Different Types Of Targets Research Articles

Bayesian nonparametric analysis of neuronal intensity rates

We propose a flexible hierarchical Bayesian nonparametric modeling approach to compare the spiking patterns of neurons recorded under multiple experimental conditions. In particular, we showcase the application of our statistical methodology using neurons recorded from the supplementary eye field region of the brains of two macaque monkeys trained to make delayed eye movements to three different types of targets. The proposed Bayesian methodology can be used to perform either a global analysis, allowing for the construction of posterior comparative intervals over the entire experimental time window, or a pointwise analysis for comparing the spiking patterns locally, in a predetermined portion of the experimental time window. By developing our nonparametric Bayesian model we are able to analyze neuronal data from three or more conditions while avoiding the computational expenses typically associated with more traditional analysis of physiological data.

SU‐E‐T‐460: Impact on Delivered Dose Accuracy of a Moving Target in Different Types of Plan

Purpose: To investigate the impact on delivered target dose of tumor motion inside of the lung. The delivered dose of a moving target was measured and compared among 3D conformal, low‐modulated IMRT, VMAT and high‐ modulated IMRT and VMAT plan.Method: A Dynamic Thorax Phantom (Model 008A) from CIRS Tissue Simulation & Phantom Technology was scanned using Philips CT scanner with both standard and 4D mode. The GTV, the implanted 3 cm target in the left lung of the phantom, was drawn based on both 4D CT MIP and standard CT mode. To simplify the process, PTV is the same as 4D‐GTV in this phantom planning study. The prescription is 2 Gy for one fraction and dose normalization is to isocenter, where the chamber (TN31014_00703 from PTW, Freiburg, Germany) located. Five different plans were generated using Pinnacle treatment planning system version 9.0 for 6 MV photon beams from Elekta Beam Modulator LINAC with MLC leaf width of 4 mm. A measured chamber dose is compared to the calculated dose to the chamber volume. The volume of the target from 4D CT is compared to the volume detected from CBCT. Results: The chamber measurement shows the difference between measured and planned are −0.28%, 0.91%, −0.08%, 4.36% and 1.02% respectively. The volume of GTV from 4DCT is 32.5 cm3, 11.5 cm3 from standared and 23.7 cm3 from CBCT. Conclusions: An increased difference between measured and planned is observed with increasing modulation of the IMRT and VMAT plan. The difference in volume detected by daily CBCT and by 4DCT needs to be followed up and a guideline in daily IGRT needs to be worked out. More detailed studies with film dosimetry to address the effect in 2D dose distribution is underway.

Pellet promotion in the Finnish sawmilling industry: The cost-effectiveness of different policy instruments

Abstract The demand for wood fuels is increasing as several countries have targets for different types of wood-based energy, e.g. pellets. Sawmills are a source for wood fuels since they can refine their by-products into energy products. We present a model of a profit-maximizing sawmill, and analyze the production and investment decisions of thirty large-scale Finnish sawmills. The model allows the investigation of required policy incentives that enable sawmills to realize the production targets set for pellets. We analyze the policy costs of the investment, production and input subsidies. We found that the production subsidy is an efficient policy instrument.

Synaptic Integration Gradients in Single Cortical Pyramidal Cell Dendrites

Cortical pyramidal neurons receive thousands of synaptic inputs arriving at different dendritic locations with varying degrees of temporal synchrony. It is not known if different locations along single cortical dendrites integrate excitatory inputs in different ways. Here we have used two-photon glutamate uncaging and compartmental modeling to reveal a gradient of nonlinear synaptic integration in basal and apical oblique dendrites of cortical pyramidal neurons. Excitatory inputs to the proximal dendrite sum linearly and require precise temporal coincidence for effective summation, whereas distal inputs are amplified with high gain and integrated over broader time windows. This allows distal inputs to overcome their electrotonic disadvantage, and become surprisingly more effective than proximal inputs at influencing action potential output. Thus, single dendritic branches can already exhibit nonuniform synaptic integration, with the computational strategy shifting from temporal coding to rate coding along the dendrite.

Comparison of Ti-Zr-V nonevaporable getter films deposited using alloy or twisted wire sputter-targets

A comparison of the performance of nonevaporable getter (NEG) films deposited using two different types of targets has been made to find the one that has the best pumping properties. For the first time, the NEG coating was deposited using a preformed Ti-Zr-V alloy target. The NEG film characterization and pumping properties have been studied in comparison with a film deposited using the commonly used three-wire twisted target. It was demonstrated that the alloy target produces a NEG coating with uniform composition both laterally and in depth. The composition of the film was found to be the same as the target. Film topography and microstructure with 5 nm grain sizes were found to be the same for both targets. The main result is that the activation temperature of the NEG coating deposited using the Ti-Zr-V alloy target is 160 °C, which is 20 °C lower than for NEG coatings deposited using three twisted wires.

Trauma and the endocrine system

The endocrine system may be the target of different types of trauma with varied consequences. The present article discusses trauma of the hypothalamic–pituitary axes, adrenal glands, gonads, and pancreas. In addition to changes in circulating hormone levels due to direct injury to these structures, there may be an endocrine response in the context of the stress caused by the trauma.

Detection of Non-Nucleic Acid Targets with an Unmodified Aptamer and a Fluorogenic Competitor

Aptamers are oligonucleotides that can bind to various non-nucleic acid targets, ranging from proteins to small molecules, with a specificity and affinity comparable to that of antibodies. Most aptamer-based detection strategies require modification on the aptamer, which could lead to a significant loss in its affinity and specificity to the target. Here we reported a generic strategy to design aptamer-based optical probes. An unmodified aptamer specific to the target and a fluorogenic competitor complementary to the aptamer are utilized for target recognition and signal generation, respectively. The competitor is a hairpin oligonucleotide with a fluorophore attached on one end and a quencher attached on the other. When no target is present, the competitor binds to the aptamer. However, when the target is introduced, the competitor will be displaced from the aptamer by the target, thus resulting in a target-specific decrease in fluorescence signal. Successful application of this strategy to different types of targets (small molecules and proteins) as well as different types of aptamers (DNA and RNA) has been demonstrated. Furthermore, a thermodynamics-based prediction model was established to further rationalize the optimization process. Due to its rapidness and simplicity, this aptamer-based detection strategy holds great promise in high throughput applications.

Application of DEM to evaluate and compare process parameters for a particle failure under different loading conditions

The paper presents an application of Discrete Element Modelling (DEM) in understanding the micro-process parameters of a particle failure under different loading conditions. A composite particle has been modelled using many primary particles to represent a quasi-homogeneous particle. Some of the examples of quasi-homogeneous particles are constituents of tablets, pellets, granules and concrete. These particles can behave differently under identical loading conditions even though they consist of same primary particles and proportions. This is a typical behaviour of such particles which is governed by the imperfections present in the particles. A DEM has been used to model the composite particle consisting of bi-modal distribution (smaller particles—matrices and larger particles—aggregates) of primary particles. The particle has been loaded under single plate compression, double plate compression and normal impact on different types of target. The single plate compression and normal impact experiments have also been performed. Process parameters like, fracture pattern, particle size distribution, liberation degree and new surface generation have been evaluated and compared. The results are applicable in understanding the particle failure under different processing operations like, transportation, handling and comminution. The results are also useful in selecting the better loading method for liberating aggregates from cheaper matrices for recycling.

Do financial incentives for delivering health promotion counselling work? Analysis of smoking cessation activities stimulated by the quality and outcomes framework.

BackgroundA substantial fraction of UK general practitioners' salaries is now intended to reflect the quality of care provided. This performance-related pay system has probably improved aspects of primary health care but, using the observational data available, disentangling the impacts of different types of targets set within this unique payment system is challenging.DiscussionFinancial incentives undoubtedly influence GPs' activities, however, those aimed at encouraging GPs' delivery of health promotion counselling may not always have the effects intended. There is strong, observational evidence that targets and incentives intended to increase smoking cessation counselling by GPs have merely increased their propensity to record this activity in patients' medical records. The limitations of using financial incentives to stimulate the delivery of counselling in primary care are discussed and a re-appraisal of their use within UK GPs' performance-related pay system is argued for.SummaryThe utility of targets employed by the system for UK General Practitioners' performance related pay may be inappropriate for encouraging the delivery of health promotion counselling interventions. An evaluation of these targets is essential before they are further developed or added to.

비쥬얼 롭을 사용한 다수표적 탐색의 수행도 예측

This study is concerned with predicting human search performance using a visual lobe. The most previous studies on human performance in visual search have been limited to a single-target search. This study extended the visual search research to multiple-target search including targets of different types as well as targets of same types. A model for predicting visual search performance was proposed and the model was validated by human search data. Additionally, this study found that human subjects always did not use a constant ratio of the whole visual lobe size for each type of targets in visual search process. The more conspicuous the target is, the more ratio of the whole visual lobe size human subjects use. The model that can predict human performance in multiple-target search may facilitate visual inspection plan in manufacturing.

A Case Study of the Dynamics of In Vitro DNA Evolution Under Constant Selection Pressure

Although thousands of in vitro selection and evolution experiments have been performed to seek different types of targets, most of them have only inspected the terminal evolutionary pool for patterns. In addition, to rapidly obtain the most favorable target, many experiments have been carried out under increasing selection pressure. However, increasing selection pressure seldom occurs in natural evolution. We studied the dynamic features of DNA in vitro evolution in the presence of the Mnt repressor under sequential constant selection pressure. When evolving under a constant pressure from an initial random pool of DNA, our system showed a clear, sharp, and reproducible crossover from a random population to an advantageous population (higher binding affinities of DNA sequences to the Mnt repressor). This crossover occurs after a long latent period during which there are no obvious changes in the population phenotype. We demonstrated that the existence of the crossover is caused by a significant sequence-nonspecific binding in the repressor-DNA system. After the crossover, the population settled in a stationary distribution of genotypes, which responded immediately to a subsequent sudden increase in selection pressure. We also experimentally tested the linear correlation between the evolution speed and sequence diversity (Fisher's theorem) in our system.

Cross-border mergers and the cross-border effect: the case of the automotive supply industry

In this paper we examine stock price reactions to cross-border mergers and acquisitions in a particular industry, the automotive supply industry. We show that cross-border transactions entail a pronounced value creation for the acquiring shareholders and that this value creation also holds for transcontinental transactions, which to our knowledge have not been investigated so far. Splitting the sample by different types of targets indicates that the value creation mainly stems from takeovers of subsidiaries. By examining differences between national and international takeovers in cross-section, we sustain the recent evidence of a negative cross-border effect (i.e., cross-border mergers and acquisitions entail lower announcement returns than national ones).

Engineering target-responsive hydrogels based on aptamer-target interactions.

In this communication, we report a simple, but highly adaptable, method of constructing selective target-responsive hydrogels using DNA aptamers. The simplicity of the design is accomplished by using linear polymer chains as the hydrogel backbone and a DNA aptamer as the cross-linker. In this design, competitive binding of target to the aptamer causes the decrease of cross-linking density and, hence, dissolution of the hydrogel. The adaptability of this strategy for therapeutic applications was demonstrated using two different types of targets, small molecules and proteins. Our results indicated that this molecular engineering provides a highly selective and controllable release system whereby efficient release of therapeutic agents can occur at specific environments in which the target biomarker is found.

Multiframe detection of X-rays with a 100-ps frame duration on the Iskra-5 facility

Three techniques for multiframe detection of X rays from laser targets of different types in experiments on the Iskra-5 facility are described. The frame duration is 100 ps, the number of frames is ten, and the spatial resolution is up to 10 μm. The developed techniques allow determination of the degree of uniformity of the emission from the end of a cylindrical target; the heating time of foils made from different materials; the collapse time of spherical glass targets filled with the DT gas; and the shape, size, and time of existence of a compressed core.

Aptamer-Based Optical Probes with Separated Molecular Recognition and Signal Transduction Modules

A general strategy was developed to transform aptamers into highly sensitive and selective optical sensors. This was accomplished with an unmodified aptamer as the molecular recognition element and a competitor oligo, which was completely or partially complementary to the aptamer, as the signal transduction element. Displacement of competitor oligos in the presence of targets resulted in a detectable optical readout. Successful application of this strategy has been demonstrated not only with different types of targets (small molecules and proteins), but also with different types of aptamers (DNA and RNA). This strategy has high potential for various applications in high-throughput drug screening and intracellular studies.

Gold Nanoparticle-Based Colorimetric Assay for the Direct Detection of Cancerous Cells

Early and accurate detection of cancer often requires time-consuming techniques and expensive instrumentation. To address these limitations, we developed a colorimetric assay for the direct detection of diseased cells. The assay uses aptamer-conjugated gold nanoparticles to combine the selectivity and affinity of aptamers and the spectroscopic advantages of gold nanoparticles to allow for the sensitive detection of cancer cells. Samples with the target cells present exhibited a distinct color change while nontarget samples did not elicit any change in color. The assay also showed excellent sensitivity with both the naked eye and based on absorbance measurements. In addition, the assay was able to differentiate between different types of target and control cells based on the aptamer used in the assay indicating the wide applicability of the assay for diseased cell detection. On the basis of these qualities, aptamer-conjugated gold nanoparticles could become a powerful tool for point of care diagnostics.

Detection and discrimination of fauna in the aerosphere using Doppler weather surveillance radar

Organisms in the aerosphere have been detected by radar since its development in the 1940s. The national network of Doppler weather radars (WSR-88D) in the United States can readily detect birds, bats, and insects aloft. Level-II data from the radar contain information on the reflectivity and radial velocity of targets and on width of the spectrum (SD of radial velocities in a radar pulse volume). Information on reflectivity can be used to quantify density of organisms aloft and radial velocity can be used to discriminate different types of targets based on their air speeds. Spectral width can also provide some useful information when organisms with very different air speeds are aloft. Recent work with dual-polarization radar suggests that it may be useful for discriminating birds from insects in the aerosphere, but more development and biological validation are required.

Research of laser plasma X-ray spectrum from spherical targets

The paper describes the results of measurements carried out at VNIIEF on a laser facility ISKRA-5 with spherical targets of different type. Spectra of X-rays are measured with the aid of cylindrical Ni/C multilayer mirror (MM). To absolutely normalize the results of spectral measurements, there is additionally registered X-rays by semiconductor detectors with different filters. Detectors’ serviceability at operation in the mode of deep current saturation is demonstrated. Experimental and calculation data of spectrum of target X-rays are presented and compared.

Unraveling the Complex Proteome for Biomarker Discovery in Gastrointestinal and Liver Diseases

Unraveling the Complex Proteome for Biomarker Discovery in Gastrointestinal and Liver Diseases

A taxonomy and comparison of computer security incidents from the commercial and government sectors

Cyber incidents are growing in intensity and severity. Several industry groups are therefore taking steps to better coordinate and improve information security across sectors. Also, various different types of public–private partnerships are developing, where cyber incident information is shared across institutions. This cooperation may improve the understanding of various types of cyber incidents, their severity, and impact on various types of targets. Research has shown that different types of attackers may be distinguished in terms of sophistication, skill level, attacking style, and objective of attack. It may further be proposed that different sectors experience different types of attacks. Attack characteristics and information about the modus operandi of criminal offenders have been used to learn more about the attacker and the motive of an attack. This information may also be used to distinguish between cyber attacks towards different types of targets. The current study focuses on reported cyber intrusions by the commercial and government sectors. The reported data come from CERT ®Coordination Center (CERT/CC), which has categorized the aspects of cyber intrusions in the current study. The aspects analyzed are: ‘Method of Operation (MO)’ which refers to the methods used by perpetrator to carry out an attack; ‘Impact’ which refers to the effect of the attack; ‘Source’ which refers to the source of the attack, and ‘Target’ which refers to the victim of the attack. The current study uses 839 cases of cyber attacks towards the commercial sector and 558 cases towards the government sector. The 23 variables from the four different cyber intrusion aspects; MO, impact, source sector and target sector, were analyzed using multidimensional scaling (MDS), which is a technique that has often been used when profiling traditional types of crimes. The analysis gave a Guttman–Lingoes' coefficient of alienation of 0.19 with 42 iterations in a 3-dimensional solution. It was shown that the commercial and government sectors experience different types of attacks, with different types of impact, stemming from different sources. The findings and implications are discussed in relation to the benefits of standardization, reporting, and sharing of cyber incident information.