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Original Results (original + result)
Selected AbstractsA new investigation of the extended Krylov subspace method for matrix function evaluationsNUMERICAL LINEAR ALGEBRA WITH APPLICATIONS, Issue 4 2010L. Knizhnerman Abstract For large square matrices A and functions f, the numerical approximation of the action of f(A) to a vector v has received considerable attention in the last two decades. In this paper we investigate theextended Krylov subspace method, a technique that was recently proposed to approximate f(A)v for A symmetric. We provide a new theoretical analysis of the method, which improves the original result for A symmetric, and gives a new estimate for A nonsymmetric. Numerical experiments confirm that the new error estimates correctly capture the linear asymptotic convergence rate of the approximation. By using recent algorithmic improvements, we also show that the method is computationally competitive with respect to other enhancement techniques. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] A return map algorithm for general isotropic elasto/visco-plastic materials in principal spaceINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR NUMERICAL METHODS IN ENGINEERING, Issue 2 2004Luciano Rosati Abstract We describe a methodology for solving the constitutive problem and evaluating the consistent tangent operator for isotropic elasto/visco-plastic models whose yield function incorporates the third stress invariant . The developments presented are based upon original results, proved in the paper, concerning the derivatives of eigenvalues and eigenprojectors of symmetric second-order tensors with respect to the tensor itself and upon an original algebra of fourth-order tensors obtained as second derivatives of isotropic scalar functions of a symmetric tensor argument . The analysis, initially referred to the small-strain case, is then extended to a formulation for the large deformation regime; for both cases we provide a derivation of the consistent tangent tensor which shows the analogy between the two formulations and the close relationship with the tangent tensors of the Lagrangian description of large-strain elastoplasticity. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] The continuous cooling transformation (CCT) as a flexible tool to investigate polymer crystallization under processing conditionsADVANCES IN POLYMER TECHNOLOGY, Issue 2 2009V. Brucato Abstract An experimental route for investigating polymer crystallization over a wide range of cooling rates (from 0.01 to 1000°C/s) and pressures (from 0.1 to 40 MPa) is illustrated, using a method that recalls the approach adopted in metallurgy for studying structure development in metals. Two types of experimental setup were used, namely an apparatus for fast cooling of thin films (100,200 ,m thick) at various cooling rates under atmospheric pressure and a device (based on a on-purpose modified injection molding machine) for quenching massive samples (about 1,2 cm3) under hydrostatic pressure fields. In both cases, ex situ characterization experiments were carried out to probe the resulting structure, using techniques such as density measurements and wide-angle x-ray diffraction (WAXD) patterns. The cooling mechanism and temperature distribution across the sample thickness were analyzed. Results show that the final structure is determined only by the imposed thermal history and pressure. Experimental results for isotactic polypropylene (iPP), poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET), polyamide 6 (PA6), and syndiotactic polystyrene (sPS) are reported, showing the reliability of this experimental approach to assess not only quantitative information but also a qualitative description of the crystallization behavior of different classes of semicrystalline polymers. The present study gives an opportunity to evaluate how the combined effect of the cooling rate and pressure influences the crystallization kinetics for various classes of polymer of commercial interest. An increase in the cooling rate translates into a decrease in crystallinity and density, which both experience a sudden drop around the specific "crystallizability" (or "critical cooling rate") of the material examined. The exception is sPS where competition among the various crystalline modifications determines a minimum in the plot of density vs. cooling rate. As for the effect of pressure, iPP exhibits a "negative dependence" of crystallization kinetics upon pressure, with a decrease of density and degree of crystallinity with increasing pressure, owing to kinetic constraints. PA6 and PET, on the other hand, due to thermodynamic factors resulting in an increase in Tm with pressure, exhibits a "positive dependence" of crystallization kinetics upon pressure. Finally, recent original results concerning sPS have shown that the minimum in the density vs. cooling rate curve shifts toward larger cooling rates upon increasing pressure. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Adv Polym Techn 28:86,119, 2009; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/adv.20151 [source] Nuclear actin is involved in the regulation of CSF1 gene transcription in a chromatin required, BRG1 independent mannerJOURNAL OF CELLULAR BIOCHEMISTRY, Issue 2 2007Zhaoxia Song Abstract Actin is an important protein in nucleus and has been implicated in transcription, however, the mechanism of its function in transcription is still not clear. In this article, we studied the role of actin in the regulation of human CSF1 gene transcription. Our results showed that nuclear actin stimulates the activity of CSF1 promoter, and the role in augmenting CSF1 gene transcription requires the formation of chromatin and Z-DNA structure. The ATP binding motifs of nuclear actin are essential for its function in regulating CSF1 gene transcription, and upon actin overexpression, there is an increase in the ATPase activity of nuclear proteins. Further investigation revealed that nuclear actin regulates CSF1 gene transcription in a BRG1 independent manner. Together, these original results have provided evidence for further understanding the mechanism of nuclear actin in regulating gene transcription. J. Cell. Biochem. 102: 403,411, 2007. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Determination of sex and scrapie resistance genotype in preimplantation ovine embryosMOLECULAR REPRODUCTION & DEVELOPMENT, Issue 2 2009Florence Guignot Abstract The aim of this study was to test the accuracy of genotype diagnosis after pre-amplification of DNA extracted from biopsies obtained by microblade cutting of ovine embryos and to evaluate the viability of biopsied embryos after vitrification/warming and transfer to recipients. Sex and PrP genotypes were determined. Sex diagnosis was done by PCR amplification of ZFX/ZFY and SRY sequences after PEP-PCR while PrP genotype determination was performed after specific pre-amplification of specific target including codons 136, 154 and 171. Embryos were collected at Day 7 after oestrus. Blastocysts and expanded blastocysts were biopsied immediately after collection whereas compacted morulae were biopsied after 24 hr of in vitro culture. Eighty-nine biopsied embryos were frozen by vitrification. Fresh and vitrified whole embryos were kept as control. DNA of biopsies was extracted and pre-amplified. Sex diagnosis was efficient for 96.6% of biopsies and PrP genotyping was determined in 95.8% of codons. After embryo transfer, no significant difference was observed in lambing rate between biopsied, vitrified control and fresh embryos (54.5%, 60% and 66.6%, respectively). Embryo survival rate was not different between biopsied and whole vitrified embryos (P,=,0.38). At birth, 96.7% of diagnosed sex and 95.4% of predetermined codons were correct. Lamb PrP profiles were in agreement with parental genotype. PEP-PCR coupled with sex diagnosis and nested PCR coupled with PrP genotype predetermination are very accurate techniques to genotype ovine embryo before transfer. These original results allow planning of selection of resistant genotype to scrapie and sex of offspring before transfer of cryopreserved embryo. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 76: 183,190, 2009. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] A Study of the Temporal Course of Phenomenology of Alcohol DependenceTHE AMERICAN JOURNAL ON ADDICTIONS, Issue 3 2005Satindra Kumar M.B.B.S. The natural history of alcoholism was first charted out in 1946 by Jellinek, whose original results have been replicated by multiple research groups. They have verified a general progression ofalcohol dependence through a series of identifiable phases. The study investigated the sequence of events in the course of alcohol dependence and its deviations from randomness. The study consisted of 36 patients with alcohol dependence, subjected to a structured questionnaire containing 34 items describing the phenomenology of alcohol dependence, based on the lines of SCID. The items experienced by each patient were identified and then plotted on a timeline graph according to an important life event, the items being represented on cards given to the patients randomly. The subjects were reinterviewed after one week and asked to rank their symptoms again to analyze test-retest reliability. The analysis ofthe item ordering was determined by null hypothesis of randomness. The ordering showed three phases. The early phase was characterized by features of increased tolerance loss of flexibility, and salience. The middle phase consisted mainly of the need for alcohol, and the late phase was predominated by features of physiological withdrawal, tremors, nausea, panics, and hallucinations. There is a characteristic ordering of new events and symptoms, which suggests a developmental process of alcoholism, but this is apparent only if attention is confined to a limited part ofthe broad spectrum. This process is obscured by consideration ofthe social concomitants of alcohol dependence. The study ofthe natural history of alcohol dependence is essential in recognizing and treating the problem and determining whether an intervention appears to be working. [source] | ||||||||||