587 research outputs found
Adrenocortical and Adipose Responses to High-Altitude-Induced, Long-Term Hypoxia in the Ovine Fetus
By late gestation, the maturing hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis aids the fetus in responding to stress. Hypoxia represents a significant threat to the fetus accompanying situations such as preeclampsia, smoking, high altitude, and preterm labor. We developed a model of high-altitude (3,820 m), long-term hypoxia (LTH) in pregnant sheep. We describe the impact of LTH on the fetal HPA axis at the level of the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN), anterior pituitary corticotrope, and adrenal cortex. At the PVN and anterior pituitary, the responses to LTH are consistent with hypoxia being a potent activator of the HPA axis and potentially maladaptive, while the adrenocortical response to LTH appears to be primarily adaptive. We discuss mechanisms involved in the delicate balance between these seemingly opposing responses that preserve the normal ontogenic rise in fetal plasma cortisol essential for organ maturation and in this species, birth. Further, we examine the response to, and ramifications of, an acute secondary stressor in the LTH fetus. We provide an integrative model on the potential role of adipose in modulating these responses to LTH. Integration of these adaptive responses to LTH plays a key role in promoting normal fetal growth and development under conditions of a chronic stress
Shell Model Monte Carlo Investigation of Rare Earth Nuclei
We utilize the Shell Model Monte Carlo (SMMC) method to study the structure
of rare earth nuclei. This work demonstrates the first systematic ``full
oscillator shell plus intruder'' calculations in such heavy nuclei. Exact
solutions of a pairing plus quadrupole hamiltonian are compared with mean field
and SPA approximations in several Dysprosium isotopes from A=152-162, including
the odd mass A=153. Basic properties of these nuclei at various temperatures
and spin are explored. These include energy, deformation, moments of inertia,
pairing channel strengths, band crossing, and evolution of shell model
occupation numbers. Exact level densities are also calculated and, in the case
of 162 Dy, compared with experimental data.Comment: 40 pages; 24 figures; 2 tables. Update includes correction of figure
labe
SMMC method for two-neutrino double beta decay
Shell Model Monte Carlo (SMMC) techniques are used to calculate two-neutrino
double beta decay matrix elements. We validate the approach against direct
diagonalization for Ca in the complete -shell using the KB3
interaction. The method is then applied to the decay of Ge in the
model space using a newly calculated realistic
interaction. Our result for the matrix element is MeV, in
agreement with the experimental value.Comment: 10 pages, 3 figures available at
http://www.krl.caltech.edu/preprints/MAP.htm
Continuum corrections to the level density and its dependence on excitation energy, n-p asymmetry, and deformation
In the independent-particle model, the nuclear level density is determined
from the neutron and proton single-particle level densities. The
single-particle level density for the positive-energy continuum levels is
important at high excitation energies for stable nuclei and at all excitation
energies for nuclei near the drip lines. This single-particle level density is
subdivided into compound-nucleus and gas components. Two methods were
considered for this subdivision. First in the subtraction method, the
single-particle level density is determined from the scattering phase shifts.
In the Gamov method, only the narrow Gamov states or resonances are included.
The level densities calculated with these two methods are similar, both can be
approximated by the backshifted Fermi-gas expression with level-density
parameters that are dependent on A, but with very little dependence on the
neutron or proton richness of the nucleus. However, a small decrease in the
level-density parameter was predicted for some nuclei very close to the drip
lines. The largest difference between the calculations using the two methods
was the deformation dependence on the level density. The Gamov method predicts
a very strong peaking of the level density at sphericity for high excitation
energies. This leads to a suppression of deformed configurations and,
consequently, the fission rate predicted by the statistical model is reduced in
the Gamov method.Comment: 18 pages 24 figure
The effects of an uncertain abandonment value on the investment decision
YesUsing a three-factor stochastic real option model framework, this paper examines the effects of abandonment on the investment decision. Abandonment is classified according to whether the opportunity arises for an active operating asset post-investment, or for holding the project opportunity pre-investment. Separate analytical models are developed for the alternative forms of abandonment optionality. Numerical sensitivity analysis shows that the presence of a post-investment abandonment opportunity makes the investment opportunity appear to be more attractive because of the abandonment option value, but not by a considerable amount. Also, in contrast to the standard real option finding, an abandonment value volatility increase produces a project value threshold fall owing to the increase in the abandonment option value
Predicting Phenotype and Emerging Strains among Chlamydia trachomatis Infections
Single nucleotide polymorphisms can be used for epidemiologic and evolutionary studies worldwide
Mirror Symmetry and Other Miracles in Superstring Theory
The dominance of string theory in the research landscape of quantum gravity
physics (despite any direct experimental evidence) can, I think, be justified
in a variety of ways. Here I focus on an argument from mathematical fertility,
broadly similar to Hilary Putnam's 'no miracles argument' that, I argue, many
string theorists in fact espouse. String theory leads to many surprising,
useful, and well-confirmed mathematical 'predictions' - here I focus on mirror
symmetry. These predictions are made on the basis of general physical
principles entering into string theory. The success of the mathematical
predictions are then seen as evidence for framework that generated them. I
attempt to defend this argument, but there are nonetheless some serious
objections to be faced. These objections can only be evaded at a high
(philosophical) price.Comment: For submission to a Foundations of Physics special issue on "Forty
Years Of String Theory: Reflecting On the Foundations" (edited by G. `t
Hooft, E. Verlinde, D. Dieks and S. de Haro)
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