Performance Evaluation of Components Using a Granularity-based Interface Between Real-Time Calculus and Timed Automata

To analyze complex and heterogeneous real-time embedded systems, recent works have proposed interface techniques between real-time calculus (RTC) and timed automata (TA), in order to take advantage of the strengths of each technique for analyzing various components. But the time to analyze a state-based component modeled by TA may be prohibitively high, due to the state space explosion problem. In this paper, we propose a framework of granularity-based interfacing to speed up the analysis of a TA modeled component. First, we abstract fine models to work with event streams at coarse granularity. We perform analysis of the component at multiple coarse granularities and then based on RTC theory, we derive lower and upper bounds on arrival patterns of the fine output streams using the causality closure algorithm. Our framework can help to achieve tradeoffs between precision and analysis time.Comment: QAPL 201

Regulation of Embryonic and Induced Pluripotency by Aurora Kinase-p53 Signaling

SummaryMany signals must be integrated to maintain self-renewal and pluripotency in embryonic stem cells (ESCs) and to enable induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) reprogramming. However, the exact molecular regulatory mechanisms remain elusive. To unravel the essential internal and external signals required for sustaining the ESC state, we conducted a short hairpin (sh) RNA screen of 104 ESC-associated phosphoregulators. Depletion of one such molecule, aurora kinase A (Aurka), resulted in compromised self-renewal and consequent differentiation. By integrating global gene expression and computational analyses, we discovered that loss of Aurka leads to upregulated p53 activity that triggers ESC differentiation. Specifically, Aurka regulates pluripotency through phosphorylation-mediated inhibition of p53-directed ectodermal and mesodermal gene expression. Phosphorylation of p53 not only impairs p53-induced ESC differentiation but also p53-mediated suppression of iPSC reprogramming. Our studies demonstrate an essential role for Aurka-p53 signaling in the regulation of self-renewal, differentiation, and somatic cell reprogramming

Re-HEDP : pharmacokinetic characterization, clinical and dosimetric evaluation in osseous metastatic patients with two levels of radiopharmaceutical dose

BACKGROUND: A study for pain relief therapy with (188)Re-HEDP was done in patients with bone metastases secondary to breast and prostate cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients received 1.3 or 2.2 GBq, in single or multiple doses. Platelets, white and red cells were evaluated during 11 weeks. Pharmacokinetic characterization was done from blood and urine samples for 5 patients along 24 hours. Urinary excretion was evaluated in other 16 patients during 6 hours. Bone uptake was estimated as remaining activity in whole body. Scintigraphic images were acquired at 2 and 24 hs post-administration. Absorbed dose in bone marrow was estimated with Mirdose3. Analgesics intake and pain score were daily recorded. Tumour markers (PSA, and Tn-structure) were monitored in 9 patients during 4 to 6 months. Single doses of low activity (1.3 GBq) were given to twelve patients. Nine patients received multiple doses. RESULTS: All except one patient had normal levels of platelets, white and red cells. Remaining dose in blood at 2 hours was 9%. Urinary elimination was 58%. Bone uptake at 24 hours was 43% (mean value; n = 5). No changes of the haematological parameters were detected along follow-up period. Pain relief was evidenced by decrease or supression of opioid analgesic and by subjective index. PSA showed a decrease in prostate cancer patients (n = 4). Tn-structure showed a significant increase after 4 to 8 months. CONCLUSION: Single or multiple dose scheme could be safely used, with administered activity of (188)Re-HEDP up to 60 mCi, with low bone marrow absorbed doses

Improving PBL in Empowering Meta cognitive Skill of Students

Abstract Objective: Problem-Based Learning (PBL) is a potential constructivist learning strategy that empowers students’ Meta cognitive skill. PBL focuses on problem, involves thinking activity to solve problems, and correlates to cognitive function of students. Methods: The implementation of PBL reveals various benefits, but there are also some weaknesses in this learning strategy. Thus, it is necessary to implement a certain learning strategy that can cover the PBL weaknesses, such as Reading, Questioning, and Answering (RQA) learning strategy. RQA is a new learning strategy developed based on a fact that almost all students do not read the next lecture materials, causing failure of learning strategy planned and finally the students’ comprehension becomes low. RQA is also potential to empower students’ Meta cognitive skill. Findings: The integration of RQA and PBL learning strategy is called PBL-RQA learning strategy. This study was a quasi-experimental study designed to compare the effect of PBL, RQA, and PBL-RQA learning strategies on the students’ Meta cognitive skill of Faculty of Mathematics and Science, State University of Makassar. Application: The results of the study showed that the potency of PBL learning strategy in empowering the students’ Meta cognitive skill has been increased by integrating it to RQA learning strategy. The meta cognitive skill mean score of the students taught by PBL-RQA learning strategy was 21% higher than that of the students taught by PBL and 26.9% higher than that of the students taught by RQA learning strategy. Keywords: Answering, Meta Cognitive Skill, Problem-Based Learning, Questioning, Reading, PBL-RQ