Dual-layer network representation exploiting information characterization

In this paper, a logical dual-layer representation approach is proposed to facilitate the analysis of directed and weighted complex networks. Unlike the single logical layer structure, which was widely used for the directed and weighted flow graph, the proposed approach replaces the single layer with a dual-layer structure, which introduces a provider layer and a requester layer. The new structure provides the characterization of the nodes by the information, which they provide to and they request from the network. Its features are explained and its implementation and visualization are also detailed. We also design two clustering methods with different strategies respectively, which provide the analysis from different points of view. The effectiveness of the proposed approach is demonstrated using a simplified example. By comparing the graph layout with the conventional directed graph, the new dual-layer representation reveals deeper insight into the complex networks and provides more opportunities for versatile clustering analysis.The National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) under its Programme Grants for Applied Research Programme (Grant Reference Number RP-PG-0310-1004)

Andreev Bound states as a phase sensitive probe of the pairing symmetry of the iron pnictide superconductors

A leading contender for the pairing symmetry in the Fe-pnictide high temperature superconductors is extended s-wave $s_\pm$, a nodeless state in which the pairing changes sign between Fermi surfaces. Verifying such a pairing symmetry requires a special phase sensitive probe that is also momentum selective. We show that the sign structure of $s_\pm$ pairing leads to surface Andreev bound states at the sample edge. In the clean limit they only occur when the edge is along the nearest neighbor Fe-Fe bond, but not for a diagonal edge or a surface orthogonal to the c-axis. In contrast to d-wave Andreev bound states, they are not at zero energy and, in general, do not produce a zero bias tunneling peak. Consequences for tunneling measurements are derived, within a simplified two band model and also for a more realistic five band model.Comment: 5 pages, 5 figure

Using Self-Adaptive Evolutionary Algorithms to Evolve Dynamism-Oriented Maps for a Real Time Strategy Game

9th International Conference on Large Scale Scientific Computations. The final publication is available at link.springer.comThis work presents a procedural content generation system that uses an evolutionary algorithm in order to generate interesting maps for a real-time strategy game, called Planet Wars. Interestingness is here captured by the dynamism of games (i.e., the extent to which they are action-packed). We consider two different approaches to measure the dynamism of the games resulting from these generated maps, one based on fluctuations in the resources controlled by either player and another one based on their confrontations. Both approaches rely on conducting several games on the map under scrutiny using top artificial intelligence (AI) bots for the game. Statistic gathered during these games are then transferred to a fuzzy system that determines the map's level of dynamism. We use an evolutionary algorithm featuring self-adaptation of mutation parameters and variable-length chromosomes (which means maps of different sizes) to produce increasingly dynamic maps.TIN2011-28627-C04-01, P10-TIC-608

Thermalized Displaced Squeezed Thermal States

In the coordinate representation of thermofield dynamics, we investigate the thermalized displaced squeezed thermal state which involves two temperatures successively. We give the wavefunction and the matrix element of the density operator at any time, and accordingly calculate some quantities related to the position, momentum and particle number operator, special cases of which are consistent with the results in the literature. The two temperatures have diffenent correlations with the squeeze and coherence components. Moreover, different from the properties of the position and momentum, the average value and variance of the particle number operator as well as the second-order correlation function are time-independent.Comment: 7 pages, no figures, Revtex fil

The Topological Relation Between Bulk Gap Nodes and Surface Bound States : Application to Iron-based Superconductors

In the past few years materials with protected gapless surface (edge) states have risen to the central stage of condensed matter physics. Almost all discussions centered around topological insulators and superconductors, which possess full quasiparticle gaps in the bulk. In this paper we argue systems with topological stable bulk nodes offer another class of materials with robust gapless surface states. Moreover the location of the bulk nodes determines the Miller index of the surfaces that show (or not show) such states. Measuring the spectroscopic signature of these zero modes allows a phase-sensitive determination of the nodal structures of unconventional superconductors when other phase-sensitive techniques are not applicable. We apply this idea to gapless iron based superconductors and show how to distinguish accidental from symmetry dictated nodes. We shall argue the same idea leads to a method for detecting a class of the elusive spin liquids.Comment: updated references, 6 pages, 4 figures, RevTex

Compressibility effects on the scalar mixing in reacting homogeneous turbulence

The compressibility and heat of reaction influence on the scalar mixing in decaying isotropic turbulence and homogeneous shear flow are examined via data generated by direct numerical simulations (DNS). The reaction is modeled as one-step, exothermic, irreversible and Arrhenius type. For the shear flow simulations, the scalar dissipation rate, as well as the time scale ratio of mechanical to scalar dissipation, are affected by compressibility and reaction. This effect is explained by considering the transport equation for the normalized mixture fraction gradient variance and the relative orientation between the mixture fraction gradient and the eigenvectors of the solenoidal strain rate tensor.Comment: In Turbulent Mixing and Combustion, eds. A. Pollard and S. Candel, Kluwer, 200

Some comments on the inverse problem of pure point diffraction

In a recent paper, Lenz and Moody (arXiv:1111.3617) presented a method for constructing families of real solutions to the inverse problem for a given pure point diffraction measure. Applying their technique and discussing some possible extensions, we present, in a non-technical manner, some examples of homometric structures.Comment: 6 pages, contribution to Aperiodic 201

Nomenclature for naming loci, alleles, linkage groups and chromosomes to be used in poultry genome publications and databases

International audienc

LDLR-Gene therapy for familial hypercholesterolaemia: Problems, progress, and perspectives

Coronary artery diseases (CAD) inflict a heavy economical and social burden on most populations and contribute significantly to their morbidity and mortality rates. Low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) associated familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is the most frequent Mendelian disorder and is a major risk factor for the development of CAD. To date there is no cure for FH. The primary goal of clinical management is to control hypercholesterolaemia in order to decrease the risk of atherosclerosis and to prevent CAD. Permanent phenotypic correction with single administration of a gene therapeutic vector is a goal still needing to be achieved. The first ex vivo clinical trial of gene therapy in FH was conducted nearly 18 years ago. Patients who had inherited LDLR gene mutations were subjected to an aggressive surgical intervention involving partial hepatectomy to obtain the patient's own hepatocytes for ex vivo gene transfer with a replication deficient LDLR-retroviral vector. After successful re-infusion of transduced cells through a catheter placed in the inferior mesenteric vein at the time of liver resection, only low-level expression of the transferred LDLR gene was observed in the five patients enrolled in the trial. In contrast, full reversal of hypercholesterolaemia was later demonstrated in in vivo preclinical studies using LDLR-adenovirus mediated gene transfer. However, the high efficiency of cell division independent gene transfer by adenovirus vectors is limited by their short-term persistence due to episomal maintenance and the cytotoxicity of these highly immunogenic viruses. Novel long-term persisting vectors derived from adeno-associated viruses and lentiviruses, are now available and investigations are underway to determine their safety and efficiency in preparation for clinical application for a variety of diseases. Several novel non-viral based therapies have also been developed recently to lower LDL-C serum levels in FH patients. This article reviews the progress made in the 18 years since the first clinical trial for gene therapy of FH, with emphasis on the development, design, performance and limitations of viral based gene transfer vectors used in studies to ameliorate the effects of LDLR deficiency