Showing papers by "Simón Bolívar University published in 2006"

Productivity and carbon fluxes of tropical savannas

Abstract: Aim (1) To estimate the local and global magnitude of carbon fluxes between savanna and the atmosphere, and to suggest the significance of savannas in the global carbon cycle. (2) To suggest the extent to which protection of savannas could contribute to a global carbon sequestration initiative. Location Tropical savanna ecosystems in Africa, Australia, India and South America. Methods A literature search was carried out using the ISI Web of Knowledge, and a compilation of extra data was obtained from other literature, including national reports accessed through the personal collections of the authors. Savanna is here defined as any tropical ecosystem containing grasses, including woodland and grassland types. From these data it was possible to estimate the fluxes of carbon dioxide between the entire savanna biome on a global scale. Results Tropical savannas can be remarkably productive, with a net primary productivity that ranges from 1 to 12 t C ha -1 year -1 . The lower values are found in the arid and semi-arid savannas occurring in extensive regions of Africa, Australia and South America. The global average of the cases reviewed here was 7.2 t C ha -1 year -1 . The carbon sequestration rate (net ecosystem productivity) may average 0.14 t C ha -1 year -1 or 0.39 Gt C year -1 . If savannas were to be protected from fire and grazing, most of them would accumulate substantial carbon and the sink would be larger. Savannas are under anthropogenic pressure, but this has been much less publicized than deforestation in the rain forest biome. The rate of loss is not well established, but may exceed 1% per year, approximately twice as fast as that of rain forests. Globally, this is likely to constitute a flux to the atmosphere that is at least as large as that arising from deforestation of the rain forest. Main conclusions The current rate of loss impacts appreciably on the global carbon balance. There is considerable scope for using many of the savannas as sites for carbon sequestration, by simply protecting them from burning and grazing, and permitting them to increase in stature and carbon content over periods of several decades.

A Compact Supermassive Binary Black Hole System

Abstract: We report on the discovery of a supermassive binary black hole system in the radio galaxy 0402+379, with a projected separation between the two black holes of just 7.3 pc. This is the closest black hole pair yet found by more than 2 orders of magnitude. These results are based on recent multifrequency observations using the Very Long Baseline Array (VLBA), which reveal two compact, variable, flat-spectrum, active nuclei within the elliptical host galaxy of 0402+379. Multiepoch observations from the VLBA also provide constraints on the total mass and dynamics of the system. Low spectral resolution spectroscopy using the Hobby-Eberly Telescope indicates two velocity systems with a combined mass of the two black holes of ~1.5 × 108 M☉. The two nuclei appear stationary, while the jets emanating from the weaker of the two nuclei appear to move out and terminate in bright hot spots. The discovery of this system has implications for the number of close binary black holes that might be sources of gravitational radiation. Green Bank Telescope observations at 22 GHz to search for water masers in this interesting system are also presented.

A Compact Supermassive Binary Black Hole System

Abstract: We report on the discovery of a supermassive binary black hole system in the radio galaxy 0402+379, with a projected separation between the two black holes of just 7.3 pc. This is the closest black hole pair yet found by more than two orders of magnitude. These results are based upon recent multi-frequency observations using the Very Long Baseline Array (VLBA) which reveal two compact, variable, flat-spectrum, active nuclei within the elliptical host galaxy of 0402+379. Multi-epoch observations from the VLBA also provide constraints on the total mass and dynamics of the system. Low spectral resolution spectroscopy using the Hobby-Eberly Telescope indicates two velocity systems with a combined mass of the two black holes of ~1.5 x 10^8 solar masses. The two nuclei appear stationary while the jets emanating from the weaker of the two nuclei appear to move out and terminate in bright hot spots. The discovery of this system has implications for the number of close binary black holes that might be sources of gravitational radiation. Green Bank Telescope observations at 22 GHz to search for water masers in this interesting system are also presented.

A New Simplified Multilevel Inverter Topology for DC–AC Conversion

Abstract: Multilevel converters offer high power capability, associated with lower output harmonics and lower commutation losses. Their main disadvantage is their complexity, requiring a great number of power devices and passive components, and a rather complex control circuitry. This work reports a new multilevel inverter topology using an H-bridge output stage with a bidirectional auxiliary switch. The new topology produces a significant reduction in the number of power devices and capacitors required to implement a multilevel output. The new topology is used in the design of a five-level inverter; only five controlled switches, eight diodes, and two capacitors are required to implement the five-level inverter using the proposed topology. The new topology achieves a 37.5% reduction in the number of main power switches required (five in the new against eight in any of the other three configurations) and uses no more diodes or capacitors that the second best topology in the literature, the Asymmetric Cascade configuration. Additionally, the dedicated modulator circuit required for multilevel inverter operation is implemented using a FPGA circuit, reducing overall system cost and complexity. Theoretical predictions are validated using simulation in SPICE, and satisfactory circuit operation is proved with experimental tests performed on a laboratory prototype

Effect of annealing time on the self‐nucleation behavior of semicrystalline polymers

Abstract: It is widely known that when a polymer is heated just above its melting point and is kept at a given temperature (denoted Ts) for a short time, when it is cooled down its nucleation density increases and its peak crystallization temperature shifts to higher temperatures, as detected for instance by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The Ts temperature range where the described process occurs has been named Domain II self-nucleation (SN) because the selected Ts temperatures are high enough to melt the polymer without causing detectable annealing of any remnant crystals by DSC. Experimental results obtained by DSC, polarized light optical microscopy (PLOM), and rheology indicate that these techniques are unable to detect any remaining crystal fragments in Domain II. Our kinetic results demonstrate that Domain II SN is a transient phenomenon that can even disappear if enough time at Ts is allowed. Results of the study of the time dependence of the SN effect indicates two possibilities: (a) if crystal fragments are present (even if undetected by the employed techniques) their final melting is a very slow process (in the order of hours); (b) if all crystallites have melted in Domain II, then it may be more plausible to reinterpret self-nuclei as arising from “precursors” whose detail nature has not been the subject of this investigation but that can be regarded as either a residual segmental orientation in the melt (i.e., a melt memory effect) or a mesophase in a preordered state. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 44: 1738–1750, 2006

Protamine 2 precursors, protamine 1/protamine 2 ratio, DNA integrity and other sperm parameters in infertile patients

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The protamine 1-to-protamine 2 ratio (P1/P2) is altered in the sperm cells of some infertile patients. Also, evidence for increased protamine 2 precursors (pre-P2) in a few patients has been reported. But so far, there have been no studies measuring simultaneously these two variables in a large number of patients. METHODS: We measured the P1/P2 ratio and the presence of pre-P2 using, for the first time, an antibody specific to the precursor pre-P2, together with other sperm parameters in 224 infertile patients. Additionally, the DNA integrity was assessed by terminal transferase dUTP nick-end labelling (TUNEL) in a subset of the samples. RESULTS: Pre-P2 levels show a significant positive correlation with the P1/P2 ratio, with the presence of other proteins and, at low pre-P2 levels, with TUNEL-positive sperm. An inverse correlation with sperm count, normal morphology and motility was detected. CONCLUSIONS: The levels of pre-P2 may provide clues into the pathogenic mechanisms of infertility. The increased proportion of pre-P2 in some patients with increased P1/P2 ratio suggests an involvement of pre-P2 processing. The positive correlation between TUNEL-positive sperm and pre-P2 at low pre-P2/P2 ratios also suggests a link between deficient protamine processing and decreased DNA integrity.

Non-Stationary Motor Fault Detection Using Recent Quadratic Time-Frequency Representations

Abstract: As the use of electric motors increases in the aerospace and transportation industries where operating conditions continuously change with time, fault detection in electric motors has been gaining importance. Motor diagnostics in a nonstationary environment is difficult and often needs sophisticated signal processing techniques. In recent times, a plethora of new time-frequency distributions has appeared, which are inherently suited to the analysis of nonstationary signals while offering superior frequency resolution characteristics. The Zhao-Atlas-Marks distribution is one such distribution. This paper proposes the use of these new time-frequency distributions to enhance nonstationary fault diagnostics in electric motors. One common myth has been that the quadratic time-frequency distributions are not suitable for commercial implementation. This paper also addresses this issue in detail. Optimal discrete-time implementations of some of these quadratic time-frequency distributions are explained. These time-frequency representations have been implemented on a digital signal processing platform to demonstrate that the proposed methods can be implemented commercially.

Detection of Rotor Faults in Brushless DC Motors Operating Under Nonstationary Conditions

Abstract: There are several applications where the motor is operating in continuous nonstationary operating conditions. Actuators and servo motors in the aerospace and transportation industries are examples of this kind of operation. Detection of faults in such applications is, however, challenging because of the need for complex signal processing techniques. Two novel methods using windowed Fourier ridges and Wigner-Ville-based distributions are proposed for the detection of rotor faults in brushless dc motors operating under continuous nonstationarity. Experimental results are presented to validate the concepts and illustrate the ability of the proposed algorithms to track and identify rotor faults. The proposed algorithms are also implemented on a digital signal processor to study their usefulness for commercial implementation

Melt Structure and its Transformation by Sequential Crystallization of the Two Blocks within Poly(L‐lactide)‐block‐Poly(ε‐caprolactone) Double Crystalline Diblock Copolymers

Abstract: Sequential crystallization of poly(L-lactide) (PLLA) followed by poly(epsilon-caprolactone) (PCL) in double crystalline PLLA-b-PCL diblock copolymers is studied by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), polarized optical microscopy (POM), wide-angle X-ray scattering (WAXS) and small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS). Three samples with different compositions are studied. The sample with the shortest PLLA block (32 wt.-% PLLA) crystallizes from a homogeneous melt, the other two (with 44 and 60% PLLA) from microphase separated structures. The microphase structure of the melt is changed as PLLA crystallizes at 122 degrees C (a temperature at which the PCL block is molten) forming spherulites regardless of composition, even with 32% PLLA. SAXS indicates that a lamellar structure with a different periodicity than that obtained in the melt forms (for melt segregated samples). Where PCL is the majority block, PCL crystallization at 42 degrees C following PLLA crystallization leads to rearrangement of the lamellar structure, as observed by SAXS, possibly due to local melting at the interphases between domains. POM results showed that PCL crystallizes within previously formed PLLA spherulites. WAXS data indicate that the PLLA unit cell is modified by crystallization of PCL, at least for the two majority PCL samples. The PCL minority sample did not crystallize at 42 degrees C (well below the PCL homopolymer crystallization temperature), pointing to the influence of pre-crystallization of PLLA on PCL crystallization, although it did crystallize at lower temperature. Crystallization kinetics were examined by DSC and WAXS, with good agreement in general. The crystallization rate of PLLA decreased with increase in PCL content in the copolymers. The crystallization rate of PCL decreased with increasing PLLA content. The Avrami exponents were in general depressed for both components in the block copolymers compared to the parent homopolymers. Polarized optical micrographs during isothermal crystalli zation of (a) homo-PLLA, (b) homo-PCL, (c) and (d) block copolymer after 30 min at 122 degrees C and after 15 min at 42 degrees C.

A Multi-Centre, Web-Accessible and Quality Control-Checked Database of in vivo MR Spectra of Brain Tumour Patients

Abstract: Objective: To describe an Internet-accessible database that contains validated in vivo MR spectra and clinical data of brain tumour patients. Materials and methods: All data from patients entering the INTERPRET project (International Network for Pattern Recognition of Tumours Using Magnetic Resonance, http://azizu.uab.es/INTERPRET ) were stored in a web-accessible database (iDB) and selected using its query functionality. Criteria for selection were that the case had a single voxel (SV) short-echo (20–32 ms) 1.5 T spectrum acquired from a nodular region of the tumour, that the voxel had been positioned in the same region as where subsequent biopsy was obtained, that the short-echo spectrum had not been discarded because of acquisition artefacts or other reasons, and that a histopathological diagnosis was agreed among a committee of neuropathologists. When the spectra were obtained from normal volunteers or were of abscesses or clinically proven metastases, biopsy was not required. Results: A subset of 304 cases (22 normal volunteers and 282 tumour patients) was obtained. These cases were migrated to another similar database (validated-DB). Conclusion: The validated-DB complies with ethics regulations and represents the population studied. It is accessible by neuroradiologists willing to use information provided by MRS to help in the non-invasive diagnosis of brain tumours

Learning depth-first search: a unified approach to heuristic search in deterministic and non-deterministic settings, and its application to MDPs

Abstract: Dynamic Programming provides a convenient and unified framework for studying many state models used in AI but no algorithms for handling large spaces. Heuristic-search methods, on the other hand, can handle large spaces but lack a common foundation. In this work, we combine the benefits of a general dynamic programming formulation with the power of heuristic-search techniques for developing an algorithmic framework, that we call Learning Depth-First Search, that aims to be both general and effective. LDFS is a simple piece of code that performs iterated depth-first searches enhanced with learning. For deterministic actions and monotone value functions, LDFS reduces to IDA* with transposition tables, while for Game Trees, to the state-of-the-art iterated Alpha-Beta search algorithm with Null Windows known as MTD. For other models, like AND/OR graphs and MDPs, LDFS yields new, simple, and competitive algorithms. We show this here for MDPs.

High Speed SSA Thermal Fractionation and Limitations to the Determination of Lamellar Sizes and Their Distributions

Abstract: Summary: The technique of successive self-nucleation and annealing (SSA) has been applied using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) to a model hydrogenated polybutadiene prepared by anionic polymerization and to a commercial Ziegler-Natta ethylene/1-butene copolymer. Here, it is shown that the use of high scanning rates (50 °C · min−1) in the SSA protocol can reduce the thermal fractionation time to only 78 min in length (if 6 fractions are produced with a fractionation window of 5 °C), taking into consideration the need to compensate the increment in heating rates by reducing the sample mass. This time is much shorter than those previously achieved by thermal fractionation in the literature, where fractionation times of 12 or 24 h are common. Potentially, much higher rates could be employed by further reducing the fractionation times by SSA. For the first time, a distribution of lamellar thicknesses has been obtained by transmission electron microscopy after SSA fractionation and compared to distributions calculated by the Thomson-Gibbs equation. It is shown that the results are highly dependent on the equilibrium melting temperatures employed in the calculations, and it is recommended that the values of lamellar thicknesses obtained are checked by comparing with methylene sequence lengths derived from calibration measurements available in the literature. The Thomson-Gibbs equation is useful for comparing lamellar thickness distributions obtained by SSA with different polymers only on a semi-quantitative basis. Rate and mass compensation as a way to reduce fractionation time employing SSA.

Fermented Pigeon Pea (Cajanus cajan) Ingredients in Pasta Products

Abstract: Pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan var. aroito) seeds were fermented in order to remove antinutritional factors and to obtain functional legume flour to be used as pasta ingredients. Fermentation brought about a drastic reduction of alpha-galactosides (82%), phytic acid (48%), and trypsin inhibitor activity (39%). Fermented legume flours presented a notable increase of fat and total soluble available carbohydrates, a slight decrease of protein, dietary fiber, calcium, vitamin B2, vitamin E, and total antioxidant capacity, and a decrease of soluble dietary fiber, Na, K, Mg, and Zn contents. No changes were observed in the level of starch and tannins as a consequence of fermentation. The fermented flour was used as an ingredient to make pasta products in a proportion of 5, 10, and 12%. The supplemented pasta products obtained had longer cooking times, higher cooking water absorptions, higher cooking loss, and higher protein loss in water than control pasta (100% semolina). From sensory evaluations, fortified pasta with 5 and 10% fermented pigeon pea flour had an acceptability score similar to control pasta. Pasta supplemented with 10% fermented pigeon pea flour presented higher levels of protein, fat, dietary fiber, mineral, vitamin E, and Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity than 100% semolina pasta and similar vitamins B1 and B2 contents. Protein efficiency ratios and true protein digestibility improved (73 and 6%, respectively) after supplementation with 10% fermented pigeon pea flour; therefore, the nutritional value was enhanced.

Validez y confiabilidad en la metodología cualitativa

Abstract: Este articulo trata de clarificar la frecuente confusion que tienen muchos investigadores al utilizar los criterios relacionados con la validez y la confiabilidad en una investigacion, ya sea de orientacion cuantitativa tradicional o cualitativa. Se hace enfasis en el enfoque epistemologico de cada una como base de todo, en sus caracteristicas propias y, principalmente, se resalta el proceso eminentemente critico que acompana a la metodologia cualitativa en todas sus fases: procesos de acopio de la informacion, de categorizacion, de estructuracion, de contrastacion y de teorizacion, y, de una manera especial, en los criterios de evaluacion de los resultados o estructuras teoricas como objetivo final de la investigacion. Palabras Clave: validez, confiabilidad, epistemologia, metodologia cualitativa Abstract This article tries to clarify the frequent confusion that many investigators have when using the approaches related to the validity and reliability in an investigation of the traditional quantitative orientation or the qualitative one. Emphasis is made on the epistemological focus of each one like base of everything, on its own characteristics and, mainly, on the eminently critical process that accompanies the qualitative methodology in all its phases: processes of information gathering, of categorization, of structuring, of “contrasting”, and of teorization, and, in a special way, in the approaches to the evaluation of results or theoretical structures as final objective of the investigation. Key words: validity, reliability, epistemology, cualitative metodology.

Error thresholds in genetic algorithms

Abstract: The error threshold of replication is an important notion in the quasispecies evolution model; it is a critical mutation rate (error rate) beyond which structures obtained by an evolutionary process are destroyed more frequently than selection can reproduce them. With mutation rates above this critical value, an error catastrophe occurs and the genomic information is irretrievably lost. Therefore, studying the factors that alter this magnitude has important implications in the study of evolution. Here we use a genetic algorithm, instead of the quasispecies model, as the underlying model of evolution, and explore whether the phenomenon of error thresholds is found on finite populations of bit strings evolving on complex landscapes. Our empirical results verify the occurrence of error thresholds in genetic algorithms. In this way, this notion is brought from molecular evolution to evolutionary computation. We also study the effect of modifying the most prominent evolutionary parameters on the magnitude of this critical value, and found that error thresholds depend mainly on the selection pressure and genotype length.

A portable ECG monitoring device with Bluetooth and Holter capabilities for telemedicine applications

Abstract: A prototype of a portable ECG-monitoring device has been developed for clinical and non-clinical environments as part of a telemedicine system to provide remote and continuous surveillance of patients. The device can acquire, store and/or transmit ECG signals to computer-based platforms or specially configured access points (AP) with Intranet/Internet capabilities in order to reach remote monitoring stations. Acquired data can be stored in a flash memory card in FAT16 format for later recovery, or transmitted via Bluetooth or USB to a local station or AP. This data acquisition module (DAM) operates in two modes: Holter and on-line transmission.

Uniform discretizations: A new approach for the quantization of totally constrained systems

Abstract: We discuss in detail the uniform discretization approach to the quantization of totally constrained theories. This approach allows to construct the continuum theory of interest as a well defined, controlled, limit of well behaved discrete theories. We work out several finite dimensional examples that exhibit behaviors expected to be of importance in the quantization of gravity. We also work out the case of BF theory. At the time of quantization, one can take two points of view. The technique can be used to define, upon taking the continuum limit, the space of physical states of the continuum constrained theory of interest. In particular we show in models that it agrees with the group averaging procedure when the latter exists. The technique can also be used to compute, at the discrete level, conditional probabilities and the introduction of a relational time. Upon taking the continuum limit one can show that one reproduces results obtained by the use of evolving constants, and therefore recover all physical predictions of the continuum theory. This second point of view can also be used as a paradigm to deal with cases where the continuum limit does not exist. There one would have discrete theories that atmore » least at certain scales reproduce the semiclassical properties of the theory of interest. In this way the approach can be viewed as a generalization of the Dirac quantization procedure that can handle situations where the latter fails.« less

Paleomagnetism in Mesozoic rocks of the Northern Andes and its Implications in Mesozoic Tectonics of Northwestern South America

Abstract: New paleomagnetic data isolated in Upper Triassic to Aptian rocks exposed in the Colombian Andes and west of the Guyana craton, in conjunction with paleomagnetic data from the Andes of Venezuela and the South American craton, permit the interpretation of along-margin northward translations of Andean Colombian terranes during the Early-Middle Jurassic. Field tests and comparison with reference paleopoles for South America indicate that characteristic components uncovered in red-siliciclastic and igneous rocks are primary, or near-depositional, and they are carried dominantly by hematite, magnetite and Ti-magnetite. Difference in declination values of characteristic components isolated in fault-bounded blocks document counter-clockwise rotations previous to syn-extensional deposition. The Jurassic tectonic scheme proposed here for the northwestern corner of South America shows an Early Jurassic, linear subduction-related magmatic arc evolving to Late Jurassic rift-related setting associated to the opening of the Proto-Caribbean Ocean and westward retreat of the subduction zone. A similar tectonic evolution for the Jurassic has been proposed for southwestern USA and the Nazas arc in Mexico.

Folliculinid ciliates: a new threat to Caribbean corals?

Abstract: This is the first report of a putative pathogenic ciliate protozoan that has been associated with Caribbean corals. Previously, only 2 species of the phylum Ciliophora had been linked to coral diseases, and they were exclusive to the Indo-Pacific region. In this study, a ciliate of the genus Halofolliculina was found on 10 hard coral species at the National Parks of Los Roques and Morrocoy, Venezuela. The general morphology of this ciliate is very similar to that of Halofolliculina corallasia from the Indo-Pacific, which is known to cause skeletal eroding band. None of the other 31 genera in the family Folliculinidae are known to cause diseases in corals or in any other animal species. The presence of this ciliate, which shows a prevalence comparable to that of other epizootics in the Caribbean, suggests it could be a new threat to the coral reefs of this region.

Purified Excreted-Secreted Antigens from Trypanosoma cruzi Trypomastigotes as Tools for Diagnosis of Chagas' Disease

Abstract: There is currently no “gold standard” test for the diagnosis of late-stage Chagas9 disease. As a result, protection of the blood supply in areas where Chagas9 disease is endemic remains problematic. A panel of 709 serum samples from subjects with confirmed Chagas9 disease (n = 195), healthy controls (n = 400), and patients with other parasitic diseases (n = 114) was used to assess enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) based on a concentrated extract of excretory-secretory antigens from either Brazil or Tulahuen strain Trypanosoma cruzi trypomastigotes (total trypomastigote excretory-secretory antigens [TESAs]). The total TESA-based assays had excellent overall sensitivity (100%) and specificity (>94%), except for cross-reactivity with Leishmania-infected sera. In an attempt to increase the specificity of the assay, immunoaffinity chromatography was used to purify the TESA proteins (TESAIA proteins). By Western blotting, a series of polypeptide bands with molecular masses ranging from 60 to 220 kDa were recognized by pooled sera positive for Chagas9 disease. An ELISA based on TESAIA proteins had a slightly lower sensitivity (98.6%) but an improved specificity (100%) compared to the sensitivity and specificity of the total TESA protein-based ELISAs. A 60-kDa polypeptide was identified as a major contributor to the cross-reactivity with Leishmania. These data suggest the need for field validation studies of TESA- and TESAIA-based assays in regions where Chagas9 disease is endemic.

Iterated Neumann problem for the higher order Poisson equation

Abstract: Rewriting the higher order Poisson equation Δnu = f in a plane domain as a system of Poisson equations it is immediately clear what boundary conditions may be prescribed in order to get (unique) solutions. Neumann conditions for the Poisson equation lead to higher-order Neumann (Neumann-n ) problems for Δnu = f . Extending the concept of Neumann functions for the Laplacian to Neumann functions for powers of the Laplacian leads to an explicit representation of the solution to the Neumann-n problem for Δnu = f . The representation formula provides the tool to treat more general partial differential equations with leading term Δnu in reducing them into some singular integral equations. (© 2006 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)