A Simple n-Dimensional Intrinsically Universal Quantum Cellular Automaton

We describe a simple n-dimensional quantum cellular automaton (QCA) capable of simulating all others, in that the initial configuration and the forward evolution of any n-dimensional QCA can be encoded within the initial configuration of the intrinsically universal QCA. Several steps of the intrinsically universal QCA then correspond to one step of the simulated QCA. The simulation preserves the topology in the sense that each cell of the simulated QCA is encoded as a group of adjacent cells in the universal QCA.Comment: 13 pages, 7 figures. In Proceedings of the 4th International Conference on Language and Automata Theory and Applications (LATA 2010), Lecture Notes in Computer Science (LNCS). Journal version: arXiv:0907.382

Computing Aggregate Properties of Preimages for 2D Cellular Automata

Computing properties of the set of precursors of a given configuration is a common problem underlying many important questions about cellular automata. Unfortunately, such computations quickly become intractable in dimension greater than one. This paper presents an algorithm --- incremental aggregation --- that can compute aggregate properties of the set of precursors exponentially faster than na{\"i}ve approaches. The incremental aggregation algorithm is demonstrated on two problems from the two-dimensional binary Game of Life cellular automaton: precursor count distributions and higher-order mean field theory coefficients. In both cases, incremental aggregation allows us to obtain new results that were previously beyond reach

MSR1 repeats modulate gene expression and affect risk of breast and prostate cancer

[Background] MSR1 repeats are a 36–38 bp minisatellite element that have recently been implicated in the regulation of gene expression, through copy number variation (CNV).[Patients and methods] Bioinformatic and experimental methods were used to assess the distribution of MSR1 across the genome, evaluate the regulatory potential of such elements and explore the role of MSR1 elements in cancer, particularly non-familial breast cancer and prostate cancer.[Results] MSR1s are predominately located at chromosome 19 and are functionally enriched in regulatory regions of the genome, particularly regions implicated in short-range regulatory activities (H3K27ac, H3K4me1 and H3K4me3). MSR1-regulated genes were found to have specific molecular roles, such as serine-protease activity (P = 4.80 × 10−7) and ion channel activity (P = 2.7 × 10−4). The kallikrein locus was found to contain a large number of MSR1 clusters, and at least six of these showed CNV. An MSR1 cluster was identified within KLK14, with 9 and 11 copies being normal variants. A significant association with the 9-copy allele and non-familial breast cancer was found in two independent populations (P = 0.004; P = 0.03). In the white British population, the minor allele conferred an increased risk of 1.21–3.51 times for all non-familial disease, or 1.7–5.3 times in early-onset disease. The 9-copy allele was also found to be associated with increased risk of prostate cancer in an independent population (odds ratio = 1.27–1.56; P =0.009).[Conclusions] MSR1 repeats act as molecular switches that modulate gene expression. It is likely that CNV of MSR1 will affect risk of development of various forms of cancer, including that of breast and prostate. The MSR1 cluster at KLK14 represents the strongest risk factor identified to date in non-familial breast cancer and a significant risk factor for prostate cancer. Analysis of MSR1 genotype will allow development of precise stratification of disease risk and provide a novel target for therapeutic agents.Prostate cancer study is supported by an National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) grant and Career Development Fellowship APP1090505 to JB. The Australian Prostate Cancer BioResource is supported by the NHMRC Enabling Grant APP614296 and by a grant from the Prostate Cancer Foundation, Australia.Peer reviewe

National stereotypes and perceived mass media exposure

Stereotyping has been shown to be a significant force in the way individu- als view and evaluate the world. Studies of sex-role stereotyping and racial stereo- typing have demonstrated that media have some effect on the formation and perpetuation of stereotypes. This study focuses on the national stereotypes of Germans, English, French and Swedes held by Americans, and whether these stereotypes are correlated with perceived media use. Using a groundbreaking study by Katz and Braly (1933) as a guide, an adjective checklist-type questionnaire designed to measure the stereotypes of these four national groups was developed through a series of unstructured inter- views with undergraduates. Questions about perceived media exposure to the national groups through TV news, TV entertainment, movies, newspapers, maga- zines and advertising were added to the questionnaire. Other factors, including language study, travel experience, perceived knowledge about and relationships with members of the national groups were also measured. A concept map of the adjectives and the nationalities was generated, along with a dendrogram and frequency scale. From these analyses, a concrete picture of the stereotype of the Germans, English, French and Swedes emerged. Germans were described as beer-drinking, hard-working, stubborn, nationalistic, disciplined and racist. The English were witty, proper, articulate, for- mal, conservative, sophisticated and intelligent. The French stereotype was dirty, passionate, sexy and arrogant. The Swedes were described as na- ive, shy, dumb, wholesome, healthy, blond, laid-back, good-looking, friendly, clean and sexy. Stereotyping was then compared with perceived mass media use and the other factors listed above. No significant correlation was found between stereotyp- ing and perceived mass media exposure or between stereotyping and language study, travel experience, perceived knowledge about and relationships with members of the national groups

Irrationality is needed to compute with signal machines with only three speeds

International audienceSpace-time diagrams of signal machines on finite configurations are composed of interconnected line segments in the Euclidean plane. As the system runs, a network emerges. If segments extend only in one or two directions, the dynamics is finite and simplistic. With four directions, it is known that fractal generation, accumulation and any Turing computation are possible. This communication deals with the three directions/sp eeds case. If there is no irrational ratio (between initial distances between signals or between speeds) then the network follows a mesh preventing accumulation and forcing a cyclic behavior. With an irrational ratio (here, the Golden ratio) between initial distances, it becomes possible to provoke an accumulation that generates infinitely many interacting signals in a bounded portion of the Euclidean plane. This b ehavior is then controlled and used in order to simulate a Turing machine and generate a 25-state 3-speed Turing-universal signal machin

THE GEOMATICS CONTRIBUTION FOR THE VALORISATION PROJECT IN THE ROCCA OF SAN SILVESTRO LANDSCAPE SITE

This paper proposes an emblematic project where several multi-sensor strategies for spatial data acquisition and management, range based and image based, were combined to create a series of integrated territorial and architectural scale products characterized by a rich multi-content nature. The work presented here was finalized in a test site that is composed by an ensemble of diversified cultural deposits; the objects that were surveyed and modelled range from the landscape with its widespread mining sites, the main tower with its defensive role, the urban configuration of the settlement, the building systems and techniques, a medieval mine. For this reason, the Rocca of San Silvestro represented a perfect test case, due to its complex and multi-stratified character. This archaeological site is a medieval fortified village near the municipality of Campiglia Marittima (LI), Italy. The Rocca is part of an Archaeological Mines Park and is included in the Parchi della Val di Cornia (a system of archaeological parks, natural parks and museums in the south-west of Tuscany). The fundamental role of a deep knowledge about a cultural artefact before the planning of a restoration and valorisation project is globally recognized; the qualitative and quantitative knowledge provided by geomatics techniques is part of this process. The paper will present the different techniques that were used, the products that were obtained and will focus on some mapping and WEB GIS applications and analyses that were performed and considerations that were made