Search results for "Reti"

Variable neighborhood descent for the incremental graph drawing

2017

Abstract Graphs are used to represent reality in several areas of knowledge. Drawings of graphs have many applications, from project scheduling to software diagrams. The main quality desired for drawings of graphs is readability, and crossing reduction is a fundamental aesthetic criterion for a good representation of a graph. In this paper we target the edge crossing reduction in the context of incremental graph drawing, in which we want to preserve the layout of a graph over successive drawings. We propose a hybrid method based on the GRASP (Greedy Randomized Adaptive Search Procedure) and VND (Variable Neighborhood Descent) methodologies and compare it with previous methods via simulation.

Secure and Privacy Preserving Pattern Matching in Distributed Cloud-based Data Storage

2019

Given two strings: pattern $p$ of length $m$ and text $t$ of length $n$ . The string matching problem is to find all (or some) occurrences of the pattern $p$ in the text $t$ . We introduce a new simple data structure, called index arrays, and design fast privacy-preserving matching algorithm for string matching. The motivation behind introducing index arrays is determined by the need for pattern matching on distributed cloud-based datasets with semi-trusted cloud providers. It is intended to use encrypted index arrays both to improve performance and protect confidentiality and privacy of user data.

The regression Tsetlin machine: a novel approach to interpretable nonlinear regression

2019

Relying simply on bitwise operators, the recently introduced Tsetlin machine (TM) has provided competitive pattern classification accuracy in several benchmarks, including text understanding. In this paper, we introduce the regression Tsetlin machine (RTM), a new class of TMs designed for continuous input and output, targeting nonlinear regression problems. In all brevity, we convert continuous input into a binary representation based on thresholding, and transform the propositional formula formed by the TM into an aggregated continuous output. Our empirical comparison of the RTM with state-of-the-art regression techniques reveals either superior or on par performance on five datasets. Thi…

Direct flow separation strategy, to isolate no-carrier-added 90Nb from irradiated Mo or Zr targets

2016

Abstract 90Nb has an intermediate half-life of 14.6 h, a high positron branching of 53% and optimal β + emission energy of only E mean 0.35 MeV per decay. These favorable characteristics suggest it may be a potential candidate for application in immuno-PET. Our recent aim was to conduct studies on distribution coefficients for ZrIV and NbV in mixtures of HCl/H2O2 and HCl/oxalic acid for anion exchange resin (AG 1 × 8) and UTEVA resin to develop a “direct flow” separation strategy for 90Nb. The direct flow concept refers to a separation accomplished using a single eluent on multiple columns, effectively streamlining the separation process and increasing the time efficiency. Finally, we also …

Development of a fast characterization setup for radionuclide generators demonstrated by a 227Ac-based generator

2021

Abstract The development of a setup for a fast online characterization of radionuclide generators is reported. A generator utilizing the mother nuclide 227Ac sorbed on a cation exchange resin is continuously eluted by using a peristaltic pump. To allow continuous and pulse-free elution of a large volume over extended time periods a 3D-printed interface designed to remove pressure-oscillations induced by the pump was placed between pump and generator column to ensure undisturbed generator elution. The eluate of the generator is passed through a 3D printed flow cell placed inside a borehole Na(Tl)-scintillation detector for high counting efficiency. Alternatively, a HPGe detector suitable for…

Synthesis and Cytotoxicity of 1,4-Dihydropyridines and an Unexpected 1,3-Oxazin-6-one

2016

Eight heterocycles have been prepared in a one-pot reaction manner based on the Hantzsch dihydropyridine synthesis. The synthesis afforded seven dihydropyridines (DHP) and one unexpected 1,3-oxazin-6-one. Their structures were confirmed based on NMR spectroscopy and mass spectrometry. The obtained products have been evaluated for their cytotoxicity against eight cancer cell lines and one normal cell line. Two halogenated DHPs (7 and 8) displayed cytotoxicity toward all the nine tested cancer cell lines with IC50 values from 4.10 to 58.90 μm, while others showed selective activities. DHPs (7 and 8) bearing a Me group at C(2) and C(6) as well as a halogenated substituent at C(4′) were more an…

A Fast Multiresolution Approach Useful for Retinal Image Segmentation

2018

Retinal diseases such as retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), diabetic and hypertensive retinopathy present several deformities of fundus oculi which can be analyzed both during screening and monitoring such as the increase of tortuosity, lesions of tissues, exudates and hemorrhages. In particular, one of the first morphological changes of vessel structures is the increase of tortuosity. The aim of this work is the enhancement and the detection of the principal characteristics in retinal image by exploiting a non-supervised and automated methodology. With respect to the well-known image analysis through Gabor or Gaussian filters, our approach uses a filter bank that resembles the “à trous” wav…

2019

Integral membrane proteins of the aquaporin family facilitate rapid water flux across cellular membranes in all domains of life. Although the water-conducting pore is clearly defined in an aquaporin monomer, all aquaporins assemble into stable tetramers. In order to investigate the role of protomer–protomer interactions, we analyzed the activity of heterotetramers containing increasing fractions of mutated monomers, which have an impaired oligomerization propensity and activity. In order to enforce interaction between the protomers, we designed and analyzed a genetically fused homotetramer of GlpF, the aquaglyceroporin of the bacterium Escherichia coli (E. coli). However, increasing fractio…

2021

Lipids contained in the plasma membrane of platelets play an important role in platelet function. Modifications in the lipid composition can fluidify or rigidify the environment around embedded receptors, in order to facilitate the access of the receptor by the drug. However, data concerning the lipid composition of platelet plasma membrane need to be updated. In addition, data on the impact of drugs on plasma membrane composition, in particular antiplatelet agents, remain sparse. After isolation of platelet plasma membrane, we assessed, using lipidomics, the effect of ticagrelor, a P2Y12 antagonist, and its active metabolite on the lipid composition of these plasma membranes. We describe t…

Engineering approaches in siRNA delivery.

2017

siRNAs are very potent drug molecules, able to silence genes involved in pathologies development. siRNAs have virtually an unlimited therapeutic potential, particularly for the treatment of inflammatory diseases. However, their use in clinical practice is limited because of their unfavorable properties to interact and not to degrade in physiological environments. In particular they are large macromolecules, negatively charged, which undergo rapid degradation by plasmatic enzymes, are subject to fast renal clearance/hepatic sequestration, and can hardly cross cellular membranes. These aspects seriously impair siRNAs as therapeutics. As in all the other fields of science, siRNAs management ca…