bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bryogeography and the bryophytic characterization of biogeoclimatic zones of British Columbia, Canada
Authors: Schofield W. B.
Published: March 2010

Although nearly 85% of the bryophytes of the known flora of British Columbia show wide world distributions, they, plus the remaining 15% confined to western North America, segregated into at least eight distinguishable patterns. These patterns have been shaped by the coincidence of climate, historical events, substratum, and topography and have been altered more recently through anthropogenic disturbance. The distribution patterns form the basis for the bryophytes that characterize the biogeoclimatic zones. Lists of these bryophytes are provided for the 12 biogeoclimatic zones recognized for British Columbia by V. J. Krajina. Distribution maps are provided for 16 representative species. Other applications of bryophyte ecology in forestry practice include site evaluations, nutrient cycling, and successional interpretation.
Theory of nuclear spin conversion in the β phase of solid CH4
Authors: Nijman A. J. , Berlinsky A. J.
Published: March 2010

Calculations of the T(I = 1) to A(I = 2) spin isomer conversion rate for solid CH4 in the partially ordered β phase are performed for mechanisms involving both inter- and intramolecular dipole–dipole interactions. In each case energy is conserved by means of phonon emission. The intermolecular mechanism leads to a conversion rate of about 1%/h for the free rotor molecules and about 0.002 to 0.010%/h (for 0 < T < 4.2) for the ordered molecules. Here the difference in ordered and disordered molecule conversion rates results mainly from the fact that the T-A splitting is much smaller for ordered molecules and that the efficiency of the phonon emission process scales like the cube of this energy. The closely related calculation for an ordered molecule with a neighboring O2 impurity gives conversion rates of roughly 25%/min. The most effective intrinsic mechanism for free rotor molecules is the hybrid process in which the intramolecular dipole–dipole interaction mixes the nuclear spin states and the intermolecular octupole–octupole interaction causes transitions between rotational states and conserves energy by coupling to the lattice. The rate for this mechanism is 33 to 59% per hour, depending on the value used for the octupole moment, in reasonable agreement with experiment. For ordered molecules the rate is much slower and temperature dependent. At 4.2 K the calculated conversion time is 50 to 100 h.
Strong couplings in broken SU(4)
Authors: Pandit P. N. , Khanna M. P. , Verma Ramesh C.
Published: March 2010

Symmetry breaking effects on the strong coupling constants are studied assuming intermediate states to be nonexotic and s–u channel symmetry of the symmetry breaking Hamiltonian. Numerical values of the charmed and uncharmed [Formula: see text] BP couplings are calculated.
Fonctions génératrices et bases d'intégrité pour les sous-groupes finis du groupe de Lorentz O(3,1)
Authors: Saint-Aubin Y.
Published: March 2010

The generating functions of the finite subgroups of the Lorentz group O(3,1) are obtained with the help of a relation for the generating function B(Γr, Γm; λ) where Γm is reducible in the direct sum of N irreducible representations. The integrity bases for these subgroups are shown to be expressible in terms of those of the point groups in a straightforward way. The generating functions for the invariants are listed explicitly.
The effects of two-body correlations in 16O on the bremsstrahlung weighted cross section
Authors: Duplain D. , Goulard B.
Published: March 2010

The bremsstrahlung weighted cross section σ−1, is calculated for,16O using the linked cluster expansion to introduce two-body correlations. All diagrams up to second order in the G-matrix are calculated. A particular choice is made among these diagrams which are grouped in order to preserve the normalization of the one-body density and of the two-body density. This selection of diagrams is shown to be consistent with an expansion in the number of hole-lines. The correlated value obtained in this way, σ−1 = 14.99 mb, is close to the experimental value σ−1 = 15.10 mb although the calculation might still be subject to improvement.
The 4d85s, 4d85p, and 4p54d10 configurations in the Te VIII spectrum and the 4d96s configuration in the Te VII spectrum
Authors: Joshi Y. N. , van Kleef Th. A. M.
Published: March 2010

The spectrum of tellurium was observed in the region 150-2100 Å on 10.7 and 6.65 m normal and grazing incidence spectrographs. The source used was a triggered spark. All the levels of the 4d85s and 4p54d10 configurations and all the previously unknown levels of the 4d85p configuration in the Te VIII have been established. One hundred and seventeen additional lines have been classified in this spectrum. The 4d96s configuration in the Te VII was established and 25 additional lines have been classified. Parametric-level-fitting calculations were carried out for both spectra and they support the analysis.
Impurity band density of states in the atomic limit
Authors: Liu K. L. , Bergersen B. , Modrak P.
Published: March 2010

Model calculations are presented for the density of states in the impurity band of a semiconductor. The calculations are based on the Hubbard model in the atomic (i.e., infinite U) limit and are thus appropriate to impurity concentration below the critical one for the metal–insulator transition. No ordering of the electron spin is assumed, instead all spin configurations are taken to be equally probable. The impurity distribution is taken to be random. Calculations are carried out with a Gaussian overlap integral as a function of impurity–impurity distance and with the transfer integral obtained from hydrogenic wave function. The first seven moments of the density of states distribution of the Gaussian model and the first six moments of the hydrogenic model are calculated using a diagrammatic method. We also discuss asymptotic expressions for the distribution in the high and low density limits. Intepolation methods to reconstruct the distribution from the moments are investigated. It is believed that the methods used are suitable for generalizations to more realistic model Hamiltonians.
Accurate spin-dependent electron liquid correlation energies for local spin density calculations: a critical analysis
Authors: Vosko S. H. , Wilk L. , Nusair M.
Published: March 2010

We assess various approximate forms for the correlation energy per particle of the spin-polarized homogeneous electron gas that have frequently been used in applications of the local spin density approximation to the exchange-correlation energy functional. By accurately recalculating the RPA correlation energy as a function of electron density and spin polarization we demonstrate the inadequacies of the usual approximation for interpolating between the para- and ferro-magnetic states and present an accurate new interpolation formula. A Padé approximant technique is used to accurately interpolate the recent Monte Carlo results (para and ferro) of Ceperley and Alder into the important range of densities for atoms, molecules, and metals. These results can be combined with the RPA spin-dependence so as to produce a correlation energy for a spin-polarized homogeneous electron gas with an estimated maximum error of 1 mRy and thus should reliably determine the magnitude of non-local corrections to the local spin density approximation in real systems.
Volume integrals and root-mean-square radii of the optical potential
Authors: Abul-Magd A. Y. , Simbel M. H. , Farag M. Y. H.
Published: March 2010

Using Glauber's multiple scattering theory, closed form expressions for the volume integrals and rms radii of different components of the optical potential for intermediate energy protons are obtained. Applying these expressions to the available optical-model parameters for proton scattering energies between 0.1 and 1 GeV, the corresponding parameters of the effective nucleon–nucleon interactions are extracted and compared with the information obtained from nucleon–nucleon scattering. Corrections due to Pauli principle, short-range correlations, and centre-of-mass recoil are considered.
THE NUMBERS OF PERIODIC ORBITS HIDDEN AT FIXED POINTS OF THREE-DIMENSIONAL HOLOMORPHIC MAPPINGS
Authors: ZHANG GUANG YUAN
Published: March 2010

Let M be a positive integer and let f be a holomorphic mapping from a ball Δn = {x ∈ ℂn;|x| < δ} into ℂn such that the origin 0 is an isolated fixed point of both f and the M-th iteration fM of f. Then one can define the number [Formula: see text], which can be interpreted to be the number of periodic orbits of f with period M hidden at the fixed point 0.

For a 3 × 3 matrix A, of which the eigenvalues are all distinct primitive M-th roots of unity, we will give a sufficient and necessary condition for A such that for any holomorphic mapping f: Δ 3 → ℂ3 with f(0) = 0 and Df(0) = A, if 0 is an isolated fixed point of the M-th iteration fM, then [Formula: see text].
TOWARDS SPECIAL DAEMON-SENSITIVE ELECTRON MULTIPLIER: POSITIVE OUTCOME OF MARCH 2009 EXPERIMENT
Authors: DROBYSHEVSKI E. M. , DROBYSHEVSKI M. E.
Published: March 2010

Results of the experiments on daemon detection performed in St-Petersburg in March 2009 are presented. Adding the data obtained with the daemon-sensitive FEU-167-1 PM tubes to the data amassed in our previous measurements (starting from 2000) raises the confidence level of existence of the spring maximum in NEACHO (near-Earth almost circular heliocentric orbit) daemon flux to ~ 5σ.

The first test experiments conducted with the "dark" electron multiplier tubes, TEU-167 with a thick (~ 0.5 μm) Al coating over all of the inner surface of the near-cathode multiplier section, including also its front screen, look encouraging. They provide supportive evidence for the existence of diurnal modulation of the daemon flux and offer ~ 3.4 × 10-7 cm-2s-1 for its lower limit in March, in good agreement with our earlier estimates and measurements.
NEUTRINO OSCILLATIONS AND ENERGY–MOMENTUM CONSERVATION
Authors: GOLDMAN T.
Published: March 2010

A description of neutrino oscillation phenomena is presented which is based on relativistic quantum mechanics with four-momentum conservation. This is different from both conventional approaches which arbitrarily use either equal energies or equal momenta for the different neutrino mass eigenstates. Both entangled state and source dependence aspects are also included. The time dependence of the wave function is found to be crucial to recovering the conventional result to second order in the neutrino masses. An ambiguity appears at fourth order which generally leads to source dependence, but the standard formula can be promoted to this order by a plausible convention.
INTEGRABLE PROPERTIES AND SIMILARITY REDUCTIONS OF THE SINE-LAPLACE EQUATION FROM AN INVISCID INCOMPRESSIBLE FLUID WITH SYMBOLIC COMPUTATION
Authors: LI JUAN , TIAN BO , WEI GUANG-MEI , ZHANG HAI-QIANG
Published: March 2010

Several integrable properties of the Sine-Laplace equation arising from an inviscid incompressible fluid are symbolically presented, including the Lax pair, auto-Bäcklund transformation, nonlinear superposition formula, bilinear form, and static N-soliton solution. Furthermore, with symbolic computation, two similarity reductions for the Sine-Laplace equation are derived by virtue of the classical Lie group method of infinitesimal transformations. One reduces to the third Painlevé equation and the other to a known ordinary differential equation. Sample static solutions are discussed and pictured.
RED LIGHT EMITTING SCHOTTKY DIODES ON p-TYPE GaN/AlN/Si(111) SUBSTRATE
Authors: CHUAH L. S. , HASSAN Z. , ABU HASSAN H.
Published: March 2010

High quality GaN layers doped with Mg were grown on Si (111) substrates using high temperature AlN as buffer layer by radio-frequency molecular beam epitaxy. From the Hall measurements, fairly uniform high hole concentration as high as (4–5) × 1020 cm -3 throughout the GaN was achieved. The fabrication of the device is very simple. Nickel ohmic contacts and Schottky contacts using indium were fabricated on Mg -doped p-GaN films. The light emission has been obtained from these thin film electroluminescent devices. Thin film electroluminescent devices were operated under direct current bias. Schottky and ohmic contacts used as cathode and anode were employed in these investigations. Alternatively, two Schottky contacts could be probed as cathode and anode. Thin film electroluminescent devices were able to emit light. However, electrical and optical differences could be observed from the two different probing methods. The red light color could be observed when the potential between the electrodes was increased gradually under forward bias of 8 V at room temperature. Electrical properties of these thin film electroluminescent devices were characterized by current–voltage (I–V) system, the heights of barriers determined from the I–V measurements were found to be related to the electroluminescence.
STRESS AND TEMPERATURE DEPENDENCE OF THE HYPERFINE INTERACTIONS AT POINT DEFECTS IN SEMICONDUCTORS
Authors: TESSEMA GENENE
Published: March 2010

The resultant electric field gradient (EFG) produced at the nucleus of an atom in a solid can be measured using the perturbed γ – γ angular correlation (PAC) method that employs radioactive probe atoms. Several EFGs, associated with different types of defects trapped by the probe, are reported from the crystal silicon and germanium semiconductors. However, the nature of the field gradients is not fully understood because of the many factors contributing for its properties. The proximity of an impurity atom to the probe in the host matrix particularly played a significant role in the determination of the magnitude of the EFG. We discuss here the temperature and stress dependence of the crystal EFGs caused by impurity trapping as well as by the actions of uniaxial stress on semiconductor substrates.
DIFFRACTION FROM NANOTUBES AND QUASI ONE-DIMENSIONAL CRYSTALS
Authors: DAMNJANOVIĆ M. , VUKOVIĆ T. , MILOŠEVIĆ I.
Published: March 2010

Quasi one-dimensional systems, including bio-polymers, nanotubes, nanowires, etc., are in focus of material science and technology for more than two decades. Using recently found quasi one-dimensional conformation classes, which are elementary building blocks of all quasi one-dimensional crystals, we make symmetry based study of their diffraction patterns. In particular, we single out the features distinguishing between the classes, thus enabling to characterize each of them. It turns out that this analysis suffices to find out chiral indices of carbon nanotubes.
INFRARED AND RAMAN SPECTROSCOPY STUDY OF ANTIMONY DOPED BARIUM TITANATE PREPARED FROM ORGANOMETALLIC COMPLEX
Authors: LAZAREVIĆ ZORICA Ž. , ROMČEVIĆ NEBOJŠA Ž. , ROMČEVIĆ MAJA J. , TRAJIĆ JELENA , VIJATOVIĆ MIRJANA M. , BOBIĆ JELENA , STOJANOVIĆ BILJANA D.
Published: March 2010

Pure and antimony doped barium titanate powders were prepared by polymeric precursors method through Pechini process, which was carried out as a three-stage process from organometallic complex. Obtained powder was pressed into pellets and sintering was performed at 1300 °C for 8 h with heating rate of 10 °C min-1. The formation of phase and crystal structure of pure and Sb -doped barium titanate was approved by XRD analysis, Raman and IR spectroscopy. The influence of Sb doping on microstructure of barium titanate ceramics was investigated by scanning electron microscopy. Therefore, the relation between grain size, structure and properties of the obtained ceramics was analyzed. Influence of Sb doping on barium titanate properties was discussed.
PHOTOREFRACTIVE AND PHOTOCONDUCTIVE FEATURES OF THE NANOSTRUCTURED MATERIALS
Authors: KAMANINA NATALIA V. , SEROV SERGEY V. , SAVINOV VICTOR P. , USKOKOVIĆ DRAGAN P.
Published: March 2010

Photoconductive and photorefractive characteristics of fullerene- and nanotubes-doped organic thin films based on conjugated organics, such as polyimide, polyaniline, pyridine, etc. have been studied. In addition, the liquid crystal mesophase with nanoobjects has been investigated. The increase of the charge carrier mobility of nanosensitized organics has been established. The nonlinear refraction and cubic nonlinearity have been investigated at wavelength of 532 nm via four-wave mixing technique using Raman-Nath diffraction regime. The thin holographic grating has been written at the spatial frequencies placed in the range of 90-150 mm-1. The energy density has been chosen in the range of 0.1-0.9 J × cm-2. The correlation between photoconductive and nonlinear optical parameters has been revealed. The nanostructured materials can be proposed for different area of nano- and microelectronic applications.
SYNTHESIS OF NANOCRYSTALLINE AND AMORPHOUS ALLOYS FROM ELEMENTARY POWDERS BY INTENSIVE PLASTIC DEFORMATION UNDER HIGH PRESSURE
Authors: DOBROMYSLOV A. V. , CHURBAEV R. V.
Published: March 2010

Transmission electron microscopy is used to study the structure and phase composition of binary zirconium alloys with Group I-VIII metals produced from metal powders via severe plastic torsional deformation under pressure. The metal contents in the initial mixture, the type of reacting metals, and the degree of deformation are found to affect substantially the structure and phase composition of the alloys synthesized. It is found that the tendency of binary zirconium-based alloys to form an amorphous state depends on the position of an alloying metal in the periodic table. An amorphous state is formed in alloys with Group II ( Zn ), III ( Al ), VIII ( Co , Ni ), and I ( Cu ) metals; it is not formed in alloys with Group IV ( Ti ), V (V, Nb ), and VI ( Mo ) metals of the periodic table. Compositions that are close to equiatomic alloys are more favorable for the formation of an amorphous state or the smallest nanograins. In the course of mechanical alloying, high-pressure phases and intermetallic compounds are found to form.
COMPLEX AFM ANALYSIS WITH RASTER SPRING IMAGING MODE
Authors: BYKOV IVAN , ANDREW ERMOLENKO
Published: March 2010

The new Raster Spring Imaging Mode is developed to study soft and bad – fixed objects in AFM. The normal and lateral force between tip and sample is minimized. We discuss the principle of operation, main features and its prospect for specific applications. Experimental results revealed advantages with regard to other techniques like contact or semicontact mode. The silicon structure measurements with Raster Spring Imaging Mode allow to obtain information of elastic and adhesion properties without losing sight of good topography image.
SYNTHESIS AND PROCESSING OF InVO4 CERAMICS
Authors: BARTONICKOVA EVA , CIHLAR JAROSLAV
Published: March 2010

Indium vanadates for severe applications as photocatalysts, anodes for Li rechargeable batteries or electrochromic devices were prepared via conventional and non-conventional preparation methods. The conventional high temperature solid state reaction was performed at 800°C for 25 hours and the non-conventional microwave-assisted synthesis was performed at 220°C for different reaction times under hydrothermal conditions. The as-prepared powders were characterized in terms of phase composition by X-Ray diffraction analysis (XRD) and infrared spectroscopy (IR) and of powder morphology by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and BET method. Nanosized indium vanadate powders were successfully synthesized by non-conventional microwave-assisted hydrothermal method. The dense ceramic bodies suitable for electrical conductivity measurements with 96% t.d. were obtained by sintering of powders prepared by high-temperature solid state reaction at 1100°C for 4 h with admission of oleic acid as a binder additive.
THE PARAMAGNETIC PILLARED BENTONITES AS DIGESTIVE TRACT MRI CONTRAST AGENTS
Authors: MOJOVIĆ MILOŠ , DAKOVIĆ MARKO , OMERAŠEVIĆ MIA , MOJOVIĆ ZORICA , BANKOVIĆ PREDRAG , MILUTINOVIĆ-NIKOLIĆ ALEKSANDRA , JOVANOVIĆ DUŠAN
Published: March 2010

The increased use of imaging techniques in diagnostic studies, such as MRI, has contributed to the development of the wide range of new materials which could be successfully used as image improving agents. However, there is a lack of such substances in the area of gastrointestinal tract MRI. Many of the traditionally popular relaxation altering agents show poor results and disadvantages provoking black bowel, side effects of diarrhea and the presence of artifacts arising from clumping. Paramagnetic species seem to be potentially suitable agents for these studies, but contrast opacification has been reported and less than 60% of the gastrointestinal tract magnetic resonance scans showed improved delineation of abdominal pathologies. The new solution has been proposed as zeolites or smectite clays (hectorite and montmorillonite) enclosing of paramagnetic metal ions obtained by ion-exchange methods. However, such materials have problems of leakage of paramagnetic ions causing the appearance of the various side-effects. In this study we show that Co +2 and Dy +3 paramagnetic-pillared bentonites could be successfully used as MRI digestive tract non-leaching contrast agents, altering the longitudinal and transverse relaxation times of fluids in contact with the clay minerals.
COMPACTIVITY OF CELL COLONIES-RELATIONS BETWEEN LIVING CELLS INSIDE POLYMER HYDROGEL BEADS
Authors: PLAVSIC M. B. , PAJIC-LIJAKOVIC I. , PLAVSIC M. M.
Published: March 2010

The system of living cells closed in a polymer bead as a matrix is considered in formalism of lattice model extended with compactivity concept developed for complex systems in statistical mechanics of jammed state of matter. Possibility of extension of Edwards concept of compactivity developed for hard irregular grains with friction to living cell systems, is considered if function of cell interactions and properties. Existence of critical points in the course of cell colony grow related to their self assembling and response to polymer hydrogel micro-environment resistance, is analyzed in function of cell volume fraction growth. Based on the theory and experiments it is related to characteristic values of compactivity in analogy to phase transition temperatures. Interpretation of data from literature on cancer cell cluster growth suppression under pressure of microenvironment on the base of model proposed is offered.
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF CONTACT LENSES CHARACTERIZED BY SCANNING PROBE MICROSCOPY AND OPTOMAGNETIC FINGERPRINT
Authors: STAMENKOVIĆ DRAGOMIR , KOJIĆ DUŠAN , MATIJA LIDIJA , MILJKOVIĆ ZORAN , BABIĆ BOJAN
Published: March 2010

In this paper we present applied physics research results of gas-permeable contact lenses (CL) that are manufactured from fluorosilicone acrylate based material (Boston™ type). During contact lenses production the conformation states of polymers belonging to near surface layers of CL surface are changed. Since CL quality crucially depends on surface roughness and optical properties, the properties of surface molecules conformation state and their orientation come into perspective as important factors acting on the molecular level. Therefore, we investigated CL surface by phase contrast atomic force microscopy (PC-AFM), magnetic force microscopy (MFM), and optomagnetic fingerprint (OMF) technique and found out that surface quality and magnetic properties of contact lenses have influence on physical properties of light transmission and that these changes can be detected on the nanolevel of magnetism, as well as optomagnetism. These results carry important biophysically based implications for CL industry, biomedical application industry and applied optical science.
INTEGRAL EQUATION STUDY OF THE CORRELATION LENGTHS IN IONIC FLUIDS
Authors: GUO YUAN-YUAN , CHEN XIAO-SONG
Published: March 2010

The restrict primitive model of ionic systems is investigated with the integral equation theory. Using the correlation functions calculated in the reference hypernetted chain approximation, we get (i) the Lebowitz lengths at different densities and temperatures, (ii) the density–density correlation lengths along different isochores approaching the spinodal curve from above. The Lebowitz length obtained by us has better agreement with the Monte Carlo simulation results than the generalized Debye–Hückel theory. Along the critical isochore, the Lebowitz length remains finite when approaching the critical temperature from above, while the density–density correlation lengths diverge as t-1/2 with t = (T - Ts)/Ts, where Ts is the temperature on the spinodal line.
DECOHERENCE OF A DRIVEN QUBIT APPROACHED VIA THE MASTER EQUATION OF REDFIELD FORM
Authors: LI ZENG-ZHAO , YAO CHUN-MEI , LIANG XIAN-TING
Published: March 2010

By solving the master equation of Redfield form, we investigate the decoherence of a reduced open-driven qubit. It is shown that when the driving field has not too large frequency to compare to the Rabi frequency of the qubit system, the decoherence of the qubit is affected by the amplitude but not by the frequency of the driving field. We can prolong the decoherence time of the qubit as we choose an appropriate driving field to operate the qubit.
ON THE DIELECTRIC BEHAVIOR OF LiCo3/5Fe2/5VO4 CERAMICS
Authors: RAM MOTI
Published: March 2010

The LiCo 3/5 Fe 2/5 VO 4 ceramics has been fabricated by solution-based chemical method. Frequency dependence of the dielectric constant (εr) at different temperatures exhibits a dispersive behavior at low frequencies. Temperature dependence of εr at different frequencies indicates the dielectric anomalies in εr at Tc (transition temperature) = 190°C, 223°C, 263°C and 283°C with (εr) max ~ 5370, 1976, 690 and 429 for 1, 10, 50 and 100 kHz, respectively. Frequency dependence of tangent loss ( tan δ) at different temperatures indicates the presence of dielectric relaxation in the material. The value of activation energy estimated from the Arrhenius plot of log (τd) with 103/T is ~(0.396 ± 0.012) eV.
AN ATTEMPT TO INTRODUCE LONG-RANGE INTERACTIONS INTO SMALL-WORLD NETWORKS
Authors: WANG CHUN-YANG , KONG XIANG-MU
Published: March 2010

Distinguishing the long-range bonds with the regular ones, the critical temperature of the spin-lattice Gaussian model built on two typical small-world networks is studied. The results show much difference from the classical case, and thus may induce some more accurate discussion on the critical properties of the spin-lattice systems combined with the small-world networks.
INTEGRABLE COUPLING SYSTEMS OF HAMILTONIAN LATTICE EQUATIONS BY SEMI-DIRECT SUMS OF LIE ALGEBRAS
Authors: ZHU LI-LI , DU JUN , MA XIAO-YAN , SANG SHENG-JU
Published: March 2010

By considering a discrete isospectral eigenvalue problem, a hierarchy of lattice soliton equations are derived. The relation to the Toda type lattice is achieved by variable transformation. With the help of Tu scheme, the Hamiltonian structure of the resulting lattice hierarchy is constructed. The Liouville integrability is then demonstrated. Semi-direct sum of Lie algebras is proposed to construct discrete integrable couplings. As applications, two kinds of discrete integrable couplings of the resulting system are worked out.
A TEST FOR THE MANY WORLDS INTERPRETATION?
Authors: BRUNEY PAUL
Published: March 2010

A feasible quantum means for laboratory testing the time-translation theory by Aharonov et al. has previously been proposed. If such tests prove successful, a modified test based on this model is suggested to further investigate anticipated behavioral characteristics of the Many Worlds Interpretation and quantum decoherence.
ALIGN-ENCODE DELAY ASSIGNMENT IN THE CASE OF XOR-DECOMPRESSORS: IMPACT OF PARALLEL COMPUTATIONS
Authors: ALMULLA MOHAMMED , SINANOGLU OZGUR , TAHA MOHAMMED NAEL , AL-AWADHI NADER
Published: March 2010

Various techniques can be used to reduce the test time and cost of chip development, some of which achieve their objective by reducing the test data volume through the implementation of compression technologies such as XOR-based decompressors. In the presence of XOR decompressor, the delivery of acceptable (encodable) test patterns might not be possible. The Align-Encode technique which manipulates the distribution of care bits in the test pattern could increase the delivery of more encodable test patterns. Yet a sequential algorithm, which computes the delay values for a test pattern given the XOR decompressor specifications, faces major drawbacks when applied on large test patterns. In this paper, we propose a parallel version of the Align-Encode algorithm which is designed to work on distributed memory architecture. It exploits the nature of the problem in order to make significant improvements in performance with respect to time as well as the number of encodable test patterns generated, and in test data compression as a result.
A MEASUREMENT-ASSISTED, MODEL-BASED ADMISSION CONTROL ALGORITHM FOR IEEE 802.11E
Authors: BENSAOU BRAHIM , KONG ZHEN-NING , TSANG DANNY H. K.
Published: March 2010

The IEEE 802.11e Enhanced Distributed Channel Access (EDCA) is designed to provide differentiated services without real hard performance guarantees, such as bandwidth and delay bounds in wireless LANs. In this paper we design a measurement-assisted, model-based call admission control (MM-CAC) scheme to support guaranteed QoS in the EDCA. For this purpose, we first develop an accurate analytical model of the legacy IEEE 802.11 DCF under non-saturation conditions; then using this model, we define the concept of equivalent number of competing entities, to convert a heterogeneous (multi-class) EDCA network into an equivalent homogeneous network and study traffic classes in isolation. Our analytical model is then invoked to decide to admit a new flow or reject it with much little computational complexity as compared to a fully fledged EDCA model. Numerical results validate our model and analysis, and simulations demonstrate the effectiveness of our MM-CAC scheme.
DBA-MAC: DYNAMIC BACKBONE-ASSISTED MEDIUM ACCESS CONTROL PROTOCOL FOR EFFICIENT BROADCAST IN VANETS
Authors: BONONI LUCIANO , DI FELICE MARCO , PIZZI SARA
Published: March 2010

Active safety systems based on dissemination of alert messages are one of the most important applications of Vehicular ad Hoc Networks (VANETs). These systems typically require to provide efficient and reliable delivery of safety information to all the vehicles travelling over a geographical area. Reducing the delivery delay is also a crucial issue due to the real-time nature of the communication. To meet these requirements, in this paper we design a cross-layered MAC and clustering solution for the fast propagation of broadcast messages in a VANET. A distributed dynamic clustering algorithm is proposed in order to create a dynamic virtual backbone inside the vehicular network. The vehicle-members of the backbone are responsible for implementing an efficient message propagation. The backbone creation and maintenance are proactively performed aiming to balance the stability of backbone connections as well as cost/efficiency trade-off and hops-reduction when forwarding the broadcast messages. A fast multi-hop MAC forwarding scheme is defined to exploit the role of backbone vehicles, under a cross-layered approach. Simulation results show that our cross-layer scheme guarantees high message delivery ratio, reduces the delivery delay and provides efficient channel utilization when compared with other dissemination schemes for VANETs.
USING ACCURACY-BASED LEARNING CLASSIFIER SYSTEMS FOR ADAPTABLE STRATEGY GENERATION IN GAMES AND INTERACTIVE VIRTUAL SIMULATIONS
Authors: JUAN ALEJANDRO , PAZZI RICHARD W. , BOUKERCHE AZZEDINE
Published: March 2010

Historically, the artificial intelligence (AI) of interactive virtual simulations or games is usually driven by pre-defined static scripts. One of the disadvantages of such scripted opponents is that they can be deciphered and countered by an intelligent user. Thus, the user has the opportunity to find weaknesses and an easy solution against the virtual simulation, which diminishes the efficiency aspect of a training session or entertaining value drastically. While randomization can be used to mask the static behaviour of a scripted AI, it is possible to develop much richer solutions by applying Learning Classifier System (LCS) techniques to create agents with intelligent-like behaviors. Learning Classifier Systems are rule-based machine learning techniques that rely on a Genetic Algorithm to discover a knowledge map used to classify an input space into a set of actions.

In this paper, we propose the use of an unsupervised machine learning technique called Accuracy-based Learning Classifier Systems (XCS) for adaptable strategy generation that can be used in virtual simulations or games. XCS use a Genetic Algorithm to evolve a knowledge base in the form of rules. The performance and adaptability of the strategies and tactics developed with the XCS is analyzed by facing these against scripted opponents on a real time strategy game. According to our experiments, the rulesets are able to adapt to a wide array of behaviors from its opponents, as opposed to a linear game script, which is limited in its ability to adapt to its environment.
AN ADAPTIVE DYNAMIC LOAD BALANCING TECHNIQUE FOR GRID-BASED LARGE SCALE DISTRIBUTED SIMULATIONS
Authors: EL AJALTOUNI ELIE , ZHANG MING , BOUKERCHE AZZEDINE , DE GRANDE ROBSON EDUARDO
Published: March 2010

Dynamic load balancing is a key factor in achieving high performance for large scale distributed simulations on grid infrastructures. In a grid environment, the available resources and the simulation's computation and communication behavior may experience critical run-time imbalances. Consequently, an initial static partitioning should be combined with a dynamic load balancing scheme to ensure the high performance of the distributed simulation. In this paper, we propose a dynamic load balancing scheme for distributed simulations on a grid infrastructure. Our scheme is composed of an online network analyzing service coupled with monitoring agents and a run-time model repartitioning service. We present a hierarchical scalable adaptive JXTA service based scheme and use simulation experiments to demonstrate that our proposed scheme exhibits better performance in terms of simulation execution time. Furthermore, we extend our algorithm from a local intra-cluster algorithm to a global inter-cluster algorithm and we consider the proposed global design through a formalized Discrete Event System Specification (DEVS) model system
QoS BASED SELECTION ALGORITHMS FOR COMPOSITE DISTRIBUTED WEB SERVICES
Authors: EL SADDIK ABDULMOTALEB , LIU DEYANG
Published: March 2010

We propose a web service selection framework by introducing a QoS-based cost function concept. We used this mechanism to choose a few web services from a given service community according to their cost function. Then, we compose them together to find the optimal composite service. The proposed selection algorithms consume only limited system resources and have the characteristics of efficiency, dynamics, and fault tolerance. Hence, the aim is to optimally select component services at run time according to users' preferences and non-functional parameters.
A New Method of Constructing a Lattice Basis and Its Applications to Cryptanalyse Short Exponent RSA
Authors: Wang Mingqiang , Zhang Haifeng
Published: March 2010

We provide a new method of constructing an optimal
lattice. Applying our method to the cryptanalysis of the short exponent
RSA, we obtain our results which extend Boneh and Durfee′s work. Our
attack methods are based on a generalization to multivariate modular polynomial
equation. The results illustrate the fact that one should be careful
when using RSA key generation process with special parameters.
Asymptotic Dichotomyin a Class of Third‐Order Nonlinear Differential Equations with Impulses
Authors: Wen Kun-Wen , Wang Gen-Qiang , Cheng Sui Sun
Published: March 2010

Solutions of quite a few higher‐order delay functional differential equations oscillate or converge to zero. In this paper, we obtain several such dichotomous criteria for a class of third‐order
nonlinear differential equation with impulses.
Role of Leptin in the Activation of Immune Cells
Authors: Fernández-Riejos Patricia , Najib Souad , Santos-Alvarez Jose , Martín-Romero Consuelo , Pérez-Pérez Antonio , González-Yanes Carmen , Sánchez-Margalet Víctor
Published: March 2010

Adipose tissue is an active endocrine organ that secretes various humoral factors (adipokines), and its shift to production of proinflammatory cytokines in obesity likely contributes to the low-level systemic inflammation that may be present in metabolic syndrome-associated chronic pathologies such as atherosclerosis. Leptin is one of the most important hormones secreted by adipocytes, with a variety of physiological roles related to the control of metabolism and energy homeostasis. One of these functions is the connection between nutritional status and immune competence. The adipocyte-derived hormone leptin has been shown to regulate the immune response, innate and adaptive response, both in normal and pathological conditions. The role of leptin in regulating immune response has been assessed in vitro as well as in clinical studies. It has been shown that conditions of reduced leptin production are associated with increased infection susceptibility. Conversely, immune-mediated disorders such as autoimmune diseases are associated with increased secretion of leptin and production of proinflammatory pathogenic cytokines. Thus, leptin is a mediator of the inflammatory response.
Run-Length-Based Test Data Compression Techniques: How Far from Entropy and Power Bounds?—A Survey
Authors: Mehta Usha S. , Dasgupta Kankar S. , Devashrayee Niranjan M.
Published: March 2010

The run length based coding schemes have been very effective for
the test data compression in case of current generation SoCs with
a large number of IP cores. The first part of paper presents a
survey of the run length based codes. The data compression of any
partially specified test data depends upon how the unspecified
bits are filled with 1s and 0s. In the second part of the paper,
the five different approaches for “don't care” bit
filling based on nature of runs are proposed to predict the
maximum compression based on entropy. Here the various run length
based schemes are compared with maximum data compression limit
based on entropy bounds. The actual compressions claimed by the
authors are also compared. For various ISCAS circuits, it has been
shown that when the X filling is done considering runs of zeros
followed by one as well as runs of ones followed by zero (i.e.,
Extended FDR), it provides the maximum data compression. In third
part, it has been shown that the average test power and peak power
is minimum when the don't care bits are filled to make the
long runs of 0s as well as 1s.
Estimating L‐Functionals for Heavy‐Tailed Distributions and Application
Authors: Necir Abdelhakim , Meraghni Djamel
Published: March 2010

L‐functionals summarize numerous statistical parameters and actuarial risk
measures. Their sample estimators are linear combinations of order statistics
(L‐statistics). There exists a class of heavy‐tailed distributions for which the
asymptotic normality of these estimators cannot be obtained by classical results.
In this paper we propose, by means of extreme value theory, alternative
estimators for L‐functionals and establish their asymptotic normality. Our
results may be applied to estimate the trimmed L‐moments and financial risk
measures for heavy‐tailed distributions.
Prenatal Diagnosis of Aortopulmonary Window with Interrupted Aortic Arch by Fetal Echocardiography
Authors: Hayashi George , Inamura Noboru , Kayatani Futoshi , Kawazu Yukiko , Hamamichi Yuuji
Published: March 2010

We report the first case of prenatally diagnosed aortopulmonary window (APW) with interrupted aortic arch. The mother was referred for fetal echocardiography at 29 weeks’ gestation because of suspected congenital heart disease. On the short-axis view, we clearly imaged the aortopulmonary septal defect at the proximal pulmonary artery and type A interrupted aortic arch. The window was 4 mm and the shunt flow detected by color flow Doppler was right-to-left in systole and early diastole. All aortic arch branches originated from the aorta proximal to the interruption. The well-developed ascending aorta was not continuous with the descending aorta in the sagittal view of the aortic arch. Visualization of the direction of the shunt flow across the APW and each origin of subclavian arteries was useful for the diagnosis of APW with interrupted aortic arch.
Doppler Sonography of Uterine Arteries at 20–23 Weeks: Depth of Notch Gives Information on Probability of Adverse Pregnancy Outcome and Degree of Fetal Growth Restriction in a Low-Risk Population
Authors: Becker Rolf , Vonk Richard
Published: March 2010

Objective: Our purpose was to assess the relation between the depth of notch in the uterine arteries at 20–23 weeks and the incidence and severity of subsequent pregnancy complications. Methods: The Notch Index (NI) was defined as (C – D)/C, with C = postsystolic zenith and D = postsystolic nadir. For evaluation, the mean NI of the two uterine arteries was determined. Adverse pregnancy outcome was defined as presence of SGA ≤5th percentile, pre-eclampsia, preterm delivery <33 weeks, placental abruption or intrauterine or neonatal death. Women who received preventive treatment (Aspirin or low-molecular heparin) were excluded. Results: A notch was present in 957 of 15,888 singleton pregnancies (6.0%; unilateral = 4.37%, bilateral = 1.66%). The incidence of adverse pregnancy outcome was 5.3%; it increased from 4.6% for women without notch to 41.8% for those with a mean NI ≧0.2 and higher. Moreover, higher mean NI values tended to be associated with lower birth weight. In addition to the maternal age, parity, mean Pulsatility Index and presence of notch, the depth of notch made an additional significant contribution to the assessment of the probability of adverse pregnancy outcome. Conclusion: Besides the classic parameters such as maternal age, history of adverse pregnancy outcome, parity, impedance and the presence of notch, also the depth of notch seems to be valuable in the assessment of adverse pregnancy outcome risk. Especially in cases where very high or very low values of NI are measured, quantification of the depth of notch may give more information than the description of the presence of notch alone. This might be of value for future multivariate models for risk assessment of adverse pregnancy outcome.
Pathobiological Influence of a Radiofrequency Ablation System
Authors: Inoue Keiji , Karashima Takashi , Iiyama Tatsuo , Ashida Shingo , Kamada Masayuki , Shuin Taro , Rao Parijatha , Kurabayashi Atsushi , Furihata Mutsuo , Hotta Akimitsu
Published: March 2010

Purpose: The objective of this study was to optimize the least invasive technique of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for the degenerated renal parenchyma and to develop a novel RFA system. Materials and Methods: Tissue temperature and pathological degeneration were investigated at regular time intervals and distances from the RFA needle electrode in the renal parenchyma of the pig kidney. We also examined whether interruption of the renal artery or irrigation in the renal pelvis had an influence on the therapeutic effects. Results: Pathological investigations showed a core necrotic area surrounded by an ischemic layer around the needle electrode. Interestingly, interruption of the renal artery and irrigation in the renal pelvis markedly enhanced the degeneration of the parenchyma. Especially the electric conductivity of irrigation solutions in the renal pelvis influenced the therapeutic effect. In this novel system which retains the flow of electricity between the 2 electrodes and maintains the electric power at a constant wattage, a marked therapeutic effect was observed between the 2 electrodes rather than on their outsides, and this was not influenced by renal artery interruption and/or renal parenchyma cooling. Conclusions: This novel RFA system may contribute to more effective and highly reproducible therapeutic results.
Altered Sphingolipid Composition in Wharton’s Jelly of Pre-Eclamptic Newborns
Authors: Romanowicz Lech , Bańkowski Edward
Published: March 2010

Objectives: Wharton’s jelly is a myxomatous substance surrounding the umbilical cord (UC) vessels to protect them against extension, bending, twisting and compression. Pre-eclampsia (hypertension, oedema, proteinuria) is the most common pregnancy-associated pathological syndrome. It is accompanied by significant alterations in UC composition. Here we describe the sphingolipids of Wharton’s jelly from 10 newborns delivered by healthy mothers and from 10 babies of pre-eclamptic mothers. Methods: Thin-layer chromatography, solid-phase extraction and high-performance liquid chromatography were employed. Results: Control tissues were abundant in sphingomyelins (Sms) and ceramides (Cers), whereas the amounts of sphingoid bases were distinctly lower. Pre-eclampsia is associated with a significant increase in Sms, Cers, sphingosine, sphinganine, 4-OH-sphinganine, sphingosine 1-phosphate and glycosylated sphingosine. Furthermore, a decrease in sphinganine 1-phosphate was found. Stearate (C18:₀) is the dominating fatty acid in Sms and Cers of control tissue. In contrast, pre-eclamptic material contained the highest amount of laurate (C12:₀) in Sms and myristoleate (C14:1) in Cers. Conclusions: Sphingolipids and some sphingoid bases are bioactive molecules which contribute to the regulation of signal transduction pathways, protein sorting and mediation of cell-to-cell interactions and recognition. The alteration in sphingolipid content may modify the metabolism of Wharton’s jelly, resulting in remodelling of its composition.
Expression and Alteration of p16 in Diffuse Large B Cell Lymphoma
Authors: Lee Ee-Soo , Kim Lian-Hua , Abdullah Wan Ariffin , Peh Suat-Cheng
Published: March 2010

Objectives: This study aimed to examine (1) the expression of P16 protein relative to sites of presentation, immunophenotypic subgroups and proliferative indices of tumour cells, and (2) the relationship between p16 gene alterations and P16 protein overexpression in 70 cases of diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL). Methods: Expression of P16, CD10, BCL-6, MUM-1 and proliferation marker (Ki-67) was demonstrated by immunohistochemistry. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) was employed to detect p16 alterations. Results: P16 overexpression was shown in 45.7% (32/70) of the DLBCL cases, and was significantly correlated with CD10 (p = 0.022) and germinal centre B-cell-like (GCB) phenotype (p = 0.022). High expression of P16 was inversely associated with high proliferative activity (Ki-67 index greater than 75%) (p = 0.020). Of the 47 cases that yielded interpretable FISH results, 57.4% (27/47) showed deletions of p16 and 27.7% (13/47) showed gains of p16. P16 overexpression and p16 deletions were mutually exclusive (p = 0.019). There was no correlation between P16 overexpression and p16 gains (p = 0.621). Conclusions: The GCB and non-GCB subgroups of DLBCLs show different patterns of P16 expression. High levels of P16 may mitigate tumour cell proliferation. Gains of p16 do not necessarily increase P16 protein expression.