Exact Hybrid Particle/Population Simulation of Rule-Based Models of Biochemical Systems

Detailed modeling and simulation of biochemical systems is complicated by the problem of combinatorial complexity, an explosion in the number of species and reactions due to myriad protein-protein interactions and post-translational modifications. Rule-based modeling overcomes this problem by representing molecules as structured objects and encoding their interactions as pattern-based rules. This greatly simplifies the process of model specification, avoiding the tedious and error prone task of manually enumerating all species and reactions that can potentially exist in a system. From a simulation perspective, rule-based models can be expanded algorithmically into fully-enumerated reaction networks and simulated using a variety of network-based simulation methods, such as ordinary differential equations or Gillespie's algorithm, provided that the network is not exceedingly large. Alternatively, rule-based models can be simulated directly using particle-based kinetic Monte Carlo methods. This "network-free" approach produces exact stochastic trajectories with a computational cost that is independent of network size. However, memory and run time costs increase with the number of particles, limiting the size of system that can be feasibly simulated. Here, we present a hybrid particle/population simulation method that combines the best attributes of both the network-based and network-free approaches. The method takes as input a rule-based model and a user-specified subset of species to treat as population variables rather than as particles. The model is then transformed by a process of "partial network expansion" into a dynamically equivalent form that can be simulated using a population-adapted network-free simulator. The transformation method has been implemented within the open-source rule-based modeling platform BioNetGen, and resulting hybrid models can be simulated using the particle-based simulator NFsim. Performance tests show that significant memory savings can be achieved using the new approach and a monetary cost analysis provides a practical measure of its utility. © 2014 Hogg et al

A Research On Pharmacognostical Analysis, Phytochemical Screening And Anti-Inflammatory Activity Of Scoparia Dulcis Linn. Plant

The conventional medical system makes extensive use of Scoparia dulcis L. to treat liver conditions. The entire plant  of Scoparia dulcis Linn. is thoroughly pharmacognomically evaluated in this work, including morphology, microscopy, physicochemical screening, and phytochemical screening. To find the phytochemicals in the S. dulcis methanol leaf extract that could be responsible for its acceptance and use, phytochemical screening was done. The anti-inflammatory properties of the extract were further examined in relation to carrageenan-induced paw edema in Wistar albino rats. The findings of extracting Scoparia dulcis L. show the presence of several components. After two hours of carrageenan administration, the 200 mg/kg and 300 mg/kg hydroalcoholic extract of Scoparia dulcis L. effectively prevented paw edema.This might be the result of a stronger inhibitory effect of the lower dose on the synthesis of bradykinin and prostaglandin. The highest percentage of edema inhibition for the Scoparia dulcis L. hydroalcoholic extract was observed at 200 and 300 mg/kg oral dosages of the extract, with corresponding values of 60.19% and 63.48%, after a 4-hour injection of carrageenan

Surface Textured Drill Tools—An Effective Approach for Minimizing Chip Evacuation Force and Burr Formation During High Aspect Ratio Machining of Titanium Alloy

Abstract The real challenge pertaining to high aspect ratio drilling is the rapid increase in chip evacuation force due to the chip clogging phenomenon occurring at higher drilling depths. The clogged chips will further impede the reachability of cutting fluid at the machining zone leading to the tool temperature buildup. This will eventually result in the catastrophic failure of the tool. Hence, in the present work, an attempt has been made to minimize the chip evacuation force by functionalizing the drill tool surfaces based on the laser microtexturing principle. Microscale textures in the form of circular dimples were created on the flute and margin side of the drill tool with an objective to control the sliding friction, thereby minimizing the chip clogging effect. The effectiveness of the functionalized drill tools were assessed mainly based on the variation in thrust force and torque. Drilling experiments showed a net reduction of 17.18% in thrust force and 26.98% in torque while machining Ti–6Al–4V using the flute and margin textured tool, which justified the effectiveness of micro scale textures in minimizing the chip evacuation forces. The experimental analysis was further extended in terms of burr height evaluation, where FMT tools were found to be highly effective in burr height reduction (1.29 mm), showing a net reduction of 54.26% when compared with the non-textured tool. The outcomes from this research work will be highly beneficial for the manufacturing industries including aerospace, automobile, and spacecraft as high aspect ratio drilling of titanium alloys are still categorized to be the most challenging machining process owing to its lower thermal conductive property.</jats:p

A cluster of grapes: Right atrial masses of uncertain origin

Implanted ports have provided clinicians with long term venous accessibility, while maintaining comfort and convenience for their patients. One of the most commonly used implanted ports for oncological access is a Mediport (Norfork Medical, Skokie, IL). Guidelines (INS2021) strongly recommend placing central catheter tips at the cavo-atrial junction. In fact, too deep atrium position may be associated with micro-traumatism, possibly leading to a catheter associated right atrial thrombosis (CRAT). No significant literature discusses the possibility of such port masses being seeded by a bacteria, as in the case for endocarditis, which was seen in our patient. In the following case report, we will explore the case of a 41-year-old female with metastatic urothelial carcinoma who developed multiple right atrial masses possibly associated with a deeply seated totally implanted vascular access device (TIVAD) tip within the right atrial wall. These right atrial masses were of unknown origin, and in the setting of MRSA bacteremia, multiple possible etiologies would be discussed. We will also explore ways in which similar complications can be easily prevented in the future. </jats:p

Role of Social Media in Fostering a Sustainable Society through Crowdfunding

ABSTRACT With the advent of social media, crowdfunding has developed as a new alternative funding source for entrepreneurial businesses. Investors, who are typically average citizens, can assist in bringing a concept or vision to fulfilment. Crowdfunding has a significant impact on our economic and social systems because it alters who, how, and why goods and services are produced. This chapter aims to quantify and analyse the donation behaviour of participants in Bangalore in relation to various aspects of crowdfunding. The objective is to determine many definitions of success in Bangalore in order to evaluate sustainability objectives. The investigation requires firsthand information. Using a standardised questionnaire, 109 respondents who had previously participated in crowdfunding provided information that was then analysed. Keywords: Abstract, Summary, Overvie