On the ADI method for the Sylvester Equation and the optimal-H2\mathcal{H}_2 points

The ADI iteration is closely related to the rational Krylov projection methods for constructing low rank approximations to the solution of Sylvester equation. In this paper we show that the ADI and rational Krylov approximations are in fact equivalent when a special choice of shifts are employed in both methods. We will call these shifts pseudo H2-optimal shifts. These shifts are also optimal in the sense that for the Lyapunov equation, they yield a residual which is orthogonal to the rational Krylov projection subspace. Via several examples, we show that the pseudo H2-optimal shifts consistently yield nearly optimal low rank approximations to the solutions of the Lyapunov equations

Gamma-ray Novae: Rare or Nearby?

Classical Novae were revealed as a surprise source of gamma-rays in Fermi LAT observations. During the first 8 years since the LAT was launched, 6 novae in total have been detected to > 5 sigma in gamma-rays, in contrast to the 69 discovered optically in the same period. We attempt to resolve this discrepancy by assuming all novae are gamma-ray emitters, and assigning peak one-day fluxes based on a flat distribution of the known emitters to a simulated population. To determine optical parameters, the spatial distribution and magnitudes of bulge and disc novae in M31 are scaled to the Milky Way, which we approximate as a disc with a 20 kpc radius and elliptical bulge with semi major axis 3 kpc and axis ratios 2:1 in the xy plane. We approximate Galactic reddening using a double exponential disc with vertical and radial scale heights of r_d = 5 kpc and z_d = 0.2 kpc, and demonstrate that even such a rudimentary model can easily reproduce the observed fraction of gamma-ray novae, implying that these apparently rare sources are in fact nearby and not intrinsically rare. We conclude that classical novae with m_R < 12 and within ~8 kpc are likely to be discovered in gamma-rays using the Fermi LAT.Comment: Accepted by MNRAS, 10 pages, 7 figure

Perylene as an Organic Photocatalyst for the Radical Polymerization of Functionalized Vinyl Monomers through Oxidative Quenching with Alkyl Bromides and Visible Light

The generation of carbon-centered radicals from alkyl bromides through an oxidative quenching pathway using perylene as an organic visible-light photocatalyst is described. This methodology is used to initiate the radical polymerization of methyl methacrylate and other functionalized vinyl monomers. The polymers possess bromide chain-end groups that can be used to reinitiate polymerization to produce block copolymers. Control over the polymerization propagation can be achieved through pulsed light sequences while the ability to use natural sunlight to promote carbon–carbon bond formation produces polymers with dispersity as low as 1.29

Prospects for probing the gluon density in protons using heavy quarkonium hadroproduction

We examine carefully bottomonia hadroproduction in proton colliders, especially focusing on the LHC, as a way of probing the gluon density in protons. To this end we develop some previous work, getting quantitative predictions and concluding that our proposal can be useful to perform consistency checks of the parameterization sets of different parton distribution functions.Comment: LaTeX, 14 pages, 6 EPS figure

Synthesis and Ring-Opening Metathesis Polymerization of Second-Generation Dendronized Poly(ether) Monomers Initiated by Ruthenium Carbenes

The Ring-Opening Metathesis Polymerization (ROMP) of second-generation dendronized monomers is described. Using the highly active and fast-initiating third-generation ruthenium complex [(H_2IMes)(pyr)_2Cl_2RuCHPh], moderate to high molecular weight polymers (430-2230 kDa) are efficiently synthesized with low dispersities (Ð = 1.01-1.17). This study highlights the power of the metathesis approach toward polymer synthesis in a context where monomer structure can significantly impede polymerization

Hole dynamics and photoemission in a t-J model for SrCu_2(BO_3)_2

The motion of a single hole in a t-J model for the two-dimensional spin-gap compound SrCu_2(BO_3)_2 is investigated. The undoped Heisenberg model for this system has an exact dimer eigenstate and shows a phase transition between a dimerized and a Neel phase at a certain ratio of the magnetic couplings. We calculate the photoemission spectrum in the disordered phase using a generalized spin-polaron picture. By varying the inter-dimer hopping parameters we find a cross-over between a narrow quasiparticle band regime known from other strongly correlated systems and free-fermion behavior. The hole motion in the Neel-ordered phase is also briefly considered.Comment: 4 pages, 3 fig

A Survey for Hα Emission from Late L Dwarfs and T Dwarfs

Recently, studies of brown dwarfs have demonstrated that they possess strong magnetic fields and have the potential to produce radio and optical auroral emissions powered by magnetospheric currents. This emission provides the only window on magnetic fields in the coolest brown dwarfs and identifying additional benchmark objects is key to constraining dynamo theory in this regime. To this end, we conducted a new red optical (6300–9700 Å) survey with the Keck telescopes looking for Hα emission from a sample of late L dwarfs and T dwarfs. Our survey gathered optical spectra for 29 targets, 18 of which did not have previous optical spectra in the literature, greatly expanding the number of moderate-resolution (R ~ 2000) spectra available at these spectral types. Combining our sample with previous surveys, we confirm an Hα detection rate of 9.2±^(3.5)_(2.1)% for L and T dwarfs in the optical spectral range of L4–T8. This detection rate is consistent with the recently measured detection rate for auroral radio emission from Kao et al., suggesting that geometrical selection effects due to the beaming of the radio emission are small or absent. We also provide the first detection of Hα emission from 2MASS 0036+1821, previously notable as the only electron cyclotron maser radio source without a confirmed detection of Hα emission. Finally, we also establish optical standards for spectral types T3 and T4, filling in the previous gap between T2 and T5

Advanced Hybrid Spacesuit Concept Featuring Integrated Open Loop and Closed Loop Ventilation Systems

A document discusses the design and prototype of an advanced spacesuit concept that integrates the capability to function seamlessly with multiple ventilation system approaches. Traditionally, spacesuits are designed to operate both dependently and independently of a host vehicle environment control and life support system (ECLSS). Spacesuits that operate independent of vehicle-provided ECLSS services must do so with equipment selfcontained within or on the spacesuit. Suits that are dependent on vehicle-provided consumables must remain physically connected to and integrated with the vehicle to operate properly. This innovation is the design and prototype of a hybrid spacesuit approach that configures the spacesuit to seamlessly interface and integrate with either type of vehicular systems, while still maintaining the ability to function completely independent of the vehicle. An existing Advanced Crew Escape Suit (ACES) was utilized as the platform from which to develop the innovation. The ACES was retrofitted with selected components and one-off items to achieve the objective. The ventilation system concept was developed and prototyped/retrofitted to an existing ACES. Components were selected to provide suit connectors, hoses/umbilicals, internal breathing system ducting/ conduits, etc. The concept utilizes a lowpressure- drop, high-flow ventilation system that serves as a conduit from the vehicle supply into the suit, up through a neck seal, into the breathing helmet cavity, back down through the neck seal, out of the suit, and returned to the vehicle. The concept also utilizes a modified demand-based breathing system configured to function seamlessly with the low-pressure-drop closed-loop ventilation system