3,625 research outputs found
Appendix to "Approximating perpetuities"
An algorithm for perfect simulation from the unique solution of the
distributional fixed point equation is constructed, where
and are independent and is uniformly distributed on . This
distribution comes up as a limit distribution in the probabilistic analysis of
the Quickselect algorithm. Our simulation algorithm is based on coupling from
the past with a multigamma coupler. It has four lines of code
Electric Field Effects on Graphene Materials
Understanding the effect of electric fields on the physical and chemical
properties of two-dimensional (2D) nanostructures is instrumental in the design
of novel electronic and optoelectronic devices. Several of those properties are
characterized in terms of the dielectric constant which play an important role
on capacitance, conductivity, screening, dielectric losses and refractive
index. Here we review our recent theoretical studies using density functional
calculations including van der Waals interactions on two types of layered
materials of similar two-dimensional molecular geometry but remarkably
different electronic structures, that is, graphene and molybdenum disulphide
(MoS). We focus on such two-dimensional crystals because of they
complementary physical and chemical properties, and the appealing interest to
incorporate them in the next generation of electronic and optoelectronic
devices. We predict that the effective dielectric constant () of
few-layer graphene and MoS is tunable by external electric fields (). We show that at low fields ( V/\AA)
assumes a nearly constant value 4 for both materials, but increases at
higher fields to values that depend on the layer thickness. The thicker the
structure the stronger is the modulation of with the electric
field. Increasing of the external field perpendicular to the layer surface
above a critical value can drive the systems to an unstable state where the
layers are weakly coupled and can be easily separated. The observed dependence
of on the external field is due to charge polarization driven by
the bias, which show several similar characteristics despite of the layer
considered.Comment: Invited book chapter on Exotic Properties of Carbon Nanomatter:
Advances in Physics and Chemistry, Springer Series on Carbon Materials.
Editors: Mihai V. Putz and Ottorino Ori (11 pages, 4 figures, 30 references
High-transition-temperature superconductivity in the absence of the magnetic-resonance mode
The fundamental mechanism that gives rise to high-transition-temperature
(high-Tc) superconductivity in the copper oxide materials has been debated
since the discovery of the phenomenon. Recent work has focussed on a sharp
'kink' in the kinetic energy spectra of the electrons as a possible signature
of the force that creates the superconducting state. The kink has been related
to a magnetic resonance and also to phonons. Here we report that infrared
spectra of Bi2Sr2CaCu2O(8+d), (Bi-2212) show that this sharp feature can be
separated from a broad background and, interestingly, weakens with doping
before disappearing completely at a critical doping level of 0.23 holes per
copper atom. Superconductivity is still strong in terms of the transition
temperature (Tc approx 55 K), so our results rule out both the magnetic
resonance peak and phonons as the principal cause of high-Tc superconductivity.
The broad background, on the other hand, is a universal property of the copper
oxygen plane and a good candidate for the 'glue' that binds the electrons.Comment: 4 pages, 3 figure
Oral immunization of haemaggulutinin H5 expressed in plant endoplasmic reticulum with adjuvant saponin protects mice against highly pathogenic avian influenza A virus infection
Pandemics in poultry caused by the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) A virus occur too frequently globally, and there is growing concern about the HPAI A virus due to the possibility of a pandemic among humans. Thus, it is important to develop a vaccine against HPAI suitable for both humans and animals. Various approaches are underway to develop such vaccines. In particular, an edible vaccine would be a convenient way to vaccinate poultry because of the behaviour of the animals. However, an edible vaccine is still not available. In this study, we developed a strategy of effective vaccination of mice by the oral administration of transgenic Arabidopsis plants (HA-TG) expressing haemagglutinin (HA) in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). Expression of HA in the ER resulted in its high-level accumulation, N-glycosylation, protection from proteolytic degradation and long-term stability. Oral administration of HA-TG with saponin elicited high levels of HA-specific systemic IgG and mucosal IgA responses in mice, which resulted in protection against a lethal influenza virus infection with attenuated inflammatory symptoms. Based on these results, we propose that oral administration of freeze-dried leaf powders from transgenic plants expressing HA in the ER together with saponin is an attractive strategy for vaccination against influenza A virus.X111411Ysciescopu
Observation of Electron-Hole Puddles in Graphene Using a Scanning Single Electron Transistor
The electronic density of states of graphene is equivalent to that of
relativistic electrons. In the absence of disorder or external doping the Fermi
energy lies at the Dirac point where the density of states vanishes. Although
transport measurements at high carrier densities indicate rather high
mobilities, many questions pertaining to disorder remain unanswered. In
particular, it has been argued theoretically, that when the average carrier
density is zero, the inescapable presence of disorder will lead to electron and
hole puddles with equal probability. In this work, we use a scanning single
electron transistor to image the carrier density landscape of graphene in the
vicinity of the neutrality point. Our results clearly show the electron-hole
puddles expected theoretically. In addition, our measurement technique enables
to determine locally the density of states in graphene. In contrast to
previously studied massive two dimensional electron systems, the kinetic
contribution to the density of states accounts quantitatively for the measured
signal. Our results suggests that exchange and correlation effects are either
weak or have canceling contributions.Comment: 13 pages, 5 figure
Measuring V_ub and probing SUSY with double ratios of purely leptonic decays of B and D mesons
The experimental prospects for precise measurements of the leptonic decays
B_u -> tau nu / mu nu, B_s -> mu+ mu-, D -> mu nu and D_s -> mu nu / tau nu are
very promising. Double ratios involving four of these decays can be defined in
which the dependence on the values of the decay constants is essentially
eliminated, thus enabling complementary measurements of the CKM matrix element
V_ub with a small theoretical error. We quantify the experimental error in a
possible future measurement of |V_ub| using this approach, and show that it is
competitive with the anticipated precision from the conventional approaches.
Moreover, it is shown that such double ratios can be more effective than the
individual leptonic decays as a probe of the parameter space of supersymmetric
models. We emphasize that the double ratios have the advantage of using |V_ub|
as an input parameter (for which there is experimental information), while the
individual decays have an uncertainty from the decay constants (e.g. f_B_s),
and hence a reliance on theoretical techniques such as lattice QCD.Comment: 21 pages, 4 figure
Linear Sigma Models with Torsion
Gauged linear sigma models with (0,2) supersymmetry allow a larger choice of
couplings than models with (2,2) supersymmetry. We use this freedom to find a
fully linear construction of torsional heterotic compactifications, including
models with branes. As a non-compact example, we describe a family of metrics
which correspond to deformations of the heterotic conifold by turning on
H-flux. We then describe compact models which are gauge-invariant only at the
quantum level. Our construction gives a generalization of symplectic reduction.
The resulting spaces are non-Kahler analogues of familiar toric spaces like
complex projective space. Perturbatively conformal models can be constructed by
considering intersections.Comment: 40 pages, LaTeX, 1 figure; references added; a new section on
supersymmetry added; quantization condition revisite
Illness perceptions and explanatory models of viral hepatitis B & C among immigrants and refugees: a narrative systematic review.
© 2015 Owiti et al.; licensee BioMed Central. This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative
Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and
reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly credited. The Creative Commons Public Domain
Dedication waiver (http://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/) applies to the data made available in this article,
unless otherwise stated.BACKGROUND: Hepatitis B and C (HBV, HCV) infections are associated with high morbidity and mortality. Many countries with traditionally low prevalence (such as UK) are now planning interventions (screening, vaccination, and treatment) of high-risk immigrants from countries with high prevalence. This review aimed to synthesise the evidence on immigrants' knowledge of HBV and HCV that might influence the uptake of clinical interventions. The review was also used to inform the design and successful delivery of a randomised controlled trial of targeted screening and treatment. METHODS: Five databases (PubMed, CINHAL, SOCIOFILE, PsycINFO & Web of Science) were systematically searched, supplemented by reference tracking, searches of selected journals, and of relevant websites. We aimed to identify qualitative and quantitative studies that investigated knowledge of HBV and HCV among immigrants from high endemic areas to low endemic areas. Evidence, extracted according to a conceptual framework of Kleinman's explanatory model, was subjected to narrative synthesis. We adapted the PEN-3 model to categorise and analyse themes, and recommend strategies for interventions to influence help-seeking behaviour. RESULTS: We identified 51 publications including quantitative (n = 39), qualitative (n = 11), and mixed methods (n = 1) designs. Most of the quantitative studies included small samples and had heterogeneous methods and outcomes. The studies mainly concentrated on hepatitis B and ethnic groups of South East Asian immigrants residing in USA, Canada, and Australia. Many immigrants lacked adequate knowledge of aetiology, symptoms, transmission risk factors, prevention strategies, and treatment, of hepatitis HBV and HCV. Ethnicity, gender, better education, higher income, and English proficiency influenced variations in levels and forms of knowledge. CONCLUSION: Immigrants are vulnerable to HBV and HCV, and risk life-threatening complications from these infections because of poor knowledge and help-seeking behaviour. Primary studies in this area are extremely diverse and of variable quality precluding meta-analysis. Further research is needed outside North America and Australia
Graphene plasmonics
Two rich and vibrant fields of investigation, graphene physics and
plasmonics, strongly overlap. Not only does graphene possess intrinsic plasmons
that are tunable and adjustable, but a combination of graphene with noble-metal
nanostructures promises a variety of exciting applications for conventional
plasmonics. The versatility of graphene means that graphene-based plasmonics
may enable the manufacture of novel optical devices working in different
frequency ranges, from terahertz to the visible, with extremely high speed, low
driving voltage, low power consumption and compact sizes. Here we review the
field emerging at the intersection of graphene physics and plasmonics.Comment: Review article; 12 pages, 6 figures, 99 references (final version
available only at publisher's web site
Systematic review and meta-analysis of the diagnostic accuracy of ultrasonography for deep vein thrombosis
Background
Ultrasound (US) has largely replaced contrast venography as the definitive diagnostic test for deep vein thrombosis (DVT). We aimed to derive a definitive estimate of the diagnostic accuracy of US for clinically suspected DVT and identify study-level factors that might predict accuracy.
Methods
We undertook a systematic review, meta-analysis and meta-regression of diagnostic cohort studies that compared US to contrast venography in patients with suspected DVT. We searched Medline, EMBASE, CINAHL, Web of Science, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Cochrane Controlled Trials Register, Database of Reviews of Effectiveness, the ACP Journal Club, and citation lists (1966 to April 2004). Random effects meta-analysis was used to derive pooled estimates of sensitivity and specificity. Random effects meta-regression was used to identify study-level covariates that predicted diagnostic performance.
Results
We identified 100 cohorts comparing US to venography in patients with suspected DVT. Overall sensitivity for proximal DVT (95% confidence interval) was 94.2% (93.2 to 95.0), for distal DVT was 63.5% (59.8 to 67.0), and specificity was 93.8% (93.1 to 94.4). Duplex US had pooled sensitivity of 96.5% (95.1 to 97.6) for proximal DVT, 71.2% (64.6 to 77.2) for distal DVT and specificity of 94.0% (92.8 to 95.1). Triplex US had pooled sensitivity of 96.4% (94.4 to 97.1%) for proximal DVT, 75.2% (67.7 to 81.6) for distal DVT and specificity of 94.3% (92.5 to 95.8). Compression US alone had pooled sensitivity of 93.8 % (92.0 to 95.3%) for proximal DVT, 56.8% (49.0 to 66.4) for distal DVT and specificity of 97.8% (97.0 to 98.4). Sensitivity was higher in more recently published studies and in cohorts with higher prevalence of DVT and more proximal DVT, and was lower in cohorts that reported interpretation by a radiologist. Specificity was higher in cohorts that excluded patients with previous DVT. No studies were identified that compared repeat US to venography in all patients. Repeat US appears to have a positive yield of 1.3%, with 89% of these being confirmed by venography.
Conclusion
Combined colour-doppler US techniques have optimal sensitivity, while compression US has optimal specificity for DVT. However, all estimates are subject to substantial unexplained heterogeneity. The role of repeat scanning is very uncertain and based upon limited data
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