Efficiency of the Wang-Landau algorithm: a simple test case

We analyze the efficiency of the Wang-Landau algorithm to sample a multimodal distribution on a prototypical simple test case. We show that the exit time from a metastable state is much smaller for the Wang Landau dynamics than for the original standard Metropolis-Hastings algorithm, in some asymptotic regime. Our results are confirmed by numerical experiments on a more realistic test case

On non stationarity and detection/communication problems

First several non stationary random signals models are discussed . Different signals generation processes are presented . In detection or transmission systems, these non stationary signals can be either the useful signals or the disturbing noises .The first case i s illustrated by communication through fading dispersive channels and the second case by detection in presence of reverberation .Cet article discute d'abord de modèles de signaux aléatoires non stationnaires et de différentes façons d'engendrer ces signaux. Dans un système de détection ou de transmission, le signal aléatoire non stationnaire peut être le signal utile, ou encore le bruit perturbateur. On présente comme exemple du premier cas la transmission à travers un canal dispersif, et comme exemple du second cas la détection en présence de réverbération

Age dependence of the Vega Phenomenon: Theory

In a separate paper (Decin et al 2003), we have re-examined the observations of IR excess obtained with the ISO satellite and discussed the ages of stars with excess. The amount of dust (measured by the luminosity fraction \fdust=L_\mathrm{IR}/L_{\star}) seen around main-sequence stars of different ages shows several interesting trends. To discuss these results in the context of a physical model, we develop in this paper an analytical model for the dust production in Vega-type systems. Previously it has been claimed that a powerlaw slope of about -2 in the diagram plotting amount of dust versus time could be explained by a simple collisional cascade. We show that such a cascade in fact results in a powerlaw \fdust\propto t^{-1} if the dust removal processes are dominated by collisions. A powerlaw \fdust\propto t^{-2} only results when the dust removal processes become dominated by Pointing-Robertson drag. This may be the case in the Kuiper Belt of our own solar system, but it is certainly not the case in any of the observed disks. A steeper slope can, however, be created by including continuous stirring into the models. We show that the existence of both young and old Vega-like systems with large amounts of dust (\fdust\simeq 10^{-3}) can be explained qualitatively by Kuiper-Belt-like structures with \emph{delayed stirring}. Finally, the absence of young stars with intermediate amounts of dust may be due to the fact that stirring due to planet formation may not be active in young low-mass disks. The considerations in this paper support the picture of simultaneous stirring and dust production proposed by Kenyon and Bromley (2002).Comment: 26 pages, 3 figures, accepted for Publication in Ap

An Anisotropic Illumination Model of Seyfert I Galaxies

We develop a self-consistent model of Seyfert galaxies continuum emission. High energy emission is produced by Inverse Compton process on soft photons emitted as thermal radiation by the accretion disk. Thermal emission is, at turn, entirely due to reprocessing of the impinging high energy photons. The high energy source is assumed to be an optically thin plasma of highly relativistic leptons ($e^+-e^-$), at rest at a given height on the disk axis. This warm source could be the result of a strong schock between an abortive jet coming from the disk and the interstellar medium. Such a geometry is highly anisotropic, which has a strong influence on Compton process. Monte-Carlo simulations allow the superposition of a reflected component (the so-called high energy bump) to the UV to X-ray spectrum obtained with our model, leading us to a first comparison with observations by fitting the high energy spectra of NGC4151 and IC4329a.Comment: 5 pages, 4 figures, Latex (aipproc.sty), to appear in proceedings of the 4th COMPTON Symposium, held in Williamsburg, V

[μ-Bis(diphenyl­phosphan­yl)methane]­tricarbon­yl(μ-p-toluene­sulfonyl­meth­yl isocyanato)(triphenyl­phosphane)ironplatinum(Fe—Pt)

The title compound, [FePt(C9H9NO2S)(C18H15P)(C25H22P2)(CO)3], represents a rare example of an isonitrile-bridged heterobimetallic complex (here Pt and Fe) and is an inter­esting precursor for the preparation of heterodinuclear μ-amino­carbyne complexes, since the basic imine-type N atom of the μ2-C=N–R ligand readily undergoes addition with various electrophiles to afford iminium-like salts. In the crystal, the almost symmetrically bridging μ2-C=N-R ligand (neglecting the different atomic radii of Fe and Pt) is strongly bent towards the Fe(CO)3 fragment, with a C=N-R angle of only 121.1 (4)°

Numerical and experimental modal analysis applied to an optical test system designed for the form measurements of metre-scale optics

The work focuses on the structural design and performances of a unique optical test system (OTS) used for measuring metre-scale optical surfaces. The investigation was carried out through a modal analysis. Two sets of results are presented. Both modal analysis of the entire OTS and transmissibility function related to its use as an optical system are carried out and analysed. The OTS is used for the measurements of the form accuracy at nanometre level of metre-scale concave surfaces. The OTS is a four and half-metre-tall mechanical structure made of bolted aluminium profiles, two structural platens, two dedicated precision positioning supports, a test piece, and a state-of-the-art laser interferometer. The OTS was numerically modelled and fully instrumented with triaxial accelerometers. The results of the modal analysis highlight the natural modes of the entire OTS. Both numerical and experimental methods are designed. The investigation methods are iterative. Indeed, a preliminary numerical model is created using finite element analysis (FEA). FEA results enable the determination of the dynamic range and suitable locations of accelerometers that are mounted onto the OTS for the experimental validation of the FEA model and further to carry out the transmissibility study. Natural frequencies, damping ratios, and mode shape values are obtained and scrutinized. These results are used for refining the FEA model. In fact, the lack of symmetry and the use of feet are identified as the key design feature that affects the OTS. The correlation between experimental and numerical results is within five percent for the first four modes. The results of the transmissibility study highlight the specific natural modes that influence the OTS measurement capability. Overall, the study enables to guide engineers and researchers towards a robust design using a validated and methodical approach

Magpies as Hosts for West Nile Virus, Southern France

European magpies (Pica pica) from southern France were tested for antibodies to West Nile virus (WNV) and viral shedding in feces during spring–autumn 2005. Results suggest that this peridomestic species may be a suitable sentinel species and a relevant target for additional investigations on WNV ecology in Europe

Active estimation of a multipath propagation channel with a Bayesian strategy

The active identification of the impulse response of a channel is studied . First, the connexion between the model used for the channel description and the optimal identification method is exhihited . In the case of a multipath channel model, two non linear estimation methods are proposed : a generalized likelihood maximum method capable ta estimate the close paths, and a bayesian (a posteriori maximum) method which takes into account the successive data often available for identification . The performances of' the methods are tested on simulations . Some results obtained front two underwater acoustic experiments are finally given.On s'intéresse à l'identification active de la réponse impulsionnelle d'un canal. On insiste d'abord sur le lien existant entre le modèle utilisé pour décrire le canal, et la méthode d'estimation optimale correspondante à utiliser. Dans le cas d'un modèle de canal «à trajets multiples», deux méthodes d'identification non linéaires sont proposées: une méthode de maximum de vraisemblance généralisée qui permet d'estimer les retards proches, et une méthode bayésienne (ou encore de maximum a posteriori) (MAP) permettant de tenir compte des données successives acquises pour l'identification: les performances de ces méthodes sont testées sur simulation