A variable gap penalty function and feature weights for protein 3-D structure comparisons

We have developed a variable gap penalty function for use inthe comparison program COMPARER which aligns protein sequenceson the basis of their 3-D structures. For deletions and insertions,components are a function of structural features of individualamino acid residues (e.g. secondary structure and accessibility).We have also obtained relative weights for different featuresused in the comparison by examining the equivalent residuesin weight matrices and in alignments for pairs of 3-D structureswhere the equivalences are relatively unambiguous. We have usedthe new parameters and the varible gap penalty function in COMPARERto align protein structures in the Brookhaven Data Bank. Thevariable gap penalty function is useful especially in avoidinggaps in secondary structure elements and the new feature weightsgive improved alignments. The alignments for both azurins andplastocyanins and N- and C-terminal lobes for aspartic proteinasesare discussed     

An automatic diabetes diagnosis system based on LDA-Wavelet Support Vector Machine Classifier

In this paper, an automatic diagnosis system for diabetes on Linear Discriminant Analysis (LDA) and Morlet Wavelet Support Vector Machine Classifier: LDA–MWSVM is introduced. The structure of this automatic system based on LDA-MWSVM for the diagnosis of diabetes is composed of three stages: The feature extraction and feature reduction stage by using the Linear Discriminant Analysis (LDA) method and the classification stage by using Morlet Wavelet Support Vector Machine (MWSVM) classifier stage. The Linear Discriminant Analysis (LDA) is used to separate features variables between healthy and patient (diabetes) data in the first stage. The healthy and patient (diabetes) features obtained in the first stage are given to inputs of the MWSVM classifier in the second stage. Finally, in the third stage, the correct diagnosis performance of this automatic system based on LDA–MWSVM for the diagnosis of diabetes is calculated by using sensitivity and specificity analysis, classification accuracy, and confusion matrix, respectively. The classification accuracy of this system was obtained at about 89.74%.     

Exact stability of a platoon of vehicles by considering time delay and lag

The problem of controlling a string of vehicles moving in one dimension is considered so that they all follow a lead vehicle with constant time headway spacing between successive vehicles. Due to realistic design and execution, the negative effect of the tracking lag parameter and time delay is taken into account. By applying an acceleration feedforward, the distance error of each vehicle will be independent of the behavior of other vehicles. As a result, the vehicle is better able to track a desired trajectory, which improves the string stability. Cluster treatment of characteristic roots (CTCR) paradigm is utilized to reveal the stabilizing parametric regions in the domain of the time delay to render the stability of closed loop system. The string stability analysis is performed to evaluate the disturbance attenuation. Finally, an example of multiple vehicle platoon control is presented, which demonstrates the effectiveness of the proposed method.     

Adaptive control of let-off system in weaving

In this study, semi-positive let-off system in a conventional weaving loom was controlled using conventional, PID (Proportional Integral Derivative) and fuzzy logic based control systems. To do this, servomotor was installed into the let-off unit of the loom using PID controller, additionally fuzzy logic based let-off control was realised. Experimentally obtained warp tension values for each control methods were compared. According to the results, maximal tension values for the conventional, PID and fuzzy logic controlled systems were found to be 53, 45 and 35 cN, respectively. As a result, it is determined that the least warp tension interval and mean warp tension value are in let-off system controlled by fuzzy logic.     

Integrated FEM/BEM approach to the dynamic and acoustic analysis of plate structures

An integrated finite element/boundary element method approach to the prediction of the interior acoustic radiation of open ended box structures is presented. Dynamic response of the structure is predicted in terms of the nodal displacements under sinusoidal point force excitation using the finite element method. Theoretical results obtained in terms of frequency response functions are verified using the results from tests performed on a box structure. The interior acoustic field is then examined by the boundary element method using the boundary conditions obtained from the finite element analysis. Sound pressure levels produced inside the structure are calculated and the results are compared with the experimental measurements.     

Ectopic teeth in the maxillary sinus: diagnosis and treatment

Several types of developmental anomaly of the teeth have been identified. In this article the authors describe three patients who presented with impacted teeth in the maxillary sinuses.     

Mathematical modelling of polyphenol extraction by aqueous two-phase system in continuously operated macro- and micro-extractors

An aqueous two-phase system (ATPS) in combination with macro- and micro-extractors was used for polyphenol extraction from a model solution (gallic acid) and three real samples (red and white wine, and orange juice). The objective of the present study was to apply a mathematical model that successfully describes and predicts performances of macro- and micro-extractors. The micro-extractor system was selected as the most suitable for the polyphenol extraction because the same extraction efficiency was obtained for two levels of magnitude shorter residence time compared to the macro-extractor. Based on good agreement between model predictions and experimental results, the obtained simulations could be used for further process optimization and improvement.     

Influence of hydroxyapatite pore geometry on tigecycline release kinetics

Calcium hydroxyapatite (CHA), as one of the most important ceramic materials in bone tissue engineering, was used as a delivery system for tigecycline, a potential antibiotic in treatment of osteomyelitis. Tigecycline, in a solid state, was mixed with CHA powder and the obtained mixture was compressed into tablets. The release of tigecycline from these tablets in a pH 7.4 phosphate-buffered saline solution was measured by a UV–vis spectrophotometer at 37 °C. The total dose of tigecycline was released for 5 to 30 days, depending on the applied pressure and drug concentration. A new drug release mechanism that determines the relationship between pore sizes and drug release rate is proposed. It explains and quantifies the drug release kinetics based on pore sizes and pore size distribution.