On the Spectral Density of the Wavelet Transform of Fractional Brownian Motion

We consider the wavelet transform { W _a ( t ), −∞ < t } < ∞}, at scale a > 0, of a fractional Brownian motion. A simple and mathematically rigorous proof is given to establish the existence of the spectral density f _Wa (λ) of the wavelet transform and provide an expression for it.     

Provenance studies of archaeological ceramics from Mar-Takla(Ain-Minin,Syria)using radioisotope X-ray fluorescence method

The radioisotope X-ray fluorescence method was applied to studies of the provenance of the ceramics fragments originated from the Mar-Takla site in Syria.The samples were irradiated 1000s by a ^109Cd radioisotope source and 13 elements (Ca,Ti,Mn,Fe,Zn,Ga,As,Rb,Sr,Y,Zr,Nb,and Pb)were determined in 35 samples.The data were subjected to two multivariate statistical methods,cluster and principal components analysis(PCA).It was shown from the combination of the statistical techniques and the determination of elemental composition of the samples that 94% of the ceramic samples analyzed can be considered to be manufactured using two sources of raw materials.     

Implementation of response surface methodology to optimise extraction of onion (Allium cepa) solid waste phenolics

An experimental setup based on a 2³-full factorial, central composite design was implemented with the aim to optimising recovery of polyphenols from onion solid wastes (OSW). In order to allow for the establishment of a sustainable process, reusable and non-toxic solutions composed of water/ethanol/citric acid were employed as extracting media. The factors considered were (i) the pH of the medium, (ii) the extraction time and (iii) the ethanol concentration. The model obtained produced a satisfactory fitting of the experimental data with regard to total polyphenol extraction (R² = 0.97, p = 0.0025) and the reducing power of the extracts (R² = 0.97, p = 0.0033), but not with the antiradical activity (R² = 0.89, p = 0.0592). The 2nd order polynomial equations obtained after elaboration of the experimental data indicated that all parameters considered were significant in respect with the efficiency of total polyphenol recovery. The highest total polyphenol yield was theoretically predicted to be 9342 ± 1435 mg gallic acid equivalents per 100 g dry weight, under optimal conditions (60% EtOH, pH 2 and 4.2 h). Liquid chromatography-electrospray ionisation mass spectrometry of the optimally obtained extract revealed that the principal phytochemicals recovered were quercetin 3,4′-diglucoside, quercetin 4′-glucoside and quercetin. Simple linear regression analysis between the total polyphenol and the antiradical activity of the OSW extracts showed that there was no correlation in a statistically significant manner, as opposed to reducing power.Industrial relevanceThe recovery of value-added substances from agri-food industrial wastes is an issue with importance pertaining to both the reduction of the waste load released to the environment, and the development of novel, natural food additives with functional properties. Up to date, the examinations pertaining to the clarification of factors that can affect extractability were based on rather unilateral assessment, while it is generally accepted that the retrieval depends on several parameters, which render the phenomenon a particular complexity. In this view, the implementation of factorial design with respect to investigating in parallel several factors pertaining to efficient polyphenol recovery becomes imminent. Thus the establishment of models on such a sound experimental basis is expected to provide a reliable background for more costand resource-effective processes, with a potential direct industrial applicability.     

An optimal forest thinning policy: A simulation approach

This paper provides a model for finding the optimal thinning policy in a pine forest (Pinus halepensis) in Israel. The model simulates the growth of a pine forest stand for timber, under various thinning policies. The annual growth functions are estimated via polynomial regression analysis. The dependent variable is the timber volume of the stand and the explanatory variable is the mean growing space per tree over time. The observations were made over the life span of five experimental parcels in a pine forest in Israel.     

Thermoviscoplastic shear instability and higher order strain gradients

We examine the role of higher order strain gradients in the instability and localization of deformation during the shearing of a thermoviscoplastic material. We take the point of view that thermal softening is the leading mechanism of instability. A gradient dependent yield condition is assumed in order to stabilize the behavior within the softening regime. It turns out that the critical conditions for both instability and localization are different than those obtained in the absence of higher order strain gradients. Moreover, the thermomechanical constitutive parameters of strain hardening, strain rate sensitivity and thermal softening do not suffice to define the stability regime. In particular, a specific value of strain dependent on the aforementioned thermomechanical coefficients and the control parameter is required in order that loss of stability to occur. Such loss of stability may occur either “locally” through the growth of localized non-uniformities or “globally” throughout the material strip in a catastrophic manner.     

On the formation and stability of dislocation patterns—II: Two-dimensional considerations

We consider the motion and interaction of dislocation species on the slip plane via two-dimensional partial differential equations of the reaction-diffusion type. We distinguish between slow moving dislocations with mobilities along both the slip direction and the direction perpendicular to it (random motion), and fast moving dislocations with mobility along the slip direction only (stress-driven motion). The competition between gradients and nonlinearities leads to stable periodic dislocation structures with wavevector parallel to the slip direction and an intrinsic wavenumber given by the same formula as in the one dimensional analysis of Part I. In addition to the one-dimensional results, however, we find here that splitting of the periodic structures and development of superdefects is possible, according to experimental observations.     

Orally active, hydrolytically stable, semisynthetic, antimalarial trioxanes in the artemisinin family

In only three chemical operations, natural trioxane lactone artemisinin (1) was converted into a series of C-10 carbon-substituted 10-deoxoartemisinin compounds 4-9. The three steps involved lactone reduction, replacement of the anomeric lactol OH by F using diethylaminosulfur trifluoride, and finally boron trifluoride-promoted substitution of F by aryl, heteroaryl, and acetylide nucleophiles. All of these C-10 nonacetal, chemically robust, enantiomerically pure compounds 4-9 have high antimalarial potencies in vitro against Plasmodium falciparum malaria parasites, and furans 5a and 5b and pyrrole 7a are antimalarially potent also in vivo even when administered to rodents orally.     

Studies on Helium Liquids by Vibrating Wires and Quartz Tuning Forks

We present results of low-temperature experiments on dilute mixtures of ³He in ⁴He and on pure ³He, obtained by means of two kinds of mechanical oscillators immersed in the liquid sample: vibrating wires and quartz tuning forks. The helium sample was cooled either by adiabatic demagnetization of an immersed copper nuclear stage or by adiabatic melting of ⁴He in superfluid ³He. The measured effect of the surrounding fluid on the mechanical resonance of the oscillators is compared with existing theories. We also discuss resonances of second sound and the state of supersaturation, both observed by a tuning fork in helium mixtures.     

Acquisition of word-processing skills by younger, middle-age, and older adults.

A total of 45 subjects in three age groups (younger, middle-age, older) were trained to word process on microcomputers using a commercial training program and an experimenter-designed test and evaluation protocol. Although all of the subjects mastered the essentials of word processing, the older group took significantly longer to complete the training and evaluation procedures and performed more poorly on a review examination that tested their knowledge of the word-processing commands and techniques. The results are discussed in relation to requirements for trainer assistance, motivational factors, and the need to design training protocols that meet the needs of older adults. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Mechanical properties and cytotoxicity of 3Y-TZP bioceramics reinforced with Al2O3 particles

The influence of Al₂O₃ addition and sintering parameters on the mechanical properties and cytotoxicity of tetragonal ZrO₂–3 mol% Y₂O₃ ceramics was evaluated. Samples containing 0, 10, 20 and 30 wt.% of Al₂O₃ particles were prepared by cold uniaxial pressing (80 MPa) and sintered in air at 1500, 1550 and 1600 °C for 120 min. The effects of the sintering conditions on the microstructure were analyzed by X-ray diffraction analysis and scanning electron microscopy. Hardness and fracture toughness were determined by the Vickers indentation method and the mechanical resistance by four-point bending tests. As a preliminary biological evaluation, “in vitro” cytotoxicity tests were realized to determine the cytotoxic level of the ZrO₂–Al₂O₃ composites, using the neutral red uptake method with NCTC clones L929 from the American Type Culture Collection (ATCC) bank. Fully dense ceramic materials were obtained with a hardness ranging between 1340 HV and 1585 HV, depending on the amount of Al₂O₃ in the ZrO₂ matrix. On the other hand, no significant influence of the Al₂O₃ addition on fracture toughness was observed, exhibiting values near 8 MPa m^1/2 for all compositions and sintering conditions studied. The non-cytotoxic behavior, the elevated fracture toughness, the good bending strength (σ_f = 690 MPa) and the elevated Weibull's modulus (m = 11) exhibited by the material, show that these ceramic composites are highly suitable biomaterials for dental implant applications.