A simple and optimal ancestry labeling scheme for trees

We present a $\lg n + 2 \lg \lg n+3$ ancestry labeling scheme for trees. The problem was first presented by Kannan et al. [STOC 88'] along with a simple $2 \lg n$ solution. Motivated by applications to XML files, the label size was improved incrementally over the course of more than 20 years by a series of papers. The last, due to Fraigniaud and Korman [STOC 10'], presented an asymptotically optimal $\lg n + 4 \lg \lg n+O(1)$ labeling scheme using non-trivial tree-decomposition techniques. By providing a framework generalizing interval based labeling schemes, we obtain a simple, yet asymptotically optimal solution to the problem. Furthermore, our labeling scheme is attained by a small modification of the original $2 \lg n$ solution.Comment: 12 pages, 1 figure. To appear at ICALP'1

Finding core allocations for fixed cost games in electricity networks

We discuss the cost allocation problem faced by a network operator, where the fixed (residual) cost of the network has to be allocated among its users. Usage-based methods, such as the postage stamp rate method and the MW-mile method, are easy to understand and compute, but may yield cost allocations for which some transactions are subsidizing others. Formally, this is equivalent to allocations outside of the core of the corresponding cooperative cost game. Our main contribution is to present a method, similar to a well-known method for computing the nucleolus, by which several usage-based methods may be combined in order to produce allocations that are in, or as close as possible to, the core. The method is illustrated using a model of an AC power network

Comparative analysis on the structural features of the 5' flanking region of κ-casein genes from six different species

κ-casein plays an essential role in the formation, stabilisation and aggregation of milk micelles. Control of κ-casein expression reflects this essential role, although an understanding of the mechanisms involved lags behind that of the other milk protein genes. We determined the 5'-flanking sequences for the murine, rabbit and human κ-casein genes and compared them to the published ruminant sequences. The most conserved region was not the proximal promoter region but an approximately 400 bp long region centred 800 bp upstream of the TATA box. This region contained two highly conserved MGF/STAT5 sites with common spacing relative to each other. In this region, six conserved short stretches of similarity were also found which did not correspond to known transcription factor consensus sites. On the contrary to ruminant and human 5' regulatory sequences, the rabbit and murine 5'-flanking regions did not harbour any kind of repetitive elements. We generated a phylogenetic tree of the six species based on multiple alignment of the κ-casein sequences. This study identified conserved candidate transcriptional regulatory elements within the κ-casein gene promoter

Four electrons in a two-leg Hubbard ladder: exact ground states

In the case of a two-leg Hubbard ladder we present a procedure which allows the exact deduction of the ground state for the four particle problem in arbitrary large lattice system, in a tractable manner, which involves only a reduced Hilbert space region containing the ground state. In the presented case, the method leads to nine analytic, linear, and coupled equations providing the ground state. The procedure which is applicable to few particle problems and other systems as well is based on an r-space representation of the wave functions and construction of symmetry adapted orthogonal basis wave vectors describing the Hilbert space region containing the ground state. Once the ground state is deduced, a complete quantum mechanical characterization of the studied state can be given. Since the analytic structure of the ground state becomes visible during the use of the method, its importance is not reduced only to the understanding of theoretical aspects connected to exact descriptions or potential numerical approximation scheme developments, but is relevant as well for a large number of potential technological application possibilities placed between nano-devices and quantum calculations, where the few particle behavior and deep understanding are important key aspects to know.Comment: 19 pages, 5 figure

Direct comparison of steroid and non-steroid eluting small surface pacing leads: Randomized, multicenter clinical trial

BACKGROUND: The aim of the study was to evaluate the effi cacy and safety of small surface steroid-eluting atrial and ventricular pacing leads in comparison to non-steroid leads using remote monitoring system (Biotronik Home Monitoring(R)). METHODS: In this randomized multicenter prospective trial, SIELLO T steroid-eluting ventricular leads (n = 42) were compared to BPPU T non-steroid leads (n = 46) and SIELLO JT steroid-eluting atrial leads (n = 24) to BPPU JT non-steroid leads (n = 27) (Biotronik, Berlin, Germany) in pacemaker devices with remote monitoring capabilities. Lead parameters were evaluated during implantation, at 1-week and 1, 3, 6-month outpatient follow-up. Remote monitoring data were collected weekly. RESULTS: Atrial and ventricular steroid-eluting leads had stable sensing and impedance as compared to non-steroid leads at implantation and during follow-up. Patients with non-steroid atrial leads had signifi cantly higher threshold compared to steroid leads at 1-week and at 1, 3, 6-month follow-up with a peak at 1-month (1-month 1.4 +/- 0.6 vs. 0.7 +/- 0.3 V at 0.4 ms, p < 0.001; 6-month 0.3 +/- 0.5 vs. 0.2 +/- 0.3 V at 0.4 ms, p = 0.002). Patients with non-steroid ventricular leads had signifi cantly higher threshold compared to steroid leads at 1, 3, 6-month (6-month 1.0 +/- 0.3 vs. 0.6 +/- 0.2 V at 0.4 ms, p < 0.001). Remote monitoring confi rmed consistent results. During the study, 3 patients died of non-lead-related death. Lead repositioning was necessary in 2 atrial, 2 ventricular steroid leads and in 1 ventricular non-steroid lead. CONCLUSIONS: Atrial and ventricular pacemaker leads with steroid showed signifi cantly lower pacing threshold compared to non-steroid leads, confi rmed by remote monitoring

Existence of global weak solutions to dumbbell models for dilute polymers with microscopic cut-off

Accepted versio