Bouncing solutions from generalized EoS

We present an exact analytical bouncing solution for a closed universe filled with only one exotic fluid with negative pressure, obeying a Generalized Equations of State (GEoS) of the form $P(\rho)=A\rho+B\rho^{\lambda}$, where $A$, $B$ and $\lambda$ are constants. In our solution $A=-1/3$ and $\lambda=1/2$ and $B<0$ is kept as a free parameter. For particular values of the initial conditions, we obtain that our solution obeys Null Energy Condition (NEC), which allows us to reinterpret the matter source as that of a real scalar field, $\phi$, with a positive kinetic energy and a potential $V(\phi)$. We compute numerically the scalar field as a function of time as well as its potential $V(\phi)$, and find an analytical function for the potential that fits very accurately with the numerical results obtained. The shape of this potential can be well described by a Gaussian-type of function, and hence, there is no spontaneous symmetry minimum of $V(\phi)$. We further show that the bouncing scenario is structurally stable under small variations of the parameter $A$, such that a family of bouncing solutions can be find numerically, in a small vicinity of the value $A=-1/3$.Comment: 12 pages, 12 figure

The effects of intrinsic noise on the behaviour of bistable cell regulatory systems under quasi-steady state conditions

We analyse the effect of intrinsic fluctuations on the properties of bistable stochastic systems with time scale separation operating under1 quasi-steady state conditions. We first formulate a stochastic generalisation of the quasi-steady state approximation based on the semi-classical approximation of the partial differential equation for the generating function associated with the Chemical Master Equation. Such approximation proceeds by optimising an action functional whose associated set of Euler-Lagrange (Hamilton) equations provide the most likely fluctuation path. We show that, under appropriate conditions granting time scale separation, the Hamiltonian can be re-scaled so that the set of Hamilton equations splits up into slow and fast variables, whereby the quasi-steady state approximation can be applied. We analyse two particular examples of systems whose mean-field limit has been shown to exhibit bi-stability: an enzyme-catalysed system of two mutually-inhibitory proteins and a gene regulatory circuit with self-activation. Our theory establishes that the number of molecules of the conserved species are order parameters whose variation regulates bistable behaviour in the associated systems beyond the predictions of the mean-field theory. This prediction is fully confirmed by direct numerical simulations using the stochastic simulation algorithm. This result allows us to propose strategies whereby, by varying the number of molecules of the three conserved chemical species, cell properties associated to bistable behaviour (phenotype, cell-cycle status, etc.) can be controlled.Comment: 33 pages, 9 figures, accepted for publication in the Journal of Chemical Physic

Accelerating universes driven by bulk particles

We consider our universe as a 3d domain wall embedded in a 5d dimensional Minkowski space-time. We address the problem of inflation and late time acceleration driven by bulk particles colliding with the 3d domain wall. The expansion of our universe is mainly related to these bulk particles. Since our universe tends to be permeated by a large number of isolated structures, as temperature diminishes with the expansion, we model our universe with a 3d domain wall with increasing internal structures. These structures could be unstable 2d domain walls evolving to fermi-balls which are candidates to cold dark matter. The momentum transfer of bulk particles colliding with the 3d domain wall is related to the reflection coefficient. We show a nontrivial dependence of the reflection coefficient with the number of internal dark matter structures inside the 3d domain wall. As the population of such structures increases the velocity of the domain wall expansion also increases. The expansion is exponential at early times and polynomial at late times. We connect this picture with string/M-theory by considering BPS 3d domain walls with structures which can appear through the bosonic sector of a five-dimensional supergravity theory.Comment: To appear in Phys. Rev. D, 16 pages, 3 eps figures, minor changes and references adde

Orbital magnetism in axially deformed sodium clusters: From scissors mode to dia-para magnetic anisotropy

Low-energy orbital magnetic dipole excitations, known as scissors mode (SM), are studied in alkali metal clusters. Subsequent dynamic and static effects are explored. The treatment is based on a self-consistent microscopic approach using the jellium approximation for the ionic background and the Kohn-Sham mean field for the electrons. The microscopic origin of SM and its main features (structure of the mode in light and medium clusters, separation into low- and high-energy plasmons, coupling high-energy M1 scissors and E2 quadrupole plasmons, contributions of shape isomers, etc) are discussed. The scissors M1 strength acquires large values with increasing cluster size. The mode is responsible for the van Vleck paramagnetism of spin-saturated clusters. Quantum shell effects induce a fragile interplay between Langevin diamagnetism and van Vleck paramagnetism and lead to a remarkable dia-para anisotropy in magnetic susceptibility of particular light clusters. Finally, several routes for observing the SM experimentally are discussed.Comment: 21 pages, 7 figure

The effect of transverse magnetic correlations on a coupled order parameter: shifted transition temperatures and thermal hysteresis

We use a Green's function method with Random Phase Approximation to show how magnetic correlations may affect electric polarization in multiferroic materials with magnetic-exchange-type magnetoelectric coupling. We use a model spin 1/2 ferromagnetic ferroelectric system but our results are expected to apply to multiferroic materials with more complex magnetic structures. In particular, we find that transverse magnetic correlations result in a change in the free energy of the ferroelectric solutions leading to the possibility for thermal hysteresis of the electric polarization above the magnetic Curie temperature. Although we are motivated by multiferroic materials, this problem represents a more general calculation of the effect of fluctuations on coupled order parameters

Influência do uso nas características físico químicas de um latossolo amarelo, textura muito argilosa, Manaus, AM.

O objetivo deste estudo foi: verificar alterações em algumas propriedades físico-químicas do solos provocadas pelo uso; a que profundidade ocorre e verificar o efeito da cobertura do solo com kudzu. As áreas em que foram feitas as amostragens se localizam no Campo Experimental da EMBRAPA-CPAA, Km 29 da AM-010, no município de Manaus, AM

Anxiolytic effect of Mozart music over short and long photoperiods as part of environmental enrichment in captive Rattus norvegicus (Rodentia: Muridae)

Music is known to be able to elicit emotional changes, including anxiolytic effects on humans and animals. Photoperiod has also been reported to play an important role in the modulation of anxiety. In the present study, we examined whether the effect of music on anxiety is influenced by day length, comparing, short day (SD; 8:16 h light/dark) and long day (LD; 16:8 h light/dark) with controls (CD; 12:12 h light/dark). After 8 weeks of photoperiod treatment, rats were randomly assigned to 2 groups: silence and music. In the music group, rats were exposed to music 24 h before behavioral tests to quantify anxiety level. Exposure to Mozart music reduced anxiety in rats in the CD group. These effects of music were abolished by LD. Independently of music, rats exposed to SD exhibited higher levels of anxiety-like behavior than rats exposed to CD, in elevated plus-maze and open-field tests. The present findings suggest that the anxiolytic effects of Mozart music are photoperiod-dependent

High frequency limit of the Transport Cross Section and boundedness of the Total Cross Section in scattering by an obstacle with impedance boundary conditions

The scalar scattering of the plane wave by a strictly convex obstacle with impedance boundary conditions is considered. The uniform boundedness of the Total Cross Section for all values of frequencies is proved. The high frequency limit of the Transport Cross Section is founded and presented as a classical functional of the variational theory