On linear combinations of L-orthogonal polynomials associated with distributions belonging to symmetric classes

This paper deals with the classes S-3(omega, beta, b) of strong distribution functions defined on the interval [beta(2)/b, b], 0 < beta < b <= infinity, where 2 omega epsilon Z. The classification is such that the distribution function psi epsilon S-3(omega, beta, b) has a (reciprocal) symmetry, depending on omega, about the point beta. We consider properties of the L-orthogonal polynomials associated with psi epsilon S-3(omega, beta, b). Through linear combination of these polynomials we relate them to the L-orthogonal polynomials associated with some omega epsilon S-3(1/2, beta, b). (c) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Evaluation of Bulk and Surfaces Absorption Edge Energy of Sol-Gel-Dip-Coating SnO2 Thin Films

The absorption edge and the bandgap transition of sol-gel-dip-coating SnO2 thin films, deposited on quartz substrates, are evaluated from optical absorption data and temperature dependent photoconductivity spectra. Structural properties of these films help the interpretation of bandgap transition nature, since the obtained nanosized dimensions of crystallites are determinant on dominant growth direction and, thus, absorption energy. Electronic properties of the bulk and (110) and (101) surfaces are also presented, calculated by means of density functional theory applied to periodic calculations at B3LYP hybrid functional level. Experimentally obtained absorption edge is compared to the calculated energy band diagrams of bulk and (110) and (101) surfaces. The overall calculated electronic properties in conjunction with structural and electro-optical experimental data suggest that the nature of the bandgap transition is related to a combined effect of bulk and (101) surface, which presents direct bandgap transition.

Static simulation of bulk and selected surfaces of anatase TiO2

A theoretical investigation has been carried out to characterize bulk and selected surfaces of anatase TiO2. The calculations are performed using a B3LYP hybrid functional and 6-31G basis set within the periodic density functional approximation. Optimization procedures have been employed to determine the equilibrium geometry of the crystal and slab surface models. The compressibility, band structure, and the bulk and surface charge distributions are reported. The surface relative energies are identified to follow the sequence: (001) < (101) < (100) much less than (110) < < < (111), from the most stable surface to the least stable one. Relaxation of (001) and (101) surfaces are moderate, with no displacements exceeding; approximate to0.19 Angstrom. The theoretical results are compared with previous theoretical studies and available experimental data. (C) 2001 Elsevier B.V. B.V. All rights reserved.

A combination of implicit and adaptative upwind tools for the numerical solution of incompressible free surface flows

This paper is concerned with the numerical solutions of time dependent two-dimensional incompressible flows. By using the primitive variables of velocity and pressure, the Navier-Stokes and mass conservation equations are solved by a semi-implicit finite difference projection method. A new bounded higher order upwind convection scheme is employed to deal with the non-linear (advective) terms. The procedure is an adaptation of the GENSMAC (J. Comput. Phys. 1994; 110: 171-186) methodology for calculating confined and free surface fluid flows at both low and high Reynolds numbers. The calculations were performed by using the 2D version of the Freeflow simulation system (J. Comp. Visual. Science 2000; 2:199-210). In order to demonstrate the capabilities of the numerical method, various test cases are presented. These are the fully developed flow in a channel, the flow over a backward facing step, the die-swell problem, the broken dam flow, and an impinging jet onto a flat plate. The numerical results compare favourably with the experimental data and the analytical solutions. Copyright (c) 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Periodic study on the structural and electronic properties of bulk, oxidized and reduced SnO2(110) surfaces and the interaction with O-2

The structural and electronic properties of bulk and both oxidized and reduced SnO2(110) surfaces as well as the adsorption process of O-2 on the reduced surface have been investigated by periodic DFT calculations at B3LYP level. The lattice parameters, charge distribution, density of states and band structure are reported for the bulk and surfaces. Surface relaxation effects have been explicitly taken into account by optimizing slab models of nine and seven atomic layers representing the oxidized and reduced surfaces, respectively. The conductivity behavior of the reduced SnO2(110) surface is explained by a distribution of the electrons in the electronic states in the band gap induced by oxygen vacancies. Three types of adsorption approaches of O-2 on the four-fold tin at the reduced SuO(2)(110) surface have been considered. The most exothermic channel corresponds to the adsorption of O-2 parallel to the surface and to the four-fold tin row, and it is believed to be associated with the formation of a peroxo O-2(2-) species. The chemisorption of O-2 on reduced SnO2(110) surface causes a significant depopulation of states along the band gap and it is shown to trap the electrons in the chemisorbed complex producing an electron-depleted space-charge layer in the inner surface region of the material in agreement with some experimental evidences. (C) 2002 Elsevier B.V. B.V. All rights reserved.

LEFT-VENTRICULAR MAXIMAL SYSTOLIC ELASTANCE CALCULATED BY A COMBINATION OF M-MODE ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY AND STANDARD MANOMETRY

1. A method for obtaining the end-systolic left ventricular (LV) pressure-diameter and stress-diameter relationships in man was critically analyzed.2. Pressure-diameter and stress-diameter relationships were determined throughout the cardiac cycle by combining standard LV manometry with M-mode echocardiography. Nine adult patients with heart disease and without heart failure were studied during intracardiac catheterization under three different conditions of arterial pressure, i.e., basal (B) condition (mean +/- SD systolic pressure, 102 +/- 10 mmHg) and two stable states of arterial hypertension (H(I), 121 +/- 12 mmHg; H(II), 147 +/- 17 mmHg) induced by venous infusion of phenylephrine after parasympathetic autonomic blockade with 0.04 mg/kg atropine.3. Significant reflex heart rate variation with arterial hypertension was observed (B, 115 +/- 20 bpm; H(I), 103 +/- 14 bpm; H(II), 101 +/- 13 bpm) in spite of the parasympathetic blockade with atropine. The linear end-systolic pressure-diameter and stress-diameter relationships ranged from 53.0 to 160.0 mmHg/cm and from 97.0 to 195.0 g/cm3, respectively.4. The end-systolic LV pressure-diameter and stress-diameter relationship lines presented high and variable slopes. The slopes, which are indicators of myocardial contractility, are susceptible to modifications by small deviations in the measurement of the ventricular diameter or by delay in the pressure curve recording.

MAGNETOOPTICAL PROPERTIES OF F-2(+) CENTER IN KCL-SH-

The magnetic circular dichroism (MCD) of F2+ centers in KCl:SH- has been measured in absorption in the 1ssigma(g) --> 2p(y)pi(u) transitions at 493 and 509 nm, with fields up to 5 T and in the temperature range 1.5 K < T < 77 K. Within the limit of detection, no MCD is observed in the near infrared transition 1ssigma(g) --> 2psigma(u) as well as in both emissions 2ppi(u) --> 1ssigma(g) and 2psigma(u) --> 1ssigma(g). The optical detection of EPR in the F2+ ground state presents an isotropic single band with g = 1.965 +/- 0.007. The spin-lattice relaxation measured at H = 0.32 T is typical of a direct process T-1 = 4.3 x 10(-2_ coth (gmu(B)H/2k(B)T). The spectral variation of the MCD is calculated using perturbation theory to first order. The Hamiltonian includes the spin-orbit interaction in the 2ppi(u) excited state and the orbital molecular wave functions are obtained by a linear combination of 1s and 2p atomic orbitals. The calculated MCD is in good agreement with the observed one, for the spin-orbit interaction strength Pound(z) = 3.6 meV.

Combination of orthodontic movement and periodontal therapy for full root coverage in a miller class iii recession: A case report with 12 years of follow-up

One of the main purposes of mucogingival therapy is to obtain full root coverage. Several treatment modalities have been developed, but few techniques can provide complete root coverage in a class III Miller recession. Thus, the aim of this case report is to present a successful clinical case of a Miller class III gingival recession in which complete root coverage was obtained by means of a multidisciplinary approach. A 17-year-old Caucasian female was referred for treatment of a gingival recession on the mandibular left central incisor. The following procedures were planned for root coverage in this case: free gingival graft, orthodontic movement by means of alignment and leveling and coronally advanced flap (CAF). The case has been followed up for 12 years and the patient presents no recession, no abnormal probing depth and no bleeding on probing, with a wide attached gingiva band. A compromised tooth with poor prognosis, which would be indicated for extraction, can be treated by orthodontic movement and periodontal therapy, with possibility of 100% root coverage in some class III recessions.

Determination of Merremia cissoides leaf area using the linear measures of the leaflets

O conhecimento da área foliar de plantas daninhas pode auxiliar o estudo das relações de interferência entre elas e as culturas agrícolas. O objetivo desta pesquisa foi determinar uma equação matemática que estime a área foliar de Merremia cissoides, a partir da relação entre as dimensões lineares dos limbos foliares. Folhas da espécie foram coletadas de diferentes locais na Universidade Estadual Paulista, Jaboticabal, Estado de São Paulo, Brasil, medindo-se o comprimento (C), a largura máxima (L) e a área foliar de três tipos de folíolos. Foram estimadas equações lineares Y = a x (X) para cada tipo de folíolo. Houve sobreposição dos intervalos de confiança das equações dos folíolos primário e secundário, por isso considerou-se uma única equação da média desses folíolos, além da equação do folíolo principal, para caracterização da área foliar de M. cissoides. Assim, a área foliar dessa espécie pode ser estimada pelo somatório das áreas dos limbos foliares dos folíolos principal e primário + secundário, por meio da equação AFnest = 0,501 x (X) + 2,181 x (Z), em que X indica C x L do folíolo principal e Z indica C x L médios dos folíolos primário + secundário, respectivamente.

The effects of anesthesia with a combination of intramuscular xylazine-diazepam-ketamine on heart rate, respiratory rate and cloacal temperature in roosters

Objective To examine the anesthetic effects of a xylazine-diazepam-ketamine (XDK) combination in roosters.Study design Prospective experimental trial.Animals Six healthy white Leghorn roosters weighing 2.03 +/- 0.08 kg.Methods Each rooster was pre-medicated with xylazine (3 mg kg(-1), IM) and after 15 minutes anesthesia was induced with a diazepam (4 mg kg(-1)) and ketamine (25 mg kg(-1)) combination injected into the pectoral muscles. Heart and respiratory rates were recorded before anesthesia and every 15 minutes after induction for 165 minutes. Cloacal temperature was measured before and 15 minutes after pre-medication and every 75 minutes thereafter during anesthesia. Quality of induction and recovery were scored subjectively; duration of loss of righting reflex, abolition of response to a painful stimulus and palpebral reflex were also recorded.Results Intramuscular injection of xylazine smoothly induced loss of the righting reflex within 3-4 minutes. Loss of response to a painful stimulus occurred at 13.1 +/- 2.9 minutes (mean +/- SD) after the administration of the D-K combination, and lasted for 63.0 +/- 5.3 minutes. Roosters anesthetized with this combination had a significant decrease in heart and respiratory rates and cloacal temperature. The recovery period lasted for up to 4 hours (227.5 +/- 15.4 minutes). Quality of recovery was satisfactory for four roosters but excitation was noted in two birds.Conclusions and clinical relevance The XDK combination was a useful anesthetic technique for typhlectomy in roosters. Nevertheless this drug combination should be used with caution and cardiopulmonary parameters monitored carefully. Under the conditions of this experiment it was associated with a decreased cloacal temperature and prolonged recoveries.

Human face verification based on multidimensional Polynomial Powers of Sigmoid (PPS)

In this paper, we described how a multidimensional wavelet neural networks based on Polynomial Powers of Sigmoid (PPS) can be constructed, trained and applied in image processing tasks. In this sense, a novel and uniform framework for face verification is presented. The framework is based on a family of PPS wavelets,generated from linear combination of the sigmoid functions, and can be considered appearance based in that features are extracted from the face image. The feature vectors are then subjected to subspace projection of PPS-wavelet. The design of PPS-wavelet neural networks is also discussed, which is seldom reported in the literature. The Stirling Universitys face database were used to generate the results. Our method has achieved 92 % of correct detection and 5 % of false detection rate on the database.

Structural Characterization of Nanocrystalline Sb-Doped SnO2 Xerogels by Multiedge X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

Some exact solutions of the Dirac equation

Exact analytic solutions are found to the Dirac equation for a combination of Lorentz scalar and vector Coulombic potentials with additional non-Coulombic parts. An appropriate linear combination of Lorentz scalar and vector non-Coulombic potentials, with the scalar part dominating, can be chosen to give exact analytic Dirac wave functions.

On the dynamic behaviour of a mass supported by a parallel combination of a spring and an elastically connected damper

This paper presents a consistent and concise analysis of the free and forced vibration of a mass supported by a parallel combination of a spring and an elastically supported damper (a Zener model). The results are presented in a compact form and the physical behaviour of the system is emphasised. This system is very similar to the conventional single-degree-of freedom system (sdof)-(Voigt model), but the dynamics can be quite different depending on the system parameters. The usefulness of the additional spring in series with the damper is investigated, and optimum damping values for the system subject to different types of excitation are determined and compared.There are three roots to the characteristic equation for the Zener model; two are complex conjugates and the third is purely real. It is shown that it is not possible to achieve critical damping of the complex roots unless the additional stiffness is at least eight times that of the main spring. For a harmonically excited system, there are some possible advantages in using the additional spring when the transmitted force to the base is of interest, but when the displacement response of the system is of interest then the benefits are marginal. It is shown that the additional spring affords no advantages when the system is excited by white noise. (c) 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

On an Optimal Linear Control of a Chaotic Non-Ideal Duffing System

In this work, we use a nonlinear control based on Optimal Linear Control. We used as mathematical model a Duffing equation to model a supporting structure for an unbalanced rotating machine with limited power (non-ideal motor). Numerical simulations are performed for a set control parameter (depending on the voltage of the motor, that is, in the static and dynamic characteristic of the motor) The interaction of the non-ideal excitation with the structure may lead to the occurrence of interesting phenomena during the forward passage through the several resonance states of the system. Chaotic behavior is obtained for values of the parameters. Then, the proposed control strategy is applied in order to regulate the chaotic behavior, in order to obtain a periodic orbit and to decrease its amplitude. Both methodologies were used in complete agreement between them. The purpose of the paper is to give suggestions and recommendations to designers and engineers on how to drive this kind of system through resonance.