Antisymmetrized molecular dynamics studies for exotic clustering phenomena in neutron-rich nuclei

We present a review of recent works on clustering phenomena in unstable nuclei studied by antisymmetrized molecular dynamics (AMD). The AMD studies in these decades have uncovered novel types of clustering phenomena brought about by the excess neutrons. Among them, this review focuses on the molecule-like structure of unstable nuclei. One of the earliest discussions on the clustering in unstable nuclei was made for neutron-rich Be and B isotopes. AMD calculations predicted that the ground state clustering is enhanced or reduced depending on the number of excess neutrons. Today, the experiments are confirming this prediction as the change of the proton radii. Behind this enhancement and reduction of the clustering, there are underlying shell effects called molecular- and atomic-orbits. These orbits form covalent and ionic bonding of the clusters analogous to the atomic molecules. It was found that this "molecular-orbit picture" reasonably explains the low-lying spectra of Be isotopes. The molecular-orbit picture is extended to other systems having parity asymmetric cluster cores and to the three cluster systems. O and Ne isotopes are the candidates of the former, while the $3\alpha$ linear chains in C isotopes are the latter. For both subjects, many intensive studies are now in progress. We also pay a special attention to the observables which are the fingerprint of the clustering. In particular, we focus on the monopole and dipole transitions which are recently regarded as good probe for the clustering. We discuss how they have and will reveal the exotic clustering.Comment: 96 pages, 44 figure

Honesty mediates the relationship between serotonin and reaction to unfairness

How does one deal with unfair behaviors? This subject has long been investigated by various disciplines including philosophy, psychology, economics, and biology. However, our reactions to unfairness differ from one individual to another. Experimental economics studies using the ultimatum game (UG), in which players must decide whether to accept or reject fair or unfair offers, have also shown that there are substantial individual differences in reaction to unfairness. However, little is known about psychological as well as neurobiological mechanisms of this observation. We combined a molecular imaging technique, an economics game, and a personality inventory to elucidate the neurobiological mechanism of heterogeneous reactions to unfairness. Contrary to the common belief that aggressive personalities (impulsivity or hostility) are related to the high rejection rate of unfair offers in UG, we found that individuals with apparently peaceful personalities (straightforwardness and trust) rejected more often and were engaged in personally costly forms of retaliation. Furthermore, individuals with a low level of serotonin transporters in the dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN) are honest and trustful, and thus cannot tolerate unfairness, being candid in expressing their frustrations. In other words, higher central serotonin transmission might allow us to behave adroitly and opportunistically, being good at playing games while pursuing self-interest. We provide unique neurobiological evidence to account for individual differences of reaction to unfairness

Development of a web-based simulation application for efficient drip irrigation submain design

Drip simulation software is essential for accurately optimizing and maximizing the efficiency of drip irrigation systems, enabling precise water management and resource conservation. The present study developed a powerful web-based application to assist irrigation system designers in evaluating the effectiveness of the submain design on uniform or non-uniform slope conditions. The software facilitates the simulation and optimisation of submain design by incorporating modern drip design approaches and state-of-the-art software development methodologies. With its intuitive user interface, the software allows users to effortlessly enter important design parameters, including slope specifications, lateral discharge rates, submain length, lateral spacing and submain inlet pressure head. The software calculates to determine the pressure head values at each outlet and the relative variation in pressure head (vh), allowing for comprehensive design evaluation. Extensive testing using various typical sample data ensured the high accuracy and reliability of the developed web application. It empowers users to explore multiple design alternatives and determine the most suitable option. Rigorous testing, employing various typical sample data, has further enhanced the accuracy and reliability of the developed application. Live demonstrations were conducted to evaluate its user-friendliness, yielding overwhelmingly positive feedback from designers. The software can be accessed conveniently via the website https://www.dripdesigncheck.in/telescopic/submain, ensuring easy availability to users

Effects of sports participation on psychiatric symptoms and brain activations during sports observation in schizophrenia

Weight gain has been identified as being responsible for increased morbidity and mortality rates of schizophrenia patients. For the management of weight gain, exercise is one of the most acknowledged interventions. At the same time, exercise and sports have been recognized for their positive impact on psychiatric symptoms of schizophrenia. However, the neurobiological basis for this remains poorly understood. We aimed to examine the effect of sports participation on weight gain, psychiatric symptoms and brain activation during sports observation in schizophrenia patients. Thirteen schizophrenia patients who participated in a 3-month program, including sports participation and 10 control schizophrenia patients were studied. In both groups, body mass index (BMI), Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS), and brain activation during observation of sports-related actions measured by functional magnetic resonance imaging were accessed before and after a 3-month interval. BMI and general psychopathology scale of PANSS were significantly reduced in the program group but not in the control group after a 3-month interval. Compared with baseline, activation of the body-selective extrastriate body area (EBA) in the posterior temporal-occipital cortex during observation of sports-related actions was increased in the program group. In this group, increase in EBA activation was associated with improvement in the general psychopathology scale of PANSS. Sports participation had a positive effect not only on weight gain but also on psychiatric symptoms in schizophrenia. EBA might mediate these beneficial effects of sports participation. Our findings merit further investigation of neurobiological mechanisms underlying the therapeutic effect of sports for schizophrenia

From the stable to the exotic: clustering in light nuclei

A great deal of research work has been undertaken in alpha-clustering study since the pioneering discovery of 12C+12C molecular resonances half a century ago. Our knowledge on physics of nuclear molecules has increased considerably and nuclear clustering remains one of the most fruitful domains of nuclear physics, facing some of the greatest challenges and opportunities in the years ahead. The occurrence of "exotic" shapes in light N=Z alpha-like nuclei is investigated. Various approaches of the superdeformed and hyperdeformed bands associated with quasimolecular resonant structures are presented. Evolution of clustering from stability to the drip-lines is examined: clustering aspects are, in particular, discussed for light exotic nuclei with large neutron excess such as neutron-rich Oxygen isotopes with their complete spectroscopy.Comment: 15 pages, 5 figures, Presented at the International Symposium on "New Horizons in Fundamental Physics - From Neutrons Nuclei via Superheavy Elements and Supercritical Fields to Neutron Stars and Cosmic Rays" held at Makutsi Safari Farm, South Africa, December 23-29, 2015. arXiv admin note: substantial text overlap with arXiv:1402.6590, arXiv:1303.0960, arXiv:1408.0684, arXiv:1011.342

Neuroticism Associates with Cerebral in Vivo Serotonin Transporter Binding Differently in Males and Females

Background: Neuroticism is a major risk factor for affective disorders. This personality trait has been hypothesized to associate with synaptic availability of the serotonin transporter, which critically controls serotonergic tone in the brain. However, earlier studies linking neuroticism and serotonin transporter have failed to produce converging findings. Because sex affects both the serotonergic system and the risk that neuroticism poses to the individual, sex may modify the association between neuroticism and serotonin transporter, but this question has not been investigated by previous studies. Methods: Here, we combined data from 4 different positron emission tomography imaging centers to address whether neuroticism is related to serotonin transporter binding in vivo. The data set included serotonin transporter binding potential values from the thalamus and striatum and personality scores from 91 healthy males and 56 healthy females. We specifically tested if the association between neuroticism and serotonin transporter is different in females and males. Results: We found that neuroticism and thalamic serotonin transporter binding potentials were associated in both males and females, but with opposite directionality. Higher neuroticism associated with higher serotonin transporter binding potential in males (standardized beta 0.292, P = .008), whereas in females, higher neuroticism associated with lower serotonin transporter binding potential (standardized beta -0.288, P = .014). Conclusions: The finding is in agreement with recent studies showing that the serotonergic system is involved in affective disorders differently in males and females and suggests that contribution of thalamic serotonin transporter to the risk of affective disorders depends on sex.Peer reviewe

Moringa oleifera Seed Treated Sanitized Water Effect on Growth and Morpho-physiology of Commonly Consumed Vegetables of Malaysia

Moringa oleifera seed solution was used in this study to treat municipal wastewater that were used as the treatment in this study. There were 3 treatments used: treated wastewater, normal tape water and untreated wastewater. The wastewater were collected at main drainage at Batu 7 (5o52’57.2’’N 118o02’39.7” E) and diagnosed based on the pH and EC. Data on plant height (cm), number of leaves, leaves length (cm), chlorophyll, and number of primary branches were taken every week until week 4. For root length (cm), fresh weight(g), dry weight (g) and moisture were taken after the harvesting. The data collected were analyzed by using Statistical Analysis Software (SAS) version 9.4 computer program with experimental design was Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD). The means were separated and compared using Duncan’s Multiple Range Test (DMRT)at 0.05 significant level. M. oleifera seeds solution treated irrigation exhibited positive outcomes for most of the parameters recorded, but response of different vegetables were also different on varied parameters. The increase of pH from untreated waste water (6.40) to sanitized/treated waste water (6.73) and reduction of EC from untreated waste water (367.9) to sanitized/treated waste water (359.1) is the proof of making nutrients more available for plants uptake. From the overall study it is proved that M. oleifera seeds are suitable as the replacement and an alternative besides chemical coagulant to treat wastewater which is cheaper, eco-friendly and sustainable to be used in agricultural irrigation based on all the parameters evaluated in this study