Random shotgun fire

Two monosaccharides embodying triene side-chains of the spongistatins display significant in vitro activity against human cancer cell lines.     

Simulation of Binary Random Fields with Applications to Two-Phase Random Media

This paper introduces a methodology for simulation of binary random fields according to their prescribed autocorrelation function. It starts with a brief outline of the essential features of binary random fields and their implications in modeling two-phase random media. The exposition of the proposed methodology is done in two steps. In the first step, an algorithm is introduced to obtain samples of a binary field from generated realizations of a Gaussian field, using the theory of zero crossings of Gaussian fields. This mapping constitutes essentially a nonlinear transformation with memory of the Gaussian sample functions. In the second step, an iterative algorithm is introduced that allows the determination of the probabilistic characteristics of the underlying Gaussian field, so that the resulting binary field obtained through the proposed nonlinear transformation has a prescribed autocorrelation function. Several numerical examples are provided to demonstrate the capabilities of the methodology, especially in modeling two-phase random media. The methodology is shown to have a wide range of applicability and its computational cost is small, especially when a large number of realizations is needed.     

An iterative approach to executive coaching.

Provides consulting psychologists with an overview of an approach to executive coaching that took place over 3 yrs with a troubled leader. An ongoing 360-degree assessment together with numerous "loops" of feedback and developmental counseling sessions served as the baseline for coaching an autocratic and coercive but valued executive. This case study (of a male executive in his mid-forties) explores a process that was iterative and interlaced and that resulted in significantly different and more positive and functional leadership behavior. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

An iterative algorithm for X-ray CT fluoroscopy

X-ray computed tomography fluoroscopy (CTF) enables image guidance of interventions, synchronization of scanning with contrast bolus arrival, and motion analysis. However, filtered backprojection (FB), the current method for CTF image reconstruction, is subject to motion and metal artifacts from implants, needles, or other surgical instruments. Reduced target lesion conspicuity may result from increased image noise associated with reduced tube current. In this report, we adapt the row-action expectation-maximization (EM) algorithm for CTF. Because time-dependent variation in images is localized during CTF, the row-action EM-like algorithm allows rapid convergence. More importantly, this iterative CTF algorithm has fewer metal artifacts and better low-contrast performance than FB.     

Fast iterative algorithms for three-dimensional inverse treatment planning

Three types of iterative algorithms, algebraic inverse treatment planning (AITP), simultaneous iterative inverse treatment planning (SIITP), and iterative least-square inverse treatment planning (ILSITP), differentiated according to their updating sequences, were generalized to three dimension with true beam geometry and dose model. A rapid ray-tracing approach was developed to optimize the primary beam components. Instead of recalculating the dose matrix at each iteration, the dose distribution was generated by scaling up or down the dose matrix elements of the previous iteration. This significantly increased the calculation speed. The iterative algorithms started with an initial intensity profile for each beam, specified by a two-dimensional pixel beam map of M elements. The calculation volume was divided into N voxels, and the calculation was done by repeatedly comparing the calculated and desired doses and adjusting the values of the beam map elements to minimize an objective function. In AITP, the iteration is performed voxel by voxel. For each voxel, the dose discrepancy was evaluated and the contributing pencil beams were updated. In ILSITP and SIITP, the iteration proceeded pencil beam by pencil beam instead of voxel by voxel. In all cases, the iteration procedure was repeated until the best possible dose distribution was achieved. The algorithms were applied to two examples and the results showed that the iterative techniques were able to produce superior isodose distributions.     

An iterative and regenerative method for DNA sequencing

This paper presents, to our knowledge, the first iterative DNA sequencing method that regenerates the product of interest during each iterative cycle, allowing it to overcome the critical obstacles that impede alternative iterative approaches to DNA sequencing: loss of product and the accumulation of background signal due to incomplete reactions. It can sequence numerous double-stranded (ds) DNA segments in parallel without gel resolution of DNA fragments and can sequence DNA that is almost entirely double-stranded, preventing the secondary structures that impede sequencing by hybridization. This method uses ligation of an adaptor containing the recognition domain for a class-IIS restriction endonuclease and digestion with a class-IIS restriction endonuclease that recognizes the adaptor's recognition domain. This generates a set of DNA templates that are each composed of a short overhang positioned at a fixed interval with respect to one end of the original dsDNA fragment. Adaptor ligation also appends a unique sequence during each iterative cycle, so that the polymerase chain reaction can be used to regenerate the desired template-precursor before class-IIS restriction endonuclease digestion. Following class-IIS restriction endonuclease digestion, sequencing of a nucleotide in each overhang occurs by template-directed ligation during adaptor ligation or through a separate template-directed polymerization step with labeled ddNTPs. DNA sequencing occurs in strides determined by the number of nucleotides separating the recognition and cleavage domains for the class-IIS restriction endonuclease encoded in the ligated adaptor, maximizing the span of DNA sequenced for a given number of iterative cycles. This method allows the concurrent sequencing of numerous dsDNA segments in a microplate format, and in the future it can be adapted to biochip format.     

Simulation of Multidimensional Binary Random Fields with Application to Modeling of Two-Phase Random Media

This paper proposes a methodology for simulation of binary random fields with application to the problem of generating sample realizations of two-phase random media. The methodology is based on the concept of nonlinear transformations with memory of Gaussian random fields. The simulation is performed according to the autocorrelation function of the binary field which contains considerable information about the microstructural characteristics of the medium. The determination of the probabilistic characteristics of the underlying Gaussian field is achieved through an iterative procedure that was introduced in a previous paper by the same authors in one dimension and is extended here to multiple dimensions. Limiting cases and alternative mappings are also presented. The capabilities of the methodology are demonstrated in a series of examples.     

带有遗忘因子的滤波器型迭代学习直线伺服系统

针对永磁直线同步电机伺服系统,提出开闭环迭代学习控制器,实现期望直线位置的跟踪控制.分析了永磁直线同步电机的2-D模型及迭代学习直线伺服系统的收敛性.通过减小系统输入误差协方差矩阵迹的方式得到优化的遗忘因子,来修正控制输入的迭代学习律,同时采用零相位FIR数字滤波器对前馈学习控制器中的误差信号进行滤波处理.实验结果表明,带有遗忘因子的滤波器型迭代学习控制器能够保证直线伺服系统在不断的迭代学习中提高性能,有效抑制端部推力波动,系统具有很好的学习收敛速度、动态响应及控制精度.     

An iterative analysis of supervisory and group dimensions.

A 108-item supervisory-relationships questionnaire administered to 100 civilian tradesmen was subjected to a modified Wherry-Gaylord iterative analysis procedure. Eight groups of items were identified: Lack of Arbitrariness, Communication, Safety Enforcement, Social Nearness, Congenial Work Group, Informal Control, Group Unity, and Pride in Work Group. The list of items, with their correlations with the item-pools, is given. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Banach空间上的随机发展方程

对文献[3]中有关Banach空间上半群和发展系统的确定性结果进行了随机化处理,由此得到一类随机发展方程解的存在唯一性定理.     

Random intercept item factor analysis.

The common factor model assumes that the linear coefficients (intercepts and factor loadings) linking the observed variables to the latent factors are fixed coefficients (i.e., common for all participants). When the observed variables are participants' observed responses to stimuli, such as their responses to the items of a questionnaire, the assumption of common linear coefficients may be too restrictive. For instance, this may occur if participants consistently use the response scale idiosyncratically. To account for this phenomenon, the authors partially relax the fixed coefficients assumption by allowing the intercepts in the factor model to change across participants. The model is attractive when m factors are expected on the basis of substantive theory but m + 1 factors are needed in practice to adequately reproduce the data. Also, this model for single-level data can be fitted with conventional software for structural equation modeling. The authors demonstrate the use of this model with an empirical data set on optimism in which they compare it with competing models such as the bifactor and the correlated trait-correlated method minus 1 models. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Random mutagenesis by whole-plasmid PCR amplification

To determine the relationship between epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and radiosensitivity, we immunostained cells from three maxillary carcinoma cell lines with an anti-EGFR antibody. The intensity of staining reactivity, determined by means of an image analysis system, was expressed as grey value (0-black to 255-white). The mean grey values for cell lines IMC-2, IMC-3, and IMC-4 were 181, 210, and 222, respectively, and differed significantly (p < 0.001). This indicates that IMC-2 had the highest number of EGFR, followed by IMC-3 and IMC-4. The cells were then irradiated at 1, 2, 4, or 6 Gy, and cell survival was assessed by means of a standard colony-forming assay. IMC-2 had the highest survival rates at 1, 2 and 4 Gy, followed by IMC-3 and IMC-4. Therefore, the survival rates for IMC-2, IMC-3, and IMC-4 after irradiation increased in proportion to the amount of EGFR in each cell line. These results support the findings of previous clinical studies which showed that increased expression of EGFR was associated with higher recurrence rates of glottic and maxillary sinus carcinoma in patients treated with radiation therapy. The amount of EGFR in cells may therefore be associated with their radiosensitivity.