This study investigated effects of commercially available picture activity schedules (PAS) and system of least prompts (SLP) to teach recreation skills to four high school students with Autism Spectrum Disorders and intellectual disabilities using Lego sets. Results were evaluated through a multiple probe across participants design and indicate that a combination of PAS and SLP was effective for teaching the students to build Lego sets. All students improved their ability to build and were able to generalize the skill to novel sets after the completion of intervention. Limitations and implications for future practioners are discussed.

In this work an intersection between optimization methods and animal cell culture modeling is considered. We present optimization based methods for analyzing and building models of cell culture; models that could be used when designing the environment cells are cultivated in, i.e., medium. Since both the medium and cell line considered are complex, designing a good medium is not straightforward. Developing a model of cell metabolism is a step in facilitating medium design. In order to develop a model of the metabolism the methods presented in this work make use of an underlying metabolic reaction network and extracellular measurements. External substrates and products are connected via the relevant elementary flux modes (EFMs). Modeling from EFMs is generally limited to small networks, because the number of EFMs explodes when the underlying network size increases. The aim of this work is to enable modeling with more complex networks by presenting methods that dynamically identify a subset of the EFMs. In papers A and B we consider a model consisting of the EFMs along with the flux over each mode. In paper A we present how such a model can be decided by an optimization technique named column generation. In paper B the robustness of such a model with respect to measurement errors is considered. We show that a robust version of the underlying optimization problem in paper A can be formed and column generation applied to identify EFMs dynamically. In papers C and D a kinetic macroscopic model is considered. In paper C we show how a kinetic macroscopic model can be constructed from the EFMs. This macroscopic model is created by assuming that the flux along each EFM behaves according to Michaelis-Menten type kinetics. This modeling method has the ability to capture cell behavior in varied types of media, however the size of the underlying network is a limitation. In paper D this limitation is countered by developing an approximation algorithm, that can dynamically identify EFMs for a kinetic model. / I denna avhandling betraktar vi korsningen mellan optimeringsmetoder och modellering av djurcellodling.Vi presenterar optimeringsbaserade metoder för att analysera och bygga modeller av cellkulturer. Dessa modeller kan användas vid konstruktionen av den miljö som cellerna ska odlas i, dvs, medium.Eftersom både mediet och cellinjen är komplexa är det inte okomplicerat att utforma ett bra medium. Att utveckla en modell av cellernas ämnesomsättning är ett steg för att underlätta designen av mediet. För att utveckla en modell av metabolismen kommer de metoder som används i detta arbete att utnyttja ett underliggande metaboliskt reaktions\-nätverk och extracellulära mätningar. Externa substrat och produkter är sammankopplade via de relevanta elementära metaboliska vägarna (EFM).Modellering med hjälp av EFM är i allmänhet begränsad till små nätverk eftersom antalet EFM exploderar när de underliggande nätverket ökar i storlek. Målet med detta arbete är att möjliggöra modellering med mer komplexa nätverk genom att presentera metoder som dynamiskt identifierar en delmängd av EFM. I artikel A och B betraktar vi en modell som består av EFM och ett flöde över varje EFM.I artikel A presenterar vi hur en sådan modell kan bestämmas med hjälp av en optimeringsteknik som kallas kolumngenerering.I artikel A undersöker vi hur robust en sådan modell är med avseende till mätfel. Vi visar att en robust version av det underliggande optimeringsproblemet i artikel A kan konstrueras samt att kolumngenerering kan appliceras för att identifiera EFM dynamiskt. Artikel C och D behandlar en kinetisk makroskopisk modell. Vi visar i artikel C hur en sådan modell kan konstrueras från EFM.Denna makroskopiska modell är skapad genom att anta att flödet genom varje EFM beter sig enligt Michaelis-Menten-typ av kinetik. Denna modelleringsmetod har förmågan att fånga cellernas beteende i olika typer av media, men storleken på nätverket är en begränsning.I artikel D hanterar vi denna begränsing genom att utveckla en approximationsalgoritm som identifierar EFM dynamiskt för en kinetisk modell. / <p>QC 20150827</p>

Although inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) is generally considered a reliable analytical technique, increasing demands on its capabilities require continued research and improvements. ICP-MS is susceptible to both matrix effects and drift, leading to a decline in accuracy and precision. A number of techniques are routinely used to compensate for these issues. Internal standardization is one such solution that requires relatively simple sample preparation and yet offers the possibility of improving both accuracy and precision. In order to be effective, an optimal analyte/internal standard pair must be chosen. Traditionally, analyte/internal standard pairs are chosen based on similarities in mass and/or ionization potential. The present studies sought to develop a program that determined standards based on the minimization of analytical error. 102 masses were monitored over 27 perturbations, i.e., changes to sample matrix and operating parameters. The standard deviations of the analyte/internal standard ratios were then used as a measure of internal standard performance. A thorough statistical analysis was conducted to determine trends between a good analyte/internal standard pair and similarities in chemical property. Similarities in mass offered the strongest relationship to a good internal standard choice, although many exceptions existed. The program was then tested over time and multiple instrument optimizations as well as on a completely different ICP-MS instrument. Results of these tests suggest that the data originally collected for the prediction program is not instrument-specific and thus provided a broader base of useful applications. Due to its unmatched sensitivity and multielement capabilities, ICP-MS is frequently utilized for biological samples. A more recent application, however, seeks to use ICPMS for the purpose of determining specific associations between metals and proteins. Such speciation requires a high resolution and reproducible separation prior to ICPMS analysis. Gel electrophoresis offers good separation and is well matched with the scanning properties of laser ablation sample introduction. The present study utilized native gel electrophoresis coupled with a uniquely modified electroblot system to improve sensitivity and to elucidate additional information. Chemically modified quartz fiber filters were successfully used as the transfer membrane to improve protein and metal capture efficiency. / text

The threat of global warming is bringing a new pro-environmental paradigm all over the world under the Kyoto Protocol. Addressing climate change is beneficial to all countries because environment is global public good. However, because global warming is also closely related to each country’s specific condition such as industrial development and political situation, prudent approaches considering different situations of each country are required in order prevent unintended negative consequences. This study focuses on the weakness of the current CDM (Clean Development Mechanism) in terms of impeding sustainable development in LDCs (Least Development Countries). As a case study, the Grameen Shakti Program in Bangladesh demonstrates the potential scenario of sustainable development in LDCs through CDM markets and a new financial model of CERs (Certified Emissions Reductions) is suggested to support and replicate the Grameen Shakti Program other LDCs. / text

Η φασματοσκοπία Raman είναι τεχνική ανελαστικής σκέδασης φωτός, ικανή να ανιχνεύει και να χαρακτηρίζει μόρια σε ποικιλία υδατικών διαλυμάτων. Σκοπός της εργασίας είναι η ανάπτυξη μιας μη επεμβατικής, μη καταστροφικής φασματοσκοπικής μεθόδου για την ανίχνευση και τον ποσοτικό προσδιορισμό τόσο φαρμακευτικών ουσιών (π.χ αντιβιοτικών) όσο και φυσιολογικών ουσιών (π.χ γλυκόζη) στο υδατοειδές υγρό οφθαλμού. Στο πλαίσιο της παρούσας εργασίας αναπτύχθηκε μια νέα γεωμετρική οπτική διάταξη για την καθοδήγηση της δέσμης του laser στον οφθαλμό, που προσαρμόζεται σε φασματοσκόπιο Raman με ανιχνευτή CCD, δίνει τη δυνατότητα επιλεκτικής συλλογής του σκεδαζόμενου φωτός, σαρώνοντας τον εμπρόσθιο θάλαμο, σε γεωμετρία σκέδασης 90 μοιρών. Τα πειράματα πραγματοποιήθηκαν (α) σε χοιρινούς οφθαλμούς in-vitro, max 24 ώρες μετά τη θανάτωση των ζώων και την αφαίρεση του βολβού, μετά την έγχυση στον εμπρόσθιο θάλαμο μορίων κεφταζιδίμης, αμφοτερισίνης Β και γλυκόζης και (β) σε μοντέλο πρόσθιου θαλάμου (AAC) σε συνδυασμό με κερατοειδή χιτώνα χοιρινών οφθαλμών μετά την έγχυση μορίων κεφταζιδίμης, αμφοτερισίνης, θειικής αμικασίνης και σιπροφλοξασίνης. Επιπλέον, χρησιμοποιήθηκε χημειομετρικός αλγόριθμος μερικών ελαχίστων τετραγώνων (PLS) για να προβλέψει τη συγκέντρωση των αντιβιοτικών στο μοντέλο του πρόσθιου θαλάμου. Με τον νεό αυτό σχεδιασμό αποφεύγεται η απευθείας έκθεση βασικών οφθαλμικών ιστών, όπως του φακού και του αμφιβληστροειδούς, στη δέσμη του laser, ενώ παράλληλα επιτυγχάνονται βέλτιστες συνθήκες συλλογής του σκεδαζόμενου φωτός βελτιώνοντας το λόγο σήματος/θορύβου των φασμάτων. Ανιχνεύτηκαν συγκεντρώσεις στην περιοχή της μέσης ανασταλτικής πυκνότητας για τα αντιβιοτικά τόσο στο υδατοειδές υγρό χοιρινών οφθαλμών όσο και στο μοντέλο του πρόσθιου θαλάμουֹ η γλυκόζη ανιχνεύτηκε σε συγκέντρωση κοντά στα παθολογικά επίπεδα των διαβητικών ασθενών. Με βάση και το σφάλμα RMS της ποσοτικής ανάλυσης PLS, προσδοκάται βάσιμα ότι η μέθοδος είναι δυνατό χρησιμοποιηθεί στον τομέα της οφθαλμολογίας για τη μελέτη της φαρμακοκινητικής καθώς και για την έγκαιρη διάγνωση ασθενειών (π.χ. σακχαρώδης διαβήτης). / Laser Raman spectroscopy is an inelastic light scattering technique able to characterize molecules in aqueous environments. The purpose of this work is to develop a non-contact and non-invasive spectroscopic method to identify and eventually quantify the presence of medicines (e.g. antibiotics) and physiological substances (e.g. glucose) in the aqueous humor of the eye. Α new laser light delivery probe has been developed and adapted to a Raman spectroscopic system with the ability of favorable collection of the Raman light at 90o scattering geometry while scanning the anterior chamber of the eye. The technique is applied both, to porcine eyes in-vitro, max. 24 hours after death and extraction, for ceftazidime, amphotericin B and glucose and to a commercially available artificial anterior chamber (AAC) fitted with corneas of porcine eyes for ceftazidime, amphotericin B, amikacin sulphate and ciprofloxacin. Finally, a PLS chemometric algorithm has been developed to predict the concentration of antibiotics in AAC. This special illumination design gives the opportunity of reducing the direct exposure of the basic cordial ocular tissues, like lens and retina, to the laser beam, while at the same time an optimum collection of scattered light is accomplished. Concentrations close to the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) have been detected for antibiotics both in porcine eyes and AAC; the detection of glucose has been realized at concentrations close to the early pathological levels of patients with diabetes. Furthermore, the quantification of concentration of antibiotics in AAC is accomplished by a partial least-squares (PLS) chemometric regression algorithm and the RMS error of the validation procedure further emphasize the promising prospect of the application of the Raman spectroscopy to the Ophthalmology.

In this paper an overview is given on the application of directional basis functions, known under the name Curvelets/Contourlets, to various aspects of seismic processing and imaging. Key concepts in the approach are the use of (i) that localize in both domains (e.g. space and angle); (ii) non-linear estimation, which corresponds to localized muting on the coefficients, possibly supplemented by constrained optimization (iii) invariance of the basis functions under the imaging operators. We will discuss applications that include multiple and ground roll removal; sparseness-constrained least-squares migration and the computation of 4-D difference cubes.

Simultaneous operation of different wireless applications in the same geographical region and the same frequency band gives rise to undesired interference issues. Since licensed (primary) applications have been granted priority access to the frequency spectrum, unlicensed (secondary) services should avoid imposing interference on the primary system. In other words, secondary system’s activity in the same bands should be in a controlled fashion so that the primary system maintains its quality of service (QoS) requirements. In this thesis, we consider collocated point-to-multipoint primary and secondary networks that have simultaneous access to the same frequency band. Particularly, we examine three different levels at which the two networks may coexist: pure interference, asymmetric co-existence, and symmetric co-existence levels. At the pure interference level, both networks operate simultaneously regardless of their interference to each other. At the other two levels, at least one of the networks attempts to mitigate its interference to the other network by deactivating some of its users. Specifically, at the asymmetric co-existence level, the secondary network selectively deactivates its users based on knowledge of the interference and channel gains, whereas at the symmetric level, the primary network also schedules its users in the same way. Our aim is to derive optimal sum-rates (i.e., throughputs) of both networks at each co-existence level as the number of users grows asymptotically and evaluate how the sum-rates scale with the network size. In order to find the asymptotic throughput results, we derive two propositions; one on the asymptotic behaviour of the largest order statistic and one on the asymptotic behaviour of the sum of lower order statistics. As a baseline comparison, we calculate primary and secondary sum-rates for the time division (TD) channel sharing. Then, we compare the asymptotic secondary sum-rate in TD to that under simultaneous channel sharing, while ensuring the primary network maintains the same sum-rate in both cases. Our results indicate that simultaneous channel sharing at both asymmetric and symmetric co-existence levels can outperform TD. Furthermore, this enhancement is achievable when user scheduling in uplink mode is based only on the interference gains to the opposite network and not on a network’s own channel gains. In other words, the optimal secondary sum-rate is achievable by applying a scheduling strategy, referred to as the least interference strategy, for which only the knowledge of interference gains is required and can be performed in a distributed way.

The Singular Value Decomposition (SVD) has many applications in image processing. The SVD can be used to restore a corrupted image by separating significant information from the noise in the image data set. This thesis outlines broad applications that address current problems in digital image processing. In conjunction with SVD filtering, image compression using the SVD is discussed, including the process of reconstructing or estimating a rank reduced matrix representing the compressed image. Numerical plots and error measurement calculations are used to compare results of the two SVD image restoration techniques, as well as SVD image compression. The filtering methods assume that the images have been degraded by the application of a blurring function and the addition of noise. Finally, we present numerical experiments for the SVD restoration and compression to evaluate our computation.

Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) microscopy is a sensitive method for detecting difference in the morphology of biological cells. In this study FTIR spectra were obtained for uninfected cells, and cells infected with two different viruses. The spectra obtained are difficult to discriminate visually. Here we apply advanced statistical methods to the analysis of the spectra, to test if such spectra are useful for diagnosing viral infections in cells. Logistic Regression (LR) and Partial Least Squares Regression (PLSR) were used to build models which allow us to diagnose if spectral differences are related to infection state of the cells. A three-fold, balanced cross-validation method was applied to estimate the shrinkages of the area under the receiving operator characteristic curve (AUC), and specificities at sensitivities of 95%, 90% and 80%. AUC, sensitivity and specificity were used to gauge the goodness of the discrimination methods. Our statistical results shows that the spectra associated with different cellular states are very effectively discriminated. We also find that the overall performance of PLSR is better than that of LR, especially for new data validation. Our analysis supports the idea that FTIR microscopy is a useful tool for detection of viral infections in biological cells.

The Kalman Filter has many applications in control and signal processing but may also be used to reconstruct a higher resolution image from a sequence of lower resolution images (or frames). If the sequence of low resolution frames is recorded by a moving camera or sensor, where the motion can be accurately modeled, then the Kalman filter may be used to update pixels within a higher resolution frame to achieve a more detailed result. This thesis outlines current methods of implementing this algorithm on a scene of interest and introduces possible improvements for the speed and efficiency of this method by use of block operations on the low resolution frames. The effects of noise on camera motion and various blur models are examined using experimental data to illustrate the differences between the methods discussed.