Shortest Path Problem on a Network with Imprecise Edge Weight

A network with its arc lengths as imprecise number, instead of a real number, namely, interval number and triangular fuzzy number is considered here. Existing ideas on addition and comparison between two imprecise numbers of same type are introduced. To obtain a fuzzy shortest path from a source vertex to all other vertices, a common algorithm is developed which works well on both types of imprecise numbers under consideration. In the proposed algorithm, a decision-maker is to negotiate with the obtained fuzzy shortest paths according to his/her view only when the means are same but the widths are different of the obtained paths. Otherwise, a fuzzy optimal path is obtained to which the decision-maker always satisfies with different grades of satisfaction. All pairs fuzzy shortest paths can be found by repeated use of the proposed algorithm.     

Dynamic operation of liquid crystal cell with inherently nanogroove-featured aligned carbon nanotube sheets

The use of a highly aligned carbon nanotube (CNT) sheet as a multifunctional constituent for liquid crystal (LC) displays and electro-optic LC applications is assessed. The CNT sheet can perform a dual function: one is an alignment layer for LCs, replacing the commonly used rubbed polyimide film, and the other is a transparent conductive layer, taking the place of indium tin oxide. The hydrophobic treatment improved the adhesion quality between aligned CNT bundles and the glass substrate, which helps to preserve the inherently aligned nanogroove morphology of transparent CNT sheets. The test LC display cells, comprising 4-cyano-4′-pentylbiphenyl molecules sandwiched between CNT-sheet-on-glass substrates, demonstrate the operation characteristics comparable to that of the conventional cell under temperature variation and ac electric field of 1?kHz. The results offer a possibility of deploying multifunctional CNT-sheet alignment layers in LC-based devices, especially in the future flexible display applications.     

Precision measurement of neutrino oscillation parameters at INO-ICAL detector

A magnetized Iron CALorimeter (ICAL) detector at the India-based neutrino observatory (INO) is used to study neutrino oscillation sensitivity using atmospheric muon neutrino source. The ICAL detector will be able to detect muon tracks and hadron showers produced by neutrino interactions with the iron target. We have performed precision measurement analysis for the atmospheric neutrino oscillation parameters with the muon neutrino events, generated by Monte Carlo NUANCE event generator. A marginalized χ² analysis based on reconstructed neutrino energy and muon zenith angle binning scheme has been performed to determine the sensitivity for the atmospheric neutrino mixing parameters, \(\sin ^{2}\theta _{23}\) and \(| {\Delta } m^{2}_{23}|\).     

The Inspiratory Maneuver: A Simple Method to Assess the Superficial Lamina Propria During Endoscopy

We describe a simple means of assessing the condition of the superficial lamina propria during endoscopy, which we use in our practice as an adjunct to careful stroboscopic examination. An intake of breath against partially adducted vocal folds serves to draw the mucosa inferomedially into the glottis, which reveals areas of diminished mobility, the relationship of mucosal lesions to deeper tissues of the vocal folds, and subtle submucosal lesions. This is possible because of the unique geometry of the glottis that renders the vector forces of airflow different at inspiration and expiration. Because the integrity of the superficial lamina propria is essential to healthy phonation, we have found the inspiratory maneuver useful across a wide variety of mucosal pathologic conditions.     

Positively curved graphs

This paper consists of two halves. In the first half of the paper, we consider real-valued functions f whose domain is the vertex set of a graph G and that are Lipschitz with respect to the graph distance. By placing a uniform distribution on the vertex set, we treat as a random variable. We investigate the link between the isoperimetric function of G and the functions f that have maximum variance or meet the bound established by the subgaussian inequality. We present several results describing the extremal functions, and use those results to (a) resolve a conjecture by Bobkov, Houdré, and Tetali characterizing the extremal functions of the subgaussian inequality of the odd cycle and (b) provide a construction that gives a partial negative answer to a question by Alon, Boppana, and Spencer on the relationship between maximum variance functions and the isoperimetric function of product graphs. While establishing a discrete analogue of the curved Brunn-Minkowski inequality for the discrete hypercube, Ollivier and Villani suggested several avenues for research. We resolve them in the second half of the paper as follows:

• They propose that a bound on t-midpoints can be obtained by repeated application of the bound on midpoints, if the original sets are convex. We construct a specific example where this reasoning fails, and then prove our construction is general by characterizing the convex sets in the discrete hypercube.
• A second proposed technique to bound t-midpoints involves new results in concentration of measure. We follow through on this proposal, with heavy use on results from the first half of the paper.
• We show that the curvature of the discrete hypercube is not positive or zero, but we also give a result indicating that it may satisfy a weaker version of curvature.

     

Characterization of chronic vocal fold scarring in a rabbit model

The purpose of the current study was to assess the histologic and rheologic properties of the scarred vocal fold lamina propria during a chronic phase of wound repair in a rabbit model. Eighteen rabbit larynges were scarred using a procedure that involved stripping the vocal fold lamina propria down to the thyroarytenoid muscle, using 3-mm microforceps. The approximate dimension of injury to the vocal fold was 3 x 1.5 x 0.5 mm [length x width x depth]. At 6 months postoperatively, histologic analysis of the scarred and control lamina propria in eight of these rabbits was completed for collagen, procollagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid. Compared with control samples, scarred tissue samples revealed fragmented and disorganized elastin fibers. Additionally, collagen was significantly increased, organized, and formed thick bundles in the scarred vocal fold lamina propria. Measurements of the viscoelastic shear properties of the scarred and control lamina propria in the remaining 10 rabbits revealed increased elastic shear modulus (G') in 8 of 10 scarred samples and increased dynamic viscosity (eta') in 9 of 10 scarred samples. Although rheologic differences were not statistically significant, they revealed that on average, scarred samples were stiffer and more viscous than the normal controls. Histologic data are interpreted as indicating that by 6 months postinjury, the scarred rabbit vocal fold has reached a mature phase of wound repair, characterized by an increased, organized, and thick bundle collagen matrix. Rheologic data are interpreted as providing support for the potential role of increased, thick bundle collagen, and a disorganized elastin network on shear stiffness and dynamic viscosity in the chronic vocal fold scar. Based on these results, a 6-month postoperative time frame is proposed for future studies of chronic vocal fold scarring using the rabbit animal model.     

Laryngeal Chondroma

Cartilaginous tumors of the larynx represent less than 1% of laryngeal tumors. Chondroma and "low-grade" chondrosarcoma are the most common; 70%-75% of these tumors arise on the endolaryngeal surface of the posterior lamina of the cricoid cartilage. The clinical presentation is varied and directly dependent on the size and location of the tumor; stridor, hoarseness, dyspnea, or a neck mass are common presenting signs. CT scanning in the axial plane is the mainstay of radiographic imaging due to its ability to show size, extent of the tumor, and invasion into surrounding structures. Surgical extirpation is the standard therapy with no role for radiation therapy or chemotherapy. Although significant recurrence rates have been reported, there is not a significant difference between initial conservative therapy followed by salvage therapy versus initial radical therapy.     

The Prevalence of Helicobacter Pylori Infection in Benign Laryngeal Disorders

Helicobacter pylori (HP) is an accepted cause of chronic active gastritis and has a major causative role in peptic ulcers. It is a gastric carcinogen. Its role in nonulcer dyspepsia (NUD) is less clear, yet 50% of patients with NUD are infected with HP, and some recent literature demonstrates long-term improvement of symptoms following eradication. HP has been investigated in several other organ systems, but has not been investigated to any major degree in laryngeal disorders, a region that could be directly exposed to the bacterium from pharyngolaryngeal reflux. This study represents one arm of a larger study designed to investigate such a relationship. Of 101 patients with nonmalignant voice disorders presenting to our voice clinics, 54.5% tested positive for the H. pylori organism. Of the controls, 47.1% tested positive. When striated into age groups of < 45 years, 46–61 years, and > 62 years, and then age-matched with the controls, the likelihood of infection with the H. pylori organism was greater in both the experimental middle group, and in the middle group when combined with the elder group, than in the matched controls, and this difference demonstrated a trend approaching statistical significance. This finding is discussed in the light of other studies on HP and on gastroesophageal reflex (GER).