The clustering coefficient of a scale-free random graph

We consider a random graph process in which, at each time step, a new vertex is added with m out-neighbours, chosen with probabilities proportional to their degree plus a strictly positive constant. We show that the expectation of the clustering coefficient of the graph process is asymptotically proportional to (log n)/n. Bollobas and Riordan have previously shown that when the constant is zero, the same expectation is asymptotically proportional to ((log n)^2)/n

Minimizing the oriented diameter of a planar graph

We consider the problem of minimizing the diameter of an orientation of a planar graph. A result of Chvátal and Thomassen shows that for general graphs, it is NP-complete to decide whether a graph can be oriented so that its diameter is at most two. In contrast to this, for each constant l, we describe an algorithm that decides if a planar graph G has an orientation with diameter at most l and runs in time O(c|V|), where c depends on l

Improved bounds for the number of forests and acyclic orientations in the square lattice

In a recent paper Merino and Welsh (1999) studied several counting problems on the square lattice $L_n$. The authors gave the following bounds for the asymptotics of $f(n)$, the number of forests of $L_n$, and $\alpha(n)$, the number of acyclic orientations of $L_n$: $3.209912 \leq \lim_{n\rightarrow\infty} f(n)^{1/n^2} \leq 3.84161$ and $22/7 \leq \lim_{n\rightarrow\infty} \alpha(n) \leq 3.70925$. In this paper we improve these bounds as follows: $3.64497 \leq \lim_{n\rightarrow\infty} f(n)^{1/n^2} \leq 3.74101$ and $3.41358 \leq \lim_{n\rightarrow\infty} \alpha(n) \leq 3.55449$. We obtain this by developing a method for computing the Tutte polynomial of the square lattice and other related graphs based on transfer matrices

Knowledge-based vision and simple visual machines

The vast majority of work in machine vision emphasizes the representation of perceived objects and events: it is these internal representations that incorporate the 'knowledge' in knowledge-based vision or form the 'models' in model-based vision. In this paper, we discuss simple machine vision systems developed by artificial evolution rather than traditional engineering design techniques, and note that the task of identifying internal representations within such systems is made difficult by the lack of an operational definition of representation at the causal mechanistic level. Consequently, we question the nature and indeed the existence of representations posited to be used within natural vision systems (i.e. animals). We conclude that representations argued for on a priori grounds by external observers of a particular vision system may well be illusory, and are at best place-holders for yet-to-be-identified causal mechanistic interactions. That is, applying the knowledge-based vision approach in the understanding of evolved systems (machines or animals) may well lead to theories and models that are internally consistent, computationally plausible, and entirely wrong

Precise Coulomb wave functions for a wide range of complex l, eta and z

A new algorithm to calculate Coulomb wave functions with all of its arguments complex is proposed. For that purpose, standard methods such as continued fractions and power/asymptotic series are combined with direct integrations of the Schrodinger equation in order to provide very stable calculations, even for large values of |eta| or |Im(l)|. Moreover, a simple analytic continuation for Re(z) < 0 is introduced, so that this zone of the complex z-plane does not pose any problem. This code is particularly well suited for low-energy calculations and the calculation of resonances with extremely small widths. Numerical instabilities appear, however, when both |eta| and |Im(l)| are large and |Re(l)| comparable or smaller than |Im(l)|

The effect of build orientation and surface modification on mechanical properties of high speed sintered parts

High speed sintering is a novel additive manufacturing technology that uses inkjet printing and infra-red energy to selectively sinter polymeric powder. The research presented here investigates the effect of build orientation on dimensional accuracy, density, mechanical properties and surface roughness of high speed sintered parts. Tensile specimens were built through seven different angles between and including the XY (horizontal) and ZY (vertical) planes and analysed. The effect of the PUSh™ process was also investigated across this range of build orientations. The results show that build orientation does infuence the properties of the parts. A number of mechanical properties showed a relationship with build orientation. Density was seen to decrease as the angle increased from XY towards ZY. This increase in angle was shown to increase surface roughness while ultimate tensile strength and elongation at break decreased. At all build orientations, the PUSh™ process significantly reduces surface roughness, mildly increases part density and had a small effect on ultimate tensile strength whilst showing a small but consistent increase in elongation at break

Poultry Farming in the Coastal Agro Ecosystem of Kerala

The potential for development of the coastal agro eco system through supplementary occupation has not yet been fully realized. The people living the coastal areas are among the poorest in the world. Poor water and soil quality, diseases and social backwardness are the other reasons for unsuccessful development. Though aquaculture has got great scope for generation of wealth and enhanced per capita income, consistent results are not obtained due to fish diseases and inappropriate management at farm level

Enhanced hippocampal long-term potentiation and spatial learning in aged 11ß-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 knock-out mice

Glucocorticoids are pivotal in the maintenance of memory and cognitive functions as well as other essential physiological processes including energy metabolism, stress responses, and cell proliferation. Normal aging in both rodents and humans is often characterized by elevated glucocorticoid levels that correlate with hippocampus-dependent memory impairments. 11ß-Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (11ß-HSD1) amplifies local intracellular ("intracrine") glucocorticoid action; in the brain it is highly expressed in the hippocampus. We investigated whether the impact of 11ß-HSD1 deficiency in knock-out mice (congenic on C57BL/6J strain) on cognitive function with aging reflects direct CNS or indirect effects of altered peripheral insulin-glucose metabolism. Spatial learning and memory was enhanced in 12 month "middle-aged" and 24 month "aged" 11ß-HSD1&lt;sup&gt;–/–&lt;/sup&gt; mice compared with age-matched congenic controls. These effects were not caused by alterations in other cognitive (working memory in a spontaneous alternation task) or affective domains (anxiety-related behaviors), to changes in plasma corticosterone or glucose levels, or to altered age-related pathologies in 11ß-HSD1&lt;sup&gt;–/–&lt;/sup&gt; mice. Young 11ß-HSD1&lt;sup&gt;–/–&lt;/sup&gt; mice showed significantly increased newborn cell proliferation in the dentate gyrus, but this was not maintained into aging. Long-term potentiation was significantly enhanced in subfield CA1 of hippocampal slices from aged 11ß-HSD1&lt;sup&gt;–/–&lt;/sup&gt; mice. These data suggest that 11ß-HSD1 deficiency enhances synaptic potentiation in the aged hippocampus and this may underlie the better maintenance of learning and memory with aging, which occurs in the absence of increased neurogenesis