On Some New Black String Solutions in Three Dimensions

We derive several new solutions in three-dimensional stringy gravity. The solutions are obtained with the help of string duality transformations. They represent stationary configurations with horizons, and are surrounded by (quasi) topologically massive Abelian gauge hair, in addition to the dilaton and the Kalb-Ramond axion. Our analysis suggests that there exists a more general family, where our solutions are special limits. Finally, we use the generating technique recently proposed by Garfinkle to construct a traveling wave on the extremal variant of one of our solutions.Comment: revtex, 38 pages including 3 figure

European experience of the convergent atrial fibrillation procedure: Multicenter outcomes in consecutive patients

BackgroundThe objective of this collaborative, multicenter, European effort was to evaluate the outcomes of the convergent procedure for the treatment of persistent and long-standing persistent atrial fibrillation (AF) in consecutive patients at 4 European centers.MethodsOutcomes of consecutive patients, undergoing the convergent procedure at 4 European centers, were evaluated in this study. Epicardial ablation was performed before endocardial ablation. Convergent procedure outcomes were recorded by interrogation of implanted loop recorders or Holter monitors. Rhythm status and required interventions (antiarrhythmic drugs, cardioversions, and repeat ablations) were quantified 6 and 12 months after the procedure. Outcomes, monitoring type, and patient baseline characteristics were analyzed and reported.ResultsSeventy-three consecutive patients presenting with persistent AF (30.1%) or long-standing persistent AF (69.9%) underwent the convergent procedure between January 2010 and December 2011. At 6 months, 82% (56/68) were in sinus rhythm. At 12 months, 80% (53/66) were in sinus rhythm; single-procedure maintenance of sinus rhythm without postblanking period interventions was 76% (50/66); 52% (34/66) were in sinus rhythm and not receiving antiarrhythmic drugs.ConclusionsThis multicenter European collaborative effort demonstrated that the convergent procedure is a safe and efficacious treatment option for persistent and long-standing persistent AF

Black Holes and Solitons in String Theory

We review various aspects of classical solutions in string theories. Emphasis is placed on their supersymmetry properties, their special roles in string dualities and microscopic interpretations. Topics include black hole solutions in string theories on tori and N=2 supergravity theories; p-branes; microscopic interpretation of black hole entropy. We also review aspects of dualities and BPS states.Comment: 240 pages, LaTeX, Submitted to Physics Reports, Minor corrections with updated reference

Suivi de route pour un robot voilier

International audienceUn robot voilier est un système fortement nonlinéaire qui pourtant se commande relativement facilement. En effet, sa conception mécanique découle d'une évolution pragmatique sur plusieurs milliers d'années avec pour double objectif : celui d'une machine rapide et celui d'avoir un véhicule facile à commander. Cet article propose une stratégie de régulation d'un robot voilier inspirée de celle utilisée par les navigateurs. Le régulateur qui en résulte est simple, avec peu de paramètres à régler et ayant un sens physique évident. Un test sur le robot voilier Vaimos est présenté afin d'illustrer les performances du régulateur