Excitation spectrum and the density of states for a superconducting bilayer composite

The single-particle excitation spectrum and the density of states (DOS) for a superconducting bilayer composite are calculated by solving the Bogoliubov equations. The bilayer consists of two different superconducting films in contact. The superconducting order parameters of the films ₁ and ₂ are assumed constant. For various film thicknesses the dependence of the DOS on the ratio ₁/₂ is shown. This dependence is most prominent for states with excitation energy less than ₂.     

Differencing and merging of architectural views

Differencing and merging architectural views is an important activity in software engineering. However, existing approaches are still based on restrictive assumptions, such as requiring view elements to have unique identifiers or exactly matching types, which is often not the case in many application domains. We propose an approach based on structural information. We generalize a published polynomial-time tree-to-tree correction algorithm that detects inserts, renames and deletes, into a novel algorithm that additionally detects restricted moves. Our algorithm also supports forcing and preventing matches between view elements. We incorporate the algorithm into tools to compare and merge Component-and-Connector (C&C) architectural views. We provide an empirical evaluation of the algorithm. We illustrate the tools using extended examples, and use them to detect and reconcile interesting differences between real architectural views. This article is an expanded version of the following paper: Abi-Antoun, M., Aldrich, J., Nahas, N., Schmerl, B., and Garlan, D: 2006, ‘Differencing and Merging of Architectural Views’. In: Proceedings of the 21st IEEE International Conference on Automated Software Engineering, pp. 47–58.     

Effect of a magnetic field on the specific heat jump of a superconducting alloy containing paramagnetic impurities with local states within the gap

The effect of a uniform magnetic field on the specific heat jump \({\Delta C}\) of a superconductor containing paramagnetic impurities has been investigated. The impurities are described by the Shiba-Rusinov model. Taking the normalized position of the bound state within the BCS gap ε₀=0.8 and 0.0 and the parameter α(=〈S _z ² 〉/S²)=1.0 and 1/3 as typical values, we find the detailed dependence of \({\Delta C}\) on the impurity concentration \(\bar c\) and the transition temperature T_c. In some cases \({\Delta C}\) diverges at certain values of \(\bar c\) or T_c, signaling a change of the normal-superconductor phase transition from second order to first order.     

Complex assembly variant design in agile manufacturing. Part I: System architecture and assembly modeling methodology

In the distributed and horizontally integrated manufacturing environment found in agile manufacturing, there is a great demand for new product development methods that are capable of generating new customized assembly designs based on mature component designs that might be dispersed at geographically distributed partner sites. To cater for this demand, this paper addresses the methodology for complex assembly variant design in agile manufacturing. It consists in fundamental research in two parts: (i) assembly modeling; and (ii) assembly variant design methodology. This paper, the first of a two-part series, presents the assembly variant design system architecture and the assembly modeling methodology. First, a complementary assembly modeling concept is proposed with two kinds of assembly models, the hierarchical assembly model and the relational assembly model. The first explicitly captures the hierarchical and functional relationships between constituent components whereas the second explicitly captures the mating relationships at the form-feature-level. These models are complementary in the sense that each of them models only a specific aspect of assembly-related information but together they include the required assembly-related information. They are further specialized to accommodate the features of assembly variant design. As a result, two kinds of assembly models, the assembly variants model and the assembly mating graph are generated. These assembly models serve as the basis for assembly variant design which is discussed in the companion paper.     

Modified poly(caprolactone trifumarate) with embedded gelatin microparticles as a functional scaffold for bone tissue engineering

Bone tissue engineering offers high hopes in reconstructing bone defects that result from trauma, infection, tumors, and other conditions. However, there remains a need for novel scaffold materials that can effectively stimulate ossification with appropriate functional properties. Therefore, a novel injectable, biodegradable, and biocompatible scaffold made by incorporating modified poly(caprolactone trifumarate) (PCLTF) with embedded gelatin microparticles (GMPs) as porogen is developed. Specifically, in vitro and in vivo tests were carried out. For the latter, to determine the osteogenic ability of PCLTF‐GMPs scaffolds, and to characterize bone‐formation, these scaffolds were implanted into critical‐sized defects of New Zealand white rabbit craniums. Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (FESEM) demonstrated cells of varying shapes attached to the scaffold surface in vitro. The PCLTF‐GMPs demonstrated improved biocompatibility in vivo. Polyfluorochrome tracers detected bone growth occurring in the PCLTF‐GMPs filled defects. By incorporating PCLTF with GMPs, we have fabricated a promising self‐crosslinkable biocompatible and osteoconducive scaffold for bone tissue engineering. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016 , 133, 43711.     

Finding rectilinear least cost paths in the presence of convex polygonal congested regions

This paper considers the problem of finding the least cost rectilinear distance path in the presence of convex polygonal congested regions. We demonstrate that there are a finite, though exponential number of potential staircase least cost paths between a specified pair of origin–destination points. An upper bound for the number of entry/exit points of a rectilinear path between two points specified a priori in the presence of a congested region is obtained. Based on this key finding, a “memory-based probing algorithm” is proposed for the problem and computational experience for various problem instances is reported. A special case where polynomial time solutions can be obtained has also been outlined.     

Effect of gap anisotropy in superconductors containing paramagnetic impurities with local states within the gap

The Shiba model for the paramagnetic impurities in a superconductor has been generalized to include the effect of gap anisotropy. The calculated properties are the transition temperatureT _c and the specific heat jump atT _c. The changes brought in these properties by anisotropy are significant.Work supported in part by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada.     

Velocity slip,chemical reaction,and suction/injection effects on two-dimensional unsteady MHD mass transfer flow over a stretching surface in the presence of thermal radiation and viscous dissipation

The purpose of this study is to analyze the impact of velocity slip, chemical reaction, and suction/injection on two-dimensional mass transfer effects on unsteady MHD flow over a stretching surface in the presence of thermal radiation and viscous dissipation. The governing time-dependent nonlinear partial differential equations are transformed into nonlinear ordinary differential equations by using similarity transformations. The converted equations are solved using the numerical technique with the help of Keller-Box method. The effect of nondimensional variables is studied and graphically illustrated on velocity, temperature, concentration, friction factor, Nusselt number, and Sherwood number. Concentration and temperature profiles are enhanced and the contrasting pattern for velocity profiles as increasing the velocity slip and magnetic parameter. The concentration profile is diminished as the Schmidt number (Sc) and chemical reaction (C_r) increase. The concentration, velocity, and temperature profiles display a reversal pattern, as the suction and unsteady parameter (A) increase. The findings of this study are very well-acknowledged with current research.     

DC built-in self-test for linear analog circuits

DC testing of analog circuits is cheaper than AC testing and covers many fault classes, including some that AC tests cannot detect. This efficient, low-cost, built-in self-test (BIST) methodology uses the checksum encodings of matrix representations to uncover faults that affect a circuit's DC transfer function