Molecularly designed layer-by-layer (LbL) films to detect catechol using information visualization methods

The control of molecular architectures has been exploited in layer-by-layer (LbL) films deposited on Au interdigitated electrodes, thus forming an electronic tongue (e-tongue) system that reached an unprecedented high sensitivity (down to 10-12 M) in detecting catechol. Such high sensitivity was made possible upon using units containing the enzyme tyrosinase, which interacted specifically with catechol, and by processing impedance spectroscopy data with information visualization methods. These latter methods, including the parallel coordinates technique, were also useful for identifying the major contributors to the high distinguishing ability toward catechol. Among several film architectures tested, the most efficient had a tyrosinase layer deposited atop LbL films of alternating layers of dioctadecyldimethylammonium bromide (DODAB) and 1,2-dipalmitoyl-sn-3-glycero-fosfo-rac-(1-glycerol) (DPPG), viz., (DODAB/DPPG)5/DODAB/Tyr. The latter represents a more suitable medium for immobilizing tyrosinase when compared to conventional polyelectrolytes. Furthermore, the distinction was more effective at low frequencies where double-layer effects on the film/liquid sample dominate the electrical response. Because the optimization of film architectures based on information visualization is completely generic, the approach presented here may be extended to designing architectures for other types of applications in addition to sensing and biosensing. © 2013 American Chemical Society.

Otimização multiobjetivo na análise da integração de geração distribuída às redes de distribuição

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

Método heurístico para criação de linhas de trabalho em problemas de escalonamento de pessoal

Pós-graduação em Engenharia Mecânica - FEG

A New Approach to Reducing Search Space and Increasing Efficiency in Simulation Optimization Problems via the Fuzzy-DEA-BCC

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

Global optimization using a genetic algorithm with hierarchically structured population

This paper applies a genetic algorithm with hierarchically structured population to solve unconstrained optimization problems. The population has individuals distributed in several overlapping clusters, each one with a leader and a variable number of support individuals. The hierarchy establishes that leaders must be fitter than its supporters with the topological organization of the clusters following a tree. Computational tests evaluate different population structures, population sizes and crossover operators for better algorithm performance. A set of known benchmark test problems is solved and the results found are compared with those obtained from other methods described in the literature, namely, two genetic algorithms, a simulated annealing, a differential evolution and a particle swarm optimization. The results indicate that the method employed is capable of achieving better performance than the previous approaches in regard as the two criteria usually employed for comparisons: the number of function evaluations and rate of success. The method also has a superior performance if the number of problems solved is taken into account. (C) 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Social-spider optimization-based artificial neural networks training and its applications for Parkinson's disease identification

Evolutionary algorithms have been widely used for Artificial Neural Networks (ANN) training, being the idea to update the neurons' weights using social dynamics of living organisms in order to decrease the classification error. In this paper, we have introduced Social-Spider Optimization to improve the training phase of ANN with Multilayer perceptrons, and we validated the proposed approach in the context of Parkinson's Disease recognition. The experimental section has been carried out against with five other well-known meta-heuristics techniques, and it has shown SSO can be a suitable approach for ANN-MLP training step.

Construction of pediatric homogeneous phantoms for optimization of chest and skull radiographs

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

Diversification events and the effects of mass extinctions on Crocodyliformes evolutionary history

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Perioperative fluid therapy: a statement from the international fluid optimization group

Perioperative fluid therapy remains a highly debated topic. Its purpose is to maintain or restore effective circulating blood volume during the immediate perioperative period. Maintaining effective circulating blood volume and pressure are key components of assuring adequate organ perfusion while avoiding the risks associated with either organ hypo- or hyperperfusion. Relative to perioperative fluid therapy, three inescapable conclusions exist: overhydration is bad, underhydration is bad, and what we assume about the fluid status of our patients may be incorrect. There is wide variability of practice, both between individuals and institutions. The aims of this paper are to clearly define the risks and benefits of fluid choices within the perioperative space, to describe current evidence-based methodologies for their administration, and ultimately to reduce the variability with which perioperative fluids are administered. Based on the abovementioned acknowledgements, a group of 72 researchers, well known within the field of fluid resuscitation, were invited, via email, to attend a meeting that was held in Chicago in 2011 to discuss perioperative fluid therapy. From the 72 invitees, 14 researchers representing 7 countries attended, and thus, the international Fluid Optimization Group (FOG) came into existence. These researches, working collaboratively, have reviewed the data from 162 different fluid resuscitation papers including both operative and intensive care unit populations. This manuscript is the result of 3 years of evidence-based, discussions, analysis, and synthesis of the currently known risks and benefits of individual fluids and the best methods for administering them. The results of this review paper provide an overview of the components of an effective perioperative fluid administration plan and address both the physiologic principles and outcomes of fluid administration. We recommend that both perioperative fluid choice and therapy be individualized. Patients should receive fluid therapy guided by predefined physiologic targets. Specifically, fluids should be administered when patients require augmentation of their perfusion and are also volume responsive. This paper provides a general approach to fluid therapy and practical recommendations.