A Monoidal Category for Perturbed Defects in Conformal Field Theory

Starting from an abelian rigid braided monoidal category C{mathcal{C}} we define an abelian rigid monoidal category C_F{mathcal{C}_F} which captures some aspects of perturbed conformal defects in two-dimensional conformal field theory. Namely, for V a rational vertex operator algebra we consider the charge-conjugation CFT constructed from V (the Cardy case). Then C = Rep(V){mathcal{C} = {rm Rep}(V)} and an object in C_F{mathcal{C}_F} corresponds to a conformal defect condition together with a direction of perturbation. We assign to each object in C_F{mathcal{C}_F} an operator on the space of states of the CFT, the perturbed defect operator, and show that the assignment factors through the Grothendieck ring of C_F{mathcal{C}_F}. This allows one to find functional relations between perturbed defect operators. Such relations are interesting because they contain information about the integrable structure of the CFT.     

Optimal broadcast on parallel locality models

In this paper matching upper and lower bounds for broadcast on general purpose parallel computation models that exploit network locality are proven. These models try to capture both the general purpose properties of models like the PRAM or BSP on the one hand, and to exploit network locality of special purpose models like meshes, hypercubes, etc., on the other hand. They do so by charging a cost l(|i−j|) for a communication between processors i and j, where l is a suitably chosen latency function.An upper bound T(p)=∑_i=0^loglogp2ⁱ·l(p^1/2i) on the runtime of a broadcast on a p processor H-PRAM is given, for an arbitrary latency function l(k).The main contribution of the paper is a matching lower bound, holding for all latency functions in the range from l(k)=Ω(logk/loglogk) to l(k)=O(log²k). This is not a severe restriction since for latency functions l(k)=O(logk/log¹⁺log(k)) with arbitrary >0, the runtime of the algorithm matches the trivial lower bound Ω(logp) and for l(k)=Θ(log¹⁺k) or l(k)=Θ(k), the runtime matches the other trivial lower bound Ω(l(p)). Both upper and lower bounds apply for other parallel locality models like Y-PRAM, D-BSP and E-BSP, too.     

Image guide couplers with dielectric coupling elements and radiation reduction

Directional couplers in image guide technique for millimeter-wave circuits are discussed, and steps to improve their properties are demonstrated. The simple two-line-9 dB coupler with periodical coupling is compared to a design with an intermediate dielectric coupling element to reduce the frequency dependence. Radiation from the waveguide bends can be reduced significantly by inserting absorber materials at critical points. Experimental results for a-3 dB coupler are also given.     

The effect of viscosity changes in the vocal folds on the range of oscillation

Changes in vocal fold oscillation threshold pressure were induced in excised canine larynges by experimentally causing fluid movement into and out of the vocal folds. The transport was facilitated by exposing the vocal folds to various osmotic solutions, and it was assumed that changes in hydration caused changes in the internal tissue viscosity. A range of oscillation threshold pressures was measured for each condition of hydration by varying length and glottal width. The oscillation threshold pressure shifted as predicted. Decreased hydration (increased viscosity) raised the threshold of oscillation, and increased hydration (decreased viscosity) lowered the threshold of oscillation. This apparently represents the first in vitro model for the study of the effect of viscosity changes of the internal environment of the vocal folds on phonation.     

Image guide couplers with isotropic and anisotropic coupling elements

Among other waveguide elements directional couplers are required in integrated millimeterwave circuits in image guide technique. Hereby an I-guide is used which consists of a dielectric slab between two conducting plates on which the electric field is perpendicularily. Flat coupling behaviour and better isolation can be reached by use of a dielectric coupling element and absorber materials. Thereby the frequency dependence is reduced significantly. Further the coupling can be steered by an additional premagnetized ferrite slab. In this way switched couplers can be realized.     

A cross-spectrum weighting algorithm for speech enhancement and array processing: combining phase-shift information and stationary signal properties

In this paper, a gain function for noise cancellation with a two-channel microphone array is presented. This gain function combines ideas from one- and multichannel algorithms. It is developed using a minimum mean square error estimator for the amplitude of the speech signal from the cross spectrum between two microphone signals. To consider speech pauses and the absence of spectral components of the speech, an extension of this gain function is presented. The performance of the overall gain function is shown in terms of the cancellation of (diffuse) driving noise as well as the cancellation of an interfering speech signal, both recorded in a car.     

Localized subharmonic waves in a circularly vibrated granular bed

Localized period-doubling waves arise in circularly shaken granular beds contained in an annular channel. These solitary wave packets are accompanied by a locally increased particle density. The width and velocity of the granular wave pulse are measured as a function of the bed height. A continuum model for the material distribution, based on the measured granular transport velocity as a function of the bed thickness, captures the essence of the experimental findings.     

Comparison of the Produced and Perceived Voice Range Profiles in Untrained and Trained Classical Singers

Frequency and intensity ranges (in true decibel sound pressure level, 20 microPa at 1 m) of voice production in trained and untrained vocalists were compared with the perceived dynamic range (phons) and units of loudness (sones) of the ear. Results were reported in terms of standard voice range profiles (VRPs), perceived VRPs (as predicted by accepted measures of auditory sensitivities), and a new metric labeled as an overall perceptual level construct. Trained classical singers made use of the most sensitive part of the hearing range (around 3-4 kHz) through the use of the singer's formant. When mapped onto the contours of equal loudness (depicting nonuniform spectral and dynamic sensitivities of the auditory system), the formant is perceived at an even higher sound level, as measured in phons, than a flat or A-weighted spectrum would indicate. The contributions of effects like the singer's formant and the sensitivities of the auditory system helped the trained singers produce 20% to 40% more units of loudness, as measured in sones, than the untrained singers. Trained male vocalists had a maximum overall perceptual level construct that was 40% higher than the untrained male vocalists. Although the A-weighted spectrum (commonly used in VRP measurement) is a reasonable first-order approximation of auditory sensitivities, it misrepresents the most salient part of the sensitivities (where the singer's formant is found) by nearly 10 dB.