Universality of low-energy scattering in three-dimensional field theory

Universal low-energy behaviour ${2 m c}\over{\ln |s-4m^2|}$ of the scattering function of particles of positive mass m near the threshold $s=4m^2$, and ${\pi} \over {\ln |s-4m^2|}$ for the corresponding S-wave phase-shift, is established for weakly coupled field theory models with a positive mass m in space-time dimension 3; c is a numerical constant independent of the model and couplings. This result is a non-perturbative property based on an exact analysis of the scattering function in terms of a two-particle irreducible (or Bethe-Salpeter) structure function. It also appears as generic by the same analysis in the framework of general relativistic quantum field theory.Comment: 4 pages, 2 figures, LaTe

Multi-Harnack smoothings of real plane branches

We introduce a new method for the construction of smoothings of a real plane branch $(C, 0)$ by using Viro Patchworking method. Since real plane branches are Newton degenerated in general, we cannot apply Viro Patchworking method directly. Instead we apply the Patchworking method for certain Newton non degenerate curve singularities with several branches. These singularities appear as a result of iterating deformations of the strict transforms of the branch at certain infinitely near points of the toric embedded resolution of singularities of $(C,0)$. We characterize the $M$-smoothings obtained by this method by the local data. In particular, we analyze the class of multi-Harnack smoothings, those smoothings arising in a sequence $M$-smoothings of the strict transforms of (C,0) which are in maximal position with respect to the coordinate lines. We prove that there is a unique the topological type of multi-Harnack smoothings, which is determined by the complex equisingularity type of the branch. This result is a local version of a recent Theorem of Mikhalkin

Outcome of dyadic conflict in male green swordtail fish, Xiphophorus helleri: effects of body size and prior dominance

The relative contribution of prior experience and of size asymmetries to the determination of dyadic dominance between unfamiliar individuals was examined using pairs of green swordtail fish, Xiphophorus helleri. Three experiments were conducted to assess the extent to which superiority in size could override potential handicaps resulting from prior experience. These results indicated that prior experience accounted for dyadic dominance when the size advantage of a previously subordinate over a previously dominant opponent was less than 25 mm2. However, as the lateral surface of the subordinate fish increased, neither previous experience nor size differences clearly accounted for the outcome of dyadic conflict. Even when the size advantage of subordinate opponents was in the 126-150 mm2 range, size differences did not adequately explain the outcome. In conflicts between large previously subordinate and smaller dominant fish, there was evidence for an inverse linear relation between the effects of size and the likelihood of establishing dyadic dominance. In general, males with prior experience as subordinates had to be at least 40% larger than a previously dominant fish to win a significant proportion of conflicts. These results indicate that prior agonistic experience and body size effects can be additive when at the advantage of one opponent. These factors can also cancel each other out when in opposition, at least when size differences are not extreme. The results also confirm the main effect of both factors as well as their interaction in the determination of conflict outcomes for X. helleri

Conflict outcome in male green swordtail fish dyads (Xiphophorus helleri): Interaction of body size, prior dominance/subordination experience and prior residency

The relative contribution of asymmetries in prior experience, size, and prior residency to the determination of dyadic dominance between unacquainted individuals was examined using pairs of green swordtail fish, Xiphophorus helleri. Four types of encounters were staged between an intruder and a smaller resident: (1) both had experienced prior victory; (2) both had experienced prior defeat; (3) the intruder had experienced prior victory and the resident prior defeat; and (4) the intruder had experienced prior defeat and the resident prior victory. In a fifth condition in which two intruders met, one was a prior subordinate and the other a prior dominant smaller in size than its opponent. In all these encounters, the superiority in lateral surface of one fish varied between 0 to 30% over that of its opponent. Results showed that (1) when size differences between contestants were within the range of 0-10% and there was an asymmetry in prior social experience, conflicts were essentially resolved according to prior experience with prior winners systematically defeating prior losers; (2) prior residency of 3 hours was an advantage only when both opponents had experienced prior defeat before meeting and when size asymmetries were small (e.g. <20%). It was not an advantage between prior winners or between a prior winner and a prior loser; (3) when large size asymmetries existed (e.g. 20-30%), size uniquely determined dominance outcome and nullified other advantages or disadvantages due to prior social experience and prior residency; and (4) at intermediate levels of size asymmetries (e.g. 10-20%), size partially cancelled any advantage due to a prior victory, and gradually beacme the most important factor in accounting for victories

An algorithm for a bi-objective parallel machine problem with eligibility, release dates and delivery times of the jobs

The scheduling of parallel machines is a well-known problem in many companies. Nevertheless, not always all the jobs can be manufactured in any machine and the eligibility appears. Based on a real-life problem, we present a model which has three different machines, called as high, medium and low level respectively. The set of jobs to be scheduled on these three parallel machines are also distributed among these three levels: one job from a level can be manufactured in a machine of the same or higher level. But a penalty appears when a job is manufactured in a machine different from the higher level. Besides, there are release dates and delivery times associated to each job. The tackled problem is bi-objective with the criteria: minimization of the final date-i.e. the maximum for all the jobs of their completion time plus the delivery time-and the minimization of the total penalty generated by the jobs. In a first step we revisited possible heuristics to minimize the final date on a single machine. In a second step a heuristic is proposed to approximate the set of efficient solutions and the Pareto front of the bi-objective problem. All the algorithms are experimented on various instances.Peer ReviewedPostprint (published version

Neural mechanisms of reactivation-induced updating that enhance and distort memory

We remember a considerable number of personal experiences because we are frequently reminded of them, a process known as memory reactivation. Although memory reactivation helps to stabilize and update memories, reactivation may also introduce distortions if novel information becomes incorporated with memory. Here we used functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to investigate the neural mechanisms mediating reactivation-induced updating in memory for events experienced during a museum tour. During scanning, participants were shown target photographs to reactivate memories from the museum tour followed by a novel lure photograph from an alternate tour. Later, participants were presented with target and lure photographs and asked to determine whether the photographs showed a stop they visited during the tour. We used a subsequent memory analysis to examine neural recruitment during reactivation that was associated with later true and false memories. We predicted that the quality of reactivation, as determined by online ratings of subjective recollection, would increase subsequent true memories but also facilitate incorporation of the lure photograph, thereby increasing subsequent false memories. The fMRI results revealed that the quality of reactivation modulated subsequent true and false memories via recruitment of left posterior parahippocampal, bilateral retrosplenial, and bilateral posterior inferior parietal cortices. However, the timing of neural recruitment and the way in which memories were reactivated contributed to differences in whether memory reactivation led to distortions or not. These data reveal the neural mechanisms recruited during memory reactivation that modify how memories will be subsequently retrieved, supporting the flexible and dynamic aspects of memory

Micro-orthogonal Cutting of Metals

Collaboration avec l'EPFLHigh speed micromilling with single point or multi-edge cutting tools of diameters smaller than 300 m is finding increasing applications for the production of small very precise metallic parts. Because of the small value of the ratios cutting depth to cutting edge radius and cutting depth to characteristic microstructural dimensions, one may expect that the extensive technological data base available for conventional metal cutting, may not directly transfer to micromilling and that size effects will influence the cutting pressures in micromilling as compared to those in macromilling. To address this issue, we have developed a micro-orthogonal cutting test facility in which chip thickness can be controlled to within a few microns and cutting forces can be measured. Using this facility, we are conducting a rather fundamental investigation of micro cutting processes to identify possible size effects. Besides measuring specific cutting pressures, we also aim at identifying mechanisms of chip formation and how they are affected by microstructure, fracture damage accumulation and microtool geometry. We intend to contrast these observations with observations made in macro orthogonal cutting of the same materials as those tested in micro orthogonal cutting. This paper will describe the test facility and present preliminary results obtained during micro-orthogonal cutting experiments