Gauge Field Preheating at the End of Inflation

Here we consider the possibility of preheating the Universe via the parametric amplification of a massless, U(1) abelian gauge field. We assume that the gauge field is coupled to the inflaton via a conformal factor with one free parameter. We present the results of high-resolution three-dimensional simulations of this model and show this mechanism efficiently preheats the Universe to a radiation-dominated final state.Comment: 8 pages, 8 figure

The Economic Impacts and Risks Associated with Electric Power Generation in Appalachia

This report provides a detailed examination of the economic impacts of changes in electric power generation in Appalachia between 2005 and 2015. It finds that while coal represented around 74 percent of total electric generation in Appalachia in 2005, that percentage dropped to 53 percent in 2015. However, despite this decline, Appalachia remains more dependent on coal for electricity generation when compared with the rest of the country. This report also offers a risk factor analysis for coal-fired generation retirements and repowerings, and notes that coal prices have little influence on coal-fired power plant retirement decisions

Horizontal oil well applications and oil recovery assessment. Volume 1: Success of horizontal well technology, Final report

Horizontal technology has been applied in over 110 formations in the USA. Volume I of this study addresses the overall success of horizontal technology, especially in less-publicized formations, i.e., other than the Austin Chalk, Bakken, and Niobrara. Operators in the USA. and Canada were surveyed on a formation-by-formation basis by means of a questionnaire. Response data were received describing horizontal well projects in 58 formations in the USA. and 88 in Canada. Operators responses were analyzed for trends in technical and economic success based on lithology (clastics and carbonates) and resource type (light oil, heavy oil, and gas). The potential impact of horizontal technology on reserves was also estimated. A forecast of horizontal drilling activity over the next decade was developed

An Economic Analysis of the Appalachian Coal Industry Ecosystem: Summary Report

The decline in the demand for coal has led to significant negative impacts in areas throughout Appalachia. Consider the integrated effects across components of the coal industry ecosystem (CIE). As extraction activity is diminished, there are ripples through the industry supply chain that extends to a wide number of sectors, occupations, and county and multi-county regions of the Appalachian economy. As these suppliers are impacted, jobs are imperiled, and the fiscal health of communities i s weakened. Displaced workers will need to seek alternative employment opportunities that may entail investments in formal education and training, and this takes both time and resources. As the economic base suffers, state and local governments will see their capacity to fund education weaken as well. The decline in natural gas prices and increasing environmental concerns, along with the age of the capital stock, has affected coal-fired power generation in the Appalachian Region. When capacity is replaced by natural gas, the demand for the Region’s coal is further distressed. The shifting structure and spatial location of power generation creates additional impacts on the economic base, tax base, and employment prospects. A vibrant rail transportation infrastructure has developed to support coal-related commerce and this regional asset is now at risk. Retirement of portions of the railroad capital stock may translate into higher transportation costs and diminished opportunities for economic development tied to the movement of bulk commodities, inputs, and final products

The Grizzly, April 19, 1985

Ursinus Greek Week \u2785 is Here • Discussion Prompts Student Response • Meistersingers to Give Two Concerts • Students in Politics • Letters: Kane Compliments Students; Rape Joke Offends • A Classic Professor of the Classics • Final Exam Schedule • Bears Hit Some Hard Times • Lacrosse Team Has Mediocre Week • Trackmen Continue Streak • Legacy of the Jam Lives On • Evening School to Offer Four Workshops • Shorts: Fantasy Weekend; Library auction; Friends\u27 Book Salehttps://digitalcommons.ursinus.edu/grizzlynews/1140/thumbnail.jp

Small Polarons in Transition Metal Oxides

The formation of polarons is a pervasive phenomenon in transition metal oxide compounds, with a strong impact on the physical properties and functionalities of the hosting materials. In its original formulation the polaron problem considers a single charge carrier in a polar crystal interacting with its surrounding lattice. Depending on the spatial extension of the polaron quasiparticle, originating from the coupling between the excess charge and the phonon field, one speaks of small or large polarons. This chapter discusses the modeling of small polarons in real materials, with a particular focus on the archetypal polaron material TiO2. After an introductory part, surveying the fundamental theoretical and experimental aspects of the physics of polarons, the chapter examines how to model small polarons using first principles schemes in order to predict, understand and interpret a variety of polaron properties in bulk phases and surfaces. Following the spirit of this handbook, different types of computational procedures and prescriptions are presented with specific instructions on the setup required to model polaron effects.Comment: 36 pages, 12 figure

The Grizzly, November 15, 1985

Alcohol Policy Revisited: Campus Pub? • Landis Becomes UC\u27s First Full-Time Minister • Wellness Sponsors Adopt-A-Smoker Contest • Letters: Kane Downs Kegs; Security Remains Controversial • Reverant Reflections • In Search of Success: Linda Troutman Lands Job at Prudential • Berry Receives Fulbright Scholarship • Protheatre • Bears Take ECAC for Third Time • McCloskey Breaks TD Pass Record Another One • Cross Country: To Sum it Up • Women\u27s Field Hockey Falters in First Round • Amazons Too Tough • Lindbergh Tragedy: We Love You Pelle! • College Degree Becoming More Valuablehttps://digitalcommons.ursinus.edu/grizzlynews/1152/thumbnail.jp

Serum-free process development:improving the yield and consistency of human mesenchymal stromal cell production

Background aims: The cost-effective production of human mesenchymal stromal cells (hMSCs) for off-the-shelf and patient specific therapies will require an increasing focus on improving product yield and driving manufacturing consistency. Methods: Bone marrow-derived hMSCs (BM-hMSCs) from two donors were expanded for 36 days in monolayer with medium supplemented with either fetal bovine serum (FBS) or PRIME-XV serum-free medium (SFM). Cells were assessed throughout culture for proliferation, mean cell diameter, colony-forming potential, osteogenic potential, gene expression and metabolites. Results: Expansion of BM-hMSCs in PRIME-XV SFM resulted in a significantly higher growth rate (P 2 = 0.8705) across all conditions. PRIME-XV SFM has also shown increased consistency in BM-hMSC characteristics such as per cell metabolite utilization, in vitro colony-forming potential and osteogenic potential despite the higher number of population doublings. Conclusions: We have increased the yield and consistency of BM-hMSC expansion between donors, demonstrating a level of control over the product, which has the potential to increase the cost-effectiveness and reduce the risk in these manufacturing processes

SUPPORT Tools for Evidence-informed Policymaking in health 6: Using research evidence to address how an option will be implemented

This article is part of a series written for people responsible for making decisions about health policies and programmes and for those who support these decision makers