K\"{a}hler-Einstein metrics on strictly pseudoconvex domains

The metrics of S. Y. Cheng and S.-T. Yau are considered on a strictly pseudoconvex domains in a complex manifold. Such a manifold carries a complete K\"{a}hler-Einstein metric if and only if its canonical bundle is positive. We consider the restricted case in which the CR structure on $\partial M$ is normal. In this case M must be a domain in a resolution of the Sasaki cone over $\partial M$. We give a condition on a normal CR manifold which it cannot satisfy if it is a CR infinity of a K\"{a}hler-Einstein manifold. We are able to mostly determine those normal CR 3-manifolds which can be CR infinities. Many examples are given of K\"{a}hler-Einstein strictly pseudoconvex manifolds on bundles and resolutions.Comment: 30 pages, 1 figure, couple corrections, improved a couple example

Finite temperature behaviour of the ISS-uplifted KKLT model

We study the static phase structure of the ISS-KKLT model for moduli stabilisation and uplifting to a zero cosmological constant. Since the supersymmetry breaking sector and the moduli sector are only gravitationally coupled, we expect negligible quantum effects of the modulus upon the ISS sector, and the other way around. Under this assumption, we show that the ISS fields end up in the metastable vacua. The reason is not only that it is thermally favoured (second order phase transition) compared to the phase transition towards the supersymmetric vacua, but rather that the metastable vacua form before the supersymmetric ones. This nice feature is exclusively due to the presence of the KKLT sector. We also show that supergravity effects are negligible around the origin of the field space. Finally, we turn to the modulus sector and show that there is no destabilisation effect coming from the ISS sector.Comment: 23 pages, 3 figures, mistake corrected, one plot updated, physical conclusions unchange

Monte Carlo simulation for jet fragmentation in SUSY-QCD

We present results from a new Monte Carlo simulation for jet fragmentation in QCD and SUSY QCD for large primary energies $\sqrt s$ up to $10^{16}$ GeV. In the case of SUSY QCD the simulation takes into account not only gluons and quarks as cascading particles, but also their supersymmetric partners. A new model-independent hadronization scheme is developed, in which the hadronization functions are found from LEP data. An interesting feature of SUSY QCD is the prediction of a sizeable flux of the lightest supersymmetric particles (LSPs), if R-parity is conserved. About 10% of the jet energy is transferred to LSPs which, owing to their harder spectra, constitute an important part of the spectra for large $x=E/E_{jet}$. Spectra of protons and of secondary particles, photons and neutrinos, are also calculated. These results have implications for the decay of superheavy particles with masses up to the GUT scale, which have been suggested as a source of ultrahigh energy cosmic rays.Comment: latex, 25 pages with 17 eps figure

Maternal uniparental isodisomy of chromosome 6 unmasks a novel variant in TULP1 in a patient with early onset retinal dystrophy

Purpose: Inherited retinal dystrophies are a clinically and genetically heterogeneous group of disorders. Molecular diagnosis has proven utility for affected individuals. In this study, we report an individual enrolled in the Australian Inherited Retinal Disease Registry and DNA Bank diagnosed with clinical features overlapping between Leber congenital amaurosis and retinitis pigmentosa. Methods: DNA from the proband was sequenced using a gene panel for inherited retinal disorders, and a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) array was conducted to detect the presence of deletions and uniparental disomy. Results: We identified a novel homozygous variant (c.524dupC, p.(Pro176ThrfsTer7)) in TULP1 resulting from maternal uniparental isodisomy of chromosome 6. The patient had clinical features consistent with biallelic pathogenic variants in TULP1, including congenital nystagmus, night blindness, non-recordable electroretinogram, mild myopia, and mild peripheral pigmentary changes in the fundus. Conclusions: This is the first report of uniparental disomy 6 and a homozygous variant in TULP1 associated with a rod-cone dystrophy. Molecular diagnosis of inherited retinal dystrophies is essential to inform the mode of transmission and clinical management, and to identify potential candidates for future gene-specific therapies.Emmanuelle Souzeau, Jennifer A. Thompson, Terri L. McLaren, John N. De Roach, Christopher P. Barnett, Tina M. Lamey, Jamie E. Crai

Ricci-flat K\"ahler metrics on crepant resolutions of K\"ahler cones

We prove that a crepant resolution of a Ricci-flat K\"ahler cone X admits a complete Ricci-flat K\"ahler metric asymptotic to the cone metric in every K\"ahler class in H^2_c(Y,R). This result contains as a subcase the existence of ALE Ricci-flat K\"ahler metrics on crepant resolutions of X=C^n /G, where G is a finite subgroup of SL(n,C). We consider the case in which X is toric. A result of A. Futaki, H. Ono, and G. Wang guarantees the existence of a Ricci-flat K\"ahler cone metric if X is Gorenstein. We use toric geometry to construct crepant resolutions.Comment: 26 pages. Accepted for publication in Mathematische Annale

O'KKLT

We propose to combine the quantum corrected O'Raifeartaigh model, which has a dS minimum near the origin of the moduli space, with the KKLT model with an AdS minimum. The combined effective N=1 supergravity model, which we call O'KKLT, has a dS minimum with all moduli stabilized. Gravitino in the O'KKLT model tends to be light in the regime of validity of our approximations. We show how one can construct models with a light gravitino and a high barrier protecting vacuum stability during the cosmological evolution.Comment: 12 pages, 4 figures, a reference added, the version to appear in JHE

Somatotypes trajectories during adulthood and their association with COPD phenotypes

Rationale: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) comprises distinct phenotypes, all characterised by airflow limitation. Objectives: We hypothesised that somatotype changes – as a surrogate of adiposity – from early adulthood follow different trajectories to reach distinct phenotypes. Methods: Using the validated Stunkard’s Pictogram, 356 COPD patients chose the somatotype that best reflects their current body build and those at ages 18, 30, 40 and 50 years. An unbiased group-based trajectory modelling was used to determine somatotype trajectories. We then compared the current COPD-related clinical and phenotypic characteristics of subjects belonging to each trajectory. Measurements and main results: At 18 years of age, 88% of the participants described having a lean or medium somatotype (estimated body mass index (BMI) between 19 and 23 kg·m−2 ) while the other 12% a heavier somatotype (estimated BMI between 25 and 27 kg·m−2 ). From age 18 onwards, five distinct trajectories were observed. Four of them demonstrating a continuous increase in adiposity throughout adulthood with the exception of one, where the initial increase was followed by loss of adiposity after age 40. Patients with this trajectory were primarily females with low BMI and DLCO (diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide). A persistently lean trajectory was seen in 14% of the cohort. This group had significantly lower forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1), DLCO, more emphysema and a worse BODE (BMI, airflow obstruction, dyspnoea and exercise capacity) score thus resembling the multiple organ loss of tissue (MOLT) phenotype. Conclusions: COPD patients have distinct somatotype trajectories throughout adulthood. Those with the MOLT phenotype maintain a lean trajectory throughout life. Smoking subjects with this lean phenotype in early adulthood deserve particular attention as they seem to develop more severe COPD

Transitions of cardio-metabolic risk factors in the Americas between 1980 and 2014

Describing the prevalence and trends of cardiometabolic risk factors that are associated with non-communicable diseases (NCDs) is crucial for monitoring progress, planning prevention, and providing evidence to support policy efforts. We aimed to analyse the transition in body-mass index (BMI), obesity, blood pressure, raised blood pressure, and diabetes in the Americas, between 1980 and 2014