bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
AN EMPIRICAL STUDY ON THE CHARACTERISTICS OF GABOR REPRESENTATIONS FOR FACE RECOGNITION
Authors: AMIN M. ASHRAFUL , YAN HONG
Published: June 2009

This paper examines the classification capability of different Gabor representations for human face recognition. Usually, Gabor filter responses for eight orientations and five scales for each orientation are calculated and all 40 basic feature vectors are concatenated to assemble the Gabor feature vector. This work explores 70 different Gabor feature vector extraction techniques for face recognition. The main goal is to determine the characteristics of the 40 basic Gabor feature vectors and to devise a faster Gabor feature extraction method. Among all the 40 basic Gabor feature representations the filter responses acquired from the largest scale at smallest relative orientation change (with respect to face) shows the highest discriminating ability for face recognition while classification is performed using three classification methods: probabilistic neural networks (PNN), support vector machines (SVM) and decision trees (DT). A 40 times faster summation based Gabor representation shows about 98% recognition rate while classification is performed using SVM. In this representation all 40 basic Gabor feature vectors are summed to form the summation based Gabor feature vector. In the experiment, a sixth order data tensor containing the basic Gabor feature vectors is constructed, for all the operations.
FACE AUTHENTICATION USING RECOGNITION-BY-PARTS, BOOSTING AND TRANSDUCTION
Authors: LI FAYIN , WECHSLER HARRY
Published: June 2009

The paper describes an integrated recognition-by-parts architecture for reliable and robust face recognition. Reliability and robustness are characteristic of the ability to deploy full-fledged and operational biometric engines, and handling adverse image conditions that include among others uncooperative subjects, occlusion, and temporal variability, respectively. The architecture proposed is model-free and non-parametric. The conceptual framework draws support from discriminative methods using likelihood ratios. At the conceptual level it links forensics and biometrics, while at the implementation level it links the Bayesian framework and statistical learning theory (SLT). Layered categorization starts with face detection using implicit rather than explicit segmentation. It proceeds with face authentication that involves feature selection of local patch instances including dimensionality reduction, exemplar-based clustering of patches into parts, and data fusion for matching using boosting driven by parts that play the role of weak-learners. Face authentication shares the same implementation with face detection. The implementation, driven by transduction, employs proximity and typicality (ranking) realized using strangeness and p-values, respectively. The feasibility and reliability of the proposed architecture are illustrated using FRGC data. The paper concludes with suggestions for augmenting and enhancing the scope and utility of the proposed architecture.
MULTISCALE DYNAMIC FEATURES BASED DRIVER FATIGUE DETECTION
Authors: YIN BAO-CAI , FAN XIAO , SUN YAN-FENG
Published: June 2009

Driver fatigue is a significant factor in many traffic accidents. We propose a novel approach for driver fatigue detection from facial image sequences, which is based on multiscale dynamic features. First, Gabor filters are used to get a multiscale representation for image sequences. Then Local Binary Patterns are extracted from each multiscale image. To account for the temporal aspect of human fatigue, the LBP image sequence is divided into dynamic units, and a histogram of each dynamic unit is computed and concatenated as dynamic features. Finally a statistical learning algorithm is applied to extract the most discriminative features from the multiscale dynamic features and construct a strong classifier for fatigue detection. The proposed approach is validated under real-life fatigue conditions. The test data includes 600 image sequences with illumination and pose variations from 30 people's videos. Experimental results show the validity of the proposed approach, and a correct rate of 98.33% is achieved which is much better than the baselines.
FACE DETECTION AND RECOGNITION USING MAXIMUM LIKELIHOOD CLASSIFIERS ON GABOR GRAPHS
Authors: GÜNTHER MANUEL , WÜRTZ ROLF P.
Published: June 2009

We present an integrated face recognition system that combines a Maximum Likelihood (ML) estimator with Gabor graphs for face detection under varying scale and in-plane rotation and matching as well as a Bayesian intrapersonal/extrapersonal classifier (BIC) on graph similarities for face recognition. We have tested a variety of similarity functions and achieved verification rates (at FAR 0.1%) of 90.5% on expression-variation and 95.8% on size-varying frontal images within the CAS-PEAL database. Performing Experiment 1 of FRGC ver2.0, the method achieved a verification rate of 72%.
FACIAL EXPRESSION SYNTHESIS BASED ON FACIAL COMPONENT MODEL
Authors: XIONG LEI , ZHENG NANNING , DU SHAOYI , LIU JIANYI
Published: June 2009

Statistical model based facial expression synthesis methods are robust and can be easily used in real environment. But facial expressions of humans are varied. How to represent and synthesize expressions that are is not included in the training set is an unresolved problem in statistical model based researches. In this paper, we propose a two-step method. At first, we propose a statistical appearance model, the facial component model, to represent faces. The model divides the face into seven components, and constructs one global shape model and seven local texture models separately. The motivation to use global shape + local texture strategy is the combination of different components that can generate more types of expression than training sets and the global shape guarantees a "legal" result. Then a neighbor reconstruction framework is proposed to synthesize expressions. The framework estimates the target expression vector by a linear combination of neighbor subject's expression vectors. This paper primarily contributes three things: first, the proposed method can synthesize a wider range of expressions than with the training set. Second, experiments demonstrate that FCM is better than standard AAM in face representation. Third, neighbor reconstruction framework is very flexible. It can be used in multisamples with multitargets and single-sample with single-target applications.
PRECISE EYE AND MOUTH LOCALIZATION
Authors: CAMPADELLI P. , LANZAROTTI R. , LIPORI G.
Published: June 2009

The literature on the topic has shown a strong correlation between the degree of precision of face localization and the face recognition performance. Hence, there is a need for precise facial feature detectors, as well as objective measures for their evaluation and comparison.

In this paper, we will present significant improvements to a previous method for precise eye center localization, by integrating a module for mouth localization. The technique is based on Support Vector Machines trained on optimally chosen Haar wavelet coefficients. The method has been tested on several public databases; the results are reported and compared according to a standard error measure. The tests show that the algorithm achieves high precision of localization.
FACIAL BIOMETRICS USING NONTENSOR PRODUCT WAVELET AND 2D DISCRIMINANT TECHNIQUES
Authors: ZHANG DAN , YOU XINGE , WANG PATRICK , YANUSHKEVICH SVETLANA N. , TANG YUAN YAN
Published: June 2009

A new facial biometric scheme is proposed in this paper. Three steps are included. First, a new nontensor product bivariate wavelet is utilized to get different facial frequency components. Then a modified 2D linear discriminant technique (M2DLD) is applied on these frequency components to enhance the discrimination of the facial features. Finally, support vector machine (SVM) is adopted for classification. Compared with the traditional tensor product wavelet, the new nontensor product wavelet can detect more singular facial features in the high-frequency components. Earlier studies show that the high-frequency components are sensitive to facial expression variations and minor occlusions, while the low-frequency component is sensitive to illumination changes. Therefore, there are two advantages of using the new nontensor product wavelet compared with the traditional tensor product one. First, the low-frequency component is more robust to the expression variations and minor occlusions, which indicates that it is more efficient in facial feature representation. Second, the corresponding high-frequency components are more robust to the illumination changes, subsequently it is more powerful for classification as well. The application of the M2DLD on these wavelet frequency components enhances the discrimination of the facial features while reducing the feature vectors dimension a lot. The experimental results on the AR database and the PIE database verified the efficiency of the proposed method.
ROBUST ADAPTED PRINCIPAL COMPONENT ANALYSIS FOR FACE RECOGNITION
Authors: CHEN SHAOKANG , LOVELL BRIAN C. , SHAN TING
Published: June 2009

Recognizing faces with uncontrolled pose, illumination, and expression is a challenging task due to the fact that features insensitive to one variation may be highly sensitive to the other variations. Existing techniques dealing with just one of these variations are very often unable to cope with the other variations. The problem is even more difficult in applications where only one gallery image per person is available. In this paper, we describe a recognition method, Adapted Principal Component Analysis (APCA), that can simultaneously deal with large variations in both illumination and facial expression using only a single gallery image per person. We have now extended this method to handle head pose variations in two steps. The first step is to apply an Active Appearance Model (AAM) to the non-frontal face image to construct a synthesized frontal face image. The second is to use APCA for classification robust to lighting and pose. The proposed technique is evaluated on three public face databases — Asian Face, Yale Face, and FERET Database — with images under different lighting conditions, facial expressions, and head poses. Experimental results show that our method performs much better than other recognition methods including PCA, FLD, PRM and LTP. More specifically, we show that by using AAM for frontal face synthesis from high pose angle faces, the recognition rate of our APCA method increases by up to a factor of 4.
SURFACE EFFECT CORRECTION OF MOISTURE DETERMINATION BY NEUTRON PROBE USING PSO TECHNIQUE AND MCNP
Authors: MOWLAWI ALI ASGHAR , YAZDI HADI SADOGHI , ARGHIANI MEHDI , ROOHI JABER , KOOHI-FAYEGH RAHIM , ALIZADEH AMIN
Published: June 2009

The usefulness of the neutron meter is limited for moisture measurement near the soil surface. In this present work, optimum dimension of a paraffin block has been calculated to correct the surface effect in order to use neutron probe near the soil surface by MCNP4C code and Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) technique. PSO is chiefly a technique to find a global or quasi-minimum for a nonlinear and non-convex optimization problem, and there have been few studies into optimization problems with discrete decision variables. The results show a paraffin block 23.55 × 23.55 cm2 square base with 4.84, 4.92, 5.10, 5.23, and 5.47 cm thickness which can correct the surface effect fairly for 0.10, 0.20, 0.30, 0.40, and 0.50 g/g moisture.
ANALYSIS OF MULTI-EXPONENTIATION ALGORITHM USING BINARY SIGNED-DIGIT REPRESENTATIONS
Authors: SUN DA-ZHI , HUAI JIN-PENG , SUN JI-ZHOU , LI JIAN-XIN
Published: June 2009

We concentrate our attention on the computational efficiency analysis of the multi-exponentiation algorithm using Yang et al.'s BSD representation, which is the generalization of Dimitrov et al.'s BSD representation. Our theoretical results are that the average number of multiplications is at least 1.527n by Yang et al.'s BSD representation and 1.537n by Dimitrov et al.'s BSD representation, where n is the bit-length of the exponents.
OPTIMAL DESIGN OF STRUCTURES USING THE SIMULTANEOUS PERTURBATION STOCHASTIC APPROXIMATION ALGORITHM
Authors: FALLAHIAN S. , HAMIDIAN D. , SEYEDPOOR S. M.
Published: June 2009

This paper presents an application of the simultaneous perturbation stochastic approximation (SPSA) algorithm to optimization of structures. This method requires only two structural analyses in each cycle of optimization process, regardless of optimization problem dimension. This characteristic is very promising in reduction of computational cost of optimization process, especially in problems with a large number of variables to be optimized. Furthermore, the stochastic nature of the SPSA can enhance the convergence of the method to achieve the global optimum. In order to assess the effectiveness of the proposed method some benchmark truss examples are considered. The numerical results demonstrate the competence of the method in comparison with the other methods found in the literature.
ON THE R-ORDER CONVERGENCE OF A THIRD ORDER METHOD IN BANACH SPACES UNDER MILD DIFFERENTIABILITY CONDITIONS
Authors: PARIDA P. K. , GUPTA D. K.
Published: June 2009

The aim of this paper is to discuss the convergence of a third order method for solving nonlinear equations F(x)=0 in Banach spaces by using recurrence relations. The convergence of the method is established under the assumption that the second Fréchet derivative of F satisfies a condition that is milder than Lipschitz/Hölder continuity condition. A family of recurrence relations based on two parameters depending on F is also derived. An existence-uniqueness theorem is also given that establish convergence of the method and a priori error bounds. A numerical example is worked out to show that the method is successful even in cases where Lipschitz/Hölder continuity condition fails.
THREE-DIMENSIONAL SURFACE CRACK ANALYSIS OF ELASTIC HALF-SPACE UNDER ROLLING CONTACT LOAD
Authors: CHEN MENG-CHENG , YU HUI-QIN
Published: June 2009

In this work a three-dimensional planar crack on the surface of elastic half-space was analyzed under rolling contact load. The stresses interior to an elastic half-space body under rolling contact load and those produced by an infinitesimal displacement jump loop for the elastic half-space body were used to reduce the planar crack problem to the solution of a system of two-dimensional hypersingular integral equations with unknown displacement jump. The ideas of finite element discretization were employed to construct numerical solution schemes for solving the integral equations. An appropriate treatment of the associated hypersingular integral in the numerical solution to the integral equations was proposed in Hadamard's finite-part integral sense. The numerical results showed that the present procedure yields solutions with high accuracies. The stress intensity factors near the crack front edge under rolling contact load were indicated in graphical form with varying the crack shape, the radius of rolling contact zone and the friction coefficients, respectively. In addition, the influence of the lubricant infiltrating the crack surfaces on the crack propagation was also discussed in the paper.
EFFECT OF RESTRICTION AND FLOW REYNOLDS NUMBER TO STUDY THE VARIATION OF HEMODYNAMIC PARAMETERS ACROSS COSINE SHAPED STENOTIC MODEL
Authors: BANERJEE MOLOY KUMAR , GANGULY RANJAN , DATTA AMITAVA
Published: June 2009

Arterial stenosis refers to the swelling of the endothelial wall due to plaque deposition and the associated disease is known as atherosclerosis. A stenosed artery reduces the maximum flow of blood through it by putting more resistance to the flow. The pressure of blood in a coronary artery is considered to be one of the important contributors for the formation and progression of atherosclerosis. Therefore, in this paper, the impact of flow Reynolds number (Re) and degree of stenosis (S) on wall pressure near the stenosis in a part of coronary artery is studied considering laminar flow and modeling blood as both Newtonian and non-Newtonian fluid. The two-dimensional steady differential equations for conservation of mass and momentum is solved by finite difference method through stenosed arteries having mild (S = 25%) to severe (S = 65%) occlusions and under different regimes of flow Reynolds numbers ranging from 50 to 400.

From the study, it is revealed that for all the cases a sharp variation in dimensionless wall pressure is observed near the zone of restriction. The peak centerline velocity and the peak value of wall shear stress (WSS), in the stenosed region is more sensitive to a change in the degree of occlusion rather than change in the flow Re. From the study it is also revealed that at high Re regime the irreversible pressure loss coefficient (CI) becomes insensitive to Re values and can be approximated to be a function of S only.
ON G SPACE THEORY
Authors: LIU G. R.
Published: June 2009

This paper presents an examinations of the G space theory that was established recently for a unified formulation of compatible and incompatible models for mechanics problems using the finite element and meshfree settings. Using the generalized gradient smoothing technique, we first give a general definition for G spaces with more details on the G1 space containing both continuous and discontinuous functions. The physical meanings and implications of various numerical treatments used in the G space theory are discussed in detail. Both normed and un-normed G spaces are discussed with emphases on the normed G spaces. Some important properties and a set of useful inequalities for the normed G spaces are proven in theory and analyzed in detail. Because discontinuous functions are allowed in a G space, much more types of function approximation methods and techniques can be used to create shape functions for numerical models. These models can be compatible and incomputable but are all stable and converge to the exact solution to the corresponding strong formulation as long as it is well-posed, based on the normed G space theory. Methods based on normed G space theory does not use the derivatives of the displacement functions in the formulation and is known as the weakened weak (W2) formulation that has a number of attractive properties such as conformability, softness, upper/lower bound, superconvergence, and ultra accuracy.
Stability Results for a Class of Differential Equation and Application in Medicine
Authors: Zhan Qingyi , Xie Xiangdong , Zhang Zhifang
Published: June 2009

A Chemostat system incorporating hepatocellular carcinomas
is discussed. The model generalizes the classical Chemostat model, and it assumes that the Chemostat is an increasing function of the concentration. The
asymptotic behavior of solutions is determined. Sufficient conditions for the
local and global asymptotic stability of equilibrium and numerical simulation
are obtained, which is used to select the disease control tactics.
Oxidative Stress in Chagas Disease
Authors: Gupta Shivali , Wen Jian-Jun , Garg Nisha Jain
Published: June 2009

There is growing evidence to suggest that chagasic myocardia are exposed to sustained oxidative stress induced injuries that may contribute to disease progression. Trypanosoma cruzi invasion- and replication-mediated cellular injuries and immune-mediated cytotoxic reactions are the common source of reactive oxygen species (ROS) during acute infection. Mitochondria are proposed to be the major source of ROS in chronic chagasic hearts. However, it has not been established yet, whether mitochondrial dysfunction is a causative factor in chagasic cardiomyopathy or a consequence of other pathological events. A better understanding of oxidative stress in relation to cardiac tissue damage would be useful in the evaluation of its true role in the pathogenesis of Chagas disease and other heart diseases. In this review, we discuss the evidence for increased oxidative stress in chagasic disease, with emphasis on mitochondrial abnormalities, and its role in sustaining oxidative stress in myocardium.
Virus‐Induced Gene Silencing, a Post Transcriptional Gene Silencing Method
Authors: Unver Turgay , Budak Hikmet
Published: June 2009

Virus‐induced gene silencing (VIGS) is one of the reverse genetics tools for analysis of gene function that uses viral vectors carrying a target gene fragment to produce dsRNA which trigger RNA‐mediated gene silencing. There are a number of viruses which have been modified to silence the gene of interest effectively with a sequence‐specific manner. Therefore, different types of methodologies have been advanced and modified for VIGS approach. Virus‐derived inoculations are performed on host plants using different methods such as agro‐infiltration and in vitro transcriptions. VIGS has many advantages compared to other loss‐of‐gene function approaches. The approach provides the generation of rapid phenotype and no need for plant transformation. The cost of VIGS experiment is relatively low, and large‐scale analysis of screening studies can be achieved by the VIGS. However, there are still limitations of VIGS to be overcome. Nowadays, many virus‐derived vectors are optimized to silence more than one host plant such as TRV‐derived viral vectors which are used for Arabidopsis and Nicothiana benthamiana. By development of viral silencing systems monocot plants can also be targeted as silencing host in addition to dicotyledonous plants. For instance, Barley stripe mosaic virus (BSMV)‐mediated VIGS allows silencing of barley and wheat genes. Here we summarize current protocols and recent modified viral systems to lead silencing of genes in different host species.
Semi‐simple Extension of the (Super) Poincaré Algebra
Authors: Soroka Dmitrij V. , Soroka Vyacheslav A.
Published: June 2009

A semi‐simple tensor extension of the Poincaré algebra is proposed for the arbitrary dimensions D. It is established that this extension is a direct sum of the D‐dimensional Lorentz algebra so(D − 1, 1) and D‐dimensional anti‐de Sitter (AdS) algebra so(D − 1, 2). A supersymmetric also semi‐simple generalization of this extension is constructed in the D = 4 dimensions. It is shown that this generalization is a direct sum of the 4‐dimensional Lorentz algebra so(3, 1) and orthosymplectic algebra osp(1, 4) (super‐AdS algebra).
Solitons, Peakons, and Periodic Cuspons of a Generalized Degasperis‐Procesi Equation
Authors: Zhou Jiangbo , Tian Lixin
Published: June 2009

We employ the bifurcation theory of planar dynamical systems to
investigate the exact travelling wave solutions of a generalized Degasperis‐Procesi
equation . The implicit expression of
smooth soliton solutions is given. The explicit expressions of peaked soliton solutions
and periodic cuspon solutions are also obtained. Further, we show the relationship
among the smooth soliton solutions, the peaked soliton solutions, and the periodic
cuspon solutions. The physical relevance of the found solutions and the reason why
these solutions can exist in this equation are also given.
A Twisted Block Tangential Filtering Decomposition Preconditioner
Authors: Wang Ruirui , Niu Qiang , Lu Linzhang
Published: June 2009

For block‐tridiagonal linear system of equations, a variant of tangential filtering preconditioners is proposed in this paper. The new variant is based on a twisted block factorization along with certain filtering property. For practical usage, a class of composite preconditioners
tested, which are constructed by combining the twisted tangential filtering decomposition
preconditioner with the classical ILU(0) preconditioner in a multiplicative way. The performance
of the new preconditioners is compared with other classical preconditioners; the superiority and
the weakness of the preconditioners are pointed out.
Development, Characterization, and Application of a Versatile Single Particle Detection Apparatus for Time-Integrated and Time-Resolved Fluorescence Measurements—Part I: Theoretical Considerations
Authors: Wu Xihong , Omenetto N. , Winefordner J. D.
Published: June 2009

Recent progress in aerosol science has resulted in more challenging demands in the design of new particle beam introduction systems. In this paper, the concept of a variable orifice aerodynamic lens system is presented and supported by the numerical simulation results. This novel particle beam inlet can serve as either a narrow band pass filter (a particle segregator) that only confines particles with a specific size or a broad band pass filter (a particle concentrator) that allows particles with a wide size range to be concentrated on the beam axis. Following a brief description of the inlet system, computational details are described. Simulation of this inlet has been carried out by the commercial computational fluid dynamics protocol FLUENT. Focusing performance and characteristic of single-thin plate orifices have been first revealed and discussed, and then the dynamics and advantages of using multiple lenses with variable orifices are addressed. It is clearly shown that the focusing size range can be primarily adjusted by varying the working pressure, the orifice geometry, and/or the arrangement of orifices. As a result, a selection of the desired particle focusing size range can be achieved without the need of changing the inlet, thus increasing the versatility of the device for a broad range of applications.
On the Conformational Properties of Amylose and Cellulose Oligomers in Solution
Authors: Winger Moritz , Christen Markus , van Gunsteren Wilfred F.
Published: June 2009

Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations were used to monitor the stability and
conformation of double-stranded and single-stranded amyloses and single-stranded
cellulose oligomers containing 9 sugar moieties in solution as a function of solvent
composition, ionic strength, temperature, and methylation state. This study along
with other previous studies suggests that hydrogen bonds are crucial for guaranteeing
the stability of the amylose double helix. Single-stranded amylose forms a helical
structure as well, and cellulose stays highly elongated throughout the simulation time, a
behavior that was also observed experimentally. In terms of coordination of solute
hydroxyl groups with ions, amylose shows entropy-driven coordination of calcium
and sulfate ions, whereas cellulose-ion coordination seems to be enthalpy-dominated.
This indicates that entropy considerations cannot be neglected when explaining the
structural differences between amyloses and celluloses.
Permanence and Global Attractivity of Discrete Predator‐Prey System with Hassell‐Varley Type Functional Response
Authors: Wu Runxin , Li Lin
Published: June 2009

By constructing a suitable Lyapunov function and using the comparison theorem of difference equation, sufficient conditions which ensure the permanence and global attractivity of the
discrete predator‐prey system with Hassell‐Varley type functional
response are obtained. Example together with its numerical simulation shows that the main results are verifiable.
Trace Determination of Linear Alkylbenzene Sulfonates: Applicationin Artificially Polluted Soil—Carrots System
Authors: Sablayrolles Caroline , Montréjaud-Vignoles Mireille , Silvestre Jérôme , Treilhou Michel
Published: June 2009

Surfactants are widely used in household and industrial products. The risk of incorporation of linear alkylbenzene sulfonates (LAS) from biosolids, wastewater, and fertilizers land application to the food chain is being assessed at present by the European Union. In the present work, a complete analytical method for LAS trace determination has been developed and successfully applied to LAS (C10–C13) uptake in carrot plants used as model. These carrots were grown in soil with the trace organics compounds added directly into the plant containers in pure substances form. LAS trace determination (μg kg−1 dry matter) in carrots samples was achieved by Soxtec apparatus and high‐performance liquid chromatography‐fluorescence detection. The methodology developed provides LAS determination at low detection limits (5 μg kg−1 dry matter) for carrot sample (2 g dry matter) with good recoveries rate (>90%). Transfer of LAS has been followed into the various parts of the carrot plant. LAS are generally found in the carrot leaves and percentage transfer remains very low (0.02%).
Development of SBR-Nanoclay Composites with Epoxidized Natural Rubber as Compatibilizer
Authors: Rajasekar R. , Heinrich Gert , Das Amit , Das Chapal Kumar
Published: June 2009

The significant factor that determines the improvement of properties in rubber by the incorporation of nanoclay is its distribution in the rubber matrix. The simple mixing of nonpolar rubber and organically modified nanoclay will not contribute for the good dispersion of nanofiller in the rubbery matrix. Hence a polar rubber like epoxidized natural rubber (ENR) can be used as a compatibilizer in order to obtain a better dispersion of the nanoclay in the matrix polymer. Epoxidized natural rubber and organically modified nanoclay composites (EC) were prepared by solution mixing. The nanoclay employed in this study is Cloisite 20A. The obtained nanocomposites were incorporated in styrene butadiene-rubber (SBR) compounds with sulphur as a curing agent. The morphology observed through X-ray diffraction (XRD) and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM) shows that the nanoclay is highly intercalated in ENR, and further incorporation of EC in SBR matrix leads to partial exfoliation of the nanoclay. Dynamic mechanical thermal analysis showed an increase in storage modulus and lesser damping characteristics for the compounds containing EC loading in SBR matrix. In addition, these compounds showed improvement in the mechanical properties.
Synergistic Induction of Apoptosis in Primary B-CLL Cells after Treatment with Recombinant Tumor Necrosis Factor-Related Apoptosis-Inducing Ligand and Histone Deacetylase Inhibitors
Authors: Norian Lyse A. , Kucaba Tamara A. , Earel James K. , Knutson Tina , vanOosten Rebecca L. , Griffith Thomas S.
Published: June 2009

Tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) is currently being investigated as a therapeutic agent for a variety of malignancies, as it triggers apoptosis specifically in transformed cells. However, TRAIL use as a stand alone therapeutic is hampered by the fact that many primary tumor cells are resistant to TRAIL-mediated apoptosis. Here, we investigated the extent to which pretreatment of TRAIL-resistant primary B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia (B-CLL) cells with histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACis) could render them susceptible to killing by TRAIL. We found that HDAC inhibition in B-CLL cells led to increased TRAIL receptor expression, increased caspase activation, decreased expression of antiapoptotic regulators such as Bcl-2, and ultimately, enhanced TRAIL-induced apoptosis. Importantly, untransformed peripheral blood mononuclear cells remained largely resistant to TRAIL, even in the presence of HDACis. These results suggest that combination therapies using HDAC inhibition and TRAIL could prove beneficial for the treatment of B-CLL.
High level modeling of Dynamic Reconfigurable FPGAs
Authors: Quadri Imran Rafiq , Meftali Samy , Dekeyser Jean-Luc
Published: June 2009

As System‐on‐Chip (SoC) based embedded systems have become a defacto industry standard, their overall design complexity has increased exponentially in recent years, necessitating the introduction of new seamless methodologies and tools to handle the SoC codesign aspects. This paper presents a novel SoC co‐design methodology based on Model Driven Engineering and the Modeling and Analysis of Real‐Time and Embedded Systems (MARTE) standard, permitting us to raise the abstraction levels and allows to model fine grain reconfigurable architectures such as FPGAs. Extensions of this methodology have enabled us to integrate new features such as Partial Dynamic Reconfiguration supported by Modern FPGAs. The overall objective is to carry out system modeling at a high abstraction level expressed in a graphical language like Unified Modeling Language (UML) and afterwards transformation of these models automatically generate the necessary code for FPGA synthesis.
A Novel Low‐Overhead Recovery Approach for Distributed Systems
Authors: Gupta B. , Rahimi S.
Published: June 2009

We have addressed the complex problem of recovery for concurrent failures in distributed computing environment. We have proposed a new approach in which we have effectively dealt with both orphan and lost messages. The proposed checkpointing and recovery approaches enable each process to restart from its recent checkpoint and hence guarantee the least amount of recomputation after recovery. It also means that a process needs to save only its recent local checkpoint. In this regard, we have introduced two new ideas. First, the proposed value of the common checkpointing interval is such that it enables an initiator process to log the minimum number of messages sent by each application process. Second, the determination of the lost messages is always done a priori by an initiator process; besides it is done while the normal distributed application is running. This is quite meaningful because it does not delay the recovery approach in any way.
Electrical Transport Properties of Ni95Ti5 Catalyzed Multi wall Carbon Nanotubes Film
Authors: Khan Zishan Husain , Salah Numan , Habib Sami
Published: June 2009

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) can be understood as one or more graphite sheets rolled up into a seamless cylinder. CNTs have gained much attention and scientific interest due to their unique properties and potential applications since their discovery in 1991. In the present work, we have deposited Ni95Ti5 film using thermal deposition method. Finally, the Ni95Ti5 catalyzed multi wall carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) are grown on silicon substrate using low pressure chemical vapor deposition (LPCVD) method and the electrical transport properties of this MWNTs film are studied over a temperature range (284–4K) to explain the conduction mechanism. We have suggested two types of conduction mechanism for the entire temperature range. For the temperature region (284–220K), the conduction is due to thermally activated process, whereas the conduction takes place via variable range hopping (VRH) for the temperature range of (220–4K). The VRH mechanism changes from three dimensions to two dimensions as we move down to the temperature below 50K. Therefore, the data for the temperature region (220–50K) is plotted for three dimensional variable range hopping (3D VRH) model and the two dimensional variable range hopping (2D VRH) for lower temperature range of
(50–4K). These VRH models give a good fit to the experimental data. Using these models, we have calculated various interesting electrical parameters such as activation energy, density of states, hopping distance and hopping energy.
Concurrent Phenologies of Three Semiaquatic Bugs (Heteroptera: Gerridae, Veliidae) on a Small River in Central Illinois, USA
Authors: Taylor Steven J.
Published: June 2009

The phenology of three species of Gerroidea (Heteroptera),Metrobates hesperiusUhler (Gerridae),Rhagovelia orianderParshley (Veliidae), andRhematobates tenuipesMeinert (Gerridae), was studied on a river in central Illinois (USA).Metrobates hesperiuswas the most abundant species, and was active from mid-May through mid-October. It was bivoltine and overwintered as eggs. Matinig and oviposition ofM. hesperiuswere observed in mid-July.Rhagovelia orianderwas present from mid-May to mid-November. This species was bivoltine (or possibly trivoltine), overwintering as eggs.Rheumatobates tenuipeswas not active until early August, and was present to mid-November and was univoltine. It overwinters as adults and possibly as nymphs, and may undergo an extended early season diapause. The three species occupied differing microhabitats and differed in periods of peak abundance, withM. hesperiusbeing most abundant from mid-May through the first of August, andR. tenuipesbeing most abundant from early August to mid-November.
Homomorphisms and Derivations in C∗‐Ternary Algebras
Authors: Najati Abbas , Park Choonkil , Lee Jung Rye
Published: June 2009

In 2006, C. Park proved the stability of homomorphisms in C∗‐ternary algebras and of derivations on C∗‐ternary algebras for the following
generalized Cauchy‐Jensen additive mapping: . In this note, we improve and generalize some results concerning this functional equation.
Reversible and Irreversible Binding of Nanoparticles to Polymeric Surfaces
Authors: Binder Wolfgang H. , Lomoschitz Marina , Sachsenhofer Robert , Friedbacher Gernot
Published: June 2009

Reversible and irreversible binding of CdSe‐nanoparticles and nanorods to polymeric surfaces via a strong, multiple hydrogen bond (= Hamilton‐receptor/barbituric acid) is described. Based on ROMP‐copolymers, the supramolecular interaction on a thin polymer film is controlled by living polymerization methods, attaching the Hamilton‐receptor in various architectures, and concentrations. Strong binding is observed with CdSe‐nanoparticles and CdSe‐nanorods, whose surfaces are equipped with matching barbituric acid‐moieties. Addition of polar solvents, able to break the hydrogen bonds leads to the detachment of the nanoparticles from the polymeric film. Irreversible binding is observed if an azide/alkine‐“click”‐reaction is conducted after supramolecular recognition of the nanoparticles on the polymeric surface. Thus reversible or irreversible attachment of the nanosized objects can be achieved.
Enterobiasis in Ectopic Locations Mimicking Tumor-Like Lesions
Authors: Pampiglione Silvio , Rivasi Francesco
Published: June 2009

Both the clinical and the histopathological diagnostic difficulties of oxyuriasis in unusual sites and their importance from a clinical point of view are pointed out. The authors report two ectoptic cases of enterobiasis observed in Northern Italy, one located in a fallopian tube of a 57-year-old woman and the other in a perianal subcutaneous tissue of a 59-year-old man, mimicking tumor-like lesions. The authors take advantage of the occasion to focus the attention of the medical world on this subject, lamenting the scarce importance given to this parasitosis in university courses of medical schools and in medical textbooks as it is incorrectly considered “out-of-fashion.”
Adaptive Error Resilience for Video Streaming
Authors: Siruvuri Lakshmi R. , Salama Paul , Kim Dongsoo S.
Published: June 2009

Compressed video sequences are vulnerable to channel errors, to the extent that minor errors and/or small losses can result in substantial degradation. Thus, protecting compressed data against channel errors is imperative. The use of channel coding schemes can be effective in reducing the impact of channel errors, although this requires that extra parity bits to be transmitted, thus utilizing more bandwidth. However, this can be ameliorated if the transmitter can tailor the parity data rate based on its knowledge regarding current channel conditions. This can be achieved via feedback from the receiver to the transmitter. This paper describes a channel emulation system comprised of a server/proxy/client combination that utilizes feedback from the client to adapt the number of Reed-Solomon parity symbols used to protect compressed video sequences against channel errors.
Production of a Blue Pigment (Glaukothalin) by MarineRheinheimeraspp.
Authors: Grossart Hans-Peter , Thorwest Marc , Plitzko Inken , Brinkhoff Thorsten , Simon Meinhard , Zeeck Axel
Published: June 2009

Twoγ-Proteobacteriastrains, that is, HP1 and HP9, which both produce a diffusible deep blue pigment, were isolated from the German Wadden Sea and from the Øresund, Denmark, respectively. Both strains affiliate with the genusRheinheimera. Small amounts of the pigment could be extracted from HP1 grown in a 50 L fermenter and were purified chromatographically. Chemical analysis of the pigment including NMR and mass spectrometry led to a molecular formula ofC34H56N4O4(m.w. 584.85) which has not yet been reported in literature. The molecule is highly symmetrically and consists of two heterocyclic halves to which aliphatic side chains are attached. The pigment has been named glaukothalin due to its blue color and its marine origin (glaukos,gr.=blue,thalatta,gr.=sea). Production of glaukothalin on MB2216 agar plates by ourRheinheimerastrains is affected in the presence of other bacterial strains either increasing or decreasing pigment production. The addition of a single amino acid, arginine (5 gl−1), greatly increases pigment production by ourRheinheimerastrains. Even though the production of glaukothalin leads to inhibitory activity against three bacterial strains from marine particles, ourRheinheimeraisolates are inhibited by various bacteria of different phylogenetic groups. The ecological role of glaukothalin production byRheinheimerastrains, however, remains largely unknown.
Oscillation Theorems for Second‐Order Damped Nonlinear Differential Equations
Authors: Qin Hui-Zeng , Ren Yongsheng
Published: June 2009

We present new oscillation criteria for the differential equation of the form [r(t)U(t)]′ + p(t)k2(x(t),  x′(t))|x(t)|νU(t) + q(t)ϕ(x(g1(t)), x′(g2(t)))f(x(t)) = 0, where , α ≤ β,   ν = (β − α)/(α + 1). Our research is different from most known ones in the sense that H function is not employed in our results, though Riccati′s substitution and its generalized forms are used. Our criteria which are established under quite general assumptions are an extension for previous results. In particular, by taking β = α, the above‐mentioned equation can be reduced into the various types of equations concerned by people currently.
Reliability Exercise for the Polymyalgia Rheumatica Classification Criteria Study: The Oranjewoud Ultrasound Substudy
Authors: Scheel Alexander K. , Matteson Eric L. , Dasgupta Bhaskar , Bruyn George A. W. , Ohrndorf Sarah , Werner Carola , Schmidt Wolfgang A.
Published: June 2009

Objective. A study supported by the EULAR and the ACR being conducted to establish classification criteria for polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) will include ultrasound examination of the shoulders and hips. Ultrasound (US) depicts glenohumeral joint effusion, biceps tenosynovitis, subdeltoid bursitis, hip joint synovitis, and trochanteric bursitis in PMR. These findings may aid in distinguishing PMR from other diseases. The purpose of this study was to assess standards and US interreader agreement of participants in the PMR classification criteria study.Methods. Sixteen physicians in four groups examined shoulders and hips of 4 patients and 4 healthy adults with ultrasound. Overall agreement and interobserver agreement were calculated.Results. The overall agreement (OA) between groups was 87%. The OA for healthy shoulders was 88.8%, for healthy hips 100%, for shoulders with pathology 85.2%, and 74.3% for hips with pathology, respectively.Conclusion. There was a high degree of agreement found for the examination of healthy shoulders and pathologic hips. Agreement was moderate for pathologic shoulders and perfect for healthy hips. US of shoulder and hips performed by different examiners is a reliable and feasible tool for assessment of PMR related disease pathology and can be incorporated into a classification criteria study.
Multimodal Imaging of Human Brain Activity: Rational, Biophysical Aspects and Modes of Integration
Authors: Blinowska Katarzyna , Müller-Putz Gernot , Kaiser Vera , Astolfi Laura , Vanderperren Katrien , Van Huffel Sabine , Lemieux Louis
Published: June 2009

Until relatively recently the vast majority of imaging and electrophysiological studies of human brain activity have relied on single‐modality measurements usually correlated with readily observable or experimentally modified behavioural or brain state patterns. Multi‐modal imaging is the concept of bringing together observations or measurements from different instruments. We discuss the aims of multi‐modal imaging and the ways in which it can be accomplished using representative applications. Given the importance of haemodynamic and electrophysiological signals in current multi‐modal imaging applications, we also review some of the basic physiology relevant to understanding their relationship.
Aberrant Methylation Inactivates Transforming Growth FactorβReceptor I in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Muñoz-Antonia Teresita , Torrellas-Ruiz Mariclara , Clavell Jonathan , Mathews Linda A. , Muro-Cacho Carlos A. , Báez Adriana
Published: June 2009

Background. Alterations in TGF-βsignaling are common in head and neck cancer (HNSCC). Mutations in TGF-βtype II receptor (TβR-II) occur frequently in HNSCC while TGF-βtype I receptor (TβR-I) mutations are rare, suggesting that other molecular alterations in the TGF-βpathway are likely. To identify abnormalities inTβR-Iexpression we analyzed 50 HNSCCs and correlated the results with clinical-pathologic features.Methods. Hypermethylation ofTβR-Iwas evaluated via methylation-specific PCR (MSP) and restriction enzyme-mediated PCR (MSRE). Mutations in exons 1 and 7, mRNA and protein expression were analyzed by direct sequencing, semiquantitative RT—PCR and immunohistochemistry, respectively.Results. TβR-Iexpression was lost in 83% HNSCCs and was linked to DNA hypermethylation of the CpG-rich promoter region in 62% of the tumors. The variants 9A/6A and Int7G24A were found in two patients.Conclusions. This study shows that suppression ofTβR-Iexpression in HNSCC is associated with DNA hypermethylation.
Methodologies for In Vitro Cloning of Small RNAs and Application for Plant Genome(s)
Authors: Devor Eric J. , Huang Lingyan , Abdukarimov Abdusattor , Abdurakhmonov Ibrokhim Y.
Published: June 2009

The “RNA revolution” that started at the end of the 20th century with the discovery of post‐transcriptional gene silencing and its mechanism via RNA interference (RNAi) placed tiny 21‐24 nucleotide long noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) in the forefront of biology as one of the most important regulatory elements in a host of physiologic processes. The discovery of new classes of ncRNAs including endogenous small interfering RNAs, microRNAs, and PIWI‐interacting RNAs is a hallmark in the understanding of RNA‐dependent gene regulation. New generation high‐throughput sequencing technologies further accelerated the studies of this “tiny world” and provided their global characterization and validation in many biological systems with sequenced genomes. Nevertheless, for the many “yet‐unsequenced” plant genomes, the discovery of small RNA world requires in vitro cloning from purified cellular RNAs. Thus, reproducible methods for in vitro small RNA cloning are of paramount importance and will remain so into the foreseeable future. In this paper, we present a description of existing small RNA cloning methods as well as next‐generation sequencing methods that have accelerated this research along with a description of the application of one in vitro cloning method in an initial small RNA survey in the “still unsequenced” allotetraploid cotton genome.