LPNN-based approach for LASSO problem via a sequence of regularized minimizations

In compressive sampling theory, the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) is a representative problem. Nevertheless, the non-differentiable constraint impedes the use of Lagrange programming neural networks (LPNNs). We present in this article the -LPNN model, a novel algorithm that tackles the LASSO minimization together with the underlying theory support. First, we design a sequence of smooth constrained optimization problems, by introducing a convenient differentiable approximation to the non-differentiable -norm constraint. Next, we prove that the optimal solutions of the regularized intermediate problems converge to the optimal sparse signal for the LASSO. Then, for every regularized problem from the sequence, the -LPNN dynamic model is derived, and the asymptotic stability of its equilibrium state is established as well. Finally, numerical simulations are carried out to compare the performance of the proposed -LPNN algorithm with both the LASSO-LPNN model and a standard digital method.     

Confronting mortality: the Iliad''s androktasiai

This article describes the results of a survey of radiography program directors on positioning competencies for entry-level radiographers. The survey asked program directors to classify projections as essential, important, rarely needed or for reference only. The objective of the study was to rank radiographic projections from most to least important in clinical practice. The data are provided for use by educators and employers in determining which projections are essential entry-level competencies.     

Reliability and validity of the measurement of position sense in women with osteoarthritis of the knee

OBJECTIVE: We examined the test-retest reliability and the construct validity of the measurement of knee position sense for describing the functional weightbearing performance of women with osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee. METHODS: For the purpose of this study, position sense was defined as the error occurring when subjects attempted to reproduce a criterion angle in standing with visual cues eliminated. Five such tests were recorded photographically on 3 different occasions. On each occasion the 10 subjects also completed a self-paced walking test over a 13 m indoor walkway. RESULTS: The photographic measurements were reproducible (r = 0.90) and there was no change in positioning accuracy across sessions. There was a significant (p < 0.05) inverse correlation of 0.70 between the standard deviation of the mean individual measurements of position sense (precision of the test) and those of walking speed. CONCLUSION: Our study demonstrates good measurement reliability and a comparable mean angular error with repeated tests. It also suggests the amplitude of the variability of this error is a strong determinant of an individual OA patient's functional performance in walking.     

Estimation of the interindividual variability in the one-compartment pharmacokinetic model for methylmercury: implications for the derivation of a reference dose

A critical step in the U.S. EPA's derivation of an Reference Dose (RfD) for methylmercury is conversion of the maternal hair Hg concentration of 11 ppm to average daily intake using the one-compartment pharmacokinetic model. A default uncertainty factor (UF) adjustment of 3 for interindividual variability was then applied to this conversion. A probabilistic (Monte Carlo) analysis is presented estimating the interindividual variability inherent in this dose conversion for women 18-40 years old based on data in the scientific literature. The dose of 1.1 micrograms/kg/day, calculated by the U.S. EPA to correspond to 11 ppm Hg in hair, is estimated in this analysis to be larger than 94-99% of corresponding doses. The application of a UF of 3 to this U.S. EPA value gives a dose which is estimated to be larger than 28-73% of corresponding doses. This analysis suggests that if the dose conversion in the RfD is intended to be inclusive of 95-99% of women 18-40, the daily intake should be set at 0.1-0.3 microgram/kg/day. The RfD of 0.03-0.1 microgram/kg/day, derived from this dose by the U.S. EPA's application of an additional UF of 3 for additional toxicologic concerns, is somewhat smaller than the current RfD of 0.1 microgram/kg/day.     

Particle-bombardment-mediated DNA vaccination with rotavirus VP4 or VP7 induces high levels of serum rotavirus IgG but fails to protect mice against challenge

We recently reported that epidermal immunization using the PowderJet particle delivery device with plasmid vector pcDNA1/EDIM6 encoding rotavirus VP6 of murine strain EDIM induced high levels of serum rotavirus IgG but failed to protect mice against EDIM infection (Choi, A. H., Knowlton, D. R., McNeal, M. M., and Ward, R. L. (1997) Virology 232, 129-138.). This was extended to determine whether pcDNA1/EDIM4 or pcDNA1/EDIM7, which encode either rotavirus VP4 or VP7, the rotavirus neutralization proteins, could also induce rotavirus-specific antibody responses and if these responses resulted in protection. Titers of rotavirus serum IgG increased with the first dose in mice immunized with pcDNA1/EDIM7, but little or no serum rotavirus IgG was detected in mice immunized with pcDNA1/EDIM4. In vitro assays with these plasmids in rabbit reticulocyte lysates showed that VP4 was expressed but the amount was considerably lower than VP6 or VP7. To improve expression of VP4 and induction of rotavirus-specific humoral responses, the coding region of VP4 was cloned into the high-expression plasmid WRG7054 as a fusion protein containing the 22-amino-acid secretory signal peptide of tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) at its N terminus. In vitro expression of tPA::VP4 was significantly higher than unmodified VP4, and mice inoculated with WRG7054/EDIM4 generated high titers of rotavirus IgG. The coding sequence of VP7 without the first 162 nucleotides was also cloned into WRG7054, but no difference was observed between titers of serum rotavirus IgG in mice immunized with this plasmid (WRG7054/EDIM7Delta1-162) and pcDNA1/EDIM7. The rotavirus-specific IgG titers in all immune sera were predominantly IgG1 indicating induction of Th 2-type responses. None of the mice immunized with any of the VP4 or VP7 plasmids developed serum or fecal rotavirus IgA or neutralizing antibody to EDIM. When immunized mice were challenged with EDIM virus, there was no significant reduction in viral shedding relative to unimmunized controls. Therefore epidermal immunization with VP4 or VP7 alone elicited rotavirus IgG responses but did not protect against homologous rotavirus challenge.     

Treatment of radiation-induced nervous system injury with heparin and warfarin

When radiation is used to treat nervous system cancer, exposure of adjacent normal nervous system tissue is unavoidable, and radiation-induced injury may occur. Acute injury is usually mild and transient, but late forms of radiation-induced nervous system injury are usually progressive and debilitating. Treatment with corticosteroids, surgery, and antioxidants is often ineffective. We treated 11 patients with late radiation-induced nervous system injuries (eight with cerebral radionecrosis, one with a myelopathy, and two with plexopathies, all unresponsive to dexamethasone and prednisone) with full anticoagulation. Some recovery of function occurred in five of the eight patients with cerebral radionecrosis, and all the patients with myelopathy or plexopathy. Anticoagulation was continued for 3 to 6 months. In one patient with cerebral radionecrosis, symptoms recurred after discontinuation of anticoagulation and disappeared again after reinstitution of treatment. We hypothesize that anticoagulation may arrest and reverse small-vessel endothelial injury--the fundamental lesion of radiation necrosis--and produce clinical improvement in some patients.     

RELAP5/3.2 assessment against low pressure onset of flow instability in parallel heated channels

Best Estimate computer codes have been, so far, developed for safety analysis of nuclear power plants and were extensively validated against a large set of separate effects and integral test facilities experimental data relevant to such kind of reactors. Their application to research reactors is not fully straightforward. Modelling problems generally emerge when applying existing models to low pressure and more particularly to subcooled flow boiling situations. The objective of the present work is to investigate the RELAP5/3.2 system code capabilities in predicting phenomena that could be encountered under abnormal research reactor’s operating conditions. For this purpose, the separate effect related to the static onset of flow instability is investigated. The cases considered herein are the flow excursion tests performed at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory thermal hydraulic test loop (THTL) as well as some representative Whittle and Forgan (W & F) experiments. The simulation results are presented and the capabilities of RELAP5/Mod 3.2 in predicting this critical phenomenon are discussed.