The generalized localization lengths in one dimensional systems with correlated disorder

The scale invariant properties of wave functions in finite samples of one dimensional random systems with correlated disorder are analyzed. The random dimer model and its generalizations are considered and the wave functions are compared. Generalized entropic localization lengths are introduced in order to characterize the states and compared with their behavior for exponential localization. An acceptable agreement is obtained, however, the exponential form seems to be an oversimplification in the presence of correlated disorder. According to our analysis in the case of the random dimer model and the two new models the presence of power-law localization cannot be ruled out.Comment: 7 pages, LaTeX (IOP style), 2 figure

Lasting the distance: The survival of alien birds shipped to New Zealand in the 19th century

Invasive alien species are a major threat to biodiversity and human activities, providing a strong incentive to understand the processes by which alien invasion occurs. While it is important to understand the determinants of success at each of several invasion stages—transport, introduction, establishment, and spread—few studies have explored the first of these stages. Here, we quantify and analyze variation in the success of individual animals in surviving the transport stage, based on shipping records of European passerines destined for New Zealand. We mined the original documents of Acclimatisation Societies, established in New Zealand for the purpose of introducing supposedly beneficial alien species, in combination with recently digitized newspaper archives, to produce a unique dataset of 122 ships that carried passerines from Europe to New Zealand between 1850 and 1885. For 37 of these shipments, data on the survival of individual species were available. Using generalized linear mixed models, we explored how survival was related to characteristics of the shipments and the species. We show that species differed greatly in their survival, but none of the tested traits accounted for these differences. Yet, survival increased over time, which mirrors the switch from early haphazard shipments to larger organized shipments. Our results imply that it was the quality of care received by the birds that most affected success at this stage of the invasion process

How the Yellowhammer became a Kiwi: the history of an alien bird invasion revealed

New Zealand harbours a considerable number of alien plants and animals, and is often used as a model region for studies on factors determining the outcome of introductions. Alien birds have been a particular focus of research attention, especially to understand the effect of propagule pressure, as records exist for the numbers of birds introduced to New Zealand. However, studies have relied on compilations of bird numbers, rather than on primary data. Here, we present a case study of the alien yellowhammer (Emberiza citrinella) introduced from the UK to New Zealand, to demonstrate how recourse to the primary literature highlights significant data gaps and misinterpretations in these compilations. We show that the history of the introduction, establishment and spread of the yellowhammer in New Zealand can be reconstructed with surprising precision, including details of the ships importing yellowhammers, their survival rates on board, the numbers and locations of release, and the development of public perception of the species. We demonstrate that not all birds imported were released, as some died or were re-transported to Australia, and that some birds thought to be introductions were in fact translocations of individuals captured in one region of New Zealand for liberation in another. Our study confirms the potential of precise historical reconstructions that, if done for all species, would address criticisms of historical data in the evidence base for the effect of propagule pressure on establishment success for alien populations

How the Yellowhammer became a Kiwi: the history of an alien bird invasion revealed

New Zealand harbours a considerable number of alien plants and animals, and is often used as a model region for studies on factors determining the outcome of introductions. Alien birds have been a particular focus of research attention, especially to understand the effect of propagule pressure, as records exist for the numbers of birds introduced to New Zealand. However, studies have relied on compilations of bird numbers, rather than on primary data. Here, we present a case study of the alien yellowhammer (Emberiza citrinella) introduced from the UK to New Zealand, to demonstrate how recourse to the primary literature highlights significant data gaps and misinterpretations in these compilations. We show that the history of the introduction, establishment and spread of the yellowhammer in New Zealand can be reconstructed with surprising precision, including details of the ships importing yellowhammers, their survival rates on board, the numbers and locations of release, and the development of public perception of the species. We demonstrate that not all birds imported were released, as some died or were re-transported to Australia, and that some birds thought to be introductions were in fact translocations of individuals captured in one region of New Zealand for liberation in another. Our study confirms the potential of precise historical reconstructions that, if done for all species, would address criticisms of historical data in the evidence base for the effect of propagule pressure on establishment success for alien populations

Laser-induced transient currents in CdZnTe quasi-hemispherical radiation detector

Laser-induced transient currents were measured after applying pulsed or direct-current bias to a CdZnTe quasi-hemispherical radiation detector with gold contacts. The temporal evolution of current transients was analyzed to evaluate the dynamics of the space charge formation and its spatial distribution. The observed effects were explained by a model involving hole injection from positively biased contacts. Experimental results were complemented by numerical simulations, which supported the model. This paper discusses how the detected phenomena affect the detector performance and proposes an improved detector design

POUŽITÍ RADIOCHROMNÍHO GELOVÉHO DOZIMETRU PRO VERIFIKACI DÁVKOVÉ DISTRIBUCE VE STEREOTAKTICKÉ RADIOCHIRURGII

DOSE DISTRIBUTION VERIFICATION IN STEREOTACTC RADIOSURGERY USING RADIOCHROMIC GEL DOSIMETER. 3D verification in stereotactic radiosurgery is not a trivial task since there is not available appropriate detector and the process of verification is time consuming as well. The aim of the study was to perform assessment of radiochromic gel dosimeter based on Turnbull blue dye for verification of patient treatment plan at Leksell Gama Knife Perfexion. Gel dosimeter was fixed with stereotactic frame and irradiated with a prescription dose of 40 Gy to 50% isodose. Dosimeter was evaluated two hours after irradiation using home made optical CT scanner. The comparison between the gel measurements and the treatment planning system calculation are presented in the form of 2D isodoses, 1D profile and gamma analysis (1 mm 3%) for the central slices. Measured relative dose distribution in a central slice and measured profiles show excellent correspondence with TPS. There were observed small discrepancies in low dose region according to gamma analyses results. This was probably caused by problems with dose distribution coregistration and set up positioning errors

A study of two-qubit density matrices with fermionic purifications

We study 12 parameter families of two qubit density matrices, arising from a special class of two-fermion systems with four single particle states or alternatively from a four-qubit state with amplitudes arranged in an antisymmetric matrix. We calculate the Wooters concurrences and the negativities in a closed form and study their behavior. We use these results to show that the relevant entanglement measures satisfy the generalized Coffman-Kundu-Wootters formula of distributed entanglement. An explicit formula for the residual tangle is also given. The geometry of such density matrices is elaborated in some detail. In particular an explicit form for the Bures metric is given.Comment: 21 pages, 1 figur