bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
SHAPE DEPENDENCE OF THE PREMELTING OF NANOWIRE: A MOLECULAR DYNAMICS STUDY
Authors: YANG XIYUAN , TANG GUANGXI
Published: March 2012

Molecular dynamics (MD) and modified analytical embedded atom method (MAEAM) are used to study the effect of the cross-sectional shape on the nanowire (NW) premelting. The results indicate that the premelting phenomenon occurs far below the melting point. The temperature dependence of mean square displacement (MSD) shows that the shape effect on the premelting phenomenon is obvious. Based on the detailed analysis of the atomic configuration, the premelting activation energy (PAE), and the shape factor, we have further found that the cross-sectional shape has an important effect on the premelting mechanism of the NW.
OPTICAL TRANSITION RADIATION IN PRESENCE OF ACOUSTIC WAVES FOR AN OBLIQUE INCIDENCE
Authors: MKRTCHYAN A. R. , PARAZIAN V. V. , SAHARIAN A. A.
Published: March 2012

Forward transition radiation is considered in an ultrasonic superlattice excited in a finite thickness plate under oblique incidence of relativistic electrons. We investigate the influence of acoustic waves on both the intensity and polarization of the radiation. In the quasi-classical approximation, formulas are derived for the vector potential of the electromagnetic field and for the spectral-angular distribution of the radiation intensity. It is shown that the acoustic waves generate new resonance peaks in the spectral and angular distributions. The heights and the location of the peaks can be controlled by choosing the parameters of the acoustic wave. The numerical examples are given for a plate of fused quartz.
QUANTUM CORRECTIONS TO THE DYNAMICS OF THE BOSE–EINSTEIN CONDENSATE IN A DOUBLE-WELL POTENTIAL
Authors: XU YAN , FAN WEI , CHEN BING
Published: March 2012

The dynamics of the Bose–Einstein condensate (BEC) in a double-well potential is often investigated under the mean-field theory (MFT). This works successfully for large particle numbers with dynamical stability. But for dynamical instabilities, quantum corrections to the MFT becomes important [J. R. Anglin and A. Vardi, Phys. Rev. A64, 013605 (2001)]. Recently the adiabatic dynamics of the double-well BEC is investigated under the MFT in terms of a dark variable [C. Ottaviani et al., Phys. Rev. A81, 043621 (2010)], which generalizes the adiabatic passage techniques in quantum optics to the nonlinear matter-wave case. We give a fully quantized version of it using second-quantization and introduce new correction terms from higher order interactions beyond the on-site interaction, which are interactions between the tunneling particle and the particle in the well and interactions between the tunneling particles. If only the on-site interaction is considered, this reduces to the usual two-mode BEC.
IMMUNIZATION FOR COMPLEX NETWORK BASED ON THE EFFECTIVE DEGREE OF VERTEX
Authors: HU KE , TANG YI
Published: March 2012

The basic idea of many effective immunization strategies is to first rank the importance of vertices according to the degrees of vertices and then remove the vertices from highest importance to lowest until the network becomes disconnected. Here we define the effective degrees of vertex, i.e., the number of its connections linking to un-immunized nodes in current network during the immunization procedure, to rank the importance of vertex, and modify these strategies by using the effective degrees of vertices. Simulations on both the scale-free network models with various degree correlations and two real networks have revealed that the immunization strategies based on the effective degrees are often more effective than those based on the degrees in the initial network.
ENHANCED VAT FOR CLUSTER QUALITY ASSESSMENT IN UNLABELED DATASETS
Authors: PRABHU PUNIETHAA , DURAISWAMY K.
Published: March 2012

The increased demand for clustering objects of unlabeled data into similarity group lies in determining a number of clusters. In addition, the performance of the cluster should be analyzed to provide the precise clustering of objects. Available clustering algorithm depends on the number of clusters C to search with threshold. The proposed method of this paper is Enhanced Visual Assessment of Cluster Tendency, which robotically identifies the number of object groups or clusters in unlabeled datasets. The proposed algorithm relies on visual assessment of cluster tendency (VAT) that intermingles Euclidean, Mahalanobis distance measures, and common image processing techniques. Enhanced VAT produces a binary image, which can be visually assessed for the cluster tendency. However, VAT becomes disrupting for huge datasets. Enhanced VAT reduces the amount of computation and performs dissimilarities with different measures of metrics that are used for an effective visual evaluation process. Validation of our algorithm is performed on several UCI datasets and HIV real world datasets.
A GAIN/FILTERING INTERLEAVED BASEBAND CHAIN ARCHITECTURES FOR MULTISTANDARD RECONFIGURABLE RECEIVERS
Authors: MAHMOUD SOLIMAN A.
Published: March 2012

In this paper, four baseband chain architectures used in multistandard (UMTS–WLAN) reconfigurable receivers will be introduced, simulated and, compared. The architectures are realized using 0.25 μm CMOS technology operating with 1.2 V supply voltage. The baseband chain consists of three stages: the first and the last stage are programmable gain amplifiers and the intermediate stage is an active Gm-RC LPF filter. The proposed architectures are compared in terms of DC-gain, noise, linearity, SFDR, and power consumption. The best receiver architecture is then derived based on system level analysis and based on a defined figure-of-merit. The best baseband chain bandwidth is controlled by the active Gm-RC filter with a value 2.2 MHz for UMTS and 11 MHz for WLAN. The baseband gain can be programmed in the range of -6÷68 dB, while the input-referred noise density is less 20 nV/√Hz for UMTS and 25 μV/√Hz for WLAN.
CLASSIFICATION AND PATHOLOGICAL REALIZATIONS OF TRANSCONDUCTANCE AMPLIFIERS
Authors: SOLIMAN AHMED M.
Published: March 2012

Classification of transconductance amplifiers (TA) based on the number of input ports and output ports is given. A systematic generation method of TA based on using nullator, norator elements, and pathological mirror elements is used to provide pathological realizations of different types of TA. Four pathological realizations of the single input balanced output TA each using two grounded G are given. Four pathological realizations of the differential input single output TA each using two grounded G are given.

Six pathological realizations of the differential input balanced output TA known as BOTA are given. Three pathological realizations for each of the two types of the differential input double output TA are also given. Finally, four alternative ideally equivalent realizations of the BOTA using two current conveyors (CCII) or two inverting current conveyors (ICCII) are generated from the pathological realizations.
ROBUST EYE TRACKING IN VIDEO SEQUENCE
Authors: LU HUCHUAN , LU SHIPENG , YANG GANG
Published: March 2012

In this paper, we present a novel method for eye tracking, in detail describing the eye contour and the visible iris center. Combining the IVT (Incremental Visual Tracking) tracker, the proposed online affine manifold model, in which the sequentially learning shape and texture are modeled in the first stage and noniterative recovering estimation in the second stage, tracks the eye contour in video sequences. After that, an adaptive black round mask is generated to match the visible iris center. Experimental results of eye tracking indicate that our tracker works well in the PC or domestic camera captured image streams with considerable head and eyeball rotation.
HAUSDORFF MEASURE OF CARTESIAN PRODUCT OF THE TERNARY CANTOR SET
Authors: DENG JUAN , RAO HUI , WEN ZHI-YING
Published: March 2012

Computing the Hausdorff measure of C × C, where C is the classical ternary Cantor set, is a long standing difficult problem. It is well-known that for a self-similar set, calculating the Hausdorff measure is equivalent to determining its optimal sets.

This paper studies optimal sets of C × C: their diameters, measures, symmetries and the shapes. For this purpose, we introduce several devices: the repulsive principle, a bipartite graph G and a W-function. We show that the diameter of the optimal set B is between 1.2993 and 1.3082. Two symmetry properties of B are proved. Finally, we show that the shape of B is very close to a disk. We conjecture that an optimal set might be a disk.
ANNIHILATIVE FRACTALS FORMED IN RAYLEIGH-TAYLOR INSTABILITY
Authors: SHIMOKAWA MICHIKO , OHTA SHONOSUKE
Published: March 2012

We report on a fractal pattern formed in Rayleight-Taylor instability. The fractal dimension is 1.88 ± 0.06, which is constant in time t > t1 = 70 s. The pattern area decreases according to exp (-t/τ), where t and τ are time and time constant 69.8 s, respectively. τ agrees with t1. This result leads that it is important for the fractal formation that sufficient annihilation of the heavier solution at the surface.
MAGNONS HEAT TRANSPORT AT AN INTEGRATED NANOSTRUCTURE IN ULTRATHIN HEISENBERG FERROMAGNETIC FILMS
Authors: BELHADI MEHAND , KHEFFACHE SEDIK
Published: March 2012

A theoretical model is presented for the study of magnons heat transfer across an integrated nanostructure acting as interface material between two ultrathin Heisenberg ferromagnetic films. This is done by calculating the transmission rates of the spin wave modes through the consideration of the magnon group velocity modification in the system. The group velocities are calculated explicitly for all propagating frequencies and spin wave incidence angles. The matching method is used with nearest neighbor ferromagnetic interactions to calculate the coherent transmission coefficients for magnons incident on the nanostructure boundaries. They are investigated for different nanostructure thickness over the entire propagating frequency range of the system, in order to calculate the heat transport across the nanostructure. The model is applied to a system of three Iron ferromagnetic atomic layers and Gadolinium integrated nanostructure. The thermal conductivities are numerically calculated for individual magnon modes of the system. The results yield an understanding of the relationship between the magnons thermal conductivity of the system and the structural configuration of the integrated nanostructure.
FRICTION PROCESS IN THE PRESENCE OF HARD ABRASIVE PARTICLES — COOPERATION MODEL
Authors: OLEKSOWICZ SELIM , MRUK ANDRZEJ
Published: March 2012

The paper presents the results of the investigation performed on a stand for model testing of the friction pair like a car disc brake. The tests were performed for the mating operation of a frictional node with the dosage of hard abrasive particles into the friction zone. Based on the observation of the phenomena in the friction zone and the analysis of the parameters describing operating conditions of a frictional node, physical models of the frictional node cooperation in the presence of hard abrasive particles have been proposed. During the tests, using the transparent material of a friction cover plate and a fast recording camera, a visual analysis of the material transfer in the friction zone was done. It allowed to positively verifying the proposed physical models of the frictional node cooperation in the presence of hard abrasive particles.
PROTEIN MONOLAYER FORMATION AT AIR–ELECTROLYTE INTERFACE: A LANGMUIR–BLODGETT STUDY
Authors: PAL PRABIR , KAMILYA TAPANENDU , MAHATO MRITYUNJOY , TALAPATRA G. B.
Published: March 2012

The interfacial surface activity of a protein, ovalbumin (OVA) at bare air/water interface in presence and also in absence of electrolyte (KCl) in subphase has been investigated. The surface activity was measured as a function of time. It has been found that, the presence of KCl in aqueous subphase enhances the adsorption rate of the protein. The changes of area/molecule, compressibility, rigidity and unfolding of OVA are trivial up to 10 mM KCl concentration. These properties of OVA, above 10 mM KCl concentration are significant and have been explained in the perspective of DLVO theory and many-body ion–protein dispersion potentials. The presence of high concentration of electrolyte increases the β-structure of OVA, resulting into larger unfolding as well as larger intermolecular aggregates. The overall study indicates that KCl perturbs the OVA monolayer.
RESEARCH OF MECHANICAL PROPERTY GRADIENT DISTRIBUTION OF Al-Cu ALLOY IN CENTRIFUGAL CASTING
Authors: SUN ZHI , SUI YANWEI , LIU AIHUI , LI BANGSHENG , GUO JINGJIE
Published: March 2012

Al-Cu alloy castings are obtained using centrifugal casting. The regularity of mechanical property gradient distribution of Al-Cu alloy castings with the same centrifugal radius at different positions is investigated. The result shows that the tensile strength, yield strength, elongation and microscope hardness exhibit the following gradient distribution characteristic — high on both sides and low on the center. The trend of mechanical property gradient distribution of Al-Cu alloy increases with the increase in the rotation speed. Moreover, the mechanical properties of casting centerline two sides have asymmetry. The reason is that the grain size of casting centerline two sides and Al2Cu phase and Cu content change correspondingly.
SIMULATIONS OF MOLECULAR PACKING ON A NON-INTERACTING HEXAGONAL LATTICE SUBSTRATE
Authors: FUKUTANI KEISUKE , DOWBEN P. A.
Published: March 2012

The isomeric effects on the adsorption geometry of di-halobenzene ( C6H4X2 ; X = F, Cl, Br, I ) and pentacene ( C22H14 ) on the idealized non-interacting substrate are analyzed both qualitatively and quantitatively by means of Monte Carlo simulations. The shape of pentacene isomers and the relative positions of halogen atoms in di-halobenzene may be important in determination of the favored adsorption geometry, contributing to the thermodynamic and chemical factors affecting the determination of the adsorbate geometry for these system. These simple methods may be applied to any planar molecules to quantify the contributions to the adsorption geometry that arises solely from the topological or geometrical isomeric differences in the molecules of interest.
Online Learning at Minkuo Hospital
Authors: Chu Tsai-Hsin , Robey Daniel
Published: March 2012

This case introduces an online learning adoption in a local hospital for improving employee training through a technology platform. In the third year after adoption, use of the online system had declined dramatically after initial enthusiasm by hospital staff. The learning technology seemed to be working as well as it always had. Incentives for training were still in place and there had been no significant changes to the organization in terms of growth or competitive and financial pressures. This phenomenon disappoints the implementers, and they want to know what had gone wrong and to decide the next step of action.
SOME PROPERTIES ON THE TENSOR SQUARE OF LIE ALGEBRAS
Authors: NIROOMAND PEYMAN
Published: March 2012

In the present paper we extend the results of [2, 4] for the tensor square of Lie algebras. More precisely, for any Lie algebra L with L/L2 of finite dimension, we prove L ⊗ L ≅ L □ L ⊕ L ∧ L and Z∧(L) ∩ L2 = Z⊗(L). Moreover, we show that L ∧ L is isomorphic to derived subalgebra of a cover of L, and finally we give a free presentation for it.
RESTRICTED INFINITESIMAL DEFORMATIONS OF RESTRICTED SIMPLE LIE ALGEBRAS
Authors: VIVIANI FILIPPO
Published: March 2012

We compute the restricted infinitesimal deformations of the restricted simple Lie algebras over an algebraically closed field of characteristic p ≥ 5.
ON AN INVERSE PROBLEM TO FROBENIUS' THEOREM II
Authors: MENG WEI , SHI JIANGTAO , CHEN KELIN
Published: March 2012

Let G be a finite group and e a positive integer dividing |G|, the order of G. Denoting Le(G) = {x ∈ G|xe = 1}. Frobenius proved that |Le(G)| = ke for some positive integer k ≥ 1. Let k(G) be the upper bound of the set {k||Le(G)| = ke, ∀ e ||G|}. In this paper, a complete classification of the finite group G with k(G) = 3 is obtained.
RESTRICTED AND QUASI-TORAL RESTRICTED LIE TRIPLE SYSTEMS
Authors: DONG YAN-QIN , ZHANG QING-CHENG , ZHANG YONG-ZHENG
Published: March 2012

In this paper, we first discuss the nilpotency of restricted Lie triple systems and the condition of existence of p-mappings on Lie triple systems. Second, we devote our attention to prove the uniqueness of the decomposition as a direct sum of p-ideals of a restricted Lie triple system. Finally, we study how a quasi-toral restricted Lie triple system T with zero center and of minimal dimension should be.
SEPARABLE FUNCTORS FOR THE CATEGORY OF PARTIAL ENTWINED MODULES
Authors: GUO SHUANG-JIAN , WANG SHUAN-HONG
Published: March 2012

We give necessary and sufficient conditions for the functor F from the category of partial entwined modules to the category of right A-modules to be separable. This leads to a generalized notion of integrals of partial entwining structures. As an application, we prove a Maschke-type theorem for partial entwined modules.
SYNTHESIS, STRUCTURE, AND LUMINESCENCE PROPERTIES OF ZnSnO3 NANOWIRES
Authors: AN SOYEON , JIN CHANGHYUN , KIM HYUNSU , LEE SANGMIN , JEONG BONGYONG , LEE CHONGMU
Published: March 2012

ZnSnO3 nanowires were synthesized on Si substrates by thermal evaporation of a mixture of ZnO, SnO2 and graphite powders. The nanowires were characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and photoluminescence spectroscopy. The ZnSnO3 nanowires varied from 10 to 100 nm in diameter and up to a few hundred of micrometers in length. Transmission electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction revealed that the nanowires are multiphase nanostructures containing ZnSnO3, Zn2SnO4, ZnO, and SnO2 phases. Photoluminescence measurements showed that ZnSnO3 nanowires had a sharp ultraviolet emission peak at approximately 375 nm as well as a broad green emission band centered at approximately 510 nm. The violet emission of ZnSnO3 nanowires exhibits a blue shift by approximately 5 nm compared to that of ZnO nanowires and the visible emission of ZnO nanowires shifted from the orange region to the green region, which should be attributed to the narrowing of Eg. Thermal annealing enhanced the green emission but degraded the ultraviolet emission of the ZnSnO3 nanowires. In addition, the origin of the enhanced luminescence of ZnSnO3 nanowires compared to ZnO and SnO2 nanowires is discussed.
BAND GAP ENGINEERING OF CRYSTAL MATERIALS: BAND GAP ESTIMATION OF SEMICONDUCTORS VIA ELECTRONEGATIVITY
Authors: LI KEYAN , LI YANJU , XUE DONGFENG
Published: March 2012

We have developed empirical equations to quantitatively calculate the band gap values of binary ANB8-N and ternary ABC2 chalcopyrite semiconductors from the general viewpoint of chemical bonding processes upon electronegativity (EN). It is found that the band gap of crystal materials is essentially determined by the binding energy of chemical bonds to the bonding electrons, which can be effectively described by the average attractive abilities of two bonded atoms to their valence electrons and the delocalization degree of the valence electrons. The calculated band gap values of a large number of compounds can agree well with the available experimental data. This work provides us an efficient approach to quantitatively predict the band gap values of inorganic crystal materials on the basis of fundamental atom parameters such as EN, atomic radius, etc.
PREPARATION OF NANOCRYSTALLINE ZnO/TiO2 FILM AND ITS APPLICATION TO DYE-SENSITIZED SOLAR CELLS
Authors: TONG HUI , INADA MIKI , TANAKA YUMI , ENOMOTO NAOYA , HOJO JUNICHI
Published: March 2012

Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) were built by using ZnO/TiO2 films as electrodes consisting of ZnO nanorod arrays coated with TiO2 nanoparticles (NPs) in sol or slurry form prepared by sol–gel methods. The addition of TiO2 sol to ZnO arrays resulted in an improvement of cell performance, but the cell efficiency was not high. The cell efficiency was more improved by coating of ZnO arrays with TiO2 slurry. The tetraethylammonium hydroxide surfactant was effective to control TiO2 NPs suspension between sol and slurry. The penetration of TiO2 sol or slurry into ZnO array was important, especially in the long nanorod array. The cell performance of ZnO/TiO2 electrode increased more by TiO2 slurry than by TiO2 sol because TiO2 sol shrank more during calcination.
PREPARATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF SrO-Bi2O3 COMPLEX OXIDE
Authors: OBUKURO YUKI , OBATA KENJI , MATSUSHIMA SHIGENORI , ARAI MASAO , KOBAYASHI KENKICHIRO
Published: March 2012

The Sr 2 Bi 2 O 5 powders were prepared by a malonic acid complex method and a solid-state reaction. These powders were characterized by X-ray diffraction, UV-vis diffuse reflectance spectra and specific surface area measurements. In a malonic acid complex method, the Sr 2 Bi 2 O 5 phase of high purity was obtained at 700°C in air and its specific surface area was calculated to be 2.74 m2/g. From UV-vis measurements, it was confirmed that Sr 2 Bi 2 O 5 is a direct band gap material and its optical band gap is ca. 3.1 eV. The first-principles energy band calculation showed that the energy bands of Sr 2 Bi 2 O 5 crystal have a wide dispersion near the valence band maximum and the conduction band minimum. The Sr 2 Bi 2 O 5 powders showed a distinct photocatalytic decomposition of methylene blue under visible light irradiation (a wavelength ≥ 420 nm).
SIMULATION MODEL OF TECHNOLOGICAL MINERAL DRESSING PROCESSES
Authors: NGUYEN VAN CHI , PETROV A. V.
Published: March 2012

The authors worked out a simulation model of technological mineral dressing processes, in which two simulations of technological mineral dressing processes methods are used: transformed structural graph method and method of separation characteristics. The first method makes it possible to simulate technological mineral dressing processes at the design stage in conditions of feedstock, equipment and control information shortage. The second method is an effective instrument for operating plant simulation at the reengineering stage. Productivity and economic efficiency evaluations of the mineral dressing plant are appended to the model.
Major environmental change and bonebed genesis prior to the Triassic–Jurassic mass extinction
Authors: Suan Guillaume , Föllmi Karl B. , Adatte Thierry , Bomou Brahimsamba , Spangenberg Jorge E. , Schootbrugge Bas Van De
Published: March 2012

We present new geochemical and sedimentological data from marginal marine strata of Penarth Bay, south Wales (UK) to elucidate the origin of widespread but enigmatic concentrations of vertebrate hard parts (bonebeds) in marine successions of Rhaetian age (Late Triassic). Sedimentological evidence shows that the phosphatic constituents of the bonebeds were subjected to intense phosphatization in shallow current-dominated settings and subsequently reworked and transported basinward by storms. Interbedded organic-rich strata deposited under quiescent and poorly oxygenated conditions record enhanced phosphorus regeneration from sedimentary organic matter into the water column and probably provided the main source of phosphate required for heavy bonebed clast phosphatization. The stratigraphically limited interval showing evidence for oxygen depletion and accelerated P-cycling coincides with a negative 4‰ organic carbon isotope excursion, which possibly reflects supra-regional changes in carbon cycling and clearly predates the ‘initial isotope excursion’ characterizing many Triassic–Jurassic boundary strata. Our data indicate that Rhaetian bonebeds are the lithological signature of profound, climatically driven changes in carbon cycling and redox conditions and support the idea of a multi-pulsed environmental crisis at the end of the Triassic, possibly linked to successive episodes of igneous activity in the Central Atlantic Magmatic Province.

Supplementary material:

Sample positions, data table and a detailed stratigraphic log from the upper Triassic of Penarth Bay, south Wales, UK are available at
http://www.geolsoc.org.uk/SUP18510
.
Effect of insulin and contraction on glycogen synthase phosphorylation and kinetic properties in epitrochlearis muscles from lean and obese Zucker rats
Authors: Lin Fang Chin , Bolling Astrid , Stuenæs Jorid T. , Cumming Kristoffer T. , Ingvaldsen Ada , Lai Yu-Chiang , Ivy John L. , Jensen Jørgen
Published: March 2012

In the present study, the effects of insulin and contraction on glycogen synthase (GS) kinetic properties and phosphorylation were investigated in epitrochlearis muscles from lean and obese Zucker rats. Total GS activity and protein expression were ∼15% lower in epitrochlearis from obese rats compared with lean rats. Insulin-stimulated GS fractional activity and affinity for UDP-glucose were lower (higher Km) in muscles from obese rats. GS Ser641 and Ser645,649,653,657 phosphorylation was higher in insulin-stimulated muscles from obese rats, which agreed with lower GS activation. Contraction-mediated GS dephosphorylation of Ser641, Ser641+645, Ser645,649,653,657, and Ser7+10 was normal in muscles from obese Zucker rats, and GS fractional activity increased to similar levels in epitrochlearis muscles from lean and obese rats. GS affinity for UDP glucose was ∼0.8, ∼0.4, and ∼0.1 mM with assay buffers containing 0, 0.17, and 12 mM glucose 6-phosphate, respectively. Contraction increased affinity for UDP-glucose (reduced Km) at a physiological concentration of glucose 6-phosphate (0.17 mM) to ∼0.2 mM in muscles from both lean and obese rats. Interestingly, in the absence of glucose 6-phosphate in the assay buffer, contraction (and insulin) did not influence GS affinity for UDP-glucose, indicating that affinity is regulated by sensitivity for glucose 6-phosphate. In conclusion, contraction-mediated activation and dephosphorylation of GS were normal in muscles from obese Zucker rats, whereas insulin-mediated GS activation and dephosphorylation were impaired.
Use of galvanic vestibular feedback to control postural orientation in decerebrate rabbits
Authors: Zelenin P. V. , Hsu L.-J. , Orlovsky G. N. , Deliagina T. G.
Published: March 2012

In quadrupeds, the dorsal-side-up body orientation during standing is maintained due to a postural system that is driven by feedback signals coming mainly from limb mechanoreceptors. In caudally decerebrated (postmammillary) rabbits, the efficacy of this system is considerably reduced. In this paper, we report that the efficacy of postural control in these animals can be restored with galvanic vestibular stimulation (GVS) applied transcutaneously to the labyrinths. In standing intact rabbits, GVS causes a lateral body sway towards the positive electrode. We used this GVS-caused sway to counteract the lateral body sway resulting from a mechanical perturbation of posture. Experiments were performed on postmammillary rabbits that stood on the tilting platform with their hindlimbs. To make the GVS value dependent on the postural perturbation (i.e., on the lateral body sway caused by tilt of the platform), an artificial feedback loop was formed in the following ways: 1) Information about the body sway was provided by a mechanical sensor; 2) The GVS current was applied when the sway exceeded a threshold value; the polarity of the current was determined by the sway direction. This simple algorithm allowed the “hybrid” postural system to maintain the dorsal-side-up orientation of the hindquarters when the platform was tilted by ± 20°. Thus, an important postural function, i.e., securing lateral stability during standing, can be restored in decerebrate rabbits with the GVS-based artificial feedback. We suggest that such a control system can compensate for the loss of lateral stability of various etiologies, and can be used for restoration of balance control in patients with impaired postural functions.
Reach endpoint errors do not vary with movement path of the proprioceptive target
Authors: Jones Stephanie A. H. , Byrne Patrick A. , Fiehler Katja , Henriques Denise Y. P.
Published: March 2012

Previous research has shown that reach endpoints vary with the starting position of the reaching hand and the location of the reach target in space. We examined the effect of movement direction of a proprioceptive target-hand, immediately preceding a reach, on reach endpoints to that target. Participants reached to visual, proprioceptive (left target-hand), or visual-proprioceptive targets (left target-hand illuminated for 1 s prior to reach onset) with their right hand. Six sites served as starting and final target locations (35 target movement directions in total). Reach endpoints do not vary with the movement direction of the proprioceptive target, but instead appear to be anchored to some other reference (e.g., body). We also compared reach endpoints across the single and dual modality conditions. Overall, the pattern of reaches for visual-proprioceptive targets resembled those for proprioceptive targets, while reach precision resembled those for the visual targets. We did not, however, find evidence for integration of vision and proprioception based on a maximum-likelihood estimator in these tasks.
Burst-Switched Optical Networks Supporting Legacy and Future Service Types
Authors: Franzl Gerald , Hayat M. F. , Holynski Tomasz , Manolova A. V.
Published: March 2012

Focusing on the principles and the paradigm of OBS an overview addressing expectable performance and application issues is presented. Proposals on OBS were published over a decade and the presented techniques spread into many directions. The paper comprises discussions of several challenges that OBS meets, in order to compile the big picture. The OBS principle is presented unrestricted to individual proposals and trends. Merits are openly discussed, considering basic teletraffic theory and common traffic characterisation. A more generic OBS paradigm than usual is impartially discussed and found capable to overcome shortcomings of recent proposals. In conclusion, an OBS that offers different connection types may support most client demands within a sole optical network layer.
A Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Solar Photovoltaic Array Configurations under Partial Shaded Conditions
Authors: Ramaprabha R. , Mathur B. L.
Published: March 2012

The aim of this paper is to investigate the effects of partial shading on energy output of different Solar Photovoltaic Array (SPVA) configurations and to mitigate the losses faced in Solar Photovoltaic (SPV) systems by incorporating bypass diodes. Owing to the practical difficulty of conducting experiments on varied array sizes, a generalized MATLAB M-code has been developed for any required array size, configuration, shading patterns, and number of bypass diodes. The proposed model which also includes the insolation-dependent shunt resistance can provide sufficient degree of precision without increasing the computational effort. All the configurations have been analyzed and comparative study is made for different random shading patterns to determine the configuration less susceptible to power losses under partial shading. Inferences have been drawn by testing several shading scenarios.
Antiproliferative and Proapoptotic Effects ofLabisia pumilaEthanol Extract and Its Active Fraction in Human Melanoma HM3KO Cells
Authors: Lope Pihie Azimahtol Hawariah , Zakaria Zainul Amiruddin , Othman Fezah
Published: March 2012

The present study was to determine the anticancer potential ofLabisia pumilainin vitromodels. Results from the study revealed that ethanol extract ofL. pumilawas more cytotoxic against HM3KO cells while having reduced effects on nonmalignant cells as compared to aqueous and hexane extracts. Thus, ethanol extract was selected to be further separated by using the bioassay-guided fractionation method to give an active fraction, SF2Lp. Results obtained from the flow cytometry analysis showed that SF2Lp was able to arrest the HM3KO cell cycle at the G1 phase, while morphological findings from AO-EB nuclear staining assays along with the Apoptotic Index confirmed the induction of apoptosis by SF2Lp in HM3KO cells. Results from the mechanistic study further revealed that SF2Lp treatment was able to concurrently increase the expression level of p53 and pro-apoptotic protein Bax and also reduce the expression level of anti-apoptotic protein BCl-2 in HM3KO cells, directly contributing to the increase in Bax/Bcl-2 ratio. These findings, therefore, suggested thatL. pumilawas able to inhibit HM3KO cell growth possibly by arresting the cell cycle at G1 phase and inducing apoptosis in HM3KO cells via the up- and down-regulation of Bax/Bcl-2 protein, mediated through a p53-dependent pathway.
Topical Application Effect of the Isolectin Hydrogel (Cramoll 1,4) on Second-Degree Burns: Experimental Model
Authors: dos Santos Tavares Pereira Danielle , Madruga Lima-Ribeiro Maria Helena , Santos-Oliveira Ralph , de Lima Bezerra Cavalcanti Carmelita , Teles de Pontes-Filho Nicodemos , Cassandra Breitenbach Barroso Coelho Luana , dos Anjos Carneiro-Leão Ana Maria , dos Santos Correia Maria Tereza
Published: March 2012

This study aimed at evaluating the use of hydrogel isolectin in the treatment of second-degree burns. Twenty male rats were randomly divided into two groups (G1 = treatment with hydrogel containing 100 μg/mL Cramoll 1,4 and G2 = Control, hydrogel). After 7, 14, 21, 28, and 35 days, animals were euthanized. On the 7th day, G1 showed intense exudates, necrosis and edema. On the 14th day, G1 showed tissue reepithelialization and moderate autolysis. On the 21st day, G1 showed intense fibroblastic proliferation, presence of dense collagen, and moderate fibrosis. On the 28th day, G1 showed complete tissue epithelialization. On the 35th day, G1 showed modeled dense collagen. The significant wound contraction was initiated from day, 14 in the G1. There were no significant differences in biochemical and hematological parameters analyzed. These results extend the potential of therapeutic applications for Cramoll 1,4 in the treatment of thermal burns.
Swell and Wind-Sea Distributions over the Mid-Latitude and Tropical North Atlantic for the Period 2002–2008
Authors: de Farias Eduardo G. G. , Lorenzzetti João A. , Chapron Bertrand
Published: March 2012

We present an analysis of wind-sea and swell fields for mid-latitude and tropical Atlantic for the period 2002–2008 using a combination of satellite data (altimeter significant wave height and scatterometer surface winds) and model results (spectrum peak wave period and propagation direction). Results show a dominance of swell over wind-sea regimes throughout the year. A small but clear decrease in swell energy and an associated increase in wind-sea potential growth were observed in the NE trade winds zone. A seasonal summertime increase in wind-sea energy in the Amazon River mouth and adjacent shelf region and in African coast was apparent in the results, probably associated to a strengthening of the alongshore trade winds in these regions. Albeit with a significantly smaller energy contribution of wind-seas as compared to swell energy, we could say that a kind of mixed seas is more evident in the trade winds region, with the remaining area being highly dominated by swell energy. An analysis of wave-age shows the absence of young-seas. Only ~2% of all data points was classified as wind-sea, a classification confirmed by a fit to a theoretical relation between wind speed, peak period, and significant wave height for fully developed wind-seas.
Modeling the Human Kinetic Adjustment Factor for Inhaled Volatile Organic Chemicals: Whole Population Approach versus Distinct Subpopulation Approach
Authors: Valcke M. , Nong A. , Krishnan K.
Published: March 2012

The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of whole- and sub-population-related variabilities on the determination of the human kinetic adjustment factor (HKAF) used in risk assessment of inhaled volatile organic chemicals (VOCs). Monte Carlo simulations were applied to a steady-state algorithm to generate population distributions for blood concentrations (CAss) and rates of metabolism (RAMs) for inhalation exposures to benzene (BZ) and 1,4-dioxane (1,4-D). The simulated population consisted of various proportions of adults, elderly, children, neonates and pregnant women as per the Canadian demography. Subgroup-specific input parameters were obtained from the literature and P3M software. Under the “whole population” approach, the HKAF was computed as the ratio of the entire population’s upper percentile value (99th, 95th) of dose metrics to the median value in either the entire population or the adult population. Under the “distinct subpopulation” approach, the upper percentile values in each subpopulation were considered, and the greatest resulting HKAF was retained. CAss-based HKAFs that considered the Canadian demography varied between 1.2 (BZ) and 2.8 (1,4-D). The “distinct subpopulation” CAss-based HKAF varied between 1.6 (BZ) and 8.5 (1,4-D). RAM-based HKAFs always remained below 1.6. Overall, this study evaluated for the first time the impact of underlying assumptions with respect to the interindividual variability considered (whole population or each subpopulation taken separately) when determining the HKAF.
Solving Linear and Nonlinear Fractional Differential Equations Using Spline Functions
Authors: Al-Rabtah Adel , Momani Shaher , Ramadan Mohamed A.
Published: March 2012

Suitable spline functions of polynomial form are derived and used to solve linear and nonlinear
fractional differential equations. The proposed method is applicable for 0 < α ≤ 1 and α ≥ 1, where α denotes the order of the fractional derivative in the Caputo sense. The results obtained
are in good agreement with the exact analytical solutions and the numerical results presented
elsewhere. Results also show that the technique introduced here is robust and easy to apply.
Absorption by an Optical Dipole Antenna in a Structured Environment
Authors: Castanié E. , Vincent R. , Pierrat R. , Carminati R.
Published: March 2012

We compute generalized absorption and extinction cross-sections of an optical dipole nanoantenna in a structured environment. The expressions explicitly show the influence of radiation reaction and the local density of states on the intrinsic absorption properties of the antenna. Engineering the environment could allow to modify the overall absorption as well as the frequency and the linewidth of a resonant antenna. Conversely, a dipole antenna can be used to probe the photonic environment, in a similar way as a quantum emitter.
Electrodeposition and Low‐Temperature Post‐Treatment of Nanocrystalline SnO2 Films for Flexible Dye‐Sensitized Solar Cells
Authors: Li Shengjun , Li Yongjun , Chen Zeng , Liu Junhui , Zhang Weifeng
Published: March 2012

SnO2 porous films were electrodeposited on Ti substrate using pulse‐potential technique. These deposited films were dealt with different post‐treatments. The effects of the post treatments were investigated through X‐ray diffraction, FE‐SEM, and Raman spectra. These investigations showed that crystal nanoporous SnO2 films were obtained through low‐temperature post‐treatment process. The photoelectric conversion efficiency of the SnO2 film treated with both the water vapour treatment and ultraviolet illumination was improved to be 0.35% which was comparable with the conversion efficiency of the film sintered at 550∘C.
Operating Room Scheduling in Teaching Hospitals
Authors: Ghazalbash Somayeh , Sepehri Mohammad Mehdi , Shadpour Pejman , Atighehchian Arezoo
Published: March 2012

Operating room scheduling is an important operational problem in most hospitals. In this paper, a novel mixed integer programming (MIP) model is presented for minimizing Cmax and operating room idle times in hospitals. Using this model, we can determine the allocation of resources including operating rooms, surgeons, and assistant surgeons to surgeries, moreover the sequence of surgeries within operating rooms and the start time of them. The main features of the model will include the chronologic curriculum plan for training residents and the real-life constraints to be observed in teaching hospitals. The proposed model is evaluated against some real-life problems, by comparing the schedule obtained from the model and the one currently developed by the hospital staff. Numerical results indicate the efficiency of the proposed model compared to the real-life hospital scheduling, and the gap evaluations for the instances show that the results are generally satisfactory.
Probabilistic Quadratic Programming Problems with Some Fuzzy Parameters
Authors: Barik S. K. , Biswal M. P.
Published: March 2012

We present a solution procedure for a quadratic programming problem with some probabilistic constraints where the model parameters are either triangular fuzzy number or trapezoidal fuzzy number. Randomness and fuzziness are present in some real-life situations, so it makes perfect sense to address decision making problem by using some specified random variables and fuzzy numbers. In the present paper, randomness is characterized by Weibull random variables and fuzziness is characterized by triangular and trapezoidal fuzzy number. A defuzzification method has been introduced for finding the crisp values of the fuzzy numbers using the proportional probability density function associated with the membership functions of these fuzzy numbers. An equivalent deterministic crisp model has been established in order to solve the proposed model. Finally, a numerical example is presented to illustrate the solution procedure.
TNF-Alpha in the Locomotor System beyond Joints: High Degree of Involvement in Myositis in a Rabbit Model
Authors: Forsgren Sture , Renström Lina , Purdam Craig , Gaida James E.
Published: March 2012

The importance of TNF-alpha in arthritis is well documented. It may be that TNF-alpha is also markedly involved in muscle inflammation (myositis). An animal model where this can be investigated is needed. A newly developed rabbit myositis model involving pronounced muscle overuse and local injections of substances having proinflammatory effects was therefore used in the present study. The aim was to investigate the patterns of TNF-alpha expression in the developing myositis and to evaluate the usefulness of this myositis model for further TNF-alpha research. Human rheumatoid arthritis (RA) synovial tissue was examined as a reference. TNF-alpha immunoexpression and TNF-alpha mRNA, visualized via in situ hybridization, were detected in cells in the inflammatory infiltrates of the affected muscle (soleus muscle). Coexistence of TNF-alpha and CD68 immunoreactions was noted, suggesting that the TNF-alpha reactive cells are macrophages. Expression of TNF-alpha mRNA was also noted in muscle fibers and blood vessel walls in areas with inflammation. These findings demonstrate that TNF-alpha is highly involved in the myositis process. The model can be used in further studies evaluating the importance of TNF-alpha in developing myositis.
MPPT Based on Sinusoidal Extremum-Seeking Control in PV Generation
Authors: Leyva R. , Olalla C. , Zazo H. , Cabal C. , Cid-Pastor A. , Queinnec I. , Alonso C.
Published: March 2012

The paper analyses extremum-seeking control technique for maximum power point tracking circuits in PV systems. Specifically, the paper describes and analyses the sinusoidal extremum-seeking control considering stability issues by means a Lyapunov function. Based on this technique, a new architecture of MPPT for PV generation is proposed. In order to assess the proposed solution, the paper provides some experimental measurements in a 100 W prototype which corroborate the effectiveness of the approach.
Microwave Breast Imaging System Prototype with Integrated Numerical Characterization
Authors: Haynes Mark , Stang John , Moghaddam Mahta
Published: March 2012

The increasing number of experimental microwave breast imaging systems and the need to properly model them have motivated our development of an integrated numerical characterization technique. We use Ansoft HFSS and a formalism we developed previously to numerically characterize anS-parameter- based breast imaging system and link it to an inverse scattering algorithm. We show successful reconstructions of simple test objects using synthetic and experimental data. We demonstrate the sensitivity of image reconstructions to knowledge of the background dielectric properties and show the limits of the current model.
How Facilitation May Interfere with Ecological Speciation
Authors: Liancourt P. , Choler P. , Gross N. , Thibert-Plante X. , Tielbörger K.
Published: March 2012

Compared to the vast literature linking competitive interactions and speciation, attempts to understand the role of facilitation for evolutionary diversification remain scarce. Yet, community ecologists now recognize the importance of positive interactions within plant communities. Here, we examine how facilitation may interfere with the mechanisms of ecological speciation. We argue that facilitation is likely to (1) maintain gene flow among incipient species by enabling cooccurrence of adapted and maladapted forms in marginal habitats and (2) increase fitness of introgressed forms and limit reinforcement in secondary contact zones. Alternatively, we present how facilitation may favour colonization of marginal habitats and thus enhance local adaptation and ecological speciation. Therefore, facilitation may impede or pave the way for ecological speciation. Using a simple spatially and genetically explicit modelling framework, we illustrate and propose some first testable ideas about how, when, and where facilitation may act as a cohesive force for ecological speciation. These hypotheses and the modelling framework proposed should stimulate further empirical and theoretical research examining the role of both competitive and positive interactions in the formation of incipient species.
A Banach Algebraic Approach to the Borsuk‐Ulam Theorem
Authors: Taghavi Ali
Published: March 2012

Using methods from the theory of commutative graded Banach algebras, we obtain a generalization of the two‐dimensional Borsuk‐Ulam theorem as follows. Let ϕ : S2 → S2 be a homeomorphism of order n, and let λ ≠ 1 be an nth root of the unity, then, for every complex valued continuous function f on S2, the function must vanish at some point of S2. We also discuss some noncommutative versions of the Borsuk‐Ulam theorem.
Modeling Quantum Well Lasers
Authors: Anghel Dan Alexandru , Sterian Andreea Rodica , Sterian Paul E.
Published: March 2012

In semiconductor laser modeling, a good mathematical model gives near‐reality results. Three methods of modeling solutions from the rate equations are presented and analyzed. A method based on the rate equations modeled in Simulink to describe quantum well lasers was presented. For different signal types like step function, saw tooth and sinus used as input, a good response of the used equations is obtained. Circuit model resulting from one of the rate equations models is presented and simulated in SPICE. Results show a good modeling behavior. Numerical simulation in MathCad gives satisfactory results for the study of the transitory and dynamic operation at small level of the injection current. The obtained numerical results show the specific limits of each model, according to theoretical analysis. Based on these results, software can be built that integrates circuit simulation and other modeling methods for quantum well lasers to have a tool that model and analysis these devices from all points of view.