Quantum Phase Transitions and the Extended Coupled Cluster Method

We discuss the application of an extended version of the coupled cluster method to systems exhibiting a quantum phase transition. We use the lattice O(4) non-linear sigma model in (1+1)- and (3+1)-dimensions as an example. We show how simple predictions get modified, leading to the absence of a phase transition in (1+1) dimensions, and strong indications for a phase transition in (3+1) dimensions

Single image example-based super-resolution using cross-scale patch matching and Markov random field modelling

Example-based super-resolution has become increasingly popular over the last few years for its ability to overcome the limitations of classical multi-frame approach. In this paper we present a new example-based method that uses the input low-resolution image itself as a search space for high-resolution patches by exploiting self-similarity across different resolution scales. Found examples are combined in a high-resolution image by the means of Markov Random Field modelling that forces their global agreement. Additionally, we apply back-projection and steering kernel regression as post-processing techniques. In this way, we are able to produce sharp and artefact-free results that are comparable or better than standard interpolation and state-of-the-art super-resolution techniques

Bayesian opponent modeling in adversarial game environments.

This thesis investigates the use of Bayesian analysis upon an opponent¿s behaviour in order to determine the desired goals or strategy used by a given adversary. A terrain analysis approach utilising the A* algorithm is investigated, where a probability distribution between discrete behaviours of an opponent relative to a set of possible goals is generated. The Bayesian analysis of agent behaviour accurately determines the intended goal of an opponent agent, even when the opponent¿s actions are altered randomly. The environment of Poker is introduced and abstracted for ease of analysis. Bayes¿ theorem is used to generate an effective opponent model, categorizing behaviour according to its similarity with known styles of opponent. The accuracy of Bayes¿ rule yields a notable improvement in the performance of an agent once an opponent¿s style is understood. A hybrid of the Bayesian style predictor and a neuroevolutionary approach is shown to lead to effective dynamic play, in comparison to agents that do not use an opponent model. The use of recurrence in evolved networks is also shown to improve the performance and generalizability of an agent in a multiplayer environment. These strategies are then employed in the full-scale environment of Texas Hold¿em, where a betting round-based approach proves useful in determining and counteracting an opponent¿s play. It is shown that the use of opponent models, with the adaptive benefits of neuroevolution aid the performance of an agent, even when the behaviour of an opponent does not necessarily fit within the strict definitions of opponent ¿style¿.Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC

Short-term rhGH increases PIIINP, a biomarker of endothelial dysfunction

Objectives: In arterial hypertension, amino-terminal propeptide of type III procollagen (PIIINP) is elevated in arterial aneurysm tissue and associated with a poor prognosis following acute myocardial infarction (MI). Recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) administration attenuates endothelial dysfunction but increases PIIINP. This study was conducted to establish if short-term rhGH administration affects PIIINP, endothelial function and selected cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors, in healthy males. Design: Method: Male subjects (n=48) were randomly assigned into two groups: (1): control group (C) n=24, mean ± SD, age 32 ± 11 years; height 1.8 ± 0.06 metres; (2): rhGH administration group (rhGH) n=24, mean ± SD, age 32 ± 9 years; height 1.8 ± 0.07 metres. Blood pressure (BP), heart rate (HR), arterial pulse wave velocity (APWV), and biochemical indices were investigated. Results: PIIINP (0.28±0.1 vs. 0.42±0.2, U/ml); Insulin like growth factor-I (159±54 vs. 323±93, ng.mL-1); resting HR (72±14 vs. 78±11, b.p.m.) and rate pressure product (RPP) (90±18 vs. 97±14, bpm x mm.Hg x 10-2) all significantly increased (P<0.05). Total cholesterol (4.7±0.9 vs. 4.4±0.7, mmol.L-1); high sensitivity C-reactive protein (1.77±2.1 vs. 1.29±1.6, mg.L-1); serum homocysteine (13.2±4.0 vs. 11.7±3.1, μmol.L-1) and APWV (9.97±1.38 vs. 9.18±1.6, m.s-1) all significantly decreased (P<0.05). Conclusion: Paradoxically, there was an improvement in CVD inflammatory markers and APWV; but PIIINP and resting RPP increased. Elevated PIIINP may have a confounding adverse effect on the endothelium, but may also provide clinical prognostic information in monitoring arterial hypertension, left ventricular function in the sub-acute phase following MI and endothelial function in aortic aneurysms

Reduction of toroidal rotation by fast wave power in DIII-D

The application of fast wave power in DIII-D has proven effective for both electron heating and current drive. Since the last RIF Conference FW power has been applied to advanced confinement regimes in DIII-D; negative central shear (NCS), VH- and H-modes, high {beta}{sub p}, and high-{ell}i. Typically these regimes show enhanced confinement of toroidal momentum exhibited by increased toroidal rotation velocity. Indeed, layers of large shear in toroidal velocity are associated with transport barriers. A rather common occurrence in these experiments is that the toroidal rotation velocity is decreased when the FW power is turned on, to lowest order independent of whether the antennas are phased for co or counter current drive. At present all the data is for co-injected beams. The central toroidal rotation can be reduced to 1/2 of the non-FW level. Here the authors describe the effect in NCS discharges with co-beam injection

Sources and distributions of branched and isoprenoid tetraether lipids on the Amazon shelf and fan: Implications for the use of GDGT-based proxies in marine sediments

Branched glycerol dialkyl glycerol tetraethers (brGDGTs) in river fan sediments have been used successfully to reconstruct mean annual air temperature (MAAT) and soil pH of the Congo River drainage basin. However, in a previous study of Amazon deep-sea fan sediments the reconstructed MAATs were ca. 10 °C colder than the actual MAAT of the Amazon basin. In this study we investigated this apparent offset, by comparing the concentrations and distributions of brGDGTs in Amazon River suspended particulate matter (SPM) and sediments to those in marine SPM and surface sediments. The riverine brGDGT input was evident from the elevated brGDGT concentrations in marine SPM and surface sediments close to the river mouth. The distributions of brGDGTs in marine SPM and sediments varied widely, but generally showed a higher relative abundance of methylated and cyclic brGDGTs than those in the river. Since this difference in brGDGT distribution was also found in intact polar lipid (IPL)-derived brGDGTs, which were more recently produced, the change in the marine brGDGT distribution was most likely due to marine in situ production. Consequently, the MAATs calculated based on the methylation of branched tetraethers (MBT) and the cyclisation of branched tetraethers (CBT) were lower and the CBT-derived pH values were higher than those of the Amazon basin. However, SPM and sediments from stations close to the river mouth still showed MBT/CBT values that were similar to those of the river. Therefore, we recommend caution when applying the MBT/CBT proxy, it should only be used in sediment cores that were under high river influence. The influence of riverine derived isoprenoid GDGT (isoGDGT) on the isoGDGT-based TEX86 temperature proxy was also examined in marine SPM and sediments. An input of riverine isoGDGTs from the Amazon River was apparent, but its influence on the marine TEX86 was minor since the TEX86 of SPM in the Amazon River was similar to that in the marine SPM and sediments

Magnetic transition and spin dynamics in the triangular Heisenberg antiferromagnet α-KCrO2

We present the results of muon-spin relaxation measurements on the triangular lattice Heisenberg antiferromagnet α -KCrO 2 . We observe sharp changes in behavior at an ordering temperature of T c =23 K, with an additional broad feature in the muon-spin relaxation rate evident at T=13 K, both of which correspond to features in the magnetic contribution to the heat capacity. This behavior is distinct from both the Li- and Na-containing members of the series. These data may be qualitatively described with the established theoretical predictions for the underlying spin system

Founding quantum theory on the basis of consciousness

In the present work, quantum theory is founded on the framework of consciousness, in contrast to earlier suggestions that consciousness might be understood starting from quantum theory. The notion of streams of consciousness, usually restricted to conscious beings, is extended to the notion of a Universal/Global stream of conscious flow of ordered events. The streams of conscious events which we experience constitute sub-streams of the Universal stream. Our postulated ontological character of consciousness also consists of an operator which acts on a state of potential consciousness to create or modify the likelihoods for later events to occur and become part of the Universal conscious flow. A generalized process of measurement-perception is introduced, where the operation of consciousness brings into existence, from a state of potentiality, the event in consciousness. This is mathematically represented by (a) an operator acting on the state of potential-consciousness before an actual event arises in consciousness and (b) the reflecting of the result of this operation back onto the state of potential-consciousness for comparison in order for the event to arise in consciousness. Beginning from our postulated ontology that consciousness is primary and from the most elementary conscious contents, such as perception of periodic change and motion, quantum theory follows naturally as the description of the conscious experience.Comment: 41 pages, 3 figures. To be published in Foundations of Physics, Vol 36 (6) (June 2006), published online at http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10701-006-9049-

A Systematic Extended Iterative Solution for QCD

An outline is given of an extended perturbative solution of Euclidean QCD which systematically accounts for a class of nonperturbative effects, while allowing renormalization by the perturbative counterterms. Proper vertices Gamma are approximated by a double sequence Gamma[r,p], with r the degree of rational approximation w.r.t. the QCD mass scale Lambda, nonanalytic in the coupling g, and p the order of perturbative corrections in g-squared, calculated from Gamma[r,0] - rather than from the perturbative Feynman rules Gamma(0)(pert) - as a starting point. The mechanism allowing the nonperturbative terms to reproduce themselves in the Dyson-Schwinger equations preserves perturbative renormalizability and is tied to the divergence structure of the theory. As a result, it restricts the self-consistency problem for the Gamma[r,0] rigorously - i.e. without decoupling approximations - to the superficially divergent vertices. An interesting aspect of the scheme is that rational-function sequences for the propagators allow subsequences describing short-lived excitations. The method is calculational, in that it allows known techniques of loop computation to be used while dealing with integrands of truly nonperturbative content.Comment: 48 pages (figures included). Scope of replacement: correction of a technical defect; no changes in conten

The Net Global Effects of Alternative U.S. Biofuel Mandates

One of the declared objectives of U.S. biofuel policy is the reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from fossil fuel combustion, but many studies have questioned whether such a reduction would actually occur and, if so, how large it would be. This report describes the global market, land use, GHG emissions, and nitrogen use impacts of the U.S. Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS2) and several alternative biofuel policy designs, which differ in terms of mandate magnitude and feedstock composition, over the 2010-2030 period