65 research outputs found
Generation of single-mode SU(1,1) intelligent states and an analytic approach to their quantum statistical properties
We discuss a scheme for generation of single-mode photon states associated
with the two-photon realization of the SU(1,1) algebra. This scheme is based on
the process of non-degenerate down-conversion with the signal prepared
initially in the squeezed vacuum state and with a measurement of the photon
number in one of the output modes. We focus on the generation and properties of
single-mode SU(1,1) intelligent states which minimize the uncertainty relations
for Hermitian generators of the group. Properties of the intelligent states are
studied by using a ``weak'' extension of the analytic representation in the
unit disk. Then we are able to obtain exact analytical expressions for
expectation values describing quantum statistical properties of the SU(1,1)
intelligent states. Attention is mainly devoted to the study of photon
statistics and linear and quadratic squeezing.Comment: to appear in Quantum Semiclass. Opt., LaTeX, epsf style, 21 pages
including 5 Postscript figures. More information on
http://www.technion.ac.il/~brif/science.htm
Optical Spectroscopy of Active Galactic Nuclei in SA57
The cosmological evolution of X-ray-selected and optically selected Active
Galactic Nuclei (AGNs) show different behaviours interpreted in terms of two
different populations. The difference is evident mainly for low luminosity AGNs
(LLAGNs), many of which are lost by optical photometric surveys. We are
conducting a spectroscopical study of a composite sample of AGN candidates
selected in SA57 following different searching techniques, to identify low
luminosity AGNs and break down the sample into different classes of objects.
AGN candidates were obtained through optical variability and/or X-ray emission.
Of special interest are the extended variable objects, which are expected to be
galaxies hosting LLAGNs. Among the 26 classified objects a fair number (9) show
typical AGN spectra. 10 objects show Narrow Emission Line Galaxy spectra, and
in most of them (8/10) optical variability suggests the presence of LLAGNs.Comment: 7 pages, 8 figures, to appear in A&
Stars of extragalactic origin in the solar neighborhood
We computed the spatial velocities and the galactic orbital elements using
Hipparcos data for 77 nearest main-sequence F-G-stars with published the iron,
magnesium, and europium abundances determined from high dispersion spectra and
with the ages estimated from theoretical isochrones. A comparison with the
orbital elements of the globular clusters that are known was accreted by our
Galaxy in the past reveals stars of extragalactic origin. We show that the
relative elemental abundance ratios of r- and \alpha- elements in all the
accreted stars differ sharply from those in the stars that are genetically
associated with the Galaxy. According to current theoretical models, europium
is produced mainly in low mass Type II supernovae (SNe II), while magnesium is
synthesized in larger amounts in high mass SN II progenitors. Since all the old
accreted stars of our sample exhibit a significant Eu overabundance relative to
Mg, we conclude that the maximum masses of the SNII progenitors outside the
Galaxy were much lower than those inside it are. On the other hand, only a
small number of young accreted stars exhibit low negative ratios .
The delay of primordial star formation burst and the explosions of high mass
SNe II in a relatively small part of extragalactic space can explain this
situation. We provide evidence that the interstellar medium was weakly mixed at
the early evolutionary stages of the Galaxy formed from a single proto-galactic
cloud and that the maximum mass of the SN II progenitors increased in it with
time simultaneously with the increase in mean metallicity.Comment: Accepted for 2004, Astronomy Letters, Vol. 30, No. 3, P.148-158 15
pages, 3 figure
SU(2) and SU(1,1) algebra eigenstates: A unified analytic approach to coherent and intelligent states
We introduce the concept of algebra eigenstates which are defined for an
arbitrary Lie group as eigenstates of elements of the corresponding complex Lie
algebra. We show that this concept unifies different definitions of coherent
states associated with a dynamical symmetry group. On the one hand, algebra
eigenstates include different sets of Perelomov's generalized coherent states.
On the other hand, intelligent states (which are squeezed states for a system
of general symmetry) also form a subset of algebra eigenstates. We develop the
general formalism and apply it to the SU(2) and SU(1,1) simple Lie groups.
Complete solutions to the general eigenvalue problem are found in the both
cases, by a method that employs analytic representations of the algebra
eigenstates. This analytic method also enables us to obtain exact closed
expressions for quantum statistical properties of an arbitrary algebra
eigenstate. Important special cases such as standard coherent states and
intelligent states are examined and relations between them are studied by using
their analytic representations.Comment: LaTeX, 24 pages, 1 figure (compressed PostScript, available at
http://www.technion.ac.il/~brif/abstracts/AES.html ). More information on
http://www.technion.ac.il/~brif/science.htm
Expression proteomics of UPF1 knockdown in HeLa cells reveals autoregulation of hnRNP A2/B1 mediated by alternative splicing resulting in nonsense-mediated mRNA decay
BACKGROUND: In addition to acting as an RNA quality control pathway, nonsense-mediated mRNA decay (NMD) plays roles in regulating normal gene expression. In particular, the extent to which alternative splicing is coupled to NMD and the roles of NMD in regulating uORF containing transcripts have been a matter of debate. RESULTS: In order to achieve a greater understanding of NMD regulated gene expression we used 2D-DiGE proteomics technology to examine the changes in protein expression induced in HeLa cells by UPF1 knockdown. QPCR based validation of the corresponding mRNAs, in response to both UPF1 knockdown and cycloheximide treatment, identified 17 bona fide NMD targets. Most of these were associated with bioinformatically predicted NMD activating features, predominantly upstream open reading frames (uORFs). Strikingly, however, the majority of transcripts up-regulated by UPF1 knockdown were either insensitive to, or even down-regulated by, cycloheximide treatment. Furthermore, the mRNA abundance of several down-regulated proteins failed to change upon UPF1 knockdown, indicating that UPF1`s role in regulating mRNA and protein abundance is more complex than previously appreciated. Among the bona fide NMD targets, we identified a highly conserved AS-NMD event within the 3` UTR of the HNRNPA2B1 gene. Overexpression of GFP tagged hnRNP A2 resulted in a decrease in endogenous hnRNP A2 and B1 mRNA with a concurrent increase in the NMD sensitive isoforms. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the large number of changes in protein expression upon UPF1 knockdown, a relatively small fraction of them can be directly attributed to the action of NMD on the corresponding mRNA. From amongst these we have identified a conserved AS-NMD event within HNRNPA2B1 that appears to mediate autoregulation of HNRNPA2B1 expression levels
Is Homosexuality a Paraphilia? The Evidence For and Against
Whether homosexuality should be described as one among many paraphilic sexual interests or an altogether different dimension of sexual interest has long been discussed in terms of its political and social implications. The present article examined the question instead by comparing the major correlates and other features of homosexuality and of the paraphilias, including prevalence, sex ratio, onset and course, fraternal birth order, physical height, handedness, IQ and cognitive neuropsychological profile, and neuroanatomy. Although those literatures remain underdeveloped, the existing findings thus far suggest that homosexuality has a pattern of correlates largely, but not entirely, distinct from that identified among the paraphilias. At least, if homosexuality were deemed a paraphilia, it would be relatively unique among them, taxonometrically speaking
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