Bayesian prediction of crack growth based on a hierarchical diffusion model

A general Bayesian approach for stochastic versions of deterministic growth models is presented to provide predictions for crack propagation in an early stage of the growth process. To improve the prediction, the information of other crack growth processes is used in a hierarchical (mixed‐effects) model. Two stochastic versions of a deterministic growth model are compared. One is a nonlinear regression setup where the trajectory is assumed to be the solution of an ordinary differential equation with additive errors. The other is a diffusion model defined by a stochastic differential equation where increments have additive errors. While Bayesian prediction is known for hierarchical models based on nonlinear regression, we propose a new Bayesian prediction method for hierarchical diffusion models. Six growth models for each of the two approaches are compared with respect to their ability to predict the crack propagation in a large data example. Surprisingly, the stochastic differential equation approach has no advantage concerning the prediction compared with the nonlinear regression setup, although the diffusion model seems more appropriate for crack growth. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Exact and heuristic approaches for the set cover with pairs problem

This work deals with the set cover with pairs problem (SCPP) which is a generalization of the set cover problem (SCP). In the SCPP the elements have to be covered by specific pairs of objects, instead of a single object. We propose a new mathematical formulation using extended variables that is capable of consistently solve instances with up to 500 elements and 500 objects. We also developed an ILS heuristic which was capable of finding better solutions for several tested instances in less computational time.     

Thermal analysis of the RFX-mod2 operating conditions for the design of the temperature measurement system

Journal of Thermal Analysis and Calorimetry - The laminar two-dimensional mixed convection in a trapezoidal enclosure with a rotating inner circular cylinder and a sinusoidal bottom wall is studied...     

A defect model for the optical and EPR activity of the T-center in yttrium-stabilized zirconia

Abstract

Direct quantitative correlations have been recently observed between the T-centre EPR signal and an optical absorption band at 370 nm, in X-irradiated YSZ, suggesting that the colour centre and the paramagnetic centre might be the same entity. In order to confirm this hypothesis, theoretical modeling was undertaken, where by appropriate refinement the known electronic structure of the T-centre is shown to be compatible with an optical transition, having an oscillator strength of the correct magnitude.     

Algebraic entropy of amenable group actions

Mathematische Zeitschrift - Let R be a ring, let G be an amenable group and let $$R{*}G$$ be a crossed product. The goal of this paper is to construct, starting with a suitable additive function L...     

Light Fluence Rate and Tissue Oxygenation (StO2) Distributions Within the Thoracic Cavity of Patients Receiving Intraoperative Photodynamic Therapy for Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma

The distributions of light and tissue oxygenation (S_tO₂) within the chest cavity were determined for 15 subjects undergoing macroscopic complete resection followed by intraoperative photodynamic therapy (PDT) as part of a clinical trial for the treatment of malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM). Over the course of light delivery, detectors at each of eight different sites recorded exposure to variable fluence rate. Nevertheless, the treatment-averaged fluence rate was similar among sites, ranging from a median of 40–61 mW cm⁻² during periods of light exposure to a detector. S_tO₂ at each tissue site varied by subject, but posterior mediastinum and posterior sulcus were the most consistently well oxygenated (median S_tO₂ >90%; interquartile ranges ~85–95%). PDT effect on S_tO₂ was characterized as the S_tO₂ ratio (post-PDT S_tO₂/pre-PDT S_tO₂). High S_tO₂ pre-PDT was significantly associated with oxygen depletion (S_tO₂ ratio < 1), although the extent of oxygen depletion was mild (median S_tO₂ ratio of 0.8). Overall, PDT of the thoracic cavity resulted in moderate treatment-averaged fluence rate that was consistent among treated tissue sites, despite instantaneous exposure to high fluence rate. Mild oxygen depletion after PDT was experienced at tissue sites with high pre-PDT S_tO₂, which may suggest the presence of a treatment effect.     

Antibody–Prodrug Conjugates with KSP Inhibitors and Legumain-Mediated Metabolite Formation

Many antibody–drug conjugates (ADCs) have failed to achieve a sufficient therapeutic window in clinical studies either due to target-mediated or off-target toxicities. To achieve an additional safety level, a new class of antibody–prodrug conjugates (APDCs) directed against different targets in solid tumors is here described. The tumor-associated lysosomal endopeptidase legumain with a unique cleavage sequence was utilized for APDC metabolism. Legumain-activatable APDCs were as potent as their cathepsin B-activatable analogues. The peptide sequence susceptible to legumain cleavage was optimized for further discrimination of the formation of active metabolites within tumor cells versus healthy tissues, leveraging different tissue-specific legumain activities. Optimized APDCs with slow legumain-mediated conversion reduced preclinically the levels of active metabolite in healthy organs while retaining high activity against different TWEAKR- and B7H3-expressing tumors.