Network Design with Edge-Connectivity and Degree Constraints

We consider the following network design problem; Given a vertex set V with a metric cost c on V, an integer k≥1, and a degree specification b, find a minimum cost k-edge-connected multigraph on V under the constraint that the degree of each vertex v∈V is equal to b(v). This problem generalizes metric TSP. In this paper, we show that the problem admits a ρ-approximation algorithm if b(v)≥2, v∈V, where ρ=2.5 if k is even, and ρ=2.5+1.5/k if k is odd. We also prove that the digraph version of this problem admits a 2.5-approximation algorithm and discuss some generalization of metric TSP.     

Generating function of color information detection using genetic programming

This article proposes a function for color information detection using genetic programming (GP). In image-processing, object detection is one of the important processes. In cases where the object has a complex color domain, detection becomes more difficult. We generated a detection function for a complex color domain by using GP. The detection function deals with one pixel of an input image, and it obtains an output image by processing for all pixels. We aimed at a reduction in the time taken by a human to consider an image-processing system design. We applied the generation of GP to detect a target color region in actual images. The results show that the detection function has sufficient ability for these detections.     

Using formal methods to increase confidence in a home network system implementation: a case study

A home network system consists of multiple networked appliances, intended to provide more convenient and comfortable living for home users. Before being deployed, one has to guarantee the correctness, the safety, and the security of the system. Here, we present the approach chosen to validate the Java implementation of a home network system. We rely on the Java Modelling Language to formally specify and validate an abstraction of the system. This is a substantially revised version of our paper that appeared in the proceedings of the Workshop On Leveraging Applications of Formal Methods, Verification and Validation (ISoLA), Poitiers-Futuroscope, France, December 2007.     

A novel method for three-dimensional observation of the vascular networks in the whole mouse brain

A novel method for acquiring serial images suitable for three-dimensional reconstruction of vascular networks in the whole brain of mouse was developed. The brain infused with a White India ink-gelatin solution was fixed and embedded in paraffin containing Sudan Black B through xylene also containing Sudan Black B. Each sliced surface of the paraffin block was coated with liquid paraffin and its image was serially acquired. Coating with liquid paraffin extremely improved the quality of the image. The series of serial images was free of distortion and a three-dimensional image was reconstructed without the problem of the alignment and registration of adjacent images. The volume-rendered image indicated three-dimensional distribution of blood vessels in a whole brain. No ghost or shadow was observed on a volume-rendered image of the White India ink-gelatin infused brain. The z-axial resolution examined on the orthogonal sections reconstituted from serial images obtained at an interval of 5 mum showed no cross talk, indicating that the z-axial resolution was no larger than 5 mum. A proper understanding of the vascular system in a whole brain is indispensable to reveal the development of the vascular system in the brain of normal and genetically manipulated mouse and vascular alterations in pathological situation, such as stroke and neurodegenerative disease. Although simple and inexpensive, this method will provide fundamental information on the vascular system in a whole brain.     

Strong correlations in two-dimensional quantum fluids of4He and3He adsorbed on hectorite

A theory for the high temperature superconductors is proposed. The dispersion of carriers in the 2D t-J model is calculated using numerical and analytical techniques, and compared with recent photoemission experimental results that reported a flat dispersion near the X and Y points. Good agreement is observed between theory and experiments. The density of states (DOS) of these dressed quasiparticles has a van Hove singularity. From the two carriers problem in an antiferromagnet, an effective Hamiltonian for holes is proposed. This effective model has superconductivity in the d_x ²–y² channel, a critical temperature T_c 100Kat the optimal hole density, x = 0.15, and a quasiparticle lifetime linearly dependent with energy. The appearance of an optimal concentration is a consequence of the van Hove singularity in the DOS. Other experimental results are also quantitatively reproduced by the theory. The present contribution is based on two recent papers by the authors (Phys. Rev. Lett.73, 728 (1994) and NHMFL preprint, July 1994).     

Threshold for Millimeter-Wave (60 GHz)-Induced Ocular Injury

Journal of Infrared, Millimeter, and Terahertz Waves - Millimeter waves (MMW) absorbed by skin or cornea may induce damage by heat. We have developed a 60 GHz MMW exposure-induced eye...     

The effect of small dose of topiroxostat on serum uric acid in patients receiving hemodialysis

Introduction : Topiroxostat, a recently developed xanthine oxidase inhibitor, is expected to have fewer adverse effects than allopurinol because it has different mechanism of action from alloprinol. However, its dosage, usage and safety have not been established in patients with impaired renal function or those undergoing dialysis at the development since no studies was conducted in these patients. Methods : Cross over clinical trial using 3 months of allopurinol and topiroxostat on 27 maintain Japanese HD patients were carried out. The effects on oxidative stress status of both drugs were also evaluated by measuring oxidation reduction potential. Findings : Twenty‐five of twenty‐seven patients completed study. The mean serum uric acid levels in the topiroxostat‐treated arm was significantly lower than it in the allopurinol‐treated arm time‐dependently (P < 0.0001). Corrected oxidative stress ratio defined as biological antioxidant potential/diacron reactive oxygen metabolites was significantly increased in topiroxostat‐arm (*P = 0.0035), but not in allopurinol‐arm (P = 0.1429). No significant difference was seen in diacron reactive oxygen metabolites, biological antioxidant potential, static oxidation‐reduction potential, and capacity oxidation‐reduction potential between pre and post treatment of both drugs. Discussion : It is suggested that a low dose of topiroxostat decreased serum uric acid sufficiently to maintain it below 7.0 mg/dL in patients receiving hemodialysis.     

Fractal analysis of the surface cracks on continuously cast steel slabs

Data concerning the length of longitudinal cracks on the surface of continuously cast steel slabs were collected from two plants. The data were analyzed to find the relation between crack length and crack frequency. The analysis revealed the following.