Search

We present an iterative scheme, reminiscent of the Multigrid method, to solve large boundary value problems with Probabilistic Domain Decomposition (PDD). In it, increasingly accurate approximations to the solution are used as control variates in order to reduce the Monte Carlo error of the following iterates—resulting in an overall acceleration of PDD for a given error tolerance. The key feature of the proposed algorithm is the ability to approximately predict the speedup with little computational overhead and in parallel. Besides, the theoretical framework allows to explore other aspects of PDD, such as stability. One numerical example is worked out, yielding an improvement between one and two orders of magnitude over the previous version of PDD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We consider the numerical solution of nonlinear elliptic boundary value problems with Kansa’s method. We derive analytic formulas for the Jacobian and Hessian of the resulting nonlinear collocation system and exploit them within the framework of the trust-region algorithm. This ansatz is tested on semilinear, quasilinear and fully nonlinear elliptic PDEs (including Plateau’s problem, Hele–Shaw flow and the Monge–Ampère equation) with excellent results. The new approach distinctly outperforms previous ones based on linearization or finite-difference Jacobians. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Modeling of the experimental bending rovibrational spectra data of a set of molecular species which encompasses the full gamut of structures: semirigid linear (HNC), semirigid bent (H2S) and nonrigid (Si2C and NCNCS). • Most general Hamiltonian of the two dimensional limit of the vibron model including all possible interactions up to four-body. • Predictions of the higher excited rovibrational energies are provided. • Analysis of the molecular dynamical structure using the quantum monodromy diagram, the Birge-Sponer plot and the participation ratio. We present an extension of the Hamiltonian of the two dimensional limit of the vibron model to encompass all possible interactions up to four-body operators. We apply this Hamiltonian to the modeling of the bending spectrum of four molecules: HNC, H 2 S, Si 2 C, and NCNCS. The selected molecular species include linear, bent, and nonrigid equilibrium structures, proving the versatility of the algebraic approach which allows for the consideration of utterly different physical cases within a single Hamiltonian and a general formalism. For each case we compute predicted bending energies and wave functions, that we use to depict the associated quantum monodromy diagram, Birge-Sponer plot, and participation ratio. In nonrigid cases, we also show the bending energy functional obtained using the coherent –or intrinsic– state formalism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Identification of relevant consequences in Aviation Safety at state level. • Multiattribute utility models to forecast and assess consequences of occurrences. • Models to facilitate the definition of national Safety Management Systems. Abstract Aviation safety is essential for the healthy growth and sustainability of the global economy. The implementation of Safety Management Systems to support safe service delivery has become one of the most important goals within the airline industry over the last years. However, in most cases the involved organisations use unsophisticated methods based on risk matrices for the development of such systems. In this paper, we present models to forecast and assess the consequences of aviation safety occurrences as part of a framework for aviation safety risk management at state level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

CIGB-247 is a cancer therapeutic vaccine, based on recombinant modified human vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) as antigen, in combination with the adjuvant VSSP, a bacterially-derived adjuvant. The vaccine have demonstrated efficacy in several murine malignancy models. These studies supported the rationale for a phase I clinical trial where safety, tolerance, and immunogenicity of CIGB-247 was studied in patients with advanced solid tumors at three antigen dose level. Surviving individuals of this clinical trial were eligible to receive off-trial voluntary re-immunizations. The present work is focus in the immunological follow up of these patients after approximately three years of immunizations, without additional oncological treatments. Long term vaccination was feasible and safe. Our results indicated that after sustained vaccination most of the patients conserved their seroconversion status. The specific anti-VEGF IgG titer diminished, but in all the cases keeps values up from the pre-vaccination levels. Continued vaccination was also important to produce a gradual shift in the anti-VEGF IgG response from IgG1 to Ig4. Outstanding, our results indicated that long-term off-trial vaccination could be associated with the maintaining of one reserve of antibodies able to interfere with the VEGF/Receptor interaction and the production of IFNγ secretion in CD8 + cells. The results derived from the study of this series of patients suggest that long term therapeutic vaccination is a feasible strategy, and highlight the importance of continuing the clinical development program of this novel cancer therapeutic vaccine candidate. We also highlight the future clinical applications of CIGB-247 in cancer and explain knowledge gaps that future studies may address. Registration number and name of trial registry: RPCEC00000102. Cuban Public Clinical Trial Registry (WHO accepted Primary Registry). Available from: http://registroclinic o.s l d.c u/ . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Abscisic Acid (ABA) treatment can effectively prevent memory impairment in a murine model of Alzheimer disease (AD). • ABA treatment can prevent microglia transition to inflammatory state in transgenic model of AD. • The beneficial effects of ABA, PPARᵧ agonist and an insulin sensitizer in the central nervous system are independent of peripheral insulin resistance. • Further studies will establish whether later intervention (when the disease may be in initial stages), but longer treatments can guarantee better rescue of memory impairment. Neuroinflammation and insulin resistance in the brain are intimately linked to neurodegenerative disorders, including Alzheimer's disease. Even though traditionally Alzheimer´s disease has been associated to Aβ deposits and hyperphosphorylated Tau intracellular tangles, several studies show that neuroinflammation may be the initial cause that triggers degeneration. Accordingly, a number of natural supplements that improves brain insulin sensitivity and reduce neuroinflammation have been proposed as good choices in the therapeutic prevention of cognitive decline. Further supporting this evidence, we show that phytohormone Abscisic Acid, can prevent memory impairment and neuroinflammation markers in a triple transgenic mouse model, where no peripheral inflammatory changes have occurred. Moreover, our data strongly suggests that early intervention is critical for good prognosis, and that cognitive improvement requires longer treatment than recovering neuroinflammation markers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]