We propose a fast local level set method for the inverse problem of gravimetry. The theoretical foundation for our approach is based on the following uniqueness result: if an open set D is star-shaped or x₃-convex with respect to its center of gravity, then its exterior potential uniquely determines the open set D. To achieve this purpose constructively, the first challenge is how to parametrize this open set D as its boundary may have a variety of possible shapes. To describe those different shapes we propose to use a level-set function to parametrize the unknown boundary of this open set. The second challenge is how to deal with the issue of partial data as gravimetric measurements are only made on a part of a given reference domain . To overcome this difficulty we propose a linear numerical continuation approach based on the single layer representation to find potentials on the boundary of some artificial domain

Recent understandings of molecular evolution, together with the fossil records, have established that there are both linear and nonlinear processes in the creation of novel species, which is strikingly similar to the generation of prime numbers and human creativity. Each creation of a more complex species is like a prime number, unpredictable, discontinuous, and yet can be modeled by a smooth curve in relation to time. The mystery behind the complexity increases in nature and human civilizations might well turn out to be similar to that behind the appearances of prime numbers. Here we show that an algorithm for the creative process of humans can create prime numbers in a lawful and yet unpredictable fashion. The essence of primes is the duality of uniqueness and uniformity together with the creation algorithm. The algorithm consists of the non-linear process of uniformity selection to create the unique and the linear process of uniqueness selection to form the uniformity. The iterations of this algorithm can create an infinite number of primes. The algorithm appears to have been hardwired in the human brain as shown by recent experimental studies. This new understanding can deduce some of the best-known properties of primes and may explain the nearly constant and yet seemingly random creation of novelty in relation to time.

We give an overview of our philosophy of pictures in mathematics. We emphasize a bidirectional process between picture lan- guage and mathematical concepts: abstraction and simulation. This motivates a program to understand different subjects, using virtual and real mathematical concepts simulated by pictures.