Social Influencing and Associated Random Walk Models: Asymptotic Consensus Times on the Complete Graph

We investigate consensus formation and the asymptotic consensus times in stylized individual- or agent-based models, in which global agreement is achieved through pairwise negotiations with or without a bias. Considering a class of individual-based models on finite complete graphs, we introduce a coarse-graining approach (lumping microscopic variables into macrostates) to analyze the ordering dynamics in an associated random-walk framework. Within this framework, yielding a linear system, we derive general equations for the expected consensus time and the expected time spent in each macro-state. Further, we present the asymptotic solutions of the 2-word naming game, and separately discuss its behavior under the influence of an external field and with the introduction of committed agents

Propensity and stickiness in the naming game: Tipping fractions of minorities

Agent-based models of the binary naming game are generalized here to represent a family of models parameterized by the introduction of two continuous parameters. These parameters define varying listener-speaker interactions on the individual level with one parameter controlling the speaker and the other controlling the listener of each interaction. The major finding presented here is that the generalized naming game preserves the existence of critical thresholds for the size of committed minorities. Above such threshold, a committed minority causes a fast (in time logarithmic in size of the network) convergence to consensus, even when there are other parameters influencing the system. Below such threshold, reaching consensus requires time exponential in the size of the network. Moreover, the two introduced parameters cause bifurcations in the stabilities of the system's fixed points and may lead to changes in the system's consensus.Comment: 9 pages, 10 figure

Violation of the Δ\DeltaI=1/2 rule in the nonmesonic weak decay of Λ\Lambda hypernuclei

Violations of the $\Delta$I=1/2 rule are investigated in the nonmesonic weak hypernuclear decay using a weak $\Lambda$N$\to$NN transition potential based on meson exchange. While the weak $\Delta$I=3/2 matrix elements of baryons with pseudoscalar mesons are known to be very small, the same matrix elements of baryons with vector mesons, evaluated in the factorization approximation, are found to be significant. Within the uncertainties of the factorization approximation we find that the total rate increases by at most 6% lying within the error bars of the more recent experimental result. The neutron- to proton-induced rate, on the other hand, can change by up to a factor of two, while the asymmetry parameter is strongly affected as well.Comment: 17 pages. Paper related to a contribution presented at the International Conference on Hypernuclear and Strange Particle Physics (HYP97). Submitted to Phys. Lett.

Poly-MTO, {(CH_3)_{0.92} Re O_3}_\infty, a Conducting Two-Dimensional Organometallic Oxide

Polymeric methyltrioxorhenium, {(CH_{3})_{0.92}ReO_{3}}_{\infty} (poly-MTO), is the first member of a new class of organometallic hybrids which adopts the structural pattern and physical properties of classical perovskites in two dimensions (2D). We demonstrate how the electronic structure of poly-MTO can be tailored by intercalation of organic donor molecules, such as tetrathiafulvalene (TTF) or bis-(ethylendithio)-tetrathiafulvalene (BEDT-TTF), and by the inorganic acceptor SbF$_3$. Integration of donor molecules leads to a more insulating behavior of poly-MTO, whereas SbF$_3$ insertion does not cause any significant change in the resistivity. The resistivity data of pure poly-MTO is remarkably well described by a two-dimensional electron system. Below 38 K an unusual resistivity behavior, similar to that found in doped cuprates, is observed: The resistivity initially increases approximately as $\rho \sim$ ln$(1/T$) before it changes into a $\sqrt{T}$ dependence below 2 K. As an explanation we suggest a crossover from purely two-dimensional charge-carrier diffusion within the \{ReO$_2$\}$_{\infty}$ planes at high temperatures to three-dimensional diffusion at low temperatures in a disorder-enhanced electron-electron interaction scenario (Altshuler-Aronov correction). Furthermore, a linear positive magnetoresistance was found in the insulating regime, which is caused by spatial localization of itinerant electrons at some of the Re atoms, which formally adopt a $5d^1$ electronic configuration. X-ray diffraction, IR- and ESR-studies, temperature dependent magnetization and specific heat measurements in various magnetic fields suggest that the electronic structure of poly-MTO can safely be approximated by a purely 2D conductor.Comment: 15 pages, 16 figures, 2 table

Identifying Very Metal-Rich Stars with Low-Resolution Spectra: Finding Planet-Search Targets

We present empirical calibrations that estimate stellar metallicity, effective temperature and surface gravity as a function of Lick/IDS indices. These calibrations have been derived from a training set of 261 stars for which (1) high-precision measurements of [Fe/H], T_eff and log g have been made using spectral-synthesis analysis of HIRES spectra, and (2) Lick indices have also been measured. Our [Fe/H] calibration, which has precision 0.07 dex, has identified a number of bright (V < 9) metal-rich stars which are now being screened for hot Jupiter-type planets. Using the Yonsei-Yale stellar models, we show that the calibrations provide distance estimates accurate to 20% for nearby stars. This paper outlines the second tier of the screening of planet-search targets by the N2K Consortium, a project designed to identify the stars most likely to harbor extrasolar planets. Discoveries by the N2K Consortium include the transiting hot Saturn HD 149026 b (Sato et al. 2005, astro-ph/0507009) and HD 88133 b (Fischer et al. 2005). See Ammons et al. (2005, In Press) for a description of the first tier of N2K metallicity screening, calibrations using broadband photometry.Comment: Accepted for publication in the Astrophysical Journa

Design and Fabrication of Three-Dimensional Scaffolds for Tissue Engineering of Human Heart Valves

We developed a new fabrication technique for 3-dimensional scaffolds for tissue engineering of human heart valve tissue. A human aortic homograft was scanned with an X-ray computer tomograph. The data derived from the X-ray computed tomogram were processed by a computer-aided design program to reconstruct a human heart valve 3-dimensionally. Based on this stereolithographic model, a silicone valve model resembling a human aortic valve was generated. By taking advantage of the thermoplastic properties of polyglycolic acid as scaffold material, we molded a 3-dimensional scaffold for tissue engineering of human heart valves. The valve scaffold showed a deviation of only +/- 3-4% in height, length and inner diameter compared with the homograft. The newly developed technique allows fabricating custom-made, patient-specific polymeric cardiovascular scaffolds for tissue engineering without requiring any suture materials. Copyright (c) 2008 S. Karger AG, Base

Visualizing enzymatic and cellular activities during tissue morphogenesis using ex vivo twophoton FRET microscopy

Morphogenesis is a critical step in embryogenesis during which tissue/organ transforms into its functional shape. The drastic change in tissue morphology signifies active cellular reorganization and extra‐cellular matrix remodeling. Enzymatic activity vital to this process, especially that of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP), attracts a lot of research interests but proves difficult to investigate using traditional methods. Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) has emerged as a powerful technique for investigating biochemical interaction, but its usefulness in live tissues has not been well established. Here we use a genetically encoded FRET biosensor with ex vivo two‐photon microscopy to demonstrate a clear increase in MT1‐MMP activity at the tip of a growing feather bud, which coincides with increased cellular motion, sometimes across the epidermal‐dermal border, and weakened laminin structure in the basement membrane. Laminin and collagen III are newly synthesized at the tip, strengthening the newly formed structure. These events also exhibit spatio‐temporal correlation with increased Src activity observed using another genetically encoded FRET biosensor. Our ex vivo biochemistry approach provides insights into the spatial and temporal profile of enzyme activities, and together with traditional approaches, offers a comprehensive understanding of the morphogenetic process. Furthermore, it can readily lend itself to the studying of other biological processes, such as cancer metastasis, where enzymatic activity plays a central role

Fine Structure Discussion of Parity-Nonconserving Neutron Scattering at Epithermal Energies

The large magnitude and the sign correlation effect in the parity non-conserving resonant scattering of epithermal neutrons from $^{232}$Th is discussed in terms of a non-collective $2p-1h$ local doorway model. General conclusions are drawn as to the probability of finding large parity violation effects in other regions of the periodic table.Comment: 6 pages, Tex. CTP# 2296, to appear in Z. Phys.

Decay of Hypernuclei

We present a nonrelativistic transition potential for the weak strangeness-changing reaction $\Lambda N \to NN$. The potential is based on a one meson exchange model (OME), where, in addition to the long-ranged pion, the exchange of the pseudoscalar $K, \eta$, as well as the vector $\rho, \omega, K^*$ mesons is considered. Results obtained for different hypernuclear decay observables are compared to the available experimental data.Comment: 8 pages. Invited talk given at the KEK-Tanashi International Symposium on Physics of Hadrons and Nuclei. Tokyo, Japan, December 14-17, 1998. In honor of Prof. K. Yazaki. Submitted to Nucl. Phys. A. LateX file (uses espcrc1.sty