Multiscaling in Ising quantum chains with random Hilhorst-van Leeuwen perturbations

We consider the influence on the surface critical behaviour of a quantum Ising chain of quenched random surface perturbations decaying as a power of the distance from the surface (random Hilhorst-van Leeuwen models). We study, analytically and numerically, the multiscaling behaviour of the surface magnetization and the surface energy density in the case of marginal perturbations.Comment: 14 pages, 5 figures, LaTeX2e, epsf, elsar

Sophisticated software systems for small self-contained space shuttle payload G285

The increasing development of small microprocessor systems has allowed the use of more advanced software in the area of control systems. This paper discusses the development of software for small Space Shuttle Getaway Special Project payloads using payload G285 as a case example. The development process behind a space related software package (as in any software package) is a major factor. The design process for G285 is discussed in some detail along with the general scheme behind data acquisition and thermal environmental control for a space related payload. Additionally, key concepts in a software system concern the implementation of redundant systems, error detection, and error response. All of these factors are discussed

Fall feeding aggregations of fin whales off Elephant Island (Antarctica)

From 13 March to 09 April 2012 Germany conducted a fisheries survey on board RV Polarstern in the Scotia Sea (Elephant Island - South Shetland Island - Joinville Island area) under the auspices of CCAMLR. During this expedition, ANT-XXVIII/4, an opportunistic marine mammal survey was carried out. Data were collected for 26 days along the externally preset cruise track, resulting in 295 hrs on effort. Within the study area 248 sightings were collected, including three different species of baleen whales (fin whale (Balaenoptera physalus), humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae), and Antarctic minke whale (Balaenoptera bonaerensis) and one toothed whale species, killer whale (Orcinus orca). More than 62% of the sightings recorded were fin whales (155 sightings) which were mainly related to the Elephant Island area (116 sightings). Usual group sizes of the total fin whale sightings ranged from one to five individuals, also including young animals associated with adults during some encounters. Larger groups of more than 20 whales, and on two occasions more than 100 indivuduals, were observed as well. These large pods of fin whales were observed feeding in shallow waters (< 300 m) on the north-western shelf off Elephant Island, concordant with large aggregations of Antarctic krill (Euphausia superba). This observation suggests that Elephant Island constitutes an important feeding area for fin whales in early austral fall, with possible implications regarding the regulation of (krill) fisheries in this area

The Effect of Fair vs. Book Value Accounting on the Behavior of Banks

This paper studies the effect of book versus fair value accounting on a bank's (re)investment behavior, risk of default, investment value, and the need for regulation. Adopting the wide--spread view that fair value accounting reduces the degree of asymmetric information, it shows that fair value accounting increases liquidity. Consequently, it intensifies risk shifting and, therefore, increases the need for regulation and the risk of default. For highly leveraged institutions the increased risk shifting under fair value accounting outweighs an underinvestment of book value accounting and ultimately reduces welfare.fair value accounting, book value accounting, asymmetric information, banking regulation, liquidity

Changes in trabecular bone, hematopoiesis and bone marrow vessels in aplastic anemia, primary osteoporosis, and old age

Retrospective histologic analyses of bone biopsies and of post mortem samples from normal persons of different age groups, and of bone biopsies of age- and sex-matched groups of patients with primary osteoporosis and aplastic anemia show characteristic age dependent as well as pathologic changes including atrophy of osseous trabeculae and of hematopoiesis, and changes in the sinusoidal and arterial capillary compartments. These results indicate the possible role of a microvascular defect in the pathogenesis of osteoporosis and aplastic anemia

Partial survival and inelastic collapse for a randomly accelerated particle

We present an exact derivation of the survival probability of a randomly accelerated particle subject to partial absorption at the origin. We determine the persistence exponent and the amplitude associated to the decay of the survival probability at large times. For the problem of inelastic reflection at the origin, with coefficient of restitution $r$, we give a new derivation of the condition for inelastic collapse, $r<r_c=e^{-\pi/\sqrt{3}}$, and determine the persistence exponent exactly.Comment: 6 page