Mathematics of complexity in experimental high energy physics

Mathematical ideas and approaches common in complexity-related fields have been fruitfully applied in experimental high energy physics also. We briefly review some of the cross-pollination that is occurring.Comment: 7 pages, 3 figs, latex; Second International Conference on Frontier Science: A Nonlinear World: The Real World, Pavia, Italy, 8-12 September 200

Ion-beam-assisted fabrication and manipulation of metallic nanowires

Metallic nanowires (NWs) are the key performers for future micro/nanodevices. The controlled manoeuvring and integration of such nanoscale entities are essential requirements. Presented is a discussion of a fabrication approach that combines chemical etching and ion beam milling to fabricate metallic NWs. The shape modification of the metallic NWs using ion beam irradiation (bending towards the ion beam side) is investigated. The bending effect of the NWs is observed to be instantaneous and permanent. The ion beam-assisted shape manoeuvre of the metallic structures is studied in the light of ion-induced vacancy formation and reconfiguration of the damaged layers. The manipulation method can be used for fabricating structures of desired shapes and aligning structures at a large scale. The controlled bending method of the metallic NWs also provides an understanding of the strain formation process in nanoscale metals

Improving in vitro propagation of Protea cynaroides L. (King Protea) and the roles of starch and phenolic compounds in the rooting of cuttings

Protea cynaroides L. (King Protea) is a well known cutflower. Seeds and stem cuttings are commonly used to propagate P. cynaroides. However, the success rate and rooting rate of seeds and cuttings, are inconsistent and slow. The potential of in vitro propagation as an alternative method to produce P. cynaroides plantlets was investigated. In vitro studies consisted of in vitro germination of mature zygotic embryos, micrografting and direct somatic embryogenesis of zygotic embryos and excised cotyledons. In the germination study, temperature was the most important factor in obtaining a high germination percentage. Alternating temperatures of 21±2ºC/12±2ºC (light/dark) was suitable for germination and over 90% of embryos germinated, while the germination percentage of embryos at 25±2ºC was poor. Plantlets were successfully established in ex vitro conditions when planted in a peat/coir/sand mixture. Micrografting of P. cynaroides was done by grafting microshoots (microscion), which was taken from in-vitro-established nodal explants, onto roots of decapitated in-vitro-germinated seedlings. After the graft union formed, buds on the microscion sprouted. A protocol to induce direct somatic embryogenesis was developed. Direct somatic embryogenesis was achieved on both P. cynaroides mature zygotic embryos and excised cotyledons. The addition of auxins such as NAA and 2,4-D singly or in combination with TDZ, BAP or kinetin suppressed the formation of somatic embryos. Formation of somatic embryos was observed in medium lacking growth regulators. Germination of somatic embryos was highest in medium containing GA3. The roles of starch and phenolic compounds in the rooting of P. cynaroides cuttings were also studied. Starch and total soluble phenol analyses results revealed a positive correlation between high root formation and increased starch and phenolic content. NMR and MS analyses identified high amounts of 3,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid in stems of P. cynaroides. In vitro bioassay showed that 3,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid stimulated and inhibited root growth of P. cynaroides explants, depending on the concentration. A link was made between the endogenous concentration levels of 3,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid and rooting of P. cynaroides stem cuttings. Findings of this study contribute towards a better understanding of the roles starch and phenolic compounds play in the rooting of P. cynaroides.Thesis (PhD (Horticulture))--University of Pretoria, 2006.Plant Production and Soil Scienceunrestricte

Frictional drag between non-equilibrium charged gases

The frictional drag force between separated but coupled two-dimensional electron gases of different temperatures is studied using the non-equilibrium Green function method based on the separation of center-of-mass and relative dynamics of electrons. As the mechanisms of producing the frictional force we include the direct Coulomb interaction, the interaction mediated via virtual and real TA and LA phonons, optic phonons, plasmons, and TA and LA phonon-electron collective modes. We found that, when the distance between the two electron gases is large, and at intermediate temperature where plasmons and collective modes play the most important role in the frictional drag, the possibility of having a temperature difference between two subsystems modifies greatly the transresistivity.Comment: 8figure

KBG syndrome presenting with brachydactyly type E

We report the case of a young woman who presented at age 10 years with height on the tenth centile, brachydactyly type E and mild developmental delay. Biochemistry and hormonal profiles were normal. Differential diagnoses considered included Albright hereditary osteodystrophy without hormone resistance (a.k.a pseudopseudohypoparathyroidism), 2q37 microdeletion syndrome and acrodysostosis. She had a normal karyotype and normal FISH of 2q37. Whole genome sequencing (WGS) identified a mutation in the ANKRD11 gene associated with KBG syndrome. We review the clinical features of the genetic syndromes considered, and suggest KBG syndrome be considered in patients presenting with syndromic brachydactyly type E, especially if short stature and developmental delay are also present

Dynamic Stress Intensity Factor for Interfacial Cracks of Mode III Emanating from Circular Cavities in Piezoelectric Bimaterials

This paper investigates dynamic stress intensity factors in piezoelectric bimaterials with interfacial cracks emanating from the circular cavities under steady SH-waves. The interfacial cracks are assumed to be permeable. Green functions for the experiment were constructed through complex variable and wave function expansion methods. Based on the crack-division and conjunction techniques, a series of Fredholm integral equations of the first kind were established to calculate the stress intensity of the crack tips. Direct numerical integration was used to solve the equations. Some numerical results were plotted to indicate the influence of the defect geometry, material constants, and SH-wave frequencies on dynamic stress intensity factors