The contribution of order alpha(2)(Zalpha)(6)ln (3)(Zalpha)(-2) to the ground-state Lamb shift in hydrogen induced by the loop-after-loop diagram is evaluated analytically. An additional contribution of this order is found compared to the previous calculation by Karshenboim [Sov. Phys. JETP 76, 541 (1993)]. As a result, agreement is achieved for this correction between different numerical and a...

Genome-wide association studies raise study-design and analytical issues that are still being debated. Among them, stands the issue of reducing the number of markers to be genotyped without loss of efficiency in identifying trait loci, which can reduce the cost of studies and minimize the multiple testing problem. With this aim, we proposed a two-step strategy based on two analytical methods su...

Rare variants are becoming the new candidates in the search for genetic variants that predispose individuals to a phenotype of interest. Their low prevalence in a population requires the development of dedicated detection and analytical methods. A family-based approach could greatly enhance their detection and interpretation because rare variants are nearly family specific. In this report, we t...

Potential utilization of proteins for early detection and diagnosis of various diseases has drawn considerable interest in the development of protein-based multiplex detection techniques. Among the various techniques for high-throughput protein screening, optically-encoded beads combined with fluorescence-based target monitoring have great advantages over the planar array-based multiplexing ass...

A quantitative method is presented for creating a large number of classes of binary (256) and ternary (7.62 x 10(12)) textures. The binary textures are presented as black and white (contrasts -1 and 1). The ternary textures have three levels: black, white and the mean luminance gray (contrasts -1, 0 and 1). The ternary patterns in particular display a wide variety of properties, including depth...

We develop a method for systematically constructing Lagrangian functions for dissipative mechanical, electrical, and electromechanical systems. We derive the equations of motion for some typical electromechanical systems using deterministic principles that are strictly variational. We do not use any ad hoc features that are added on after the analysis has been completed, such as the Rayleigh di...

Behaviour of expert and novice database users solving the same task was recorded. Several successful strategies were identified. Since there are more users than strategies, some users applied the same strategy. The aim was to develop methods grouping users with common strategy. Following three approaches (correlation, intersection, and exclusion), a metric among task solving behavioural sequenc...

This paper introduces broad concepts of vulnerability, food security and famine. It argues that the concepts and theories driving development and implementation of vulnerability assessment tools are related to their utility. The review concludes that socio-geographic scale is a key issue, and challenge. It analyses three vulnerability assessment (VA) methods, using Ethiopia as a case study. Fac...

Matrix techniques are applied to the mode analysis of laser resonators having spherical mirrors and Gaussian profiles of the mirror reflectivity. These same analytical methods provide a useful approximation to the mode and loss characteristics of conventional resonators having an abrupt discontinuity of the reflectivity. Mode selection in apertured waveguides and resonators is also discussed.