Minimal configuration trees

A graph is singular of nullity η if zero is an eigenvalue of its adjacency matrix with multiplicity η. If η(G)=1, then the core of G is the subgraph induced by the vertices associated with the non-zero entries of the zero-eigenvector. A connected subgraph of G with the least number of vertices and edges, that has nullity one and the same core as G, is called a minimal configuration. A subdivision of a graph G is obtained by inserting a vertex on every edge of G. We review various properties of minimal configurations. In particular, we show that a minimal configuration is a tree if and only if it is a subdivision of some other tree.     

Lignin biodegradation by the ascomyceteChrysonilia sitophila

The lignin biodegradation process has an important role in the carbon cycle of the biosphere. The study of this natural process has developed mainly with the use of basidiomycetes in laboratory investigations. This has been a logical approach since most of the microorganisms involved in lignocellulosic degradation belong to this class of fungi. However, other microorganisms such as ascomycetes and also some bacteria, are involved in the lignin decaying process. This work focuses on lignin biodegradation by a microorganism belonging to the ascomycete class,Chrysonilia sitophila. Lignin peroxidase production and characterization, mechanisms of lignin degradation (lignin model compounds and lignin in wood matrix) and biosynthesis of veratryl alcohol are outstanding. Applications of C.sitophila for effluent treatment, wood biodegradation and single-cell protein production are also discussed.     

On the Effect of Misspecifying the Density Ratio Model

The density ratio model specifies that the log-likelihood ratio of two unknown densities is of known linear form which depends on some finite dimensional parameters. The model can be broadened to allow for m-samples in a quite natural way. Estimation of both parametric and nonparametric part of the model is carried out by the method of empirical likelihood. However the assumed linear form has an impact on the estimation and testing for the parametric part. The goal of this study is to quantify the effect of choosing an incorrect linear form and its impact to inference. The issue of misspecification is addressed by embedding the unknown linear form to some parametric transformation family which yields ultimately to its identification. Simulated examples and data analysis integrate the presentation.     

Light scattering observations of spin reversal excitations in the fractional quantum Hall regime

Resonant inelastic light scattering experiments access the low lying excitations of electron liquids in the fractional quantum Hall regime in the range 2/5≥ν≥1/3. Modes associated with changes in the charge and spin degrees of freedom are measured. Spectra of spin reversed excitations at filling factor ν?1/3 and at ν?2/5 identify a structure of lowest spin-split Landau levels of composite fermions (CFs) that is similar to that of electrons. Observations of spin wave excitations enable determinations of energies required to reverse spin. The spin reversal energies obtained from the spectra illustrate the significant residual interactions of composite fermions. At ν=1/3 energies of spin reversal modes are larger but relatively close to spin conserving excitations that are linked to activated transport. Predictions of composite fermion theory are in good quantitative agreement with experimental results.     

Author Index to Volume 62

The gaseous reaction of oxygen atoms with dimethylamine was studied in a cross-jet reactor and found to proceed by electrophilic addition to form an energy-rich N-oxide which rearranges to an hydroxylamine and then decomposes via three routes: (CH₃)₂ N + OH, CH₃NCH₂ + H₂O and CH₃NHO + CH₃.