Mean-field Based Approaches to Pairing Correlations in Atomic Nuclei

The evolution of the pairing correlations from closed shell to middle shell nuclei is analyzed with a Finite Range Density Dependent interaction in the Sn isotopes. As theoretical approaches we use the Hartree-Fock-Bogoliubov, the Lipkin-Nogami, their particle number projected counterparts and the full variation after particle number projection method. We find that whereas all approaches succeed rather well in the description of the total energy they differ significantly in the pairing correlation content of the wave functions. The description of the evolution from the weak to the strong pairing regime is also approach dependent, specially at shell closure.Comment: 14 pages, 5 figure

Particle number projection with effective forces

The particle number projection method is formulated for density dependent forces and in particular for the finite range Gogny force. Detailed formula for the projected energy and its gradient are provided. The problems arising from the neglection of any exchange term, which may lead to divergences, are throughly discussed and the possible inaccuracies estimated. Numericala results for the projection after variation method are shown for the nucleus 164Er and for the projection before variation approach for the nuclei 48-50Cr. We also confirm the Coulomb antipairing effect found in mean field theories.Comment: 33 pages, 8 figures. Submit to Nuc. Phys.

Approximate particle number projection with density dependent forces: Superdeformed bands in the A=150 and A=190 regions

We derive the equations for approximate particle number projection based on mean field wave functions with finite range density dependent forces. As an application ground bands of even-A superdeformed nuclei in the A=150 and A=190 regions are calculated with the Gogny force. We discuss nuclear properties such as quadrupole moments, moments of inertia and quasiparticle spectra, among others, as a function of the angular momentum. We obtain a good overall description.Comment: 31 pages, 10 figures, 3 appendices. In press in Nucl. Phy

Coulomb exchange and pairing contributions in nuclear Hartree-Fock-Bogoliubov calculations with the Gogny force

We present exact Hartree-Fock-Bogoliubov calculations with the finite range density dependent Gogny force using a triaxial basis. For the first time, all contributions to the Pairing and Fock Fields arising from the Gogny and Coulomb interactions as well as the two-body correction of the kinetic energy have been calculated in this basis. We analyze the relevance of these terms in different regions of the periodic table at zero and high angular momentum. The validity of commonly used approximations that neglect different terms in the variational equations is also checked. We find a decrease of the proton pairing energies mainly due to a Coulomb antipairing effect.Comment: 32 pages, 12 figures. In press in Nucl. Physics

International consensus recommendations on the diagnostic work-up for malformations of cortical development

Malformations of cortical development (MCDs) are neurodevelopmental disorders that result from abnormal development of the cerebral cortex in utero. MCDs place a substantial burden on affected individuals, their families and societies worldwide, as these individuals can experience lifelong drug-resistant epilepsy, cerebral palsy, feeding difficulties, intellectual disability and other neurological and behavioural anomalies. The diagnostic pathway for MCDs is complex owing to wide variations in presentation and aetiology, thereby hampering timely and adequate management. In this article, the international MCD network Neuro-MIG provides consensus recommendations to aid both expert and non-expert clinicians in the diagnostic work-up of MCDs with the aim of improving patient management worldwide. We reviewed the literature on clinical presentation, aetiology and diagnostic approaches for the main MCD subtypes and collected data on current practices and recommendations from clinicians and diagnostic laboratories within Neuro-MIG. We reached consensus by 42 professionals from 20 countries, using expert discussions and a Delphi consensus process. We present a diagnostic workflow that can be applied to any individual with MCD and a comprehensive list of MCD-related genes with their associated phenotypes. The workflow is designed to maximize the diagnostic yield and increase the number of patients receiving personalized care and counselling on prognosis and recurrence risk

Positioning Europe for the EPITRANSCRIPTOMICS challenge

The genetic alphabet consists of the four letters: C, A, G, and T in DNA and C,A,G, and U in RNA. Triplets of these four letters jointly encode 20 different amino acids out of which proteins of all organisms are built. This system is universal and is found in all kingdoms of life. However, bases in DNA and RNA can be chemically modified. In DNA, around 10 different modifications are known, and those have been studied intensively over the past 20 years. Scientific studies on DNA modifications and proteins that recognize them gave rise to the large field of epigenetic and epigenomic research. The outcome of this intense research field is the discovery that development, ageing, and stem-cell dependent regeneration but also several diseases including cancer are largely controlled by the epigenetic state of cells. Consequently, this research has already led to the first FDA approved drugs that exploit the gained knowledge to combat disease. In recent years, the ~150 modifications found in RNA have come to the focus of intense research. Here we provide a perspective on necessary and expected developments in the fast expanding area of RNA modifications, termed epitranscriptomics. © 2018, © 2018 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group