A nonlinear model to rank association rules based on semantic similarity and genetic network programing

Many methods have been studied for mining association rules efficiently. However, because these methods usually generate a large number of rules, it is still a heavy burden for the users to find the most interesting ones. In this paper, we propose a novel method for finding what the user is interested in by assigning several keywords, like searching documents on the Web using search engines. By considering both the semantic similarity between the rules and keywords, and the statistical information like support, confidence, chi-squared value, etc. we could rank the rules by a new method named RuleRank, where evolutionary methods are applied to find the optimal ranking model. Experiments show that our approach is effective for the users to find what they want. Copyright © 2009 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.     

Analysis of energy consumption of elevator group supervisory control system based on genetic network programming

Elevator Group Supervisory Control System (EGSCS) is a traffic system, which provides the transportation services for passengers in modern buildings. As the elevator systems include uncertainty due to the future arrival of the passengers, it difficult to model, analyze, and optimize the elevator group supervisory control system. Recently, artificial intelligence technology has been used in such complex systems. Genetic Network Programming(GNP), a graph‐based evolutionary method extended from genetic algorithm and genetic programming, has been already applied to EGSCS. On the other hand, since energy consumption is becoming one of the greatest challenges in the society, it should be taken as one of the criteria of the elevator operations. The elevators with maximum energy efficiency are therefore required. In this paper, the GNP is used to solve EGSCS with energy consumption (EC). Moreover, the idle car assignment has been embedded in the proposed method. Finally, the simulations show that some factors should be introduced into GNP in order to deal with the higher EC in the light traffic of the elevator systems. © 2011 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.     

Image denoising using pulse coupled neural network with an adaptive Pareto genetic algorithm

Recently, pulse coupled neural network (PCNN) attracts much attention in image denoising as a nonlinear filtering technique. The PCNN‐based anisotropic diffusion (PCNN‐AD) method has been proposed previously for flicker noise reduction and its effectiveness has been demonstrated. Using the visual characteristics of PCNN, PCNN‐AD has also solved the problem of AD that AD is not able to suppress the isolate noise. However, there are still two drawbacks in PCNN‐AD, that is, time consuming and PCNN parameters' estimation. In order to improve the efficiency and the denoising performance of PCNN‐AD, a PCNN‐based method with an adaptive Pareto genetic algorithm (GA‐PCNN) has been proposed to restrain from additive white Gaussian noise (AWGN) in this paper. GA‐PCNN firstly integrates the PCNN and AD as a parallel system, then, optimizes the parameters of a simplified PCNN by the adaptive Pareto GA. Experimental results indicate that GA‐PCNN has better performances than the previous denoising techniques, i.e. median filter, Wiener filter, AD filter, and PCNN‐AD. The effectiveness of GA‐PCNN on AWGN reduction and edge preservation are shown finally. The results will also contribute to denoising in CMOS image sensors in the future. © 2011 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.     

Development of a new model for representing elastoplastic deformation and fracture behaviors of solid fats

A new simulation model, namely, ADEM Ductile Fracture model (ADF model) is developed to represent elastoplastic deformation and fracture behaviors of solid fats. Experimental measurement of the coefficient of plastic starting distance and the yield point affecting the deformation behavior has been obtained by compression test. The fracture distance affecting the fracture behavior has been measured by cutting test. The ADF model shows a good match with the experimentally determined compression and cutting behaviors of the solid fats, and load–strain curves as a function of plate thickness. This confirms that the ADF model could represent the elastoplastic deformation and fracture behaviors of the solid fats.     

Pore structure of carbons coated on ceramic particles

Pore structure of carbon coated on ceramic particles by carbonization of precursor in a powder mixture at 900 °C was studied by focusing on the effects of substrate ceramics (MgO, TiO₂ and various phases of Al₂O₃) and of carbon precursor (poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA), poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) and hydroxyl propyl cellulose (HPC)). By dissolving substrate MgO particles, carbon coated was found to have a high BET surface area, more than 1000 m²/g, which was almost the same as the value estimated from apparent surface area measured on carbon-coated MgO particles under the assumption of zero surface area of the substrate. The carbon separated was found to be rich in micropores from the analyses by DFT method and α_s plot. The dependence of the BET surface area on the amount of carbon coated on TiO₂ with a high surface area was the same for three carbon precursors, although the carbon yields from the precursors were slightly different. Porous Al₂O₃ substrates, γ-Al₂O₃as-received and that formed from Al(OH)₃ during carbonization, gave a high BET surface area, but dense Al₂O₃, α-Al₂O₃, gave a low surface area.     

Accumulation of nitrous oxide in aerobic groundwaters

N₂O concentrations in the groundwaters collected in the Kanto District and Nagano Prefecture in Japan and five counties in New York State were determined. These N₂O data were obtained from the water samples from wells, springs and seepages from soils in forests and cropping fields. The N₂O concentrations in all samples greatly exceeded those of atmospheric equilibration. The average concentration of 690 nM N₂O is one order of magnitude larger than that in deep ocean. All groundwaters of the present study were aerobic with a high level of NO₃⁻, but with the absence of NO₂⁻ and NH₄⁺, and with a very low level of dissolved organic carbon. These characteristics suggest that the nitrate respiration in the aquifers is of little significance for the production of N₂O.

ΔN₂O/NO₃⁻ molar ratios in the groundwaters were between 10⁻⁴ and 10⁻² (Δ indicates the excess gas over that which would be in equilibrium). This supports the above view since the observed N₂O yield agrees with that reported for the production during an ammonia oxidation. If nitrification was indeed a major mechanism for the production of groundwater N₂O, subsequent release of N₂O from the aquifers that are polluted with nitrogen may deserve more close attention as a potential source of atmospheric N₂O via diffusion and discharge.     

Synthesis and properties of bis(sodium sulfonated ester) types of cleavable surfactants derived from 1-O-alkylglycerols

Novel sulfonated ester types of cleavable surfactants were easily prepared by acid-catalyzed esterification of 1-O-alkylglycerols with bromocarboxylic acids, followed by the Strecker reaction. These surfactants have good solubility in water. Though this series of cleavable surfactants are divalent in type, they show good micelle formation and the ability to lower surface tension. The solubility of these surfactants in hard water was more than 10 times higher than sodium 1-dodecanesulfonate. They decompose quickly and completely in 0.5 M NaOD. Their biodegradabilities were higher or almost the same as that of sodium 1-dodecanesulfonate.     

Extracellular Environment-Controlled Angiogenesis,and Potential Application for Peripheral Nerve Regeneration

Endothelial cells acquire different phenotypes to establish functional vascular networks. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) signaling induces endothelial proliferation, migration, and survival to regulate vascular development, which leads to the construction of a vascular plexuses with a regular morphology. The spatiotemporal localization of angiogenic factors and the extracellular matrix play fundamental roles in ensuring the proper regulation of angiogenesis. This review article highlights how and what kinds of extracellular environmental molecules regulate angiogenesis. Close interactions between the vascular and neural systems involve shared molecular mechanisms to coordinate developmental and regenerative processes. This review article focuses on current knowledge about the roles of angiogenesis in peripheral nerve regeneration and the latest therapeutic strategies for the treatment of peripheral nerve injury.     

Magnetic field analysis of polar anisotropic plastic magnet and application for dc brushless motor

In this paper we propose an analytical method of DCBLM with polar anisotropic plastic rotor magnets. The orientation of the polar anisotropic plastic magnet is different for each part. In our method, the magnetic flux distribution of the injection mold for polar anisotropic plastic magnets is analyzed by FEM first. Next, the orientation is determined from the magnetic flux distribution. Finally, based on the latter, the nonlinear dynamic magnetic field of DCBLM is analyzed. The analytical value was in good agreement with the experimental value of magnetic flux distribution in the magnet unit and the characteristic of DCBLM. © 1999 Scripta Technica, Electr Eng Jpn, 127(3): 53–61, 1999     

Enhancement of Anti-Tumoral Immunity by β-Casomorphin-7 Inhibits Cancer Development and Metastasis of Colorectal Cancer

β-Casomorphin-7 (BCM) is a degradation product of β-casein, a milk component, and has been suggested to affect the immune system. However, its effect on mucosal immunity, especially anti-tumor immunity, in cancer-bearing individuals is not clear. We investigated the effects of BCM on lymphocytes using an in vitro system comprising mouse splenocytes, a mouse colorectal carcinogenesis model, and a mouse orthotopic colorectal cancer model. Treatment of mouse splenocytes with BCM in vitro reduced numbers of cluster of differentiation (CD) 20⁺ B cells, CD4⁺ T cells, and regulatory T cells (Tregs), and increased CD8⁺ T cells. Administration of BCM and the CD10 inhibitor thiorphan (TOP) to mice resulted in similar alterations in the lymphocyte subsets in the spleen and intestinal mucosa. BCM was degraded in a concentration- and time-dependent manner by the neutral endopeptidase CD10, and the formed BCM degradation product did not affect the lymphocyte counts. Furthermore, degradation was completely suppressed by TOP. In the azoxymethane mouse colorectal carcinogenesis model, the incidence of aberrant crypt foci, adenoma, and adenocarcinoma was reduced by co-treatment with BCM and TOP. Furthermore, when CT26 mouse colon cancer cells were inoculated into the cecum of syngeneic BALB/c mice and concurrently treated with BCM and TOP, infiltration of CD8⁺ T cells was promoted, and tumor growth and liver metastasis were suppressed. These results suggest that by suppressing the BCM degradation system, the anti-tumor effect of BCM is enhanced and it can suppress the development and progression of colorectal cancer.