175 research outputs found
Inhomogeneous Anisotropic Passive Scalars
We investigate the behaviour of the two-point correlation function in the
context of passive scalars for non homogeneous, non isotropic forcing
ensembles. Exact analytical computations can be carried out in the framework of
the Kraichnan model for each anisotropic sector. It is shown how the
homogeneous solution is recovered at separations smaller than an intrinsic
typical lengthscale induced by inhomogeneities, and how the different Fourier
modes in the centre-of-mass variable recombine themselves to give a ``beating''
(superposition of power laws) described by Bessel functions. The pure power-law
behaviour is restored even if the inhomogeneous excitation takes place at very
small scales.Comment: 14 pages, 5 figure
Growth of non-infinitesimal perturbations in turbulence
We discuss the effects of finite perturbations in fully developed turbulence
by introducing a measure of the chaoticity degree associated to a given scale
of the velocity field. This allows one to determine the predictability time for
non-infinitesimal perturbations, generalizing the usual concept of maximum
Lyapunov exponent. We also determine the scaling law for our indicator in the
framework of the multifractal approach. We find that the scaling exponent is
not sensitive to intermittency corrections, but is an invariant of the
multifractal models. A numerical test of the results is performed in the shell
model for the turbulent energy cascade.Comment: 4 pages, 2 Postscript figures (included), RevTeX 3.0, files packed
with uufile
Transitions and Probes in Turbulent Helium
Previous analysis of a Paris turbulence experiment \cite{zoc94,tab95} shows a
transition at the Taylor Reynolds number \rel \approx 700. Here correlation
function data is analyzed which gives further evidence for this transition. It
is seen in both the power spectrum and in structure function measurements. Two
possible explanations may be offered for this observed transition: that it is
intrinsic to the turbulence flow in this closed box experiment or that it is an
effect of a change in the flow around the anemometer. We particularly examine a
pair of ``probe effects''. The first is a thermal boundary layer which does
exist about the probe and does limit the probe response, particularly at high
frequencies. Arguments based on simulations of the response and upon
observations of dissipation suggests that this effect is only crucial beyond
\rel\approx 2000. The second effect is produced by vortex shedding behind the
probe. This has been seen to produce a large modification in some of the power
spectra for large \rel. It might also complicate the interpretation of the
experimental results. However, there seems to be a remaining range of data for
\rel < 1300 uncomplicated by these effects, and which are thus suggestive of
an intrinsic transition.Comment: uuencoded .ps files. submitted to PRE. 12 figures are sent upon
request to jane wang ([email protected]
Near Infrared polarimetry of a sample of YSOs
Our goal is to study the physical properties of the circumstellar environment
of young stellar objetcs (YSOs). In particular, the determination of the
scattering mechanism can help to constrain the optical depth of the disk and/or
envelope in the near infrared. We used the IAGPOL imaging polarimeter along
with the CamIV infrared camera at the LNA observatory to obtain near infrared
polarimetry measurements at the H band of a sample of optically visible YSOs,
namely, eleven T Tauri stars and eight Herbig Ae/Be stars. An independent
determination of the disk (or jet) orientation was obtained for twelve objects
from the literature. The circumstellar optical depth could be then estimated
comparing the integrated polarization position angle (PA) with the direction of
the major axis of the disk projected in the plane of the sky. In general,
optically thin disks have polarization PA perpendicular to the disk plane. In
contrast, optically thick disks produce polarization PA parallel to the disks.
Among the T Tauri stars, three are consistent with optically thin disks (AS
353A, RY Tau and UY Aur) and five with optically thick disks (V536 Aql, DG Tau,
DO Tau, HL Tau and LkHalpha 358). Among the Herbig Ae/Be stars, two stars show
evidence of optically thin disk (Hen 3-1191 and VV Ser) and two of optically
thick disks (PDS 453 and MWC 297). Our results seem consistent with the fact
that optically thick disks at near infrared bands are associated more likely
with younger YSOs. Marginal evidence of polarization reversal is found in RY
Tau, RY Ori, WW Vul, and UY Aur. On the first three cases this feature can be
associated to the UXOR phenomenon. Correlations with the IRAS colours and the
spectral index yielded evidence of an evolutionary segregation with the disks
tend to be optically thin when they are older.Comment: 15 pages, 15 figures, accepted in Astronomy and Astrophysic
A Framework for Verifying Data-Centric Protocols
International audienceData centric languages, such as recursive rule based languages, have been proposed to program distributed applications over networks. They simplify greatly the code, while still admitting efficient distributed execution. We show that they also provide a promising approach to the verification of distributed protocols, thanks to their data centric orientation, which allows us to explicitly handle global structures such as the topology of the network. We consider a framework using an original formalization in the Coq proof assistant of a distributed computation model based on message passing with either synchronous or asynchronous behavior. The declarative rules of the Netlog language for specifying distributed protocols and the virtual machines for evaluating these rules are encoded in Coq as well. We consider as a case study tree protocols, and show how this framework enables us to formally verify them in both the asynchronous and synchronous setting
Crowdsourcing hypothesis tests: making transparent how design choices shape research results
To what extent are research results influenced by subjective decisions that scientists make as they design studies? Fifteen research teams independently designed studies to answer five original research questions related to moral judgments, negotiations, and implicit cognition. Participants from 2 separate large samples (total N > 15,000) were then randomly assigned to complete 1 version of each study. Effect sizes varied dramatically across different sets of materials designed to test the same hypothesis: Materials from different teams rendered statistically significant effects in opposite directions for 4 of 5 hypotheses, with the narrowest range in estimates being d = -0.37 to + 0.26. Meta-analysis and a Bayesian perspective on the results revealed overall support for 2 hypotheses and a lack of support for 3 hypotheses. Overall, practically none of the variability in effect sizes was attributable to the skill of the research team in designing materials, whereas considerable variability was attributable to the hypothesis being tested. In a forecasting survey, predictions of other scientists were significantly correlated with study results, both across and within hypotheses. Crowdsourced testing of research hypotheses helps reveal the true consistency of empirical support for a scientific claim.info:eu-repo/semantics/submittedVersio
Large scale dynamics in turbulent Rayleigh-Benard convection
The progress in our understanding of several aspects of turbulent
Rayleigh-Benard convection is reviewed. The focus is on the question of how the
Nusselt number and the Reynolds number depend on the Rayleigh number Ra and the
Prandtl number Pr, and on how the thicknesses of the thermal and the kinetic
boundary layers scale with Ra and Pr. Non-Oberbeck-Boussinesq effects and the
dynamics of the large-scale convection-roll are addressed as well. The review
ends with a list of challenges for future research on the turbulent
Rayleigh-Benard system.Comment: Review article, 34 pages, 13 figures, Rev. Mod. Phys. 81, in press
(2009
Linking early-life NMDAR hypofunction and oxidative stress in schizophrenia pathogenesis.
Molecular, genetic and pathological evidence suggests that deficits in GABAergic parvalbumin-positive interneurons contribute to schizophrenia pathophysiology through alterations in the brain's excitation-inhibition balance that result in impaired behaviour and cognition. Although the factors that trigger these deficits are diverse, there is increasing evidence that they converge on a common pathological hub that involves NMDA receptor hypofunction and oxidative stress. These factors have been separately linked to schizophrenia pathogenesis, but evidence now suggests that they are mechanistically interdependent and contribute to a common schizophrenia-associated pathology
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