An object-oriented C++ implementation of Davidson method for finding a few selected extreme eigenpairs of a large, sparse, real, symmetric matrix

A C++ class named Davidson is presented for determining a few eigenpairs with lowest or alternatively highest values of a large, real, symmetric matrix. The algorithm described by Stathopoulos and Fischer is used. The exception mechanism is involved to report the errors. The class is written in ANSI C++, so it is fully portable. In addition a console program as well as a program with graphical user interface for Microsoft Windows is attached, which allow one to calculate the lowest eigenstates of time-independent Schrödinger equation for a given binding potential in one, two or three spatial dimensions. The package contains the classes providing often used potential functions (model atom potential, Coulomb potential, square well potential and Kramers-Henneberger well potential) as well as a possibility to use any potential stored in a file (then any dimensionality of the problem is allowed).The described code is the subject of M.Sc. thesis of T.D. prepared under the supervision of J.M.

Program summary

Program title: DavidsonCatalogue identifier: ADZM_v1_0Program summary URL:http://cpc.cs.qub.ac.uk/summaries/ADZM_v1_0.htmlProgram obtainable from: CPC Program Library, Queen's University, Belfast, N. IrelandLicensing provisions: Standard CPC licence, http://cpc.cs.qub.ac.uk/licence/licence.htmlNo. of lines in distributed program, including test data, etc.: 3 037 055No. of bytes in distributed program, including test data, etc.: 20 002 609Distribution format: tar.gzProgramming language: C++Computer: AllOperating system: AnyRAM: User's parameters dependentWord size: 32 and 64 bitsSupplementary material: Test results for the 2D and 3D cases is availableClassification: 4, 4.8Nature of problem: Finding a few extreme eigenpairs of a real, symmetric, sparse matrix. Examples in quantum optics (interaction of matter with a laser field).Solution method: Davidson algorithmRunning time: The test example included in the distribution package (1D matrix) takes approximately 30 minutes to run. 2D matrix calculations can take hours and 3D, days, to run.     

Decrease of force capabilities as an index of upper limb fatigue

The aim of the study was to assess upper limb fatigue on the basis of the force change index (FCI), which expresses changes in developed force, and to demonstrate that this index differentiates muscle fatigue of the upper limb depending on external load. The study was performed on ten young men in 12 conditions of external load. Ten conditions characterized repetitive work in a two-period cycle, in which both or one of the periods were loaded, and two conditions characterized continuous work with constant load. The participants tried to maintain hand-grip force at an imposed level during a determined time in the standard upper limb posture. Changes in values of recorded force exerted during successive cycles were approximated by a regression function. In most cases there was a strong correlation between the measurement data and the logarithmic regression curve. However, several cases of lower external load showed absence of such correlation. In 75% of the cases, there were statistically significant differences between the values of FCI calculated for individual conditions of external load. That means that FCI not only expresses muscle fatigue quantitatively but also points to the differences in upper limb fatigue resulting from differences in the external load. The study results have shown that the developed index (FCI) can be applied for fatigue assessment and discrimination with a more sophisticated model of a repetitive task than just a simple two-period work and rest model.     

Magnetic Flux Penetration and Motion in Antiferromagnetic Superconductors

The paper reviews a concept of induced spin-flop domain inside vortices in an antiferromagnetic superconductor. Such phenomenon may occur when an external magnetic field is strong enough to flip over magnetic moments in the core of the vortex from their ground state configuration. The formation of the domain structure inside vortices modifies the surface energy barrier of the superconductor. During this process the entrance of the flux is stopped and a newly created state exhibits perfect shielding. Such behavior should be visible as a plateau on the dependence of flux density as a function of the external magnetic field. The end of the plateau determines the critical field, which has been called the second critical field for flux penetration. Moreover, it is predicted and described how this phenomenon modifies flux creep in layered superconductors. The various scenarios of changing the creep regime from thermal to quantum and vice versa at constant temperature are discussed.     

Parameter passing mechanisms and run time data structures

The relationship between parameter passing mechanisms and run time data structures in languages with statically-nested scopes is examined. It is shown that simpler data structures can be used in some cases, with increased efficiency in accessing non-local variables. In particular it is true for the call-by-value-result mechanism, where the usage of displays can be eliminated altogether; however there is some additional cost associated with procedure calls. Under certain conditions the same implementation applies to call-by-reference.     

Prototype sodium polybutadiene and poly(butadiene-styrene) batteries

The conductive properties of butadiene polymer (BR) and styrene-butadiene polymer (SBR) with sodium chlorate (VII) can be used at industrial scale as miniature batteries. Polymer material modified with sodium chlorate (VII) was used to produce sodium polybutadiene and poly(styrene-butadiene) batteries. The conductivity of such polymer composites for temperatures ranging 243–313 K is at a similar level and amounts to 10⁻⁴ S cm⁻¹ for butadiene polymer and to 10⁻³ S cm⁻¹ for styrene-butadiene polymer at 100 kHz. The conductive battery made of butadiene polymer shows a open circuit voltage of 0.9 V with a short-circuit current of 40 mA, whereas that made of styrene-butadiene polymer shows a open circuit voltage of 1.2 V with a short-circuit current of 38 mA. The lightness, commonly found material (sodium), and environment-friendly energy are main advantages of sodium polybutadiene and poly(styrene-butadiene) batteries.     

Exploration and avoidance in rats with lesions in amygdala and piriform cortex.

Lesions localized to specific areas of the amygdala and overlying cortex in 41 adult male M?ll-Wistar rats produced differential effects in several behavioral tasks. Three different types of lesions were tested: central, basolateral, and cortex lateral to the amygdala. Lesions restricted to the central nucleus produced increased activity on all parameters studied in an open-field test, but the other 2 groups were not changed. In 1-way active avoidance all 3 groups with lesions showed deficits. The most pronounced change was observed in the central group. All groups showed the same degree of retention loss, but in forced extinction of 1-way active avoidance after retraining, the cortical and basolateral groups were most defective. A fear-reduction hypothesis is proposed for the central lesion. The basolateral and cortical areas may be more specifically involved in passive avoidance behavior. (13 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)