Mott transitions in two-orbital Hubbard systems

We investigate the Mott transitions in two-orbital Hubbard systems. Applying the dynamical mean field theory and the self-energy functional approach, we discuss the stability of itinerant quasi-particle states in each band. It is shown that separate Mott transitions occur at different Coulomb interaction strengths in general. On the other hand, if some special conditions are satisfied for the interactions, spin and orbital fluctuations are equally enhanced at low temperatures, resulting in a single Mott transition. The phase diagrams are obtained at zero and finite temperatures. We also address the effect of the hybridization between two orbitals, which induces the Kondo-like heavy fermion states in the intermediate orbital-selective Mott phase.Comment: 21 Pages, 17 Figures, to appear in Progress of Theoretical Physics (YKIS2004 Proceedings

Phytohaemagglutinin on maternal and umbilical leukocytes

Almost all the umbilical lymphocytes showed more extensive blast cell formation than that of their mother's lymphocytes with PHA. Pathological conditions of mother in pregnancy and labor such as anemia, gestational toxicosis, difficult labor and asphyxia of babies, inhibited the normal response of both maternal and umbilical lymphocytes to PHA.</p

Zero-temperature Phase Diagram of Two Dimensional Hubbard Model

We investigate the two-dimensional Hubbard model on the triangular lattice with anisotropic hopping integrals at half filling. By means of a self-energy functional approach, we discuss how stable the non-magnetic state is against magnetically ordered states in the system. We present the zero-temperature phase diagram, where the normal metallic state competes with magnetically ordered states with $(\pi, \pi)$ and $(2\pi/3, 2\pi/3)$ structures. It is shown that a non-magnetic Mott insulating state is not realized as the ground state, in the present framework, but as a meta-stable state near the magnetically ordered phase with $(2\pi/3, 2\pi/3)$ structure.Comment: 4 pages, 4 figure

Simultaneous formation of Solar System giant planets

In the last few years, the so-called "Nice model" has got a significant importance in the study of the formation and evolution of the solar system. According to this model, the initial orbital configuration of the giant planets was much more compact than the one we observe today. We study the formation of the giant planets in connection with some parameters that describe the protoplanetary disk. The aim of this study is to establish the conditions that favor their simultaneous formation in line with the initial configuration proposed by the Nice model. We focus in the conditions that lead to the simultaneous formation of two massive cores, corresponding to Jupiter and Saturn, able to achieve the cross-over mass (where the mass of the envelope of the giant planet equals the mass of the core, and gaseous runway starts) while Uranus and Neptune have to be able to grow to their current masses. We compute the in situ planetary formation, employing the numerical code introduced in our previous work, for different density profiles of the protoplanetary disk. Planetesimal migration is taken into account and planetesimals are considered to follow a size distribution between $r_p^{min}$ (free parameter) and $r_p^{max}= 100$ km. The core's growth is computed according to the oligarchic growth regime. The simultaneous formation of the giant planets was successfully completed for several initial conditions of the disk. We find that for protoplanetary disks characterized by a power law ($\Sigma \propto r^{-p}$), smooth surface density profiles ($p \leq 1.5$) favor the simultaneous formation. However, for steep slopes ($p\sim 2$, as previously proposed by other authors) the simultaneous formation of the solar system giant planets is unlikely ...Comment: Accepted for publication in Astronomy and Astrophysic

Large-Scale Fermentation of E. Coli for the Production of High-Purity Isoprene

We present a process for the production of isoprene via the fermentation of glucose. Based on our current specifications, we conclude that the use of recombinant E.coli for the fermentation of glucose is a novel yet unprofitable venture. Our current design entails the continuous production of isoprene using 3 pre-seed, 3 seed, and 5 production fermenters each with a production fermentation time of 72 hours. Our scheduling of the fermenters allowed us to produce isoprene continuously at a steady rate, and the liquid by-products of the fermentation were removed and sterilized at the end of each batch. Isoprene was mainly present in the vapor phase during the fermentation and was purified using a combination of an absorption using ISOPAR v, stripping with steam, and separation using a flash vessel. It was desired that the fermentation was operated near the minimum oxygen concentration (MOC) as such conditions allowed for the highest production rate of isoprene based on the preliminary studies done by Chotani in their patent. The fermentation was operated at 34 °C and 1.7 bar with glucose and oxygen as the reactants producing isoprene, carbon dioxide, and water as the products. The results of our design suggest that the price of isoprene is too low when compared to the costs of raw materials, making this process economically unfeasible under present market conditions. We project that $4.08 worth of glucose will be need for each pound of isoprene which currently goes for$0.79/lb. Additionally, the metabolic pathway of isoprene is highly exothermic, requiring large utility requirements in terms of chilled water to remove heat from the fermenters. We are unsure of impacts of rapidly changing the temperature of E.Coli on production as there is no data regarding the robustness of the strain. Overall, the fixed capitals costs incurred make this process even more unappealing for further consideration

Tissue specific induction of p62/sqstm1 by farnesoid X receptor

Background: Farnesoid X Receptor (FXR) is a member of the nuclear receptor superfamily and is a ligand-activated transcription factor essential for maintaining liver and intestinal homeostasis. FXR is protective against carcinogenesis and inflammation in liver and intestine as demonstrated by the development of inflammation and tumors in the liver and intestine of FXR knock-out mice. However, mechanisms for the protective effects of FXR are not completely understood. This study reports a novel role of FXR in regulating expression of Sqstm1, which encodes for p62 protein. p62 plays an important role in maintaining cellular homeostasis through selective autophagy and activating signal transduction pathways, such as NF-κB to support cell survival and caspase-8 to initiate apoptosis. FXR regulation of Sqstm1 may serve as a protective mechanism. Methods and Results: This study showed that FXR bound to the Sqstm1 gene in both mouse livers and ileums as determined by chromatin immunoprecipitation. In addition, FXR activation enhanced transcriptional activation of Sqstm1 in vitro. However, wild-type mice treated with GW4064, a synthetic FXR ligand, showed that FXR activation induced mRNA and protein expression of Sqstm1/p62 in ileum, but not in liver. Interestingly, FXR-transgenic mice showed induced mRNA expression of Sqstm1 in both liver and ileum compared to wild-type mice. Conclusions: Our current study has identified a novel role of FXR in regulating the expression of p62, a key factor in protein degradation and cell signaling. Regulation of p62 by FXR indicates tissue-specific and gene-dosage effects. Furthermore, FXR-mediated induction of p62 may implicate a protective mechanism of FXR. © 2012 Williams et al

Magnetic systems at criticality: different signatures of scaling

Different aspects of critical behaviour of magnetic materials are presented and discussed. The scaling ideas are shown to arise in the context of purely magnetic properties as well as in that of thermal properties as demonstrated by magnetocaloric effect or combined scaling of excess entropy and order parameter. Two non-standard approaches to scaling phenomena are described. The presented concepts are exemplified by experimental data gathered on four representatives of molecular magnets.Comment: 33 pages, 16 figure