Work, heat and entropy production in bipartite quantum systems

In bipartite quantum systems commutation relations between the Hamiltonian of each subsystem and the interaction impose fundamental constraints on the dynamics of each partition. Here we investigate work, heat and entropy production in bipartite systems characterized by particular commutators between their local Hamiltonians and the interaction operator. We consider the formalism of [Weimer, EPL, 83:30008, 2008], in which heat (work) is identified with energy changes that (do not) alter the local von Neumann entropy, as observed in an effective local measurement basis. We demonstrate the consequences of the commutation relations on the work and heat fluxes into each partition, and extend the formalism to open quantum systems where one, or both, partitions are subject to a Markovian thermal bath. We also discuss the relation between heat and entropy in bipartite quantum systems out of thermal equilibrium, and reconcile the aforementioned approach with the second law of thermodynamics.Comment: 16 pages, 2 figures (to appear in NJP

To identify the incidence, severity and timing of hypophosphataemia in Glasgow Royal Infirmary Intensive Care Unit (ICU) [poster]

No abstract available

MIMO nonlinear PID predictive controller

A class of nonlinear generalised predictive controllers (NGPC) is derived for multi-input multi-output (MIMO) nonlinear systems with offset or steady-state response error. The MIMO composite controller consists of an optimal NGPC and a nonlinear disturbance observer. The design of the nonlinear disturbance observer to estimate the offset is particularly simple, as is the associated proof of overall nonlinear closed-loop system stability. Moreover, the transient error response of the disturbance observer can be arbitrarily specified by simple design parameters. Very satisfactory performance of the proposed MIMO nonlinear predictive controller is demonstrated for a three-link nonlinear robotic manipulator example

Gravity waves from relativistic binaries

The stability of binary orbits can significantly shape the gravity wave signal which future Earth-based interferometers hope to detect. The inner most stable circular orbit has been of interest as it marks the transition from the late inspiral to final plunge. We consider purely relativistic orbits beyond the circular assumption. Homoclinic orbits are of particular importance to the question of stability as they lie on the boundary between dynamical stability and instability. We identify these, estimate their rate of energy loss to gravity waves, and compute their gravitational waveforms.Comment: LaTeX fil

The incidence, severity, timing and circadian variation of hypophosphataemia in Glasgow Royal Infirmary Intensive Care Unit [poster]

No abstract available

In vivo cranial bone strain and bite force in the agamid lizard Uromastyx geyri

In vivo bone strain data are the most direct evidence of deformation and strain regimes in the vertebrate cranium during feeding and can provide important insights into skull morphology. Strain data have been collected during feeding across a wide range of mammals; in contrast, in vivo cranial bone strain data have been collected from few sauropsid taxa. Here we present bone strain data recorded from the jugal of the herbivorous agamid lizard Uromastyx geyri along with simultaneously recorded bite force. Principal and shear strain magnitudes in Uromastyx geyri were lower than cranial bone strains recorded in Alligator mississippiensis, but higher than those reported from herbivorous mammals. Our results suggest that variations in principal strain orientations in the facial skeleton are largely due to differences in feeding behavior and bite location, whereas food type has little impact on strain orientations. Furthermore, mean principal strain orientations differ between male and female Uromastyx during feeding, potentially because of sexual dimorphism in skull morphology