Outer Squares Research Articles

Shape-controlled Bose–Einstein condensation

Abstract Size-invariant shape transformation is a geometric technique that allows for a clear separation between quantum size and shape effects by modifying the shape of the confinement domain without altering its size. The impact of shape on the behavior of confined systems is significantly different from that of size, making it an emerging area of research. The recent realization of flat-bottomed optical box traps has further contributed to the study of quantum gases in complex confinement geometries. Here, we propose shape-induced Bose–Einstein condensation at a fixed size, temperature, and density. We investigate the impact of pure quantum shape effects on a non-interacting Bose gas confined within nested square domains, where the shape parameter is defined and controlled by the rotation angle between the inner and outer squares. Our findings reveal that specific heat exhibits an additional low-temperature peak at certain shapes. This work opens new avenues for controlling quantum systems through geometric manipulation and provides insights into the thermodynamic properties of Bose gases under shape-induced quantum effects.

Dampak implementasi Sistem Perbendaharaan dan Anggaran Negara terhadap kinerja pegawai: pengujian model unified theory of acceptance and use of technology generasi ketiga

The State Treasury and Budget System (SPAN) is one of digital electronic government (e-government) platforms which is implemented massively by the Government of the Republic of Indonesia as part of the development of the Integrated Financial Management Information System (IFMIS). Some studies to measure the acceptance and success model of the system implementation are mostly only focusing on user behavior parameters of information systems. These studies have not addressed the performance parameters. Within the eight-year implementation of SPAN, only few researchers conducted empirical studies to prove its impact on employee performance. The Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) 3’rd Generation model is the next model for measuring the information system acceptance and success that links to various endogenous job performance variables. The model compares the increasing ability to use technology features (feature-level use), which results in the concept of transformational leadership to achieve performance. This study aims to prove the success of SPAN implementation using the UTAUT 3’rd Generation model which has been modified. The sampling method in this study used a survey with a questionnaire tool. The samples that were successfully obtained from 171 respondents who are officers in the Head Office of the Directorate General of Treasury, Regional Office of the Directorate General of Treasury, and KPPN throughout Indonesia. Hypothesis was tested with the Outer and Inner models Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) Partial Least Squares (PLS). The results of this study indicates that the variable feature-level use is proven to intervene the positive influence of facilitating conditions and behavioral intentions on job performance. The variable of habit has no effect on the feature-level use. The transformational leadership also has no moderate impact on habits and the feature-level use.

Locomotor and histological changes in a cuprizone-induced animal model of multiple sclerosis: comparison between alpha-tocopherol and fingolimod.

Background and purpose:Fingolimod is a sphingosine 1-phosphate receptor modulator used to treat multiple sclerosis (MS). Alpha-tocopherol (AT) has been found to improve motor function in an animal model of MS. In the present study, the effects of AT and fingolimod on the locomotor function and histological evidence of demyelination were compared in a cuprizone-induced rat model of MS.Experimental approach:Female Sprague-Dawley rats (8 weeks) were fed with 0.2% (w/w) cuprizone diet for 5 weeks followed by intraperitoneal injections of fingolimod (3 mg/Kg; group F, n = 10) and alpha- tocopherol (100 mg/Kg; group A, n = 10). Vehicle-treated rats (group V, n = 10) were treated intraperitoneally with 1% ethanol in saline on weeks 6 and 7. Open field and beam walking tests were carried out every 10 days. The mean area of demyelination in the corpus callosum was quantified using Luxol fast blue stained histological sections of the forebrain.Findings/Results:The mean speed of movement was increased by 54% and 50% in groups F and A compared to group V. Total distance moved was increased by 61% and 52.7% in groups F and A compared to group V. Mean time to walk the beam was reduced in group A by 52% compared to group V. Mean frequency of crossing lines from the inner squares to outer squares was reduced in groups A and F compared to group V. Mean area of demyelination in corpus callosum showed 62% reduction in group A compared to group V.Conclusion and implications:Both fingolimod and AT treatments improved the locomotor function. However, AT treatment reduced the areas of demyelination in higher proportion and improved motor coordination and exploratory behavior.

Черепно-мозговая травма и горы

Today, the traumatic epidemic is gaining momentum around the world. Having a complex pathogenesis, many aspects of the development and impact of traumatic brain injury (TBI) on the body remain undescribed. In particular, there is practically no information about the state of the body after a traumatic brain injury received in the highlands. The aim of the study is to establish the features of animal behavior, homeostatic blood parameters and functional morphology of the cerebellum in TBI in the highlands. The work was performed on 46 white male mongrel rats. The low-mountain series of experiments was modeled at an altitude of 760 m above sea level (Kyrgyzstan, Bishkek), the high-mountain series — at the Tuya-Ashu pass — 3200 m above sea level (Kyrgyzstan). The Weight Drop Method shock model was used to reproduce a traumatic brain injury. The ethology of animals was evaluated in the Open Field test. The lactic acid level was determined in the AQUA LAB (Bishkek). The microcirculation of the cerebellum was examined under the Olympus B×40 microscope (Japan). Statistical data processing was carried out in the SPSS 16.0 program. The visit to the outer squares of the field during TBI decreases (P<0.001) regardless of the height of the experiments, the number of racks in the highlands decreases by 60% (P < 0.001), the number of peeks into minks — by 76 % (P<0.01). The number of acts of defecation after TBI increases. The biochemical parameters of blood in TBI are characterized by an increase in the deficit of buffer bases to −3.8 mmol/l, a drop in the rate of oxygen consumption to 2.5 ml/min, an increase in the ratio between the rate of oxygen transport by arterial blood and the rate of its consumption to 4.8 rel. unit, and the concentration of lactic acid in the blood is up to 5 mmol/l. The microcirculatory bed of the cerebellum in TBI in the highlands is characterized by increased tortuosity, the appearance of swellings and interceptions along the course of blood vessels, activation of anastomoses, increased vascular porosity, hypercapillarization with erythrocyte sludge, parietal standing of leukocytes, the formation of blood clots in all parts of the vascular bed. There is vasogenic swelling of the cerebellum with the phenomena of dislocation of layers.

Effects of Chronic Topiramate, Lacosamide, and Levetiracetam Pre-treatment on a Status Epilepticus Model in Rat Pups

We examined possible neuroprotective and prophylactic effects of chronic pre-treatment with levetiracetam (Lev), topiramate (Tpm), and lacosamide (Lcm) on the pentylenetetrazol (PTZ)-induced status epilepticus (SE) in rat pups. Forty-six rats were divided into four groups; all of them were on postnatal day (PD) 21 i.p. injected with 60 mg/kg PTZ. Rat pups of three experimental groups were pre-treated during 14 days (PD7–PD21) with Tpm, Lcm, or Lev via gavage in doses of 60, 50, and 150 mg/kg per day, respectively; animals of the PTZ group were treated with 0.2 ml saline per day. Animals of the latter group demonstrated intense behavioral changes of a stage 3 of the Racine scale or higher, while no significant behavioral alterations were observed in all pre-treated groups. Protein carbonyl and TBARS levels were markedly elevated in the PTZ group, while these indices were significantly smaller in the Tpm and Lev groups. Immunohistochemical analysis demonstrated an increased apoptosis level in hippocampal pyramidal neurons in the Lev group with respect to the PTZ group. In the open field test, the total distance moved and duration of stay in the outer squares were significantly greater in the PTZ group than in the Lcm and Lev groups. Thus, Tpm, Lcm, and Lev treatment provided clear prophylactic effects on the PTZ-induced SE development; such treatment decreased the intensity of oxidative stress and protected from changes in locomotor activity and anxietyrelated behavior in immature organisms. However, some pro-apoptotic action of Lev on the developing hippocampus needs to be noted and investigated in more detail.

Advancements in the identification of passive RC networks for compact modeling of thermal effects in electronic devices and systems

AbstractWe deal with the problem of identifying the parameters of an equivalent lumped RC multiport network from time domain tabulated data of a corresponding distributed real eigenvalues problem, as obtained from either measurements or accurate simulation tools. A novel step response matrix identification procedure is proposed, based on the combination of an outer nonlinear least squares iteration for the relocation of time constants, and an inner convex programming cycle for the identification of the corresponding residue matrix terms, able to guarantee a priori the passivity property of the equivalent RC network. The structure of the algorithm and its principal functions connections are shown, and the mathematical features of the proposed formulation of the identification problem are accurately described and commented. Moreover, the possibility of getting direct synthesis of a Foster generalized concretely passive multiport, as a consequence of the optimal identification of a passive real eigenvalues model from data, is discussed. Since the technique is well suited (although not limited) to the reduced analysis of typical electro‐thermal problems, a set of significant case studies in this area is considered. In this way the algorithm present implementation is validated, also comparing it to previous well assessed methods, evidencing its large potential and value.

Estimation of parameters in the extended growth curve model via outer product least squares for covariance

In this paper, estimation of parameters in the extended growth curve model without assumption of normality is presented via outer product least squares for covariance (COPLS). The COPLS estimator for covariance can be explicitly expressed and proved to follow a linear transformation of k+1 independent Wishart distributions for a normal error matrix, where k is the number of profiles of the growth curve. Then two-stage generalized least squares (GLS) estimators for regression coefficients are elaborately derived. Finally, the COPLS estimator and the two-stage GLS estimators are shown to have desired properties both in finite and large samples. Simulation studies for finite sample sizes are provided to confirm that the COPLS estimator and the two-stage GLS estimators are alternative competitors with some evident merits to the existing maximum likelihood estimators in small samples. A real data set is analyzed to demonstrate the proposed methodology.

P22.01: Novel technique to detect fetal heart rate automatically using two‐dimensional speckle‐tracking echocardiography

Although it is ideal to avoid using pulsed Doppler in the first trimester for the safety, it is inevitable to use current available ultrasound technique, pulsed Doppler or M-mode echocardiography, to measure fetal heart rate. We developed novel technique to assess fetal heart motion by using two-dimensional speckle-tracking method and validated the feasibility of automated fetal heart rate (FHR) calculation using this technique. Normal singleton fetuses were selected for the study. Feral heart was visualized and then the heart motion was recorded by conventional two-dimensional ultrasonography for the analysis. Square-shaped region-of-interest (ROI) was placed on the fetal heart. The outer squares of 3x3 grid within ROI were used for tracing the heart itself and the central square of ROI was analyzed to calculate FHR. Cyclic changing pattern of central square was calculated automatically and used for counting FHR (AutoFHR). Furthermore, AutoFHR was compared with FHR derived from conventional M-mode echocardiography. Total 48 singleton fetuses were eligible for the study and single analysis was done in each fetus. Mean gestational age at analysis was 30.0 ± 6.8 weeks of gestation. The tracing of fetal heart during fetal gross movement was possible and AutoFHR could be calculated. AutoFHR was significantly correlated with FHR by M-mode echocardiography (R = 0.880, P < 0.05). Inter-observer and intra-observer variability (%CV) were 1.2 and 2.2, respectively. AutoFHR was possible even in early first trimester (7 weeks of gestation). AutoFHR was novel technique to calculate FHR by not using Doppler ultrasound or M-mode echocardiography. This novel technique would make it easier and safer to detect fetal heart rate than conventional pulsed Doppler technique.

Regularized ${\rm RLS}$-$\lambda$ and DHOBE: An Adaptive Feedforward for a Solenoid Valve

To allow a stable and fast acting hydraulic pressure control on a continuously variable transmission (CVT) for road vehicles, an adaptive feedforward strategy is used. The Dasgupta-Huang outer bounding ellipsoid (DHOBE) and recursive least squares (RLS) with exponential forgetting factor(RLS-λ) adaptation algorithms are compared to the non-adaptive feedforward. The experiments show a clear advantage for the adaptive over the non-adaptive version by compensating for the slow drift of the valve pressure gain during the warm-up period of the transmission. Because of highly correlated input data, the adaptation algorithms offer deceiving performances with oscillating identified parameters. A regularization procedure is added to both adaptation algorithms, giving the rRLS-λ and rDHOBE. The regularized algorithms offer significantly better performances and stability than their non-regularized counterparts. Because of its implicit parametric uncertainty calculation while keeping an equivalent convergence rate, and a lower number of updates, the rDHOBE algorithm is regarded as the best solution for the application. By adapting a simple linear model, the rDHOBE adaptive feedforward succeeds in responding to an abrupt change of the external pressure setpoint with no added actuation delay while keeping the pressure error under 0.5 bar.

Estimation of parameters in the growth curve model via an outer product least squares approach for covariance

In this paper, we propose a framework of outer product least squares for covariance (COPLS) to directly estimate covariance in the growth curve model based on an analogy, between the outer product of a data vector and covariance of a random vector, and the ordinary least squares technique. The COPLS estimator of covariance has an explicit expression and is shown to have the following properties: (1) following a linear transformation of two independent Wishart distribution for a normal error matrix; (2) having asymptotic normality for a nonnormal error matrix; and (3) having unbiasedness and invariance under a linear transformation group. And, a corresponding two-stage generalized least squares (GLS) estimator for the regression coefficient matrix in the model is obtained and its asymptotic normality is investigated. Simulation studies confirm that the COPLS estimator and the two-stage GLS estimator of the regression coefficient matrix are satisfying competitors with some evident merits to the existing maximum likelihood estimator in finite samples.

Estimation of parameters in a generalized GMANOVA model based on an outer product analogy and least squares

This paper investigates estimation of parameters in a combination of the multivariate linear model and growth curve model, called a generalized GMANOVA model. Making analogy between the outer product of data vectors and covariance yields an approach to directly do least squares to covariance. An outer product least squares estimator of covariance (COPLS estimator) is obtained and its distribution is presented if a normal assumption is imposed on the error matrix. Based on the COPLS estimator, two-stage generalized least squares estimators of the regression coefficients are derived. In addition, asymptotic normalities of these estimators are investigated. Simulation studies have shown that the COPLS estimator and two-stage GLS estimators are alternative competitors with more efficiency in the sense of sample mean, standard deviations and mean of the variance estimates to the existing ML estimator in finite samples. An example of application is also illustrated.

나노스템프 구동용 중공형 압전액추에이터 기본특성에 관한 연구

최근, MEMS/NEMS 기술을 이용하여 기능성 나노 구조물을 제작하기 위한 공정기술 중에, 마스터 스템프에 형성된 나노패턴을 웨이퍼 등에 복제할 수 있는 나노임프린트 리소그래피 기술이 활발히 연구되고 있다. 본 연구에서는 기존 멀티헤드방식 나노임프린팅 장비에서 사용되던 전동모터를 대신하여 플렉셔 메커니즘과 결합된 나노스템프를 구동하기 위한 사각 형상의 중공형 압전액추에이터를 설계, 제작하였으며, 제조공정이 다른 각각의 시제품의 변위, 발생력 및 응답특성에 관한 검토를 수행한다. 또한, 압전 액추에이터의 변위제어에 대한 제어수법을 간단히 소개하였으며, 제작한 프로토타입의 PI제어기에 의한 변위 제어결과를 소개한다.

A nonlinear partial least squares algorithm using quadratic fuzzy inference system

AbstractWe introduce a new nonlinear partial least squares algorithm ‘Quadratic Fuzzy PLS (QFPLS)’ that combines the outer linear Partial Least Squares (PLS) framework and the Takagi–Sugeno–Kang (TSK) fuzzy inference system. The inner relation between the input and the output PLS score vectors is modeled by a quadratic TSK fuzzy inference system. The performance of the proposed QFPLS method is tested and compared against four other well‐known partial least squares methods (Linear PLS (LPLS), Quadratic PLS (QPLS), Linear Fuzzy PLS (LFPLS), and Neural Network PLS (NNPLS)) on various different types of randomly generated test data. QFPLS outperformed competitors based on two comparison measures: the output variables cumulative per cent variance captured by the PLS latent variables and the root mean‐square error of prediction (RMSEP). Copyright © 2009 John Wiley &amp; Sons, Ltd.

Combining clinical assessment scores and in vivo MR spectroscopy neurometabolites in very low birth weight adolescents

Very low birth weight (VLBW) survivors are at increased risk of neurological impairments that may persist into adolescence and adulthood. The aims of this study were to identify the most important clinical assessments that characterize differences between VLBW and control adolescents, and to look at the relationship between clinical assessments and the metabolites in in vivo MR spectra. At 14-15 years of age, 54 VLBW survivors and 64 term controls were examined clinically. Several neuropsychological and motor assessments were performed. The magnetic resonance (MR) brain spectra were acquired from volumes localized in the left frontal lobe and contained mainly white matter. Probabilistic neural networks and support vector machines demonstrated that clinical assessments rendered a possibility of the classification of VLBW versus control adolescents. The most important clinical assessments in this classification were visual-motor integration, motor coordination, stroop test, full scale IQ, and grooved pegboard. Through the use of outer product analysis-partial least squares discriminant analysis on a subset of adolescents (n=36), the clinical assessments found to most strongly correlate with the spectral data were the global assessment scale, Wisconsin card sorting test, full scale IQ, grooved pegboard test, and motor coordination test. Clinical assessments that relate to spectral data may be especially dependent on an intact microstructure in frontal white matter.

Visual linearization of the display of digital radiographs.

To derive and test a method to linearize the visual response of the display of digital radiographs so that equal steps in gray levels will be perceived as equal steps in brightness. A mathematical analysis was performed and expressions for visual linearization were derived. Twenty-four test images were computer generated to confirm that visual linearization may be achieved. Each image had three groups of square areas of different size placed in three rows. The left and right squares in each row were given different gray levels to simulate various contrast levels. The middle squares were initially given the same gray level value as one of the outer squares. The images were examined by ten observers who could change the gray levels of the middle squares so that the step in brightness between the middle square and the outer squares become subjectively equal. The test was performed three times employing two different monitors. The experimental test confirmed that visual linearization could be achieved. Linear regression analyses gave determination coefficients of 0.9926 amd 0.9942 for monitors with gamma-values of 1.93 and 2.50. respectively. The mean data from the ten observers perfectly fitted those theoretically calculated. Visual linearization of gray levels can be achieved but further clinical research is needed to determine if this improves diagnosis.

Defective corticotropin-releasing hormone mediated neuroendocrine and behavioral responses in cholestatic rats: Implications for cholestatic liver disease-related sickness behaviors

Nonspecific systemic complaints are commonly encountered in patients with cholestatic liver diseases. However, the cause of these symptoms is poorly understood. Because corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) has been implicated as a mediator of sickness-related systemic symptoms, we examined CRH-mediated neuroendocrine and behavioral responses in rats with cholestasis due to bile duct resection (BDR) or sham resected (sham) controls. BDR and sham rats were placed individually in an open field apparatus, and the number of inner and outer squares entered, as well as the number of fecal boli produced, counted over a 5-minute period. Fecal boli production and inner squares entered are dependent on central CRH release. BDR and sham rats entered the same number of outer squares; however, BDR rats entered significantly fewer inner squares and produced fewer fecal boli than did sham rats, suggesting defective central CRH release in BDR rats. Immediately after exposure to the open field, rats were killed and blood adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) levels measured. ACTH release is dependent on central CRH release. BDR rats demonstrated significantly lower plasma ACTH levels after exposure to an open field than did sham animals. To further explore the central CRH defect in BDR rats, hypothalamic CRH contents were determined in BDR and sham rats with and without exposure to restraint stress. BDR rats had significantly lower basal hypotha. lamic CRH levels than sham animals, and CRH levels did not further decrease in BDR rats with restraint stress (as normally occurs). These results are consistent with defective CRH-mediated responses in cholestatic rats. Aberrant CRH-mediated responses may contribute, at least in part, to some of the nonspecific systemic complaints in patients with cholestatic liver diseases.

Defective corticotropin-releasing hormone mediated neuroendocrine and behavioral responses in cholestatic rats: Implications for cholestatic liver disease-related sickness behaviors

Nonspecific systemic complaints are commonly encountered in patients with cholestatic liver diseases. However, the cause of these symptoms is poorly understood. Because corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) has been implicated as a mediator of sickness-related systemic symptoms, we examined CRH-mediated neuroendocrine and behavioral responses in rats with cholestasis due to bile duct resection (BDR) or sham resected (sham) controls. BDR and sham rats were placed individually in an open field apparatus, and the number of inner and outer squares entered, as well as the number of fecal boli produced, counted over a 5-minute period. Fecal boli production and inner squares entered are dependent on central CRH release. BDR and sham rats entered the same number of outer squares; however, BDR rats entered significantly fewer inner squares and produced fewer fecal boli than did sham rats, suggesting defective central CRH release in BDR rats. Immediately after exposure to the open field, rats were killed and blood adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) levels measured. ACTH release is dependent on central CRH release. BDR rats demonstrated significantly lower plasma ACTH levels after exposure to an open field than did sham animals. To further explore the central CRH defect in BDR rats, hypothalamic CRH contents were determined in BDR and sham rats with and without exposure to restraint stress. BDR rats had significantly lower basal hypothalamic CRH levels than sham animals, and CRH levels did not further decrease in BDR rats with restraint stress (as normally occurs). These results are consistent with defective CRH-mediated responses in cholestatic rats.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Behavioral effects of subchronic intoxication with parathion-methyl in male Wistar rats

The behavioral effects of subchronic exposure of male Wistar rats to the organophosphorus compound parathion-methyl (for 6 weeks 1 50 or 1 100 of LD 50, PO) were studied. Open-field (OF) a plus-maze (EPM) tasks were used to decide whether or not the compound can affect behavior. Significant effects were measured in the OF activity during the first minute, on the activity of crossing outer squares, increasing latencies to leave center, start of rearing, grooming, and defecation. EPM parameters showed an increased amount of time spent in the open arms and a clear tendency to enter more frequently open arms. The defecation rate in the EPM was significantly decreased. Results are discussed in terms of effects on emotional behavioral components (arousal) and on physiological functioning of the peripheral nervous system (lengthening of latencies).

Evidence for positional coding in hyperacuity

Observers performed simple pattern discriminations [tests of orientation (vernier) acuity and spatial-interval acuity] with targets consisting of spatially separated squares. We investigated the effects on acuity of supernumerary squares placed at various mean positions between the two squares constituting the target configuration. The exact position of the supernumerary squares relative to the target squares changed randomly from trial to trial, so that their spatial relationship to the targets could not serve as a cue. Observers attempted to ignore these supernumerary squares and to base their judgments on the outer target squares alone. The supernumerary squares raised thresholds if they were sufficiently close (4.4-arcmin separation) to the target squares but not if they were at a greater distance (21.0 arcmin). The results therefore show that the observers could ignore the supernumerary squares, even when they fell into the space between the target squares. This finding suggests that observers can select a class of length- and orientation-tuned filter that is suited exactly to the requirements of a particular psychophysical task. We argue that filter models of hyperacuity are insufficient unless they address this critical issue of filter selection and that a complete model requires an explicit spatial representation of target feature position.

New carbide clusters in the cobalt sub-group. Part 10. Preparation and crystallographic characterization of dicarbido-octa-µ-carbonyl-hexadecacarbonyl-polyhedro-dodecarhodate(2–) as its bis(triphenyl-phosphine)iminium salt, [N(PPh3)2]2[Rh12C2(CO)24

The title compound has been prepared by heating at 70 °C the dianion [Rh6C(CO)15]2– and H2SO4 in propan-2-ol. Its molecular structure has been determined by single-crystal X-ray crystallography: triclinic, space group P, with a= 17.190(4), b= 13.049(4), c= 11.581(3)A, α= 103.24(1), β= 88.69(1), γ= 102.24(1)°, and Z= 1. The structure has been solved from 3 421 diffraction intensities, collected by counter methods, and refined by least-squares calculations to R= 0.050. The dianion has idealized D2h-mmm symmetry and contains a Rh12 polyhedron based on a square–rhomb–square sequence of layers arranged in such a way as to form two prismatic cavities sharing one edge. Two carbon atoms are encapsulated in these cavities. Relevant average bond distances are Rh–C(carbide) 2.12 and Rh–Rh 2.81 A. Eight CO ligands bridge the edges of the square layers and 16 are terminal, one per metal atom in the outer squares and two for each atom of the central rhomb. The Rh–C and C–O average distances are 1.89, 1.10, and 2.04, 1.17 A for terminal and bridging groups, respectively.