Inhomogeneous mixmaster universes: Some exact solutions

Algorithms for generating new exact solutions of the Einstein-Klein-Gordon field equations, which describe inhomogeneous universes with S³ topology of spatial sections, are developed. The known exact vacuum and stiff-fluid solutions with S³ topology are used as an input. The methods developed are further applied to derive inhomogenous generalizations of Bianchi type IX solutions and inhomogeneous S³ Gowdy models with gravitational and scalar waves. It is shown that the new solutions, which are generalizations of the Bianchi type IX models, permit identification of the scalar field with the velocity potential of the stiff irrotational fluid. The latter result is further used to study the growth rate of density perturbations of the isotropic and anisotropic Bianchi type IX universes in a fully nonlinear relativistic regime. The role of anisotropy of the rate of growth of density perturbations is studied in detail.     

Normed algebras of differentiable functions on compact plane sets

We investigate the completeness and completions of the normed algebras (D ⁽¹⁾(X), ‖ · ‖) for perfect, compact plane sets X. In particular, we construct a radially self-absorbing, compact plane set X such that the normed algebra (D ⁽¹⁾(X), ‖ · ‖) is not complete. This solves a question of Bland and Feinstein. We also prove that there are several classes of connected, compact plane sets X for which the completeness of (D ⁽¹⁾(X), ‖ · ‖) is equivalent to the pointwise regularity of X. For example, this is true for all rectifiably connected, polynomially convex, compact plane sets with empty interior, for all star-shaped, compact plane sets, and for all Jordan arcs in ℂ.     

A molecular dynamics method for simulations in the canonical ensemble

A molecular dynamics simulation method which can generate configurations belonging to the canonical (T, V, N) ensemble or the constant temperature constant pressure (T, P, N) ensemble, is proposed. The physical system of interest consists of N particles (f degrees of freedom), to which an external, macroscopic variable and its conjugate momentum are added. This device allows the total energy of the physical system to fluctuate. The equilibrium distribution of the energy coincides with the canonical distribution both in momentum and in coordinate space. The method is tested for an atomic fluid (Ar) and works well.     

Limits on an energy dependence of the speed of light from a flare of the active galaxy PKS 2155-304

In the past few decades, several models have predicted an energy dependence of the speed of light in the context of quantum gravity. For cosmological sources such as active galaxies, this minuscule effect can add up to measurable photon-energy dependent time lags. In this Letter a search for such time lags during the High Energy Stereoscopic System observations of the exceptional very high energy flare of the active galaxy PKS 2155-304 on 28 July 2006 is presented. Since no significant time lag is found, lower limits on the energy scale of speed of light modifications are derived.     

Banach function algebras with dense invertible group

In 2003 Dawson and Feinstein asked whether or not a Banach function algebra with dense invertible group can have a proper Shilov boundary. We give an example of a uniform algebra showing that this can happen, and investigate the properties of such algebras. We make some remarks on the topological stable rank of commutative, unital Banach algebras. In particular, we prove that whenever is approximately regular.

     

The shear modulus of the human vocal fold in a transverse direction

The aim of this study was to measure the shear modulus of the vocal fold in a human hemilarynx, such that the data can be related to direction of applied stress and anatomical context. Dynamic spring rate data were collected using a modified linear skin rheometer using human hemilarynges, and converted to estimated shear modulus via application of a simple shear model. The measurement probe was attached to the epithelial layer of the vocal fold cover using suction. A sinusoidal force of 3g was applied to the epithelium, and the resultant displacement logged at a rate of 1kHz. Force measurement accuracy was 20microg and position measurement accuracy was 4microm. The force was applied in a transverse direction at the midmembranous point between the vocal process and the anterior commissure. The shear modulus of the three female vocal folds ranged from 814 to 1232Pa. The shear modulus of the three male vocal folds ranged from 1021 to 1796Pa. These data demonstrate that it is possible to obtain estimates for the shear modulus of the vocal fold while preserving anatomical context. The modulus values reported here are higher than those reported using parallel plate rheometry. This is to be expected as the tissue is attached to surrounding structures, and is under natural tension.     

在不同温度下球墨鑄铁的冲击性能

本文描述高温冲击实验的技术,以及由-85℃至1070℃的铸态和锻造后的球墨铸铁的冲击性能。研究结果找到了基体主要为铁素体的球墨铸铁的两个变脆温度范围(-20℃以下和550℃至700℃之间)和一个比较具有韧性的温度范围(850℃与1050℃之间)。在这些温度范围内,曾考查试样的断口情况和断裂时的弯曲角度,并与其基体组织的变化相联系,进行讨论。最后,本文指出研究结果在球墨铸铁的应用上所起的作用,以及在球墨铸铁热加工时对于选择热加工温度的意义。