The complexification and degree of a semi-algebraic set

The complexification of a semi-algebraic set is the smallest complex algebraic set containing S. Let S be defined by s polynomials of degrees less than d. We prove that the geometric degree of the complexification is less than . Received: 9 January 1997; in final form: 11 August 2000 / Published online: 17 May 2001     

Analysis of a Poisson system with boundary conditions

We consider a class of problems originating from a Raman laser amplification model, for which the equations can be written as a Poisson system with boundary conditions. Once reformulated, this system becomes an integro-differential equation that we study here in some detail. In particular, we show the existence of a smooth solution under general assumptions, and prove its uniqueness for boundary values that are not too far apart. Eventually, we completely solve the question of uniqueness for systems of dimensions one and two. To cite this article: F. Castella et al., C. R. Acad. Sci. Paris, Ser. I 336 (2003).     

Fracture strength of class II slot cavities restored with polymerizable restorative materials

This study compared the fracture strength of Class II slot cavities restored with polymerizable restorative materials. Sixty, caries-free, posterior teeth were divided into five groups of 12 teeth. The Class II slot cavities were prepared. The teeth were restored with two packable composites (Filtek P60, Surefil), a microhybrid composite (Filtek Z250)and two ormocer (Definite, Admira). The restorations were then subjected to fracture resistance tests. The marginal ridges of the restorations were loaded at an angle of 13.5° to the long axis of the tooth in an Universal Testing Machine until failure. Analysis of mean forces indicated that, Filtek P60, Surefil and Filtek Z250 exhibited better performance than Definite and Admira. The tested resin composites differed in their mechanical properties. This study suggested that fracture behavior were highly influenced by the filler system. Overall, Filtek P60, Surefil, Filtek Z250, demonstrated good fracture resistance. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Parametric Centers for Trigonometric Abel Equations

This article is devoted to one-dimensional perturbative theory on R × S ¹. There is a recursive formula for the successive obstructions to parametric center at any order of the perturbation parameter. The first obstruction is studied by means of complex analysis techniques. This extends to the trigonometric case what was done previously for the polynomial case (Israel J. Math. 142, 273–283, 2004). This article is dedicated to Professor Zhang Zhi-Fen on the occasion of her 80th Birthday     

The calculation of neutron self-shielding factors of a group of isolated resonances

The resonance neutron self-shielding factor, G _res, is required in neutron metrology and activation data analysis. In a previous paper, the authors have shown that a dimensionless variable can be introduced which converts the dependence of G _res on the physical and nuclear properties of the material samples into an universal curve, valid for the isolated resonances of any nuclide. This work presents a methodology based on the universal curve, which enables to calculate G _res for a group of isolated resonances by weighting its individual contributions. A good agreement was reached with results calculated by the MCNP code and with experimental values for Mo foils and wires. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Fixed mesh approximation of ordinary differential equations with impulses

When trains of impulse controls are present on the right-hand side of a system of ordinary differential equations, the solution is no longer smooth and contains jumps which can accumulate at several points in the time interval. In technological and physical systems the sum of the absolute value of all the impulses is finite and hence the total variation of the solution is finite. So the solution at best belongs to the space BV of vector functions with bounded variation. Unless variable node methods are used, the loss of smoothness of the solution would a priori make higher-order methods over a fixed mesh inactractive. Indeed in general the order of -convergence is and the nodal rate is . However in the linear case -convergence rate remains but the nodal rate can go up to by using one-step or multistep scheme with a nodal rate up to when the solution belongs to . Proofs are given of error estimates and several numerical experiments confirm the optimality of the estimates. Received March 15, 1996 / Revised version received January 3, 1997     

Peripheral spectrum of positive quasi-compact operators onC 0(X)

LetX be a locally compact space, andT, a quasi-compact positive operator onC ₀(X), with positive spectral radius,r. Then the peripheral spectrum ofT is a finite set of poles containingr, and the residue of the resolvent ofT at each peripheral pole is of finite rank. Using the concept of closed absorbing set, we develop an iterative process that gives the order,p, ofr, some special bases of the algebraic eigenspaces ker(T-r) ^p and ker(T ^*-r) ^p , and finally the dimension of the algebraic eigenspace associated to each peripheral pole.     

Excitons in ZnP2 crystals in the electric field of a Schottky barrier

A study is made of the effect of electric fields on the exciton states of β-ZnP₂ crystals (T=77 K) in structures with Schottky barriers formed by depositing semitransparent electrically-conducting InSnO₂ films on the crystal surface. The observed changes in the exciton optical reflection spectra when an electrical potential is applied to a barrier are explained by the shift and broadening of the exciton level caused by the Stark effect. The experimental data are compared with calculations based on a theory of exciton optical reflection from planar spatially nonuniform structures. Fiz. Tverd. Tela (St. Petersburg) 40, 884–886 (May 1998)