2,109 research outputs found
Current-Induced Step Bending Instability on Vicinal Surfaces
We model an apparent instability seen in recent experiments on current
induced step bunching on Si(111) surfaces using a generalized 2D BCF model,
where adatoms have a diffusion bias parallel to the step edges and there is an
attachment barrier at the step edge. We find a new linear instability with
novel step patterns. Monte Carlo simulations on a solid-on-solid model are used
to study the instability beyond the linear regime.Comment: 4 pages, 4 figure
Reaction Rates Uncertainties and the Production of F19 in AGB Stars
We present nucleosynthesis calculations and the resulting 19F stellar yields
for a large set of models with different masses and metallicity. We find that
the production of fluorine depends on the temperature of the convective pulses,
the amount of primary 12C mixed into the envelope by third dredge up and the
extent of the partial mixing zone. Then we perform a detailed analysis of the
reaction rates involved in the production of 19F and the effects of their
uncertainties. We find that the major uncertainties are associated with the
14C(alpha,gamma)18O and the 19F(alpha,p)22Ne reaction rates. For these two
reactions we present new estimates of the rates and their uncertainties. The
importance of the partial mixing zone is reduced when using our estimate for
the 14C(alpha,gamma)18O rate. Taking into account both the uncertainties
related to the partial mixing zone and those related to nuclear reactions, the
highest values of 19F enhancements observed in AGB stars are not matched by the
models. This is a problem that will have to be revised by providing a better
understanding of the formation and nucleosynthesis in the partial mixing zone,
also in relation to reducing the uncertainties of the 14C(alpha,gamma)18O
reaction rate. At the same time the possible effect of Cool Bottom Processing
at the base of the convective envelope should be included in the computation of
AGB nucleosynthesis. This process could in principle help matching the highest
19F abundances observed by decreasing the C/O ratio at the surface of the star,
while leaving the 19F abundance unchanged.Comment: 40 pages, 8 figures, accepted for publication on the Astrophysical
Journa
The science case and mission concept for the Single Aperture Far-Infrared (SAFIR) Observatory
SAFIR is a large (10 m-class), cold (4-10 K) space telescope for wavelengths between 20 microns and 1 mm. It will provide sensitivity a factor of a hundred or more greater than that of Spitzer and Herschel, leveraging their capabilities and building on their scientific legacies. Covering this scientifically critical wavelength regime, it will complement the expected wavelength performance of the future flagship endeavors JWST and ALMA. This vision mission will probe the origin of stars and galaxies in the early universe, and explore the formation of solar systems around nearby young stars. Endorsed as a priority by the Decadal Study and successive OSS roadmaps, SAFIR represents a huge science need that is matched by promising and innovative technologies that will allow us to satisfy it. In exercising those technologies it will create the path for future infrared missions. This paper reviews the scientific goals of the mission and promising approaches for its architecture, and considers remaining technological hurdles. We review how SAFIR responds to the scientific challenges in the OSS Strategic Plan, and how the observatory can be brought within technological reach
Analysis of the potential of cancer cell lines to release tissue factor-containing microvesicles: correlation with tissue factor and PAR2 expression
BackgroundDespite the association of cancer-derived circulating tissue factor (TF)-containing microvesicles and hypercoagulable state, correlations with the incidence of thrombosis remain unclear.MethodsIn this study the upregulation of TF release upon activation of various cancer cell lines, and the correlation with TF and PAR2 expression and/or activity was examined. Microvesicle release was induced by PAR2 activation in seventeen cell lines and released microvesicle density, microvesicle-associated TF activity, and phoshpatidylserine-mediated activity were measured. The time-course for TF release was monitored over 90 min in each cell line. In addition, TF mRNA expression, cellular TF protein and cell-surface TF activities were quantified. Moreover, the relative expression of PAR2 mRNA and cellular protein were analysed. Any correlations between the above parameters were examined by determining the Pearson’s correlation coefficients.ResultsTF release as microvesicles peaked between 30–60 min post-activation in the majority of cell lines tested. The magnitude of the maximal TF release positively correlated with TF mRNA (c = 0.717; p
Impact of cyclooxygenase inhibitors in the Women\u27s Health Initiative hormone trials: secondary analysis of a randomized trial
OBJECTIVES: We evaluated the hypothesis that cyclooxygenase (COX) inhibitor use might have counteracted a beneficial effect of postmenopausal hormone therapy, and account for the absence of cardioprotection in the Women\u27s Health Initiative hormone trials. Estrogen increases COX expression, and inhibitors of COX such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents appear to increase coronary risk, raising the possibility of a clinically important interaction in the trials.
DESIGN: The hormone trials were randomized, double-blind, and placebo-controlled. Use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs was assessed at baseline and at years 1, 3, and 6.
SETTING: The Women\u27s Health Initiative hormone trials were conducted at 40 clinical sites in the United States.
PARTICIPANTS: The trials enrolled 27,347 postmenopausal women, aged 50-79 y.
INTERVENTIONS: We randomized 16,608 women with intact uterus to conjugated estrogens 0.625 mg with medroxyprogesterone acetate 2.5 mg daily or to placebo, and 10,739 women with prior hysterectomy to conjugated estrogens 0.625 mg daily or placebo.
OUTCOME MEASURES: Myocardial infarction, coronary death, and coronary revascularization were ascertained during 5.6 y of follow-up in the estrogen plus progestin trial and 6.8 y of follow-up in the estrogen alone trial.
RESULTS: Hazard ratios with 95% confidence intervals were calculated from Cox proportional hazard models stratified by COX inhibitor use. The hazard ratio for myocardial infarction/coronary death with estrogen plus progestin was 1.13 (95% confidence interval 0.68-1.89) among non-users of COX inhibitors, and 1.35 (95% confidence interval 0.86-2.10) among continuous users. The hazard ratio with estrogen alone was 0.92 (95% confidence interval 0.57-1.48) among non-users of COX inhibitors, and 1.08 (95% confidence interval 0.69-1.70) among continuous users. In a second analytic approach, hazard ratios were calculated from Cox models that included hormone trial assignment as well as a time-dependent covariate for medication use, and an interaction term. No significant interaction was identified.
CONCLUSIONS: Use of COX inhibitors did not significantly affect the Women\u27s Health Initiative hormone trial results
Jamming at Zero Temperature and Zero Applied Stress: the Epitome of Disorder
We have studied how 2- and 3- dimensional systems made up of particles
interacting with finite range, repulsive potentials jam (i.e., develop a yield
stress in a disordered state) at zero temperature and applied stress. For each
configuration, there is a unique jamming threshold, , at which
particles can no longer avoid each other and the bulk and shear moduli
simultaneously become non-zero. The distribution of values becomes
narrower as the system size increases, so that essentially all configurations
jam at the same in the thermodynamic limit. This packing fraction
corresponds to the previously measured value for random close-packing. In fact,
our results provide a well-defined meaning for "random close-packing" in terms
of the fraction of all phase space with inherent structures that jam. The
jamming threshold, Point J, occurring at zero temperature and applied stress
and at the random close-packing density, has properties reminiscent of an
ordinary critical point. As Point J is approached from higher packing
fractions, power-law scaling is found for many quantities. Moreover, near Point
J, certain quantities no longer self-average, suggesting the existence of a
length scale that diverges at J. However, Point J also differs from an ordinary
critical point: the scaling exponents do not depend on dimension but do depend
on the interparticle potential. Finally, as Point J is approached from high
packing fractions, the density of vibrational states develops a large excess of
low-frequency modes. All of these results suggest that Point J may control
behavior in its vicinity-perhaps even at the glass transition.Comment: 21 pages, 20 figure
Identifying priority questions regarding rapid systematic reviews’ methods: protocol for an eDelphi study
Introduction: Rapid systematic reviews (RRs) have the potential to provide timely information to decision-makers, thus directly impacting healthcare. However, consensus regarding the most efficient approaches to performing RRs and the presence of several unaddressed methodological issues pose challenges. With such a large potential research agenda for RRs, it is unclear what should be prioritised.//
Objective: To elicit a consensus from RR experts and interested parties on what are the most important methodological questions (from the generation of the question to the writing of the report) for the field to address in order to guide the effective and efficient development of RRs.//
Methods and analysis: An eDelphi study will be conducted. Researchers with experience in evidence synthesis and other interested parties (eg, knowledge users, patients, community members, policymaker, industry, journal editors and healthcare providers) will be invited to participate. The following steps will be taken: (1) a core group of experts in evidence synthesis will generate the first list of items based on the available literature; (2) using LimeSurvey, participants will be invited to rate and rank the importance of suggested RR methodological questions. Questions with open format responses will allow for modifications to the wording of items or the addition of new items; (3) three survey rounds will be performed asking participants to re-rate items, with items deemed of low importance being removed at each round; (4) a list of items will be generated with items believed to be of high importance by ≥75% of participants being included and (5) this list will be discussed at an online consensus meeting that will generate a summary document containing the final priority list. Data analysis will be performed using raw numbers, means and frequencies.//
Ethics and dissemination: This study was approved by the Concordia University Human Research Ethics Committee (#30015229). Both traditional, for example, scientific conference presentations and publication in scientific journals, and non-traditional, for example, lay summaries and infographics, knowledge translation products will be created
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