bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Proposal of flexible implementation of genetic algorithms on FPGAs
Authors: Tachibana Tatsuhiro , Murata Yoshihiro , Shibata Naoki , Yasumoto Keiichi , Ito Minoru 
Published: September 2007

AbstractGenetic Algorithms (GA) can be used for various applications including complex computations such as combinatory optimization problems. Such GA applications are desired to be available to information appliances with poor resources by implementing them on dedicated hardware chips like FPGA. In this paper, we propose a method to efficiently design and implement GA applications on FPGA. Our method consists mainly of a parallel and pipelined architecture suitable for various GA applications and a model to predict the size of the synthesized hardware circuits from various parameter values such as the size of the problem and the number of parallel pipelines. In order to facilitate hardware design, we have implemented two tools. The first tool uses our prediction model and calculates parameter values with which the hardware circuits can be synthesized on a specified FPGA device. The second tool generates the RT level VHDL description when the parameter values are given. In order to show efficiency of the proposed method, we have applied our method to the Knapsack Problem and Traveling Salesman Problem. As a result, we have confirmed that the circuits synthesized with our tools achieve high performance on gate level simulation and low power consumption, and that our prediction model predicts the sizes of the synthesized circuits accurately enough for practical use. ©2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Syst Comp Jpn, 38(13): 28–38, 2007; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/scj.20779
An optimization method focusing on fixed‐point arithmetic in applications for dynamically reconfigurable processor
Authors: Miyata Miwa , Shibata Yuichiro , Oguri Kiyoshi 
Published: September 2007

AbstractDynamically reconfigurable processors such as the Dynamically Reconfigurable Processor (DRP) released by NEC Electronics are composed of many interconnected coarse‐grained arithmetic blocks. Applications for DRP are described in a programming language like C and parallelism in the source code is automatically extracted by a compiler. At the same time, it is also important to optimize descriptions so that the potential performance of the device is effectively brought out. In this paper, we propose an optimized coding method to improve efficiency of parallel processing on DRP. In this technique, the same kind of multicycle operations are aggregated into single functions, keeping the sequential framework of a programming language. The effects of the method are evaluated with ray tracing processing as an example application. As a result, the proposed technique achieves 2.68 to 3.09 times performance improvement without large increase in the number of states nor severe degradation of the frequency. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Syst Comp Jpn, 38(14): 20–28, 2007; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/scj.20780
Image recognition method using intensity gradient vectors
Authors: Hiramoto Masao , Ogawa Takahiro , Haseyama Miki 
Published: September 2007

AbstractThis paper proposes a method for general image recognition based on the progress of increasing the pixels of image sensors and improving image quality. This method can also adapt to images which have undergone geometric transformations such as the rotation and movement of images. The proposed method uses a voting system that utilizes vectors. This method uses vectors which represent intensity gradients and vectors which show position to express images and also defines voting vectors and similarity for the recognition. In addition, the proposed method has characteristics of concentrating voting locations at an origin point if there are identical images such that the voting results do not influence geometric transformations. When we performed experiments on natural images including original images which may have undergone image processing such as Gaussian or median filtering and JPEG compression, we understood that distinct differences appeared in the similarities and that recognition was possible even if an artificial process was added to the images. Even further, when we examined recognition of images using the greatest number of voting points as an application of this method, we were able to show that the recognition capability was high and that a partial image contained in one image could also be recognized. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Syst Comp Jpn, 38(13): 15–27, 2007; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/scj.20792
Proposal of seamless interaction enabling direct conversation between video content viewer and CG generated performer
Authors: Doke Mamoru , Hamaguchi Narichika , Hayashi Masaki , Yagi Nobuyuki 
Published: September 2007

AbstractWe propose a conversation method called seamless interaction where the viewer can query a CG generated performer at any time while viewing video content based on CG, and can interrupt video content for direct conversation with the performer. In this paper, we explain the important requirements for achieving seamless interaction, and show an example mounting these requirements. Then, we use a subjective evaluation test to compare seamless interaction with images of interaction with CG characters using dedicated conversational CG characters. From these results, we show that seamless interaction is an effective method for viewers when engaged in passive viewing, such as viewing a television program, in terms of ease of interaction and ease of familiarity. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Syst Comp Jpn, 38(13): 1–14, 2007; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/scj.20833
Domain classification of technical terms using the Web
Authors: Kida Mitsuhiro , Tonoike Masatsugu , Utsuro Takehito , Sato Satoshi 
Published: September 2007

AbstractThis paper proposes a method of domain classification of technical terms using the Web. In the proposed method, it is assumed that, for a certain technical domain, a list of known technical terms of the domain is given. Technical documents of the domain are collected through the Web search engine, which are then used for generating a vector space model for the domain. The domain specificity of a target term is estimated according to the distribution of the domain of the sample pages of the target term. Experimental evaluation results show that the proposed method of domain classification of a technical term achieved mostly 90% precision/recall. We then apply this technique of estimating domain specificity of a term to the task of discovering novel technical terms that are not included in any existing lexicons of technical terms of the domain. Out of 1000 randomly selected candidates of technical terms per domain, we discovered about 100 to 200 novel technical terms. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Syst Comp Jpn, 38(14): 11–19, 2007; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/scj.20852
Knowledge management modeling in organizations
Authors: Fujita Yukihisa , Nakase Akihiko , Nakayama Yasuko , Toriumi Fujio , Ishii Kenichiro 
Published: September 2007

AbstractA variety of knowledge sharing methods have been proposed based on experience and precedents. However, the effects of these methods have never been quantitatively investigated. This study proposes a knowledge sharing model in organizations to analyze the effect of knowledge management. Knowledge sharing processes are modeled and simulated using a multiagent approach. Knowledge repositories and knowledge managers improve organization performance. Additionally the “year 2007 issue” is represented using the model and its solutions are also shown. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Syst Comp Jpn, 38(14): 1–10, 2007; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/scj.20874
Flexible parametric models for relative survival, with application in coronary heart disease
Authors: Nelson Christopher P. , Lambert Paul C. , Squire Iain B. , Jones David R. 
Published: September 2007

AbstractRelative survival is frequently used in population‐based studies as a method for estimating disease‐related mortality without the need for information on cause of death. We propose an extension to relative survival of a flexible parametric model proposed by Royston and Parmar for censored survival data. The model provides smooth estimates of the relative survival and excess mortality rates by using restricted cubic splines on the log cumulative excess hazard scale. The approach has several advantages over some of the more standard relative survival models, which adopt a piecewise approach, the main being the ability to model time on a continuous scale, the survival and hazard functions are obtained analytically and it does not use split‐time data. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Semi‐parametric modelling of the distribution of the baseline risk in meta‐analysis
Authors: Ghidey W. , Lesaffre E. , Stijnen T. 
Published: September 2007

AbstractIn meta‐analysis of clinical trials, often meta‐regression analyses are performed to explain the heterogeneity in treatment effects that usually exist between trials. A popular explanatory variable is the risk observed in the control group, the baseline risk. The relationship between the treatment effect and the baseline risk is investigated by fitting a linear model that allows randomness on the true baseline risk by assuming a normal distribution with unknown mean and variance. However, the normality assumption could be too strong to adequately describe the underlying distribution. Therefore, we developed a new semi‐parametric method that relaxes the normality assumption to a more flexible and general distribution. We applied a penalized Gaussian mixture distribution to represent the baseline risk distribution. Furthermore, a bivariate hierarchical model is formulated in order to take into account the correlation between the baseline and treatment effect. To fit the proposed model, a penalized likelihood function is maximized by an Expectation Maximization (EM) algorithm. We illustrate our method on a number of simulated data sets and on a published meta‐analysis data set. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis of Composite Emulsions and Complex Foams with the use of Microfluidic Flow‐Focusing Devices
Authors: Hashimoto Michinao , Garstecki Piotr , Whitesides George M. 
Published: September 2007

AbstractA method is described for the formation of stable, composite aqueous emulsions of 1) combinations of distinct families of bubbles of nitrogen, 2) combinations of distinct families of droplets of an organic fluid (either perfluoro(methyl)decalin or hexadecane), and 3) combinations of bubbles and droplets. A system of two or three microfluidic flow‐focusing units is coupled to a single outlet channel. The composite emulsions can be precisely tuned, both in their composition and in the number fraction of components—either bubbles or droplets—of different types. The use of microfluidic technology, with closely coupled flow‐focusing units, guarantees that the emulsions are mixed locally at a controlled local stoichiometry. The emulsions self‐assemble in a nonequilibrium process to form a wide variety of highly organized periodic lattices.
Magnetophoretic Continuous Purification of Single‐Walled Carbon Nanotubes from Catalytic Impurities in a Microfluidic Device
Authors: Kang Joo H. , Park Je‐Kyun 
Published: September 2007

AbstractA magnetophoretic continuous purification method is presented of single‐walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) from the superparamagnetic iron‐catalyst impurities in a microfluidic device without any influence on inherent SWCNT properties. By employing microfluidics and a magnetic‐field‐induced saw‐tooth nickel microstructure, a highly enhanced magnetic force in adjoining microchannels is exploited. The iron impurities of SWCNTs are attracted towards areas of higher magnetic‐flux density in the microchannels where magnetic field was asymmetrically generated perpendicularly to the streamline. We obtained highly purified SWCNTs at a rate of 0.36 mg h−1 and that are estimated to be about 99 % purity.
Formation of Nanotubes and Hollow Nanoparticles Based on Kirkendall and Diffusion Processes: A Review
Authors: Fan Hong Jin , Gösele Ulrich , Zacharias Margit 
Published: September 2007

AbstractThe Kirkendall effect is a consequence of the different diffusivities of atoms in a diffusion couple causing a supersaturation of lattice vacancies. This supersaturation may lead to a condensation of extra vacancies in the form of so‐called “Kirkendall voids” close to the interface. On the macroscopic and micrometer scale these Kirkendall voids are generally considered as a nuisance because they deteriorate the properties of the interface. In contrast, in the nanoworld the Kirkendall effect has been positively used as a new fabrication route to designed hollow nano‐objects. In this Review we summarize and discuss the demonstrated examples of hollow nanoparticles and nanotubes induced by the Kirkendall effect. Merits of this route are compared with other general methods for nanotube fabrication. Theories of the kinetics and thermodynamics are also reviewed and evaluated in terms of their relevance to experiments. Moreover, nanotube fabrication by solid‐state reactions and non‐Kirkendall type diffusion processes are covered.
SysTest: Improving the verification, validation, and testing process— Assessing six industrial pilot projects
Authors: Hoppe Markus , Engel Avner , Shachar Shalom 
Published: September 2007

AbstractThe overall objective of the SysTest project was to develop a generic Verification, Validation, and Testing (VVT) methodology guidelines and an economic VVT process model in order to realize improved product quality at reduced cost and time to market. Six real‐life pilot projects were conducted by the SysTest industrial partners in order to assess the effectiveness of the SysTest products. The pilot projects represented diverse industrial segments namely, aircrafts avionics and jet engines, automobile engine castings and embedded software, liquid food packaging manufacturing, and steel production. In this paper, we demonstrate that: (1) The SysTest products are generic and applicable for different industries and (2) a clear trend was established: Namely, the application of the SysTest products improves the process and product quality. In the case of the SysTest pilot project, the average project cost saving was 7.6% with standard deviation of 14.8%. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Syst Eng 10: 323– 347, 2007
Experimental study of plate‐reinforced composite deep coupling beams
Authors: Su R. K. L. , Lam W. Y. , Pam H. J. 
Published: September 2007

AbstractAn experimental study was conducted to investigate the behavior of deep coupling beams of span‐to‐depth ratio (1·17) fabricated according to the newly proposed plate‐reinforced composite (PRC) coupling beam design. Three PRC coupling beams of small span/depth ratio fabricated based on different approaches for load transfers between steel plates and reinforced concrete (RC) were tested under reversed cyclic loading. This paper presents the experimental results and compares the overall performance of these three specimens with two geometrically identical RC coupling beam specimens, one with diagonal reinforcement and the other with conventional reinforcement details, tested by previous researchers. It was found that the performance of PRC deep coupling beams of small span‐to‐depth ratio with properly designed plate anchorage in the wall regions can be comparable to that of diagonally reinforced coupling beams while being able to achieve a higher shear capacity without causing the problem of steel congestion. The proper design approach for the plate anchorage of PRC coupling beams was also identified. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinase‐1 (TIMP‐1) Polymorphisms in a Caucasian Population with Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm
Authors: Hinterseher Irene , Krex Dietmar , Kuhlisch Eberhard , Schmidt Karl G. , Pilarsky Christian , Schneiders Wolfgang , Saeger Hans D. , Bergert Hendrik 
Published: September 2007

AbstractBackgroundThe formation of a sporadic abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is explained by the remodeling of the extracellular matrix (ECM) and breakdown of structural components of the vascular wall. Matrix metalloproteinases are the principal matrix‐degrading proteases and are known to play a major role in the remodeling of the extracellular matrix in arterial vessels. Their activity is controlled by tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs). Decreased TIMP‐1 and TIMP‐2 expression in the extracellular matrix of the walls of AAAs has been shown in several studies. This case control study was designed to investigate the possible impact of genetic variants of theTIMP‐1gene in the etiology of AAA.MethodsTIMP‐1single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were analyzed in a primary study sample of 50 patients with AAA and 44 controls. Differences in genotype and allele frequencies of identified polymorphisms were determined after sequencing the entire coding region and selected parts of the promoter using the automated laser fluorescence technique. A second sample (96 patients vs. 89 controls) was investigated by single‐base sequencing to confirm significant results.ResultsThree polymorphisms were identified, one of which, described for the first time in this article, is located in intron 4 (TIMP‐1: 328 + 16C> T). A statistically significant difference in allele frequencies for SNPTIMP‐1372T>C was detected in the primary study group. The C allele was more frequent in male patients with AAA than in the control group [23 vs. 4,p= 0.029, OR (95% CI) 4.38 (1.13‐20.47)]. However, this result could not be confirmed in a second sample of males [52 vs. 45,p= 0.624, OR (95% CI) 1.16 (0.65‐2.06)]. There were no statistically significant differences in genotype or allele frequencies of the other detected SNPs between the two groups.ConclusionsOur analysis of the entire coding region and selected parts of the promoter of theTIMP‐1gene failed to show an association between genetic polymorphisms and AAA, suggesting that variations in theTIMP‐1gene do not contribute to the development of AAA.
Predictors and Outcome of Readmission after Laparoscopic Intestinal Surgery
Authors: O’Brien David Patrick 
Published: September 2007

AbstractBackgroundPrevious studies have failed to identify predictors of early readmission after major intestinal operations. The objectives of this study were to determine readmission rates, outcomes, and predictors of readmission for patients undergoing laparoscopic colon and rectal operations.MethodsPatients readmitted (PR) to the hospital within 30 days of discharge after laparoscopic colon and rectal operations were identified from a prospectively maintained database. The PR group was compared with patients that were not readmitted (NR). Outcomes and variables related to readmission were evaluated.ResultsThere were 820 consecutive elective laparoscopic colon and rectal operations performed over a 5‐year period, with adequate follow‐up data for 787 cases. Seventy‐nine (10%) patients were readmitted. There was no difference in the age, sex, surgeon, or type of operation between the PR and NR groups. The most common causes for readmission were bowel obstruction (19%), ileus (18%), intra‐abdominal abscess (14%), and anastomotic leak (9%). Overall mean (median) length of stay (LOS) for the index admission was 3.7 ± 4.3 (3.0) days. Patients in the PR group had a trend toward a longer index admission LOS than the NR group (5.4 ± 8.8 [3.0] versus 3.5 ± 3.3 [3.0], p = 0.068). Univariate analysis demonstrated that patients with inflammatory bowel disease, pulmonary comorbidities, and steroid use were more likely to be readmitted. Multivariate analysis confirmed that inflammatory bowel disease and pulmonary comorbidity are independent risk factors for readmission.ConclusionsEarly readmission after laparoscopic colon and rectal operations is not associated with early discharge. Identification of specific patient characteristics indicating risk for early readmission may allow for selective changes in perioperative care or discharge criteria to avoid unexpected readmission.
Differences in Oxidation Kinetics Between Conjugated and Non‐Conjugated Methyl Linoleate
Authors: Luna P. , de la Fuente M. A. , Salvador D. , Márquez‐Ruiz G. 
Published: September 2007

AbstractThe oxidation kinetics of conjugated methyl linoleate was compared with that of non‐conjugated methyl linoleate under mild oxidation conditions (30 °C in the dark). Samples of methyl 9‐cis,11‐trans‐linoleate, methyl 10‐trans,12‐cis linoleate and methyl 9‐cis,12‐cis linoleate were assayed separately and in mixtures. For comparative purposes, methyl α‐linolenate and methyl oleate were also used. Two complementary analytical approaches were selected to monitor the progress of oxidation, (1) the traditional follow‐up of residual substrate by gas liquid chromatography, and (2) an analytical procedure by high‐performance size‐exclusion chromatography (HPSEC) for direct measurement of the oxidation compounds formed. The HPSEC method enabled us to quantitate oxidized monomers, dimers and polymers concomitantly in a rapid and direct analysis. Results showed that conjugated methyl linoleate samples oxidized later than their non‐conjugated counterparts, and showed a very different oxidation pattern. Thus, formation of oxidized monomers was negligible and the first and major compounds formed were polymerization products. Also, under the conditions used, non‐conjugated and conjugated methyl linoleate samples in 1:1 mixtures led to decreased oxidation rate of non‐conjugated methyl linoleate and increased oxidation rate of conjugated methyl linoleate. This study supports the view that oxidation kinetics of conjugated dienes differ substantially from that of methylene‐interrupted dienes.
Comparative Analysis of Regulatory Motif Discovery Tools for Transcription Factor Binding Sites
Authors: Wei Wei , Yu Xiao-Dan 
Published: September 2007

Abstract
In the post-genomic era, identification of specific regulatory motifs or transcription factor binding sites (TFBSs) in non-coding DNA sequences, which is essential to elucidate transcriptional regulatory networks, has emerged as an obstacle that frustrates many researchers. Consequently, numerous motif discovery tools and correlated databases have been applied to solving this problem. However, these existing methods, based on different computational algorithms, show diverse motif prediction efficiency in non-coding DNA sequences. Therefore, understanding the similarities and differences of computational algorithms and enriching the motif discovery literatures are important for users to choose the most appropriate one among the online available tools. Moreover, there still lacks credible criterion to assess motif discovery tools and instructions for researchers to choose the best according to their own projects. Thus integration of the related resources might be a good approach to improve accuracy of the application. Recent studies integrate regulatory motif discovery tools with experimental methods to offer a complementary approach for researchers, and also provide a much-needed model for current researches on transcriptional regulatory networks. Here we present a comparative analysis of regulatory motif discovery tools for TFBSs.