Left-hand Part Research Articles

Criteria for Predicting the Presence of Voids in Abandoned Subsurface Mine Workings in Zones of Intensive Weathering

Empirical criteria (K1–K2 > 0 and η–K3 > 0) for predicting the presence of voids in abandoned shallow underground workings in Donetsk city (Ukraine) located in the zone of intensive weathering are proposed. The voids exist when both inequalities K1–K2 > 0 and η–K3 > 0 are satisfied. The statistical analysis has established that the value of criterion K2 is inversely related to rock quality designation (RQD) and that a decrease in RQD leads to a decrease in K1–K2 and, hence, the probability of the void existence is decreased. It is also established that a statistical parameter η in the left-hand part of inequality η–K3 > 0 decreases according to logarithmic law with increasing standard linear intensity of weathering-induced fractures (P10). When the fracture intensity (P10) increases, the probability of the presence of a void is decreased. The proposed criteria confirm that a thick immediate roof and sandstone layers contribute to the existence of voids of unknown stability. On the other hand, the probability of existence of these voids decreases with increasing thickness of alluvium and total thickness of argillites and sandy shale layers in the rock mass which in turn suggests a decreased probability of void migration and surface subsidence in the future as this has likely already occurred. The use of the proposed criteria in engineering practice is discussed.

Gravitational origin of the weak interaction’s chirality

We present a new unification of the electro-weak and gravitational interactions based on the joining the weak SU(2) gauge fields with the left handed part of the space-time connection, into a single gauge field valued in the complexification of the local Lorentz group. Hence, the weak interactions emerge as the right handed chiral half of the space-time connection, which explains the chirality of the weak interaction. This is possible, because, as shown by Plebanski, Ashtekar, and others, the other chiral half of the space-time connection is enough to code the dynamics of the gravitational degrees of freedom. This unification is achieved within an extension of the Plebanski action previously proposed by one of us. The theory has two phases. A parity symmetric phase yields, as shown by Speziale, a bi-metric theory with eight degrees of freedom: the massless graviton, a massive spin two field and a scalar ghost. Because of the latter this phase is unstable. Parity is broken in a stable phase where the eight degrees of freedom arrange themselves as the massless graviton coupled to an SU(2) triplet of chirally coupled Yang-Mills fields. It is also shown that under this breaking a Dirac fermion expresses itself as a chiral neutrino paired with a scalar field with the quantum numbers of the Higgs.

P 38. Motor simulation coordinates joint actions in real time: Music performance meets on-line double-pulse TMS

Question Joint action is grounded in the ability to integrate simultaneous self-and other-related behaviour in real time. We investigated whether this function is underpinned by motor simulation, i.e. the capacity to represent a perceived action in terms of the neural resources required to execute it (Jeannerod, 2000). This was tested in a music performance experiment wherein on-line brain stimulation (double-pulse Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation, dTMS) was employed to interfere with motor simulation. Methods Ten pianists (13.81±3.86years of musical training) played the right-hand part of piano pieces in synchrony with a recording of the left-hand part, which had (Trained) or had not (Untrained) been practiced beforehand. Training was assumed to enhance motor simulation of the audible left-hand part (cf. Haueisen and Knosche, 2001; D'Ausilio, 2006; Novembre, 2012). The task required adaptation to occasional tempo changes (i.e., accelerations or decelerations of large or small magnitude). In order to interfere with motor simulation processes, dTMS (two pulses, with an inter-onset-interval of 100ms and intensity at 110% of the individual's resting motor threshold) or sham was delivered over the right primary motor cortex prior to each tempo change. Tempo adaptation accuracy was quantified on the basis of the ratio between produced keystroke inter-onset intervals and target inter-onset intervals in recorded bassline parts (cf. Repp, 2005). Participant's perspective taking tendencies (i.e., how spontaneously they adopt others' perspectives) were assessed at the end of the experiment via an empathy questionnaire based on the Interpersonal Reactivity Index (Davis, 1980). Results Results indicated that dTMS impaired tempo adaptation accuracy only when pianists had practiced the left-hand bassline part beforehand, i.e., when motor simulation was presumably enhanced. This impairment, which was associated with a deceleration in the performance with respect to the audible bassline, occurred irrespective of tempo change direction (acceleration or deceleration) and magnitude (small or large). Finally, the decelerating effect of dTMS on performance tempo was greater in empathic individuals who possessed a stronger tendency to adopt others' perspectives (cf. Novembre, 2012). Conclusion These findings indicate that motor simulation provides a functional resource for the temporal coordination of one's own behaviour with others in dynamic social contexts.

Motor simulation and the coordination of self and other in real-time joint action

Joint actions require the integration of simultaneous self- and other-related behaviour. Here, we investigated whether this function is underpinned by motor simulation, that is the capacity to represent a perceived action in terms of the neural resources required to execute it. This was tested in a music performance experiment wherein on-line brain stimulation (double-pulse transcranial magnetic stimulation, dTMS) was employed to interfere with motor simulation. Pianists played the right-hand part of piano pieces in synchrony with a recording of the left-hand part, which had (Trained) or had not (Untrained) been practiced beforehand. Training was assumed to enhance motor simulation. The task required adaptation to tempo changes in the left-hand part that, in critical conditions, were preceded by dTMS delivered over the right primary motor cortex. Accuracy of tempo adaptation following dTMS or sham stimulations was compared across Trained and Untrained conditions. Results indicate that dTMS impaired tempo adaptation accuracy only during the perception of trained actions. The magnitude of this interference was greater in empathic individuals possessing a strong tendency to adopt others' perspectives. These findings suggest that motor simulation provides a functional resource for the temporal coordination of one's own behaviour with others in dynamic social contexts.

Single domain wall chirality studies using polarised neutrons

A single domain wall is created in a Permalloy film of macroscopic dimensions parallel to the surface by sending a current through the foil. With additional fields parallel to the film surface the position of the wall in the depth could be varied. Using 3-dimensional neutron polarization analysis the properties of this wall were studied, under which the thickness of this wall, the thickness as function of the depth of the wall in the film, the chirality and structure of left and right handed parts of the wall. By comparing simulations of the polarization matrix using different wall structures the Bloch model could be verified. The reversal of chirality was studied as function of a field parallel and anti-parallel to the magnetization in the center of the wall. A model was made about this reversal by nucleation that fits the observation.

Distinguishing Self and Other in Joint Action. Evidence from a Musical Paradigm

The capacity to distinguish between one's own and others' behavior is a cognitive prerequisite for successful joint action. We employed a musical joint action task to investigate how the brain achieves this distinction. Pianists performed the right-hand part of piano pieces, previously learned bimanually, while the complementary left-hand part either was not executed or was (believed to be) played by a co-performer. This experimental setting served to induce a co-representation of the left-hand part reflecting either the self or the co-performer. Single-pulse transcranial magnetic stimulation was applied to the right primary motor cortex and motor-evoked potentials (MEPs) were recorded from the resting left forearm. Results show that corticospinal excitability was modulated by whether the representation of the left hand was associated with the self or the other, with the MEP amplitude being low and high, respectively. This result remained unchanged in a separate session where participants could neither see nor hear the other but still infer his presence by means of contextual information. Furthermore, the amplitude of MEPs associated with co-performer presence increased with pianists' self-reported empathy. Thus, the sociality of the context modulates action attribution at the level of the motor control system.

Novel Compact Dual-Band Rat-Race Coupler Combining Fractal Geometry and CRLH TLs

A super compact fractal-shaped composite right/left handed (CRLH) rat-race coupler (RRC) is proposed for the first time by skillfully combining two circuit schematics of the RRC operating at two arbitrary frequencies. For dual-band (DB) purpose, novel circuit schematics of RRC are deducted, and close-form formula and design procedures are derived in detail. The CRLH transmission line (TL) consists of lumped elements for the left handed part and Koch-shaped microstrip lines (MLs) for the right handed part. Since conventional RRC exhibits two types of unique branches, the DB design often suffers a tedious process. By employing the CRLH TL, the realization of a DB RRC becomes much easier. Moreover, constructing the microstrip lines as Koch curves enables the compactness of the circuit. For verification, a coupler operating at 0.75 and 1.8 GHz is fabricated and measured. Consistent results between simulation and measurement have confirmed the design and shown that the RRC with an area of 10.2% of its conventional counterpart owns excellent in-band performances.

Miniaturized fractal-shaped branch-line coupler for dual-band applications based on composite right/left handed transmission lines

In this paper, novel dual-band (DB) branch-line couplers (BLCs) employing a composite right/left handed transmission line (CRLH TL) and fractal geometry are presented for the first time. The CRLH TL, with specified characteristic impedance and phase shift, consists of lumped elements for the left handed (LH) part and fractal-shaped microstrip lines (MLs) for the right handed (RH) part, which can be designed separately. Two designed BLCs are involved in size reduction, one using a 3/2 fractal curve of first iteration, the other constructed based on a hybrid shape of fractal and meandered lines. A miniaturized principle for CRLH TL realization is derived and an exact design method for fractal implementation is developed. For verification, an example coupler was fabricated and measured. Consistent numerical and experimental results confirmed the design concept, showing that the BLCs obtain DB behavior centered at 0.9 GHz and 1.8 GHz respectively with good in-band performance, except for slightly larger coupled insertion loss for the hybrid-shaped BLC case. In addition, the proposed fractal- and hybrid-shaped BLCs obtained a 49.7% and 64.1% size reduction respectively relative to their conventional counterparts working in the lower band. The most important contributions of this article are the demonstration of compatibility between the fractal and CRLH TL techniques and the provision of an alternative approach and a new concept for designing devices.

Diffractive–refractive optics: X-ray splitter

The possibility of splitting a thin (e.g. undulator) X-ray beam based on diffraction-refraction effects is discussed. The beam is diffracted from a crystal whose diffracting surface has the shape of a roof with the ridge lying in the plane of diffraction. The crystal is cut asymmetrically. One half of the beam impinges on the left-hand part of the roof and the other half impinges on the right-hand side of the roof. Owing to refraction the left part of the beam is deviated to the left whereas the right part is deviated to the right. The device proposed consists of two channel-cut crystals with roof-like diffraction surfaces; the crystals are set in a dispersive position. The separation of the beams after splitting is calculated at a distance of 10 m from the crystals for various asymmetry and inclination angles. It is shown that such a splitting may be utilized for long beamlines. Advantages and disadvantages of this method are discussed.

A Brachial Artery Duplication Case Which Was Diagnosed Peroperatively

Our patient was a 33 years old man and 15 days before his admission he had a CABG operation in our clinic.After discharging, he smoked heavily and didn't use his drugs properly.In the last 12 hours he had pain,numbness and coldness at left hand and distal part of front arm where radial artery catheterization was performed during CABG.Physical examination showed the 6 signs of acute artery thrombosis ,so an emergent embolectomy was planned.

Discrete flavor symmetryD5

We consider the standard model (SM) extended by the flavor symmetry D5 and search for a minimal model leading to viable phenomenology. We find that it contains four Higgs fields apart from the three generations of fermions whose left- and left-handed conjugate parts do not transform in the same way under D5. We provide two numerical fits for the case of Dirac and Majorana neutrinos to show the viability of our low energy model. The fits can accommodate all data with the neutrinos being normally ordered. For Majorana neutrinos two of the right-handed neutrinos are degenerate. Concerning the Higgs sector we find that all potentials constructed with three SM-like Higgs doublets transforming as 1+2 under D5 have a further unwanted global U(1) symmetry. Therefore we consider the case of four Higgs fields forming two D5 doublets and show that this potential leads to viable solutions in general, however it does not allow spontaneous CP-violation (SCPV) for an arbitrary vacuum expectation value (VEV) configuration. Finally, we discuss extensions of our model to grand unified theories (GUTs) as well as embeddings of D5 into the continuous flavor symmetries SO(3)_f and SU(3)_f.

Features of the Catalytic Domains and C Termini of the MAPK Signal-integrating Kinases Mnk1 and Mnk2 Determine Their Differing Activities and Regulatory Properties

The MAPK signal-integrating kinases Mnk1 and Mnk2 are closely related but show marked differences in their basal activities and regulation. Both possess, within their C termini, motifs for binding to MAPKs, although these differ between Mnk1 and Mnk2. Mnk2 shows much higher activity in unstimulated cells than Mnk1, whose activity is greatly increased, e.g. by stimulation of the MEK/ERK pathway. Such increases are sensitive to blockade of that pathway, whereas the activation state of Mnk2 is relatively insensitive to inhibition of upstream signaling. Here we have studied the roles of features in their catalytic domains and C termini in determining their regulatory properties and basal activities. Mnk2 can bind to phosphorylated, active ERK, whereas Mnk1 cannot. Such binding apparently protects ERK against dephosphorylation and inactivation. The high basal activity of Mnk2 and its binding to (phospho)ERK requires features both of the catalytic domain and of the C terminus. For example, within the catalytic region an aspartate in Mnk2 plays a key role. Mutation to alanine inactivates Mnk2. In the C terminus, features within the MAPK-binding motif and to either side of it, including potential phosphorylation sites, affect MAPK binding and activity. The association of Mnks with the scaffold protein eukaryotic initiation factor 4G is negatively modulated by Mnk activity. These data indicate that multiple features determine the activities of the Mnks and thus impact on their ability to phosphorylate physiological substrates such as eukaryotic initiation factor 4E.

Experimental realization of a one-dimensional LHM-RHM resonator

We present the experimental realization of a one-dimensional left-handed/right-handed resonator. The left-handed (LH) part of the resonator is formed by a solid-state-like metamaterial composed of /spl Omega/ metallic structures, while the right-handed part is just air. The resonant behavior is successfully observed and an acceptable Q value is obtained. Through phase measurement, we verify that the LH metamaterial layer acts as a phase compensator. Further proof is given by varying the thicknesses of both layers simultaneously to achieve the same resonant frequency under the limitation of total phase difference less than 2/spl pi/, which is a criterion dramatically different from traditional cavity resonators.

Stabilizing the absolutely or convectively unstable homogeneous solutions of reaction-convection-diffusion systems.

We study the problem of stabilization of a homogeneous solution in a two-variable reaction-convection-diffusion one-dimensional system with oscillatory kinetics, in which moving or stationary patterns emerge in the absence of control. We propose to use a formal spatially weighted feedback control to suppress patterns in an absolutely or convectively unstable system and pinning control for a convectively unstable system. The latter approach is very effective and may require only one actuator to adjust feed conditions. In the former approach, the positive diagonal elements of the appropriate dynamics matrix are shifted to the left-hand part of the complex plane to ensure linear (asymptotic) stability of the system according to Gershgorin criterion. Moreover, we construct a controller that (with many actuators) will approach the global stability of the solution, according to Liapunov's direct method. We apply two alternative approaches to reveal the unstable modes: an approximate one that is based on linear stability analysis of an unbounded system, and an exact one that uses a traditional eigenstructure analysis of bounded systems. The number of required actuators increases dramatically with system size and with the distance from the bifurcation point. The methodology is developed for a system with learning cubic kinetics and is tested on a more realistic cross-flow reactor model.

Toroidal and poloidal Alfvén waves with arbitrary azimuthal wavenumbers in a finite pressure plasma in the Earth's magnetosphere

Abstract. In this paper, in terms of an axisymmetric model of the magnetosphere, we formulate the criteria for which the Alfvén waves in the magnetosphere can be toroidally and poloidally polarized (the disturbed magnetic field vector oscillates azimuthally and radially, respectively). The obvious condition of equality of the wave frequency ω to the toroidal (poloidal) eigenfrequency ΩTN (ΩPN) is a necessary and sufficient one for the toroidal polarization of the mode and only a necessary one for the poloidal mode. In the latter case we must also add to it a significantly stronger condition ∣ΩTN–ΩPN∣/ΩTN ≫ m–1 where m is the azimuthal wave number, and N is the longitudinal wave number. In cold plasma (the plasma to magnetic pressure ratio β = 0) the left-hand side of this inequality is too small for the routinely recorded (in the magnetosphere) second harmonic of radially polarized waves, therefore these waves must have nonrealistically large values of m. By studying several models of the magnetosphere differing by the level of disturbance, we found that the left-hand part of the poloidality criterion can be satisfied by taking into account finite plasma pressure for the observed values of m ∼ 50 – 100 (and in some cases, for even smaller values of the azimuthal wave numbers). When the poloidality condition is satisfied, the existence of two types of radially polarized Alfvén waves is possible. In magnetospheric regions, where the function ΩPN is a monotonic one, the mode is poloidally polarized in a part of its region of localization. It propagates slowly across magnetic shells and changes its polarization from poloidal to toroidal. The other type of radially polarized waves can exist in those regions where this function reaches its extreme values (ring current, plasmapause). These waves are standing waves across magnetic shells, having a poloidal polarization throughout the region of its existence. Waves of this type are likely to be exemplified by giant pulsations. If the poloidality condition is not satisfied, then the mode is toroidally polarized throughout the region of its existence. Furthermore, it has a resonance peak near the magnetic shell, the toroidal eigenfrequency of which equals the frequency of the wave. Key words. Magnetospheric physics (plasmasphere; MHD waves and instabilities) – Space plasma physics (kinetic and MHD theory)

Studies on the Aristocracy of Late Antique Oxyrhynchus

The left-hand part of an order for delivery to a donkey driver, issued by Samuel, vir clarissimus , on whom see 1 n.

Geographical heterogeneity between Far Eastern and Western countries in prevalence of the virulence plasmid, the superantigen Yersinia pseudotuberculosis-derived mitogen, and the high-pathogenicity island among Yersinia pseudotuberculosis strains.

Yersinia pseudotuberculosis produces novel superantigenic toxins designated YPMa (Y. pseudotuberculosis-derived mitogen), YPMb, and YPMc and has a pathogenicity island termed HPI (high-pathogenicity island) and R-HPI (the right-hand part of the HPI with truncation in its left-hand part) on the chromosome. Analysis of the distribution of these virulence factors allowed for differentiation of species Y. pseudotuberculosis into six subgroups, thus reflecting the geographical spread of two main clones: the YPMa(+) HPI(-) Far Eastern systemic pathogenic type belonging to serotypes O1b, -2a, -2b, -2c, -3, -4a, -4b, -5a, -5b, -6, -10, and UT (untypeable) and the YPMs(-) HPI(+) European gastroenteric pathogenic type belonging to serotypes O1a and -1b. The YPMa(+) HPI(+) pathogenic type belonging to serotypes O1b, -3, -5a, -5b, and UT and the YPMb(+) HPI(-) nonpathogenic type belonging to non-melibiose-fermenting serotypes O1b, -5a, -5b, -6, -7, -9, -10, -11, and -12 were prevalent in the Far East. The YPMc(+) R-HPI(+) European low-pathogenicity type belonging to non-melibiose-fermenting serotype O3 and the YPMs(-) HPI(-) pathogenic type belonging to 15 serotypes were found to be prevalent all over the world. This new information is useful for a better understanding of the evolution and spread of Y. pseudotuberculosis.

Tapping to Ragtime: Cues to Pulse Finding

Two experiments investigated cues to pulse finding using a relatively unconstrained, naturalistic paradigm. Participants tapped what they felt was a comfortable pulse on a keyboard playing a percussive sound. The stimulus materials were based on ragtime excerpts, played metronomically (i.e., without expressive timing or tempo variation). The first experiment, with 8 musically experienced and 8 musically inexperienced subjects, played each excerpt in two versions: a pitch-varied version (the original excerpt) and a monotonic version (with all tones changed to middle C) that was designed to remove all melodic and harmonic cues to pulse. Neither the absence of pitch information nor musical experience significantly affected performance. The second experiment tested 12 musically experienced subjects on shorter excerpts from the same ragtime pieces. Full (right-hand and left-hand parts together) and right-hand-only versions of the excerpts were each played in pitch-varied and monotonic versions. Removing the left-hand part significantly affected tapping performance on a number of measures, causing a lower percentage of tapping on the downbeat, more off-beat taps, more aperiodic taps, more switches between tapping modes, a higher variability of the intertap interval, and larger deviations from the beat. As a whole, these indicate a negative effect of removing the left-hand part. Again, differences between pitch-varied and monotonic versions were generally small. Analysis of the music revealed the following cues to pulse finding: a predictable alternating bass pattern in the left-hand part and a majority of notes on metrically strong positions in both the right-hand and left-hand parts. These results suggest that, for piano ragtime music, temporal cues are prominently available for finding and following the pulse and that pulse finding is largely independent of pitch information. Implications of the experimental measures and music-analytic techniques for models of pulse perception are considered.

Finding the Minimal Root of an Equation with the Multiextremal and Nondifferentiable Left-Hand Part

A problem very often arising in applications is presented: finding the minimal root of an equation with the objective function being multiextremal and nondifferentiable. Applications from the field of electronic measurements are given. Three methods based on global optimization ideas are introduced for solving this problem. The first one uses an a priori estimate of the global Lipschitz constant. The second method adaptively estimates the global Lipschitz constant. The third algorithm adaptively estimates local Lipschitz constants during the search. All the methods either find the minimal root or determine the global minimizers (in the case when the equation under consideration has no roots). Sufficient convergence conditions of the new methods to the desired solution are established. Numerical results including wide experiments with test functions, stability study, and a real-life applied problem are also presented.

Staircase baker′s map generates flaring‐type time series

The baker’s map, invented by Eberhard Hopf in 1937, is an intuitively accesible, two‐dimensional chaos‐generating discrete dynamical system. This map, which describes the transformation of an idealized two‐dimensional dough by stretching, cutting and piling, is non‐dissipative. Nevertheless the “x” variable is identical with the dissipative, one‐dimensional Bernoulli‐shift‐generating map. The generalization proposed here takes up ideas of Yaacov Sinai in a modified form. It has a staircase‐like shape, with every next step half as high as the preceding one. Each pair of neighboring elements exchanges an equal volume (area) during every iteration step in a scaled manner. Since the density of iterated points is constant, the thin tail (to the right, say) is visited only exponentially rarely. This observation already explains the map′s main qualitative behavior: The “x” variable shows “flares”. The time series of this variable is closely analogous to that of a flaring‐type dissipative dynamical system – like those recently described in an abstract economic model. An initial point starting its journey in the tale (or “antenna”, if we tilt the map upwards by 90 degrees) is predictably attracted by the broad left hand (bottom) part, in order to only very rarely venture out again to the tip. Yet whenever it does so, it thereby creates, with the top of a flare, a new “far‐from‐equilibrium” initial condition, in this reversible system. The system therefore qualifies as a discrete analogue to a far‐from‐equilibrium multiparticle Hamiltonian system. The height of the flare hereby corresponds to the momentary height of the H function of a gas. An observable which is even more closely related to the momentary negative entropy was recently described. Dependent on the numerical accuracy chosen, “Poincaré cycles” of two different types (periodic and nonperiodic) can be observed for the first time.