MDE for SoC design

We employ the principles of model-driven engineering to assist the design of system-on-chip (SoC) architectures. As a concrete example, we look at the MICAS architecture, for which we propose a graphical specification language, defined via metamodeling techniques, that models the architecture at different abstraction levels. Model transformations are defined to support the refinement of MICAS specification towards implementation. In addition, several libraries are put in place, to enable reuse and automation throughout the design process. Tool support for editing the specifications, enforcing their consistency, and for running the transformations is provided via the Coral modeling framework. The approach shows that model-driven engineering can be seen as an enabler in providing computer-aided software engineering (CASE) tool support and automation for the development of SoC architectures.     

Genesis and variability of [PSI] prion factors in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

We have previously shown that multicopy plasmids containing the complete SUP35 gene are able to induce the appearance of the non-Mendelian factor [PSI]. This result was later interpreted by others as a crucial piece of evidence for a model postulating that [PSI] is a self-modified, prion-like conformational derivative of the Sup35 protein. Here we support this interpretation by proving that it is the overproduction of Sup35 protein, and not the excess of SUP35 DNA or mRNA that causes the appearance of [PSI]. We also show that the "prion-inducing domain" of Sup35p is in the N-terminal region, which, like the "prion-inducing domain" of another yeast prion, Ure2p, was previously shown to be distinct from the functional domain of the protein. This suggests that such a chimeric organization may be a common pattern of some prion elements. Finally, we find that [PSI] factors of different efficiencies and different mitotic stabilities are induced in the same yeast strain by overproduction of the identical Sup35 protein. We suggest that the different [PSI]-containing derivatives are analogous to the mysterious mammalian prion strains and result from different conformational variants of Sup35p.     

当仁不让中性美

中性之美，在于它低调中暗藏着张扬个性，理性却不失感性，     

Cloning of the thermostable phytase gene (phy) from Bacillus sp. DS11 and its overexpression in Escherichia coli

Using a cell-free system, we show that rat liver mitochondria, but not mitochondrial extracts, potentiated apoptosis triggered by cytosols derived from apoptotic cells. Apoptosis potentiated by mitochondria appeared to be inhibited by caspase 3 but not by caspase 1 inhibitors. A cytosolic caspase-3-like activity was increased by the addition of mitochondria to apoptotic cytosols; the latter activation was inhibited by the addition of bcl-2. Chelation of calcium by EGTA significantly and specifically inhibited the apoptosis potentiated by mitochondria as well as the increase of caspase-3-like activity. The incubation of mitochondria with apoptotic cytosols led to the release of cytochrome c, this latter phenomenon being inhibited by EGTA. Calcium or cytochrome c and dATP, however, did not reproduce the mitochondrial potentiation in the absence of the organelle. Thus, mitochondria can initiate and potentiate apoptosis through similar but not identical mechanisms.     

Vulnerability to schizophrenia and psychotherapeutic treatment of schizophrenic patients: towards an integrated view

My approach to schizophrenia and its treatment has evolved gradually over my forty-year experience as a family researcher and a psychotherapist to schizophrenic patients. I am convinced that we must maintain a comprehensive view, both with regard to the factors contributing to vulnerability to schizophrenia and concerning our treatment activities, and not limit our views with studies focusing on restricted spheres of interest. I will present some viewpoints concerning both the biological and the psychosocial factors contributing to the vulnerability to schizophrenia. My aim is to indicate that these factors are heterogeneous and differently weighted in different cases. However, an integrated notion of the pathways leading to schizophrenia can be proposed. I will also review the therapeutic approach-the need-adapted treatment of schizophrenic psychoses-which I and my coworkers have developed in Finland and which, in many respects, is related to these views.     

Exact image theory for the calculation of fields transmitted through a planar interface of two media

Exact image theory, recently developed for the calculation of fields reflected from a planar interface between two homogenous media, is extended for transmitted field calculation. The image of a point source is found to be a line source located in complex space for proper convergence. Unlike for the reflection image, the transmission image line is seen to be curved in complex space for efficient computation. Expressions are derived for the transmission image of the most general three-dimensional electric and magnetic sources and for media with bothepsilonandmudiscontinuous across the interface. The new theory is verified with several asymptotic tests and properties of the transmission image function are discussed. As an application, radiation from a resonant horizontal loop antenna into the ground is calculated and results are seen to agree with those given in the literature.     

The clinician''s ability to identify caries risk subjects without saliva tests--a pilot study

The results of many studies on the effects of mutagens on germ cells of the testes indicate that the recommendation of Carson et al. (Hum. Reprod., 6, 992-994, 1989) that semen samples collected during chemotherapy and cryopreserved may be safely used for insemination is incorrect because of the large potential for genetic risk to the offspring. Data from experimental animals, which indicate high levels of mutagenic effects in offspring from matings during or soon after treatment of the male with chemotherapy or radiation, are reviewed. The relevance of these data to the human situation is discussed. Based on these results, I recommend that patients not only complete their semen cryopreservation prior to the initiation of chemotherapy, but that they practice reliable contraception from the time of initiation of treatment until 6 months after completion of treatment.     

Relationship between analgesia and extracellular morphine in brain and spinal cord in awake rats

Extracellular concentrations of morphine from the dorsal spinal cord, the periaqueductal gray (PAG) including the dorsal raphé, and the lateral hypothalamus were measured by microdialysis in awake rats after intraperitoneal (i.p.) administration of 2.5, 5.0 and 10 mg/kg morphine. Morphine concentrations in all areas showed similar time courses: morphine was detected in the first dialysate sample (13-15 min) and maximal concentrations were reached at 45 min after injection. When in vivo recoveries of morphine from the spinal cord and brain areas were taken into account, no significant differences between morphine concentrations in the various areas were found. The relationship between extracellular morphine concentrations and morphine-induced analgesic behavior was investigated by simultaneously measuring morphine in the dialysate and its analgesic effect in the paw-withdrawal and tail-flick tests. In all areas sampled, the extracellular concentrations of morphine at different times after i.p. injection, significantly correlated with the magnitude of behavioral analgesia assessed by either test. The highest correlation was obtained between extracellular concentrations of morphine in the spinal cord and PAG and behavioral analgesia assessed in the paw-withdrawal test. Our data indicate that, after systemic injection, morphine is evenly distributed throughout the spinal cord and brain including potential anatomical sites of morphine's analgesic action. We estimate that the minimal extracellular morphine concentration in spinal cord that is required to produced a significant increase in nociceptive threshold is approximately 100 pg/25 microl, which corresponds to a tissue concentration of about 100 mg/g of morphine.     

Protein utilization of mechanically deboned meat by growing rats

The protein quality of mechanically deboned red meat was investigated using amino acid analysis, protein efficiency ratio and the slope ratio technique. Nine different meat products were studied utilizing Sprague-Dawley weanling albino rats. Protein quality of the mechanically deboned meat varied greatly with the amount of lean left on the bones prior to mechanical deboning. Deboned meat which contained more lean, and less collagen, was superior in protein quality to the deboned meat obtained from bones which contained less lean and more collagen. Total sulfur amino acids (cystine and methionine) and isoleucine were the most limiting amino acids in all nine of the meat products when compared with lactalbumin. The contents of total sulfur amino acids and isoleucine, as well as the ratio of essential amino acids to total amino acids, reflected the protein quality of the meat.