1,079 research outputs found
Worldsheet boundary conditions in Poisson-Lie T-duality
We apply canonical Poisson-Lie T-duality transformations to bosonic open
string worldsheet boundary conditions, showing that the form of these
conditions is invariant at the classical level, and therefore they are
compatible with Poisson-Lie T-duality. In particular the conditions for
conformal invariance are automatically preserved, rendering also the dual model
conformal. The boundary conditions are defined in terms of a gluing matrix
which encodes the properties of D-branes, and we derive the duality map for
this matrix. We demonstrate explicitly the implications of this map for
D-branes in two non-Abelian Drinfel'd doubles.Comment: 20 pages, Latex; v2: typos and wording corrected, references added;
v3: three-dimensional example added, reference added, discussion clarified,
published versio
N=2 Boundary conditions for non-linear sigma models and Landau-Ginzburg models
We study N=2 nonlinear two dimensional sigma models with boundaries and their
massive generalizations (the Landau-Ginzburg models). These models are defined
over either Kahler or bihermitian target space manifolds. We determine the most
general local N=2 superconformal boundary conditions (D-branes) for these sigma
models. In the Kahler case we reproduce the known results in a systematic
fashion including interesting results concerning the coisotropic A-type branes.
We further analyse the N=2 superconformal boundary conditions for sigma models
defined over a bihermitian manifold with torsion. We interpret the boundary
conditions in terms of different types of submanifolds of the target space. We
point out how the open sigma models correspond to new types of target space
geometry. For the massive Landau-Ginzburg models (both Kahler and bihermitian)
we discuss an important class of supersymmetric boundary conditions which
admits a nice geometrical interpretation.Comment: 48 pages, latex, references and minor comments added, the version to
appear in JHE
First Time-dependent Study of H2 and H3+ Ortho-Para Chemistry in the Diffuse Interstellar Medium: Observations Meet Theoretical Predictions
The chemistry in the diffuse interstellar medium initiates the gradual
increase of molecular complexity during the life cycle of matter. A key
molecule that enables build-up of new molecular bonds and new molecules via
proton-donation is H3+. Its evolution is tightly related to molecular hydrogen
and thought to be well understood. However, recent observations of ortho and
para lines of H2 and H3+ in the diffuse ISM showed a puzzling discrepancy in
nuclear spin excitation temperatures and populations between these two key
species. H3+, unlike H2, seems to be out of thermal equilibrium, contrary to
the predictions of modern astrochemical models. We conduct the first
time-dependent modeling of the para-fractions of H2 and H3+ in the diffuse ISM
and compare our results to a set of line-of-sight observations, including new
measurements presented in this study. We isolate a set of key reactions for H3+
and find that the destruction of the lowest rotational states of H3+ by
dissociative recombination largely control its ortho/para ratio. A plausible
agreement with observations cannot be achieved unless a ratio larger than 1:5
for the destruction of (1,1)- and (1,0)-states of H3+ is assumed. Additionally,
an increased CR ionization rate to 10(-15) 1/s further improves the fit whereas
variations of other individual physical parameters, such as density and
chemical age, have only a minor effect on the predicted ortho/para ratios. Thus
our study calls for new laboratory measurements of the dissociative
recombination rate and branching ratio of the key ion H3+ under interstellar
conditions.Comment: 27 pages, 6 figures, 3 table
T-duality for the sigma model with boundaries
We derive the most general local boundary conditions necessary for T-duality
to be compatible with superconformal invariance of the two-dimensional N=1
supersymmetric nonlinear sigma model with boundaries. To this end, we construct
a consistent gauge invariant parent action by gauging a U(1) isometry, with and
without boundary interactions. We investigate the behaviour of the boundary
conditions under T-duality, and interpret the results in terms of D-branes.Comment: 48 pages, LaTeX, v2: typos corrected, references adde
Acoustic resonances in microfluidic chips: full-image micro-PIV experiments and numerical simulations
We show that full-image micro-PIV analysis in combination with images of
transient particle motion is a powerful tool for experimental studies of
acoustic radiation forces and acoustic streaming in microfluidic chambers under
piezo-actuation in the MHz range. The measured steady-state motion of both
large 5 um and small 1 um particles can be understood in terms of the acoustic
eigenmodes or standing ultra-sound waves in the given experimental
microsystems. This interpretation is supported by numerical solutions of the
corresponding acoustic wave equation.Comment: RevTex, 10 pages, 9 eps figures; NOTE first authors changed his name
to S. Melker Hagsater in the published versio
Models predicting the growth response to growth hormone treatment in short children independent of GH status, birth size and gestational age
<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Mathematical models can be used to predict individual growth responses to growth hormone (GH) therapy. The aim of this study was to construct and validate high-precision models to predict the growth response to GH treatment of short children, independent of their GH status, birth size and gestational age. As the GH doses are included, these models can be used to individualize treatment.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Growth data from 415 short prepubertal children were used to construct models for predicting the growth response during the first years of GH therapy. The performance of the models was validated with data from a separate cohort of 112 children using the same inclusion criteria.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Using only auxological data, the model had a standard error of the residuals (SD<sub>res</sub>), of 0.23 SDS. The model was improved when endocrine data (GH<sub>max </sub>profile, IGF-I and leptin) collected before starting GH treatment were included. Inclusion of these data resulted in a decrease of the SD<sub>res </sub>to 0.15 SDS (corresponding to 1.1 cm in a 3-year-old child and 1.6 cm in a 7-year old). Validation of these models with a separate cohort, showed similar SD<sub>res </sub>for both types of models. Preterm children were not included in the Model group, but predictions for this group were within the expected range.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>These prediction models can with high accuracy be used to identify short children who will benefit from GH treatment. They are clinically useful as they are constructed using data from short children with a broad range of GH secretory status, birth size and gestational age.</p
Supersymmetric non-linear sigma-models with boundaries revisited
We study two-dimensional supersymmetric non-linear sigma-models with
boundaries. We derive the most general family of boundary conditions in the
non-supersymmetric case. Next we show that no further conditions arise when
passing to the N=1 model. We present a manifest N=1 off-shell formulation. The
analysis is greatly simplified compared to previous studies and there is no
need to introduce non-local superspaces nor to go (partially) on-shell. Whether
or not torsion is present does not modify the discussion. Subsequently, we
determine under which conditions a second supersymmetry exists. As for the case
without boundaries, two covariantly constant complex structures are needed.
However, because of the presence of the boundary, one gets expressed in terms
of the other one and the remainder of the geometric data. Finally we recast
some of our results in N=2 superspace and discuss applications.Comment: LaTeX, 23 page
The first-year growth response to growth hormone treatment predicts the long-term prepubertal growth response in children
<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Pretreatment auxological variables, such as birth size and parental heights, are important predictors of the growth response to GH treatment. For children with missing pretreatment data, published prediction models cannot be used.</p> <p>The objective was to construct and validate a prediction model for children with missing background data based on the observed first-year growth response to GH. The accuracy and reliability of the model should be comparable with our previously published prediction model relying on pretreatment data. The design used was mathematical curve fitting on observed growth response data from children treated with a GH dose of 33 μg/kg/d.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Growth response data from 162 prepubertal children born at term were used to construct the model; the group comprised of 19% girls, 80% GH-deficient and 23% born SGA. For validation, data from 205 other children fulfilling the same inclusion and treatment criteria as the model group were used. The model was also tested on data from children born prematurely, children from other continents and children receiving a GH dose of 67 μg/kg/d.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>The GH response curve was similar for all children, but with an individual amplitude. The curve SD score depends on an individual factor combining the effect of dose and growth, the 'Response Score', and time on treatment, making prediction possible when the first-year growth response is known. The prediction interval (± 2 SD<sub>res</sub>) was ± 0.34 SDS for the second treatment year growth response, corresponding to ± 1.2 cm for a 3-year-old child and ± 1.8 cm for a 7-year-old child. For the 1–4-year prediction, the SD<sub>res </sub>was 0.13 SDS/year and for the 1–7-year prediction it was 0.57 SDS (i.e. < 0.1 SDS/year).</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>The model based on the observed first-year growth response on GH is valid worldwide for the prediction of up to 7 years of prepubertal growth in children with GHD/ISS, born AGA/SGA and born preterm/term, and can be used as an aid in medical decision making.</p
A Multi-Wavelength High Resolution Study of the S255 Star Forming Region. General structure and kinematics
We present observational data for two main components (S255IR and S255N) of
the S255 high mass star forming region in continuum and molecular lines
obtained at 1.3 mm and 1.1 mm with the SMA, at 1.3 cm with the VLA and at 23
and 50 cm with the GMRT. The angular resolution was from ~ 2" to ~ 5" for all
instruments. With the SMA we detected a total of about 50 spectral lines of 20
different molecules (including isotopologues). About half of the lines and half
of the species (in particular N2H+, SiO, C34S, DCN, DNC, DCO+, HC3N, H2CO,
H2CS, SO2) have not been previously reported in S255IR and partly in S255N at
high angular resolution. Our data reveal several new clumps in the S255IR and
S255N areas by their millimeter wave continuum emission. Masses of these clumps
are estimated at a few solar masses. The line widths greatly exceed expected
thermal widths. These clumps have practically no association with NIR or radio
continuum sources, implying a very early stage of evolution. At the same time,
our SiO data indicate the presence of high-velocity outflows related to some of
these clumps. In some cases, strong molecular emission at velocities of the
quiescent gas has no detectable counterpart in the continuum. We discuss the
main features of the distribution of NH3, N2H+, and deuterated molecules. We
estimate properties of decimeter wave radio continuum sources and their
relationship with the molecular material.Comment: 21 pages, 26 figures, accepted for publication in Astrophysical
Journa
A Safety Transport Model for Validation of UK Coach Operators for School Journeys
Coaches are considered to be one of the safest modes of transport for children in the UK. In the last 10 years alone, 1191 children were injured in 371 coach crashes. Though the government has strict regulations to maintain road worthiness of the coaches, operator non-compliance was the major reason for these accidents. In last year alone, 137 coach operator licenses have been revoked due to operator non-compliance in the UK. Currently, there is no process to reliably mitigate the safety risks of children travelling by coaches. This has created a requirement to validate all the coach operators before using their coaches for school trips. This paper proposes a novel safety model for validation of coach operators prior to commencement of coach journeys
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