Pair Densities in a Two-dimensional Electron Gas (Jellium) at Strong Coupling from Scattering Theory with Kukkonen-Overhauser Effective Interactions

We present a calculation of the spin-averaged and spin-resolved pair distribution functions for a homogeneous gas of electrons moving in a plane with e2/r interactions at coupling strength rs = 10. The calculation is based on the solution of a two-electron scattering problem for both parallelspin- and antiparallel-spin-pairs interacting via effective spin-dependent many-body potentials. The scattering potentials are modeled within the approach proposed by Kukkonen and Overhauser to treat exchange and correlations under close constraints imposed by sum rules. We find very good agreement with quantum MonteCarlo data for the spin-averaged pair density. We also find that short-range pairing between parallel-spin electrons is beginning to emerge in the paramagnetic fluid at this coupling strength, as a precursor of a transition to a fully spin-polarized fluid state occurring at stronger coupling

Border disease virus: an exceptional driver of chamois populations among other threats

Though it is accepted that emerging infectious diseases are a threat to planet biodiversity, little information exists about their role as drivers of species extinction. Populations are also affected by natural catastrophes and other pathogens, making it difficult to estimate the particular impact of emerging infectious diseases. Border disease virus genogroup 4 (BDV-4) caused a previously unreported decrease in populations of Pyrenean chamois (Rupicapra pyrenaica pyrenaica) in Spain. Using a population viability analysis, we compared probabilities of extinction of a virtual chamois population affected by winter conditions, density dependence, keratoconjunctivitis, sarcoptic mange, and BD outbreaks. BD-affected populations showed double risk of becoming extinct in 50 years, confirming the exceptional ability of this virus to drive chamois populations

Hepatic Stem-like Phenotype and Interplay of Wnt/β-Catenin and Myc Signaling in Aggressive Childhood Liver Cancer

SummaryHepatoblastoma, the most common pediatric liver cancer, is tightly linked to excessive Wnt/β-catenin signaling. Here, we used microarray analysis to identify two tumor subclasses resembling distinct phases of liver development and a discriminating 16-gene signature. β-catenin activated different transcriptional programs in the two tumor types, with distinctive expression of hepatic stem/progenitor markers in immature tumors. This highly proliferating subclass was typified by gains of chromosomes 8q and 2p and upregulated Myc signaling. Myc-induced hepatoblastoma-like tumors in mice strikingly resembled the human immature subtype, and Myc downregulation in hepatoblastoma cells impaired tumorigenesis in vivo. Remarkably, the 16-gene signature discriminated invasive and metastatic hepatoblastomas and predicted prognosis with high accuracy

Use of biodegradable mulching in vegetable production

Trials were carried out in Liguria during three years (2004-2006) to evaluate the use of innovative starch based bioplastics for soil mulching. All trials carried out in open field as well as in greenhouse on different vegetable crops demonstrated the effectiveness of biodegradable films in controlling weeds and in increasing yield. The use of biodegradable mulching films found application in integrated production regulations set up by the regional authority and it is potentially adoptable in an organic farming context

Bending response of PVDF piezoelectric sensors2012 IEEE Sensors

The aim of the present work is to investigate the response to pure bending of a piezoelectric PVDF film as a standing-alone device. A model is proposed and experimental results show that these polymer films enjoy this property, opening very promising scenarios for their integration into flexible tactile sensing system