SOLITON SOLUTIONS TO SYSTEMS OF COUPLED SCHRODINGER EQUATIONS OF HAMILTONIAN TYPE

We study the existence of positive solutions of Hamiltonian-type systems of second-order elliptic PDE in the whole space. The systems depend on a small parameter and involve a potential having a global well structure. We use dual variational methods, a mountain-pass type approach and Fourier analysis to prove positive solutions exist for sufficiently small values of the parameter.

LOCAL WELL POSEDNESS, ASYMPTOTIC BEHAVIOR AND ASYMPTOTIC BOOTSTRAPPING FOR A CLASS OF SEMILINEAR EVOLUTION EQUATIONS OF THE SECOND ORDER IN TIME

A class of semilinear evolution equations of the second order in time of the form u(tt)+Au+mu Au(t)+Au(tt) = f(u) is considered, where -A is the Dirichlet Laplacian, 92 is a smooth bounded domain in R(N) and f is an element of C(1) (R, R). A local well posedness result is proved in the Banach spaces W(0)(1,p)(Omega)xW(0)(1,P)(Omega) when f satisfies appropriate critical growth conditions. In the Hilbert setting, if f satisfies all additional dissipativeness condition, the nonlinear Semigroup of global solutions is shown to possess a gradient-like attractor. Existence and regularity of the global attractor are also investigated following the unified semigroup approach, bootstrapping and the interpolation-extrapolation techniques.

Statistics of opinion domains of the majority-vote model on a square lattice

The existence of juxtaposed regions of distinct cultures in spite of the fact that people's beliefs have a tendency to become more similar to each other's as the individuals interact repeatedly is a puzzling phenomenon in the social sciences. Here we study an extreme version of the frequency-dependent bias model of social influence in which an individual adopts the opinion shared by the majority of the members of its extended neighborhood, which includes the individual itself. This is a variant of the majority-vote model in which the individual retains its opinion in case there is a tie among the neighbors' opinions. We assume that the individuals are fixed in the sites of a square lattice of linear size L and that they interact with their nearest neighbors only. Within a mean-field framework, we derive the equations of motion for the density of individuals adopting a particular opinion in the single-site and pair approximations. Although the single-site approximation predicts a single opinion domain that takes over the entire lattice, the pair approximation yields a qualitatively correct picture with the coexistence of different opinion domains and a strong dependence on the initial conditions. Extensive Monte Carlo simulations indicate the existence of a rich distribution of opinion domains or clusters, the number of which grows with L(2) whereas the size of the largest cluster grows with ln L(2). The analysis of the sizes of the opinion domains shows that they obey a power-law distribution for not too large sizes but that they are exponentially distributed in the limit of very large clusters. In addition, similarly to other well-known social influence model-Axelrod's model-we found that these opinion domains are unstable to the effect of a thermal-like noise.

Darcy`s law and the differential equation of motion

This note addresses the relation between the differential equation of motion and Darcy`s law. It is shown that, in different flow conditions, three versions of Darcy`s law can be rigorously derived from the equation of motion.

Quantum analysis of the nondegenerate optical parametric oscillator with injected signal

In this paper we study the nondegenerate optical parametric oscillator with injected signal, both analytically and numerically. We develop a perturbation approach which allows us to find approximate analytical solutions, starting from the full equations of motion in the positive-P representation. We demonstrate the regimes of validity of our approximations via comparison with the full stochastic results. We find that, with reasonably low levels of injected signal, the system allows for demonstrations of quantum entanglement and the Einstein-Podolsky-Rosen paradox. In contrast to the normal optical parametric oscillator operating below threshold, these features are demonstrated with relatively intense fields.

HANDEDNESS INFLUENCES PASSIVE SHOULDER RANGE OF MOTION IN NONATHLETE ADULT WOMEN

Objective: The Purpose of this study was to determine whether handedness influences bilateral shoulder range of motion in nonathlete adult women. Methods: This was an observational Study. Shoulder range of motion (flexion, abduction, horizontal adduction, extension, external and internal rotation) was passively and bilaterally measured in 50 female, right-handed, and healthy university students, ranging from 20 to 29 years of age, who were not practicing repetitive activities with the upper limbs at the time Of this study. The assessment was performed with a universal goniometer, twice for each subject by the same examiner. irst and second measurements were correlated using the intraclass correlation coefficient, which was high for all movements and ranged from 0.80 to 0.97. The Student t test and Wilcoxon test were used to compare the range of motion between the dominant and nondominant shoulders and the mean differences between the 2 sides. The effect of size vias alpha = .05. Results: There is statistically significance difference between the 2 sides when the rotational range of motion is compared the dominant shoulder presented increased external rotation (mean, 4.74 degrees; 95% confidence interval, 1.61-7.87) and decreased internal rotation (mean, 3.52 degrees; 95% confidence interval, 1.64-5.4) compared to the opposite Shoulder. Conclusion: Dominance should be considered when shoulder rotation is evaluated even in nonathlete adult women. (J Manipulative Physiol Ther 2009;32:149-153)

Substitution of crude cell wall for neutral detergent fibre in the equations of the Cornell Net Carbohydrate and Protein System that predict carbohydrate fractions: application to sunflower (Helianthus annulus L.)

Prediction of carbohydrate fractions using equations from the Cornell Net Carbohydrate and Protein System (CNCPS) is a valuable tool to assess the nutritional value of forages. In this paper these carbohydrate fractions were predicted using data from three sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) cultivars, fresh or as silage. The CNCPS equations for fractions B(2) and C include measurement of ash and protein-free neutral detergent fibre (NDF) as one of their components. However, NDF lacks pectin and other non-starch polysaccharides that are found in the cell wall (CW) matrix, so this work compared the use of a crude CW preparation instead of NDF in the CNCPS equations. There were no differences in the estimates of fractions B, and C when CW replaced NDF; however there were differences in fractions A and B2. Some of the CNCPS equations could be simplified when using CW instead of NDF Notably, lignin could be expressed as a proportion of DM, rather than on the basis of ash and protein-free NDF, when predicting CNCPS fraction C. The CNCPS fraction B(1) (starch + pectin) values were lower than pectin determined through wet chemistty. This finding, along with the results obtained by the substitution of CW for NDF in the CNCPS equations, suggests that pectin was not part of fraction B(1) but present in fraction A. We suggest that pectin and other non-starch polysaccharides that are dissolved by the neutral detergent solution be allocated to a specific fraction (B2) and that another fraction (B(3)) be adopted for the digestible cell wall carbohydrates.

Cervical range of motion discriminates between asymptomatic persons and those with whiplash

Study Design. A comparative study of cervical range of motion in asymptomatic persons and those with whiplash. Objectives. To compare the primary and conjunct ranges of motion of the cervical spine in asymptomatic persons and those with persistent whiplash-associated disorders, and to investigate the ability of these measures of range of motion to discriminate between the groups. Summary of Background. Evidence that range of motion is an effective indicator of physical impairment in the cervical spine is not conclusive. Few studies have evaluated the ability to discriminate between asymptomatic persons and those with whiplash on the basis of range of motion or compared three-dimensional in vivo measures of range of motion in asymptomatic persons and those with whiplash-associated disorders. Methods. The study participants were 89 asymptomatic volunteers (41 men, 48 women; mean age 39.2 years) and 114 patients with persistent whiplash-associated disorders (22 men, 93 women; mean age 37.2 years) referred to a whiplash research unit for assessment of their cervical region. Range of cervical motion was measured in three dimensions with a computerized, electromagnetic, motion-tracking device. The movements assessed were flexion, extension, left and right lateral flexion, and left and right rotation. Results. Range of motion was reduced in all primary movements in patients with persistent whiplash-associated disorder. Sagittal plane movements were proportionally the most affected. On the basis of primary and conjunct range of motion, age, and gender, 90.3% of study participants could be correctly categorized as asymptomatic or as having whiplash (sensitivity 86.2%, specificity 95.3%). Conclusions. Range of motion was capable of discriminating between asymptomatic persons and those with persistent whiplash-associated disorders.

Applications of motion study in developmental disabilities: A review

Motion study is an engineering technology that analyzes human body motions. During the past decade (1990-1999) a series of studies investigated the role of motion study in developmental disabilities. This article reviews the literature on the applications of motion study in the field. A historical and conceptual review of motion study leading to the current status of studies is presented followed by a review of the research literature. Two main eras of research focus were identified. The first era (1990-1995) of studies established the superior effectiveness and efficiency of tasks designed with motion study or motion study-related principles over traditional site-based task designs. The second era (1995-1999) of studies examined the interaction between motion study-based task designs and other variables such as choice, preference, and functionally equivalent and competing task designs and communicative alternatives. Our review found that applying motion study principles as an antecedent guide and practice to eliminating or reducing ineffective motions and simplifying effective motions resulted in positive task outcomes with most of the participants.

Relationship between cranio-cervical flexion range of motion and pressure change during the cranio-cervical flexion test

The purpose of this study was to quantify the sagittal angular displacement of the head (cranio-cervical flexion) for the five incremental stages of the cranio-cervical flexion test (CCFT). Range of cranio-cervical flexion during the CCFT was measured using a digital imaging method in 20 healthy volunteer subjects. The intra- and inter-rater reliability of the digital imaging technique for the assessment of this movement were also examined. The results of this study demonstrated a linear relationship between the incremental pressure targets of the CCFT and the percentages of full range cranio-cervical flexion range of motion (ROM) measured in the supine lying position of the test using a digital imaging technique. A mean of 22.9% full range cranio-cervical flexion was used to reach the first pressure target of the CCFT followed by linear increments up to 76.6% for the last stage of the test. An increasing amount of cranio-cervical flexion ROM was used to achieve the five successive stages of the CCFT reflecting an increasing contractile demand on the deep cervical flexor muscles. Excellent inter-rater (ICC = 0.994) and intra-rater reliability (ICC = 0.988-0.998) were demonstrated for the angular measurements using this digital imaging technique. (C) 2003 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.

Active and passive shoulder range of motion in healthy older people

This study was conducted to determine the effect of increasing age on four shoulder movements and to explore the need for normative data for shoulder range of motion (ROM) in people aged 50 years and older. Forty-one participants were conveniently recruited according to four age categories: 50-59 years, 60-69 years, 70-79 years and 80 years and over. Goniometric measurement of bilateral active and passive ROM for flexion, abduction, internal rotation and external rotation was analysed using paired sample t-tests and compared with the norms of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) using one sample t-tests. Passive ROM was greater than active ROM for all movements (p

Large amplitude vibration of thermo-electro-mechanically stressed FGM laminated plates

This paper presents a large amplitude vibration analysis of pre-stressed functionally graded material (FGM) laminated plates that are composed of a shear deformable functionally graded layer and two surface-mounted piezoelectric actuator layers. Nonlinear governing equations of motion are derived within the context of Reddy's higher-order shear deformation plate theory to account for transverse shear strain and rotary inertia. Due to the bending and stretching coupling effect, a nonlinear static problem is solved first to determine the initial stress state and pre-vibration deformations of the plate that is subjected to uniform temperature change, in-plane forces and applied actuator voltage. By adding an incremental dynamic state to the pre-vibration state, the differential equations that govern the nonlinear vibration behavior of pre-stressed FGM laminated plates are derived. A semi-analytical method that is based on one-dimensional differential quadrature and Galerkin technique is proposed to predict the large amplitude vibration behavior of the laminated rectangular plates with two opposite clamped edges. Linear vibration frequencies and nonlinear normalized frequencies are presented in both tabular and graphical forms, showing that the normalized frequency of the FGM laminated plate is very sensitive to vibration amplitude, out-of-plane boundary support, temperature change, in-plane compression and the side-to-thickness ratio. The CSCF and CFCF plates even change the inherent hard-spring characteristic to soft-spring behavior at large vibration amplitudes. (C) 2003 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Analysing the usefulness of motion correction software in myocardial perfusion imaging

Introduction Myocardial Perfusion Imaging (MPI) is a very important tool in the assessment of Coronary Artery Disease ( CAD ) patient s and worldwide data demonstrate an increasingly wider use and clinical acceptance. Nevertheless, it is a complex process and it is quite vulnerable concerning the amount and type of possible artefacts, some of them affecting seriously the overall quality and the clinical utility of the obtained data. One of the most in convenient artefacts , but relatively frequent ( 20% of the cases ) , is relate d with patient motion during image acquisition . Mostly, in those situations, specific data is evaluated and a decisi on is made between A) accept the results as they are , consider ing that t he “noise” so introduced does not affect too seriously the final clinical information, or B) to repeat the acquisition process . Another possib ility could be to use the “ Motion Correcti on Software” provided within the software package included in any actual gamma camera. The aim of this study is to compare the quality of the final images , obtained after the application of motion correction software and after the repetition of image acqui sition. Material and Methods Thirty cases of MPI affected by Motion Artefacts and repeated , were used. A group of three, independent (blinded for the differences of origin) expert Nuclear Medicine Clinicians had been invited to evaluate the 30 sets of thre e images - one set for each patient - being ( A) original image , motion uncorrected , (B) original image, motion corrected, and (C) second acquisition image, without motion . The results so obtained were statistically analysed . Results and Conclusion Results obtained demonstrate that the use of the Motion Correction Software is useful essentiall y if the amplitude of movement is not too important (with this specific quantification found hard to define precisely , due to discrepancies between clinicians and other factors , namely between one to another brand); when that is not the case and the amplitude of movement is too important , the n the percentage of agreement between clinicians is much higher and the repetition of the examination is unanimously considered ind ispensable.

Does diaphragmatic breathing technique really improve its range of motion? An objective assessment

Purpose - To verify the results of a diaphragmatic breathing technique (DBT) on diaphragmatic range of motion in healthy subjects. Methods - A total of 51 healthy subjects (10 male; 41 female), mean age 20 years old and a body mass index (BMI) ranging from 15.6 to 34.9 kg/m2, were enrolled in this study. Diaphragmatic range of motion was assessed by M-mode ultrasound imaging. Measurements were made before and after the DBT implementation in a standard protocol, based on 3 seconds of inspiration starting from a maximum expiration. Differences between assessments were analyzed by descriptive statistics and t-test (p < 0.05). Results - Mean value range of motion before DBT was 55.3 ± 13.4 mm and after DBT was 63.8 ± 13.2 mm showing a significant improvement of 8.5 ± 14.7 mm (p < 0.001). A strong correlation between the slope and the range of motion was found (r = 0.71, p < 0.001). Conclusions - Based on ultrasound measurements, it has been proved that DBT really contributes to a higher diaphragmatic range of motion. Future studies are needed in order to understand the influence of protocol parameters (e.g. inspiration time). Clinical implications - In the contest of evidence-based practice in physiotherapy, it has been showed by objective measurements that DBT improves the diaphragm range of motion, translating into a more efficient ventilatory function and thus can be used in clinical setting. To our knowledge this is the first study to assess the effects of DBT on range of motion of diaphragm muscle with ultrasound imaging.