The spectra of nonnegative integer matrices via formal power series

We characterize the possible nonzero spectra of primitive integer matrices (the integer case of Boyle and Handelman's Spectral Conjecture). Characterizations of nonzero spectra of nonnegative matrices over and follow from this result. For the proof of the main theorem we use polynomial matrices to reduce the problem of realizing a candidate spectrum to factoring the polynomial as a product where the 's are polynomials in satisfying some technical conditions and is a formal power series in . To obtain the factorization, we present a hierarchy of estimates on coefficients of power series of the form to ensure nonpositivity in nonzero degree terms.

     

Efficient inverse radiation analysis in a cylindrical geometry using a combined method of hybrid genetic algorithm and finite-difference Newton method

An inverse radiation problem was considered to estimate boundary conditions such as temperature distribution and emissivity in axisymmetric absorbing, emitting, and scattering medium, given the measured incident radiative heat fluxes. The finite-volume method was employed to solve a direct radiative transfer equation for a two-dimensional axisymmetric geometry. Various parameter estimators, such as conjugate-gradient method, hybrid genetic algorithm, and finite-difference Newton method, were employed to solve the inverse problems, while discussing their performances in terms of estimation accuracy and computational efficiency. Based on this, we proposed, as a best inverse analysis tool, a new combined method that adopted the hybrid genetic algorithm as an initial value selector and used the finite-difference Newton method as a parameter estimator.     

Measuring particle size-dependent physicochemical structure in airborne single walled carbon nanotube agglomerates

As-produced single-walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT) material is a complex matrix of carbon nanotubes, bundles of nanotubes (nanoropes), non-tubular carbon and metal catalyst nanoparticles. The pulmonary toxicity of material released during manufacture and handling will depend on the partitioning and arrangement of these components within airborne particles. To probe the physicochemical structure of airborne SWCNT aggregates, a new technique was developed and applied to aerosolized as-produced material. Differential Mobility Analysis-classified aggregates were analyzed using an Aerosol Particle Mass Monitor, and a structural parameter Γ (proportional to the square of particle mobility diameter, divided by APM voltage) derived. Using information on the constituent components of the SWCNT, modal values of Γ were estimated for specific particle compositions and structures, and compared against measured values. Measured modal values of Γ for 150 nm mobility diameter aggregates suggested they were primarily composed of non-tubular carbon from one batch of material, and thin nanoropes from a second batch of material – these findings were confirmed using Transmission Electron Microscopy. Measured modal values of Γ for 31 nm mobility diameter aggregates indicated that they were comprised predominantly of thin carbon nanoropes with associated nanometer-diameter metal catalyst particles; there was no indication that either catalyst particles or non-tubular carbon particles were being preferentially released into the air. These results indicate that the physicochemistry of aerosol particles released while handling as-produced SWCNT may vary significantly by particle size and production batch, and that evaluations of potential health hazards need to account for this. Disclaimer: The mention of any company or product does not constitute an endorsement by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The findings and conclusions in this paper are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.     

Directing Polymorphism in the Helical Nanofilament Phase

Herein, it is reported that the polymorphism in the helical nanofilament (HNF, B₄) liquid-crystalline phase depends on the fabrication methods, that is, UV-driven formation and template-assisted self-assembly in the nanoconfined geometry. As a result, uniaxially oriented HNFs with different helical structures were obtained, in which generation of the twisted-ribbon and cylindrical-ribbon polymorphs showed that even the molecular lattice has a different orientation. The detailed structures were directly observed by SEM and grazing-incidence X-ray diffraction with synchrotron radiation. The resultant polymorphs could be used in chiro-optical applications due to the capability for fine control of the helical structures.     

Synthesis of some 2-substituted-thioxanthones

This paper presents the synthesis of 2-amino-, 2-acetamido- and 2-benzamidothioxanthones and their 10,10-dioxides.     

The impact of investment lags on investment decision

This paper suggests a valuation framework for an investment project through the concept of real options. Generally, in real asset world, decision time and its payment time are not identical. This so-called investment lag problem should be considered when valuing real assets. When investment lags exist, firms’ accommodation capacities play important roles. In this paper, the real effect of investment lag on investment value is tested upon various conditions. We show the valuation process of real assets under the risk-neutral world. The closed-form formula is also provided for valuing real assets, including R&D project.     

Effects of rubbing angle on maximum transmittance of in-plane switching liquid crystal display

Measurements of the maximum transmittance of an in-plane switching liquid crystal display showed that it increases as rubbing angle is increased from 10 to 20°. This dependence was analysed in terms of the local variation of electric field intensity between electrodes, which in turn makes liquid crystal at various positions between the electrodes rotate to different angles. The local variation of electric field becomes prominent, especially in the case that the distance between the electrodes is much larger than the cell gap or electrode width.