Solving seismic wave propagation in elastic media using the matrix exponential approach

Three numerical algorithms are proposed to solve the time-dependent elastodynamic equations in elastic solids. All algorithms are based on approximating the solution of the equations, which can be written as a matrix exponential. By approximating the matrix exponential with a product formula, an unconditionally stable algorithm is derived that conserves the total elastic energy density. By expanding the matrix exponential in Chebyshev polynomials for a specific time instance, a so-called ``one-step'' algorithm is constructed that is very accurate with respect to the time integration. By formulating the conventional velocity-stress finite-difference time-domain algorithm (VS-FDTD) in matrix exponential form, the staggered-in-time nature can be removed by a small modification, and higher order in time algorithms can be easily derived. For two different seismic events the accuracy of the algorithms is studied and compared with the result obtained by using the conventional VS-FDTD algorithm.Comment: 13 pages revtex, 6 figures, 2 table

Multimodal Interaction in a Haptic Environment

In this paper we investigate the introduction of haptics in a multimodal tutoring environment. In this environment a haptic device is used to control a virtual piece of sterile cotton and a virtual injection needle. Speech input and output is provided to interact with a virtual tutor, available as a talking head, and a virtual patient. We introduce the haptic tasks and how different agents in the multi-agent system are made responsible for them. Notes are provided about the way we introduce an affective model in the tutor agent

Morphological Image Analysis of Quantum Motion in Billiards

Morphological image analysis is applied to the time evolution of the probability distribution of a quantum particle moving in two and three-dimensional billiards. It is shown that the time-averaged Euler characteristic of the probability density provides a well defined quantity to distinguish between classically integrable and non-integrable billiards. In three dimensions the time-averaged mean breadth of the probability density may also be used for this purpose.Comment: Major revision. Changes include a more detailed discussion of the theory and results for 3 dimensions. Now: 10 pages, 9 figures (some are colored), 3 table

Beyond the poor man's implementation of unconditionally stable algorithms to solve the time-dependent Maxwell Equations

For the recently introduced algorithms to solve the time-dependent Maxwell equations (see Phys.Rev.E Vol.64 p.066705 (2001)), we construct a variable grid implementation and an improved spatial discretization implementation that preserve the property of the algorithms to be unconditionally stable by construction. We find that the performance and accuracy of the corresponding algorithms are significant and illustrate their practical relevance by simulating various physical model systems.Comment: 18 pages, 16 figure

The Partial Averaging method

The partial averaging technique is defined and used in conjunction with the random series implementation of the Feynman-Kac formula. It enjoys certain properties such as good rates of convergence and convergence for potentials with coulombic singularities. In this work, I introduce the reader to the technique and I analyze the basic mathematical properties of the method. I show that the method is convergent for all Kato-class potentials that have finite Gaussian transform.Comment: 9 pages, no figures; one reference correcte

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Myelination and voltage-gated ion channel clustering at the nodes of Ranvier are essential for the rapid saltatory conduction of action potentials. Whether myelination influences the structural organization of the axon initial segment (AIS) and action potential initiation is poorly understood. Using the cuprizone mouse model, we combined electrophysiological recordings with immunofluorescence of the voltage-gated Nav1.6 and Kv7.3 subunits and anchoring proteins to analyze the functional and structural properties of single demyelinated neocortical L5 axons. Whole-cell recordings demonstrated that neurons with demyelinated axons were intrinsically more excitable, characterized by increased spontaneous suprathreshold depolarizations as well as antidromically propagating action potentials ectopically generated in distal parts of the axon. Immunofluorescence examination of demyelinated axons showed that βIV-spectrin, Nav1.6, and the Kv7.3 channels in nodes of Ranvier either dissolved or extended into the paranodal domains. In contrast, while the AIS in demyelinated axons started more closely to the soma, ankyrin G, βIV-spectrin, and the ion channel expression were maintained. Structure-function analysis and computational modeling, constrained by the AIS location and realistic dendritic and axonal morphologies, confirmed that a more proximal onset of the AIS slightly reduced the efficacy of action potential generation, suggesting a compensatory role. These results suggest that oligodendroglial myelination is not only important for maximizing conduction velocity, but also for limiting hyperexcitability of pyramidal neurons

On the possibility of constructing devices capable of extracting energy from the forces of nature

The possibility of constructing new kinds of energy-generating machines by making use of the magnetic, buoyant, and electrostatic forces has been explored. A simple device capable of extracting energy from the permanent magnets has been fabricated. It makes use of both the attractive and repulsive forces between the pole-pieces of an electromagnet and those of a set of permanent magnets in sequential order to impart a unidirectional motion to a disc rotor along the rim of which pole-pieces of the permanent magnets are fixed pair-wise with regular spacing. The possibility of energy extraction by making use of antigravity forces has been demonstrated by another working device. The working of the contraption is based on the buoyant forces experienced by a float with the rise of water level in a tank, and translating this movement of the float into useful work through a lever and a crank-shaft system. Charging metal plates through electrostatic induction and subsequent discharging of the charged plates to generate electricity has been the basic principle of the third type of energy generating unit. The construction and working of these devices as well as their limitations and future prospects are discussed in this paper

Penetrating particle ANalyzer (PAN)

PAN is a scientific instrument suitable for deep space and interplanetary missions. It can precisely measure and monitor the flux, composition, and direction of highly penetrating particles ($> \sim$100 MeV/nucleon) in deep space, over at least one full solar cycle (~11 years). The science program of PAN is multi- and cross-disciplinary, covering cosmic ray physics, solar physics, space weather and space travel. PAN will fill an observation gap of galactic cosmic rays in the GeV region, and provide precise information of the spectrum, composition and emission time of energetic particle originated from the Sun. The precise measurement and monitoring of the energetic particles is also a unique contribution to space weather studies. PAN will map the flux and composition of penetrating particles, which cannot be shielded effectively, precisely and continuously, providing valuable input for the assessment of the related health risk, and for the development of an adequate mitigation strategy. PAN has the potential to become a standard on-board instrument for deep space human travel. PAN is based on the proven detection principle of a magnetic spectrometer, but with novel layout and detection concept. It will adopt advanced particle detection technologies and industrial processes optimized for deep space application. The device will require limited mass (~20 kg) and power (~20 W) budget. Dipole magnet sectors built from high field permanent magnet Halbach arrays, instrumented in a modular fashion with high resolution silicon strip detectors, allow to reach an energy resolution better than 10\% for nuclei from H to Fe at 1 GeV/n

Early Signaling in Primary T Cells Activated by Antigen Presenting Cells Is Associated with a Deep and Transient Lamellal Actin Network

Cellular signaling transduction critically depends on molecular interactions that are in turn governed by dynamic subcellular distributions of the signaling system components. Comprehensive insight into signal transduction requires an understanding of such distributions and cellular structures driving them. To investigate the activation of primary murine T cells by antigen presenting cells (APC) we have imaged more than 60 signaling intermediates during T cell stimulation with microscopy across resolution limits. A substantial number of signaling intermediates associated with a transient, wide, and actin-associated lamellum extending from an interdigitated T cell:APC interface several micrometers into the T cell, as characterized in detail here. By mapping the more than 60 signaling intermediates onto the spatiotemporal features of cell biological structures, the lamellum and other ones previously described, we also define distinct spatial and temporal characteristics of T cell signal initiation, amplification, and core signaling in the activation of primary T cells by APCs. These characteristics differ substantially from ones seen when T cells are activated using common reductionist approaches