A normalization method of input data that conserves the norm information for competitive learning neural network using inner product

Normalization of input vector is essential for a competitive learning neural network using the inner product. In this paper we propose a transformation method of input vector without losing the norm information. To conserve the norm information, an additional vector component concerning the norm is introduced besides the original normalized components of the input vector. By applying the method to Kohonen’s self-organizing feature map, its usefulness is demonstrated. We also propose an optical apparatus for its realization.     

NeK X-ray yields on Be,C, Mg,Al and Ti bombardments

NeK X-rays have been measured when various thick targets were irradiated by Ne^{+, ++} ions. For Mg, Al and Ti targets, the X-ray yield dependence on Ne energy agrees qualitatively with the electron promotion model prediction.     

Current-voltage characteristics of charge-ordered organic crystals

The current-voltage characteristics of layered organic crystals theta-(BEDT-TTF)2MZn(SCN)4 (M = Cs, Rb) follow the power law with a large exponent (e.g., 8.4 at 0.29 K for M = Cs) over a wide range of currents in the low-temperature insulating state. The power-law characteristics are attributed to electric field-induced unbinding of electron-hole pairs that are thermally excited in the background of the two-dimensional charge order. The magnitude of crossover electric fields from Ohmic to the power-law characteristics indicates that the electron-electron Coulomb interaction is significantly long-ranged: The screening length is greater than 10 molecule sites.     

Quasi-two-dimensional Fermi surfaces and coherent interlayer transport in KFe₂As₂

We report the results of the angular-dependent magnetoresistance oscillations (AMROs), which can determine the shape of bulk Fermi surfaces (FSs) in quasi-two-dimensional (Q2D) systems, in a highly hole-doped Fe-based superconductor KFe2As2 with Tc ≈ 3.7 K. From the AMROs, we determined the two Q2D FSs with rounded-square cross sections, correspond to 12% and 17% of the first Brillouin zone. The rounded-squared shape of the FS cross section is also confirmed by the analyses of the interlayer transport under in-plane fields. From the obtained FS shape, we infer the character of the 3d orbitals that contribute to the FSs.     

The effect of internal Co2 conductance on leaf carbon isotope ratio

We estimated internal CO₂ conductance (g_i ) for C₃ plant species of different life forms (annual herbs, deciduous trees and evergreen trees) grown in a variety of environments to examine the effect of g i on their leaf carbon isotope ratio (i¹³C). The purpose of this study was to test the validity of using i¹³C as an index of photosynthetic water use efficiency (WUE). When comparing deciduous tree species grown in contrasting light environments, there was a strong positive relationship between i¹³C and WUE. Similarly, i¹³C was positively correlated to WUE when comparing the different species of evergreen trees. However, the difference in WUE between evergreen and deciduous tree species did not relate to that in leaf i¹³C. In addition, WUE was similar between highland and lowland herbaceous plants, although the former had a much higher i¹³C. The positive relationship between i¹³C and WUE did not hold across different life forms and different altitudes when differences in g_i did not relate to those in stomatal conductance, resulting in independence of chloroplast CO₂ partial pressure from intercellular CO₂ partial pressure.     

Synthesis and Some Properties of Low Melting Ferroelectric Liquid Crystals of Benzylidene Anilines

A series of chiral benzylidene-aniline compounds, 4-alkoxybenzylidene 4′-(2-methylbutyloxycarbonyl)anilines, have been synthesized and their mesomorphic properties are examined. They showed a monotropic chiral smectic C phase in conjunction with enantiotropic smectic A phase, and their chiral smectic C—smectic A phase transition temperatures are around room temperatures. Their spontaneous polarization values are moderately higher than those of DOBAMBC “4-decyloxybenzylidene 4′-amino-(2-methylbutyl)cinnamate”.     

Search for Alpha Inelastic Condensed State in 24Mg

The alpha inelastic scattering from ²⁴Mg was measured to obtain the isoscalar natural-parity excitation strengths and to search for the α-condensed states. The multipole decomposition analysis for the measured cross sections was performed. The strength distributions for the ${{\Delta}L=0{-}3}$ were successfully obtained and the possible candidates for the α-condensed states around the ¹⁶O core were found.     

Preparation and characterization of a novel organic-inorganic nanohybrid "cerasome" formed with a liposomal membrane and silicate surface

A novel class of organic-inorganic hybrids, the so-called cerasomes, which have a bilayer vesicular structure and a silicate surface, has been synthesized by combination of sol-gel reaction and self-assembly of organoalkoxysilanes with a molecular structure analogous to lipids. We have synthesized two cerasome-forming organoalkoxysilanes, N-[N-(3-triethoxysilyl)propylsuccinamoyl]dihexadecylamine (1) and N,N-dihexadecyl-N (alpha)-[6-[(3-triethoxysilyl)propyldimethylammonio]hexanoyl]glycinamide bromide (2), and investigated the synthetic conditions of the cerasomes and their structural characteristics. For the proamphiphilic 1, the cerasome was obtained under restricted pH conditions where acid-catalyzed hydrolysis of the triethoxysilyl moiety proceeded without disturbing the vesicle formation. In contrast, the amphiphilic 2, additionally having a hydrophilic quaternary ammonium group, formed stable dispersions of the cerasome in a wide pH range. The hydrolysis behavior of the triethoxysilyl groups was monitored by (1)H NMR spectroscopy. Morphology of the cerasomes having the liposomal vesicular structure was confirmed by TEM observations. Extent of the development of siloxane networks through condensation among the silanol groups on the cerasome surface was evaluated by using MALDI-TOF-MS spectrometry. Formation of oligomers of the cerasome-forming lipids in the vesicle was clearly confirmed. Due to the siloxane network formation, the cerasome showed remarkably high morphological stability compared with a reference liposome, as evaluated by surfactant dissolution measurements.