Composition validation and subjectivity in GenVoca generators

GenVoca generators synthesize software systems by composing components from reuse libraries. GenVoca components are designed to export and import standardized interfaces, and thus be plug-compatible, interchangeable, and interoperable with other components. We examine two different but important issues in software system synthesis. First, not all syntactically correct compositions of components are semantically correct. We present simple, efficient, and domain-independent algorithms for validating compositions of GenVoca components. Second, components that export and import immutable interfaces are too restrictive for software system synthesis. We show that the interfaces and bodies of GenVoca components are subjective, i.e., they mutate and enlarge upon instantiation. This mutability enables software systems with customized interfaces to be composed from components with “standardized” interfaces     

Adrenal chromaffin cells on microcarriers exhibit enhanced long-term functional effects when implanted into the mammalian brain

Rat adrenal chromaffin cells attached to either collagen-coated dextran (Cytodex 3) or glass bead microcarriers, both of 90-200 microns diameter, were used as dopamine-secreting implants in the caudate-putamen of rats with 6-hydroxydopamine-induced unilateral lesions of the substantia nigra. As controls, beads without cells and cells in suspension alone were implanted. Chromaffin cells adhered to microcarriers reduced apomorphine-induced rotation by 75% in lesioned animals. Animals that were lesioned but not receiving cell implants or receiving beads alone showed no reduction. Animals implanted with cells not attached to beads also showed a reduction in rotation but this effect lasted less than three months. Microcarrier-attached cells, however, maintained their effect in reducing rotation for at least eight months (rotations were reduced from a control mean of 10.9 +/- 1.4 to 3.6 +/- 1.1 turns/min) without any "drop-off" of the effect. Histological examination showed that eight months post-implant the cells pre-adhered to beads were still present and could be stained by anti-tyrosine hydroxylase antibody. Sections stained with hematoxylin-eosin showed no signs of an inflammatory response. In contrast to beads implanted into the striatum, Cytodex bead implants injected into the lateral ventricle induced a histopathological response appearing to involve the ependyma and choroid plexus. Results suggest that the striatal parenchyma but not the ventricle is amenable to studies using the microcarrier approach to transplantation.     

Adaptive digital spectroscopy in programmable logic

High data rate in nuclear spectroscopy can be achieved by using digital shaping techniques. Currently, the use of held-programmable gate arrays as digital processors is hugely increasing, especially in real time applications. In this paper, we deal with the problem of the minimization of the computation burden, in order to allow the use of the least possible hardware, which in turn allows the minimization of power dissipation, size etc., of the processing machine. In order to get at-most advantages of spatial computing in programmable devices, data-path structures of temporal computing process techniques have been revised. Among the improvements consequent to the optimization of architectures, we address three topics: reduction of processing speed, resource saving, and adaptive dynamic management of digital filters length for increasing resolution     

Correlates of physical activity in a national sample of girls and boys in Grades 4 through 12.

Psychological, biological, social, and physical environmental variables were examined for their association with physical activity of young people. A national sample of 1,504 parents and children in Grades 4–12 were interviewed by telephone. Twenty-two potential determinants were assessed along with an 11-item child physical activity index (α?=?.76). Hierarchical multiple regressions were conducted separately for 6 age–sex subgroups. Percentage of variance explained ranged from 18% for boys in Grades 4–6 to 59% for girls in Grades 10–12. Three variables had strong and consistent associations with the child physical activity index that generalized across subgroups: use of afternoon time for sports and physical activity, enjoyment of physical education, and family support for physical activity. These 3 variables should be targeted for change to promote physical activity in all groups of young people. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Where do Italian universities stand? An in-depth statistical analysis of national and international rankings

In a previous article (Degli Esposti and Geraci. Bulletin of Italian Politics, 2011), we presented an historical survey of the university reform laws that took place in Italy in the last 30 years. On that occasion, we stressed how important is merit evaluation for academics and their institutions, especially in view of the much debated but not yet implemented ‘Gelmini’ reform with its long awaited new regulation for accessing academic positions (concorsi) and for determining individual weight in financial resource allocation among universities. Here, we present and compare several rankings used to evaluate the prestige and merit of Italian universities. We also consider alternative approaches to academic rankings that highlight peculiar aspects of the universities in Italy which cannot be reasonably accounted for by other international rankings. Finally, we propose a new approach that combines both national and international standing of Italian universities. It is hoped that this study will provide practical guidance to policy makers for establishing the criteria upon which merit should be assessed.     

Peptides and anxiety: a dose-response evaluation of pentagastrin in healthy volunteers

A large body of data suggest that brain cholecystokinin (CCK) systems are involved in the regulation of anxiety, and numerous studies have demonstrated that CCK-4, a CCKB agonist, reliably induces panic attacks in patients with panic disorder. Recently, pentagastrin, a commercially available CCKB agonist, has been reported to have similar anxiogenic properties. To further explore the utility of pentagastrin as a challenge agent and to determine whether its effects are dose-related, a dose-response study was conducted in ten healthy volunteers. Pentagastrin (0.2 microgram/kg, 0.6 microgram/kg and 1.0 microgram/kg) and inactive placebo were infused over one minute on four separate challenge days in a double-blind fashion. Subjects received pentagastrin while participating in a structured social interaction task. Repeated measures of anxiety, blood pressure, pulse, ACTH, and cortisol were taken at baseline and postinfusion. Pentagastrin administration led to increases in anxiety, pulse, ACTH, cortisol and physical symptoms of panic, in a dose-related manner. Participation in the social interaction task led to increases in measures of anxiety as well as increases in pulse and blood pressure. Few differences were found between the 0.2 microgram/kg dose of pentagastrin and placebo, or between the 0.6 microgram/kg and the 1.0 microgram/kg doses of pentagastrin. These findings support the notion that CCK systems are involved in the regulation of anxiety, and suggest that the 0.6 microgram/kg dose may be optimal for increasing symptoms of anxiety while minimizing unpleasant side effects. The powerful anxiogenic effects of the social interaction task underscore the importance of contextual variables in challenge studies.     

Approaches to informed consent

Informed consent (IC) is an indicator, or a pivotal point, in broader and more fundamental questions dealing with the way clinical experimentation and, more specifically, randomized controlled trials (RCTs) relate to routine clinical practice; the rules that characterize the doctor-patient relationship; the self-perception of medicine with respect to its capacity, duty, and autonomy in the production of new knowledge; and the role of medicine in society. The asymmetry of knowledge and power that characterizes the usual relationship between care providers and patients does not resolve when something experimental enters the relationship. The real world of clinical investigation is not uniformly distinct from clinical practice. Experimentation is more appropriately considered a continuum with respect to appropriate or recommended care. Fundamental patient rights come first and are more binding than compliance with procedures and regulations. The view that IC is the most important component of the "ethical" aspects of experimentation is highly misleading. The responsibility to foster well-informed decisions shapes the contents, the timing, the validity, and the credibility of IC. Documented, evaluable decisions are the natural substitute for individual IC when the patient is not able to handle information autonomously. Positive examples of IC practices and approaches suggest that IC may be important in improving the way medicine responds to its responsibilities and communicates with society.