Fractal geometry in an expanding, one-dimensional, Newtonian universe

International audienceObservations of galaxies over large distances reveal the possibility of a fractal distribution of their positions. The source of fractal behavior is the lack of a length scale in the two body gravitational interaction. However, even with new, larger, sample sizes from recent surveys, it is difficult to extract information concerning fractal properties with confidence. Similarly, three-dimensional N-body simulations with a billion particles only provide a thousand particles per dimension, far too small for accurate conclusions. With one-dimensional models these limitations can be overcome by carrying out simulations with on the order of a quarter of a million particles without compromising the computation of the gravitational force. Here the multifractal properties of two of these models that incorporate different features of the dynamical equations governing the evolution of a matter dominated universe are compared. For each model at least two scaling regions are identified. By employing criteria from dynamical systems theory it is shown that only one of them can be geometrically significant. The results share important similarities with galaxy observations, such as hierarchical clustering and apparent bifractal geometry. They also provide insights concerning possible constraints on length and time scales for fractal structure. They clearly demonstrate that fractal geometry evolves in the µ (position, velocity) space. The observed patterns are simply a shadow (projection) of higher-dimensional structure

Development of Fractal Geometry in a 1+1 Dimensional Universe

Observations of galaxies over large distances reveal the possibility of a fractal distribution of their positions. The source of fractal behavior is the lack of a length scale in the two body gravitational interaction. However, even with new, larger, sample sizes from recent surveys, it is difficult to extract information concerning fractal properties with confidence. Similarly, simulations with a billion particles only provide a thousand particles per dimension, far too small for accurate conclusions. With one dimensional models these limitations can be overcome by carrying out simulations with on the order of a quarter of a million particles without compromising the computation of the gravitational force. Here the multifractal properties of a group of these models that incorporate different features of the dynamical equations governing the evolution of a matter dominated universe are compared. The results share important similarities with galaxy observations, such as hierarchical clustering and apparent bifractal geometry. They also provide insights concerning possible constraints on length and time scales for fractal structure. They clearly demonstrate that fractal geometry evolves in the $\mu$ (position, velocity) space. The observed properties are simply a shadow (projection) of higher dimensional structure

Fluent temporal logic for discrete-time event-based models

Fluent model checking is an automated technique for verifying that an event-based operational model satisfies some state-based declarative properties. The link between the event-based and state-based formalisms is defined through fluents which are state predicates whose value are determined by the occurrences of initiating and terminating events that make the fluents values become true or false, respectively. The existing fluent temporal logic is convenient for reasoning about untimed event-based models but difficult to use for timed models. The paper extends fluent temporal logic with temporal operators for modelling timed properties of discrete-time event-based models. It presents two approaches that differ on whether the properties model the system state after the occurrence of each event or at a fixed time rate. Model checking of timed properties is made possible by translating them into the existing untimed framework. Copyright 2005 ACM

Concertino for double bass and orchestra. “E.L.M.”

In my musical experience as a double bassist and as a composer, I have engaged primarily with "cross-genre" music. Many of my compositions bring together influences from a wide range of world music traditions. The assimilation of and ability to authentically perform these differing idioms by musicians in large ensembles, such as the symphony orchestra, is today in its infancy. I set out to write a concertino for double bass that would provide musicians with a cross-genre musical experience, and lead them to play such idioms in a convincing manner. In creating the piece, I use the skills I have acquired as a double bassist, along with my affinity for certain musical idioms, such as church music, jazz, bluegrass, classical music and so on. The musical goals of the first and third movement spring from associations with a specific musical idiom. The first movement conveys the mood of the Testimony service found in the African-American Pentacostal Church. This is accomplished by transcribing recordings of vocal examples and transforming the results into my own original composition. The second movement is an interlude that prepares the listener for the third movement, forming a seamless connection between the first and last. The third movement is based on groove-oriented popular dance music. The idea here was to create music for a large ensemble that would have the freedom and flexibility of a smaller combo. The musical notation for this movement required the use of descriptive phrases and non- standard notation and musical structures. This project involved composing and performing the concertino. In rehearsals and performance, the musicians were successfully able to perform in many of the styles indicated in the musical score. Some indications were more difficult for them to assimilate, and further refinement of the notational strategies will need to be addressed in subsequent compositions. This study will provide useful information to other composers seeking to write cross-genre pieces for large ensembles. It also provides information for performers who are looking to branch out into different styles of playing

Changes in the secretome of tri-dimensional spheroid-cultured human mesenchymal stem cells in vitro by interleukin-1 priming

Funding The work was supported with funds from the Stroke Association and from EPSRC, MRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Regenerative Medicine studentship grant EP/L014904/1, and the Manchester Regenerative Medicine Network (MaRM). Availability of data and materials The datasets generated and/or analysed during the current study are available from the corresponding author on reasonable request.Peer reviewedPublisher PD

Promoting global clinical care and research for children with orthopaedic disabilities through motion analysis technology

Human motion analysis is a tool used to understand orthopaedic disabilities in children and to plan and monitor treatment strategies. It enables clinicians to quantitatively describe rehabilitative progress, plan surgeries, and conduct research. While this technology is prevalent in major academic medical centers, access is lacking in many regions throughout the world. This paper presents a novel approach to offer more accessible technology at greatly reduced cost. Current applications are underway in the Philippines, Mexico, and Colombia. Through international partnerships, improvements in clinical care, medical education, and research have been observed

Schistosomiasis japonicum diagnosed on liver biopsy in a patient with hepatitis B co-infection: a case report

Introduction Chronic hepatitis B virus and schistosomiasis are independently associated with significant mortality and morbidity worldwide. Despite much geographic overlap between these conditions and no reason why co-infection should not exist, we present what is, to the best of our knowledge, the first published report of a proven histological diagnosis of hepatic Schistosomiasis japonicum and chronic hepatitis B co-infection. A single case of hepatitis B and hepatic Schistosomiasis mansoni diagnosed by liver biopsy has previously been reported in the literature. Case presentation A 38-year-old Chinese man with known chronic hepatitis B virus infection presented with malaise, nausea and headache. Blood tests revealed increased transaminases and serology in keeping with hepatitis B virus e-antigen seroconversion. A liver biopsy was performed because some investigations, particularly transient elastography, suggested cirrhosis. Two schistosome ova were seen on liver histology, identified as S. japonicum, probably acquired in China as a youth. His peripheral eosinophil count was normal, schistosomal serology and stool microscopy for ova, cysts and parasites were negative. Conclusion Hepatic schistosomiasis co-infection should be considered in patients with hepatitis B virus infection who are from countries endemic for schistosomiasis. Screening for schistosomiasis using a peripheral eosinophil count, schistosomal serology and stool microscopy may be negative despite infection, therefore presumptive treatment could be considered. Transient elastography should not be used to assess liver fibrosis during acute flares of viral hepatitis because readings are falsely elevated. The impact of hepatic schistosomiasis on the sensitivity and specificity of transient elastography measurement for the assessment of hepatitis B is as yet unknown

Evaluation of the CHUMS Child Bereavement Group : A Pilot Study Examining Statistical and Clinical Change

This is an Accepted Manuscript of an article published by Taylor & Francis in Death Studies on 7 February 2015, available online at: http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/07481187.2014.913085.This article describes the largest evaluation of a UK child bereavement service to date. Change was assessed using conventional statistical tests as well as clinical significance methodology. Consistent with the fact that the intervention was offered on a universal, preventative basis, bereaved young people experienced a statistically significant, small to medium-sized decrease in symptoms over time. This change was equivalent across child age and gender. Type of bereavement had a slight impact on change when rated by parents. Potential clinical implications are highlighted, and various limitations are discussed that we hope to address using an experimental design in future researchPeer reviewedFinal Accepted Versio

Les convertisseurs électromécaniques d'énergie : des systèmes mécatroniques

International audienceLes actionneurs ou générateurs électriques modernes sont par essence des systèmes mécatroniques, ils sont en effet des objets fondamentalement mécaniques, ils exploitent des principes électromagnétiques pour la conversion d'énergie, de l'électronique de puissance pour son optimisation, des capteurs et de l'électronique de signal pour le contrôle. Après une synthèse du principe de conversion électromagnétique, deux exemples, issus de travaux de recherche effectués en collaboration entre électrotechniciens et mécaniciens, sont présentés. Ces dispositifs, utilisant des nouvelles structures de machines électriques, mettent en évidence l'imbrication forte de compétences nécessaires dès la conception initiale de l'objet pour en faire un produit performant et bien intégré. Modern electric actuators or generators are inherently mechatronic systems. They are mechanical things that exploit electromagnetic principles for energy conversion, power electronics for conversion optimization, sensors and control electronics. We present a synthesis of electromagnetic energy conversion, then we give two examples leading to of research works of electrical engineering and mechanical staffs. These examples are a flywheel energy storage accumulator and an electrical jack. Both are conceived of new electrical machines. They underscore strong interweaving necessary immediately from design step. This interweaving permits to conceive high performance, integrated and cost effective electromechanical products

Training and timing local scalar enrichments under global pragmatic pressures

Elementary sentences containing the quantificational determiner some seem to be ambiguous between a 'weak' existential meaning ∃ and a 'strengthened' some but not all meaning ∃+. The strengthened meaning is commonly assumed to be the output of a general enrichment mechanism, call it G (for 'global'), that applies to the weak meaning of the sentence: G(∃) = ∃+. The application of G has been shown to come with a processing cost (e.g. Bott & Noveck 2004). We used a self-paced reading task together with offline comprehension questions to investigate the interpretation of sentences containing some when embedded inside a disjunction, a position that G cannot access. Our findings suggest (i) that the strengthened meaning ∃+ is available in embedded positions, suggesting that a mechanism of local strengthening L must be available: L(∃) = ∃+, (ii) that local enrichment can be facilitated by global pragmatic pressures (Chierchia et al. 2008; Mayr & Romoli 2014), (iii) that subjects can be quickly trained to systematically prefer one of G or L to the other, (iv) that application of L, like the application of G, comes with a processing cost. We highlight consequences of our findings for debates about the characterization of enrichment mechanisms, focusing on the relation between G and L