Integrating External and Internal Clock Synchronization

We address the problem of how to integrate fault-tolerant external and internal clock synchronization. In this paper we propose a new external/internal clock synchronization algorithm which provides both external and internal clock synchronization for as long as a majority of the reference time servers (servers with access to reference time) stay correct. When half or more of the reference time servers are faulty, the algorithm degrades to a fault-tolerant internal clock synchronization algorithm. We prove that at least 2 F+1 reference time servers are necessary for achieving external clock synchronization when up to F reference time servers can suffer arbitrary failures, thus the proposed algorithm provides maximum fault-tolerance. In this paper we also derive lower bounds for the best maximum external deviation achievable in standard mode and the best drift rate achievable in degraded mode. Our algorithm is optimal with respect to these two bounds: (1) the maximum external deviation is optimal in standard mode, and (2) the drift rate of the clocks is optimal in standard and degraded mode.     

First occurrence of the mysid Hemimysis anomala in an inland lake in North America,Oneida Lake,NY

Hemimysis anomala (Crustacea, Mysidae) is a recent invader to North America that until now was reported only from the Laurentian Great Lakes and their immediate embayments, along with the St. Lawrence River. In August 2009, we identified Hemimysis in diets of white perch and yellow perch in Oneida Lake, NY. Night time vertical plankton net tows detected Hemimysis at four sites across the lake. Hemimysis in fish diets (5.5–8.6 mm) were larger than in net tows (2.2–7.0 mm) and reproduction is occurring as some females had brood sacs. This is the first documented introduction of Hemimysis to an inland lake in North America, outside the Great Lakes. Oneida Lake is located 53 river km upstream from Lake Ontario, the nearest known source of Hemimysis. No genetic differences were found between Hemimysis in Oneida Lake and Lake Ontario, indicating this is likely the source of introduction. Several large rapids, locks, and dams separate the two lakes, and as a result the most likely vector of introduction to Oneida Lake is pleasure boat or light commercial traffic via the canal system or overland transport. The presence of Hemimysis in Oneida Lake 3 years after it was first found in Lake Ontario suggests this species may spread rapidly throughout the basin. Despite an intensive monitoring program on Oneida Lake directed at fish, zooplankton, and limnology, Hemimysis was only detected in fish diets and night time zooplankton tows, indicating it may go undetected in lakes for some time using traditional daytime net tows.     

CHARACTERIZATION OF VANADIUM COMPOUNDS IN SELECTED CRUDES I. PORPHYRIN AND NON-PORPHYRIN SEPARATION

We have applied size-exclusion chromatography (SEC-HPLC) and reversed-phase chromatography (RP-HPLC), with element specific detection, [Inductively coupled and direct current plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP and DCP)], to selected crude oils -- Boscan, Beta, Morichal, Arabian Heavy, and Maya -- and their separated fractions. By these procedures, we have further characterized both the V porphyrin and the V non-porphyrin compounds.

From the SEC-HPLC-ICP profiles of the heavy crude oils we found the V compounds generally have a bimodal distribution, with maxima at approx. 800 and 9000 polystyrene equivalent (PS) molecular weight (MW). Arabian Heavy, though, had relatively few of the small V compounds.

The crude oils were separated into porphyrin and non-porphyrin fractions by methanol extraction. From the SEC-HPLC-ICP profiles of the porphyrin fraction, we Identified and quantitated the maximum at approx. MW 800 (PS) as being V porphyrins. The remaining V compounds are non-porphyrin.     

Self–other judgments and perceived vulnerability to victimization.

Previous studies have shown that people who have not been victimized by negative life events tend to perceive themselves as less vulnerable than others to victimization. The present 2 studies examined the conditions under which Ss' judgments of others' vulnerability would differ from judgments of their own vulnerability. In Study 1, 101 undergraduates saw vague comparison targets (either the average person or the average college student) as more vulnerable than themselves to 10 negative events. In contrast, Ss perceived a specific target (their closest friend, sibling, or same-sex parent) as equally invulnerable as themselves. In Study 2, 190 Ss who were instructed to consider a vague, abstract target (either the average college student or one of their friends) made downward comparisons, choosing a real or hypothetical other who was especially vulnerable to a particular event. Ss who were instructed to consider a specific, concrete target (their closest friend) perceived no self–other differences in risk status. It is concluded that when given the opportunity, Ss actively engage in downward comparisons, thereby seeing themselves as relatively invulnerable. Whereas vague targets facilitate downward comparisons, specific targets make such comparisons more difficult. Both cognitive and motivational mechanisms underlying such downward comparisons are discussed. (29 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Gezielte Entwicklung von Magnesiumlegierungen mittels angewandter Thermochemie

No abstract The principle and the methodology of focused alloy development by means of applied thermochemistry are described. The Calphad method is described briefly. As an example, calculations used for applications are shown in the system Mg‐Al‐Sc. In more detail the development of creep resistant alloys in the system Mg‐Mn‐(Sc, Gd, Y, Zr) is discussed. One aim is to produce a sufficiently large quantity of efficient precipitations in the structure in order to improve the mechanical properties with a minimum of expensive alloying addition. The large number of possible combinations of the alloying elements in the system Mg‐Mn‐(Sc, for Gd, Y, Zr) on the one hand and the time and cost of technological experiments on creep stability on the other hand require a preselection of the systems and the alloy compositions. Thermodynamic phase equilibrium and phase amount diagrams were calculated, which give indications on the selection of the promising alloying elements. A priority list of three quaternary systems is produced: Mg‐Mn‐Gd‐Sc, Mg‐Mn‐Sc‐Y and Mg‐Mn‐Y‐Zr. For technical investigations the alloy MgMn1Gd5Sc0.8 (wt.%) is most promising, furthermore the alloys MgMn 1Gd5Sc0.3 and MgMn1Y5Sc0.8 seem promising. Very many other alloys could be eliminated as doubtfull or useless with this method. The entire quaternary Mg‐Mn‐Y‐Zr system was disqualified because of characteristics of the phase diagram, which are harmful for the desired microstructure. This focused alloy development saves time and cost‐intensive technical investigations.     

In situ hot-stage TEM of the phase and domain evolution in quenched Na1/2Bi1/2TiO3–BaTiO3

Quenching relaxor ferroelectric 0.94(Na_1/2Bi_1/2)TiO₃–0.06BaTiO₃ (NBT-6BT) enhances the depolarization temperature (T_d), linked to the stabilization of ferroelectric order. The thermal evolution of the domain structure and phase assemblage provides insights about the onset of ferroelectric order in quenched materials. Unpoled furnace cooled and quenched NBT-6BT ceramics were studied using in situ temperature-dependent transmission electron microscopy. The rhombohedral to tetragonal structural transition in furnace cooled and quenched samples occurs in a comparable temperature range of 120°C–220°C. While the tetragonal phase is characterized by polar nanoregions (PNRs) and no domain contrast in the furnace cooled state, the quenched composition exhibits an increased fraction of lamellar domains, which are partially stable up to 300°C, thus benefiting the delayed depolarization. This is further corroborated by the dielectric data indicating earlier freezing of PNR dynamics in the quenched state. The reversibility of the phase transition is demonstrated by successive cooling, where quenched NBT-6BT features an increased grainy PNR contrast after the experiment, followed by a kinetically delayed coalescence of PNRs back into lamellar domains. This demonstrates that the stabilized ferroelectric state upon quenching is associated with the conversion of polar units on the nanometer scale into long-range domain structures.     

CHARACTERIZATION OP VANADIUM COMPOUNDS IN SELECTED CRUDES II. ELECTRON PARAMAGNETIC RESONANCE STUDIES OP THE FIRST COORDINATION SPHERES IN PORPHYRIN AND NON-PORPHYRIN FRACTIONS

ABSTRACT

We applied electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy (EPR) to heavy petroleum fractions to characterize the first coordination sphere around the vanadyl +2 ion. The fractions were generated using a modified porphyrin extraction procedure. For the residual oil from the extraction, which contains the non-porphyrin metals, the first coordination sphere was dominated by 4N and N O 2S for Boscan, Beta, Morichal, and Arabian Heavy crudes. Maya had distinctively different parameters.

These findings are significant for determining the overall structure of metal-containing compounds in heavy crude oils. We discuss the difference between the porphyrin and non-porphyrin behavior, possible blogenic precursors, and some process implications.