Analysis of dynamical effects in the uniform electron liquids with the self-consistent method of moments complemented by the Shannon information entropy and the path-integral Monte-Carlo simulations

Dynamical properties of uniform electron fluids (jellium model) are studied within a novel non-perturbative approach consisting in the combination of the self-consistent version of the method of moments (SCMM) involving up to nine sum rules and other exact relations, the two-parameter Shannon information entropy maximization procedure, and the ab initio path integral Monte Carlo (PIMC) simulations of the imaginary-time intermediate scattering function. The explicit dependence of the electronic dynamic structure factor (DSF) on temperature and density is studied in a broad realm of variation of the dimensionless parameters ($2\leq r_s\leq 36$ and $1\leq \theta \leq 8$). When the coupling is strong ($r_s\geq 16$) we clearly observe a bi-modal structure of the excitation spectrum with a lower-energy mode possessing a well pronounced roton-like feature ($\theta \leq 2$) and an additional high-energy branch within the roton region which evolves into the strongly overdamped high-frequency shoulder when the coupling decreases ($r_s\leq 10$). We are not aware of any reconstruction of the DSF at these conditions with the effects of dynamical correlations, included here via the intermediate scattering and the dynamical Nevanlinna parameter functions. The standard static-local-field approach fails to reproduce this effect. The reliability of our method is confirmed by a detailed comparison with the recent ab initio dynamic-local-field approach~[1-3] available for high/moderate densities ($r_s\leq 10$). Moreover, within the SCMM we are able to construct the modes dispersion equation in a closed analytical form and find the decrements (lifetimes) of the quasiparticle excitations explicitly. The physical nature of the revealed modes is discussed. Mathematical details of the method are complemented in the Supplementary Material.Comment: 20 pages, 18 fig

Congenital Hypopituitarism During the Neonatal Period: Epidemiology, Pathogenesis, Therapeutic Options, and Outcome

INTRODUCTION: Congenital hypopituitarism (CH) is characterized by a deficiency of one or more pituitary hormones. The pituitary gland is a central regulator of growth, metabolism, and reproduction. The anterior pituitary produces and secretes growth hormone (GH), adrenocorticotropic hormone, thyroid-stimulating hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, and prolactin. The posterior pituitary hormone secretes antidiuretic hormone and oxytocin. EPIDEMIOLOGY: The incidence is 1 in 4,000–1 in 10,000. The majority of CH cases are sporadic; however, a small number of familial cases have been identified. In the latter, a molecular basis has frequently been identified. Between 80–90% of CH cases remain unsolved in terms of molecular genetics. PATHOGENESIS: Several transcription factors and signaling molecules are involved in the development of the pituitary gland. Mutations in any of these genes may result in CH including HESX1, PROP1, POU1F1, LHX3, LHX4, SOX2, SOX3, OTX2, PAX6, FGFR1, GLI2, and FGF8. Over the last 5 years, several novel genes have been identified in association with CH, but it is likely that many genes remain to be identified, as the majority of patients with CH do not have an identified mutation. CLINICAL MANIFESTATIONS: Genotype-phenotype correlations are difficult to establish. There is a high phenotypic variability associated with different genetic mutations. The clinical spectrum includes severe midline developmental disorders, hypopituitarism (in isolation or combined with other congenital abnormalities), and isolated hormone deficiencies. DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT: Key investigations include MRI and baseline and dynamic pituitary function tests. However, dynamic tests of GH secretion cannot be performed in the neonatal period, and a diagnosis of GH deficiency may be based on auxology, MRI findings, and low growth factor concentrations. Once a hormone deficit is confirmed, hormone replacement should be started. If onset is acute with hypoglycaemia, cortisol deficiency should be excluded, and if identified this should be rapidly treated, as should TSH deficiency. This review aims to give an overview of CH including management of this complex condition

Dynamic properties and the roton mode attenuation in the liquid 3He: an ab initio study within the self-consistent method of moments

The dynamic structure factor and the eigenmodes of density fluctuations in the uniform liquid $^3$He are studied using a novel non-perturbative approach. This new version of the self-consistent method of moments invokes up to nine sum rules and other exact relations involving the spectral density, the two-parameter Shannon information entropy maximization procedure, and the ab initio path integral Monte Carlo (PIMC) simulations which provide crucial reliable input information on the system static properties. Detailed analysis of the dispersion relations of collective excitations, the modes decrements and the static structure factor (SSF) of $^3$He at the saturated vapor pressure is performed. The results are compared to available experimental data~[1,2]. The theory reveals a clear signature of the roton-like feature in the particle-hole segment of the excitation spectrum with a significant reduction of the roton decrement in the wavenumber range $1.3 A^{-1} \leq q\leq 2.2 A^{-1}$. The observed roton mode remains a well defined collective excitation even in the particle-hole band, where, however, it is strongly damped. Hence, the existence of the roton-like mode in the bulk liquid $^3$He is confirmed like in other strongly interacting quantum fluids~[3]. The phonon branch of the spectrum is also studied with a reasonable agreement with the same experimental data being achieved. The presented combined approach permits to produce ab initio data on the system dynamic characteristics in a wide range of physical parameters and for other physical systems.Comment: 20 pages, 18 figure

Benefits of regular table tennis practice in body composition and physical fitness compared to physically active children aged 10–11 years

The aim of this study was to identify the differences in body composition and physical fitness between children who played table tennis regularly during a two-year period compared to physically active children who were not engaged in a regular activity. Three hundred seventy-four children aged 10 to 11 years were divided into two groups: table tennis players (n = 109 boys and 73 girls) and physically active group (n = 88 boys and 104 girls). Anthropometric analysis included body mass index, skinfolds, perimeters and bone diameters. Somatotype and body composition were determined according to age-specific equations. Physical fitness assessment included hand grip dynamometry (strength), sit-and-reach test (range of movement) and maximal multistage 20 m shuttle run test (cardiovascular fitness). The result show that children who regularly played table tennis had greater bone development and superior physical fitness compared to those who were physically active but not engaged in a regular physical activity. This is the largest study to date presenting data about the potential of table tennis to benefit health in children. These results constitute an important first step in clarifying the effectiveness of table tennis as a health-promotion strategy to encourage children to undertake regular physical activity and limit sedentary behavior

Aquaculture technologies in Bangladesh: an assessment of technical and economic performance and producer behavior

This study evaluates the performance of a wide range of aquaculture systems in Bangladesh. It is by far the largest of its kind attempted to date. The purpose of this study was to identify and analyze the most important production systems, rather than to provide a nationally representative overview of the entire aquaculture sector of Bangladesh. As such, the study yields a huge amount of new information on production technologies that have never been thoroughly researched before. The study reveals an extremely diverse array of specialized, dynamic and rapidly evolving production technologies, adapted to a variety of market niches and local environmental conditions. This is a testament to the innovativeness of farmers and other value chain actors who have been the principal drivers of this development in Bangladesh. Data was collected from six geographical hubs. This survey was conducted from November 2011 to June 2012. Technological performance in terms of detailed input and output information, fish management practices, credit and marketing, and social and environmental issues were captured by the survey questionnaire, which had both open and closed format questions. The study generated insights that enable better understanding of aquaculture development in Bangladesh