23,475 research outputs found
Gravitomagnetic time delay and the Lense-Thirring effect in Brans-Dicke theory of gravity
We discuss the gravitomagnetic time delay and the Lense-Thirring effect in
the context of Brans-Dicke theory of gravity. We compare the theoretical
results obtained with those predicted by general relativity. We show that
within the accuracy of experiments designed to measure these effects both
theories predict essentially the same result.Comment: 10 pages Typeset using REVTE
Inclusion of chemical effect in a fully coupled THM finite element code
Bentonite-rich clays can be used as a buffer / backfill material in deep geological repositories for nuclear waste. The prediction of the long-term performance of a buffer / backfill in such a complex environment, where the temperature, humidity and chemistry of water change, requires a fully thermo-hydro-mechanical-chemical (THMC) coupled numerical code. This paper presents a simple extension of a THM coupled finite element code to include chemical effects. After deriving the governing salt mass balance equation and discussing its implementation into the code, the paper verifies the extended framework against an analytical solution for 1D salt transport. In addition, the article presents a validation example in which the code replicates experimental data. The numerical results obtained from the extended THMC coupled finite element code encourage further investigation of the chemical effects on the mechanical and thermal behaviour of the material, which would serve the ultimate goal of achieving a safer design of the nuclear waste storage facility.Postprint (published version
New remarks on the Cosmological Argument
We present a formal analysis of the Cosmological Argument in its two main
forms: that due to Aquinas, and the revised version of the Kalam Cosmological
Argument more recently advocated by William Lane Craig. We formulate these two
arguments in such a way that each conclusion follows in first-order logic from
the corresponding assumptions. Our analysis shows that the conclusion which
follows for Aquinas is considerably weaker than what his aims demand. With
formalizations that are logically valid in hand, we reinterpret the natural
language versions of the premises and conclusions in terms of concepts of
causality consistent with (and used in) recent work in cosmology done by
physicists. In brief: the Kalam argument commits the fallacy of equivocation in
a way that seems beyond repair; two of the premises adopted by Aquinas seem
dubious when the terms `cause' and `causality' are interpreted in the context
of contemporary empirical science. Thus, while there are no problems with
whether the conclusions follow logically from their assumptions, the Kalam
argument is not viable, and the Aquinas argument does not imply a caused
origination of the universe. The assumptions of the latter are at best less
than obvious relative to recent work in the sciences. We conclude with mention
of a new argument that makes some positive modifications to an alternative
variation on Aquinas by Le Poidevin, which nonetheless seems rather weak.Comment: 12 pages, accepted for publication in International Journal for
Philosophy of Religio
Modeling of gas adsorption on graphene nanoribbons
We present a theory to study gas molecules adsorption on armchair graphene
nanoribbons (AGNRs) by applying the results of \emph{ab} \emph{initio}
calculations to the single-band tight-binding approximation. In addition, the
effect of edge states on the electronic properties of AGNR is included in the
calculations. Under the assumption that the gas molecules adsorb on the ribbon
sites with uniform probability distribution, the applicability of the method is
examined for finite concentrations of adsorption of several simple gas
molecules (CO, NO, CO, NH) on 10-AGNR. We show that the states
contributed by the adsorbed CO and NO molecules are quite localized near the
center of original band gap and suggest that the charge transport in such
systems cannot be enhanced considerably, while CO and NH molecules
adsorption acts as acceptor and donor, respectively. The results of this theory
at low gas concentration are in good agreement with those obtained by
density-functional theory calculations.Comment: 7 pages, 6 figure
Obstructive sleep apnea severity affects amyloid burden in cognitively normal elderly a longitudinal study
Recent evidence suggests that Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) may be a risk factor for developing Mild Cognitive Impairment and Alzheimer’s disease. However, how sleep apnea affects longitudinal risk for Alzheimer’s disease is less well understood.Postprint (author's final draft
Ab initio study of semiconducting carbon nanotubes adsorbed on the Si(100) surface: diameter- and registration-dependent atomic configurations and electronic properties
We present a first-principles study of semiconducting carbon nanotubes
adsorbed on the unpassivated Si(100) surface. We have found metallicity for the
combined system caused by n-doping of the silicon slab representing the surface
by the SWNT. We confirm this metallicity for nanotubes of different diameters
and chiral angles, and find the effect to be independent of the orientation of
the nanotubes on the surface. We also present adsorption energetics and
configurations which show semiconducting SWNTs farther apart from the surface
and transferring less charge, in comparison with metallic SWNTs of similar
diameter.Comment: Replaces old (Jan 2006) version; more supporting material. 11 pages,
8 figures, 7 table
The Self-Trapping Line of the Holstein Molecular Crystal Model in One Dimension
The ground state of the Holstein molecular crystal model in one dimension is
studied using the Global-Local variational method, analyzing in particular the
total energy, kinetic energy, phonon energy, and interaction energy over a
broad region of the polaron parameter space. Through the application of
objective criteria, a unique curve is identified that simply, accurately, and
robustly locates the self-trapping transition separating small polaron and
large polaron behavior
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