Strong reality of finite simple groups

The classification of finite simple strongly real groups is complete. It is easy to see that strong reality for every nonabelian finite simple group is equivalent to the fact that each element can be written as a product of two involutions. We thus obtain a solution to Problem 14.82 of the Kourovka Notebook from the classification of finite simple strongly real groups.     

Strongly real elements in finite simple orthogonal groups

We prove the strong reality of an infinite series of groups and some elements of a special form in the simple real groups.     

Study of the influence of vacancies and vacancy complexes on the yield limit of Al subjected to strain aging

Mechanical properties of metals are most sensitive to the presence of point defects. The influence of point defects on the kinetics of plastic deformation is highly diversified: the point defects can be the main carriers of plastic deformation (diffusion creep, crowdion plasticity, etc.), can imitate the velocity of nonconservative motion of dislocations, and can serve as centers of pinning of dislocations. __________ Translated from Izvestiya Vysshikh Uchebnykh Zavedenii, Fizika, No. 3, pp. 18–20, March, 2008.     

Shape-preserving bivariate polynomial approximation inC([−1,1]×[−1,1])

In this paper we construct bivariate polynomials attached to a bivariate function, that approximate with Jackson-type rate involving a bivariate Ditzian-Totik ω2-modulus of smoothness and preserve some natural kinds of bivariate monotonicity and convexity of function.The result extends that in univariate case-of D. Leviatan in [5-6], improves that in bivariate case of the author in [3] and in some special cases, that in bivariate case of G. Anastassiou in [1].     

Faddeev-Yakubovsky search for ( 4 )( Lambda Lambda)H

Evidence for particle stability of ( 4 )( LambdaLambda)H has been suggested by the BNL-AGS E906 experiment. We report on Faddeev-Yakubovsky calculations for the four-body LambdaLambdapn system using LambdaN interactions which reproduce the observed binding energy of (3)(Lambda)H(1 / 2(+)) within a Faddeev calculation for the Lambdapn subsystem. No ( 4 )( LambdaLambda)H bound state is found over a wide range of LambdaLambda interaction strengths, although the Faddeev equations for a three-body LambdaLambdad model of ( 4 )( LambdaLambda)H admit a 1(+) bound state for as weak a LambdaLambda interaction strength as required to reproduce B(LambdaLambda)(( 6 )( LambdaLambda)He).     

Stable quantum resonances in atom optics

A theory for stabilization of quantum resonances by a mechanism similar to one leading to classical resonances in nonlinear systems is presented. It explains recent surprising experimental results, obtained for cold cesium atoms when driven in the presence of gravity, and leads to further predictions. The theory makes use of invariance properties of the system allowing for separation into independent kicked rotor problems. The analysis relies on a fictitious classical limit where the small parameter is not Planck's constant, but rather the detuning from the frequency that is resonant in the absence of gravity.     

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.     

Tiebout and sympathy

In its simplest form the Tiebout hypothesis suggests that redistribution by local government is not sustainable because individuals, when confronted by negative net fiscal benefits, will vote with their feet, changing their residential locations to jurisdictions which offer a more favorable fiscal balance. It is usually thought, moreover, that they will move (e.g. from central city to suburbs) in descending order of income.Recognition of extended preference modifies this simple characterization of the tiebout process, in which the process of relocation is like ‘peeling an onion’. Any relocation sequence is possible, with either sympathy or antipathy. Even for sympathetic individuals with identical tastes, restrictive and unrealistic assumptions are required to predict, with certainty, that individuals with higher incomes would be the first to move. In particular the marginal tax rate must exceed unity. With antipathy, individuals with lower incomes may move before those with higher incomes, even if net fiscal benefits decrease with income, if they become more willing to begrudge transfers to others as their incomes increase.     

Buchbesprechungen

Ohne Zusammenfassung