Multiplicative cases from additive cases: Extension of Kolmogorov–Feller equation to parametric Poisson white noise processes

In this paper the response of nonlinear systems driven by parametric Poissonian white noise is examined.As is well known, the response sample function or the response statistics of a system driven by external white noise processes is completely defined. Starting from the system driven by external white noise processes, when an invertible nonlinear transformation is applied, the transformed system in the new state variable is driven by a parametric type excitation. So this latter artificial system may be used as a tool to find out the proper solution to solve systems driven by parametric white noises. In fact, solving this new system, being the nonlinear transformation invertible, we must pass from the solution of the artificial system (driven by parametric noise) to that of the original one (driven by external noise, that is known). Moreover, introducing this invertible nonlinear transformation into the Itô’s rule for the original system driven by external input, one can derive the Itô’s rule for systems driven by a parametric type excitation, directly. In this latter case one can see how natural is the presence of the Wong–Zakai correction term or the presence of the hierarchy of correction terms in the case of normal and Poissonian white noise, respectively. Direct transformation on the Fokker–Planck and on the Kolmogorov–Feller equation for the case of parametric input are found.     

Protective properties of organic phosphate-pigmented coatings on phosphated steel substrates

Investigations have been carried out on properties of coatings, differing by their pigmentation and binder, and applied on different chemical pre-treatments of the steel surface. Paints based on alkyd and alkyd-melamine binders, pigmented with zinc phosphate and modified basic zinc phosphate were applied on amorphous and crystalline phosphated steel surface and, for the comparison purpose, on degreased steel surface. The effect of the binder, the pigment and the pre-treatment of the steel surface on the protective properties of the coatings were determined by measurements of adhesion, water absorption and water permeability and by results obtained in salt spray and Prohesion tests. Coatings based on alkyd binder show a lower damage degree and good retention of adhesion in corrosion conditions, in spite of a higher water absorption and water permeability and a lower initial adhesive strength. Protective properties of coatings have been found to be highly dependent upon the substrate pre-treatment. Chemical pre-treatment of the steel substrate increases the protective properties of the system, which is particularly evident in the case of crystalline phosphating and the coating pigmented with modified basic zinc phosphate. This phenomenon can be explained by the synergism between this phosphate pigment with crystalline phosphate layer.     

Improved Open Photoacoustic Helmholtz Cell

This paper presents the design of an open photoacoustic Helmholtz cell in which high acoustic volumes with quarter-wave ducts act as high-impedance separators between the main Helmholtz cell structure and the exterior. As a result, penetration of the external acoustic noise into the cell was substantially reduced in comparison to earlier open Helmholtz cell designs. Although the presented cell is not windowless, the photoacoustic background signal resulting from the absorption of the light by the windows is significantly lower in comparison to standard Helmholtz cells. Such an effect was obtained by locating the windows not at the relatively small sample cavity, but at the acoustic buffers, for which the volumes are two orders of magnitude higher. The proposed cell is dedicated for gas or liquid measurements, and its design allows for constant flow of the fluid. Hence, it can be used in continuous, real-time photoacoustic measurements.     

Global energy efficiency governance in the context of climate politics

This paper argues that energy efficiency and conservation is a noncontroversial, critical, and equitable option for rich and poor alike. Although there is growing scientific and political consensus on its significance as an important option at global and national level, the political momentum for taking action is not commensurate with the potential in the sector or the urgency with which measures need to be taken to deal with climate change. The current global energy (efficiency) governance framework is diffuse. This paper submits that there are four substantive reasons why global governance should play a complementary role in promoting energy efficiency worldwide. Furthermore, given that market mechanisms are unable to rapidly mobilize energy efficiency projects and that there are no clear vested interests in this field which involves a large number of actors, there is need for a dedicated agency to promote energy efficiency and conservation. This paper provides an overview of energy efficiency options presented by IPCC, the current energy efficiency governance structure at global level, and efforts taken at supranational and national levels, and makes suggestions for a governance framework.     

Synthesis and structural characterization of a liquid polyisoprene bearing amidoxime end groups

Azo-bis(isobutyroamidoxime) was synthesized and used as functionalized initiator to prepare a liquid isoprene bearing amidoxime end groups via radical polymerization. The polymer was characterized by FT-IR, Gel Permeation Chromatography and NMR. In particular, the structure of the polymer was investigated using 1D and 2D NMR techniques. The distribution of the different isoprene units (1,4-trans, 1,4-cis, 1,2 and 3,4), as well as the structure of the amidoxime end-groups was determined. It was found that the structure of the end groups was governed by the steric hindrance of the initiator. Only 1,4 and 4,1 functionalized end units were evidenced, with a majority of 4,1 end units.     

Erectile dysfunction of vasculogenic origin: ultrastructural evaluation of cavernous myo-endothelial unit as prognostic index of penile revascularization]

1. The present study examined the effects of various agents on high calcium-induced relaxation of the rabbit thoracic aorta precontracted by phenylephrine (0.1 microM) or KCl (30 mM). 2. The vascular smooth muscle relaxation caused by high calcium was not changed in the presence of endothelium, glibenclamide (3 microM), TEA (5 mM), verapamil (1 microM), lidocaine (0.1 mM) and vanadate (0.1 mM). 3. In the presence of ouabain (0.1 mM) or potassium-free medium, high calcium-induced relaxation was completely abolished. 4. When rings were precontracted by high concentrations of phenylephrine (1 microM, 10 microM) and KCl (30 mM, 45 mM, 60 mM), calcium-induced relaxation was gradually decreased. 5. A low concentration of calcium ionophore A-23187 (0.1 microM) did not change calcium-induced relaxation, but A-23187 at a high concentration (1 microM) depressed this relaxation. 6. These results suggest that Na-K-ATPase activation could be responsible for high calcium-induced relaxation.