Optimally Stable Multivariate Bases

We show that the tensor product B-spline basis and the triangular Bernstein basis are in some sense best conditioned among all nonnegative bases for the spaces of tensor product splines and multivariate polynomials, respectively. We also introduce some new condition numbers which are analogs of component-wise condition numbers for linear systems introduced by Skeel.     

JET: Preparing the future in fusion

JET (Joint European Torus) is the largest tokamak in the world and the only fusion facility able to operate with Tritium, the fusion fuel, and Beryllium, the ITER first wall material. JET also features the most complete remote handling equipment for invessel maintenance. As a multinational research center, JET provides logistic experience in preparing for operation of the global facility, tokamak ITER.Experiments on JET are focused on ITER-relevant studies, in particular on detailing the operational scenarios (EL My H-modes and advanced regimes), on enhancing the heating systems, on developing diagnostics for burning plasmas etc. Pioneering real-time control techniques have been implemented that maximize performance and minimize internal disturbances of JET plasmas. In helium plasmas, ion cyclotron heating (ICRH) created fast α-particles, mimicking their populations in future burning plasmas. The recent successful Trace Tritium campaign provided important new data on fuel transport. Current enhancements on JET include a new ITER-like ELM-resilient high power ICRH antenna (7 MW) and over twenty new diagnostics that will further extend the JET scientific capabilities and push the facility even closer to the ITER parameters.A special mention is given to the involvement of the fusion experts from Association EURATOM-IPP.CR, who have been actively participating in the collective use of JET facility for more than three years.     

Causality, Poincaré Invariance, and Goldstone Theorem in DLCQ

We study three problems of the light-front field theory quantized in a finite volume with fields (anti-)periodic in x⁻: (a) microcausality by deriving an integral representation for the discrete Pauli-Jordan function; (b) surface terms violating Poincaré algebra; (c) a LF version of the Goldstone theorem. The first two problems are resolved by careful mathematical treatment. The third one illustrates the usefulness of DLCQ as an analytical scheme.     

Volcanic monitoring for radon and chemical species in the soil and in spring water samples

Soil radon has been monitored at two fixed stations in the northern flank of Popocatepetl Volcano, a high risk volcano located 60 km SE from Mexico City. Water samples from three springs were also studied for radon as well as major and trace elements. Radon in the soil was recorded using track detectors. Radon in the water samples was evaluated using the liquid scintillation method and an Alphaguard. The major elements were determined through conventional chemical methods and trace elements using an ICP-MS equipment. Soil radon levels were low, indicating a moderate diffuse degassing through the flanks of the volcano. Groundwater radon had almost no relation with the eruptive stages. Water chemistry was stable in the reported time (2000–2002).     

Discrete limit theorems for general Dirichlet series. III

Here we prove a limit theorem in the sense of the weak convergence of probability measures in the space of meromorphic functions for a general Dirichlet series. The explicit form of the limit measure in this theorem is given. Partially supported by Lithuanian Foundation of Studies and Science     

Lattice valued intuitionistic fuzzy sets

In this paper a new definition of a lattice valued intuitionistic fuzzy set (LIFS) is introduced, in an attempt to overcome the disadvantages of earlier definitions. Some properties of this kind of fuzzy sets and their basic operations are given. The theorem of synthesis is proved: For every two families of subsets of a set satisfying certain conditions, there is an lattice valued intuitionistic fuzzy set for which these are families of level sets. The research supported by Serbian Ministry of Science and Technology, Grant No. 1227.     

On zeta-functions associated to certain cusp forms. I

In the paper the asymptotics for Dirichlet polynomials associated to certain cusp forms are obtained. Partially supported by Lithuanian Foundation of Studies and Science     

Generalized Relative Entropies as Contrast Functionals on Density Matrices

We use a class of generalized relative entropies on density matrices to obtain one-parameter families of torsion-free affine connections.     

Heuristic Rejection in Interval Global Optimization

Based on the investigation carried out in Ref. 1, this paper incorporates new studies about the properties of inclusion functions on subintervals while a branch-and-bound algorithm is solving global optimization problems. It is found that the relative place of the global minimum value within the inclusion function value of the objective function at the current interval indicates mostly whether the given interval is close to a minimizer point. This information is used in a heuristic interval rejection rule that can save a considerable amount of computation. Illustrative examples are discussed and an extended numerical study shows the advantages of the new approach.     

Repetition rate multipliers for efficient implementation of multiphoton and pump-probe fluorescence microscopy

With the advances in pulsed laser systems, microscopic imaging techniques such as multiphoton and pump-probe fluorescence microscopy have developed into effective tools for investigating intensity and time-resolved phenomena inside biological systems. However, pulsed lasers used in these techniques usually are commercial systems with repetition frequencies of around 80 MHz. While these systems have proven to be adequate for multiphoton and pump-probe microscopic imaging applications, the temporal separation of the laser pulse train (around 12.5 ns) is long compared to the fluorescence lifetimes of many common fluorescence species. In this work, we present the designs of repetition rate multipliers based on passive optical components that can be used to increase the efficiency in multiphoton and pump-probe fluorescence microscopy. Depending on the lifetime of fluorescence molecules under investigation, the passive repetition rate multiplier can increase the duty cycle of multiphoton or pump-probe microscopy up to fourfold.