3,300 research outputs found
Asymptotic freedom in a scalar field theory on the lattice
An alternative model to the trivial -theory of the standard model of
weak interactions is suggested, which embodies the Higgs-mechanism, but is free
of the conceptual problems of standard -theory. We propose a
N-component, O(N)-symmetric scalar field theory, which is originally defined on
the lattice. The model can be motivated from SU(2) gauge theory. Thereby the
scalar field arises as a gauge invariant degree of freedom. The scalar lattice
model is analytically solved in the large N limit. The continuum limit is
approached via an asymptotically free scaling. The renormalized theory evades
triviality, and furthermore gives rise to a dynamically formed mass of the
scalar particle.Comment: 10 pages, LaTeX, one figure and a motivation for the particular type
of action adde
The Path Integral for 1+1-dimensional QCD
We derive a path integral expression for the transition amplitude in
1+1-dimensional QCD starting from canonically quantized QCD. Gauge fixing after
quantization leads to a formulation in terms of gauge invariant but curvilinear
variables. Remainders of the curved space are Jacobians, an effective
potential, and sign factors just as for the problem of a particle in a box.
Based on this result we derive a Faddeev-Popov like expression for the
transition amplitude avoiding standard infinities that are caused by
integrations over gauge equivalent configurations.Comment: 16 pages, LaTeX, 3 PostScript figures, uses epsf.st
Simultaneous dynamic characterization of charge and structural motion during ferroelectric switching
Monitoring structural changes in ferroelectric thin films during electric
field-induced polarization switching is important for a full microscopic
understanding of the coupled motion of charges, atoms and domain walls. We
combine standard ferroelectric test-cycles with time-resolved x-ray diffraction
to investigate the response of a nanoscale ferroelectric oxide capacitor upon
charging, discharging and switching. Piezoelectric strain develops during the
electronic RC time constant and additionally during structural domain-wall
creep. The complex atomic motion during ferroelectric polarization reversal
starts with a negative piezoelectric response to the charge flow triggered by
voltage pulses. Incomplete screening limits the compressive strain. The
piezoelectric modulation of the unit cell tweaks the energy barrier between the
two polarization states. Domain wall motion is evidenced by a broadening of the
in-plane components of Bragg reflections. Such simultaneous measurements on a
working device elucidate and visualize the complex interplay of charge flow and
structural motion and challenges theoretical modelling
Genome-wide expression profiling and phenotypic evaluation of European maize inbreds at seedling stage in response to heat stress
BACKGROUND: Climate change will lead in the future to an occurrence of heat waves with a higher frequency and duration than observed today, which has the potential to cause severe damage to seedlings of temperate maize genotypes. In this study, we aimed to (I) assess phenotypic variation for heat tolerance of temperate European Flint and Dent maize inbred lines, (II) investigate the transcriptomic response of temperate maize to linearly increasing heat levels and, (III) identify genes associated with heat tolerance in a set of genotypes with contrasting heat tolerance behaviour. RESULTS: Strong phenotypic differences with respect to heat tolerance were observed between the examined maize inbred lines on a multi-trait level. We identified 607 heat responsive genes as well as 39 heat tolerance genes. CONCLUSION: Our findings indicate that individual inbred lines developed different genetic mechanisms in response to heat stress. We applied a novel statistical approach enabling the integration of multiple genotypes and stress levels in the analysis of abiotic stress expression studies. ELECTRONIC SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIAL: The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12864-015-1282-1) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users
Producer Opinions on Antibiotic Use in the Beef Industry
Antibiotic use in the beef industry is of increasing interest to consumers and has become a point of discussion for producers, veterinarians, and professional scientists in recent years. With the vast amount of information available on the internet and social media, consumers are becoming more knowledgeable about beef production practices and the use of antibiotics in the food animal industries. Furthermore, scientists have devoted a large amount of time and money to research to investigate consumer opinions and perspectives about management practices used in food animal production. However, many of these investigations fail to include the opinions and perspectives of the producers who raise these animals. Therefore, the objective of this survey was to explore producer practices and opinions on antibiotic use and antibiotic resistance in the beef industry
Stationary solutions of the one-dimensional nonlinear Schroedinger equation: I. Case of repulsive nonlinearity
All stationary solutions to the one-dimensional nonlinear Schroedinger
equation under box and periodic boundary conditions are presented in analytic
form. We consider the case of repulsive nonlinearity; in a companion paper we
treat the attractive case. Our solutions take the form of stationary trains of
dark or grey density-notch solitons. Real stationary states are in one-to-one
correspondence with those of the linear Schr\"odinger equation. Complex
stationary states are uniquely nonlinear, nodeless, and symmetry-breaking. Our
solutions apply to many physical contexts, including the Bose-Einstein
condensate and optical pulses in fibers.Comment: 11 pages, 7 figures -- revised versio
A Survey of Dry Processed Corn Particle Size and Fecal Starch in Midwestern U.S. Feedlots
Optimizing grain processing practices in cattle feeding operations is critical to reaching maximum feed utilization efficiency. An increased degree of grain processing has consistently shown improved dry matter and starch digestibility; however, it exists with conflicting results on improving performance in finishing cattle. These inconsistencies are likely due to diet composition, such as roughage and co-product level, that could offset the effects of reduced particle size on rate of fermentation thus reducing the risk of digestive dysfunction.
Finishing diets are commonly formulated with processed grain to increase utilization of starch and improve animal performance. Processing methods including steam-flaking, grinding, or dry-rolling improve total tract starch digestibility compared with that of whole grain. When dry-rolling corn for finishing cattle, recommendations often suggest that grain be coarsely processed, or cracked to prevent production of an excessive quantity of fine material that could potentially result in an increased rate of fermentation, reduced rumen pH, and digestive disturbances. However, previous research has reported that inclusion of dried distillers grains in finishing diets may influence optimal grain processing method. Grinding corn to a finer particle size when the grain is fed in combination with distillers grains may result in improved total tract starch utilization without causing reduced ruminal pH and digestive disturbances.
The objective of this survey was to provide the feedlot industry with an indication of average particle size distribution from current manufacturing practices of dry processed corn, fecal starch content, and co-product and roughage inclusion levels in Midwestern feedlots
Ökologische Milchviehzucht: Entwicklung und Bewertung züchterischer Ansätze unter Berücksichtigung der Genotyp x Umwelt-Interaktion und Schaffung eines Informationssystems für nachhaltige Zuchtstrategien
In dem Projekt wurden für verschiedene Merkmalskomplexe an zwei verschiedenen Datensätzen Genotyp x Umwelt-Interaktionen zwischen ökologischen und konventionellen Produktionssystemen geschätzt. Anhand Schweizer Daten wurden für Braunvieh und Fleckvieh für Milchleistungsmerkmale Korrelationen > 0.9 zwischen beiden Betriebsformen geschätzt, wohingegen die genetische Korrelationen für funktionale Merkmale (Rastzeit, Zellzahl) geringer (0.8 bis 0.9) waren. Diese Korrelationen konnten für die Rasse Holstein Friesian auf Grund einer Auswertung Deutscher Daten bestätigt werden. Generell liegt für Leistungsmerkmale keine und für funktionale Merkmale eine geringe Genotyp x Umwelt-Interaktion zwischen ökologischen und konventionellen Betrieben vor, wobei insbesondere für letztere die Informationsbasis begrenzt ist. Auswertungen der Betriebsdaten von > 450 ökologisch wirtschaftenden Milchviehbetrieben und Befragungen der Betriebsleiter haben ergeben, dass sich diese Betriebe in ihren züchterischen Zielen kaum und in ihrem züchterischen Handeln gar nicht von konventionellen Betrieben unterscheiden. Zuchtplanerische Rechnungen haben ergeben, dass unter den gefundenen genetischen Parametern weder ein geschlossenes noch ein offenes eigenes Zuchtprogramm im ökologischen Sektor wirtschaftlich gerechtfertigt ist. Vielmehr ist anzustreben, dass sich ökologisch wirtschaftende Milchviehbetriebe stärker aktiv an etablierten Zuchtprogrammen beteiligen, z.B. durch den stärkeren Einsatz von Testbullen. Es wird vorgeschlagen, aufgrund der bestehenden Teilzuchtwerte einen Ökologischen Gesamtzuchtwert zu entwickeln, in dem funktionale Merkmale stärker gewichtet werden. Ein im Projekt entwickeltes Internetportal und eine entsprechend angepasste Anpaarungssoftware kann die Umsetzung dieses Vorschlags unterstützen. Erforderlich ist allerdings eine vollständigere Erfassung der ökologischen Milchviehbetriebe als Voraussetzung für eine bessere Unterstützung der ökologischen Milchviehzucht
Differences in Efficacy Between Gamithromycin, Tilmicosin, and Tulathromycin as Metaphylactic Treatments in High Risk Calves for Bovine Respiratory Disease
The cost of Bovine Respiratory Disease to the beef industry due to death, poorer conversions, and therapy is estimated to cost more than $3 billion per year. Identifying and mitigating Bovine Respiratory Disease in cattle can be difficult due to the increased susceptibility for Bovine Respiratory Disease in high risk cattle. One management option to minimize an outbreak of respiratory disease is the use of metaphylaxis, the mass treatment of a group of calves to reduce the incidence and adverse effects of respiratory disease on high risk animals. Criteria used to determine the necessity of metaphylactic treatment against Bovine Respiratory Disease in feedlots can be based on several factors depending on feedlot preference; however, the primary criteria often considered are: a known history of no previous vaccinations, overall appearance of cattle, source of cattle, Bovine Respiratory Disease in calves received from same source previously, long shipping distance, season of the year, and light arrival weight.
The objective of this study was to compare the efficacy of treating newly received, highrisk feedlot calves with gamithromycin, tulathromycin, and tilmicosin as metaphylactic treatments on health and performance characteristics
Heavy Quark Solitons in the Nambu--Jona-Lasinio Model
The Nambu--Jona-Lasinio model (NJL) is extended to incorporate heavy quark
spin-symmetry. In this model baryons containing one heavy quark are analyzed as
bound-states of light baryons, represented as chiral solitons, and mesons
containing one heavy quark. From related studies in Skyrme type models, the
ground-state heavy baryon is known to arise for the heavy meson in a P--wave
configuration. In the limit of an infinitely large quark mass the heavy meson
wave-function is sharply peaked at the center of the chiral soliton. Therefore
the bound state equation reduces to an eigenvalue problem for the coefficients
of the operators contained in the most general P-wave {\it ansatz} for the
heavy meson. Within the NJL model a novel feature arises from the coupling of
the heavy meson to the various light quark states. In this respect conceptual
differences to Skyrme model calculations are discovered: The strongest bound
state is given by a heavy meson configuration which is completely decoupled
from the grand spin zero channel of the light quarks.Comment: 16 pages REVTEX, one postscript figure, to appear in Phys. Rev.
- …