Convex dominates concave: An exclusion principle in discrete-time Kolmogorov systems

We establish an exclusion principle in discrete-time Kolmogorov systems by using average Liapunov functions. The exclusion principle shows that a weakly dominant species with a convex logarithmic growth rate function eliminates species with concave logarithmic growth rate functions. A general result is applied to specific population models. This application gives an improved exclusion principle for the specific population models.

     

Near-infrared photorefractivity in Cr-doped potassium sodium strontium barium niobate single crystal

We report on the photorefractive properties of a Cr-doped (K_1–x Na _x )_2A–2 (Sr _y Ba_1–y )_2–A Nb₁₀O₃₀ (x=0.586, y=0.659, A=1.12) single crystal in the near-infrared spectrum. The sample exhibits photorefractivity for wavelengths up to at least 840 nm where the steady-state two-beam coupling gain is found to be larger than 2 cm^–1. Photorefractive gain and decay rate are measured as a function of wavelength, grating spacing and intensity. The wavelength dependence of gain fluctuations in two-beam coupling are also measured.     

Structural and electronic properties of a new molecular conductor, α-(BEDT-TTF)2CsCd(SCN)4

Structural and electronic properties of a new BEDT-TTF based radical cation salt, α-(BEDT-TTF)₂CsCd(SCN)₄, are presented. In the measurements of the electrical resistivity and the magnetic susceptibility, this new α-type salt shows metallic behavior down to low temperature. Measurements of the resistivity under in-plane c-axial strain reveal a newly observed insulating phase, suggesting that α-(BEDT-TTF)₂CsCd(SCN)₄ is placed near an insulating phase which might have close relationships with a superconducting phase realized in α-type salts.     

Studies on the formation of aliphatic aldehydes in the plasma and liver of vitamin E-deficient rats

The effects of vitamin E (E) deficiency on the formation of aliphatic aldehydes in rat plasma and liver were studied. Three-week-old Wistar male rats were fed either an E supplemented diet (2-ambo-alpha-tocopheryl acetate 20 mg/kg diet, designated as E supplemented diet group) or an E deficient diet (E deficient diet group). After 8 weeks, n-hexanal and (E)-4-hydroxy-2-nonenal (4-HN) in the plasma of the E deficient diet group were found to be 2.0 and 2.5-fold greater than those of the E supplemented diet group, respectively. The contents of aldehydes such as n-pentanal, n-hexanal, 4-HN in the liver were also significantly higher in the E deficient diet group than in the E supplemented diet group. These results indicate that some aldehydes, arising possibly from lipid peroxides, are produced and detected in the plasma and liver of rats under the condition like E deficiency. In this study we further found that the activity of the liver aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH, EC 1.2.1.3) was significantly changed; 5 and 8 weeks after the start it was lower in the E deficient diet group when compared to that in the E supplemented diet group. The decrease of enzyme activity was related to the increase of aldehydes such as n-hexanal in the liver. the aldehyde increase in the plasma of the E deficient diet group was thought to raise the injury of cells, namely, a strong hemolysis on erythrocytes prepared from the blood of rats fed the E deficient diet.     

Development of dynamic compartment model for prediction of behavior of radioiodine in rice paddy field

For the assessment of a public impact caused by radionuclides released from nuclear facilities, a dynamic compartment model was developed for prediction of behavior of radioiodine in air, paddy field and rice plant system. The transfer coefficients among compartments were determined by some experimental data and assumptions for each chemical form of iodine. A verification of the model was carried out by some case studies.