Orthogonal polynomials on the unit circle and chain sequences

Szego{double acute} has shown that real orthogonal polynomials on the unit circle can be mapped to orthogonal polynomials on the interval [-1,1] by the transformation 2x=z+z-1. In the 80's and 90's Delsarte and Genin showed that real orthogonal polynomials on the unit circle can be mapped to symmetric orthogonal polynomials on the interval [-1,1] using the transformation 2x=z1/2+z-1/2. We extend the results of Delsarte and Genin to all orthogonal polynomials on the unit circle. The transformation maps to functions on [-1,1] that can be seen as extensions of symmetric orthogonal polynomials on [-1,1] satisfying a three-term recurrence formula with real coefficients {cn} and {dn}, where {dn} is also a positive chain sequence. Via the results established, we obtain a characterization for a point w(|w|=1) to be a pure point of the measure involved. We also give a characterization for orthogonal polynomials on the unit circle in terms of the two sequences {cn} and {dn}. © 2013 Elsevier Inc.

Tolerância ao esforço físico e função cardíaca em diferentes períodos pós-indução de estenose aórtica em ratos

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

An assessment of fiscal and regulatory barriers to deployment of energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies in Belize

Belize is currently faced with several critical challenges associated with the production, distribution and use of energy. Despite an abundance of renewable energy resources, the country remains disproportionately dependent on imported fossil fuels, which exposes it to volatile and rising oil prices, limits economic development, and retards its ability to make the investments that are necessary for adapting to climate change, which pose a particularly acute threat to the small island states and low-lying coastal nations of the Caribbean. This transition from energy consumption and supply patterns that are based on imported fossil fuels and electricity towards a more sustainable energy economy that is based on environmentally benign, indigenous renewable energy technologies and more efficient use of energy requires concerted action as the country is already challenged by limited fiscal space which reduces its ability to provide some fiscal incentives, which have been proven to be effective tools for the promotion of sustainable energy markets in a number of countries. This report identifies the fiscal and regulatory barriers to implementation of energy efficiency measures and renewable energy technologies in Belize. Data and information were derived from stakeholder consultations conducted within the country. The major result of the assessment is that the transition of policies and plans into tangible action needs to be increased. In this regard, it is necessary to articulate sub-policies of the National Energy Policy to amend the Public Utilities Commission Act, to develop a grid interconnection policy, to establish minimum energy performance standards for buildings and equipment and to develop a public procurement policy. Finally, decisions on renewable energy and energy efficiency-related incentives from the Government formally requires decision-makers to solve what may be extremely complex optimization problems in order to obtain the lowest-cost provision of energy services to society, thereby weighing the cost of revenue losses with the benefits of fuel and infrastructure expansion savings. The establishment of a management system that is efficient, flexible, and transparent, which will facilitate the implementation of the strategic objectives and outputs in the time available, with the financial resources allocated is recommended. Support is required for additional institutional and capacity strengthening.

Desinfecção de próteses totais por micro-ondas: efeito da frequência de irradiação no tratamento da estomatite protética

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Produção de ligno-hemi-celulases por fermentação em estado sólido e avaliação dos efeitos da aplicação das enzimas na composição química e estrutura do bagaço e da palha de cana

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Morfometria e compactação da cromatina espermática de touros Nelore de acordo com a idade e sua influência na produção de embriões in vitro

Pós-graduação em Medicina Veterinária - FCAV

Metabolismo, desenvolvimento e composição química de Varronia curassavica Jacq. em função da supressão da irrigação

Pós-graduação em Agronomia (Horticultura) - FCA

Signature of the scattering between dark sectors in large scale cosmic microwave background anisotropies

We study the interaction between dark sectors by considering the momentum transfer caused by the dark matter scattering elastically within the dark energy fluid. Describing the dark scattering analogy to the Thomson scattering which couples baryons and photons, we examine the impact of the dark scattering in CMB observations. Performing global fitting with the latest observational data, we find that for a dark energy equation of state w < -1, the CMB gives tight constraints on dark matter-dark energy elastic scattering. Assuming a dark matter particle of proton mass, we derive an elastic scattering cross section of sigma(D) < 3.295 x 10(-10)sigma(T) where sigma(T) is the cross section of Thomson scattering. For w > -1, however, the constraints are poor. For w = -1, sigma(D) can formally take any value.

Spin-glass behaviour on random lattices

The ground-state phase diagram of an Ising spin-glass model on a random graph with an arbitrary fraction w of ferromagnetic interactions is analysed in the presence of an external field. Using the replica method, and performing an analysis of stability of the replica-symmetric solution, it is shown that w = 1/2, corresponding to an unbiased spin glass, is a singular point in the phase diagram, separating a region with a spin-glass phase (w < 1/2) from a region with spin-glass, ferromagnetic, mixed and paramagnetic phases (w > 1/2).

Crystal phases and glassy dynamics in monodisperse hard ellipsoids

We have performed Monte Carlo and molecular dynamics simulations of suspensions of monodisperse, hard ellipsoids of revolution. Hard-particle models play a key role in statistical mechanics. They are conceptually and computationally simple, and they offer insight into systems in which particle shape is important, including atomic, molecular, colloidal, and granular systems. In the high density phase diagram of prolate hard ellipsoids we have found a new crystal, which is more stable than the stretched FCC structure proposed previously . The new phase, SM2, has a simple monoclinic unit cell containing a basis of two ellipsoids with unequal orientations. The angle of inclination is very soft for length-to-width (aspect) ratio l/w=3, while the other angles are not. A symmetric state of the unit cell exists, related to the densest-known packings of ellipsoids; it is not always the stable one. Our results remove the stretched FCC structure for aspect ratio l/w=3 from the phase diagram of hard, uni-axial ellipsoids. We provide evidence that this holds between aspect ratios 3 and 6, and possibly beyond. Finally, ellipsoids in SM2 at l/w=1.55 exhibit end-over-end flipping, warranting studies of the cross-over to where this dynamics is not possible. Secondly, we studied the dynamics of nearly spherical ellipsoids. In equilibrium, they show a first-order transition from an isotropic phase to a rotator phase, where positions are crystalline but orientations are free. When over-compressing the isotropic phase into the rotator regime, we observed super-Arrhenius slowing down of diffusion and relaxation, and signatures of the cage effect. These features of glassy dynamics are sufficiently strong that asymptotic scaling laws of the Mode-Coupling Theory of the glass transition (MCT) could be tested, and were found to apply. We found strong coupling of positional and orientational degrees of freedom, leading to a common value for the MCT glass-transition volume fraction. Flipping modes were not slowed down significantly. We demonstrated that the results are independent of simulation method, as predicted by MCT. Further, we determined that even intra-cage motion is cooperative. We confirmed the presence of dynamical heterogeneities associated with the cage effect. The transit between cages was seen to occur on short time scales, compared to the time spent in cages; but the transit was shown not to involve displacements distinguishable in character from intra-cage motion. The presence of glassy dynamics was predicted by molecular MCT (MMCT). However, as MMCT disregards crystallization, a test by simulation was required. Glassy dynamics is unusual in monodisperse systems. Crystallization typically intervenes unless polydispersity, network-forming bonds or other asymmetries are introduced. We argue that particle anisometry acts as a sufficient source of disorder to prevent crystallization. This sheds new light on the question of which ingredients are required for glass formation.

Measurement of the unpolarized K+ Lambda and K+ Sigma 0 electroproduction cross-section off the proton with KAOS-spectrometer

The new stage of the Mainz Microtron, MAMI, at the Institute for Nuclear Physics of the Johannes Gutenberg-University, operational since 2007, allows open strangeness experiments to be performed. Covering the lack of electroproduction data at very low Q2, p(e,K+)Lambda and p(e,K+)Sigma0, reactions have been studied at Q^2 = 0.036(GeV/c)^2 andrnQ^2 = 0.05(GeV=c)^2 in a large angular range. Cross-section at W=1.75rnGeV will be given in angular bins and compared with the predictions of Saclay-Lyon and Kaon Maid isobaric models. We conclude that the original Kaon-Maid model, which has large longitudinal couplings of the photon to nucleon resonances, is unphysical. Extensive studies for the suitability of silicon photomultipliers as read out devices for a scintillating fiber tracking detector, with potential applications in both positive and negative arms of the spectrometer, will be presented as well.

Synthese und Evaluierung makrozyklischer 68 Ga-MPI-Tracer auf Pyridaben-Basis

Herz-Kreislauf-Erkrankungen zählen weltweit zu den Hauptursachen, die zu frühzeitigem Tod führen. Pathophysiologisch liegt eine Gefäßwandverdickung durch Ablagerung arteriosklerotischer Plaques (Arteriosklerose) vor. Die molekulare Bildgebung mit den nuklearmedizinischen Verfahren SPECT und PET zielt darauf ab, minderperfundierte Myokardareale zu visualisieren, um den Krankheitsverlauf durch frühzeitige Therapie abschwächen zu können. Routinemäßig eingesetzt werden die SPECT-Perfusionstracer [99mTc]Sestamibi und [99mTc]Tetrofosmin. Zum Goldstandard für die Quantifizierung der Myokardperfusion werden allerdings die PET-Tracer [13N]NH3 und [15O]H2O, da eine absolute Bestimmung des Blutflusses in mL/min/g sowohl in der Ruhe als auch bei Belastung möglich ist. 2007 wurde [18F]Flurpiridaz als neuer Myokardtracer vorgestellt, dessen Bindung an den MC I sowohl in Ratten, Hasen, Primaten als auch in ersten klinischen Humanstudien eine selektive Myokardaufnahme zeigte. Um eine Verfügbarkeit des Radionuklids über einen Radionuklidgenerator gewährleisten zu können, sollten makrozyklische 68Ga-Myokard-Perfusionstracer auf Pyridaben-Basis synthetisiert und evaluiert werden. Die neue Tracer-Klasse setzte sich aus dem makrozyklischen Chelator, einem Linker und dem Insektizid Pyridaben als Targeting-Vektor zusammen. Struktur-Affinitätsbeziehungen konnten auf Grund von Variation des Linkers (Länge und Polarität), der Komplexladung (neutral und einfach positiv geladen), des Chelators (DOTA, NODAGA, DO2A) sowie durch einen Multivalenzansatz (Monomer und Dimer) aufgestellt werden. Insgesamt wurden 16 neue Verbindungen synthetisiert. Ihre 68Ga-Markierung wurde hinsichtlich pH-Wert, Temperatur, Vorläufermenge und Reaktionszeit optimiert. Die DOTA/NODAGA-Pyridaben-Derivate ließen sich mit niedrigen Substanzmengen (6 - 25 nmol) in 0,1 M HEPES-Puffer (pH 3,4) bei 95°C innerhalb 15 min mit Ausbeuten > 95 % markieren. Für die DO2A-basierenden Verbindungen bedurfte es einer mikrowellengestützen Markierung (300 W, 1 min, 150°C), um vergleichbare Ausbeuten zu erzielen. Die in vitro-Stabilitätstests aller Verbindungen erfolgten in EtOH, NaCl und humanem Serum. Es konnten keine Instabilitäten innerhalb 80 min bei 37°C festgestellt werden. Unter Verwendung der „shake flask“-Methode wurden die Lipophilien (log D = -1,90 – 1,91) anhand des Verteilungs-quotienten in Octanol/PBS-Puffer ermittelt. Die kalten Referenzsubstanzen wurden mit GaCl3 hergestellt und zur Bestimmung der IC50-Werte (34,1 µM – 1 µM) in vitro auf ihre Affinität zum MC I getestet. In vivo-Evaluierungen erfolgten mit den zwei potentesten Verbindungen [68Ga]VN160.MZ und [68Ga]VN167.MZ durch µ-PET-Aufnahmen (n=3) in gesunden Ratten über 60 min. Um die Organverteilung ermitteln zu können, wurden ex vivo-Biodistributionsstudien (n=3) vorgenommen. Sowohl die µ-PET-Untersuchungen als auch die Biodistributionsstudien zeigten, dass es bei [68Ga]VN167.MZ zwar zu einer Herzaufnahme kam, die jedoch eher perfusionsabhängig ist. Eine Retention des Tracers im Myokard konnte in geringem Umfang festgestellt werden.

ADVENTURES IN FRIEDMANN COSMOLOGIES---INTERACTION OF POSITIVE ENERGY DENSITIES WITH NEGATIVE ENERGY DENSITIES AND CURVATURE OF THE UNIVERSE

In this report we will investigate the effect of negative energy density in a classic Friedmann cosmology. Although never measured and possibly unphysical, the evolution of a Universe containing a significant cosmological abundance of any of a number of hypothetical stable negative energy components is explored. These negative energy (Ω < 0) forms include negative phantom energy (w<-1), negative cosmological constant (w=-1), negative domain walls (w=-2/3), negative cosmic strings (w= -1/3), negative mass (w=0), negative radiation (w=1/3), and negative ultra-light (w > 1/3). Assuming that such universe components generate pressures as perfect fluids, the attractive or repulsive nature of each negative energy component is reviewed. The Friedmann equations can only be balanced when negative energies are coupled to a greater magnitude of positive energy or positive curvature, and minimal cases of both of these are reviewed. The future and fate of such universes in terms of curvature, temperature, acceleration, and energy density are reviewed including endings categorized as a Big Crunch, Big Void, or Big Rip and further qualified as "Warped", "Curved", or "Flat", "Hot" versus "Cold", "Accelerating" versus" Decelerating" versus "Coasting". A universe that ends by contracting to zero energy density is termed a Big Poof. Which contracting universes ``bounce" in expansion and which expanding universes ``turnover" into contraction are also reviewed. The name by which the ending of the Universe is mentioned is our own nomenclature.

Seasonal variation of VO 2 max and the VO2-work rate relationship in elite Alpine skiers

PURPOSE: Alpine ski performance relates closely to both anaerobic and aerobic capacities. During their competitive season, skiers greatly reduce endurance and weight training, and on-snow training becomes predominant. To typify this shift, we compared exhaustive ramp cycling and squat (SJ) and countermovement jumping (CMJ) performance in elite males before and after their competitive season. RESULTS: In postseason compared with preseason: 1) maximal oxygen uptake (VO 2 max) normalized to bodyweight was higher (55.2 +/- 5.2 vs 52.7 +/- 3.6 mL x kg(-1) x min(-1), P < 0.01), but corresponding work rate (W) was unchanged; 2) at ventilatory thresholds (VT), absolute and relative work rates were similar but heart rates were lower; 3) VO2/W slope was greater (9.59 +/- 0.6 vs 9.19 +/- 0.4 mL O2 x min(-1) x W(-1), P = 0.02), with similar flattening (P < 0.01) above V T1 at both time points; and 4) jump height was greater in SJ (47.4 +/- 4.4 vs 44.7 +/- 4.3 cm, P < 0.01) and CMJ (52.7 +/- 4.6 vs 50.4 +/- 5.0 cm, P < 0.01). DISCUSSION: We believe that aerobic capacity and leg power were constrained in preseason and that improvements primarily reflected an in-season recovery from a fatigued state, which was caused by incongruous preseason training. Residual adaptations to high-altitude exposure in preseason could have also affected the results. Nonetheless, modern alpine skiing seemingly provides an ample cardiovascular training stimulus for skiers to maintain their aerobic capacities during the racing season. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that aerobic fitness and leg explosiveness can be maintained in-season but may be compromised by heavy or excessive preseason training. In addition, ramp test V O2/W slope analysis could be useful for monitoring both positive and negative responses to training.

Optimizing infrared to near infrared upconversion quantum yield of β-NaYF4:Er3+ in fluoropolymer matrix for photovoltaic devices

The present study reports for the first time the optimization of the infrared (1523 nm) to near-infrared (980 nm) upconversion quantum yield (UC-QY) of hexagonal trivalent erbium doped sodium yttrium fluoride (β-NaYF4:Er3+) in a perfluorocyclobutane (PFCB) host matrix under monochromatic excitation. Maximum internal and external UC-QYs of 8.4% ± 0.8% and 6.5% ± 0.7%, respectively, have been achieved for 1523 nm excitation of 970 ± 43 Wm−2 for an optimum Er3+ concentration of 25 mol% and a phosphor concentration of 84.9 w/w% in the matrix. These results correspond to normalized internal and external efficiencies of 0.86 ± 0.12 cm2 W−1 and 0.67 ± 0.10 cm2 W−1, respectively. These are the highest values ever reported for β-NaYF4:Er3+ under monochromatic excitation. The special characteristics of both the UC phosphor β-NaYF4:Er3+ and the PFCB matrix give rise to this outstanding property. Detailed power and time dependent luminescence measurements reveal energy transfer upconversion as the dominant UC mechanism.