Parametric identification of transient electromagnetic systems

Data into and out of a transient eletromagnetic system are considered in the framework of modern system identification. System solutions that take the form of a complex exponential series are discussed. Since the identification of the parameters in the series is non-linear, emphasis shifts to the identification of the parameters in the difference equation whose solution is the exponential series. The subject is cast in the formalism of system identification with generalizations to more complex systems. Two examples are given, one involving an actual electromagnetic experiment.     

The Edge Correlation of Random Forests

The conjecture was made by Kahn that a spanning forest F chosen uniformly at random from all forests of any finite graph G has the edge-negative association property. If true, the conjecture would mean that given any two edges ε₁ and ε₂ in G, the inequality \mathbbP(e₁ ? F, e₂ ? F) ￡ \mathbbP(e₁ ? F)\mathbbP(e₂ ? F){{\mathbb{P}(\varepsilon_{1} \in \mathbf{F}, \varepsilon_{2} \in \mathbf{F}) \leq \mathbb{P}(\varepsilon_{1} \in \mathbf{F})\mathbb{P}(\varepsilon_{2} \in \mathbf{F})}} would hold. We use enumerative methods to show that this conjecture is true for n large enough when G is a complete graph on n vertices. We derive explicit related results for random trees.     

Applications of femtosecond Bessel beams to laser ablation

We demonstrate the fabrication of graphene-carbon nanotubes (CNTs) composite-based flexible transparent conductive films (GC-TCFs) and their improved durability on repetitive strain. The graphene and CNTs are synthesized using thermal chemical vapor deposition. To fabricate GC-TCFs, the graphenes are transferred and the CNTs are successively spray-deposited on polymer substrates, respectively. The change of electrical property of the TCFs is investigated as the response of repetitive strain loading and unloading. The sheet resistance of the GC-TCFs is much lower than CNT-based TCFs, owing to the lower contact resistance. In addition, when the cyclic strain is applied on the GC-TCFs, the films show improved durability in electrical property compared to graphene-based TCFs. Finally, the coated CNTs act as one dimensional conductive path across the cracks, which prevent electrical degradation during the repetitive strain application.     

Synthesis and In Vitro Antimicrobial SAR of Benzyl and Phenyl Guanidine and Aminoguanidine Hydrazone Derivatives

A series of benzyl, phenyl guanidine, and aminoguandine hydrazone derivatives was designed and in vitro antibacterial activities against two different bacterial strains (Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli) were determined. Several compounds showed potent inhibitory activity against the bacterial strains evaluated, with minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) values in the low µg/mL range. Of all guanidine derivatives, 3-[2-chloro-3-(trifluoromethyl)]-benzyloxy derivative 9m showed the best potency with MICs of 0.5 µg/mL (S. aureus) and 1 µg/mL (E. coli), respectively. Several aminoguanidine hydrazone derivatives also showed good overall activity. Compounds 10a, 10j, and 10r–s displayed MICs of 4 µg/mL against both S. aureus and E. coli. In the aminoguanidine hydrazone series, 3-(4-trifluoromethyl)-benzyloxy derivative 10d showed the best potency against S. aureus (MIC 1 µg/mL) but was far less active against E. coli (MIC 16 µg/mL). Compound 9m and the para-substituted derivative 9v also showed promising results against two strains of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). These results provide new and potent structural leads for further antibiotic optimisation strategies.     

Eine neue Reaction auf Galluss?ure

Ohne Zusammenfassung     

Operational Research and the Universities

University staff may contribute to operational research by developing and refining its special techniques, or by becoming involved in operational research projects; they may investigate practice to guide them in their research, or in the training of operation analysts. The universities are, in many ways, ideally equipped for operational research work, but involvement in long-term consulting activities is not without serious problems of its own.     

On the interaction between the input signal and the singularity expansion method

For transient excitation, it is well known that the Singularity Expansion Method (SEM) is a late time technique that is not in general suitable for early time. Lossy dielectric slab studies, with bounded integrable finite-duration input signal, have shown that the SEM representation for early time requires an additional branch cut contribution and a modification of the SEM series for completeness. Other researchers indicated that the SEM representation is not complete for most cases of practical interest and that it may not converge for early time. In this paper, we present an approach, using the input signal, to obtain a convergent SEM series that is valid for early as well as for late time. In this approach the branch cut contribution is not needed and instead we have pole contributions form the input signal and a modified SEM series. In addition, two forms of SEM representations will be presented, the traditional form and the time varying coupling coefficient form. Furthermore, the interaction and the effect of the input signal choice on the SEM representation will be clarified. This will be done for a dielectric slab backed by a perfect conductor.