Integrability of Dirac reduced bi-Hamiltonian equations

First, we give a brief review of the theory of the Lenard-Magri scheme for a non-local bi-Poisson structure and of the theory of Dirac reduction. These theories are used in the remainder of the paper to prove integrability of three hierarchies of bi-Hamiltonian PDE's, obtained by Dirac reduction from some generalized Drinfeld-Sokolov hierarchies.Comment: 15 pages. Corrected some typos and added missing equations in Section 5 for g=sl_n, n>

On classification of Poisson vertex algebras

We describe a conjectural classification of Poisson vertex algebras of CFT type and of Poisson vertex algebras in one differential variable (= scalar Hamiltonian operators)

Quantitative analysis of Clausius inequality

In the context of driven diffusive systems, for thermodynamic transformations over a large but finite time window, we derive an expansion of the energy balance. In particular, we characterize the transformations which minimize the energy dissipation and describe the optimal correction to the quasi-static limit. Surprisingly, in the case of transformations between homogeneous equilibrium states of an ideal gas, the optimal transformation is a sequence of inhomogeneous equilibrium states.Comment: arXiv admin note: text overlap with arXiv:1404.646

On the long range correlations of thermodynamic systems out of equilibrium

Experiments show that macroscopic systems in a stationary nonequilibrium state exhibit long range correlations of the local thermodynamic variables. In previous papers we proposed a Hamilton-Jacobi equation for the nonequilibrium free energy as a basic principle of nonequilibrium thermodynamics. We show here how an equation for the two point correlations can be derived from the Hamilton-Jacobi equation for arbitrary transport coefficients for dynamics with both external fields and boundary reservoirs. In contrast with fluctuating hydrodynamics, this approach can be used to derive equations for correlations of any order. Generically, the solutions of the equation for the correlation functions are non-trivial and show that long range correlations are indeed a common feature of nonequilibrium systems. Finally, we establish a criterion to determine whether the local thermodynamic variables are positively or negatively correlated in terms of properties of the transport coefficients.Comment: 4 page

Large deviation approach to non equilibrium processes in stochastic lattice gases

We present a review of recent work on the statistical mechanics of non equilibrium processes based on the analysis of large deviations properties of microscopic systems. Stochastic lattice gases are non trivial models of such phenomena and can be studied rigorously providing a source of challenging mathematical problems. In this way, some principles of wide validity have been obtained leading to interesting physical consequences.Comment: Extended version of the lectures given by G. Jona-Lasinio at the 9th Brazilian school of Probability, August 200

Adaptive walks in a gene network model of morphogenesis: insights into the Cambrian explosion

The emergence of complex patterns of organization close to the Cambrian boundary is known to have happened over a (geologically) short period of time. It involved the rapid diversification of body plans and stands as one of the major transitions in evolution. How it took place is a controversial issue. Here we explore this problem by considering a simple model of pattern formation in multicellular organisms. By modeling gene network-based morphogenesis and its evolution through adaptive walks, we explore the question of how combinatorial explosions might have been actually involved in the Cambrian event. Here we show that a small amount of genetic complexity including both gene regulation and cell-cell signaling allows one to generate an extraordinary repertoire of stable spatial patterns of gene expression compatible with observed anteroposterior patterns in early development of metazoans. The consequences for the understanding of the tempo and mode of the Cambrian event are outlined.Comment: to appear in International Journal of Developmental Biology, special issue on Evo-Devo (2003