computational costs required to find the most stable conformation were significantly reduced (approximately 1% on average, compared to the naive approach for the dipeptides)

High molecular mass type IV collagen-specific metalloprotease from human carcinoma tissue

AbstractA protease degrading type IV collagen was purified more than 8000-fold from human stomach carcinoma tissue. This protease degraded type IV collagen, while type I, II, III and V collagen, laminin, fibronectin, casein, albumin and hemoglobin were not affected. This enzyme had a pH optimum of pH 7.0–8.0 and was inhibited completely by EDTA and o-phenanthroline, but not by seryl, thiol and carboxyl protease inhibitors. Furthermore, the molecular mas of this enzyme was estimated to be 1 MDa by Sepharose 6B column and HPLC-gel filtration. The molecular mass and substrate specificity of this metalloprotease from human carcinoma tissue indicate it to be a new protease

06 「海外神社」跡地に見る景観の変容とその要因

第2部　景観に刻印された人間の諸活動の痕跡を尋ねる―「海外神社」跡地とそのデータベース

Health Checkup and Telemedical Intervention Program for Preventive Medicine in Developing Countries: Verification Study

Background: The prevalence of non-communicable diseases is increasing throughout the world, including developing countries. / Objective: The intent was to conduct a study of a preventive medical service in a developing country, combining eHealth checkups and teleconsultation as well as assess stratification rules and the short-term effects of intervention. / Methods: We developed an eHealth system that comprises a set of sensor devices in an attaché case, a data transmission system linked to a mobile network, and a data management application. We provided eHealth checkups for the populations of five villages and the employees of five factories/offices in Bangladesh. Individual health condition was automatically categorized into four grades based on international diagnostic standards: green (healthy), yellow (caution), orange (affected), and red (emergent). We provided teleconsultation for orange- and red-grade subjects and we provided teleprescription for these subjects as required. / Results: The first checkup was provided to 16,741 subjects. After one year, 2361 subjects participated in the second checkup and the systolic blood pressure of these subjects was significantly decreased from an average of 121 mmHg to an average of 116 mmHg (P<.001). Based on these results, we propose a cost-effective method using a machine learning technique (random forest method) using the medical interview, subject profiles, and checkup results as predictor to avoid costly measurements of blood sugar, to ensure sustainability of the program in developing countries. / Conclusions: The results of this study demonstrate the benefits of an eHealth checkup and teleconsultation program as an effective health care system in developing countries

Recent comparability of oceanographic nutrients data: Results of a 2003 intercomparison exercise using reference materials

An intercomparison exercise was conducted using the recently developed Reference Material for Nutrients in Seawater (RMNS). Discrepancies of reported values among laboratories were greater than the homogeneity of RMNS samples and the reported analytical precision of nutrients. The variability of in-house standards of the participating laboratories might be the most likely source of interlaboratory discrepancies. Therefore, the use of common reference materials, i.e. certified RM, is essential to establish and improve the comparability of nutrient data of the world's oceans