bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optimality Criteria for the Design of 2-Color Microarray Studies
Authors: Kerr Kathleen F.
Published: March 2012

We discuss the definition and application of design criteria for evaluating the efficiency of 2-color microarray designs. First, we point out that design optimality criteria are defined differently for the regression and block design settings. This has caused some confusion in the literature and warrants clarification. Linear models for microarray data analysis have equivalent formulations as ANOVA or regression models. However, this equivalence does not extend to design criteria. We discuss optimality criterion, and argue against applying regression-style D-optimality to the microarray design problem. We further disfavor E- and D-optimality (as defined in block design) because they are not attuned to scientific questions of interest.
Study of Volatility and Party System Transformation in the 2010 Election of the Czech Chamber of Deputies
Authors: Šedo Jakub
Published: March 2012

The paper deals with measuring volatility in the election of the Chamber of Deputies in the Czech Republic, calculated for both national and regional levels (the latter being the level of electoral constituencies). The main aim of the paper is to identify the link between the gains and losses of parties, and the volatility of a region. In comparison with the 2006 election, an overall increase in volatility was recorded in 2010, but most of the more volatile regions remained the same in both elections compared. Volatility on the regional level is strongly connected with the losses of the previously governing parties (in office 2006-9) and with the gains of the strongest new party, TOP09. We also compare three possible calculations of volatility involving the category of “other” parties. In calculating volatility we could not recommend the omission of “other” parties from the numerator without a corresponding change in the denominator. As for the remaining two methods (“other” parties calculated as one bloc, or “other” parties omitted both in the numerator and the denominator), future comparisons would be required.
From the Guest Editor
Authors: Bäumer Stefan
Published: March 2012

No abstract available
The Intersection of the Mathematical and Natural Sciences: The Subordinate Sciences in Aristotle
Authors: Distelzweig Peter M.
Published: March 2012

Aristotle is aware of the mathematical treatment of natural phenomena constitutive of Greek astronomy, optics, harmonics, and mechanics. Here I provide an account of Aristotle’s understanding of these ‘subordinate sciences’, drawing on both his methodological discussions and his optical treatment of the rainbow in Meteorology III 5. This account sheds light on the de Caelo, in which Aristotle undertakes a natural investigation of the heavens distinct from, but closely related to, astronomical (thus mathematical) investigations. Although Aristotle insists that such subordinate sciences belong to mathematical and not natural science, he sees them as essential to complete scientific knowledge of the sensible world.
Regional susceptibilities to mitochondrial dysfunctions in the CNS
Authors: Pinto Milena , Pickrell Alicia M. , Moraes Carlos T.
Published: March 2012

Mitochondrial dysfunctions are very common features of age-related neurological diseases such as Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s and Huntington’s disease. Several studies have shown that bioenergetic impairments have a major role in the degeneration of the central nervous system (CNS) in these patients. Accordingly, one of the main symptoms in many mitochondrial diseases is severe encephalopathy. The heterogeneity of the brain in terms of anatomic structures, cell composition, regional functions and biochemical properties makes the analysis on this organ very complex and difficult to interpret. Humans, in addition to animal models, exposed to toxins that affect mitochondrial function, in particular oxidative phosphorylation, exhibit degeneration of specific regions within the brain. Moreover, mutations in ubiquitously expressed genes that are involved in mitochondrial function also induce regional-specific cell death in the CNS. In this review, we will discuss some current hypotheses to explain the regional susceptibilities to mitochondrial dysfunctions in the CNS.
The Googol-th Bit of the Erdős–Borwein Constant
Authors: Crandall Richard
Published: March 2012

The Erdős–Borwein constant is a sum over all Mersenne reciprocals, namely

Although

is odd. Methods are also indicated for resolving contiguously the first
Identification problems in Banach spaces for linear first-order partial differential equations
in one space dimension and applications
Authors: Lorenzi Alfredo
Published: March 2012

We prove existence and uniqueness results
for mild solutions to direct and inverse Cauchy problems
related to linear first-order partial differential equations in Banach spaces. Some applications are given to ultraparabolic differential and integrodifferential problems.
Synthesis, characterization, antimicrobial, pesticidal and DNA cleavage activity of germanium(IV) derivatives of 3-(2-methyl-2,3-dihydro-benzthiazo-2-yl)-chromen-2-one and N′-[1-2-oxo-2H-chrome-3yl-ethylidene]-hydrazinecarbodithionic acid benzyl ester ligands
Authors: Dawara Latika , Fahmi Nighat , Singh R.V.
Published: March 2012

The new ligands 3-(2-methyl-2,3-dihydro-benzthiazo-2-yl)-chromen-2one (AcBzH) and N′-[1-2-oxo-2H-chrome-3yl-ethylidene]-hydrazinecarbodithionic acid benzyl ester (AcBDTZH) were prepared by the reaction of 3-acetyl-2H-chromen-2-one with 2-aminothiophenol and S-benzyl dithiocarbazate, respectively. The germanium(IV) complexes have been prepared by reacting Ph3GeCl and Me3GeCl in 1:1 molar ratio with these monofunctional bidentate AcBzH and AcBDTZH ligands by using microwave as well as conventional heating methods for comparison purposes. All the synthesized compounds were characterized by elemental analyses, melting point, IR, 1H-NMR 13C-NMR, mass and X-ray powder diffraction techniques. These studies showed that the ligands coordinated to the germanium atom in a monobasic bidentate manner and trigonal bipyramidal environment around the germanium atom have been established for the complexes. To evaluate the effect of metal ion upon chelation, both ligands and their complexes have been screened for their antimicrobial activity against the various pathogenic bacterial and fungal strains. The metal complexes have shown antimicrobial activity as compared to the free ligands. The pesticidal activity and DNA cleavage activity of both ligands and their metal complexes have been tested and discussed.
Mitofusin2 Mutations Disrupt Axonal Mitochondrial Positioning and Promote Axon Degeneration
Authors: Misko Albert L. , Sasaki Yo , Tuck Elizabeth , Milbrandt Jeffrey , Baloh Robert H.
Published: March 2012

Alterations in mitochondrial dynamics (fission, fusion, and movement) are implicated in many neurodegenerative diseases, from rare genetic disorders such as Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, to common conditions including Alzheimer's disease. However, the relationship between altered mitochondrial dynamics and neurodegeneration is incompletely understood. Here we show that disease associated MFN2 proteins suppressed both mitochondrial fusion and transport, and produced classic features of segmental axonal degeneration without cell body death, including neurofilament filled swellings, loss of calcium homeostasis, and accumulation of reactive oxygen species. By contrast, depletion of Opa1 suppressed mitochondrial fusion while sparing transport, and did not induce axonal degeneration. Axon degeneration induced by mutant MFN2 proteins correlated with the disruption of the proper mitochondrial positioning within axons, rather than loss of overall mitochondrial movement, or global mitochondrial dysfunction. We also found that augmenting expression of MFN1 rescued the axonal degeneration caused by MFN2 mutants, suggesting a possible therapeutic strategy for Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease. These experiments provide evidence that the ability of mitochondria to sense energy requirements and localize properly within axons is key to maintaining axonal integrity, and may be a common pathway by which disruptions in axonal transport contribute to neurodegeneration.
Stoichiometric study of activated glass powder hydration
Authors: Saeed Huda Amin , Tagnit-Hamou Arezki , Ebead Usama A. , Neale Kenneth W.
Published: March 2012

The focus of this work was to study the reactivity of glass powder of a certain fineness by using a new experimental approach and to establish specifications for the use of glass powder as a pozzolanic material in concrete by developing glass powder hydration reaction equations. Experiments were carried out to determine the different quantities and proportions of glass powder, calcium hydroxide and water to establish the hydration reaction. Models that describe the hydration of the glass powder with and without calcium hydroxide are also developed in this paper. The developed models are validated using the results of the experiments. Using these models, predictions of the structure of the hydration products are obtained.
Unusual Gingival Enlargement With Rapidly Progressive Periodontitis. Report of a Case
Authors: Nitta Hiwshi , Kameyama Yoichiro , Ishikawa Isao
Published: March 2012

A 15‐year‐old female patient suffered from recurrent unusual enlargement of the gingiva together with rapidly progressive alveolar bone loss. The enlarged gingiva completely covered her anterior teeth and protruded from the mouth. Marked inflammatory edematous tissue, which predominantly contained plasma cells, was observed in the connective tissue. Rapidly progressive alveolar bone loss was observed radiographically. The serum antibody titer to Porphyromonas gingivalis, measured by ELISA, was much higher than that in healthy individuals. The diagnosis was unusual gingival enlargement with rapidly progressive periodontitis. Conventional periodontal therapy, including plaque control, scaling, root planing, and surgical removal of the soft tissue, did not produce complete healing of the gingival lesion, although recurrence of gingival enlargement and further loss of the periodontal attachment level were well controlled. After the periodontal treatments, the serum antibody titer to P. gingivalis decreased to normal levels. This unusual gingival enlargement was considered due to systemic factors that exaggerated the gingival response to local irritation and altered the usual clinical features of chronic gingivitis; local plaque irritation produced the extensive and recurrent enlargement of the gingiva. Under these circumstances, infection or overgrowth of periodontopathic bacteria, including P. gingivalis, might occur and the alveolar bone loss would then advance very rapidly. J Periodontol 1993; 64:1008–1012.
Interpretation of Linear and Computed Tomograms in the Assessment of Implant Recipient Sites
Authors: Todd Allen D. , Gher Marlin E. , Quintero George , Richardson A. Charles
Published: March 2012

Tomography is a radiographic process that produces cross‐sectional images of bony structures within the body. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of diagnostic measurements made by dental implant team members from linear tomograms of human cadaver mandibles. Five partially edentulous cadaver mandibles were radiographed using linear tomography (LT) and computer‐assisted tomography (CT). From the tomograms, each of four team members traced the perceived outer circumference of the mandible and the inferior alveolar canal. Tomogram tracings were compared to each other and to the equivalent CT cross‐sectional image to determine the precision of the measurements. One mandible was sectioned to verify the accuracy of the CT images. Repeated measures analysis of variance of the measurements made from the LT and CT scans showed significant statistical differences between team members. Multiple crosssectional views facilitated identification of the inferior alveolar canal in the majority of CT scans, whereas image blurring inherent to LT resulted in the inability of team members to identify the canal in 14% to 50% of the images. Volume averaging within the CT slice aperture was found capable of producing a magnification error of short dense objects. CT and LT must both be interpreted cautiously because of innate technique pecularities that can lead to measurement errors. The wide variation in interpretation of the linear tomograms and frequent inability to identify the inferior alveolar canal made this technique less valuable than the reformatted CT when planning dental surgical procedures. J Periodontol 1993;64:1243–1249.
The Plaque Removal Effects of Single Rinsings and Brushings
Authors: Binney Adrian , Addy Martin , Newcombe Robert G.
Published: March 2012

Chemical plaque removal is one mechanism whereby an agent could improve oral hygiene and ginvigal health. As with toothpastes most agents, when delivered as rinses, would be considered adjunctive to mechanical tooth cleaning procedures. The aim of this study was to determine whether selected commercial rinses exhibited clinically significant plaque removal properties alone or when combined with toothbrushing with water or a toothpaste. A group of 12 volunteers took part in this single blind, randomized placebo‐controlled, 12 cell cross‐over study, employing 6 rinses. During each regimen subjects accumulated plaque from a zero baseline over 72 hours. Plaque removal was then measured by index and area after first a single rinse of product and second a subsequent brushing with water or toothpaste. Prebrushing rinsing removed less than 5% of the plaque with little difference between agents. No rinse was more adjunctive than water to postrinse brushings. Most statistically significant differences arose with the chlorhexidine rinse being apparently less effective. However, the possibility of a disclosing dye interaction cannot be discounted as explaining this anomalous result. This study could not support any claim of a direct prebrushing rinse benefit greater than that provided by water to mechanical plaque removal by any of the products tested. J Periodontol 1993;64:181–185.
Periodontal Regeneration of Human Infrabony Defects. II. Re‐Entry Procedures and Bone Measures
Authors: Cortellini Pierpaolo , Prato Giovanpaolo Pini , Tonetti Maurizio S.
Published: March 2012

This paper evaluates the osseous healing response of 40 infrabony defects treated with guided tissue regeneration. The selected sites presented with deep periodontal lesions with a 1‐, 2‐, and 3‐wall combination infrabony component of 6.1±2.5 mm. Baseline intrasurgical clinical measurements were compared with intrasurgical clinical measurements obtained at the 1 year surgical re‐entry. A significant regeneration of bone of 4.3±2.5 mm was observed, along with a 0.4±1.9 mm resorption of the alveolar bone crest, which resulted in a 4.7 mm reduction of the original infrabony defect. Almost 90% of the sites showed a bone gain of 2 mm or more, while no site lost supporting bone; 73±31.2% of the original defect was filled with bone. The 3‐ and 2‐wall components were filled 95±6.2% and 82±18.7% of their original depth, respectively; however, the 1‐wall component was filled only 39±62.4%. It is concluded that treatment of infrabony defects according to the principles of guided tissue regeneration and a strict plaque control regimen resulted in clinically significant and highly predictable bone regeneration. J Periodontol 1993; 64:261–268.
In Vivo Scaling and Root Planing Forces in Molars
Authors: Zappa U. , Röthlisberger J. P. , Simona C. , Case D.
Published: March 2012

The purpose of the present study was to assess in vivo scaling and root planing forces in molars of Periodontitis patients. Ten dentists and 10 dental hygienists scaled and root planed the mesial and distal aspect of one first molar, using Gracey curets 11/ 12 and 13/14. Scaling and root planing forces were recorded using a piezo‐electric receiver, an electronic transducer, and an analogous writer. The forces were recorded in mV and converted into Newtons (N). Three different types of forces were recorded: positive forces during working strokes and positive and negative forces during preparation of working strokes. Multivariate repeated measures analysis of variance was used to assess differences in force between curet types. The mean positive scaling forces exerted with curet 11/12 were statistically significantly (P = 0.0005) greater than the corresponding forces exerted with curet 13/14 in all therapists. The mean positive root planing forces applied with the curet 11/12 were significantly (P = 0.0008) greater than the forces exerted with curet 13/14. The mean positive interstroke forces did not differ between curet 11/12 and 13/14. The mean negative interstroke forces impacting on the soft tissues exerted with curet 11/12 did not significantly differ from curet 13/14 during scaling and during root planing. Therapists differed significantly among themselves for each type of positive and negative force (P < 0.001 in all cases). These results suggest that the extent of instrumentation given to root surfaces in molars depends more on the therapist and on the molar aspect being treated than on the needs of a specific site. J Periodontol 1993; 64:349–354.
The Presence of an Inhibitor of Human Skin Collagenase in the Roots of Healthy and Periodontally Diseased Teeth: Changes That Occur With Age
Authors: Morris Melvin L. , Harper Elvin , McKenzie Marie
Published: March 2012

The amount of anti‐collagenase in the root has been reported in a group 18 to 35 years of age. Healthy roots had more than the diseased; and apical more than the cervical. The purpose of the present study is to determine the effect of age on these values. In a group 50 to 92 years of age, all values were markedly higher than in the younger group. In addition, all relationships between values were preserved. These include location and presence of disease. The higher levels might be due to an aging process or a protective defense against collagenase in the gingival crevice. J Periodontol 1993; 64:363–365.
Cellular Retinole Acid Binding Protein In the Periodontal Ligament
Authors: Berkovitz Barry K. B. , Maden Malcolm
Published: March 2012

As retinoic acid is an important signaling molecule during embryological development. Since periodontal tissues are thought to have fetal‐like properties, the present study was to determine the presence and distribution of cellular retinoic acid‐binding protein I(CRABP I) in the periodontal tissues of the rat. Following demineralization, wax sections of the molar teeth of four adult male rats were cut in a plane parallel to the molar tooth row. Five representative sections from each jaw were then processed and stained to reveal the presence of CRABP. This protein was identified by immunochemistry utilizing an affinity‐purified rabbit polyclonal antibody. The IgG antibody was used at a dilution of 1 μg ml−1 and immunoreactivity detected with a kit according to protocol. Immunoreactivity was detected with diaminobenzidine and sections counterstained with hematoxylin. Results showed that virtually all the cells of periodontal ligament, the vast majority representing fibroblasts, contained CRABP. Fibroblasts in the gingiva above the level of the alveolar crest also stained positively for CRABP. The periodontal tissues of all three molar teeth were similarly affected. Fibroblasts in other regions of the oral cavity, such as the dermis of the skin of the cheek or the lamina propria of the buccal mucosa or of the diastema region, exhibited little or no staining for CRABP. Because of its properties as a signaling molecule and its ability to interact with other regulatory molecules, retinoic acid and cellular retinoic acid‐binding protein may play an important role in the biology of the periodontal tissues. J Periodontol 1993;64:392–396.
Ligature‐Induced Marginal Inflammation Around Osseointegrated Implants and Ankylosed Teeth: Stereologic and Histologic Observations in Cynomolgus Monkeys (Macaca Fascicularis)
Authors: Schou Søren , Holmstrup Palle , Reibel Jesper , Juhl Marianne , Hjørting‐Hansen Erik , Kornman Kenneth S.
Published: March 2012

The aim of the investigation was to provide quantitative and qualitative histologic data on marginal inflammation around osseointegrated implants. The significance of the lack of a periodontal ligament in the initial breakdown phase of supporting tissues in implants was examined by comparing stereologic and histologic manifestations of ligature‐induced marginal inflammation around osseointegrated implants with those around ankylosed and normal control teeth in 8 cynomolgus monkeys (Macaca fascicularis). Clinical and radiographic findings have been reported elsewhere. The marginal connective tissue around ligated implants was infiltrated by a significantly increased total number of lymphocytes, plasma cells, and neutrophils compared to non‐ligated implants and teeth. The total number of lymphocytes around ligated implants was significantly higher than around ligated ankylosed and normal control teeth. There were, however, no significant differences in the total number of plasma cells and neutrophils within the ligated group. Osteoclasts were exclusively observed around ligated implants and ankylosed teeth. Although variations in microbiota and susceptibility of different jaw positions to periodontal break‐down may influence the results of the present study, the results seem to substantiate the theory that marginal inflammation around implants and ankylosed teeth may have more serious implications than does marginal inflammation around teeth with a periodontal ligament. Since presence of osteoclasts was not related to the absence of cervical cementum with inserting gingival fibers around ligated ankylosed teeth, the increased susceptibility of bone loss of implants is probably not caused by the absence of these tissue components. In contrast, the histologic observations seem to support that the increased susceptibility for bone loss around implants may be related to the absence of a periodontal ligament. J Periodontol 1993; 64:529–537.
Gingival Crevicular Blood for Assessment of Blood Glucose in Diabetic Patients
Authors: Parker Robert C. , Rapley John W. , Isley William , Spencer Paulette , Killoy William J.
Published: March 2012

In this study 50 patients with diabetes mellitus had gingival crevicular blood from periodontal probing collected in small plastic pipettes. The pipettes transferred the crevicular blood to a non‐wipe glucose self‐monitoring instrument. At the same time, fingerstick capillary blood measurements were analyzed in the same glucose self‐monitoring instrument, and venous blood was collected for measurement in a laboratory glucose analyzer. Each laboratory measurement was corrected from a serum glucose value to a whole blood glucose value by a function of the patient's hematocrit. This corrected glucose value allowed direct comparison of the laboratory measurement to the intraoral and finger‐stick whole blood measurements. The patient blood glucose concentrations ranged from 59 mg/dl to 366 mg/dl. The gingival crevicular blood exhibited a correlation of r = 0.975 (P <.0001) to the corrected laboratory standard measurement, with a mean prediction error (bias) of −4.11 mg/dl and a root mean square error (precision) of 17.43 mg/dl. The finger‐stick blood had a correlation of r = 0.983 (P <.0001) to the corrected laboratory standard, with a mean prediction error of 4.65 mg/dl and a root mean square error of 14.48 mg/dl. The American Diabetic Association recommends that the prediction error of blood glucose monitoring devices fall within 15% of the laboratory standard. Using this criterion 92% of the gingival crevicular measurements and 90% of the fingerpuncture measurements fell within 15% of the laboratory value. The results suggest that gingival crevicular blood collected by a small plastic pipette and measured in a nonwipe glucose self‐monitor is feasible for in‐office blood glucose testing with measurements comparable to those obtained using the finger‐puncture method. J Periodontol 1993;64:666–672.
A Large Scale Network Model To Obtain Interwell Formation Characteristics
Authors: Gherabati S. A. , Hughes R. G. , Zhang H. , White C. D.
Published: March 2012

Limited data availability and poor data quality make it difficult to characterize many reservoirs. For reservoirs that have undergone waterflooding, production and injection data is a reliable source of information from which injector to producer connections can be inferred. In this research, we use well locations and injection and production rate data to develop a reservoir-scale network model. The coarse network model approach is fast and efficient since it solves for a relatively small number of unknowns and is less underdetermined than correlation-based methods.

A Voronoi mesh divides the reservoir into a number of node volumes each of which contains a well. Bonds connect each of the nodes with conductance values that must be inferred from the rate data. An inverse problem is written where the mean-squared difference between the simulated and actual production data is minimized and the conductance values between each node are the unknowns. A derivative free optimization algorithm is utilized to minimize the objective function.

The application of this work is primarily for secondary and tertiary floods with limited geological data. The solution parameters are directly proportional to formation properties. In addition, they help to evaluate the degree of sweep between wells. This approach has been successfully tested for different synthetic permeability distribution cases. The main advantages of the proposed method are: It can model changes in flow pattern caused by adding new wells or shutting-in producers.It uses conventional history matching methods to solve a simplified inverse problem using only production and injection data. It uses a small number of nodes and converges to a better posed solution than statistical approaches. Convergence to a solution for higher frequency data only decreases the speed of the method slightly.The degree of injector to producer interaction is not fixed and can vary over time. Thus, the technique captures more of the physical relationships between well pairs and features that influence the dynamic behavior of the reservoir than previous correlation-based methods.
Alternate Representations in Numerical Modeling of Multistage Hydraulically Fractured Horizontal Wells in Shale Gas Reservoirs
Authors: Siripatrachai N. , Ertekin T.
Published: March 2012

Natural gas from shale is becoming increasingly popular. To successfully produce gas from shale, drilling horizontal wells and implementing hydraulic fracturing are crucial. Conventional representation and design of hydraulic fracturing is by placing transverse fracture planes. Each transverse plane represents a single-stage hydraulic fracturing. However, microseismic field data show that high pressure frac fluid creates a stimulated reservoir volume instead of discrete transverse fracture planes. In this paper, an alternative representation for hydraulic fracturing called "crushed zone" representation is proposed. This crushed zone can be represented by an elliptical zone of high fracture permeability and smaller fracture spacing instead of high-permeability transverse fracture planes. Difficulties lie in the field optimization and characterization of hydraulic fracturing whether which model is more representative and what are their equivalent representations. Furthermore, utilizing a numerical reservoir simulator can be time-consuming as reservoir modeling and computation could take several hours for each scenario and the optimal cases could be overlooked.

In this research, optimization of hydraulically fractured horizontal wells in shale gas reservoirs and establishing an equivalency between two different hydraulic fracture representations were studied. Artificial neural network (ANN) is a widely used technology in science and engineering because of its capability in establishing highly non-linear relationships. Due to its ability to provide simulation results in seconds, ANN can serve as a powerful tool in reservoir simulation. A commercial reservoir simulator is coupled with ANNs to create expert systems that can be used to overcome the aforementioned challenges. Reservoir simulation was utilized to generate production profile and establish equivalent hydraulic fracture representations. The simulation results were used to train the ANN. In this study, two ANNs are developed. The first ANN called "Gas Production Prediction ANN" can instantly predict production profile of a hydraulically fractured horizontal well completed in shale gas reservoirs with an error margin of less than ±10% from numerical reservoir simulation. The second ANN called "Equivalency ANN" is developed to establish equivalent hydraulic fracture representations between transverse hydraulic fracture representation and crushed zone representation. The equivalent representation from ANN when run with numerical reservoir simulator yields cumulative gas production within ±15% error compared to results obtained via conventional simulation.
Dosimetrical evaluation of Leksell Gamma Knife 4C radiosurgery unit
Authors: Sajeev Thomas , Mustafa Mohamed , Supe Sanjay
Published: March 2012

Dosimetrical evaluation of Leksell Gamma Knife 4C radiosurgery unit

A number of experiments was performed using standard protocols, in order to evaluate the dosimetric accuracy of Leksell Gamma Knife 4C unit. Verification of the beam alignment has been performed for all collimators using solid plastic head phantom and Gafchromic™ type MD-55 films. The study showed a good agreement of Leksell Gammaplan calculated dose profiles with experimentally determined profiles in all three axes. Isocentric accuracy is verified using a specially machined cylindrical aluminium film holder tool made with very narrow geometric tolerances aligned between trunnions of 4 mm collimator. Considering all uncertainties in all three dimensions, the estimated accuracy of the unit was 0.1 mm. Dose rate at the centre point of the unit has been determined according to the IAEA, TRS-398 protocol, using Unidose-E (PTW-Freiburg, Germany) with a 0.125 cc ion chamber, over a period of 6 years. The study showed that the Leksell Gamma Knife 4C unit is excellent radiosurgical equipment with high accuracy and precision, which makes it possible to deliver larger doses of radiation, within the limits defined by national and international guidelines, applicable for stereotactic radiosurgery procedures.
Physical characteristics of photon beam from a CLINAC-DBX single energy accelerator
Authors: Umbarkar Rahul , Supe Sanjay , Pandey Manoy , Ashok Jayanty
Published: March 2012

Physical characteristics of photon beam from a CLINAC-DBX single energy accelerator

Commissioning beam data are treated as a reference and ultimately used by treatment planning systems, therefore, it is vitally important that the collected data are of the highest quality, in order to avoid dosimetric and patient treatment errors that may subsequently lead to a poor radiation outcome. High-energy photon and electron beams from different accelerators of the same nominal energy may have different dosimetric characteristics due to differences in target and flattening filter materials, accelerator guide and collimator designs. In the present study, clinically pertinent data for the available photon energy were investigated. For making measurements in water, first time in India, a three dimensional radiation field analyzer RFA (CRS- Scan -O-Plan) was used. For absolute dosimetry and other measurements like relative output factors, wedge factors etc., a DOSE1 electrometer (Scanditronix Wellhofer) in a white polystyrene was employed. All the measured data were utilized as an input to the ECLIPSE treatment planning system for further clinical use.
Mathematical Model of Dynamic Work Conditions in the Measuring Chamber of an Air Gauge
Authors: Jermak Czeslaw , Spyra Andrzej , Rucki Miroslaw
Published: March 2012

Mathematical Model of Dynamic Work Conditions in the Measuring Chamber of an Air Gauge

The goal of the proposed computational model was to evaluate the dynamical properties of air gauges in order to exploit them in such industrial applications as in-process control, form deviation measurement, dynamical measurement. The model is based on Reynolds equations complemented by the k-ε turbulence model. The boundary conditions were set in different areas (axis of the chamber, side surfaces, inlet pipeline and outlet cross-section) as Dirichlet's and Neumann's ones. The TDMA method was applied and the efficiency of the calculations was increased due to the "line-by-line" procedure. The proposed model proved to be accurate and useful for non-stationary two-dimensional flow through the air gauge measuring chamber.
Measurement Aspects of Genome Pattern Investigations - Hardware Implementation
Authors: Pułka Andrzej , Milik Adam
Published: March 2012

Measurement Aspects of Genome Pattern Investigations - Hardware Implementation

The work presented in the paper concerns a very important problem of searching for string alignments. The authors show that the problem of a genome pattern alignment could be interpreted and defined as a measuring task, where the distance between two (or more) patterns is investigated. The problem originates from modern computation biology. Hardware-based implementations have been driving out software solutions in the field recently. The complex programmable devices have become very commonly applied. The paper introduces a new, optimized approach based on the Smith-Waterman dynamic programming algorithm. The original algorithm is modified in order to simplify data-path processing and take advantage of the properties offered by FPGA devices. The results obtained with the proposed methodology allow to reduce the size of the functional block and radically speed up the processing time. This approach is very competitive compared with other related works.
Mining of Coal Seams Under the Main Haulage Level / Podpatrové Dobývání Uhelných Slojí
Authors: Chovanec Josef , Urban Petr , Pěgřímek Ivo , Košnovský Vitězslav
Published: March 2012

The question of mining under the main haulage level as a way by which in some cases coal reserves can be effectively extracted is still discussed. The paper introduces advantages and disadvantages of this method. It presents examples of the bedding of a seam in a limited depth under level, for example 50 m, when the opening by the under level mining method is obviously more advantageous. Special attention is given to risks of ventilation short circuit which are higher in this method compared to classical opening. The paper also gives a brief economical reflection allowing to determine the efficiency of under level mining.
Value anchorage of social forecasting
Authors: Potůček Martin
Published: March 2012

Hodnotové ukotvení sociálního prognózování

Stať rozebírá možné přístupy k identifikaci a uplatnění hodnotových východisek v sociálním prognózování. Zobecněním zkušeností z práce Centra pro sociální a ekonomické strategie FSV UK a s využitím mezinárodních inspirací dospívá k závěru, že kritérium kvality a udržitelnosti života a jeho ekonomická, sociální, environmentální a bezpečnostní dimenze poskytují solidnější základ pro hodnotové ukotvení sociálních prognóz, vizí a strategií, než by tomu bylo v případě dosud často užívaného indikátoru - hrubého domácího produktu.
Classical and Quantum Physics in Selected Economic Models
Authors: Drabik Ewa
Published: March 2012

Classical and Quantum Physics in Selected Economic Models

A growing number of economic phenomena are nowadays described with methods known in physics. The most frequently applied physical theories by economists are: (1) the universal gravitation law and (2) the first and second law of thermodynamics. Physical principles can also be applied to the theory of financial markets. Financial markets are composed of individual participants who may be seen to interact as particles in a physical system. This approach proposes a financial market model known as a minority game model in which securities and money are allocated on the basis of price fluctuations, and where selling is best option when the vast majority of investors tend to purchase goods or services, and vice versa. The players who end up being on the minority side win.

The above applications of physical methods in economics are deeply rooted in classical physics. However, this paper aims to introduce the basic concepts of quantum mechanics to the process of economic phenomena modelling. Quantum mechanics is a theory describing the behaviour of microscopic objects and is grounded on the principle of wave-particle duality. It is assumed that quantum-scale objects at the same time exhibit both wave-like and particle-like properties. The key role in quantum mechanics is played by: (1) the Schrödinger equation describing the probability amplitude for the particle to be found in a given position and at a given time, and as (2) the Heisenberg uncertainty principle stating that certain pairs of physical properties cannot be economic applications of the Schrödinger equation as well as the Heisenberg uncertainty principle. We also try to describe the English auction by means the quantum mechanics methods.
Process Approach to Knowledge Management
Authors: Kotarba Marcin
Published: March 2012

Process Approach to Knowledge Management

The article points out the limited availability of practical implementation guidelines, methods and tools as one of the core issues in the widespread usage of knowledge management (KM) in organizations. The process approach is proposed as an efficient way to understand the scope of knowledge management and to plan its development or improvement, in line with organizational strategy. The role of information technology (IT) in supporting knowledge management is emphasized and key functional groups of IT systems are listed. A sample section of the detailed process model is presented for the KM resource identification master process, with a BPMN graphical visualization. Both the process model and the detailed specification of IT systems supporting knowledge management are considered by the author as complex structures that require to be hosted in a dedicated support environment. Key assumptions of a tool, named KMBoost, are outlined to show how a simple, but interactive toolset can foster the understanding and usage of the KM process model. In the concluding remarks a high level SWOT analysis of the KM process model and the KMBoost tool is conducted.
Multicriteria Decision Making Model for the New Team Member Selection Based on Individual and Group-Related Factors
Authors: Wojnar Jakub
Published: March 2012

Multicriteria Decision Making Model for the New Team Member Selection Based on Individual and Group-Related Factors

This paper presents a novel approach to the team building emphasizing group-related attributes of potential candidates instead of focusing on their individual characteristics during the recruitment process. The main assumption is that the teamwork capabilities are equally if not more important than individual skills or competences when selecting new team member. Myers-Briggs Type Indicator is used for analyzing teamwork capabilities and multicriteria decision making model will be developed as a final solution.
Functional Safety of Distributed Embedded Control Systems
Authors: Gharbi Atef , Gharsellaoui Hamza , Khalgui Mohamed , Ben Ahmed Samir
Published: March 2012

This chapter deals with the functional safety of distributed embedded control systems following the component-based approach. The authors define a new concept of components called “Control Component” (CC) to cover all of the used technologies in industry. To guarantee the functional safety of distributed control software components, the authors define an agent-based architecture where an intelligent software agent is deployed in a device of the execution environment in order to apply local reconfiguration scenarios, and a coordination agent is used for inter-devices coordination in order to allow coherent reconfigurations.
E-Government for Transparency, Anti-Corruption, and Accountability
Authors: Corojan Ana , Criado J. Ignacio
Published: March 2012

This chapter discusses the development of e-Government in Central American countries. The study presents an analysis of the role that e-Government has played during the last decade (2000-2010) in order to promote transparency, accountability, and anti-corruption measures. It starts with a definition of the principal concepts of the study and the e-Government development in the Region. It then reviews the laws and regulations and analyzes Web technology deployment in new agencies that have been legally established by Central American governments to advance transparency, accountability, and anti-corruption initiatives. In this context, the research aims to explore the question about whether information and communication technologies (specifically e-Government) facilitate transparency and accountability, and limit corruption in developing countries. The results provide support to this general statement and also suggest that public institutions themselves, and their non-digital procedures, still play a significant role in promoting more transparent practices. Finally, the text concludes with how to reinforce the policy of employing digital technology as an instrument for promoting good government in emerging economies.
Adoption of E-Government Services in Developing Countries
Authors: AlAwadhi Suha , Morris Anne
Published: March 2012

E-government initiatives are in their infancy in many developing countries. The success of these initiatives is dependent on government support as well as citizens’ adoption of e-government services. This chapter explains in detail a study that aimed to explore the attitudes and perceptions of citizens regarding the adoption of e-government services in Kuwait, as a developing country. The study employed both quantitative and qualitative methods, including a questionnaire survey incorporating the amended version of the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT), as well as usability testing and focus groups. The findings identified factors that determine and influence the adoption of e-government; these were then modeled taking a systemic approach. Based on the results and conclusions of the study, recommendations were made to Kuwaiti officials responsible for the e-government services.
Project Management
Authors: Furlong Shauneen
Published: March 2012

The purpose of this chapter is to present the e-Government’s problems attributed to project management and to introduce research to determine if these problems could be mitigated by strengthening the North American project management standard methodology (PMBOK - Project Management Body of Knowledge 2000 Edition) to support an e-Government environment. Specifically, this chapter intends to share insights into answering the following questions: Why has e-Government, especially transformational e-Government, not advanced around the world to the degree anticipated? Neither developed nor emerging nations have embraced the opportunities to the extent possible, and few can share and breach the gap towards success. Could current project management methodologies have played a role? Were they helpful? Did they drive or hinder success?
Is Romania Ready for Nation-Wide Public e-Services?
Authors: Stoica Virgil , Ilas Andrei
Published: March 2012

In 2009, the Romanian Government engaged itself to the ambitious goal of providing most of the traditional administration services through electronic means. The authors’ larger aim is to assess the policy’s chances of success by looking both at the history and the current level of e-development in Romania. While most of governments’ actions are incremental, only marginally modifying existing programs or practices, the e-government policies around the world do not necessarily fall within this model. However, even the miraculous advancements depend on specific realities. Based on the relevant literature, the authors consider the way towards the success of a nation-wide e-government public policy as being paved by several major pre-requisites: educated citizenry, adequate technical infrastructures, offering of e-services that citizens need, commitment from top government officials, and membership in international organizations supporting e-government development. Results stress the importance of the EU membership and the disequilibrium between the level of Romanians’ e-knowledge and that of governmental e-services. The chapter concludes that in the case of Romania, a successful e-government policy should primarily target the raise of citizens’ Internet and computer related skills.
Public E-Service Conditions in Lithuania
Authors: Bileviciute Egle , Bileviciene Tatjana
Published: March 2012

E-governance projects improve the efficiency of administrative systems, lower the number of civil servants, and improve the quality of administration. The Lithuanian Concept on the Development of the Information Society seeks to modernise governance through the use of computerised information resources. This is important so as to develop electronic context, to encourage the provision of e-services, and to allow local residents and businesses to use those services. Lithuania has a public e-services portal, the purpose of which is a broad online access to information and public e-services provided by state institutions. The requirements for common European e- services enforcement in cyberspace influence the improvement of e-services in public administration in Lithuania. Lithuania has a legal system necessary for public e-services, but the actual implementation of services directives requires more specific statutes on services as well as corresponding secondary legislation. Basing on different studies, the authors examine the development and conditions of public e-services in Lithuania.
NanoArt
Authors: Orfescu Cris
Published: March 2012

This chapter is an attempt to introduce NanoArt. It goes back in time to the first uses of nanomaterials and nanotechnologies to create art and continues with the beginnings of NanoArt. Then, it follows a status on this new artistic-scientific discipline and the movement that evolved from recent technological developments in the multidisciplinary area known as nanotechnology. The chapter informs about the international juried NanoArt competitions, displays select artworks collected in the NanoArt21 gallery, and finally presents thoughts of select nanoartists and art people.
GPU-Accelerated Rendering of Unbounded Nonlinear Iterated Function System Fixed Points
Authors: Lawlor Orion Sky
Published: March 2012

Nonlinear functions, including nonlinear iterated function systems, have interesting fixed points. We present a non-Lipschitz theoretical approach to nonlinear function system fixed points which generalizes to noncontractive functions, compare several methods for evaluating such fixed points on modern graphics hardware, and present a nonlinear generalization of Barnsley’s Deterministic Iteration Algorithm. Unlike the many existing randomized rendering algorithms, this deterministic method avoids noncoherent branching and memory access and takes advantage of programmable texture mapping hardware. Together with the performance potential of modern graphics hardware, this allows us to animate high-quality and high-definition fixed points in real time.