Computational approaches for the design of peptides with anti-breast cancer properties

Background: Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women. Tamoxifen is the preferred drug for estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer treatment, yet many of these cancers are intrinsically resistant to tamoxifen or acquire resistance during treatment. Therefore, scientists are searching for breast cancer drugs that have different molecular targets. Methodology: Recently, a computational approach was used to successfully design peptides that are new lead compounds against breast cancer. We used replica exchange molecular dynamics to predict the structure and dynamics of active peptides, leading to the discovery of smaller bioactive peptides. Conclusions: These analogs inhibit estrogen-dependent cell growth in a mouse uterine growth assay, a test showing reliable correlation with human breast cancer inhibition. We outline the computational methods that were tried and used along with the experimental information that led to the successful completion of this research.

Hierarchical Approach for Survivable Network Design

A central design challenge facing network planners is how to select a cost-effective network configuration that can provide uninterrupted service despite edge failures. In this paper, we study the Survivable Network Design (SND) problem, a core model underlying the design of such resilient networks that incorporates complex cost and connectivity trade-offs. Given an undirected graph with specified edge costs and (integer) connectivity requirements between pairs of nodes, the SND problem seeks the minimum cost set of edges that interconnects each node pair with at least as many edge-disjoint paths as the connectivity requirement of the nodes. We develop a hierarchical approach for solving the problem that integrates ideas from decomposition, tabu search, randomization, and optimization. The approach decomposes the SND problem into two subproblems, Backbone design and Access design, and uses an iterative multi-stage method for solving the SND problem in a hierarchical fashion. Since both subproblems are NP-hard, we develop effective optimization-based tabu search strategies that balance intensification and diversification to identify near-optimal solutions. To initiate this method, we develop two heuristic procedures that can yield good starting points. We test the combined approach on large-scale SND instances, and empirically assess the quality of the solutions vis-à-vis optimal values or lower bounds. On average, our hierarchical solution approach generates solutions within 2.7% of optimality even for very large problems (that cannot be solved using exact methods), and our results demonstrate that the performance of the method is robust for a variety of problems with different size and connectivity characteristics.

Human Resource Performance Metrics: Methods & Processes That Demonstrate You Care

Purpose – The purpose of the present analysis is to show that HR systems are not always designed in ways that consider the well-being of employees. In particular, performance metric methods seem to be designed with organizational goals in mind while focusing less on what employees need and desire. Design/methodology/approach – A literature review and multiple case-study method was utilized. Findings – The analysis showed that performance metrics should be revaluated by executives and HR professionals if they seek to develop socially responsible organizational cultures which care about the well-being of employees. Originality/value – The paper exposes the fact that performance appraisal techniques can be rooted in methodologies that ignore or deemphasize the value of employee well-being. The analysis provides a context in which all HR practices can be questioned in relation to meeting the standards of a social justice agenda in the area of corporate social responsibility.

Development of Measurement Methods for Testing of Hydrokinetic Devices to Evaluate the Environmental Effect on Local Substrate

Modifications and upgrades to the hydraulic flume facility in the Environmental Fluid Mechanics and Hydraulics Laboratory (EFM&H) at Bucknell University are described. These changes enable small-scale testing of model marine hydrokinetic(MHK) devices. The design of the experimental platform provides a controlled environment for testing of model MHK devices to determine their effect on localsubstrate. Specifically, the effects being studied are scour and erosion around a cylindrical support structure and deposition of sediment downstream from the device.

FPGA BASED DESIGN FOR ACCELERATED FAULT-TESTING OF INTEGRATED CIRCUITS

In the past few decades, integrated circuits have become a major part of everyday life. Every circuit that is created needs to be tested for faults so faulty circuits are not sent to end-users. The creation of these tests is time consuming, costly and difficult to perform on larger circuits. This research presents a novel method for fault detection and test pattern reduction in integrated circuitry under test. By leveraging the FPGA's reconfigurability and parallel processing capabilities, a speed up in fault detection can be achieved over previous computer simulation techniques. This work presents the following contributions to the field of Stuck-At-Fault detection: We present a new method for inserting faults into a circuit net list. Given any circuit netlist, our tool can insert multiplexers into a circuit at correct internal nodes to aid in fault emulation on reconfigurable hardware. We present a parallel method of fault emulation. The benefit of the FPGA is not only its ability to implement any circuit, but its ability to process data in parallel. This research utilizes this to create a more efficient emulation method that implements numerous copies of the same circuit in the FPGA. A new method to organize the most efficient faults. Most methods for determinin the minimum number of inputs to cover the most faults require sophisticated softwareprograms that use heuristics. By utilizing hardware, this research is able to process data faster and use a simpler method for an efficient way of minimizing inputs.

Design and Use of an Alternative Fuel Testing Apparatus and Assessment of the Feasibility of Biodiesel

Petroleum supply and environmental pollution issues constantly increase interest in renewable low polluting alternative fuels. Published test results show decreased pollution with similar power output and fuel consumption from Internal Combustion Engines (ICE) burning alternative fuels. More specifically, diesel engines burning biodiesel derived from plant oils and animal fats not only reduce harmful exhaust emissions but are renewable and environmentally friendly. To validate these claims and assess the feasibility of alternative fuels, independent engine dynamometer and emissions testing was performed. A testing apparatus capable of making relevant measurements was designed, built, and used to test and determine the feasibility of biodiesel. The apparatus marks the addition of a valuable testing tool to the University and provides a foundation for future experiments. This thesis will discuss the background of biodiesel, testing methods, design and function of the testing apparatus, experimental results, relevant calculations, and conclusions.