bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
THE DYNAMICAL ISOSPIN EFFECT ON PROTON-INDUCED REACTIONS ON Sn ISOTOPES
Authors: LI ZHUXIA , OU LI
Published: December 2008

In this talk we present a model, Improved Quantum Molecular Dynamics (ImQMD05) model incorporated with a Statistical Decay Model (SDM), to describe intermediate energy proton induced spallation reactions. A good agreement with experimental data of double differential cross sections of emitted neutrons is obtained. We further apply this model to study the isospin effect in proton induced spallation reactions on a series Sn isotope targets. We find that the systematic behavior of the reaction cross sections for Sn isotope targets deviates from the empirical expression obtained by fitting the experimental data for proton induced spallation reactions on target nuclei along β-stability line. The extent of the deviation depends on the density dependence of the symmetry energy strongly. We also find an obvious shift of the elastic scattering angular distribution of emitted protons when the symmetry energy is taken into account for neutron-rich Sn isotope targets and the angle shifted strongly depends on the stiffness of the symmetry energy. The attractive effect of the symmetry potential of target on incident proton directly influences the motion of the incident proton leading to strong isospin effect on the reaction dynamics and thus on these reaction observables. We conclude that the measurement of reaction cross sections and the elastic scattering angular distributions in proton induced spallation reactions on Sn isotopes can provide clear constraint for the density dependence of symmetry energy.
INVESTIGATIONS ON THE NUCLEAR HALO STRUCTURES
Authors: LIANG YU-JIE , LIU ZU-HUA , ZHOU HONG-YU
Published: December 2008

The halo structures in some light nuclei are investigated systemically with the nuclear asymptotic normalization coefficient (ANC) method and the relativistic mean-field (RMF) theory. Some important results about the halo structures in mirror nuclei are obtained, and some qualitative analyses are made to explore the role of Coulomb effects on the formation of proton halo nuclei.
THE INNER CRUST OF NEUTRON STARS IN RELATIVISTIC MEAN FIELD APPROACH
Authors: CAO JIGUANG , MA ZHONGYU , VAN GIAI NGUYEN
Published: December 2008

The microscopic properties and superfluidity of the inner crust in neutron stars are investigated in the framework of the relativistic mean field(RMF) model and BCS theory. The Wigner-Seitz(W-S) cell of inner crust is composed of neutron-rich nuclei immersed in a sea of dilute, homogeneous neutron gas. The pairing properties of nucleons in the W-S cells are treated in BCS theory with Gogny interaction. In this work, we emphasize on the choice of the boundary conditions in the RMF approach and superfluidity of the inner crust. Three kinds of boundary conditions are suggested. The properties of the W-S cells with the three kinds of boundary conditions are investigated. The neutron density distributions in the RMF and Hartree-Fock-Bogoliubov(HFB) models are compared.
CONSTRAINING THE SYMMETRY ENERGY: A JOURNEY IN THE ISOSPIN PHYSICS FROM COULOMB BARRIER TO DECONFINEMENT
Authors: DI TORO M. , COLONNA M. , GRECO V. , FERINI G. , RIZZO C. , RIZZO J. , BARAN V. , GAITANOS T. , PRASSA V. , WOLTER H. H. , ZIELINSKA-PFABE M.
Published: December 2008

Heavy Ion Collisions (HIC) represent a unique tool to probe the in-medium nuclear interaction in regions away from saturation. In this work we present a selection of reaction observables in dissipative collisions particularly sensitive to the isovector part of the interaction, i.e.to the symmetry term of the nuclear Equation of State (EoS). At low energies the behavior of the symmetry energy around saturation influences dissipation and fragment production mechanisms. We will first discuss the recently observed Dynamical Dipole Radiation, due to a collective neutron-proton oscillation during the charge equilibration in fusion and deep-inelastic collisions. Important Iso - EOS are stressed. Reactions induced by unstable132Sn beams appear to be very promising tools to test the sub-saturation Isovector EoS. New Isospin sensitive observables are also presented for deep-inelastic, fragmentation collisions and Isospin equilibration measurements (Imbalance Ratios).

The high density symmetry term can be derived from isospin effects on heavy ion reactions at relativistic energies (few AGeV range), that can even allow a "direct" study of the covariant structure of the isovector interaction in the hadron medium. Rather sensitive observables are proposed from collective flows and from pion/kaon production. The possibility of the transition to a mixed hadron-quark phase, at high baryon and isospin density, is finally suggested. Some signatures could come from an expected "neutron trapping" effect. The importance of studying violent collisions with radioactive beams from low to relativistic energies is finally stressed.
ANISOTROPIC FLOWS OF NUCLEAR CLUSTERS AND HARD PHOTONS IN INTERMEDIATE ENERGY HEAVY ION COLLISIONS
Authors: LIU GUI-HUA , YAN TING-ZHI , MA YU-GANG , CAI X. Z. , FANG D. Q. , SHEN W. Q. , TIAN W. D. , WANG H. W. , WANG K.
Published: December 2008

Anisotropic flows of light nuclear clusters and hard photons are studied by nucleonic transport models in intermediate energy heavy ion collisions. The transverse momentum and rapidity dependences of the directed flow (v1) and elliptic flow (v2) are studied for light nuclear clusters and their scaling behaviors are found. The ratio of [Formula: see text] of nuclear clusters show a constant value of 1/2. Proton-neutron bremsstrahlung hard photon shows non-zero flows with the contrary sign of proton's flows.
DORSAL DISLOCATIONS OF THE SECOND TO FIFTH CARPOMETACARPAL JOINTS: A CASE REPORT
Authors: Mito Kazuaki , Nakamura Toshiyasu , Sato Kazuki , Toyama Yoshiaki , Ikegami Hiroyasu
Published: December 2008

Dislocations involving the four ulnar carpometacarpal joints are rare. These complex dislocations are considered to be due to the application of a hyperflexion force on the metacarpal heads. In the present case, an indirect hyperextension force on the metacarpal bones created a lever-arm effect resulting in rupture of the firm ligament complex of the carpometacarpal joints, inducing complete dislocations of the second to fifth carpometacarpal joints.
ANATOMICAL STUDY OF ARTHROSCOPIC SURGERY FOR LATERAL EPICONDYLITIS
Authors: Ando Ryo , Arai Takeshi , Beppu Moroe , Hirata Kazuaki , Takagi Masayuki
Published: December 2008

We conducted an anatomical study of arthroscopic surgery for lateral epicondylitis. Currently, the pathogenesis suggests that lateral epicondylitis is caused by extra-articular lesions or intra-articular lesions. We anatomically and histologically examined the relationship between extensor carpi radialis brevis (ECRB), articular capsules, and the lateral collateral ligament complex (LCLC). In addition, we examined the number and location of synovial fringes. This study will be useful for less-invasive treatment of lateral epicondylitis.
BANDWIDTH EMPIRICAL MODE DECOMPOSITION AND ITS APPLICATION
Authors: XIE QIWEI , XUAN BO , PENG SILONG , LI JIANPING , XU WEIXUAN , HAN HUA
Published: December 2008

There are some methods to decompose a signal into different components such as: Fourier decomposition and wavelet decomposition. But they have limitations in some aspects. Recently, there is a new signal decomposition algorithm called the Empirical Mode Decomposition (EMD) Algorithm which provides a powerful tool for adaptive multiscale analysis of nonstationary signals. Recent works have demonstrated that EMD has remarkable effect in time series decomposition, but EMD also has several problems such as scale mixture and convergence property. This paper proposes two key points to design Bandwidth EMD to improve on the empirical mode decomposition algorithm. By analyzing the simulated and actual signals, it is confirmed that the Intrinsic Mode Functions (IMFs) obtained by the bandwidth criterion can approach the real components and reflect the intrinsic information of the analyzed signal. In this paper, we use Bandwidth EMD to decompose electricity consumption data into cycles and trend which help us recognize the structure rule of the electricity consumption series.
A WAVELET SUPPORT VECTOR MACHINE COUPLED METHOD FOR TIME SERIES PREDICTION
Authors: BEN MABROUK ANOUAR , KORTAS HEDI , DHIFAOUI ZOUHAIER
Published: December 2008

In this paper, a hybrid scheme for time series prediction is developed based on wavelet decomposition combined with Bayesian Least Squares Support Vector Machine regression. As a filtering step, using the Maximal Overlap Discrete Wavelet Transform, the original time series is mapped on a scale-by-scale basis yielding an outcome set of new time series with simpler temporal dynamic structures. Next, a scale-by-scale Bayesian Least Squares Support Vector Machine predictor is provided. Individual scale predictions are subsequently recombined to yield an overall forecast. The relevance of the suggested procedure is shown on the NINO3 SST anomaly index via a comparison with the existing methods for modeling and prediction.
Sketch-based tree modeling using Markov random field
Authors: Chen Xuejin , Neubert Boris , Xu Ying-Qing , Deussen Oliver , Kang Sing Bing
Published: December 2008

In this paper, we describe a new system for converting a user's freehand sketch of a tree into a full 3D model that is both complex and realistic-looking. Our system does this by probabilistic optimization based on parameters obtained from a database of tree models. The best matching model is selected by comparing its 2D projections with the sketch. Branch interaction is modeled by a Markov random field, subject to the constraint of 3D projection to sketch. Our system then uses the notion of self-similarity to add new branches before finally populating all branches with leaves of the user's choice. We show a variety of natural-looking tree models generated from freehand sketches with only a few strokes.
Synthesis of constrained walking skills
Authors: Coros Stelian , Beaudoin Philippe , Yin Kang Kang , van de Panne Michiel
Published: December 2008

Simulated characters in simulated worlds require simulated skills. We develop control strategies that enable physically-simulated characters to dynamically navigate environments with significant stepping constraints, such as sequences of gaps. We present a synthesis-analysis-synthesis framework for this type of problem. First, an offline optimization method is applied in order to compute example control solutions for randomly-generated example problems from the given task domain. Second, the example motions and their underlying control patterns are analyzed to build a low-dimensional step-to-step model of the dynamics. Third, this model is exploited by a planner to solve new instances of the task at interactive rates. We demonstrate real-time navigation across constrained terrain for physics-based simulations of 2D and 3D characters. Because the framework sythesizes its own example data, it can be applied to bipedal characters for which no motion data is available.
Real-time KD-tree construction on graphics hardware
Authors: Zhou Kun , Hou Qiming , Wang Rui , Guo Baining
Published: December 2008

We present an algorithm for constructing kd-trees on GPUs. This algorithm achieves real-time performance by exploiting the GPU's streaming architecture at all stages of kd-tree construction. Unlike previous parallel kd-tree algorithms, our method builds tree nodes completely in BFS (breadth-first search) order. We also develop a special strategy for large nodes at upper tree levels so as to further exploit the fine-grained parallelism of GPUs. For these nodes, we parallelize the computation over all geometric primitives instead of nodes at each level. Finally, in order to maintain kd-tree quality, we introduce novel schemes for fast evaluation of node split costs.

As far as we know, ours is the first real-time kd-tree algorithm on the GPU. The kd-trees built by our algorithm are of comparable quality as those constructed by off-line CPU algorithms. In terms of speed, our algorithm is significantly faster than well-optimized single-core CPU algorithms and competitive with multi-core CPU algorithms. Our algorithm provides a general way for handling dynamic scenes on the GPU. We demonstrate the potential of our algorithm in applications involving dynamic scenes, including GPU ray tracing, interactive photon mapping, and point cloud modeling.
Shield fields
Authors: Lanman Douglas , Raskar Ramesh , Agrawal Amit , Taubin Gabriel
Published: December 2008

We describe a unified representation of occluders in light transport and photography using shield fields: the 4D attenuation function which acts on any light field incident on an occluder. Our key theoretical result is that shield fields can be used to decouple the effects of occluders and incident illumination. We first describe the properties of shield fields in the frequency-domain and briefly analyze the "forward" problem of efficiently computing cast shadows. Afterwards, we apply the shield field signal-processing framework to make several new observations regarding the "inverse" problem of reconstructing 3D occluders from cast shadows -- extending previous work on shape-from-silhouette and visual hull methods. From this analysis we develop the first single-camera, single-shot approach to capture visual hulls without requiring moving or programmable illumination. We analyze several competing camera designs, ultimately leading to the development of a new large-format, mask-based light field camera that exploits optimal tiled-broadband codes for light-efficient shield field capture. We conclude by presenting a detailed experimental analysis of shield field capture and 3D occluder reconstruction.
A photometric approach for estimating normals and tangents
Authors: Holroyd Michael , Lawrence Jason , Humphreys Greg , Zickler Todd
Published: December 2008

This paper presents a technique for acquiring the shape of real-world objects with complex isotropic and anisotropic reflectance. Our method estimates the local normal and tangent vectors at each pixel in a reference view from a sequence of images taken under varying point lighting. We show that for many real-world materials and a restricted set of light positions, the 2D slice of the BRDF obtained by fixing the local view direction is symmetric under reflections of the halfway vector across the normal-tangent and normal-binormal planes. Based on this analysis, we develop an optimization that estimates the local surface frame by identifying these planes of symmetry in the measured BRDF. As with other photometric methods, a key benefit of our approach is that the input is easy to acquire and is less sensitive to calibration errors than stereo or multi-view techniques. Unlike prior work, our approach allows estimating the surface tangent in the case of anisotropic reflectance. We confirm the accuracy and reliability of our approach with analytic and measured data, present several normal and tangent fields acquired with our technique, and demonstrate applications to appearance editing.
Random-access rendering of general vector graphics
Authors: Nehab Diego , Hoppe Hugues
Published: December 2008

We introduce a novel representation for random-access rendering of antialiased vector graphics on the GPU, along with efficient encoding and rendering algorithms. The representation supports a broad class of vector primitives, including multiple layers of semitransparent filled and stroked shapes, with quadratic outlines and color gradients. Our approach is to create a coarse lattice in which each cell contains a variable-length encoding of the graphics primitives it overlaps. These cell-specialized encodings are interpreted at runtime within a pixel shader. Advantages include localized memory access and the ability to map vector graphics onto arbitrary surfaces, or under arbitrary deformations. Most importantly, we perform both prefiltering and supersampling within a single pixel shader invocation, achieving inter-primitive antialiasing at no added memory bandwidth cost. We present an efficient encoding algorithm, and demonstrate high-quality real-time rendering of complex, real-world examples.
IGT
Authors: García Ismael , Patow Gustavo
Published: December 2008

Preserving details from a high resolution reference model onto lower resolution models is a complex, and sometimes daunting, task as manual intervention is required to correct texture misplacements. Inverse Geometric Textures (IGT) is a parameterization-independent texturing technique that allows preservation of texture details from a high resolution reference model onto lower resolutions, generated with any given simplification method. IGT uses a parameterization defined on the reference model to generate an inversely parameterized texture that stores, for each texel, a list with information about all the triangles mapped onto it. In this way, for any valid texture coordinate, IGT can identify the point and the triangle of the detailed model that was projected, allowing details from the reference model to be applied onto the fragment from the low-resolution model. IGT is encoded in compact data structures and can be evaluated quickly. Furthermore, the high resolution model can have its own independentartist-provided, unmodified parameterization, so that no additional effort is required to directly use artist-designed content.
Phong Tessellation
Authors: Boubekeur Tamy , Alexa Marc
Published: December 2008

Modern 3D engines used in real-time applications provide shading that hides the lack of higher order continuity inside the shapes using modulated normals, textures, and tone-mapping -- artifacts remain only on interior contours and silhouettes if the surface geometry is not smooth. The basic idea in this paper is to apply a purely local refinement strategy that inflates the geometry enough to avoid these artifacts. Our technique is a geometric version of Phong normal interpolation, not applied on normals but on the vertex positions. We call this strategy Phong Tessellation.
Interactive example-based urban layout synthesis
Authors: Aliaga Daniel G. , Vanegas Carlos A. , Benes Bedrich
Published: December 2008

We present an interactive system for synthesizing urban layouts by example. Our method simultaneously performs both a structure-based synthesis and an image-based synthesis to generate a complete urban layout with a plausible street network and with aerial-view imagery. Our approach uses the structure and image data of real-world urban areas and a synthesis algorithm to provide several high-level operations to easily and interactively generate complex layouts by example. The user can create new urban layouts by a sequence of operations such as join, expand, and blend without being concerned about low-level structural details. Further, the ability to blend example urban layout fragments provides a powerful way to generate new synthetic content. We demonstrate our system by creating urban layouts using example fragments from several real-world cities, each ranging from hundreds to thousands of city blocks and parcels.
Magnets in motion
Authors: Thomaszewski Bernhard , Gumann Andreas , Pabst Simon , Straßer Wolfgang
Published: December 2008

We introduce magnetic interaction for rigid body simulation. Our approach is based on an equivalent dipole method and as such it is discrete from the ground up. Our approach is symmetric as we base both field and force computations on dipole interactions. Enriching rigid body simulation with magnetism allows for many new and interesting possibilities in computer animation and special effects. Our method also allows the accurate computation of magnetic fields for arbitrarily shaped objects, which is especially interesting for pedagogy as it allows the user to visually discover properties of magnetism which would otherwise be difficult to grasp. We demonstrate our method on a variety of problems and our results reflect intuitive as well as surprising effects. Our method is fast and can be coupled with any rigid body solver to simulate dozens of magnetic objects at interactive rates.
Optimizing cubature for efficient integration of subspace deformations
Authors: An Steven S. , Kim Theodore , James Doug L.
Published: December 2008

We propose an efficient scheme for evaluating nonlinear subspace forces (and Jacobians) associated with subspace deformations. The core problem we address is efficient integration of the subspace force density over the 3D spatial domain. Similar to Gaussian quadrature schemes that efficiently integrate functions that lie in particular polynomial subspaces, we propose cubature schemes (multi-dimensional quadrature) optimized for efficient integration of force densities associated with particular subspace deformations, particular materials, and particular geometric domains. We support generic subspace deformation kinematics, and nonlinear hyperelastic materials. For anr-dimensional deformation subspace withO(r) cubature points, our method is able to evaluate sub-space forces atO(r2) cost. We also describe composite cubature rules for runtime error estimation. Results are provided for various subspace deformation models, several hyperelastic materials (St.Venant-Kirchhoff, Mooney-Rivlin, Arruda-Boyce), and multi-modal (graphics, haptics, sound) applications. We show dramatically better efficiency than traditional Monte Carlo integration.
The profession of ITEvolutionary system development
Authors: Denning Peter J. , Gunderson Chris , Hayes-Roth Rick
Published: December 2008

Large systems projects are failing at an alarming rate. It's time to take evolutionary design methods off the shelf
.
High-performance web sites
Authors: Souders Steve
Published: December 2008

Want to make your Web site fly? Focus on frontend performance.
Got data?
Authors: Berman Francine
Published: December 2008

Tools for surviving a data deluge to ensure your data will be there when you need it.
Dynamic privacy assessment in a smart house environment using multimodal sensing
Authors: Moncrieff Simon , Venkatesh Svetha , West Geoff
Published: December 2008

Surveillance applications in private environments such as smart houses require a privacy management policy if such systems are to be accepted by the occupants of the environment. This is due to the invasive nature of surveillance, and the private nature of the home. In this article, we propose a framework for dynamically altering the privacy policy applied to the monitoring of a smart house based on the situation within the environment. Initially the situation, or context, within the environment is determined; we identify several factors for determining environmental context, and propose methods to quantify the context using audio and binary sensor data. The context is then mapped to an appropriate privacy policy, which is implemented by applying data hiding techniques to control access to data gathered from various information sources. The significance of this work lies in the examination of privacy issues related to assisted-living smart house environments. A single privacy policy in such applications would be either too restrictive for an observer, for example, a carer, or too invasive for the occupants. We address this by proposing a dynamic method, with the aim of decreasing the invasiveness of the technology, while retaining the purpose of the system.
Sensing and using social context
Authors: Adams Brett , Phung Dinh , Venkatesh Svetha
Published: December 2008

We present online algorithms to extract social context: Social spheres are labeled locations of significance, represented as convex hulls extracted from GPS traces. Colocation is determined from Bluetooth and GPS to extract social rhythms, patterns in time, duration, place, and people corresponding to real-world activities. Social ties are formulated from proximity and shared spheres and rhythms. Quantitative evaluation is performed for 10+ million samples over 45 man-months. Applications are presented with assessment of perceived utility:
Socio-Graph
, a video and photo browser with filters for social metadata, and
Jive
, a blog browser that uses rhythms to discover similarity between entries automatically.
Offering data confidentiality for multimedia overlay multicast
Authors: Yiu Wai-Pun Ken , Chan Shueng-Han Gary
Published: December 2008

Application layer multicast (ALM) has been proposed to overcome current limitations in IP multicast for large-group multimedia communication. We address offering data confidentiality tailored for ALM. To achieve confidentiality, a node may need to continuously
re-encrypt
packets before forwarding them downstream. Furthermore, keys have to be changed whenever there is a membership change, leading to
rekey
processing overhead at the nodes. For a large and dynamic group, these reencryption and rekeying operations incur high processing overhead at the nodes. We propose and analyze a scalable scheme called Secure Overlay Multicast (SOM) which clusters ALM peers so as to localize rekeying within a cluster and to limit re-encryption at cluster boundaries, thereby minimizing the total nodal processing overhead. We describe the operations of SOM and compare its nodal processing overhead with two other basic approaches, namely, host-to-host encryption and whole group encryption. We also present a simplified analytic model for SOM and show that there exists an optimal cluster size to minimize the total nodal processing overhead. By comparing with a recently proposed ALM scheme (DT protocol), SOM achieves a substantial reduction in nodal processing overhead with similar network performance in terms of network stress and delay.
Estimation of certainty for responses to multiple-choice questionnaires using eye movements
Authors: Nakayama Minoru , Takahasi Yosiyuki
Published: December 2008

To examine the feasibility of estimating the degree of strength of belief (SOB) of responses using eye movements, the scan paths of eye movements were analyzed while subjects reviewed their own responses to multiple choice tasks. All fixation points of eye movements were classified into visual areas, or cells, which corresponded with the positions of answers. Two estimation procedures are proposed using eye-movement data. The first one is identifying SOB using scan-path transitions. By comparing subject's reports of high and low SOB and eye-movement estimations, a significant correct rate of discrimination of SOB was observed. When the threshold of discrimination was controlled, a high rate of correct responses was obtained if it was set at a low level.

The second procedure is conducting SOB discrimination using support vector machines (SVM) trained with features of fixations. Subject's gazing features were analyzed while they reviewed their own responses. A discrimination model for SOB was trained with several combinations of features to see whether performance of a significant level could be obtained. As a result, a trained model with 3 features (which consist of interval time, vertical difference, and length between fixations) can provide significant discrimination performance for SOB.

These results provide evidence that strength of belief can be estimated using eye movements
End-to-end delay control of multimedia applications over multihop wireless links
Authors: He Wenbo , Nahrstedt Klara , Liu Xue
Published: December 2008

The proliferation of multimedia applications over mobile, resource-constrained wireless networks has raised the need for techniques that adapt these applications both to clients' Quality of Service (QoS) requirements and to network resource constraints. This article investigates the upper-layer adaptation mechanisms to achieve end-to-end delay control for multimedia applications. The proposed adaptation approach spans application layer, middleware layer and network layer. In application layer, the requirement adaptor dynamically changes the requirement levels according to end-to-end delay measurement and acceptable QoS requirements for the end-users. In middleware layer, the priority adaptor is used to dynamically adjust the service classes for applications using feedback control theory. In network layer, the service differentiation scheduler assigns different network resources (e.g., bandwidth) to different service classes. With the coordination of these three layers, our approach can adaptively assign resources to multimedia applications. To evaluate the impact of our adaptation scheme, we built a real IEEE 802.11 ad hoc network testbed. The test-bed experiments show that the proposed upper-layer adaptation for end-to-end delay control successfully adjusts multimedia applications to meet delay requirements in many scenarios.
Cultural applications for mobile devices: Issues and requirements for authoring tools and development platforms
Authors: Economou Daphne , Gavalas Damianos , Kenteris Michael , Tsekouras George E.
Published: December 2008

This paper explores requirements that authoring tools and development platforms should satisfy for the development of cultural applications tailored for deployment on Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs) and mobile phones. To effectively determine such requirements the paper reviews the use of mobile technologies in the context of cultural organizations and tourism and examines three 'real world' case studies that focus on the use of PDAs and mobile phones for providing cultural and tourist information, keeping the visitors' interest and attention, as well as promoting various cultural organizations and tourist facilities. This approach allows the extraction of a set of PDA and mobile phone application requirements, the implementation of which is based on the apparatus offered by authoring tools and development platforms. The paper reviews and evaluates the design and development facilities provided by state-of-the-art multimedia application development tools for PDAs and mobile phones: Macromedia Flash Lite, Navipocket, Java 2 Micro Edition and Microsoft .Net platform for the Mobile Web. The paper concludes with a set of recommendations related to the way authoring tools and development platforms should be exploited in order to gratify application and designer needs for developing cultural and tourist applications
Wireless open metropolitan area networks
Authors: Barceló J. , Sfairopoulou A. , Bellalta B.
Published: December 2008

IEEE 802.11 technologies allow the deployment of metropolitan access networks. This paper details the reasons for making these networks open to several service providers. The sharing of the wireless access network fosters competition and ultimately benefits the users. The second part of the paper describes the available technologies that allow such infrastructure sharing and compare them in terms of security, scalability, maturity and convenience.
The conference reviewing crisis and a proposed solution
Authors: Jagadish H. V.
Published: December 2008

In Computer Science, we have developed a vibrant conference culture, which has served us well thus far. However, with the growth of our field, the number of submissions to many conferences has sky-rocketed, leading to a downward spiral in reviewing quality and author satisfaction. This article proposes to break this downward spiral for the database community through JDMR, a journal for short "conference style" papers with rapid turn-around. An initial step toward this vision has been taken by VLDB.
Renin dynamics in adipose tissue: adipose tissue control of local renin concentrations
Authors: Fowler Jason D. , Krueth Stacy B. , Bernlohr David A. , Katz Stephen A.
Published: December 2008

The renin-angiotensin system (RAS) has been implicated in a variety of adipose tissue functions, including tissue growth, differentiation, metabolism, and inflammation. Although expression of all components necessary for a locally derived adipose tissue RAS has been demonstrated within adipose tissue, independence of local adipose RAS component concentrations from corresponding plasma RAS fluctuations has not been addressed. To analyze this, we varied in vivo rat plasma concentrations of two RAS components, renin and angiotensinogen (AGT), to determine the influence of their plasma concentrations on adipose and cardiac tissue levels in both perfused (plasma removed) and nonperfused samples. Variation of plasma RAS components was accomplished by four treatment groups: normal, DOCA salt, bilateral nephrectomy, and losartan. Adipose and cardiac tissue AGT concentrations correlated positively with plasma values. Perfusion of adipose tissue decreased AGT concentrations by 11.1%, indicating that adipose tissue AGT was in equilibrium with plasma. Cardiac tissue renin levels positively correlated with plasma renin concentration for all treatments. In contrast, adipose tissue renin levels did not correlate with plasma renin, with the exception of extremely high plasma renin concentrations achieved in the losartan-treated group. These results suggest that adipose tissue may control its own local renin concentration independently of plasma renin as a potential mechanism for maintaining a functional local adipose RAS.
Enhanced cortisol production rates, free cortisol, and 11β-HSD-1 expression correlate with visceral fat and insulin resistance in men: effect of weight loss
Authors: Purnell Jonathan Q. , Kahn Steven E. , Samuels Mary H. , Brandon David , Loriaux D. Lynn , Brunzell John D.
Published: December 2008

Controversy exists as to whether endogenous cortisol production is associated with visceral obesity and insulin resistance in humans. We therefore quantified cortisol production and clearance rates, abdominal fat depots, insulin sensitivity, and adipocyte gene expression in a cohort of 24 men. To test whether the relationships found are a consequence rather than a cause of obesity, eight men from this larger group were studied before and after weight loss. Daily cortisol production rates (CPR), free cortisol levels (FC), and metabolic clearance rates (MCR) were measured by stable isotope methodology and 24-h sampling; intra-abdominal fat (IAF) and subcutaneous fat (SQF) by computed tomography; insulin sensitivity (SI) by frequently sampled intravenous glucose tolerance test; and adipocyte 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase-1 (11β-HSD-1) gene expression by quantitative RT-PCR from subcutaneous biopsies. Increased CPR and FC correlated with increased IAF, but not SQF, and with decreased SI. Increased 11β-HSD-1 gene expression correlated with both IAF and SQF and with decreased SI. With weight loss, CPR, FC, and MCR did not change compared with baseline; however, with greater loss in body fat than lean mass during weight loss, both CPR and FC increased proportionally to final fat mass and IAF and 11β-HSD-1 decreased compared with baseline. These data support a model in which increased hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal activity in men promotes selective visceral fat accumulation and insulin resistance and may promote weight regain after diet-induced weight loss, whereas 11β-HSD-1 gene expression in SQF is a consequence rather than cause of adiposity.
Vasopressin receptor V1a regulates circadian rhythms of locomotor activity and expression of clock-controlled genes in the suprachiasmatic nuclei
Authors: Li Jia-Da , Burton Katherine J. , Zhang Chengkang , Hu Shuang-Bao , Zhou Qun-Yong
Published: December 2008

The suprachiasmatic nuclei (SCN) serve as the principal circadian pacemakers that coordinate daily cycles of behavior and physiology for mammals. A network of transcriptional and translational feedback loops underlies the operating molecular mechanism for circadian oscillation within the SCN neurons. It remains unclear how timing information is transmitted from SCN neurons to eventually evoke circadian rhythms. Intercellular communication between the SCN and its target neurons is critical for the generation of coherent circadian rhythms. At the molecular level, neuropeptides encoded by clock-controlled genes have been indicated as important output mediators. Arginine vasopressin (AVP) is the product of one such clock-controlled gene. Previous studies have demonstrated a circadian rhythm of AVP levels in the cerebrospinal fluid and the SCN. The physiological effects of AVP are mediated by three types of AVP receptors, designated as V1a, V1b, and V2. In this study, we report that V1a mRNA levels displayed a circadian rhythm in the SCN, peaking during night hours. The circadian rhythmicity of locomotor activities was significantly reduced in V1a-deficient ( V1a−/−) mice (50–75% reduction in the power of fast Fourier transformation). However, the light masking and light-induced phase shift effects are intact in V1a−/− mice. Whereas the expression of clock core genes was unaltered, the circadian amplitude of prokineticin 2 ( PK2) mRNA oscillation was attenuated in the SCN of V1a−/− mice (∼50% reduction in the peak levels). In vitro experiments demonstrated that AVP, acting through V1a receptor, was able to enhance the transcriptional activity of the PK2 promoter. These studies thus indicate that AVP-V1a signaling plays an important role in the generation of overt circadian rhythms.
Ipsilateral Eye Cortical Maps Are Uniquely Sensitive to Binocular Plasticity
Authors: Faguet Joshua , Maranhao Bruno , Smith Spencer L. , Trachtenberg Joshua T.
Published: December 2008

In the cerebral cortex, neuronal circuits are first laid down by intrinsic mechanisms and then refined by experience. In the canonical model, this refinement is driven by activity-dependent competition between inputs for some limited cortical resource. Here we examine this idea in the mouse visual cortex at the peak of the critical period for experience-dependent plasticity. By imaging intrinsic optical responses, we mapped the strength and size of each eye's cortical representation in normal mice, mice that had been deprived of patterned vision uni- or bilaterally, and in mice in which the contralateral eye had been removed. We find that for both eyes, a period of visual deprivation results in a loss of cortical responsiveness to stimulation through the deprived eye. In addition, the ipsilateral eye pathway is affected by the quality of vision through the opposite eye. Our findings indicate that although both contra- and ipsilateral eye pathways require visual experience for their maintenance, ipsilateral eye projections bear an additional, unique sensitivity to binocular interactions.
In situ high-temperature synchrotron powder diffraction study of the thermal decomposition of cement-asbestos
Authors: Gualtieri Alessandro F. , Gualtieri Magdalena Lassinantti , Meneghini Carlo
Published: December 2008

Time-resolved synchrotron powder diffraction was used to follow the thermal transformation of cement-asbestos. Thermal transformation of asbestos fibers into nonfibrous crystalline phases is a promising solution for the elimination of these hazardous minerals. Time resolution offered by the use of an imaging plate detector with a high-brightness X-ray source allowed for the observation of metastable phases, commonly not detectable with conventional instrumentation. In addition, the use of a closed capillary as a sample holder mimicked the real, novel industrial reactor where cement-asbestos slates are sealed in a tunnel kiln. The changing gas atmosphere in the closed system was shown to affect the final composition of the recrystallized product. This study demonstrates the importance of advanced powder diffraction techniques in this field of applied research.
Some Properties of (r, s)‐T0 and (r, s)‐T1 Spaces
Authors: Abbas S. E. , Krsteska Biljana
Published: December 2008

We define (r, s)‐quasi‐T0, (r, s)‐sub‐T0, (r, s)‐T0 and (r, s)‐T1 spaces
in an intuitionistic fuzzy topological space and investigate some properties of these spaces and the relationships between them. Moreover, we study properties of subspaces and
their products.
Citrus/Cydonia Comp. Can Restore the Immunological Balance in Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis‐Related Immunological Parameters In Vitro
Authors: Baars E. W. , Savelkoul H. F. J.
Published: December 2008

In two in vitro studies, we examined the immunological (pathways of the) effects of Citrus/Cydonia comp. from, respectively, a healthy and an allergic donor; peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were isolated out of peripheral blood and analyzed in vitro after polyclonal stimulation of T‐cells. The differentiation capacity and the influence with regard to Th1 (IFN‐γ) and Th2 (IL‐5) cells were examined. Citrus/Cydonia comp. has a selective effect on the differentiation of T‐cells by producing relatively more IL‐10 than IL‐12. By that, it also seems to have an effect on the induction of regulatory (IL‐10 producing) T‐cell subsets. It is in vitro capable of neutralizing (to some extent) the changes, characteristic to allergic rhinitis, with regard to the maturation, differentiation, and activity of the immune system. Thus, Citrus/Cydonia comp. can potentially restore the disturbed immune state of rhinitis patients, which essentially could be sufficient to make allergic symptoms disappear permanently.
Biosorption of Uranium and Rare Earth Elements Using Biomass of Algae
Authors: Sakamoto Nobuo , Kano Naoki , Imaizumi Hiroshi
Published: December 2008

In order to investigate the behavior of rare earth elements (REEs) and uranium (U) in marine organism, the concentrations of REEs and U in some brown algae samples taken on the coast of Niigata Prefecture were determined. In addition, laboratory model experiment to uptake these elements using living and dried algae (Undaria pinnatifida and Sargassum hemiphyllum) was also carried out to survey the uptake and bioaccumulation mechanism of REEs and U in algae. Consequently, the following matters have been mainly clarified. (1) The order of the concentration of REEs for each organ in Sargassum hemiphyllum is “main branch” > “leaf” > “vesicle,” however for U, the order is “leaf” > “vesicle” > “main branch.” (2) The concentration of REEs in Sargassum hemiphyllum may be strongly affected by suspended solid in seawater. (3) The uptake and/or accumulate mechanism of REEs in brown algae may be different from that of U.
Insights into the Roles of Gut Microbes in Obesity
Authors: Sanz Yolanda , Santacruz Arlette , De Palma Giada
Published: December 2008

Obesity is a major public health issue as it enhances the risk of suffering several chronic diseases of increasing prevalence. Obesity results from an imbalance between energy intake and expenditure, associated with a chronic low-grade inflammation. Gut microbes are considered to contribute to body weight regulation and related disorders by influencing metabolic and immune host functions. The gut microbiota as a whole improves the host's ability to extract and store energy from the diet leading to body weight gain, while specific commensal microbes seem to exert beneficial effects on bile salt, lipoprotein, and cholesterol metabolism. The gut microbiota and some probiotics also regulate immune functions, protecting the host form infections and chronic inflammation. In contrast, dysbiosis and endotoxaemia may be inflammatory factors responsible for developing insulin resistance and body weight gain. In the light of the link between the gut microbiota, metabolism, and immunity, the use of dietary strategies to modulate microbiota composition is likely to be effective in controlling metabolic disorders. Although so far only a few preclinical and clinical trials have demonstrated the effects of specific gut microbes and prebiotics on biological markers of these disorders, the findings indicate that advances in this field could be of value in the struggle against obesity and its associated-metabolic disorders.
Delay Analysis of GTS Bridging between IEEE 802.15.4 and IEEE 802.11 Networks for Healthcare Applications
Authors: Mišić Jelena , (Sherman) Shen Xuemin
Published: December 2008

We consider interconnection of IEEE 802.15.4 beacon-enabled network cluster with IEEE 802.11b network. This scenario is important in healthcare applications where IEEE 802.15.4 nodes comprise patient's body area network (BAN) and are involved in sensing some health-related data. BAN nodes have very short communication range in order to avoid harming patient's health and save energy. Sensed data needs to be transmitted to an access point in the ward room using wireless technology with higher transmission range and rate such as IEEE 802.11b. We model the interconnected network where IEEE 802.15.4-based BAN operates in guaranteed time slot (GTS) mode, and IEEE 802.11b part of the bridge conveys GTS superframe to the 802.11b access point. We then analyze the network delays. Performance analysis is performed using EKG traffic from continuous telemetry, and we discuss the delays of communication due the increasing number of patients.
Review of Goal Attainment Scaling as a Useful Outcome Measure in Psychogeriatric Patients with Cognitive Disorders
Authors: Bouwens Sharon F.M. , van Heugten Caroline M. , Verhey Frans R.J.
Published: December 2008

Background: Since evidence-based interventions are the standard, there is an urgent need for more information concerning individual ways of measuring clinically relevant outcomes of interventions in cognitive disorders such as dementia. Goal Attainment Scaling (GAS) seems to offer a meaningful outcome measure. Aim: To examine the applicability of GAS in psychogeriatric patients with cognitive disorders. Methods: A systematic review was performed on the available literature on the clinimetric aspects and the feasibility of GAS when used as an outcome measure for psychogeriatric patients with cognitive disorders. Eight databases were screened. Two authors independently reviewed all the data. Ten studies were included. Results: Mixed results were found for responsiveness, content validity, inter-rater reliability and construct/convergent validity. The involvement of patient and/or caregiver in the goal-setting procedure is possible and multiple domains can be implemented. The possibility to set at least 3 realistic goals per patient in less than 30 min is unclear and the need for involvement of a blinded assessor is not well established. Conclusion: GAS proved to be useful on important aspects of an outcome measure for psychogeriatric patients with cognitive disorders. Since other relevant aspects showed mixed results and the number of studies investigating the use of GAS in psychogeriatric patients with cognitive disorders is small, the evidence is not strong enough yet to state that GAS is an applicable outcome measure in this population.
Lipoprotein Lipase 1595 C/G and Hepatic Lipase –480 C/T Polymorphisms – Impact on Lipid Profile in Incident Dialysis Patients
Authors: Chmielewski Michal , Stenvinkel Peter , Luttropp Karin , Suliman Mohammed E. , Qureshi Abdul R. , Carrero Juan J. , Barany Peter , Heimburger Olof , Nordfors Louise , Lindholm Bengt
Published: December 2008

Background: Dyslipidemia is a common complication of chronic kidney disease. Lipoprotein lipase (LPL) 1595 C/G and hepatic lipase (HL) –480 C/T single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) influence lipid profile and predisposition for cardiovascular disease in the general population. The present study was undertaken to clarify the impact of the two polymorphisms on lipid parameters and cardiovascular risk in incident dialysis patients. Methods: LPL 1595 C/G and HL –480 C/T SNPs were evaluated in 293 chronic kidney disease patients close to dialysis initiation. Associations with lipid parameters, presence of cardiovascular disease, and survival were assessed. Results: LPL 1595 C/G SNP was associated with significantly lower triglyceride levels [1.55 (1.00–2.20) vs. 1.90 (1.40–2.48) mM; p < 0.01], while HL –480 C/T polymorphism was associated with increased high density lipoprotein cholesterol concentration [1.30 (1.00–1.60) vs. 1.10 (0.90–1.40) mM; p < 0.05]. Neither of the polymorphisms showed any relationship with patient survival. Conclusions: LPL 1595 C/G and HL –480 C/T polymorphisms affect lipid profile in incident dialysis patients.