A novel polymer microneedle fabrication process for active fluidic delivery

In this article, we explore a new fabrication process for a flexible, all polymer, active fluidic delivery system, incorporating a fusion of laser micromachining and microfabrication techniques as well as rapid prototyping technology. Here, we show selective fluidic delivery from isolated microchannels through an electrochemically driven pumping reaction, demonstrate the dispensing of dose volumes up to 5.5 μl, and evaluate the device’s performance in terms of its delivery speed and ejection efficiency. Finally, we move this work toward an implantable microfluidic drug delivery device by investigating the device’s biocompatibility through a statistical approach that overviews the viability of bovine aortic endothelial cells on polyimide and silicon substrates.     

Polyhedral studies for minimum-span graph labelling with integer distance constraints

This paper studies the polytope of the minimum‐span graph labelling problems with integer distance constraints (DC‐MSGL). We first introduce a few classes of new valid inequalities for the DC‐MSGL defined on general graphs and briefly discuss the separation problems of some of these inequalities. These are the initial steps of a branch‐and‐cut algorithm for solving the DC‐MSGL. Following that, we present our polyhedral results on the dimension of the DC‐MSGL polytope, and that some of the inequalities are facet defining, under reasonable conditions, for the polytope of the DC‐MSGL on triangular graphs.     

A logic-based approach to rule induction in expert systems

Rule induction is an important part of learning in expert systems. Rules can help managers make more effective decisions and gain insight into the relationships between decision variables. We present a logic-based approach to rule induction in expert systems which is simple, robust and consistent. We also derive bounds on levels of certainty for combining rules. We apply our approach to the development of rules for the entry decisions of new products. We then discuss how the logic-based approach of rule induction can be used to create a decision support system and the methodology to create such a system.     

Development of a web-based system for engineering change management

Engineering changes (ECs) are changes and/or modifications in forms, fits, functions, materials, dimensions, etc., of products and constituent components. ECs usually induce a series of downstream changes. Multiple disciplines and responsibilities are therefore involved in managing ECs. Previous investigations conducted by the authors and other researchers have shown that paper-based and standalone computerised EC management (ECM) systems have limited support for such intensive teamwork and close communication. This paper proposes to establish a web-based framework that supports ECM procedures and activities. A web-based ECM system is able to provide better information sharing, simultaneous data access and processing and more prompt communication and feedback. The amount of paperwork and the throughput time of managing ECs are significantly reduced while the effectiveness and the efficiency are substantially improved. This paper focuses on discussing the issues of design, development, and implementation of this prototype web-based ECM system.     

A learning algorithm for Recurrent Radial Basis Function Networks

This paper proposes a Recurrent Radial Basis Function network (RRBFN) that can be applied to temporal pattern classifications and predictions. Based on the architecture of the conventional Radial Basis Function networks, the RRBFNs use Gaussian nonlinearity and have feedback paths between every hidden node. These feedback paths enable the networks to learn temporal patterns without an input buffer to hold the recent elements of an input sequence. A gradient descent learning algorithm for the RRBFNs is derived. Two RRBFNs with different number of hidden nodes were tested using a temporal sequence generated by an infinite impulse response filter. The results show that the RRBFNs can approximate the filter more accurate than the Continually Running Fully Recurrent networks trained by the Real-Time Recurrent Learning algorithm.     

Possible dihydroepiandrosterone-induced mania

BACKGROUND: Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is among the most abundant steroids in the human body and appears to have diverse biochemical activities. This multifunctional hormone has long been a compound of interest to research psychiatrists. Its recent promotion and availability as an over-the-counter supplement to the general public has led to widespread use. Little is known about potential adverse effects of DHEA when consumed on an acute or chronic basis. We report a case of mania in an older man acutely admitted to our psychiatric facility with no previous personal or family history of bipolar disorder that appeared to be related to recent DHEA use. The patient had initiated DHEA use 6 months prior to admission and was taking 200-300 mg/day at the time of presentation. METHODS: He was treated with valproic acid 500 mg twice daily. RESULTS: The patient showed sufficient improvement to be discharged following a 7-day inpatient hospitalization. CONCLUSIONS: A wide range of medications have been associated with the induction of hypomania and mania, and we have provided a brief discussion of the potential for DHEA to trigger manic symptoms.     

Outcome of moderate carotid artery stenosis in patients who are asymptomatic

PURPOSE: The incidence rate of disease progression and stroke after the diagnosis of a moderate (50% to 79%) carotid stenosis was determined by means of color-flow duplex scanning. METHODS: During a 4-year period, 344 male veterans with moderate internal carotid artery stenoses, on one or both sides, were examined at regular intervals for a mean period of 25 months. Carotid color-flow scans were obtained semiannually. Clinical follow-up was performed to determine the incidence rate of amaurosis fugax, transient ischemic attacks, nonhemispheric symptoms, and strokes. RESULTS: New neurologic symptoms developed in 75 patients (21.8%). Fifty-one (14.8%) had ipsilateral symptoms during follow-up: 18 amaurosis fugax (5.2%), 14 transient ischemic attacks (4%), 5 nonhemispheric symptoms (1.4%), and 14 strokes (4%). Twenty-four patients (6.9%) had contralateral symptoms: 20 strokes (5.8%) and 4 transient ischemic attacks (1.2%). Life-table analysis showed that the annual rate of ipsilateral neurologic events was 8.1%, and the annual rate of stroke was 2.1%. Seventy-five patients (22%) died in the follow-up period. Disease progression to 80% to 99% stenosis or occlusion occurred in 71 of 458 vessels (15.5%). The internal carotid arteries that showed evidence of disease progression had a significantly higher initial peak systolic velocity (251 vs 190 cm/s; P <.0001) and end diastolic velocity (74 vs 52 cm/s; P < 0.0001). Black patients and patients with ischemic heart disease were at a higher risk for disease progression. We could not identify any atherosclerotic risk factors that reliably predicted patients in whom future ipsilateral neurologic symptoms were more likely to develop. However, there was an increased risk of stroke associated with progression of disease. CONCLUSION: Patients who are asymptomatic and who have moderate carotid stenoses are at significant risk for neurologic symptoms and death, but have a relatively low incidence rate of ipsilateral events. The initial flow characteristics in the stenotic vessel are predictive of future disease progression, but they are not helpful in identifying patients in whom symptoms will develop.