Elastic properties of finite three-dimensional solid phononic-crystal slabs

We study theoretically, by means of layer-multiple scattering techniques, the propagation of elastic waves through finite slabs of phononic crystals consisting of metallic spheres in polyester matrix, embedded in air. We focus on the study of modes localized on the surfaces of the structure, investigating the physical parameters which influence and determine their appearance. Our results reveal the existence of absolute phononic frequency gaps in these finite structures, and point out the possibility, under an appropriate choice of the parameters, of tunable regions of frequency free of propagating and/or surface-localized modes. This could be very useful in the design of devices related to frequency filtering, waveguiding, etc.     

Brain MRI lesion load quantification in multiple sclerosis: a comparison between automated multispectral and semi-automated thresholding computer-assisted techniques

Brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) lesion volume measurement is an advantageous tool for assessing disease burden in multiple sclerosis (MS). We have evaluated two computer-assisted techniques: MSA multispectral automatic technique that is based on bayesian classification of brain tissue and NIH image analysis technique that is based on local (lesion by lesion) thresholding, to establish reliability and repeatability values for each technique. Brain MRIs were obtained for 30 clinically definite relapsing-remitting MS patients using a 2.0 Tesla MR scanner with contiguous, 3 mm thick axial, T1, T2 and PD weighted modalities. Digital (Dicom 3) images were analyzed independently by three observers; each analyzed the images twice, using the two different techniques (Total 360 analyses). Accuracy of lesion load measurements using phantom images of known volumes showed significantly better results for the MSA multispectral technique (p < 0.001). The mean intra-and inter-observer variances were, respectively, 0.04 ± 0.4 (range 0.04–0.13), and 0.09 ± 0.6 (range 0.01–0.26) for the multispectral MSA analysis technique, 0.24 ± 2.27 (range 0.23–0.72) and 0.33 ± 3.8 (range 0.47–1.36) for the NIH threshold technique. These data show that the MSA multispectral technique is significantly more accurate in lesion volume measurements, with better results of within and between observers’ assessments, and the lesion load measurements are not influenced by increased disease burden. Measurements by the MSA multispectral technique were also faster and decreased analysis time by 43%. The MSA multispectral technique is a promising tool for evaluating MS patients. Non-biased recognition and delineation algorithms enable high accuracy, low intra-and inter-observer variances and fast assessment of MS related lesion load.     

Method for intracellular magnetic labeling of human mononuclear cells using approved iron contrast agents

A method for intracellular iron labeling of human mononuclear cells (lymphocytes and monocytes) for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) using simple incubation of cells with approved MRI iron contrast agents is presented. Labeled cells can be detected by MRI in vitro, and this suggests the possibility that the technique could become a marker for in vivo lymphocyte and monocyte trafficking studies in acute inflammatory lesions such as those in Multiple Sclerosis.     

A Goal Programming model of the reference point method

Real-life decision problems are usually so complex they cannot be modeled with a single objective function, thus creating a need for clear and efficient techniques of handling multiple criteria to support the decision process. The most commonly used technique is Goal Programming. It is clear and appealing, but in the case of multiobjective optimization problems strongly criticized due to its noncompliance with the efficiency (Pareto-optimality) principle. On the other hand, the reference point method, although using similar control parameters as Goal Programming, always generates efficient solutions. In this paper, we show how the reference point method can be modeled within the Goal Programming methodology. It allows us to simplify implementations of the reference point method as well as shows how Goal Programming with relaxation of some traditional assumptions can be extended to a multiobjective optimization technique meeting the efficiency principle.     

Strong consistency of least squares estimates in multiple regression II

The strong consistency of least squares estimates in multiple regression models is established under minimal assumptions on the design and weak dependence and moment restrictions on the errors.     

The personalization of security selection: An application of fuzzy set theory

We apply the theory of fuzzy subsets to the multiple objective decision problem of stock selection. We allow our objectives to have varying degrees of importance. We discuss various criteria used in selecting stocks. We indicate some procedures for subjectively evaluating the membership functions associated with these criteria.     

Attenuation and depolarization of millimeter waves due to incoherent scattering in tropical rainfall

The radiative transfer equation has been applied to investigate the effects of multiple scattering on communication at the millimeter wavelength in tropical rain. Horizontal linearly polarized incident waves are assumed. The scattering characteristics are calculated using the Mie theory at frequencies of 16, 34.8, 82, 140 and and at rainfall rates of 12.5, 50 and . Some results of the directional patterns of the incoherent intensities at various points in the rain medium are presented. The frequency dependence of the propagation distance, attenuation coefficient and the variation of incoherent specific intensities in tropical rainfall are investigated. The incoherent power at the receiver relative to the coherent power, which is important in assessing the quality of signal in the receiver, is also investigated. It is observed that the maximum incoherent copolarized received power is about in tropical rainfall at rainfall rate. Also the difference between the copolarized incoherent power in tropical and temperate rainfall is about at frequencies higher than , and about for the cross-polarized incoherent power components. It may therefore be safely said that multiple scattering may not result in serious degradation of the coherent wave component even in the most intense tropical precipitation. It also appears that it is independent of regional rainfall climatology.     

Optimal strategy policy in batch arrival queue with server breakdowns and multiple vacations

This paper considers a like-queue production system in which server vacations and breakdowns are possible. The decision-maker can turn a single server on at any arrival epoch or off at any service completion. We model the system by an M^[x]/M/1 queueing system with N policy. The server can be turned off and takes a vacation with exponential random length whenever the system is empty. If the number of units waiting in the system at any vacation completion is less than N, the server will take another vacation. If the server returns from a vacation and finds at least N units in the system, he immediately starts to serve the waiting units. It is assumed that the server breaks down according to a Poisson process and the repair time has an exponential distribution. We derive the distribution of the system size through the probability generating function. We further study the steady-state behavior of the system size distribution at random (stationary) point of time as well as the queue size distribution at departure point of time. Other system characteristics are obtained by means of the grand process and the renewal process. Finally, the expected cost per unit time is considered to determine the optimal operating policy at a minimum cost. The sensitivity analysis is also presented through numerical experiments.     

Twin solutions to singular boundary value problems

In this paper we establish the existence of two nonnegative solutions to singular and singular focal boundary value problems. Our nonlinearity may be singular at , and/or .

     

Multiple access interference cancellation in Manchester-coded synchronous optical PPM-CDMA network

A new interference cancellation technique for direct-detection optical code- division multiple-access (OCDMA) network employing pulse-position modulation (PPM) is proposed in this paper. The multiple access interference (MAI) estimation is achieved by pre-reserving one of optical spreading code sequences at the receiver based on the correlation property of padded modified prime codes (PMPC). The estimated interference is then cancelled out after photo-detection process. Additionally, the transmitted signal is Manchester-coded to further improve the system performance. Based on this proposed interference canceller in a shot-noise limited regime, we have obtained an expression for the upper bound of the bit-error probability (BEP) taking into account effects of both MAI and shot-noise. This BEP is compared with that of a PPM-OCDMA without cancellation. Finally, the receiver structure of the proposed optical network unit (ONU) is fairly simple to compare with the conventional cancellation schemes.