On canonical quantization of the gauged WZW model with permutation branes

In this paper we perform canonical quantization of the product of the gauged WZW models on a strip with boundary conditions specified by permutation branes. We show that the phase space of the $N$-fold product of the gauged WZW model $G/H$ on a strip with boundary conditions given by permutation branes is symplectomorphic to the phase space of the double Chern-Simons theory on a sphere with $N$ holes times the time-line with $G$ and $H$ gauge fields both coupled to two Wilson lines. For the special case of the topological coset $G/G$ we arrive at the conclusion that the phase space of the $N$-fold product of the topological coset $G/G$ on a strip with boundary conditions given by permutation branes is symplectomorphic to the phase space of Chern-Simons theory on a Riemann surface of the genus $N-1$ times the time-line with four Wilson lines.Comment: 18 page

Canonical quantization of the WZW model with defects and Chern-Simons theory

We perform canonical quantization of the WZW model with defects and permutation branes. We establish symplectomorphism between phase space of WZW model with $N$ defects on cylinder and phase space of Chern-Simons theory on annulus times $R$ with $N$ Wilson lines, and between phase space of WZW model with $N$ defects on strip and Chern-Simons theory on disc times $R$ with $N+2$ Wilson lines. We obtained also symplectomorphism between phase space of the $N$-fold product of the WZW model with boundary conditions specified by permutation branes, and phase space of Chern-Simons theory on sphere with $N$ holes and two Wilson lines.Comment: 26 pages, minor corrections don

Fracture Propagation Driven by Fluid Outflow from a Low-permeability Aquifer

Deep saline aquifers are promising geological reservoirs for CO2 sequestration if they do not leak. The absence of leakage is provided by the caprock integrity. However, CO2 injection operations may change the geomechanical stresses and cause fracturing of the caprock. We present a model for the propagation of a fracture in the caprock driven by the outflow of fluid from a low-permeability aquifer. We show that to describe the fracture propagation, it is necessary to solve the pressure diffusion problem in the aquifer. We solve the problem numerically for the two-dimensional domain and show that, after a relatively short time, the solution is close to that of one-dimensional problem, which can be solved analytically. We use the relations derived in the hydraulic fracture literature to relate the the width of the fracture to its length and the flux into it, which allows us to obtain an analytical expression for the fracture length as a function of time. Using these results we predict the propagation of a hypothetical fracture at the In Salah CO2 injection site to be as fast as a typical hydraulic fracture. We also show that the hydrostatic and geostatic effects cause the increase of the driving force for the fracture propagation and, therefore, our solution serves as an estimate from below. Numerical estimates show that if a fracture appears, it is likely that it will become a pathway for CO2 leakage.Comment: 21 page

On details of the thermodynamical derivation of the Ginsburg--Landau equations

We examine the procedure of thermodynamical derivation of the Ginsburg--Landau equation for current, which is given unclear and contradictory interpretations in existing textbooks. We clarify all steps of this procedure and find as a consequence a limitation on the validity range of the thermodynamic Ginsburg--Landau theory, which does not seem to be explicitely stated up to now: we conclude that the thermodynamic theory is applicable only to a superconducting specimen that is not a part of an external current-carrying loop.Comment: 11 pages. Accepted for publication in 'Superconductor Science and Technology

A super-Ohmic energy absorption in driven quantum chaotic systems

We consider energy absorption by driven chaotic systems of the symplectic symmetry class. According to our analytical perturbative calculation, at the initial stage of evolution the energy growth with time can be faster than linear. This appears to be an analog of weak anti-localization in disordered systems with spin-orbit interaction. Our analytical result is also confirmed by numerical calculations for the symplectic quantum kicked rotor.Comment: 4 pages, 2 figure

Determinants of acceptability of cricket consumption and adoption for improved food security among riparian communities of the Victoria Basin, Kenya

overburdened environment; malnutrition is likely to be on the rise with human population growth projected at 9.7 billion by 2050. This has seen cricket consumption for household food security increasing in the past decade. Cricket (acheta domesticus) farming can contribute positively to solving malnutrition problems being experienced among the riparian communities in the Kenyan Lake Victoria Basin. Cricket farming presents a livelihood diversification strategy that can help buffer rural households against food insecurity and provide an alternative source of income. However, its adoption as an alternative source of protein for improved household food security has remained low among smallholder farmers. The study investigated determinants of acceptability of cricket consumption and its influence on adoption for farming as an alternative source of food. The study employed a mixed methods research approach to collect quantitative and qualitative data from 120 trained cricket farmers from selected riparian counties including Siaya, Kisumu and Homa Bay in Kenyan Victoria basin. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression model were used to summarize quantitative data while content analysis was used to analyze qualitative data by thematic arrangements and similarities across different investigation areas. Based on data analyzed, the results indicated that cultural beliefs, perception and attitude such as cultural value attached to cricket consumption (p = 0.021), crickets are sweet and tender than poultry (p = 0.037) as well as age with a p<0.028, had statistical significance on acceptability to cricket consumption. On the other hand, regression β coefficient of awareness, access and availability were found to have no association with the adoption of cricket farming. The study recommended that: first, the government formulates a policy on farming edible insects as mini-livestock and improved food security. Secondly, further study is needed to determine possible strategies for changing attitude towards cricket consumption for increased adoption by smallholder farmers

Whitehead's varnish nasal pack

Whitehead's varnish is a little known but excellent nasal packing agent. We review available literature on the historical aspects and clinical use of Whitehead's varnish. Our personal experience with Whitehead's varnish is described, and we strongly recommend its use

Solution structures of human myeloma IgG3 antibody reveal extended Fab and Fc regions relative to the other IgG subclasses

Human immunoglobulin IgG3 possesses a uniquely long hinge region that separates its Fab antigen-binding and Fc receptor-binding regions. Owing to this hinge length, the molecular structure of full-length IgG3 remains elusive, and the role of the two conserved glycosylation sites in the Fc region is unknown. To address these issues, we subjected glycosylated and deglycosylated human myeloma IgG3 to multidisciplinary solution structure studies. Using analytical ultracentrifugation, the elongated structure of IgG3 was determined from the reduced sedimentation coefficients s020,w of 5.82-6.29 S for both glycosylated and deglycosylated IgG3. X-ray and neutron scattering showed that the Guinier RG values were 6.95 nm for glycosylated IgG3 and were unchanged after deglycosylation, again indicating an elongated structure. The distance distribution function P(r) of both forms of IgG3 showed a maximum length of 25-28 nm and three distinct maxima. The molecular structure of IgG3 was determined using atomistic modelling based on molecular dynamics simulations of the IgG3 hinge and Monte Carlo simulations to identify physically-realistic arrangements of the Fab and Fc regions. This resulted in libraries containing 135,135 and 73,905 glycosylated and deglycosylated IgG3 structures respectively. Comparisons with the X-ray and neutron scattering curves gave 100 best-fit models for each of the two forms of IgG3 that accounted for the experimental scattering curves. These models revealed the first molecular structures for full-length IgG3. The structures exhibited relatively-restricted Fab and Fc conformations joined by an extended semi-rigid hinge, which explains the potent effector functions of IgG3 relative to the other subclasses IgG1, IgG2 and IgG4

Design and performance testing of quantitative real time PCR assays for influenza A and B viral load measurement

Background: The antiviral effect of anti-influenza drugs such as zanamivir may be demonstrated in patients as an increased rate of decline in viral load over a time course of treatment as compared with placebo. Historically this was measured using plaque assays, or Culture Enhanced Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (CE-ELISA). Objectives: to develop and characterise real time quantitative PCR (qPCR) assays to measure influenza A and B viral load in clinical samples, that offer improvements over existing methods, in particular virus infectivity assays. Study design: The dynamic range and robustness were established for the real time qPCR assays along with stability of the assay components. Cross validation of the real time PCR assays with CE-ELISA was performed by parallel testing of both serial dilutions of three different subtypes of cultured virus and a panel of influenza positive throat swab specimens. Results: the assays were specific for influenza A and B and the dynamic ranges were at least seven logs. The assay variability was within acceptable limits but increased towards the lower limit of quantification, which was 3.33 log10 viral cDNA copies/ml of virus transport medium (ten viral RNA copies/PCR). The components of the assay were robust enough to withstand extended storage and several freeze–thawcycles. For the real time PCR assays the limit of quantification was equivalent to the virus infectivity cut off, which equates to a 93-fold increase in sensitivity. Conclusion: Well characterised real time PCR assays offer significant improvements over the existing methods for measuring the viral load of strains of influenza A and B in clinical specimens