148 research outputs found
Partial Dynamical Symmetry in the Symplectic Shell Model
We present an example of a partial dynamical symmetry (PDS) in an interacting
fermion system and demonstrate the close relationship of the associated
Hamiltonians with a realistic quadrupole-quadrupole interaction, thus shedding
new light on this important interaction. Specifically, in the framework of the
symplectic shell model of nuclei, we prove the existence of a family of
fermionic Hamiltonians with partial SU(3) symmetry. We outline the construction
process for the PDS eigenstates with good symmetry and give analytic
expressions for the energies of these states and E2 transition strengths
between them. Characteristics of both pure and mixed-symmetry PDS eigenstates
are discussed and the resulting spectra and transition strengths are compared
to those of real nuclei. The PDS concept is shown to be relevant to the
description of prolate, oblate, as well as triaxially deformed nuclei.
Similarities and differences between the fermion case and the previously
established partial SU(3) symmetry in the Interacting Boson Model are
considered.Comment: 9 figure
Electromagnetic transition rates in high-spin bands in Nd136
Lifetimes have been measured for transitions in the two multiquasiparticle rotational bands in the nucleus Nd136. The extracted transition probabilities are compared with results of tilted-axis cranking and random-phase approximation calculations. The bands are identified as being built on two distinct quasiparticle configurations, with very different associated transition rates. These findings are contrary to an earlier suggestion that the bands form a chiral-band pair in this even-even nucleus
From chiral vibration to static chirality in Nd135
Electromagnetic transition probabilities have been measured for the intraband and interband transitions in the two sequences in the nucleus Nd135 that were previously identified as a composite chiral pair of rotational bands. The chiral character of the bands is affirmed and it is shown that their behavior is associated with a transition from a vibrational into a static chiral regime
Adsorption of mono- and multivalent cat- and anions on DNA molecules
Adsorption of monovalent and multivalent cat- and anions on a deoxyribose
nucleic acid (DNA) molecule from a salt solution is investigated by computer
simulation. The ions are modelled as charged hard spheres, the DNA molecule as
a point charge pattern following the double-helical phosphate strands. The
geometrical shape of the DNA molecules is modelled on different levels ranging
from a simple cylindrical shape to structured models which include the major
and minor grooves between the phosphate strands. The densities of the ions
adsorbed on the phosphate strands, in the major and in the minor grooves are
calculated. First, we find that the adsorption pattern on the DNA surface
depends strongly on its geometrical shape: counterions adsorb preferentially
along the phosphate strands for a cylindrical model shape, but in the minor
groove for a geometrically structured model. Second, we find that an addition
of monovalent salt ions results in an increase of the charge density in the
minor groove while the total charge density of ions adsorbed in the major
groove stays unchanged. The adsorbed ion densities are highly structured along
the minor groove while they are almost smeared along the major groove.
Furthermore, for a fixed amount of added salt, the major groove cationic charge
is independent on the counterion valency. For increasing salt concentration the
major groove is neutralized while the total charge adsorbed in the minor groove
is constant. DNA overcharging is detected for multivalent salt. Simulations for
a larger ion radii, which mimic the effect of the ion hydration, indicate an
increased adsorbtion of cations in the major groove.Comment: 34 pages with 14 figure
US hegemony and the origins of Japanese nuclear power : the politics of consent
This paper deploys the Gramscian concepts of hegemony and consent in order to explore the process whereby nuclear power was brought to Japan. The core argument is that nuclear power was brought to Japan as a consequence of US hegemony. Rather than a simple manifestation of one state exerting material âpower over' another, bringing nuclear power to Japan involved a series of compromises worked out within and between state and civil society in both Japan and the USA. Ideologies of nationalism, imperialism and modernity underpinned the process, coalescing in post-war debates about the future trajectory of Japanese society, Japan's Cold War alliance with the USA and the role of nuclear power in both. Consent to nuclear power was secured through the generation of a psychological state in the public mind combining the fear of nuclear attack and the hope of unlimited consumption in a nuclear-fuelled post-modern world
Opportunities for evaluating chemical exposures and child health in the United States: the Environmental influences on Child Health Outcomes (ECHO) Program
The Environmental Influences on Child Health Outcomes (ECHO) Program will evaluate environmental factors affecting childrenâs health (perinatal, neurodevelopmental, obesity, respiratory, and positive health outcomes) by pooling cohorts composed of >50,000 children in the largest US study of its kind. Our objective was to identify opportunities for studying chemicals and child health using existing or future ECHO chemical exposure data. We described chemical-related information collected by ECHO cohorts and reviewed ECHO-relevant literature on exposure routes, sources, and environmental and human monitoring. Fifty-six ECHO cohorts have existing or planned chemical biomonitoring data for mothers or children. Environmental phenols/parabens, phthalates, metals/metalloids, and tobacco biomarkers are each being measured by â„15 cohorts, predominantly during pregnancy and childhood, indicating ample opportunities to study child health outcomes. Cohorts are collecting questionnaire data on multiple exposure sources and conducting environmental monitoring including air, dust, and water sample collection that could be used for exposure assessment studies. To supplement existing chemical data, we recommend biomonitoring of emerging chemicals, nontargeted analysis to identify novel chemicals, and expanded measurement of chemicals in alternative biological matrices and dust samples. ECHOâs rich data and samples represent an unprecedented opportunity to accelerate environmental chemical research to improve the health of US children
Biomarkers of exposure to new and emerging tobacco delivery products
Accurate and reliable measurements of exposure to tobacco products are essential for identifying and confirming patterns of tobacco product use and for assessing their potential biological effects in both human populations and experimental systems. Due to the introduction of new tobaccoderived products and the development of novel ways to modify and use conventional tobacco products, precise and specific assessments of exposure to tobacco are now more important than ever. Biomarkers that were developed and validated to measure exposure to cigarettes are being evaluated to assess their use for measuring exposure to these new products. Here, we review current methods for measuring exposure to new and emerging tobacco products, such as electronic cigarettes, little cigars, water pipes, and cigarillos. Rigorously validated biomarkers specific to these new products have not yet been identified. Here, we discuss the strengths and limitations of current approaches, including whether they provide reliable exposure estimates for new and emerging products. We provide specific guidance for choosing practical and economical biomarkers for different study designs and experimental conditions. Our goal is to help both new and experienced investigators measure exposure to tobacco products accurately and avoid common experimental errors. With the identification of the capacity gaps in biomarker research on new and emerging tobacco products, we hope to provide researchers, policymakers, and funding agencies with a clear action plan for conducting and promoting research on the patterns of use and health effects of these products
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Track A Basic Science
Peer Reviewedhttps://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/138319/1/jia218438.pd
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