Cooperating systems of four-dimensional finite automata

M. Blum and C. Hewitt first proposed two-dimensional automata as a computational model of two-dimensional pattern processing in 1967, and investigated their pattern recognition abilities. Since then, many researchers in this field have investigated many properties of automata on a two- or three-dimensional tape. However, the question of whether processing four-dimensional digital patterns is much more difficult than processing two- or three-dimensional ones is of great interest from both theoretical and practical standpoints. Thus, the study of four-dimensional automata as a computational model of four-dimensional pattern processing has been meaningful. This article introduces a cooperating system of four-dimensional finite automata as one model of four-dimensional automata. A cooperating system of four-dimensional finite automata consists of a finite number of four-dimensional finite automata and a four-dimensional input tape, where these finite automata work independently (in parallel). The finite automata whose input heads scan the same cell of the input tape can communicate with each other, i.e., every finite automaton is allowed to know the internal states of other finite automata on the cell it is scanning at the moment. In this article we mainly investigate the accepting powers of a cooperating system of seven-way four-dimensional finite automata. The seven-way four-dimensional finite automaton is a four-dimensional finite automaton whose input head can move east, west, south, north, up, down, or in the future, but not in the past, on a four-dimensional input tape.     

Bottom-up pyramid cellular acceptors with four-dimensional layers

In 1967, M. Blum and C. Hewitt first proposed two-dimensional automata as a computational model of two-dimensional pattern processing. Since then, many researchers in this field have been investigating the many properties of two- or three-dimensional automata. In 1977, C.R. Dyer and A. Rosenfeld introduced an acceptor on a two-dimensional pattern (or tape) called the pyramid cellular acceptor, and demonstrated that many useful recognition tasks are executed by pyramid cellular acceptors in a time which is proportional to the logarithm of the diameter of the input. They also introduced a bottom-up pyramid cellular acceptor, which is a restricted version of the pyramid cellular acceptor, and proposed some interesting open problems about bottom-up pyramid cellular acceptors. On the other hand, we think that the study of four-dimensional automata has been meaningful as the computational model of four-dimensional information processing such as computer animation, moving picture processing, and so forth. In this article, we investigate bottom-up pyramid cellular acceptors with four-dimensional layers, and show some of their accepting powers.     

Synthesis,characterization, and mechanical properties of a novel terphenyl liquid crystalline epoxy resin

A novel terphenyl liquid crystalline (LC) epoxy resin was synthesized and characterized by ¹H‐NMR, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and polarizing optical microscopy. Depending on the curing temperature, the synthesized resin formed both smectic and nematic LC phases. A time‐temperature‐transformation diagram was constructed to optimize the curing process, which helped in the preparation of LC and isotropic system. The terphenyl epoxy resin obtained exhibited higher acid resistance than a comparable Schiff‐base epoxy resin, and also displayed excellent fracture toughness. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015 , 132, 41296.     

Multiscale modeling of in-room temperature distribution with human occupancy data: a practical case study

This paper develops a method for modelling of in-room temperature distribution incorporated with data collected by human sensors. This modelling is based on a standard two-dimensional heat diffusion equation with an effective diffusion coefficient. The effective diffusion coefficient is nominally identified from characteristics of air flow inside a room and its architectural design. For modelling multiple time-scale influence of human occupancy on the in-room temperature distribution, two independent parameters—the effective diffusion coefficient and human heat input—of the equation are modulated with the human sensor data that capture spatio-temporal dynamics of the occupancy in high resolution. The developed method is applied to a practical office space in commercial building in Japan so that its effectiveness is demonstrated by comparing numerical simulations of the equation with measured data on temperature.     

Hydrothermal synthesis and properties of solid solutions and composite nanoparticles in the TiO2-SnO2 system

Solid solutions and composite nanoparticles in the TiO₂-SnO₂ system were directly formed via the hydrothermal treatment of precursor solutions of TiCl₄ and SnCl₄ under weakly basic conditions in the presence of urea. The rutile-type (Ti, Sn)O₂ solid solutions were formed in the composition range of Ti 0-70 mol%. The composite nanoparticles consisting of anatase- and rutile-type phases were formed at the composition of Ti 80 and Ti 90 mol%. The change in the lattice parameters a₀ and c₀ of the rutile-type solid solutions followed the Vegard Law. The crystallite size of the rutile-type solid solutions was in the range of 5-10 nm. The diffuse reflectance spectra varied with changing Ti content in the precipitates. The photocatalytic activity of composite nanoparticles synthesized at 240 °C was higher than that synthesized at 180 °C. The composite nanoparticles consisting of anatase- and rutile-type phases with compositions Ti_0.90Sn_0.10O₂ and Ti_0.80Sn_0.20O₂ showed improved photocatalytic activity.     

Polypyrrole–Palladium Nanocomposite-Coated Latex Particles as a Heterogeneous Catalyst in Water

Abstract  

Polypyrrole–palladium nanocomposite-coated cross-linked polystyrene latex particles (PS/PPy–Pd) showed an excellent catalytic activity for Suzuki and Heck reactions in aqueous media. The PS/PPy–Pd can be recovered easily and quantitatively through the repeated uses with simple filtration and they maintain their high catalytic activities.     

Carrier Doping in the Type VIII Clathrate Ba<Subscript>8</Subscript>Ga<Subscript>16</Subscript>Sn<Subscript>30</Subscript> Through Sb Substitution

The type VIII clathrate Ba₈Ga₁₆Sn₃₀ has a relatively high figure of merit (ZT) from 200°C to 400°C. Our previous calculations showed that the optimum carrier concentration for high ZT is on the order of 10²⁰/cm³ for both p- and n-type samples. The ZT value exceeds unity for the n-type material. However, actual carrier concentrations for synthesized samples were on the order of 10¹⁹/cm³. With the aim of increasing the carrier concentration, we have synthesized single crystals of Sb-doped Ba₈Ga₁₆Sn₃₀. Contrary to our expectation, the Ga content in the crystal increased with the increase in Sb content. In both p- and n-type samples, the carrier concentration was increased, and the power factor for the p-type samples was improved to 1.4 × 10⁻² W/mK². These results are discussed in relation to the change in the band structure.     

Design and Synthesis of Conformationally Constrained RORγt Inverse Agonists

Retinoic-acid-related orphan receptor γt (RORγt) inverse agonists could be used for the treatment of autoimmune diseases. Previously, we reported a novel quinazolinedione 1 a with a flexible linear linker as a novel RORγt inverse agonist. A U-shaped conformation in the complex structure of 1 a with RORγt protein was confirmed. Further improvement of the pharmacokinetic (PK) profiles was required because of the low drug exposure in mice upon oral administration (mouse AUC of 1 a : 27 ng ⋅ h ⋅ mL⁻¹ at 1 mg ⋅ kg⁻¹, p.o.). To improve the PK profiles, conformationally constrained U-shaped scaffolds were investigated. As a result, morpholine analogues with improved PK profiles and high potency were successfully identified. The substituent at the N1 position of the quinazoline moiety was also modified, leading to an enhancement of reporter activity. Consequently, compound 43 (N²-(3-chloro-4-cyanophenyl)-N⁴-(3-(cyclopropylmethyl)-1-isopropyl-2,4-dioxo-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroquinazolin-6-yl)morpholine-2,4-dicarboxamide) exhibited improved drug exposure (mouse AUC: 1289 ng ⋅ h ⋅ mL⁻¹ at 1 mg ⋅ kg⁻¹, p.o.). In addition, suppression of IL-17A gene expression by IL-23 stimulation in a mouse pharmacodynamics model was observed for 43 . The conformation of 43 with RORγt protein was also confirmed as U-shape by X-ray co-crystal structure analysis. The key interaction that boosts potency is also discussed.     

Physical upgrading plan for slum riverside settlement in traditional area: A case study in Kuin Utara,Banjarmasin, Indonesia

This study aims to draw basic and global concepts for the physical improvement of slum riverside settlements as a fundamental step toward formalizing and securing tenure. Moreover, this work specifies attempts to arrange an upgrading plan derived from the basic strategy for our target location in the traditional settlement of Kuin Utara without failing to recognize its uniqueness and cultural activities. This paper discloses that the basic concept for physical upgrading in a slum settlement consists of three elements: (1) arranging street networks as fundamental systems that structure the settlement, (2) constructing public utility systems that are essential for livelihoods, and (3) providing common space and amenities as “external organs” that form identities and reveal the physical beauty of the location. The proposed infrastructures shall be directed to protect the local cultures and sociocultural activities of the inhabitants. The plan should also be adjusted with respect to the economic constraints in developing countries. Moreover, the improvement strategy for poor housings shall not orientate to modernization merely for beautification without considering the basic aspect: maintaining the dweller’s livelihood.     

Influence of inhabitant background on the physical changes of Banjarese houses: A case study in Kuin Utara settlement,Banjarmasin, Indonesia

The disappearance of vernacular buildings is a common phenomenon worldwide and in Indonesia. The Banjarese house, a type of Indonesian vernacular architecture, is a typical riverside dwelling that shows the strong relationship between the river and the inhabitants. In view of the number of Banjarese houses facing degradation as a riverside type of vernacular rchitecture, a study is necessary. The characteristics of the inhabitants must be considered when observing the condition of the remaining houses.Therefore, this study aims to investigate the influence of inhabitant background on the physical changes of Banjarese houses for future revitalization. A research was conducted in the embryo of Banjarmasin along the Kuin riverside settlement in Kuin Utara sub-district through a door-to-door survey with a questionnaire. The exploration indicates the following:(1) the original form of all remaining houses has been altered,(2) most of the inhabitants are classified as alow-income society,(3) the different characteristics of the present inhabitants change the physical condition of houses,(4) the relationship of the current house condition to thesocio-culture and economy of the inhabitants plays a prominent role in revitalizing Banjarese houses as a valuable asset.