1,723 research outputs found
From Classical to Quantum Mechanics: "How to translate physical ideas into mathematical language"
In this paper, we investigate the connection between Classical and Quantum
Mechanics by dividing Quantum Theory in two parts: - General Quantum Axiomatics
(a system is described by a state in a Hilbert space, observables are
self-adjoint operators and so on) - Quantum Mechanics properly that specifies
the Hilbert space, the Heisenberg rule, the free Hamiltonian... We show that
General Quantum Axiomatics (up to a supplementary "axiom of classicity") can be
used as a non-standard mathematical ground to formulate all the ideas and
equations of ordinary Classical Statistical Mechanics. So the question of a
"true quantization" with "h" must be seen as an independent problem not
directly related with quantum formalism. Moreover, this non-standard
formulation of Classical Mechanics exhibits a new kind of operation with no
classical counterpart: this operation is related to the "quantization process",
and we show why quantization physically depends on group theory (Galileo
group). This analytical procedure of quantization replaces the "correspondence
principle" (or canonical quantization) and allows to map Classical Mechanics
into Quantum Mechanics, giving all operators of Quantum Mechanics and
Schrodinger equation. Moreover spins for particles are naturally generated,
including an approximation of their interaction with magnetic fields. We find
also that this approach gives a natural semi-classical formalism: some exact
quantum results are obtained only using classical-like formula. So this
procedure has the nice property of enlightening in a more comprehensible way
both logical and analytical connection between classical and quantum pictures.Comment: 47 page
Towards an Empirical Determination of the ZZ Ceti Instability Strip
We present atmospheric parameters for a large sample of DA white dwarfs that
are known to be photometrically constant. For each star, we determine the
effective temperature and surface gravity by comparing high signal-to-noise
ratio optical spectra to the predictions of detailed model atmosphere
calculations. We also report the successful prediction and detection of
photometric variability in G232-38 based on similar Teff and log g
determinations. The atmospheric parameters derived for this sample of constant
stars as well as those for the known sample of bright ZZ Ceti stars (now
boosted to a total of 39) have been obtained in a highly homogeneous way. We
combine them to study the empirical red and blue edges as well as the purity of
the ZZ Ceti instability strip. We find that the red edge is rather well
constrained whereas there exists a rather large range of possibilities for the
slope of the blue edge. Furthermore, the ZZ Ceti instability strip that results
from our analysis contains no nonvariable white dwarfs. Our sample of constant
stars is part of a much broader spectroscopic survey of bright (V < 17) DA
white dwarfs, which we have recently undertaken. We also present here some
preliminary results of this survey. Finally, we revisit the analysis by Mukadam
et al. of the variable and nonvariable DA stars uncovered as part of the Sloan
Digital Sky Survey. Their erroneous conclusion of an instability strip
containing several nonvariable stars is traced back to the low signal-to-noise
ratio spectroscopic observations used in that survey.Comment: 43 pages, 2 tables, 14 figures, accepted for publication in the
Astrophysical Journa
White Dwarfs In Ngc6397 And M4: Constraints On The Physics Of Crystallization
We explore the physics of crystallization in the dense Coulomb plasma of the deep interiors of white dwarf stars using the color-magnitude diagram and luminosity function constructed from Hubble Space Telescope photometry of the globular cluster M 4 and compare it with our results for proper motion cleaned Hubble Space Telescope photometry of the globular cluster NGC 6397. We demonstrate that the data are consistent with a binary mixture of carbon and oxygen crystallizing at a value of Gamma higher than the theoretical value for a One Component Plasma (OCP). We show that this result is in line with the latest Molecular Dynamics simulations for binary mixtures of C/O. We discuss implications for future work.Astronom
Genital pain in women : beyond interference with intercourse
This article may not exactly replicate the final version published in the journal. It is not the copy of record. / Cet article ne constitue pas la version officielle, et peut différer de la version publiée dans la revue
Analysis of IUE spectra of helium-rich white dwarf stars
We studied the class of DB white dwarf stars, using re-calibrated UV spectra
for thirty four DBs obtained with the IUE satellite. By comparing the observed
energy distributions with model atmospheres, we simultaneously determine
spectroscopic distances (d), effective temperature (Teff), and surface
gravities (log g). Using parallax measurements and previous determinations of
Teff and log g from optical spectra, we can study whether the atmospheres of
eleven DB stars are consistent with pure He or have a small amount of H
contamination. We also report on our observations of seventeen stars with Teff
close to the DB instability strip through time series photometry and found them
to be non variable within our detection limits.Comment: 8 pages, 5 figure
Provoked vestibulodynia : mediators of the associations between partner responses, pain, and sexual satisfaction
Provoked vestibulodynia (PVD) is a chronic, recurrent vulvo-vaginal pain condition affecting 12% of the general population, and is associated with sexual dysfunction, psychological distress, and reduced quality of life. There is growing interest in the role of interpersonal variables in PVD, which have been widely neglected. In a sample of 175 couples, the present study examined the mediating roles of partner and participant catastrophizing and self-efficacy in the association between solicitous partner responses and pain intensity, and that of dyadic adjustment in the association between solicitous and negative partner responses and sexual satisfaction. Couples completed measures of partner responses, catastrophizing, self-efficacy, dyadic adjustment, and depression. Women also completed measures of pain, sexual satisfaction, and sexual function. Controlling for depression and solicitousness perceived by the other member of the couple, catastrophizing and self-efficacy partially mediated the association between higher solicitous responses and higher pain during intercourse, accounting for 26 and 25% of the variance in this association for participant and partner-perceived responses, respectively. For both participant and partners, only pain catastrophizing was a unique mediator. Controlling for depression, sexual function and partner-perceived responses, dyadic adjustment partially mediated the association between higher participant-perceived solicitous responses and higher sexual satisfaction, and between higher participant-perceived negative responses and lower sexual satisfaction, accounting for 26% of the variance in each association. The current findings suggest that catastrophizing and dyadic adjustment may constitute a route by which partner responses exacerbate pain and increase or decrease sexual satisfaction in PVD couples
Sexual and relationship intimacy among women with provoked vestibulodynia and their partners : associations with sexual satisfaction, sexual function, and pain self-efficacy
Introduction
Provoked vestibulodynia (PVD) is the most frequent subtype of vulvodynia. Women report negative consequences of PVD on their sexual and romantic relationships. Researchers have recently highlighted the importance of examining interpersonal factors such as intimacy, and of including both women and their partners in study designs.
Aim
The aim of this study was to investigate sexual and relationship intimacy as defined by the Interpersonal Process Model of Intimacy and their associations with sexual satisfaction, sexual function, pain self-efficacy, and pain intensity among women with PVD and their partners.
Methods
Ninety-one heterosexual women (M ageâ=â27.38, SDâ=â6.04) diagnosed with PVD and their partners (M ageâ=â29.37, SDâ=â7.79) completed measures of sexual and relationship intimacy, sexual satisfaction, sexual function, pain self-efficacy, and pain intensity.
Main Outcome Measures
Dependent measures were the (i) Global Measure of Sexual Satisfaction Scale; (ii) Female Sexual Function Index; (iii) Painful Intercourse Self-Efficacy Scale; and (iv) visual analog scale of pain intensity during intercourse.
Results
After controlling for women's age, women's greater sexual intimacy (ÎČâ=â0.49, Pâ<â0.001) was associated with women's greater sexual satisfaction and higher pain self-efficacy (ÎČâ=â0.39, Pâ=â0.001), beyond the effects of partnersâ sexual intimacy. Also, women's greater sexual intimacy (ÎČâ=â0.24, Pâ=â0.05) and women's greater relationship intimacy (ÎČâ=â0.54, Pâ=â0.003) were associated with greater women's sexual function, beyond the effects of partnersâ sexual and relationship intimacy.
Conclusions
Women's self-reported sexual and relationship intimacy in the couple relationship may promote higher sexual satisfaction, sexual function, and pain self-efficacy, as well as possibly foster greater sexual well-being among women with PVD. The authors discuss implications for the inclusion of emotional and interpersonal aspects of the couple's dynamic in clinical interventions and future research in PVD
Beyond a "woman's problem" : the role of relationship processes in female genital pain
Female genital pain is a prevalent condition that can disrupt the psychosexual and relational well-being of affected women and their romantic partners. Despite the intimate context in which the pain can be elicited (i.e., during sexual intercourse), interpersonal correlates of genital pain and sexuality have not been widely studied in comparison to other psychosocial factors. This review describes several prevailing theoretical models explaining the role of the partner in female genital pain: the operant learning model, cognitive-behavioral and communal coping models, and intimacy models. The review includes a discussion of empirical research on the interpersonal and partner correlates of female genital pain and the impact of genital pain on partnersâ psychosexual adjustment. Together, this research highlights a potential reciprocal interaction between both partnersâ experiences of female genital pain. The direction of future theoretical, methodological, and clinical research is discussed with regard to the potential to enhance understanding of the highly interpersonal context of female genital pai
Harmful or helpful : perceived solicitous and facilitative partner responses are differentially associated with pain and sexual satisfaction in women with provoked vestibulodynia
Introduction.â Provoked vestibulodynia (PVD) is a highly prevalent vulvovaginal pain condition that negatively affects women's emotional, sexual, and relationship well-being. Recent studies have investigated the role of interpersonal variables, including partner responses.
Aim.â We examined whether solicitous and facilitative partner responses were differentially associated with vulvovaginal pain and sexual satisfaction in women with PVD by examining each predictor while controlling for the other.
Methods.â One hundred twenty-one women (M age = 30.60, SD = 10.53) with PVD or self-reported symptoms of PVD completed the solicitous subscale of the spouse response scale of the Multidimensional Pain Inventory, and the facilitative subscale of the Spouse Response Inventory. Participants also completed measures of pain, sexual function, sexual satisfaction, trait anxiety, and avoidance of pain and sexual behaviors (referred to as âavoidanceâ).
Main Outcome Measures.â Dependent measures were the (i) Pain Rating Index of the McGill Pain Questionnaire with reference to pain during vaginal intercourse and (ii) Global Measure of Sexual Satisfaction Scale.
Results.â Controlling for trait anxiety and avoidance, higher solicitous partner responses were associated with higher vulvovaginal pain intensity (ÎČ = 0.20, P = 0.03), and higher facilitative partner responses were associated with lower pain intensity (ÎČ = â0.20, P = 0.04). Controlling for sexual function, trait anxiety, and avoidance, higher facilitative partner responses were associated with higher sexual satisfaction (ÎČ = 0.15, P = 0.05).
Conclusions.â Findings suggest that facilitative partner responses may aid in alleviating vulvovaginal pain and improving sexual satisfaction, whereas solicitous partner responses may contribute to greater pain
Feasibility and preliminary effectiveness of a novel cognitive-behavioral couple therapy for provoked vestibulodynia: a pilot study
Introduction
Provoked vestibulodynia (PVD), a recurrent, localized vulvovaginal pain problem, carries a significant psychosexual burden for afflicted women, who report impoverished sexual function and decreased frequency of sexual activity and pleasure. Interpersonal factors such as partner responses to pain, partner distress, and attachment style are associated with pain outcomes for women and with sexuality outcomes for both women and partners. Despite these findings, no treatment for PVD has systematically included the partner.
Aims
This study pilotâtested the feasibility and potential efficacy of a novel cognitiveâbehavioral couple therapy (CBCT) for couples coping with PVD.
Methods
Couples (women and their partners) in which the woman was diagnosed with PVD (Nâ=â9) took part in a 12âsession manualized CBCT intervention and completed outcome measures preâ and postâtreatment.
Main Outcome Measures
The primary outcome measure was women's pain intensity during intercourse as measured on a numerical rating scale. Secondary outcomes included sexual functioning and satisfaction for both partners. Exploratory outcomes included painârelated cognitions; psychological outcomes; and treatment satisfaction, feasibility, and reliability.
Results
One couple separated before the end of therapy. Paired tâtest comparisons involving the remaining eight couples demonstrated significant improvements in women's pain and sexuality outcomes for both women and partners. Exploratory analyses indicated improvements in painârelated cognitions, as well as anxiety and depression symptoms, for both members of the couple. Therapists' reported high treatment reliability and participating couples' high participation rates and reported treatment satisfaction indicate adequate feasibility.
Conclusions
Treatment outcomes, along with treatment satisfaction ratings, confirm the preliminary success of CBCT in reducing pain and psychosexual burden for women with PVD and their partners. Further largeâscale randomized controlled trials are necessary to examine the efficacy of CBCT compared with and in conjunction with firstâline biomedical interventions for PVD
- âŠ