QCD Matter Thermalization at RHIC and LHC

Employing the perturbative QCD inspired parton cascade, we investigate kinetic and chemical equilibration of the partonic matter created in central heavy ion collisions at RHIC and LHC energies. Two types of initial conditions are chosen. One is generated by the model of wounded nucleons using the PYTHIA event generator and Glauber geometry. Another is considered as a color glass condensate. We show that kinetic equilibration is almost independent on the chosen initial conditions, whereas there is a sensitive dependence for chemical equilibration. The time scale of thermalization lies between 1 and 1.5 fm/c. The final parton transverse energy obtained from BAMPS calculations is compared with the RHIC data and is estimated for the LHC energy.Comment: 8 pages, 10 figures, plenary talk at International Conference on Strangeness in Quark Matter 2008, Beijing, China, October 6-10, 200

On the functions generated by the general purpose analog computer

PreprintWe consider the General Purpose Analog Computer (GPAC), introduced by Claude Shannon in 1941 as a mathematical model of Differential Analysers, that is to say as a model of continuous-time analog (mechanical, and later one electronic) machines of that time. The GPAC generates as output univariate functions (i.e. functions f:R→R). In this paper we extend this model by: (i) allowing multivariate functions (i.e. functions f:Rn→Rm); (ii) introducing a notion of amount of resources (space) needed to generate a function, which allows the stratification of GPAC generable functions into proper subclasses. We also prove that a wide class of (continuous and discontinuous) functions can be uniformly approximated over their full domain. We prove a few stability properties of this model, mostly stability by arithmetic operations, composition and ODE solving, taking into account the amount of resources needed to perform each operation. We establish that generable functions are always analytic but that they can nonetheless (uniformly) approximate a wide range of nonanalytic functions. Our model and results extend some of the results from [19] to the multidimensional case, allow one to define classes of functions generated by GPACs which take into account bounded resources, and also strengthen the approximation result from [19] over a compact domain to a uniform approximation result over unbounded domains.info:eu-repo/semantics/acceptedVersio

Die Wirkung von Orexin B auf die Hormonsekretion ( Insulin, Glukagon und Somatostatin ) des isoliert perfundierten Rattenpankreas

Nachdem 1998 die Orexine entdeckt wurden, sind primär zahlreiche Untersuchungen weltweit bezüglich ihrer Wirksamkeit auf das zentrale Nervensystem durchgeführt worden. Die Identifizierung der Orexinrezeptoren sowie vermehrte Hinweise auf eine mögliche auch peripher existierende Wirkung der Orexine führten zur Zielsetzung dieser Arbeit. Untersucht werden sollte der periphere Einfluss von Orexin B auf die Hormonsekretion des Pankreas. Hierzu wurde ein etabliertes Perfusionssystem an männlichen Wistar-Ratten verwendet. Nach 24 stündiger Nahrungskarenz wurde bei den Ratten das Pankreas operativ isoliert und zwischen Truncus coeliacus und Vena portae mit einem abgestimmten Perfusionsmedium perfundiert. Zu Beginn wurde das Pankreas nur „basal“ perfundiert, dann mit 10 mM Glukose die Sekretionsaktivität stimuliert. Nacheinander wurde nun der Einfluss der verschiedenen Substanzen auf das Rattenpankreas durch Hinzugeben zum Perfusionsmedium überprüft. So wurden sukzessive verschiedene Orexin B Konzentrationen sowie die Wirkung von Leptin, GLP-I und Arginin auf das Pankreas untersucht. Die Probengewinnung des Perfusats aus der Vena portae fand in verschiedenen Zeitabständen fraktioniert statt, so dass die Früh- und die Spätphase der Pankreasaktivität separat beurteilbar waren. Diese Proben wurden dann auf ihren Gehalt an Insulin, Glukagon und teilweise auch an Somatostatin mittels Radioimmunoassay untersucht. Die resultierenden Daten wurden in drei Phasen aufbereitet: eine basale, sowie die eigentlich entscheidenden erste und zweite Sekretionsphasen des Rattenpankreas. Die Ergebnisse zeigten, dass Orexin B in hohen Konzentrationen eine deutliche Stimulation der Insulinsekretion des Pankreas bewirkt, die in der Spätphase stärker ausgeprägt ist. Die Wirkungsweise von Leptin als Inhibitor der Insulinsekretion konnte auch in diesen Untersuchungen nachgewiesen werden. Es wirkt als funktioneller Antagonist des Orexin B, wenn auch dieses in der verwendeten Konzentration von 10-8 M den Leptineffekt nicht vollständig ausgleichen konnte. Die Untersuchungen bezüglich des Einflusses von Orexin B auf die GLP-1 stimulierte Insulinsekretion, zeigten eine geringe Steigerung derselben. Jedoch wurde klar, dass die verwendete Dosierung von Orexin B mit 10-8 M die starke Wirkung des 10-9 M GLP-1 nur gering verstärken konnte, der insulinsteigernde Effekt jedoch maßgeblich auf das GLP-1 zurückzuführen ist. Die singuläre Perfusion mit Arginin zeigte merkwürdigerweise keinen statistisch relevanten Einfluss auf die Insulinsekretion des Pankreas. Im Gegensatz hierzu zeigte sich bei der kombinierten Applikation von Orexin B und Arginin eine deutliche Steigerung des Insulinsekretion, so dass von einer gegenseitigen Verstärkung beider Substanzen hinsichtlich der Stimulation der Insulinsekretion ausgegangen werden muss. Hinsichtlich der Glukagonsekretion des Pankreas zeigt Orexin B einen deutlichen inhibierenden Effekt auf die α-Zellen. Dieser Effekt vermag jedoch nicht die sekretionsstimulierende Wirkung des Leptin auf das Rattenpankreas zu relativieren; es vermindert in der verwendeten 10-8 M Konzentrationen die Sekretionsmenge nur geringgradig. Ähnlich sieht es bei der Interaktion von Orexin B und Arginin aus. Arginin als bekannter potenter Stimulator der Glukagonsekretion wird in seiner Wirkung durch Orexin B eingeschränkt. Aber auch hier vermag das mit 10-8 M dosierte Orexin B die Argininwirkung (10 mM) nicht vollständig aufheben. Die orientierenden Untersuchungen hinsichtlich der Beeinflussung der Somatostatinsekretion zeigten hingegen keine erkennbare Wirksamkeit von Orexin B auf die Funktion der D-Zellen. Weitere Untersuchungen hinsichtlich der detaillierten Einflussnahme des Orexin B’s im Hormonhaushalt müssten folgen, v.a. mit noch höheren Dosierungen desselben. Zum anderen wären Nachforschungen bzgl. der Rezeptorwirkung und auch der Rezeptorendichte auf den Pankreaszellen aufschlussreich, die die genaue Funktion sowie die zahlenmäßige und regionale Verteilung der OX-2-Rezeptoren verdeutlichen. Wichtige Hinweise für die Wirkungsweise des Orexin B’s würden auch die (konkurrierende) Situation der verschiedenen Substanzen am Orexinrezeptor darstellende Untersuchungen geben

New algebraic structures in the CλC_{\lambda}-extended Hamiltonian system

A realization of various algebraic structures in terms of the $C_{\lambda}$-extended oscillator algebras is introduced. In particular, the $C_{\lambda}$-extended oscillator algebras realization of Fairlie-Fletcher-Zachos (FFZ)algebra is given. This latter lead easily to the realization of the quantum $U_t(sl(2))$ algebra. The new deformed Virasoro algebra is also presented.Comment: 10 page

Revisit Sparse Polynomial Interpolation based on Randomized Kronecker Substitution

In this paper, a new reduction based interpolation algorithm for black-box multivariate polynomials over finite fields is given. The method is based on two main ingredients. A new Monte Carlo method is given to reduce black-box multivariate polynomial interpolation to black-box univariate polynomial interpolation over any ring. The reduction algorithm leads to multivariate interpolation algorithms with better or the same complexities most cases when combining with various univariate interpolation algorithms. We also propose a modified univariate Ben-or and Tiwarri algorithm over the finite field, which has better total complexity than the Lagrange interpolation algorithm. Combining our reduction method and the modified univariate Ben-or and Tiwarri algorithm, we give a Monte Carlo multivariate interpolation algorithm, which has better total complexity in most cases for sparse interpolation of black-box polynomial over finite fields

Quantifying the transboundary contribution of nitrogen oxides to UK air quality

Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) pollution is an important contributor to poor air quality (AQ) and a significant cause of premature deaths in the UK. Although transboundary (i.e., international) transport of pollution to the UK is believed to have an impact on UK pollutant concentrations, large uncertainties remain in these estimates. Therefore, the extent to which emission reductions in neighbouring countries would benefit UK AQ relative to local emission reductions also remains unknown. We have used a back‐trajectory model in conjunction with synoptic scale classifications of UK circulation patterns (Lamb Weather Types [LWT]), to quantify the accumulation of nitrogen oxide (NO x = NO2 + NO) emissions in air masses en‐route to the UK. This novel method presents a computationally inexpensive and useful method of quantifying the accumulation of pollutants under different circulation patterns. We find the highest accumulated NO x totals occur under south‐easterly and southerly flows (>15 μg⋅m−2), with a substantial contribution from outwith the UK (>25%). In contrast, the total accumulated NO x under northerly and westerly flows is lower (∼10 μg⋅m−2), and dominated by UK emissions (>95%). This indicates that European emissions can contribute substantially to UK local‐scale pollution in urban areas under south‐easterly and southerly flows. The sensitivity of integrated NO x emission totals under different air masses is investigated by modelling future European emission contributions based on emission reduction targets. Under targets set by the European Union, there would be a decrease in accumulated NO x emissions in London under most wind directions except for north‐westerly, westerly and northerly flow. The largest benefits to UK AQ from transboundary contributions occur with emission reductions in the Benelux region, due to its close proximity and high NO x emission rates, emphasising the importance of international cooperation in improving local AQ

Positive effects of methylphenidate on hyperactivity are moderated by monoaminergic gene variants in children with autism spectrum disorders.

Methylphenidate (MPH) reduces hyperactive-impulsive symptoms common in children with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs), however, response and tolerability varies widely. We hypothesized monoaminergic gene variants may moderate MPH effects in ASD, as in typically developing children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Genotype data were available for 64 children with ASD and hyperactivity who were exposed to MPH during a 1-week safety/tolerability lead-in phase and 58 who went on to be randomized to placebo and three doses of MPH during a 4-week blinded, crossover study. Outcome measures included the Clinical Global Impression-Improvement (CGI-I) scale and the Aberrant Behavior Checklist (ABC-hyperactivity index). A total of 14 subjects discontinued the study because of MPH side effects. Subjects were genotyped for variants in DRD1-DRD5, ADRA2A, SLC6A3, SLC6A4, MAOA and MAOB, and COMT. Forty-nine percent of the sample met positive responder criteria. In this modest but relatively homogeneous sample, significant differences by DRD1 (P=0.006), ADRA2A (P<0.02), COMT (P<0.04), DRD3 (P<0.05), DRD4 (P<0.05), SLC6A3 (P<0.05) and SLC6A4 (P<0.05) genotypes were found for responders versus non-responders. Variants in DRD2 (P<0.001) and DRD3 (P<0.04) were associated with tolerability in the 14 subjects who discontinued the trial. For this first MPH pharmacogenetic study in children with ASD, multiple monoaminergic gene variants may help explain individual differences in MPH's efficacy and tolerability

Evaluation of alternative solvents in common amide coupling reactions : replacement of dichloromethane and N,N-dimethylformamide

A range of alternative solvents have been evaluated within amidation reactions employing common coupling reagents with a view to identifying suitable replacements for dichloromethane and N,N-dimethylformamid

CHEMICAL COMPOSITION, ANTIOXIDANT AND HEMOLYTIC ACTIVITIES OF SAGE (SALVIA FRUTICOSA MILLER) CULTIVATED IN LEBANON

As part of the efforts contributing towards encouraging the cultivation of commercially valuable medicinal and aromatic plants and the conservation of vulnerable wild species suffering from depletion due to destructive unsustainable harvesting from the wild, we set out to assess the in vitro antioxidant activity, decipher the phytochemical profile, and evaluate the hemolytic activity of Salvia fruticosa Miller cultivated at Beirut Arab University herbal garden in Bekaa, Eastern Lebanon. The chemical compositions of the methanolic, aqueous and essential oil extracts were assessed by GC-MS analysis. In addition, the total phenolic, total flavonoid, total carbohydrate and total protein contents were determined for the methanolic and aqueous extracts. The antioxidant activity of all samples was evaluated using the DPPH radical scavenging, β-carotene bleaching, superoxide radical scavenging, reducing power and metal chelating activity assays. The overall analysis of data revealed that the methanolic and aqueous extracts exhibited potent antioxidant activity while the essential oil showed weak activity. Furthermore, strong correlation was found between the antioxidant activities and phytochemicals content. Finally, the cytotoxicity of the essential oil and extracts against human erythrocytes was assessed using the hemolysis assay. The aqueous extract did not show any hemolytic effect within the used concentration range. On the other hand, the methanolic extract showed a weak hemolytic activity, while the essential oil showed high hemolytic activity at the highest concentration used. The collective analysis of the data offered an encouraging evidence for the cultivation of commercially valuable medicinal aromatic plants (MAPs) such as S. fruticosa Miller as a supportive measure for the Lebanese economy