14,163 research outputs found
Constraints on spin-dependent parton distributions at large x from global QCD analysis
We investigate the behavior of spin-dependent parton distribution functions
(PDFs) at large parton momentum fractions x in the context of global QCD
analysis. We explore the constraints from existing deep-inelastic scattering
data, and from theoretical expectations for the leading x -> 1 behavior based
on hard gluon exchange in perturbative QCD. Systematic uncertainties from the
dependence of the PDFs on the choice of parametrization are studied by
considering functional forms motivated by orbital angular momentum arguments.
Finally, we quantify the reduction in the PDF uncertainties that may be
expected from future high-x data from Jefferson Lab at 12 GeV.Comment: 14 pages, 3 figures, 1 tabl
Miniature atomic magnetometer integrated with flux concentrators
High permeability magnetic flux concentrators are used to enhance the sensitivity of an atomic magnetometer operating in the spin-exchange relaxation-free regime. The magnetometer uses a millimeter scale 87Rb vapor cell and either mu-metal or Mn–Zn ferrite flux concentrators. The measured sensitivity gives excellent agreement with calculations of thermal noise from the concentrator material. The mu-metal concentrators allow a sensitivity of 50 fT Hz−1/2, limited by thermal current magnetic noise. The ferrite concentrators are limited by thermal magnetization noise at low frequencies, and reach a sensitivity of 10 fT Hz−1/2 for frequencies above 125 Hz
Atomic X-Ray Spectra of Accretion Disk Atmospheres in the Kerr Metric
We calculate the atmospheric structure of an accretion disk around a Kerr
black hole and obtain its X-ray spectrum, which exhibits prominent atomic
transitions under certain circumstances. The gravitational and Doppler
(red)shifts of the C V, C VI, O VII, O VIII, and Fe I-XXVI emission lines are
observable in active galaxies. We quantify the line emissivities as a function
of radius, to identify the effects of atmospheric structure, and to determine
the usefulness of these lines for probing the disk energetics. The line
emissivities do not always scale linearly with the incident radiative energy,
as in the case of Fe XXV and Fe XXVI. Our model incorporates photoionization
and thermal balance for the plasma, the hydrostatic approximation perpendicular
to the plane of the disk, and general relativistic tidal forces. We include
radiative recombination rates, fluorescence yields, Compton scattering, and
photoelectric opacities for the most abundant elements.Comment: 4 pages, 1 figure, to appear in the Proc. of the 10th Marcel
Grossmann Meeting on General Relativity, World Scientific, Rio de Janeiro,
July 20-26, 200
Diminishing Use of Liver Biopsy among Liver Transplant Recipients for Hepatitis C.
Background and Aims: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) cirrhosis is the leading indication for liver transplantation in the United States and recurrent HCV following liver transplantation is a major cause of allograft loss and mortality. Liver biopsies are commonly used to identify recurrent HCV and determine the need for antiviral therapy. The introduction of direct-acting antiviral agents (DAAs) has changed the management of recurrent HCV infection. This study aimed to describe the role of liver biopsies in liver transplant recipients with HCV after the introduction of DAAs. Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed looking at the rate of liver biopsies post-liver transplantation for HCV. The analysis included 475 adult liver transplants for hepatitis C performed at the University of California, Los Angeles from January 1, 2006 to October 1, 2015. Patients were divided into two eras, pre- and post-introduction of DAAs on December 1, 2013. Results: In the era before the introduction of DAAs, the percentage of patients biopsied was significantly higher compared to the era after the introduction of DAAs (56.1% vs. 26.9%, p < 0.001). Conclusions: The introduction of DAAs has changed the management of liver biopsy following liver transplantation and the management of recurrent HCV. Given that DAAs are well tolerated and have high efficacy, liver biopsies are no longer routinely used to justify the use antiviral therapy following liver transplantation
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