243 research outputs found
An axiomatic approach to the non-linear theory of generalized functions and consistency of Laplace transforms
We offer an axiomatic definition of a differential algebra of generalized
functions over an algebraically closed non-Archimedean field. This algebra is
of Colombeau type in the sense that it contains a copy of the space of Schwartz
distributions. We study the uniqueness of the objects we define and the
consistency of our axioms. Next, we identify an inconsistency in the
conventional Laplace transform theory. As an application we offer a free of
contradictions alternative in the framework of our algebra of generalized
functions. The article is aimed at mathematicians, physicists and engineers who
are interested in the non-linear theory of generalized functions, but who are
not necessarily familiar with the original Colombeau theory. We assume,
however, some basic familiarity with the Schwartz theory of distributions.Comment: 23 page
Structure and function analyses of the purified GPCR human vomeronasal type 1 receptor 1
The vomeronasal system is one of several fine-tuned scent-detecting signaling systems in
mammals. However, despite significant efforts, how these receptors detect scent remains an
enigma. One reason is the lack of sufficient purified receptors to perform detailed
biochemical, biophysical and structural analyses. Here we report the ability to express and
purify milligrams of purified, functional human vomeronasal receptor hVN1R1. Circular
dichroism showed that purified hVN1R1 had an alpha-helical structure, similar to that of
other GPCRs. Microscale thermophoresis showed that hVN1R1 bound its known ligand myrtenal
with an EC50 ∼1 µM. This expression system can enable structural and functional
analyses towards understanding how mammalian scent detection works
Polarization effects in the ionization cross section of Ar, Kr, and Xe by laser-excited Ne**[(2p)5(3p);J=3,M] atoms
Properties of field functionals and characterization of local functionals
Functionals (i.e. functions of functions) are widely used in quantum field
theory and solid-state physics. In this paper, functionals are given a rigorous
mathematical framework and their main properties are described. The choice of
the proper space of test functions (smooth functions) and of the relevant
concept of differential (Bastiani differential) are discussed.
The relation between the multiple derivatives of a functional and the
corresponding distributions is described in detail. It is proved that, in a
neighborhood of every test function, the support of a smooth functional is
uniformly compactly supported and the order of the corresponding distribution
is uniformly bounded. Relying on a recent work by Yoann Dabrowski, several
spaces of functionals are furnished with a complete and nuclear topology. In
view of physical applications, it is shown that most formal manipulations can
be given a rigorous meaning.
A new concept of local functionals is proposed and two characterizations of
them are given: the first one uses the additivity (or Hammerstein) property,
the second one is a variant of Peetre's theorem. Finally, the first step of a
cohomological approach to quantum field theory is carried out by proving a
global Poincar\'e lemma and defining multi-vector fields and graded functionals
within our framework.Comment: 32 pages, no figur
Adaptive Radiation in Mediterranean Cistus (Cistaceae)
lineage consists of
12 species primarily distributed in Mediterranean habitats and
is herein subject to analysis. lineages), which display asymmetric
characteristics: number of species (2 vs. 10), leaf morphologies
(linear vs. linear to ovate), floral characteristics (small,
three-sepalled vs. small to large, three- or five-sepalled
flowers) and ecological attributes (low-land vs. low-land to
mountain environments). A positive phenotype-environment
correlation has been detected by historical reconstructions of
morphological traits (leaf shape, leaf labdanum content and leaf
pubescence). Ecological evidence indicates that modifications of
leaf shape and size, coupled with differences in labdanum
secretion and pubescence density, appear to be related to
success of new species in different Mediterranean habitats.
Description of the novel perchlorate-reducing bacteria Dechlorobacter hydrogenophilus gen. nov., sp. nov. and Propionivibrio militaris, sp. nov.
Novel dissimilatory perchlorate-reducing bacteria (DPRB) were isolated from enrichments conducted under conditions different from those of all previously described DPRB. Strain LT-1T was enriched using medium buffered at pH 6.6 with 2-(N-morpholino)ethanesulfonic acid (MES) and had only 95% 16S rRNA gene identity with its closest relative, Azonexus caeni. Strain MPT was enriched in the cathodic chamber of a perchlorate-reducing bioelectrical reactor (BER) and together with an additional strain, CR (99% 16S rRNA gene identity), had 97% 16S rRNA gene identity with Propionivibrio limicola. The use of perchlorate and other electron acceptors distinguished strains MPT and CR from P. limicola physiologically. Strain LT-1T had differences in electron donor utilization and optimum growth temperatures from A. caeni. Strains LT-1T and MPT are the first DPRB to be described in the Betaproteobacteria outside of the Dechloromonas and Azospira genera. On the basis of phylogenetic and physiological features, strain LT-1T represents a novel genus in the Rhodocyclaceae; strain MPT represents a novel species within the genus Propionivibrio. The names Dechlorobacter hydrogenophilus gen. nov., sp. nov and Propionivibrio militaris sp. nov. are proposed
Subliminally Perceived Odours Modulate Female Intrasexual Competition: An Eye Movement Study
Background: Evidence suggests that subliminal odorants influence human perception and behavior. It has been hypothesized that the human sex-steroid derived compound 4,16-androstadien-3-one (androstadienone) functions as a human chemosignal. The most intensively studied steroid compound, androstadienone is known to be biologically relevant since it seems to convey information about male mate quality to women. It is unclear if the effects of androstadienone are menstrual cycle related. Methodology/Principal Findings: In the first experiment, heterosexual women were exposed to androstadienone or a control compound and asked to view stimuli such as female faces, male faces and familiar objects while their eye movements were recorded. In the second experiment the same women were asked to rate the level of stimuli attractiveness following exposure to the study or control compound. The results indicated that women at high conception risk spent more time viewing the female than the male faces regardless of the compound administered. Women at a low conception risk exhibited a preference for female faces only following exposure to androstadienone. Conclusions/Significance: We contend that a woman’s level of fertility influences her evaluation of potential competitors (e.g., faces of other women) during times critical for reproduction. Subliminally perceived odorants, such as androstadienone, might similarly enhance intrasexual competition strategies in women during fertility phases not critica
Major Cellular and Physiological Impacts of Ocean Acidification on a Reef Building Coral
As atmospheric levels of CO2 increase, reef-building corals are under greater stress from both increased sea surface temperatures and declining sea water pH. To date, most studies have focused on either coral bleaching due to warming oceans or declining calcification due to decreasing oceanic carbonate ion concentrations. Here, through the use of physiology measurements and cDNA microarrays, we show that changes in pH and ocean chemistry consistent with two scenarios put forward by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) drive major changes in gene expression, respiration, photosynthesis and symbiosis of the coral, Acropora millepora, before affects on biomineralisation are apparent at the phenotype level. Under high CO2 conditions corals at the phenotype level lost over half their Symbiodinium populations, and had a decrease in both photosynthesis and respiration. Changes in gene expression were consistent with metabolic suppression, an increase in oxidative stress, apoptosis and symbiont loss. Other expression patterns demonstrate upregulation of membrane transporters, as well as the regulation of genes involved in membrane cytoskeletal interactions and cytoskeletal remodeling. These widespread changes in gene expression emphasize the need to expand future studies of ocean acidification to include a wider spectrum of cellular processes, many of which may occur before impacts on calcification
Younger age, higher body mass index and lower adiponectin concentration predict higher serum thromboxane B2 level in aspirin-treated patients with type 2 diabetes: an observational study
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