750 research outputs found
Distinct nature of static and dynamic magnetic stripes in cuprate superconductors
We present detailed neutron scattering studies of the static and dynamic
stripes in an optimally doped high-temperature superconductor,
LaCuO. We find that the dynamic stripes do not disperse towards the
static stripes in the limit of vanishing energy transfer. We conclude that the
dynamic stripes observed in neutron scattering experiments are not the
Goldstone modes associated with the broken symmetry of the simultaneously
observed static stripes, but rather that the signals originate from different
domains in the sample. These domains may be related by structural twinning, or
may be entirely different phases, where the static stripes in one phase are
pinned versions of the dynamic stripes in the other. Our results explain
earlier observations of unusual dispersions in underdoped
LaSrCuO () and LaBaCuO ().
Our findings are relevant for all compounds exhibiting magnetic stripes, and
may thus be a vital part in unveiling the nature of high temperature
superconductivity
CO ro-vibrational lines in HD100546: A search for disc asymmetries and the role of fluorescence
We have studied the emission of CO ro-vibrational lines in the disc around
the Herbig Be star HD100546 with the final goal of using these lines as a
diagnostic to understand inner disc structure in the context of planet
formation. High-resolution IR spectra of CO ro-vibrational emission at eight
different position angles were taken with CRIRES at the VLT. From these spectra
flux tables, CO ro-vibrational line profiles, and population diagrams were
produced. We have investigated variations in the line profile shapes and line
strengths as a function of slit position angle. We used the thermochemical disc
modelling code ProDiMo based on the chemistry, radiation field, and temperature
structure of a previously published model for HD100546. Comparing observations
and the model, we investigated the possibility of disc asymmetries, the
excitation mechanism (UV fluorescence), the geometry, and physical conditions
of the inner disc. The observed CO ro-vibrational lines are largely emitted
from the inner rim of the outer disc at 10-13 AU. The line shapes are similar
for all v levels and line fluxes from all vibrational levels vary only within
one order of magnitude. All line profile asymmetries and variations can be
explained with a symmetric disc model to which a slit correction and pointing
offset is applied. Because the angular size of the CO emitting region (10-13
AU) and the slit width are comparable the line profiles are very sensitive to
the placing of the slit. The model reproduces the line shapes and the fluxes of
the v=1-0 lines as well as the spatial extent of the CO ro-vibrational
emission. It does not reproduce the observed band ratios of 0.5-0.2 with higher
vibrational bands. We find that lower gas volume densities at the surface of
the inner rim of the outer disc can make the fluorescence pumping more effcient
and reproduce the observed band ratios.Comment: 20 pages, 21 figure
Models and metaphors: complexity theory and through-life management in the built environment
Complexity thinking may have both modelling and metaphorical applications in the through-life management of the built environment. These two distinct approaches are examined and compared. In the first instance, some of the sources of complexity in the design, construction and maintenance of the built environment are identified. The metaphorical use of complexity in management thinking and its application in the built environment are briefly examined. This is followed by an exploration of modelling techniques relevant to built environment concerns. Non-linear and complex mathematical techniques such as fuzzy logic, cellular automata and attractors, may be applicable to their analysis. Existing software tools are identified and examples of successful built environment applications of complexity modelling are given. Some issues that arise include the definition of phenomena in a mathematically usable way, the functionality of available software and the possibility of going beyond representational modelling. Further questions arising from the application of complexity thinking are discussed, including the possibilities for confusion that arise from the use of metaphor. The metaphor of a 'commentary machine' is suggested as a possible way forward and it is suggested that an appropriate linguistic analysis can in certain situations reduce perceived complexity
A proposed new diagnostic for Herbig disc geometry : FWHM versus J of CO ro-vibrational lines
I.K.,W.F.T., and P.W. acknowledge funding from the EU FP7-2011 under Grant Agreement No. 284405. G.v.d.p. acknowledges support from the Millennium Science Initiative (Chilean Ministry of Economy) through grant Nucleus P10-022-F and also acknowledges financial support provided by FONDECYT following grant 3140393.Aims. The CO ro-vibrational lines observed from Herbig group II discs are often seen to be broad, while the same lines observed from group I discs are often narrow. This difference is not well understood. In this paper we explore the underlying cause for this difference and provide a pathway for a better understanding of the geometry and structure of the inner discs around Herbig Ae/Be stars. Methods. High spectral resolution infrared spectra of CO ro-vibrational emission from six Herbig Ae/Be candidate stars were taken with the CRyogenic high-resolution InfraRed Echelle Spectrograph (CRIRES) at the Very Large Telescope (VLT). From these spectra, we produce individual and co-added CO ro-vibrational line profiles. We investigate line profile shape differences, and we explore the full width at half maximum (FWHM) variations with J quantum number in the context of disc geometry. Furthermore, we put our new sources into the context of earlier observed sources to study a large sample. For comparison, we also investigate the FWHM variations with J of modelled CO ro-vibrational lines from two typical disc geometries produced with the thermochemical disc modelling code ProDiMo. Results. For our new observations of CO ro-vibrational lines, we find that the FWHM of individual lines are in the range of 10–60 km s-1. We find both narrow and broad single-peaked emission lines, but only Hen 2-80 displays double-peaked emission lines. For HD 250550, the FWHM of the CO lines increases with J value, indicating a radially extended emitting region, while Hen 2-80 shows a constant FWHM versus J behaviour, indicating a narrow emitting region. This qualitatively agrees with the two different modelled disc geometries. Comparing dust and gas inner disc geometries (inferred by the spectral energy distribution (SED) and CO ro-vibrational emission) for the expanded sample of observed Herbig discs, we find no clear correspondence between the SED (spectral energy distribution) groups of the sources and their inner CO radius. Conclusions. The FWHM versus J is a potential new gas diagnostic for the inner disc with, for example, a constant FWHM versus J indicating the presence of a large gas hole or gap. Models and observations both indicate the potential of this new diagnostic. Our extended sample does not fully support the previous trend where group I discs have CO ro-vibrational emission lines with small FWHM. Instead, our CO ro-vibrational data from a handful of sources indicates different inner disc geometries for the gas and dust of these sources.Publisher PDFPeer reviewe
Self-Organizing Networks in Complex Infrastructure Projects
While significant importance is given to establishing formal organizational and contractual hierarchies, existing project management techniques neglect the management of self-organizing networks in large-infrastructure projects. We offer a case-specific illustration of self-organization using network theory as an investigative lens. The findings have shown that these networks exhibit a high degree of sparseness, short path lengths, and clustering in dense “functional” communities around highly connected actors, thus demonstrating the small-world topology observed in diverse real-world self-organized networks. The study underlines the need for these non-contractual functions and roles to be identified and sponsored, allowing the self-organizing network the space and capacity to evolve
Options for early breast cancer follow-up in primary and secondary care : a systematic review
Background
Both incidence of breast cancer and survival have increased in recent years and there is a need to review follow up strategies. This study aims to assess the evidence for benefits of follow-up in different settings for women who have had treatment for early breast cancer.
Method
A systematic review to identify key criteria for follow up and then address research questions. Key criteria were: 1) Risk of second breast cancer over time - incidence compared to general population. 2) Incidence and method of detection of local recurrence and second ipsi and contra-lateral breast cancer. 3) Level 1–4 evidence of the benefits of hospital or alternative setting follow-up for survival and well-being. Data sources to identify criteria were MEDLINE, EMBASE, AMED, CINAHL, PSYCHINFO, ZETOC, Health Management Information Consortium, Science Direct. For the systematic review to address research questions searches were performed using MEDLINE (2011). Studies included were population studies using cancer registry data for incidence of new cancers, cohort studies with long term follow up for recurrence and detection of new primaries and RCTs not restricted to special populations for trials of alternative follow up and lifestyle interventions.
Results
Women who have had breast cancer have an increased risk of a second primary breast cancer for at least 20 years compared to the general population. Mammographically detected local recurrences or those detected by women themselves gave better survival than those detected by clinical examination. Follow up in alternative settings to the specialist clinic is acceptable to women but trials are underpowered for survival.
Conclusions
Long term support, surveillance mammography and fast access to medical treatment at point of need may be better than hospital based surveillance limited to five years but further large, randomised controlled trials are needed
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