bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of Trans Fat on Skin Damage in First‐Generation Rats Exposed to UV Radiation
Authors: Barcelos Raquel Cristine S. , Vey Luciana T. , Segat Hecson Jesser , Benvegnú Dalila M. , Trevizol Fabíola , Roversi Karine , Roversi Katiane , Dias Verônica T. , Dolci Geisa S. , Kuhn Fábio T. , Piccolo Jaqueline , CristinaVeit Juliana , Emanuelli Tatiana , Bürger Marilise E.
Published: January 2015

The influence of trans fatty acids (TFA) on lipid profile, oxidative damage and mitochondrial function in the skin of rats exposed to ultraviolet radiation (UVR) was assessed. The first‐generation offspring of female Wistar rats supplemented from pregnancy with either soybean oil (C‐SO, rich in n–6 FA; control group) or hydrogenated vegetable fat (HVF, rich in TFA) were continued with the same supplements until adulthood, when half of each group was exposed to UVR for 12 weeks. The HVF group showed higher TFA cutaneous incorporation, increased protein carbonyl (PC) levels, decreased functionality of mitochondrial enzymes and antioxidant defenses of the skin. After UVR, the HVF group showed increased skin thickness and reactive species (RS) generation, with decreased skin antioxidant defenses. RS generation was positively correlated with skin thickness, wrinkles and PC levels. Once incorporated to skin, TFA make it more susceptible to developing UVR‐induced disorders.
Low Level Light Therapy Modulates Inflammatory Mediators Secreted by Human Annulus Fibrosus Cells during Intervertebral Disc Degeneration In Vitro
Authors: Hwang Min Ho , Shin Jae Hee , Kim Kyoung Soo , Yoo Chang Min , Jo Ga Eun , Kim Joo Han , Choi Hyuk
Published: January 2015

Intervertebral disc degeneration (IVD) is one of the important causes of low back pain and is associated with inflammation induced by interaction between macrophages and the human annulus fibrosus (AF) cells. Low‐level light therapy (LLLT) has been widely known to regulate inflammatory reaction. However, the effect of LLLT on macrophage‐mediated inflammation in the AF cells has not been studied till date. The aim of this study is to mimic the inflammatory microenvironment and to investigate the anti‐inflammatory effect of LLLT at a range of wavelengths (405, 532 and 650 nm) on the AF treated with macrophage‐like THP‐1 cells conditioned medium (MCM) containing proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines (interleukin‐1beta, tumor necrosis factor‐alpha, interleukin‐6 and 8). We observed that AF cells exposed to MCM secrete significantly higher concentrations of IL‐6, IL‐8, IL‐1β and TNF‐α. LLLT markedly inhibited secretion of IL‐6 at 405 nm in a time‐dependent manner. Level of IL‐8 was significantly decreased at all wavelengths in a time‐dependent manner. We showed that MCM can induce the inflammatory microenvironment in AF cells and LLLT selectively suppressed IL‐6 and 8 levels. The results indicate that LLLT is a potential method of IVD treatment and provide insights into further investigation of its anti‐inflammation effect on IVD.
In planta detection used to define the distribution of the European lineages of Phytophthora ramorum on larch (Larix) in the UK
Authors: King K. M. , Harris A. R. , Webber J. F.
Published: January 2015

Two genetically distinct evolutionary lineages of the oomycete pathogen Phytophthora ramorum are responsible for the major epidemic on larch (Larix spp.) in the UK: EU1 (historically widespread) and the recently identified EU2 (reported only from Northern Ireland and a small area in southwest Scotland). Methods for lineage discrimination have required pure cultures of P. ramorum but, as the pathogen is challenging to isolate from infected larch tissue, only limited data have been available on the distribution of EU2. In this study a protocol was developed to determine the lineage of P. ramorum in infected larch tissue without the need for isolation. The protocol was applied to 134 UK samples collected during 2013–14. In addition, lineage testing was applied to over 300 P. ramorum isolates cultured from a wide range of hosts between 2002 and 2012. Combined data confirmed that EU2 is restricted to Northern Ireland and a small area of southwest Scotland where it is the dominant lineage. There was no evidence of EU2 spread into England and Wales where only EU1 was found. However, EU2 was more widely distributed in southern and eastern parts of Scotland than previously reported. Furthermore, EU1 and EU2 were detected <10 km apart in larch plantations. This study provides the first reports of natural EU2 infection on European larch (Larix decidua), hybrid larch (Larix × eurolepis), beech (Fagus sylvatica), noble fir (Abies procera) and western hemlock (Tsuga heterophylla).
The Per Case and Total Annual Costs of Foodborne Illness in the United States
Authors: Minor Travis , Lasher Angela , Klontz Karl , Brown Bradley , Nardinelli Clark , Zorn David
Published: January 2015

We present an economic welfare‐based method to estimate the health costs associated with foodborne illness caused by known viruses, bacteria, parasites, allergens, two marine biotoxins, and unspecified agents. The method generates health costs measured in both quality‐adjusted life years and in dollars. We calculate the reduction in quality‐adjusted life days caused by the illness and add reductions in quality‐adjusted life years from any secondary effects that are estimated to occur. For fatal cases, we calculate the life years lost due to premature death. We add direct medical expenses to the monetary costs as derived from estimates of willingness to pay to reduce health risks. In total, we estimate that foodborne illness represents an annual burden to society of approximately $36 billion, with an average identified illness estimated to reduce quality‐adjusted life days by 0.84, which is monetized and included in the average cost burden per illness of $3,630.
Evaluation of Design Alternatives’ Environmental Impact by Integrating Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process and Evidential Reasoning Approach
Authors: Ng C. Y. , Chuah K. B.
Published: January 2015

Today “ecodesign” is a necessary consideration in the product development process. With increasing general awareness of the need for environmental production and more stringent regulatory requirements, manufacturers have to try to minimize their environmental impact. Life-cycle assessment (LCA) methodology is a generally accepted quantitative approach that can be applied to support environmental impact evaluations of a product. However, despite the time-consuming and resource-consuming attributes of the LCA, it has difficulty to deal with uncertain information. Therefore, LCA is yet to be a practical approach for environmental impact evaluation, particularly, during new product development (NPD). This paper proposes an approach to evaluate the environmental performance of design alternatives during NPD. The use of multiple criteria decision-making (MCDM) approaches with LCA methodology for the evaluation of design alternatives’ environmental performance during NPD processes is first discussed. The proposed approach integrates analytic hierarchy process (AHP) and fuzzy set theory (FST) with evidential reasoning (ER) in the evaluation of environmental performance to prioritize different design options. A case study is described to illustrate the use of the proposed method.
Numerical Simulation of Forced Convective Condensation of Propane in a Spiral Tube
Authors: Qiu G. D. , Cai W. H. , Wu Z. Y. , Yao Y. , Jiang Y. Q.
Published: January 2015

A numerical simulation of forced convective condensation of propane in an upright spiral tube is presented. In the numerical simulations, the important models are used: implicit volume of fluid (VOF) multiphase model, Reynolds stress (RS) turbulence model, Lee's phase change model and Ishii's concentration model, and also the gravity and surface tension are taken into account. The mass flux and vapor quality are simulated from 150 to 350 kg·m−2·s−1 and from 0.1 to 0.9, respectively. The numerical results show that in all simulation cases, only the stratified flow, annular flow, and mist flow are observed. The heat transfer coefficient and frictional pressure drop increase with the increase of mass flux and vapor quality for all simulation cases. Under different flow patterns and mass flux, the numerical results of void fraction, heat transfer coefficient, and frictional pressure drop show good agreement with the experimental results and correlations from the existing references.
Three-Dimensional Numerical Study of a Low Head Direct Chill Slab Caster for Aluminum Alloy AA5052
Authors: Hasan Mainul , Begum Latifa
Published: January 2015

A 3D numerical study is carried out for a vertical direct chill (DC) rolling ingot caster for an aluminum alloy (AA-5052). The model incorporated the coupled turbulent melt flow and solidification aspects of the casting process. The caster consists of a low-head hot-top mold. The melt is assumed to have been delivered through the entire top cross section of the caster. The previously verified in-house computational fluid dynamics (CFD) code is used to investigate the effects of the important parameters such as casting speed, inlet melt superheat, and mold-metal contact effective heat transfer coefficient (HTC) on the low-head casting process. It is found that the sump depth (SD), liquid depth, and mushy thickness (MT) at the center of the ingot increase linearly with the casting speed while the shell thickness (ST) at the exit of the mold decreases linearly with the casting speed. Useful correlations concerning the above quantities with casting speed have been provided for the benefit of DC casting operators.
Synchrotron X-Ray Diffraction Measurements Mapping Internal Strains of Thermal Barrier Coatings During Thermal Gradient Mechanical Fatigue Loading
Authors: Knipe Kevin , Manero Albert C. , Sofronsky Stephen , Okasinski John , Almer Jonathan , Wischek Janine , Meid Carla , Karlsson Anette , Bartsch Marion , Raghavan Seetha
Published: January 2015

An understanding of the high temperature mechanics experienced in thermal barrier coatings (TBC) during cycling conditions would be highly beneficial to extending the lifespan of the coatings. This study will present results obtained using synchrotron X-rays to measure depth resolved strains in the various layers of TBCs under thermal mechanical loading and a superposed thermal gradient. Tubular specimens, coated with yttria stabilized zirconia (YSZ) and an aluminum containing nickel alloy as a bond coat both through electron beam-physical vapor deposition (EB-PVD), were subjected to external heating and controlled internal cooling generating a thermal gradient across the specimen's wall. Temperatures at the external surface were in excess of 1000 °C. Throughout high temperature testing, 2D high-resolution XRD strain measurements are taken at various locations through the entire depth of the coating layers. Across the YSZ, a strain gradient was observed showing higher compressive strain at the interface to the bond coat than toward the surface. This behavior can be attributed to the specific microstructure of the EB-PVD-coating, which reveals higher porosity at the outer surface than at the interface to the bond coat, resulting in a lower in plane modulus near the surface. This location at the interface displays the most significant variation due to applied load at room temperature with this effect diminishing at elevated uniform temperatures. During thermal cycling with a thermal gradient and mechanical loading, the bond coat strain moves from a highly tensile state at room temperature to an initially compressive state at high temperature before relaxing to zero during the high temperature hold. The results of these experiments give insight into previously unseen material behavior at high temperature, which can be used to develop an increased understanding of various failure modes and their causes.
Analysis of Thrust Bearing Impact on Friction Losses in Automotive Turbochargers
Authors: Hoepke Bjoern , Uhlmann Tolga , Pischinger Stefan , Lueddecke Bernhardt , Filsinger Dietmar
Published: January 2015

The importance of automotive turbocharger performance is continuously increasing. However, further gains in efficiency are becoming progressively difficult to achieve. The bearing friction losses impact the overall efficiency of the turbocharger and accordingly the understanding of bearing systems and their characteristics is essential for future improvements. In this work, a detailed analysis on the mechanical losses occurring in the bearing system of automotive turbochargers is presented. Friction losses have been measured experimentally on a special test bench up to rotational speeds of nTC = 130,000 1/min. Special interest was given to the thrust bearing characteristics and its contribution to the total friction losses. For this, the experiments were split into three parts: first, friction power was determined as a function of turbocharger speed at zero externally applied thrust load. Second, external thrust load up to 40 N was applied onto the turbocharger bearing at fixed rotational speeds of nTC = 40,000, 80,000, and 120,000 1/min. Increasing thrust load was observed to result in increasing friction losses amounting to a maximum of 32%. At last, a specially prepared turbocharger center section with deactivated thrust bearing was investigated. A comparison of these results with the measurement of the conventional bearing system under thrust-free conditions allowed separating journal and thrust bearing losses. The contribution of the thrust bearing to the overall bearing losses appeared to be as high as 38%. Furthermore, a modeling approach for estimating the friction power of both fully floating journal bearing as well as thrust bearing is illustrated. This theoretical model is shown to predict friction losses reasonably well compared to the experimental results.
Accurate Radial Vaneless Diffuser One-Dimensional Model
Authors: De Bellis Fabio , Grimaldi Angelo , Tommaso Rubino Dante , Amirante Riccardo , Distaso Elia
Published: January 2015

A simplified one-dimensional model for the performance estimation of vaneless radial diffusers is presented. The starting point of such a model is that angular momentum losses occurring in vaneless diffusers are usually neglected in the most common turbomachinery textbooks: It is assumed that the angular momentum is conserved inside a vaneless diffuser, although a nonisentropic pressure transformation is considered at the same time. This means that fluid-dynamic losses are taken into account only for what concerns pressure recovery, whereas the evaluation of the outlet tangential velocity incoherently follows an ideal behavior. Several attempts were presented in the past in order to consider the loss of angular momentum, mainly solving a full set of differential equations based on the various developments of the initial work by Stanitz (1952, “One-Dimensional Compressible Flow in Vaneless Diffusers of Radial or Mixed-Flow Centrifugal Compressors, Including Effects of Friction, Heat Transfer and Area Change,” Report No. NACA TN 2610). However, such formulations are significantly more complex and are based on two empirical or calibration coefficients (skin friction coefficient and dissipation or turbulent mixing loss coefficient) which need to be properly assessed. In the present paper, a 1D model for diffuser losses computation is derived considering a single loss coefficient, and without the need of solving a set of differential equations. The model has been validated against massive industrial experimental campaigns, in which several diffuser geometries and operating conditions have been considered. The obtained results confirm the reliability of the proposed approach, able to predict the diffuser performance with negligible drop of accuracy in comparison with more sophisticated techniques. Both preliminary industrial designs and experimental evaluations of the diffusers may benefit from the proposed model.
Composition-matched molecular “solders” for semiconductors
Authors: Dolzhnikov Dmitriy S. , Zhang Hao , Jang Jaeyoung , Son Jae Sung , Panthani Matthew G. , Shibata Tomohiro , Chattopadhyay Soma , Talapin Dmitri V.
Published: January 2015

Soldering semiconductor nanoparticles

The optical and electronic properties of semiconductor nanoparticles can be tuned through changes in their size and composition. However, poor contact between interfaces can degrade nanoparticle performance in devices. Dolzhnikov
et al.
report the synthesis of a gel-like “solder” for metal chalcogenide nanoparticles, such as cadmium selenide and lead telluride, by cross-linking molecular wires of these materials.

Science
, this issue p.
425
Approaching a small animal consultation
Authors: Rance Louisa
Published: January 2015

Louisa Rance offers some advice to new graduates
Ten‐minute chat
Authors: Tucker Dan
Published: January 2015

Dan Tucker is a senior lecturer in veterinary public health and pig medicine at Cambridge. He recently won an international award for his work in developing an in vitro model that can be used for investigating infectious respiratory diseases of livestock.
Suspected adverse events, 2013
Authors: Davis G. , Cooles S. , Vasan N.
Published: January 2015

Increase in the number of reports of suspected adverse events in animals

Fewer reports of human adverse events to veterinary medicines

Notable increase in reports relating to products used for treating canine epilepsy

These are some of the results from the surveillance work carried out by the pharmacovigilance unit at the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD), as discussed by Giles Davis and colleagues from the VMD
First interviews
Authors: Holborow Richard
Published: January 2015

You have made the shortlist and now you have an interview. Will you be successful? Richard Holborow offers some advice on making the most of those crucial minutes
Managing mergers
Authors: Hargreaves Robin
Published: January 2015

Robin Hargreaves recently coordinated the amalgamation of two practices, which inevitably had a big impact on the staff involved. As an employer, he describes what he learned from the experience
Deligne pairing and Quillen metric
Authors: Biswas Indranil , Schumacher Georg
Published: January 2015

Let X → S be a smooth projective surjective morphism of relative dimension n, where X and S are integral schemes over ℂ. Let L → X be a relatively very ample line bundle. For every sufficiently large positive integer m, there is a canonical isomorphism of the Deligne pairing 〈L,…,L〉 → S with the determinant line bundle [Formula: see text] (see [D. H. Phong, J. Ross and J. Sturm, Deligne pairings and the knudsen–Mumford expansion, J. Differential Geom. 78 (2008) 475–496]). If we fix a hermitian structure on L and a relative Kähler form on X, then each of the line bundles [Formula: see text] and 〈L,…,L〉 carries a distinguished hermitian structure. We prove that the above mentioned isomorphism between 〈L,…,L〉 → S and [Formula: see text] is compatible with these hermitian structures. This holds also for the isomorphism in [Deligne pairing and determinant bundle, Electron. Res. Announc. Math. Sci. 18 (2011) 91–96] between a Deligne paring and a certain determinant line bundle.
Introduction: DSFD 2013 in Yerevan, Armenia
Authors: Boghosian Bruce
Published: January 2015

The 22nd international conference on the Discrete Simulation of Fluid Dynamics (DSFD 2013) was held on the campus of the American University of Armenia in Yerevan, Armenia on 15–19 July 2013. Approximately 60 participants took part in the conference, with discussions ranging from lattice Boltzmann and lattice-gas models of fluids, to smoothed-particle hydrodynamics and stochastic rotation dynamics. The conference presented a unique opportunity for communities of computational fluid dynamicists from the region to share their research with each other, and with an audience of some of the world's leading experts in the field.
Predicting CP violation in deviation from tri-bimaximal mixing of neutrinos
Authors: Shimizu Yusuke , Tanimoto Morimitsu , Yamamoto Kei
Published: January 2015

We study the CP violation in the deviation from the tri-bimaximal (TBM) mixing of neutrinos. We examine nontrivial relations among the mixing angles and the CP violating Dirac phase in the typical four cases of the deviation from the TBM. The first two cases are derived by the additional rotation of the 2-3 or 1-3 generations of neutrinos in the TBM basis. The other two cases are given by the additional rotation of the 1-3 or 1-2 generations of charged leptons with the TBM neutrinos. These four cases predict different relations among three mixing angles and the CP violating Dirac phase. The rotation of the 2-3 generations of neutrinos in the TBM basis predicts sin2θ12< 1/3, and the CP violating Dirac phase to be ±(0.09π–0.76π) for NH (±(0.15π–0.73π) for IH) depending on sin2θ23. The rotation of the 1-3 generations of neutrinos in the TBM basis gives sin2θ12> 1/3. The CP violating Dirac phase is not constrained by the input of the present experimental data. For the case of the 1-3 and 1-2 rotations of charged leptons in the TBM basis, the CP violating Dirac phase is predicted in ±(0.35π–0.60π) depending on sin2θ12for both normal hierarchy (NH) and inverted hierarchy (IH) cases. We also discuss the specific case that θ13is related with the Cabibbo angle λ such as [Formula: see text], in which the maximal CP violation is preferred. The CP violating Dirac phase can distinguish the lepton flavor mixing patterns at T2K and NOνA experiments in the future.
Fermi–Boltzmann statistics of neutrinos and relativistic effective degrees of freedom in the early universe
Authors: Iizuka Jun , Kitabayashi Teruyuki
Published: January 2015

We investigate the effect of the presence of non-pure fermionic neutrinos on the relativistic effective degrees of freedom in the early universe. The statistics of neutrinos is transformed continuously from Fermi–Dirac to Maxwell–Boltzmann statistics. We find that the relativistic degrees of freedom decreases with the deviation from pure Fermi–Dirac statistics of neutrinos if there are constant and large lepton asymmetries. Additionally, we confirm that the change of the statistics of neutrinos from Fermi–Dirac to Maxwell–Boltzmann is not sufficient to cover the excess of the effective number of neutrinos.
Hints of new physics from $D_{s}^{+}\rightarrow K^{+}\upsilon\bar{\upsilon}$, $D^{0}\rightarrow\pi^{0}\upsilon\bar{\upsilon}$ and $D_{s}^{+}\rightarrow D^{+}\upsilon\bar{\upsilon}$ decays
Authors: Mahmood Shakeel , Tahir Farida , Mir Azeem
Published: January 2015

We study rare decays [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] in NSIs. We calculate the NSIs branching ratios of these decays. There is a strong dependence of these on new physics parameter. They provide stringent constraints on [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] (α, β = e, μ).
Conservation laws and Hamiltonian structures of the generalized sine-Gordon hierarchy
Authors: Li Fang , Xue Bo , Li Yan
Published: January 2015

By introducing a 2 × 2 matrix spectral problem, a new hierarchy of nonlinear evolution equations is proposed. A typical equation in this hierarchy is the generalization of sine-Gordon equation. With the aid of trace identity, the Hamiltonian structures of the hierarchy are constructed. In addition, the infinite sequence of conserved quantities of the generalized sine-Gordon equation are obtained.
New approach to generating functions of single- and two-variable even- and odd-Hermite polynomials and applications in quantum optics
Authors: Jia Fang , Xu Shuang , Hu Li-Yun , Duan Zhenglu , Huang Jie-Hui
Published: January 2015

Using the IWOP technique and completeness of representation, we obtain the integral expressions of single- and two-variable Hermite polynomials. Based on this, we further derive the generating functions of single- and two-variable even- and odd-Hermit polynomials. This method seems more concise and direct. In addition, some applications such as deriving new formula and constructing new two-mode quantum states are discussed. It is found that two-variable Hermite polynomials excitation can used to produce entangled coherent states.
Asymmetric transmission of linearly polarized electromagnetic waves using chiral metamaterials with constant chirality over a certain frequency band
Authors: Dincer Furkan , Karaaslan Muharrem , Akgol Oguzhan , Unal Emin , Sabah Cumali
Published: January 2015

In this study, a dynamic chiral metamaterial (MTM) structure leading to an asymmetric electromagnetic (EM) wave transmission for linear polarization is presented. The structure is composed of square-shaped resonator with gaps on both sides of a dielectric substrate with a certain degree of rotation. The dynamic structure is adjustable via various parameters to fit any desired frequency ranges. Theoretical and experimental analysis of the proposed structure are conducted and given in detail. The suggested model can provide constant chirality over a certain frequency band and thus, it can be used to design myriad novel devices such as EM transmission and antireflection filters, and polarization rotators for desired frequency regimes.
Transmission time and resonant tunneling through barriers using localized quantum density soliton waves
Authors: Mirza Babur M.
Published: January 2015

In this paper, the interaction and transmission time of quantum density solitons waves [B. M. Mirza, Mod. Phys. Lett. B 28 (2014) 1450200]1 passing through finite barrier potentials is investigated. Using the conservation of energy and of quantum density, it is first demonstrated that the soliton waves possess the important particle-like properties, including localization by a finite de Broglie wavelength and constant uniform motion in free space. The passage of quantum density solitons through barriers of finite energies is then shown to lead to the phenomena of resonant tunneling and, in Josephson-like configurations, to the quantization of magnetic flux. A precise general measure for barrier tunneling time is derived which is found to give a new interpretation of the quantum indeterminacy principles. The quantum density soliton theory is applied to coherent microstructures observed in NbSe 3-like systems, where it is shown to lead to the sawtooth current phenomena and nano-scale transversal times.
CITIZEN COGNITION OF THE STRAY DOG ISSUE IN TAIPEI CITY: A CASE OF THE MOVIE TWELVE NIGHTS
Authors: Lin Ju-Sen , Lu Pei-Shan , Chang Yu-Chieh
Published: January 2015

This study conducted a questionnaire survey to understand citizen cognition of the stray dog issue in Taipei. This study collected and analyzed 480 effective responses regarding demographic factors, and the cognition and attitudes toward the stray dog issue in Taipei from respondents with or without watching the film Twelve Nights. This work revealed two key findings. First, the respondents' gender, age, education level, and occupation were strongly related to their cognition and attitudes toward stray dogs. Second, the movie Twelve Nights significantly raised the social concern and awareness toward stray dogs issue.
On sandwich theorems for higher-order derivatives of multivalent analytic functions associated with the generalized Noor integral operator
Authors: Wanas Abbas Kareem
Published: January 2015

In this paper, we obtain some subordination and superordination results for higher-order derivatives of multivalent analytic functions in the open unit disk by generalized Noor integral operator. These results are applied to obtain sandwich results. Our results extend corresponding previously known results.
Some fractional and multifractional Gaussian processes: A brief introduction
Authors: Lim S. C. , Eab C. H.
Published: January 2015

This paper gives a brief introduction to some important fractional and multifractional Gaussian processes commonly used in modelling natural phenomena and man-made systems. The processes include fractional Brownian motion (both standard and the Riemann-Liouville type), multifractional Brownian motion, fractional and multifractional Ornstein-Uhlenbeck processes, fractional and mutifractional Reisz-Bessel motion. Possible applications of these processes are briefly mentioned.
Fractional Brownian motion in a nutshell
Authors: Shevchenko Georgiy
Published: January 2015

This is an extended version of the lecture notes to a mini-course devoted to fractional Brownian motion and delivered to the participants of the 7th Jagna International Workshop.
Local times for grey Brownian motion
Authors: da Silva J. L.
Published: January 2015

In this paper we study the grey Brownian motion, namely its representation and local time. First it is shown that grey Brownian motion may be represented in terms of a standard Brownian motion and then using a criterium of S. Berman, Trans. Amer. Math. Soc., 137, 277–299 (1969), we show that grey Brownian motion admits a λ-square integrable local time almost surely (λ denotes the Lebesgue measure). As a consequence we obtain the occupation formula and state possible generalizations of these results.
A white noise analysis of Volterra processes
Authors: Suryawan H. P.
Published: January 2015

In this paper we present a realization of Volterra processes within the white noise analysis framework. We show that Donsker's delta functions of Volterra processes are elements from the space of Hida distributions. An explicit expression for the corresponding chaos decomposition in terms of Wick tensor powers of white noise is also given.
Weak ergodicity breaking and ageing in anomalous diffusion
Authors: Metzler Ralf
Published: January 2015

Modern single particle tracking techniques and many large scale simulations produce time series r(t) of the position of a tracer particle. Standardly these are evaluated in terms of the time averaged mean squared displacement. For ergodic processes such as Brownian motion, one can interpret the results of such an analysis in terms of the known theories for the corresponding ensemble averaged mean squared displacement, if only the measurement time is sufficiently long. In anomalous diffusion processes, that are widely observed over many orders of magnitude, the equivalence between (long) time and ensemble averages may be broken (weak ergodicity breaking). In such cases the time averages may no longer be interpreted in terms of ensemble theories. Here we collect some recent results on weakly non-ergodic systems with respect to the time averaged mean squared displacement and the inherent irreproducibility of individual measurements. We also address the phenomenon of ageing, the dependence of physical observables on the time span between initial preparation of the system and the start of the measurement.
Fractional dispersive transport in inhomogeneous organic semiconductors
Authors: Choo K. Y. , Muniandy S. V.
Published: January 2015

The study of transport dynamics of charge carriers in homogeneous and inhomogeneous organic semiconductor using the variable order time-fractional drift-diffusion equation (VO-TFDDE) is presented in this paper. The fractional-time derivative operator and spatial derivative operator of the time-fractional drift-diffusion equation are discretized respectively using the implicit difference scheme and the centered difference scheme. Self-consistent Poisson solver was incorporated in the model to solve for the electric potential and the localized electric field that sweeps the charge carriers across the device. The homogeneity of the material is represented by the different values or functions of the fractional derivative order. Diffusion transport dynamics is observed when charge carriers are moving in homogeneous crystalline-like structure. In contrast, dispersive transport dynamics is observed when charge carriers are moving in homogeneous amorphous-like structure. For inhomogeneous amorphous-crystalline-mixed structure, pulse broadening effect is impeded as charge carriers are moving towards the crystalline-like region at the other end of the device. Conversely, pulse broadening effect is getting severe if charge carriers are moving across the device with inhomogeneous crystalline-amorphous-mixed structure. Therefore, in order to achieve diffusive-like transport dynamics that could reduce the pulse broadening effect, homogeneous crystalline-like structure or inhomogeneous amorphous-crystalline-mixed structure is recommended for device fabrication.
Bier-Astumian relation, fluctuation theorem and their possible applications
Authors: Confesor Mark Nolan P.
Published: January 2015

Fluctuations in the spatial position of a probe particle that is driven far from equilibrium can provide valuable information about the driving force. Analysis of the position fluctuation is through the fluctuation theorem (FT) and a generalized detailed balance called Bier-Astumian relation (BA). Here we show the usefulness of the BA for mapping potential landscapes of a particle confined in a potential field. We also demonstrate how the FT can be used to extract the driving force for a particle driven by a constant force.
Robust method of trapping self-propelling particles
Authors: Lacubtan Roger Joseph L. , Confesor Mark Nolan P.
Published: January 2015

The ability to collect self-propelling particles (SPP) is an essential requirement for possible use of SPP in technological applications. In this paper we proposed a novel way of trapping SPP's, through guided trapping of SPP's in V-shaped trap. We performed brownian dynamic simulation via a modified Escape and Predation model developed by L. Angelani (Phys. Rev. Lett., 2012) to assess the validity of the proposed trapping method.
Mechanism-based model of a mass rapid transit system: A perspective
Authors: Legara Erika Fille , Khoon Lee Kee , Guang Hung Gih , Monterola Christopher
Published: January 2015

In this paper, we discuss our findings on the spatiotemporal dynamics within the mass rapid transit (MRT) system of Singapore. We show that the trip distribution of Origin-Destination (OD) station pairs follows a power-law, implying the existence of critical OD pairs. We then present and discuss the empirically validated agent-based model (ABM) we have developed. The model allows recreation of the observed statistics and the setting up of various scenarios and their effects on the system, such as increasing the commuter population and the propagation of travel delays within the transportation network. The proposed model further enables identification of bottlenecks that can cause the MRT to break down, and consequently provide foresight on how such disruptions can possibly be managed. This can potentially provide a versatile approach for transport planners and government regulators to make quantifiable policies that optimally balance cost and convenience as a function of the number of the commuting public.
Critical slowing down in a dynamic duopoly
Authors: Escobido M. G. O. , Hatano N.
Published: January 2015

Anticipating critical transitions is very important in economic systems as it can mean survival or demise of firms under stressful competition. As such identifying indicators that can provide early warning to these transitions are very crucial. In other complex systems, critical slowing down has been shown to anticipate critical transitions. In this paper, we investigate the applicability of the concept in the heterogeneous quantity competition between two firms. We develop a dynamic model where the duopoly can adjust their production in a logistic process. We show that the resulting dynamics is formally equivalent to a competitive Lotka-Volterra system. We investigate the behavior of the dominant eigenvalues and identify conditions that critical slowing down can provide early warning to the critical transitions in the dynamic duopoly.
Measuring efficiency of international crude oil markets: A multifractality approach
Authors: Niere H. M.
Published: January 2015

The three major international crude oil markets are treated as complex systems and their multifractal properties are explored. The study covers daily prices of Brent crude, OPEC reference basket and West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude from January 2, 2003 to January 2, 2014. A multifractal detrended fluctuation analysis (MFDFA) is employed to extract the generalized Hurst exponents in each of the time series. The generalized Hurst exponent is used to measure the degree of multifractality which in turn is used to quantify the efficiency of the three international crude oil markets. To identify whether the source of multifractality is long-range correlations or broad fat-tail distributions, shuffled data and surrogated data corresponding to each of the time series are generated. Shuffled data are obtained by randomizing the order of the price returns data. This will destroy any long-range correlation of the time series. Surrogated data is produced using the Fourier-Detrended Fluctuation Analysis (F-DFA). This is done by randomizing the phases of the price returns data in Fourier space. This will normalize the distribution of the time series. The study found that for the three crude oil markets, there is a strong dependence of the generalized Hurst exponents with respect to the order of fluctuations. This shows that the daily price time series of the markets under study have signs of multifractality. Using the degree of multifractality as a measure of efficiency, the results show that WTI is the most efficient while OPEC is the least efficient market. This implies that OPEC has the highest likelihood to be manipulated among the three markets. This reflects the fact that Brent and WTI is a very competitive market hence, it has a higher level of complexity compared against OPEC, which has a large monopoly power. Comparing with shuffled data and surrogated data, the findings suggest that for all the three crude oil markets, the multifractality is mainly due to long-range correlations.
Lévy path integral approach to the fractional Schrödinger equation with delta-perturbed infinite square well
Authors: Nayga M. M. I. , Esguerra J. P. H.
Published: January 2015

Using a path integral approach, we consider a fractional Schrödinger equation with delta-perturbed infinite square well. The Lévy path integral, which is generalized from the Feynman path intergal for the propagator, is expanded into a perturbation series. From this, the energy-dependent Green's function is obtained.
Fractional Brownian modeled linear polymer chains with one dimensional Metropolis Monte Carlo simulation
Authors: Sambo J. P. B. , Gemao B. V. , Bornales J. B.
Published: January 2015

The scaling expression for fractional Brownian modeled linear polymer chains was obtained both theoretically and numerically. Through the probability distribution of fractional Brownian paths, the scaling was found out to be 〈R2〉 ~ N2H, where R is the end-to-end distance of the polymer chain, N is the number of monomer units and H is the Hurst parameter. Numerical data was generated through the use of Monte Carlo simulation implementing the Metropolis algorithm. Results show good agreement between numerical and theoretical scaling constants after some parameter optimization. The probability distribution confirmed the Gaussian nature of fractional Brownian motion and the behavior is not affected by varying values of the Hurst parameter and of the number of monomer units.
On the diffusion of alpha-helical proteins in solvents
Authors: Barredo Wilson I. , Bornales Jinky B. , Bernido Christopher C. , Aringa Henry P.
Published: January 2015

The winding probability function for a biopolymer diffusing in a crowded cell is obtained with the drift coefficient f(s) involving Bessel functions of general form f(s) = kJ2p+1 (νs). The variable s is the length along the chain and ν is a constant which can be used to simulate the frequency of appearance of a certain type of amino acid. Application of a particular case p = 3 to protein chains is carried out for different alpha helical proteins found in the Protein Data Bank (PDB). Analysis of our results leads us to an empirical formula that can be used to conveniently predict k/D and ν, where D is the diffusion coefficient of various α-helical proteins in solvents.
Dominująca rola suwerennych państw w ramach europejskiej polityki mniejszościowej
Authors: Matyja Mirosław
Published: January 2015

The dominant role of sovereign states in minotity policy in EuropeThe multi-ethnicity in Europe was shaped long time in the history, her image influenced the relations between countries and was often a source of international and internal conflicts. For this purpose, the international efforts have been made, which regulate the status of minorities in Europe and the world. Protective systems for national minorities were formed at different levels of policy; the global solutions of general and declarative nature, regional solutions, characterized by a greater degree of institutionalization, and national solutions with control mechanisms of functioning. These regulations, concerning minority policy in Europe, formulated in many international instruments, are declarative and facultative. Even within the European Union, there is generally no binding legal rights, which formulate protection of minorities. States are sovereign and the principle of the sovereignty determines the protection- policy of minorities living on their territories. Dominująca rola suwerennych państw w ramach europejskiej polityki mniejszościowejWieloetniczność w Europie kształtowana była przez kilka stuleci, zaś jej wizerunek rzutował na stosunki między poszczególnymi krajami, był źródłem międzynarodowych oraz wewnętrznych napięć i konfliktów. W tym celu na arenie międzynarodowej podjęte zostały starania, które mają na celu uregulowanie statusu mniejszości w Europie i na świecie. Systemy ochronne dla mniejszości narodowych ukształtowane zostały na różnych płaszczyznach politycznych, od rozwiązań globalnych mających charakter ogólnikowy i deklaratywny, po rozwiązania regionalne, charakteryzujące się większym stopniem instytucjonalizacji, i narodowe z funkcjonującymi mechanizmami kontroli.Wymienione uregulowania dotyczące polityki mniejszościowej w Europie, sformułowane w wielu międzynarodowych aktach prawnych, mają charakter fakultatywno‑deklaratywny i w tym sensie nie zobowiązują państw do ich przestrzegania. Nawet w ramach Unii Europejskiej nie ma zasadniczo wiążących praw formułujących ochronę mniejszości narodowych. Państwa są suwerenne i to właśnie zasada suwerenności determinuje ich dobrą bądź złą wolę w zakresie ochrony mniejszości zamieszkujących ich terytorium.
Suwerenność Ukrainy w latach 1917-1921 w kontekście sytuacji międzynarodowej
Authors: Czornyj Maksymilian Dymitr
Published: January 2015

Sovereigny of Ukraine in 1917-1921 in the context of international situationThis article discusses Ukrainian independence war 1917-1921, Polish-Ukrainian relations in this time and Polish-Russian war as a background of building the Ukrainian state. The article relates to international public law. The author explains how and if the West Ukrainian People’s Republic reached sovereignty and independence. Suwerenność Ukrainy w latach 1917-1921 w kontekście sytuacji międzynarodowejNiniejszy artykuł podejmuje zagadnienie ukraińskiej walki o niepodległość w latach 1917-1921, polsko ukraińskich relacji w tym czasie oraz polsko rosyjskiej wojny jako tła dla budowy ukraińskiej państwowości. Artykuł dotyczy prawa międzynarodowego publicznego. Autor wyjaśnia, jak i czy Zachodnio-Ukraińska Republika Ludowa uzyskała suwerenność i niepodległość.
General Application of the Relative Calibration Adjustment (RCA) Technique for Monitoring and Correcting Radar Reflectivity Calibration
Authors: Wolff David B. , Marks David A. , Petersen Walter A.
Published: January 2015

Accurate calibration of radar reflectivity is integral to quantitative radar measurements of precipitation and a myriad of other radar-based applications. A statistical method was developed that utilizes the probability distribution of clutter area reflectivity near a stationary, ground-based radar to provide near-real-time estimates of the relative calibration of reflectivity data. The relative calibration adjustment (RCA) method provides a valuable, automated near-real-time tool for maintaining consistently calibrated radar data with relative calibration uncertainty of ±0.5 dB or better. The original application was to S-band data in a tropical oceanic location, where the stability of the method was thought to be related to the relatively mild ground clutter and limited anomalous propagation (AP). This study demonstrates, however, that the RCA technique is transferable to other S-band radars at locations with more intense ground clutter and AP. This is done using data from NASA’s polarimetric (NPOL) surveillance radar data during the Iowa Flood Studies (IFloodS) Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) field campaign during spring of 2013 and other deployments. Results indicate the RCA technique is well capable of monitoring the reflectivity calibration of NPOL, given proper generation of an areal clutter map. The main goal of this study is to generalize the RCA methodology for possible extension to other ground-based S-band surveillance radars and to show how it can be used both to monitor the reflectivity calibration and to correct previous data once an absolute calibration baseline is established.
The Impact of the Initial Flow on the Extratropical Response to Madden–Julian Oscillation Convective Heating
Authors: Goss Michael , Feldstein Steven B.
Published: January 2015

The response to the Madden–Julian oscillation (MJO) over the Pacific–North American (PNA) region is investigated. In addition, the sensitivity of this response to the interaction between Madden–Julian oscillation forcing and the extratropical initial flow is explored. First, a simple dynamical model is run with an ensemble of 100 randomly selected initial conditions from ERA-Interim data, with no heating, MJO phase-1-like heating, and MJO phase-5-like heating. The 300-hPa geopotential height field is separated into a part that would evolve without an active MJO present, and a part that is a consequence of the MJO heating. A negative 300-hPa geopotential height anomaly centered over northeastern China bounded by positive anomalies on its equatorward and poleward flanks is found to be followed by a large amplitude negative PNA-like response for MJO phase 1 and a positive PNA-like response for phase 5.

A similar study is carried out using observational data. An analog approach—using projections to determine the analogs—is used to approximate the part of the flow that results from the MJO heating. The composite initial flow that corresponds to a large MJO response in observational data somewhat matches that in the model, although there is more variability between phases. Finally, the analog method is used to examine questions related to predictability and the MJO. It is found that predictability is improved by taking into account the presence of the MJO and by choosing analogs with high projections. The presence of an active MJO also increases predictability.
Do Differences in School Quality Matter More Than We Thought? New Evidence on Educational Opportunity in the Twenty-first Century
Authors: Jennings Jennifer L. , Deming David , Jencks Christopher , Lopuch Maya , Schueler Beth E.
Published: January 2015

Do schools reduce or perpetuate inequality by race and family income? Most studies conclude that schools play only a small role in explaining socioeconomic and racial disparities in educational outcomes, but they usually draw this conclusion based solely on test scores. We reconsider this finding using longitudinal data on test scores and four-year college attendance among high school students in Massachusetts and Texas. We show that unexplained differences between high schools are larger for college attendance than for test scores. These differences are arguably caused by differences between the schools themselves. Furthermore, while these apparent differences in high school effectiveness increase income disparities in college attendance, they reduce racial disparities. Social scientists concerned with schools’ role in transmitting inequality across generations should reconsider the assumption that schools either increase or reduce all disparities and should direct attention to explaining why high schools’ effects on specific outcomes and groups of students appear to vary so much.