On the (non)existence of best low-rank approximations of generic IxJx2 arrays

Several conjectures and partial proofs have been formulated on the (non)existence of a best low-rank approximation of real-valued IxJx2 arrays. We analyze this problem using the Generalized Schur Decomposition and prove (non)existence of a best rank-R approximation for generic IxJx2 arrays, for all values of I,J,R. Moreover, for cases where a best rank-R approximation exists on a set of positive volume only, we provide easy-to-check necessary and sufficient conditions for the existence of a best rank-R approximation

The nonlinear directional coupler. An analytic solution

Linear and nonlinear directional couplers are currently used in fiber optics communications. They may also play a role in multiphoton approaches to quantum information processing if accurate control is obtained over the phases and polarizations of the signals at the output of the coupler. With this motivation, the constants of motion of the coupler equation are used to obtain an explicit analytical solution for the nonlinear coupler.Comment: 6 pages Late

When Order matters for Iterated Strict Dominance

We demonstrate that iterated elimination of strictly dominated strategies is an order dependent procedure. We also prove that order does not matter if strategy spaces are compact and payoff functions continous. Examples show that this result is tight.game theory; iterated strict dominance; order independence

A study of the motor unit action potential by means of computer simulation

In order to study the motor unit action potential a computer simulation model was developed. It is based on the superposition of single muscle fibre potentials of the fibres belonging to the motor unit. The parameters which characterize each fibre (spatial position, diameter, and a dispersion of arrival time of the potential at the electrode) are chosen from statistical distributions which can be derived from anatomical and physiological data. The electrode type, position and dimensions can be specified. Simulated motor unit action potentials are presented in the time and frequency domain. The simulation results refer to (1) the influence of the electrode position and dimensions with respect to the motor unit territory, (2) the meaning of this model for the study of pathological phenomena, (3) the variability of some parameters characterizing the motor unit, (4) the selectivity of uni- and bipolar electrodes and finally (5) the influence of the geometrical situation of the motor end-plates within the muscle, on the shape of motor unit action potentials

Factors associated with the introduction of classical swine fever virus into pig herds in the central area of the 1997/98 epidemic in the Netherlands

A matched case-control study of 135 infected and 99 uninfected pig herds from the central area of the 1997 to 1998 epidemic of classical swine fever (CSF) in The Netherlands was undertaken to identify factors associated with the introduction of the virus. The herds were matched on the basis of herd type and the shortest geographical distance between pairs of herds. Data on management, hygienic measures, experiences during the depopulation of an infected nearest neighbour, and the frequency of contact with professionals and other agencies were collected by means of a questionnaire taken by personal interview. There were no significant differences between the infected and uninfected herds in the median total number of contacts per year with professionals and other agencies either with or without contact with the pigs. On the basis of a multivariable analysis, five variables were found to be significantly associated with an increased risk of infection: (1) the presence of commercial poultry on the premises; (2) visitors entering the pig units without wearing an overcoat or overalls and boots supplied by the farm; (3) the driver of the lorry transporting pigs for the Pig Welfare Disposal Scheme (PWDS) using his own boots instead of boots supplied by the farm; (4) herds of moderate size (500 to 1,000 animals) and very large herds (>7,000 animals) were at greater risk than small herds (<500 animals); and (5) an aerosol, produced during high-pressure cleaning of the electrocution equipment used to kill the pigs on a neighbouring infected herd less than 250 m away was carried by the wind on to the premises. Two variables were significantly associated with a decreased risk of CSFV-infection: (1) more than 30 years of experience in pig farming; and (2) additional cleaning of the lorries used to transport pigs for the PWDS before they were allowed on to the premises. In the opinion of the cooperating farmers, airborne transmission of the virus and its transmission during the depopulation of an infected neighbour were among the most important routes of infection

Guided-wave approaches to spectrally selective energy absorption

Results of experiments designed to demonstrate spectrally selective absorption in dielectric waveguides on semiconductor substrates are reported. These experiments were conducted with three waveguides formed by sputtering films of PSK2 glass onto silicon-oxide layers grown on silicon substrates. The three waveguide samples were studied at 633 and 532 nm. The samples differed only in the thickness of the silicon-oxide layer, specifically 256 nm, 506 nm, and 740 nm. Agreement between theoretical predictions and measurements of propagation constants (mode angles) of the six or seven modes supported by these samples was excellent. However, the loss measurements were inconclusive because of high scattering losses in the structures fabricated (in excess of 10 dB/cm). Theoretical calculations indicated that the power distribution among all the modes supported by these structures will reach its steady state value after a propagation length of only 1 mm. Accordingly, the measured loss rates were found to be almost independent of which mode was initially excited. The excellent agreement between theory and experiment leads to the conclusion that low loss waveguides confirm the predicted loss rates

Effect of strain and inoculation dose of classical swine fever virus on within-pen transmission.

To improve the understanding of the dynamics and options for control of classical swine fever (CSF), more quantitative knowledge is needed on virus transmission. In this study, virus excretion and within-pen transmission of a strain of low, moderate and high virulence were quantified. Furthermore, the effect of inoculation dose on excretion and transmission were studied. The transmission was quantified using a stochastic susceptible-exposed-infectious-recovered (SEIR) model. Five transmission trials were conducted with ten pigs each. In each trial, three pigs were inoculated with the low virulent strain Zoelen, a low (102 TCID50), middle (103 TCID50), or high dose (105 TCID50) of the moderately virulent strain Paderborn, or the highly virulent strain Brescia. The other seven pigs in each trial served as contact pigs. None of the pigs inoculated with the low dose of the Paderbom strain were infected. When it was assumed that the infectiousness of the pigs coincided with virus isolation positive oropharyngeal fluid and/or faeces, no significant differences in transmission rate ß and basic reproduction ratio R0 between the high inoculation dose of the Paderbom strain (ß = 1.62/day, R0 = 35.9) and the Brescia strain (ß = 2.07/day, Ro = 17.5) were observed. When the middle dose of the Paderbom strain was used for inoculation, the ß (5.38/day) was not significantly higher than the Brescia strain or the high inoculation dose of the Paderborn strain, but the Ro (148) was significantly higher. Infection with the Zoelen strain resulted in a significantly lower ß and Ro (ß = 0/day, Ro = 0) than the other strain

Trapping of light beams and formation of spatial solitary waves in quadratic nonlinear media

Summary form only given. In this paper we report the outcome of our comprehensive investigations to study the dynamics of the beam trapping in both bulk crystals and optical planar waveguides made of quadratic nonlinear media in second-harmonic generation configurations. We address and discuss the suitable experimental conditions required to form spatial solitary waves in critical phase-matching and quasi-phase-matching settings.Peer ReviewedPostprint (published version