Non-axisymmetric relativistic Bondi-Hoyle accretion onto a Kerr black hole

In our program of studying numerically the so-called Bondi-Hoyle accretion in the fully relativistic regime, we present here first results concerning the evolution of matter accreting supersonically onto a rotating (Kerr) black hole. These computations generalize previous results where the non-rotating (Schwarzschild) case was extensively considered. We parametrize our initial data by the asymptotic conditions for the fluid and explore the dependence of the solution on the angular momentum of the black hole. Towards quantifying the robustness of our numerical results, we use two different geometrical foliations of the black hole spacetime, the standard form of the Kerr metric in Boyer-Lindquist coordinates as well as its Kerr-Schild form, which is free of coordinate singularities at the black hole horizon. We demonstrate some important advantages of using such horizon adapted coordinate systems. Our numerical study indicates that regardless of the value of the black hole spin the final accretion pattern is always stable, leading to constant accretion rates of mass and momentum. The flow is characterized by a strong tail shock, which, unlike the Schwarzschild case, is increasingly wrapped around the central black hole as the hole angular momentum increases. The rotation induced asymmetry in the pressure field implies that besides the well known drag, the black hole will experience also a lift normal to the flow direction. This situation exhibits some analogies with the Magnus effect of classical fluid dynamics.Comment: 33 pages, 20 figures, submited to MNRA

Muscular tension significantly affects stability in standing posture

Muscular co-contraction is a strategy commonly used by elders with the aim to increase stability. However, co-contraction leads to stiffness which in turns reduces stability. Some literature seems to suggest an opposite approach and to point out relaxation as a way to improve stability. Teaching relaxation is therefore becoming the aim of many studies letting unclear whether tension or relaxation are the most effective muscular strategy to improve stability. Relaxation is a misleading concept in our society. It is often confused with rest, while it should be addressed during stressing tasks, where it should aim to reduce energetic costs and increase stability. The inability to relax can be related to sub-optimal neuro-motor control, which can lead to increased stresses. Research question The objective of the study is to investigate the effect of voluntary muscle contraction and relaxation over the stability of human standing posture, answering two specific research questions: (1) Does the muscular tension have an impact on stability of standing posture? (2) Could this impact be estimated by using a minimally invasive procedure? Methods By using a force plate, we analysed the displacement of the center of pressure of 30 volunteers during state of tension and relaxation in comparison with a control state, and with open and closed eyes. Results We found that tension significantly reduced the stability of subjects (15 out of 16 parameters, p¿<¿0.003). Significance Our results show that daily situations of stress can lead to decreased stability. Such a loss might actually increase the risk of chronic joint overload or fall. Finally, breathing has direct effect over the management of pain and stress, and the results reported here point out the need to explicitly explore the troubling fact that a large portion of population might not be able to properly breath.Peer ReviewedPostprint (published version

Novel computational protocol to support transfemoral prosthetic alignment procedure using machine learning techniques

The prosthetic alignment procedure considers biomechanical, anatomical and comfort characteristics of the amputee to achieve an acceptable gait. Prosthetic malalignment induces long-term disease. The assessment of alignment is highly variable and subjective to the experience of the prosthetist, so the use of machine learning could assist the prosthetist during the judgment of optimal alignment.Peer ReviewedPostprint (published version

Nota sobre el significado lógico de ciertas estructuras residuadas elementales

Starting from an abelian grupoid which is ordered and residuated we study the logical significance of the 'residue' operation, specially if we add the most natural algebraic properties to the base structure, obtaining then several well-Known structures of mathematical logic, such as the deductively-complete algebras and the algebras of Sales,Hilbert,Abbott,Wajsberg and Boole .We also give some properties of the deductive systems and obtain an special version of the deduction theorem of Pla( [3] )

Solvent-controlled formation of monomeric and dimeric species containing Cu(II) acetate and 4-phenylpyridine

Three copper(II) acetate complexes with 4-phenylpyridine (4-Phpy), namely [Cu(MeCO2)2(4- Phpy)2(H2O)2] (1), [Cu(MeCO2)2(4-Phpy)2(H2O)1.5] (2) and [Cu(MeCO2)2(4-Phpy)]2 (3), were synthesized and characterized by analytical and spectroscopic methods. Experimental conditions as solvent or temperature determine the species obtained. Crystal and molecular structure of 2 was determined by Xray diffraction. Compound 2 presents a singular structure, containing two crystallographic independent mononuclear units [Cu(MeCO2)2(4-Phpy)2(H2O)2] (2A) and [Cu(MeCO2)2(4-Phpy)2(H2O)] (2B) in its unit cell and each of these forms an independent 1-D chain through H-bonding

Mononuclear and binuclear copper(II) bis(1,3-benzodioxole-5-carboxylate) adducts with bulky pyridines

Copper(II) bis(1,3-benzodioxole-5-carboxylate) adducts with bulky pyridines have been prepared from the reaction of copper(II) acetate with 1,3-benzodioxole-5-carboxylic acid (piperonylic acid, HPip) and an excess of pyridine derivatives (3-phenylpyridine, 3-Phpy, 4-phenylpyridine, 4-Phpy, or 4-benzylpyridine, 4-Bzpy). Using 3-Phpy or 4-Bzpy binuclear paddle wheel compounds ([Cu(μ-Pip)2(3-Phpy)]2 (1) and [Cu(μ-Pip)2(4-Bzpy)]2 (3), and mononuclear complexes [Cu(μ-Pip)2(3-Phpy)2(H2O)] (2) and {[Cu(Pip)2(4-Bzpy)2]}{[Cu(Pip)2(4-Bzpy)2](HPip)}·{4A}{4B} have been isolated. Mononuclear 2 can also be produced from 1 in presence of an excess of 3-Phpy, while low thermal treatment of 2 at 70 °C, in absence of solvent, reverts to the formation of 1. On the other hand, 4 presents a singular structure that contains two independent mononuclear units {4A} and {4B}. Working with 4-Phpy yields crystalline binuclear [Cu(μ-Pip)(Pip)(4-Phpy)2]2·4CH3OH (5). In this complex only half of the carboxylate ligands bridge copper atoms, being one of the rare examples of this flat core. Its crystal structure contains a significant fraction of volume filled with methanol that is partly lost simply by exposing the solid to air. However, this process is related to an irreversible structure collapse, showing that the intermolecular interactions after methanol removal are not enough to support a porous structure

Zn(II) and Cd(II) Coordination Dimers Based on Mixed Benzodioxole-Carboxylate and N-Donor Ligands: Synthesis, Characterization, Crystal Structures and Photoluminescence Properties

Four new compounds, formulated as [Zn(m-Pip)2(3-Phpy)]2 (1), [Zn(m-Pip)2(4-Phpy)]2 (2), [Cd(m-Pip)(Pip)(3-Phpy)2]2 (3) and [Cd(m-Pip)(Pip)(4-Phpy)2]2 (4) (HPip=1,3-benzodioxole-5-carboxylic acid; Phpy= phenylpyridine), have been successfully assembled based on rigid carboxylate/pyridine ligands. These four compounds have been fully characterized by analytical and spectroscopic methods. The aim of the present study is to investigate the structural effect and the influence of the size of metal on the class, geometry and type of coordination of the carboxylate ligands (syn-syn, syn-anti) in the final 3D-arrangements of the structures. Finally, luminescence properties of these new four coordination dimers have been investigated

Modulating p-hydroxycinnamate behavior as a ditopic linker or photoacid in copperth) complexes with an auxiliary pyridine ligand

The reaction of copper(II) acetate monohydrate with p-hydroxycinnamic acid (HpOHcinn) and different pyridine derivatives (4-tert-butylpyridine, 4-tBupy; 4-acetylpyridine, 4-Acpy; 3-phenylpyridine, 3-Phpy; 4-phenylpyridine, 4-Phpy) was essayed in methanol solvent at room temperature. The crystal structures of the resulting compounds were elucidated. Their analysis shows that the choice of pyridine ligands determines different coordination modes of the pOHcinn ligand and the Cu(II) coordination, nuclearity and geometry. The pOHcinn acts as a monodentate carboxylate ligand in combination with 4-tBupy or 4-Phpy, yielding monomers and dimers, associated by hydrogen bonds into supramolecular networks in which the phenol group plays a key role. Conversely, in combination with 4-Acpy or 3-Phpy, the phenol group coordinates directly to the Cu(II), acting as a ditopic ligand and yielding 2D coordination polymers. The compound containing 3-Phpy shows interesting MeOH-H2O reversible exchange behavior. Not only has the pyridine auxiliary ligand had a tremendous effect on the coordination mode of pOHcinn, but also its reactivity is influenced. Particularly, in the case of the compound containing 4-Phpy, it undergoes a photoinduced process, in which the phenol group deprotonates and coordinates to Cu(II) as a phenoxy ligand. This yields a coordination polymer in which two different dimers alternate, bridged by the resulting pOcinn ligand. The magneto-structural correlation of this compound is also discussed