Anomaly at finite density and chiral fermions on lattice

Using both perturbation theory in the Euclidean formalism as well as the non-perturbative Fujikawa's method, we verify that the chiral anomaly equation remains unaffected in continuum QCD in the presence of nonzero chemical potential, \mu. We extend our considerations to lattice fermions with exact chiral symmetry and discuss the consequences for the recent Bloch-Wettig proposal for the Dirac operator at finite chemical potential. We propose a new simpler method of incorporating \mu.Comment: Talk presented at the XXVII International Symposium on Lattice Field Theory, July 26-31, 2009, Peking University, Beijing, China; 7 pages, 3 figure

An Interesting Case Of Acute Disseminated Encephalomyelitis

Acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM) is an uncommon inflammatory demyelinating disease of the central nervous system. The disease typically occurs after infections or vaccinations. However, in many patients with ADEM, no evidence of prior infection or vaccination can be found. We are reporting a patient who developed clinical and radiological features of acute disseminated encephalomyelitis after trauma of repeated attempts at lumber puncture for spinal anesthesi

The potential of private institutional investors for the financing of transport infrastructure

It is widely held that large institutional investors such as pension funds and sovereign wealth funds with long term liabilities and a low risk appetite are ideally suited to invest in transportation infrastructure assets. Despite the theoretical ideal match between a large source of capital and an asset class in need of investment, the uptake of institutional investors has been slow. This has been due to bad experiences with early investments and the uncertainty associated with investing in some transportation infrastructure assets..

Exact Chiral Fermions and Finite Density on Lattice

Any mu^2-divergence is shown analytically to be absent for a class of actions for Overlap and Domain Wall Fermions with nonzero chemical potential. All such actions are, however, shown to violate the chiral invariance. While the parameter M of these actions can be shown to be irrelevant in the continuum limit, as expected, it is shown numerically that the continuum limit can be reached with relatively coarser lattices for M in the range of 1.5-1.6.Comment: 8 pages, 3 figures, talk presented at The XXVI International Symposium on Lattice Field Theory, July 14 - 19, 2008, Williamsburg, Virginia, US

Qualitative and quantitative approaches to analyse reliability of a mechatronic system: A case

The main research intent of this paper is to introduce the use of fault tree analysis (FTA) and failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA) in conjunction to analyse the risk and reliability of a complex mechatronic system in both qualitative and quantitative manner. The major focus is on handling imprecise and vague information with the help of fuzzy synthesis of information. A complex mechatronic system, i.e. modular automated production system (MAPS), composed of mechanical, electronic, and embedded software subsystems is considered to study the reliability aspects using hybrid FTA. From the results, it is found that the proposed approach models both subjective issues such as human errors along with hardware failures. The in-depth analysis and prioritizing of failure modes using a risk ranking approach based on fuzzy inference system and grey relation approach not only integrate expert judgment, experience, and expertise in more flexible and realistic manner, but also address the limitations associated with traditional procedure of FMEA

In Vivo Genome Editing: Proof of Concept in Neonatal and Adult Mouse Liver

Adeno-associated viral (AAV) vectors show great potential for therapeutic gene delivery for monogenic diseases, including hemophilia. Major limitations of this approach are the inability to persist in dividing cells and the restrictive packaging capacity of AAV. Gene targeting, the ability to make site-directed changes to the genome, has been a powerful tool for genetic discovery. Until recently, the low efficiency of targeting has rendered it unlikely to be of therapeutic value for most genetic diseases. Zinc finger nucleases (ZFNs) are engineered proteins capable of site-directed DNA cleavage, known to increase the efficiency of gene targeting. Our lab has previously demonstrated in vivo gene targeting of the liver using AAV to deliver ZFNs and therapeutic donor in neonatal mice, where the rapid proliferation of hepatocytes may promote genome editing through homology directed repair (HDR). It was unknown whether the success of this approach could be replicated in adult mice (with predominantly quiescent hepatocytes, unlikely to be amenable to HDR). We hypothesized that in the absence of HDR, the non-homologous end-joining (NHEJ) pathway may promote gene targeting in adult mice. Indeed, homology independent vector integration was sufficient to drive robust expression of clotting factor IX, deficient in hemophilia B, and correct the disease phenotype in mice treated as adults. This approach was adapted to create a general platform for liver-directed protein replacement therapy. Using ZFNs targeting the mouse albumin locus, we achieved long-term therapeutic expression of human factors VIII and IX in mouse models of hemophilia A and B as well as four different therapeutic enzymes deficient in lysosomal storage disorders. To test our hypothesis that in vivo genome editing relies on different DNA repair mechanisms in neonatal and adult mice, we applied multiple techniques including a novel reporter construct, southern blot, comparisons of donors with and without arms of homology, and a mouse model of NHEJ deficiency. These data indicate HDR is the primary mechanism of genome editing in neonatal mouse livers, and dispensable for therapeutically relevant levels of genome editing in adult mice. These results have implications in designing safer and more efficacious genome editing therapies

Benchmarking SCM performance and empirical analysis: a case from paint industry

The real challenge for managers is to develop and implement a suitable supply chain performance framework that not only helps in making right decisions but also facilitates the benchmarking of their internal supply chain. The main purpose of this study was to develop a framework based on the performance metrics such as (1) total length of the supply chain, (2) supply chain inefficiency ratio and (3) supply chain working capital productivity. Case study approach is used to benchmark the SCM performance of two paint companies. Further, in order to examine the relationship between SCM practices and SCM performance measures, an empirical analysis has been done by formulating research hypothesis. Results show strong support for linkage between SCM practices and selected performance metrics

A Computing Model for Design of Flexible Buoyancy System for Autonomous Underwater Vehicles and Gliders

Modern design approaches are conceived and utilised in an integrated loop covering system statics, dynamics, optimisation, and others. In this regard this paper presents a computing based integrated design approach for a flexible buoyancy system (FBS) aimed towards the applications in autonomous underwater vehicles and gliders. The primary design alternatives for the FBS are: piston and pump driven and both are investigated. The primary design of autonomous underwater vehicles and gliders is computed from first principle of mechanics and defined in the computer aided design model and it is implemented in the Matlab*TM. Lastly, to show the application of the present approach, a design example is presented for a water depth of 6000 m