Nonstochastic behavior of atomic surface diffusion on Cu(111) down to low temperatures

Atomic diffusion is usually understood as a succession of random, independent displacements of an adatom over the surface's potential energy landscape. Nevertheless, an analysis of molecular dynamics simulations of self-diffusion on Cu(111) demonstrates the existence of different types of correlations in the atomic jumps at all temperatures. Thus, the atomic displacements cannot be correctly described in terms of a random walk model. This fact has a profound impact on the determination and interpretation of diffusion coefficients and activation barriers.     

Evolution from BCS to BEC superfluidity in p-wave Fermi gases

We consider the evolution of superfluid properties of a three-dimensional p-wave Fermi gas from a weak coupling Bardeen-Cooper-Schrieffer (BCS) to strong coupling Bose-Einstein condensation (BEC) limit as a function of scattering volume. At zero temperature, we show that a quantum phase transition occurs for p-wave systems, unlike the s-wave case where the BCS to BEC evolution is just a crossover. Near the critical temperature, we derive a time-dependent Ginzburg-Landau (GL) theory and show that the GL coherence length is generally anisotropic due to the p-wave nature of the order parameter, and becomes isotropic only in the BEC limit.     

Carbon monoxide dissociation on Rh nanopyramids

CO dissociation on rhomboidal faceted nanopyramids, produced on Rh(110) by fine-tuning of ion irradiation conditions, has been studied by high resolution core-level spectroscopy. We find that this morphology presents a large efficiency towards CO dissociation, a process which is inhibited on flat (110) terraces. We also measured the reactivity of nanostructures bound by different artificial step distributions identifying the sites responsible for the molecular bond disruption in the undercoordinated (n=6) edges running along the [11[over ]2] equivalent directions, with CO sitting in on-top configuration.     

Can MRI Contribute to the Understanding and Therapy of Mental Diseases?

The nowadays most accepted hypothesis of the origin of mental diseases is an impaired connectivity between various brain areas. Magnetic resonance tractography reveals structural connectivities through neuronal fibers and resting state functional imaging allows one to visualize functional connectivities. The detection of the small signal changes needs the highest sensitivity and the magnetic resonance imaging scans must be repeated as fast as possible. Statistical evaluation and cross correlation of the signals in all voxels show synchrony of signal-level fluctuations even in remote brain areas. This makes it possible to establish brain networks. The most important of them are the default mode network, the salience network, and the central executive network. Applications to schizophrenia and depression will be discussed. In deep brain stimulation, the excitation, currently used for therapy of Parkinson’s disease, is now introduced for therapy of major depressive disorder and can be taylored to the necessary brain location.     

Profile structures of TJ-II stellarator plasmas

Fine structures are found in the TJ-II stellarator electron temperature and density profiles, when they are measured using a high spatial resolution Thomson scattering system. These structures consist of peaks and valleys superimposed to a smooth average. Some irregularities remain in an ensemble average of discharges with similar macroscopic parameters such as line density, central temperature, and plasma current. They are found in all the magnetic configurations explored in plasmas heated by electron cyclotron waves. Their characteristics are shown and their possible origin is discussed.     

On the existence of matrices with constrained elements,rows and columns

Let the following be given: two n × m real matrices, E and F, such that F ? E, three real n-rows, p, a and b, such that b ? a, and three real m-columns, t, c and d, such that d ? c. We give inequalities relating the given matrices and vectors, equivalent to the consistency of the system

$\text{F ? X ? E}$

,

$\text{d ? Xt ? c}$

,

$\text{b ? pX ?a}$

, where X is an n × m unknown real matrix.     

The Construction of Frobenius Manifolds¶from KP tau-Functions

Frobenius manifolds (solutions of WDVV equations) in canonical coordinates are determined by the system of Darboux–Egoroff equations. This system of partial differential equations appears as a specific subset of the n-component KP hierarchy. KP representation theory and the related Sato infinite Grassmannian are used to construct solutions of this Darboux–Egoroff system and the related Frobenius manifolds. Finally we show that for these solutions Dubrovin's isomonodromy tau-function can be expressed in the KP tau-function. Received: 1 September 1998 / Accepted: 7 March 1999     

LM-g splines

As an extension of the notion of an L-g spline, three mathematical structures called LM-g splines of types I, II, and III are introduced. Each is defined in terms of two differential operators the coefficients a_j, J = 0,…, n − 1, and b_i, I = 0,…, m, are sufficiently smooth; and b_m is bounded away from zero on [0, T]. Each of the above types of splines is the solution of an optimization problem more general than the one used in the definition of the L-g spline and hence it is recognized as an entity which is distinct from and more general mathematically than the L-g spline. The LM-g splines introduced here reduce to an L-g spline in the special case in which m = 0 and b₀ = constant ≠ 0. After the existence and uniqueness conditions, characterization, and best approximation properties for the proposed splines are obtained in an appropriate reproducing kernel Hilbert space framework, their usefulness in extending the range of applicability of spline theory to problems in estimation, optimal control, and digital signal processing are indicated. Also, as an extension of recent results in the generalized spline literature, state variable models for the LM-g splines introduced here are exhibited, based on which existing least squares algorithms can be used for the recursive calculation of these splines from the data.     

Disk Noise Measurement System for Optical Disks

We developed a system to measure disk noise as a function of both radial and angular position. In order to obtain an accurate disk noise measurement, crosstalk and intersymbol interference were avoided by recording regularly repeating pit patterns and the influence of electronic and laser noise was removed by averaging techniques. We found the system’s mapping ability and its high sensitivity to be very useful in investigating disk noise phenomena in the mastering process. We used the system to assess the accuracy and reproducibility of the photopolymerization replication and Al vapor deposition processes. Also, we investigated the choice of photoresist and found that photoresists with the combination of the narrowest molecular weight distribution and the highest photo-active compound content resulted in the lowest disk noise levels. Our system can, in principle, be adapted to evaluate magneto-optical and phase change disks.     

Spin echo MRI in the evaluation of hearts with a double outlet right ventricle: usefulness and limitations

The surgical approach to a double outlet right ventricle (DORV) is dependent on the spatial relationship of the semilunar valves, outflow tracts and ventricular septal defect (VSD). The purpose of the study was to assess the value of MRI for the evaluation of cardiovascular anatomy in patients before and after surgery for DORV. Spin echo MRI was performed in 12 patients with DORV (eight preoperative and four postoperative patients). Thin-section MRI was performed in three orthogonal planes and selected angulated views were obtained. Conventional imaging by color Doppler echocardiography and cine-angiocardiography and surgical findings, when present, served as the reference standards. The results found that the spatial relationship between semilunar valves and VSD was accurately assessed by MRI in eight out of eight preoperative patients. In the four postoperative cases MRI depicted the morphology of both outflow tracts and provided adequate information on their patency. Of the eight preoperative patients, five have undergone corrective surgery and the MRI findings were confirmed. MRI provided additional information to conventional imaging preoperatively in three cases in which the VSD opened into the outlet portion of the DORV, without there being a direct relation to a semilunar valve. In two preoperative cases in which the VSD was directly committed to the aorta, conventional imaging was conclusive. MRI was unable to depict aberrant chordae tendineae in four out of four cases. We conclude that MRI provides accurate additional anatomic information in patients with DORV, which is helpful in presurgical planning as well as during follow-up. Spin echo MRI does not visualize aberrant chordae tendineae.