Loop Algorithms for Asymmetric Hamiltonians

Generalized rules for building and flipping clusters in the quantum Monte Carlo loop algorithm are presented for the XXZ-model in a uniform magnetic field along the Z-axis. As is demonstrated for the Heisenberg antiferromagnet it is possible from these rules to select a new algorithm which performs significantly better than the standard loop algorithm in strong magnetic fields at low temperatures.Comment: Replaced measurement of helicity modulus at H=2J with a measurement at H=3.95J + other small changes in the section on numerical result

Universal SSE algorithm for Heisenberg model and Bose Hubbard model with interaction

We propose universal SSE method for simulation of Heisenberg model with arbitrary spin and Bose Hubbard model with interaction. We report on the first calculations of soft-core bosons with interaction by the SSE method. Moreover we develop a simple procedure for increase efficiency of the algorithm. From calculation of integrated autocorrelation times we conclude that the method is efficient for both models and essentially eliminates the critical slowing down problem.Comment: 6 pages, 5 figure

Quantum Monte Carlo with Directed Loops

We introduce the concept of directed loops in stochastic series expansion and path integral quantum Monte Carlo methods. Using the detailed balance rules for directed loops, we show that it is possible to smoothly connect generally applicable simulation schemes (in which it is necessary to include back-tracking processes in the loop construction) to more restricted loop algorithms that can be constructed only for a limited range of Hamiltonians (where back-tracking can be avoided). The "algorithmic discontinuities" between general and special points (or regions) in parameter space can hence be eliminated. As a specific example, we consider the anisotropic S=1/2 Heisenberg antiferromagnet in an external magnetic field. We show that directed loop simulations are very efficient for the full range of magnetic fields (zero to the saturation point) and anisotropies. In particular for weak fields and anisotropies, the autocorrelations are significantly reduced relative to those of previous approaches. The back-tracking probability vanishes continuously as the isotropic Heisenberg point is approached. For the XY-model, we show that back-tracking can be avoided for all fields extending up to the saturation field. The method is hence particularly efficient in this case. We use directed loop simulations to study the magnetization process in the 2D Heisenberg model at very low temperatures. For LxL lattices with L up to 64, we utilize the step-structure in the magnetization curve to extract gaps between different spin sectors. Finite-size scaling of the gaps gives an accurate estimate of the transverse susceptibility in the thermodynamic limit: chi_perp = 0.0659 +- 0.0002.Comment: v2: Revised and expanded discussion of detailed balance, error in algorithmic phase diagram corrected, to appear in Phys. Rev.

Carotid artery plaque composition : Relationship to clinical presentation and ultrasound B-mode imaging

Objective: To correlate B-mode ultrasound findings to carotid plaque histology. Design: European multicentre study (nine centres). Material and Methods: Clinical presentation and risk factors were recorded and preoperative ultrasound Duplex scanning with special emphasis on B-mode imaging studies was performed in 270 patients undergoing carotid endarterectomy. Perioperatively macroscopic plaque features were evaluated and the removed specimens were analysed histologically for fibrous tissue, calcification and 'soft tissue' (primarily haemorrhage and lipid). Results: Males had more soft tissue than females (p = 0.0006), hypertensive patients less soft tissue than normotensive (p = 0.01) and patients with recent symptoms more soft tissue than patients with earlier symptoms (p = 0.004). There was no correlation between surface description on ultrasound images compared to the surface judged intraoperatively by the surgeon. Echogenicity on B-mode images was inversely related to soft tissue (p=0.005) and calcification ions directly related to echogenicity (p < 0.0001). Heterogeneous plaques contained more calcification than homogeneous (p = 0.003), however there was no difference in content of soft tissue. Conclusion: Ultrasound B-mode characteristics are related to the histological composition of carotid artery plaques and to patient's history. These results may imply that patients with distant symptoms may be regarded and treated as asymptomatic patients whereas asymptomatic patients with echolucent plaques should be considered for carotid endarterectomy

Energetic particle influence on the Earth's atmosphere

This manuscript gives an up-to-date and comprehensive overview of the effects of energetic particle precipitation (EPP) onto the whole atmosphere, from the lower thermosphere/mesosphere through the stratosphere and troposphere, to the surface. The paper summarizes the different sources and energies of particles, principally galactic cosmic rays (GCRs), solar energetic particles (SEPs) and energetic electron precipitation (EEP). All the proposed mechanisms by which EPP can affect the atmosphere are discussed, including chemical changes in the upper atmosphere and lower thermosphere, chemistry-dynamics feedbacks, the global electric circuit and cloud formation. The role of energetic particles in Earth’s atmosphere is a multi-disciplinary problem that requires expertise from a range of scientific backgrounds. To assist with this synergy, summary tables are provided, which are intended to evaluate the level of current knowledge of the effects of energetic particles on processes in the entire atmosphere

Community-Driven Development and Elite Capture: Microcredit and Community Board Participation in Indonesia

In the late 1990s, a series of events occurred that would change the course of Indonesian history in dramatic and irreversible ways. The Asian economic crisis resulted in months of runaway inflation followed by civil unrest in Indonesia’s major urban centers. Many observers concur that the turning point was on May 12, 1998, when four Indonesian university students were killed by Indonesian security forces (Bird 1999: 29). These and other closely related events, such as violent attacks on Indonesians of Chinese descent and the occupation of the National Assembly building by university students, led ultimately to the resignation of President Suharto (Siegel 1998). The resignation was followed by a period of consolidation of the pro-democracy and political reform movements. This consolidation encompassed a national dialogue about the need for clean government, an opening up of the news media and civil society in unprecedented ways and a series of electoral reforms. Another significant event in the late 1990s was the passing of two pieces of decentralization legislation, Law 22/1999 and Law 25/1999, that began to reverse a thirty-year process of centralization and that gave substantial political and fiscal power to local, municipal-level governments. These events presented incredible challenges and opportunities for Indonesia’s national development.2 One challenge was dealing with the rise in urban poverty rates spurred by the crisis. Another major challenge was sustaining the national momentum for more democratic, transparent and accountable governance from the village to the national level. Finally, there was the question of how successful state and civil society actors would be in using the new political spaces created by these events while also protecting them from elite capture