Chaos and Synchronized Chaos in an Earthquake Model

We show that chaos is present in the symmetric two-block Burridge-Knopoff model for earthquakes. This is in contrast with previous numerical studies, but in agreement with experimental results. In this system, we have found a rich dynamical behavior with an unusual route to chaos. In the three-block system, we see the appearance of synchronized chaos, showing that this concept can have potential applications in the field of seismology.Comment: To appear in Physical Review Letters (13 pages, 6 figures

Effect of long range spatial correlations on the lifetime statistics of an emitter in a two-dimensional disordered lattice

The effect of spatial correlations on the Purcell effect in a bidimensional dispersion of resonant nanoparticles is analyzed. We perform extensive calculations on the fluorescence decay rate of a point emitter embedded in a system of nanoparticles statistically distributed according to a simple 2D lattice-gas model near the critical point. For short-range correlations (high temperature thermalization) the Purcell factors present a long-tailed statistic which evolves towards a bimodal distribution when approaching the critical point where the spatial correlation length diverges. Our results suggest long-range correlations as a possible origin of the large fluctuations of experimental decay rates in disordered metal films.Comment: 6 pages, 5 figure

Response to tilted magnetic fields in Bi2Sr2CaCu2O8 with columnar defects: Evidence for transverse Meissner effect

The transverse Meissner effect (TME) in the highly layered superconductor Bi2Sr2CaCu2O(8+y) with columnar defects is investigated by transport measurements. We present detailed evidence for the persistence of the Bose-glass phase when H is tilted at an angle theta < theta_c (T) away from the column direction: (i) the variable-range vortex hopping process for low currents crosses over to the half-loops regime for high currents; (ii) in both regimes near theta_c(T) the energy barriers vanish linearly with tan(theta) ; (iii) the transition temperature is governed by T_{BG}(0) -T_{BG}(theta) sim |tan(theta)|^{1/\nu_{\perp}} with \nu_{\perp}=1.0 +/- 0.1. Furthermore, above the transition as theta->\theta_c+, moving kink chains consistent with a commensurate-incommensurate transition scenario are observed. These results thereby clearly show the existence of the TME for theta < theta_c(T).Comment: 4 pages, RevTeX, 5 EPS figure

Effect of field tilting on the vortices in irradiated Bi-2212

We report on transport measurements in a Bi-2212 single crystal with columnar defects parallel to the c-axis. The tilt of the magnetic field away from the direction of the tracks is studied for filling factors f=B_z/B_phi<1. Near the Bose Glass transition temperature T_BG, the angular scaling laws are verified and we find the field independent critical exponents nu'=1.1 and z'=5.30. Finally, above H_perpC we evidence the signature of a smectic-A like vortex phase. These experimental results provide support for the Bose Glass theory.Comment: 2 pages LaTeX, 2 EPS figures, uses fleqn and espcrc2 style macros. Submitted to Proceedings of M2S-HTSC-V

A model for stars of interacting bosons and fermions

In this paper we introduce a current-current type interaction term in the Lagrangian density of gravity coupled to complex scalar fields, in the presence of a degenerated Fermi gas. For low transferred momenta such a term, which might account for the interaction among boson and fermion constituents of compact stellar objects, is subsequently reduced to a quadratic one in the scalar sector. This procedure enforces the use of a complex radial field counterpart in the equations of motion. The real and the imaginary components of the scalar field exhibit different behaviour as the interaction increases. The results also suggest that the Bose-Fermi system undergoes a BCS-like phase transition for a suitable choice of the coupling constant

Comparação de homogeneidade e heteroneneidade de variância residual em modelos de regressão aleatória na descrição do crescimento de ovinos Santa Inês.

Resumo: Utilizaram-se 17.767 registros de pesos de cordeiros da raça Santa Inês com o objetivo de comparar modelos de regressão aleatória com diferentes estruturas para modelar a variância residual. As regressões fixas e aleatórias foram ajustadas por meio de polinômios de Legendre de ordens quatro e três, respectivamente. A variância residual foi ajustada por meio de classes e funções de variâncias. O modelo considerando homogeneidade de variâncias residuais mostrou-se inadequado. De acordo com os critérios utilizados, a variância residual contendo sete classes heterogêneas proporcionou melhor ajuste, embora um mais parcimonioso, com cinco classes, poderia ser utilizado. O ajuste de funções de variâncias com qualquer ordem foi melhor que o obtido por meio de classes, sendo que o polinômio ordinário de ordem seis proporcionou melhor ajuste dentre as estruturas testadas. A modelagem do resíduo interferiu nas estimativas dos parâmetros genéticos. Além da alteração da classificação dos reprodutores, constataramse, também, alterações consideráveis na magnitude dos valores genéticos preditos em função do ajuste da variância residual empregado. Portanto, faz-se necessário a utilização de heterogeneidade de variâncias residuais para modelar as variâncias associadas à curva de crescimento dos ovinos Santa Inês em estudo. Comparison of homogeneity and heterogeneity of residual variance in random regression models in the description of the growth of Santa Inês sheep]. Abstract: Data set of 17,767 records of 4,210 Santa Inês lambs were used aiming to compare random regression models with different structures to fit the residual variance. Fixed and random regressions were fitted by Legendre polynomials of orders four and three, respectively. The residual variance was fitted by classes and functions of variances. The model considering homogeneity of residual variances was inadequate. According to the criteria used, the residual variance containing seven heterogeneous classes provided the best fit, although a more parsimonious one, with five classes, could be used. The fit of variances functions with any order was better than that obtained by classes and the ordinary polynomial of order six provided best fit among the tested structures. The modelling of the residue interfered the estimative of the genetic parameters. Beyond the Change in the classification of the reproducers it was verified alterations in the magnitude of the genetic values predicted as function of the fit of the variance residual studied. Therefore, it is necessary the use of residual heterogeneity variances to model the variances associated to the growth curve of Santa Inês sheep in study

Modeling of average growth curve in Santa Ines sheep using random regression models.

Abstract: Polynomial functions of age of different orders were evaluated in the modeling of the average growth trajectory in Santa Ines sheep in random regression models. Initially, the analyses were performed not considering the animal effect. Subsequently, the random regression analyses were performed including the random effects of the animal and its mother (genetic and permanent environment). The linear fit was lower, and the other orders were similar until near 100 days of age. The cubic function provided the closest fit of the observed averages, mainly at the end of the curve. Orders superior to this one tended to present incoherent behavior with the observed weights. The estimated direct heritabilities, considering the linear fit, were higher to those estimated by considering other functions. The changes in animal ranking based on predicted breeding values using linear fit and superior orders were small; however, the difference in magnitude of the predicted breeding values was higher, reaching values 77% higher than those obtained with the cubic function. The cubic polynomial function is efficient in describing the average growth curve. [Modelagem da curva média de crescimento de ovinos Santa Inês em modelos de regressão aleatória]. Resumo: Funções polinomiais da idade de diferentes ordens foram avaliadas na modelagem da trajetória média de crescimento de ovinos Santa Inês em modelos de regressão aleatória. As análises foram executadas inicialmente desconsiderando o efeito de animal. Posteriormente, as análises de regressão aleatória foram realizadas incluindo-se os efeitos aleatórios de animal e da mãe (genético e de ambiente permanente). O ajuste linear foi inferior, e as demais ordens foram semelhantes até próximo dos 100 dias de idade. A função cúbica proporcionou o ajuste mais próximo das médias observadas, principalmente ao final da curva. Ordens superiores a esta tenderam a apresentar comportamento incoerente com os pesos observados. As herdabilidades diretas estimadas considerando ajuste linear foram superiores às estimadas considerando as demais funções. As mudanças no ordenamento dos animais, com base nos valores genéticos preditos empregando ajuste linear e de ordens superiores, foram pequenas, porém, a diferença na magnitude dos valores genéticos preditos foi maior, chegando a valores 77% maiores que os obtidos com a função cúbica. A função polinomial cúbica é eficiente para descrever a curva média de crescimento