2,809 research outputs found
Exact Effective action for (1+1)-dimensional fermions in an Abelian background at finite temperature and chemical potential
In this paper we study the effects of a nonzero chemical potential in the
effective action for massless fermions in (1+1) dimensions in an abelian gauge
field background at finite temperature. We calculate the n-point function and
show that the structure of the amplitudes corresponds to a generalization of
the structure noted earlier in a calculation without a chemical potential (the
associated integrals carry the dependence on the chemical potential). Our
calculation shows that the chiral anomaly is unaffected by the presence of a
chemical potential at finite temperature. However, unlike the earlier
calculation (in the absence of a chemical potential) odd point functions do not
vanish. We trace this to the fact that in the presence of a chemical potential
the generalized charge conjugation symmetry of the theory allows for such
amplitudes. In fact, we find that all the even point functions are even
functions of the chemical potential while the odd point functions are odd
functions of it which is consistent with this generalized charge conjugation
symmetry. We show that the origin of the structure of the amplitudes is best
seen from a formulation of the theory in terms of left and right handed
spinors. The calculations are also much simpler in this formulation and it
clarifies many other aspects of the theory
High-density genetic mapping for coffee leaf rust resistance.
Coffee leaf rust caused by the fungus Hemileia vastatrix causes considerable economic losses for coffee producers. Although agrochemical products can provide sufficient disease control, the use of resistant cultivars is a safer alternative. This resistance may be constrained by one or a few genetic factors, mainly those found in material originating from interspecific hybrids. In this study, the genetic analysis of an F2 population consisting of 224 plants derived from a crossing of Híbrido de Timor UFV 427-15 (resistant) with Catuaí Amarelo IAC 30 (susceptible) showed that a dominant gene confers the resistance of coffee to race II of H. vastatrix. From a genetic map saturated with 25 amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) markers linked to the resistance gene, we developed a high-density genetic map with six sequence-characterized amplified region (SCAR) markers delimiting a chromosomal region of 9.45 cM and flanking the dominant gene at 0.7 and 0.9 cM. This is the first saturated and high-density genetic map obtained from this region containing the resistance gene. The results of this study are of great importance for the introduction of molecular markers for marker-assisted selection; they will also facilitate studies related to the cloning, structure, and function of race-specific genes involved in the resistance of coffee trees to H. vastatrix
Iron abundances from high-resolution spectroscopy of the open clusters NGC 2506, NGC 6134, and IC 4651
This is the first of a series of papers devoted to derive the metallicity of
old open clusters in order to study the time evolution of the chemical
abundance gradient in the Galactic disk. We present detailed iron abundances
from high resolution (R~40000) spectra of several red clump and bright giant
stars in the open clusters IC 4651, NGC 2506 and NGC 6134. We observed 4 stars
of NGC 2506, 3 stars of NGC 6134, and 5 stars of IC 4651 with the FEROS
spectrograph at the ESO 1.5 m telescope; moreover, 3 other stars of NGC 6134
were observed with the UVES spectrograph on Kueyen (VLT UT2). After excluding
the cool giants near the red giant branch tip (one in IC 4651 and one in NGC
2506), we found overall [Fe/H] values of -0.20 +/- 0.01, rms = 0.02 dex (2
stars) for NGC 2506, +0.15 +/- 0.03, rms = 0.07 dex (6 stars) for NGC 6134, and
+0.11 +/- 0.01, rms = 0.01 dex (4 stars) for IC 4651. The metal abundances
derived from line analysis for each star were extensively checked using
spectrum synthesis of about 30 to 40 Fe I lines and 6 Fe II lines. Our
spectroscopic temperatures provide reddening values in good agreement with
literature data for these clusters, strengthening the reliability of the
adopted temperature and metallicity scale. Also, gravities from the Fe
equilibrium of ionization agree quite well with expectations based on cluster
distance moduli and evolutionary masses.Comment: 13 pages, 7 figures, uses aa.cls, accepted for publication on
Astronomy & Astrophysic
Abundance Gradients and the Formation of the Milky Way
In this paper we adopt a chemical evolution model, which is an improved
version of the Chiappini, Matteucci and Gratton (1997) model, assuming two main
accretion episodes for the formation of the Galaxy. The present model takes
into account in more detail than previously the halo density distribution and
explores the effects of a threshold density in the star formation process,
during both the halo and disk phases. In the comparison between model
predictions and available data, we have focused our attention on abundance
gradients as well as gas, stellar and star formation rate distributions along
the disk. We suggest that the mechanism for the formation of the halo leaves
detectable imprints on the chemical properties of the outer regions of the
disk, whereas the evolution of the halo and the inner disk are almost
completely disentangled. This is due to the fact that the halo and disk
densities are comparable at large Galactocentric distances and therefore the
gas lost from the halo can substantially contribute to building up the outer
disk. We also show that the existence of a threshold density for the star
formation rate, both in the halo and disk phase, is necessary to reproduce the
majority of observational data in the solar vicinity and in the whole disk.
Moreover, we predict that the abundance gradients along the Galactic disk must
have increased with time and that the average [alpha/Fe] ratio in stars (halo
plus disk) slightly decrease going from 4 to 10 Kpcs from the Galactic center.
We also show that the same ratios increase substantially towards the outermost
disk regions and the expected scatter in the stellar ages decreases, because
the outermost regions are dominated by halo stars.Comment: 41 pages (including the figures), To be published in Ap
Sulfur, Chlorine, & Argon Abundances in Planetary Nebulae. I: Observations and Abundances in a Northern Sample
This paper is the first of a series specifically studying the abundances of
sulfur, chlorine, and argon in Type II planetary nebulae (PNe) in the Galactic
disk. Ratios of S/O, Cl/O, and Ar/O constitute important tests of differential
nucleosynthesis of these elements and serve as strict constraints on massive
star yield predictions. We present new ground-based optical spectra extending
from 3600-9600 Angstroms for a sample of 19 Type II northern PNe. This range
includes the strong near infrared lines of [S III] 9069,9532, which allows us
to test extensively their effectiveness as sulfur abundance indicators. We also
introduce a new, model-tested ionization correction factor for sulfur. For the
present sample, we find average values of S/O=1.2E-2(+/- 0.71E-2),
Cl/O=3.3E-4(+/- 1.6E-4), and Ar/O=5.0E-3(+/- 1.9E-3).Comment: 44 pages, 6 figures. Accepted for publication in the Astrophysical
Journa
Desenvolvimento de sistema de genotipagem molecular, baseado em marcadores microssatélites, para determinar a identidade genética de cultivares de tabaco.
O desenvolvimento de sistemas de identificação molecular para determinar e rastrear a identidade genética de um cultivar vegetal representa um grande desafio frente aos sistemas de certificação e proteção de variedades utilizados no país, até então fundamentados em descritores fenotípicos. Além disso é uma questão estratégica para empresas detentoras de germoplasma, interessadas no desenvolvimento de ferramentas que permitam o monitoramento de pureza varietal e o rastreamento de materiais ao longo da cadeia produtiva e comercial. Entretanto, a utilização de análises de DNA para a proteção varietal ainda é limitada pela inexistência de sistemas padronizados e robustos de avaliação molecular para a maioria das espécies, a exemplo do que acontece para cultivares de tabaco (Nicotiana sp.). Esse trabalho teve como objetivo o desenvolvimento de sistema de genotipagem molecular, baseado em marcadores microssatélites, para a determinação de identidade genética de cultivares de tabaco de interesse comercial para a agroindústria. Foram selecionados 32 marcadores microssatélites na literatura, de acordo com seu índice de informatividade alélica e da cobertura do genoma da espécie, sendo selecionados tanto a partir do genoma nuclear quanto do cloroplasto. Para a seleção dos marcadores mais informativos, foram testados 49 genótipos de Nicotiana tabacum, dos grupos Burley e Virginia. Para assegurar boa representatividade da diversidade alélica de cada cultivar, foram analisadas 1350 amostras, com uma média de 27,5 indivíduos para cada genótipo, analisados em bulk. O DNA foi extraído pelo método do CTAB modificado, a partir de material foliar. Os produtos de PCR foram visualizados em géis de poliacrilamida corados com brometo de etídeo, e foram utilizados marcadores de tamanho molecular para monitoramento do número e tamanho dos alelos de cada genótipo. Para os marcadores polimórficos foram calculados o Conteúdo de Informação de Polimorfismo (PIC). Para compor um sistema de genotipagem molecular robusto e informativo, foram selecionados aqueles marcadores que apresentaram padrões consistentes de amplificação e interpretação e que evidenciaram polimorfismos alélicos bem definidos entre os genótipos. Assim, dez microssatélites foram selecionados para o grupo de cultivares analisados. Tais marcadores apresentaram de 2 a 3 alelos e um PIC que variou de 0,078 a 0,5487, com média de 0,3412. Do total de marcadores analisados foi possível selecionar um grupo que evidenciou alto padrão de polimorfismo entre os genótipos testados, além de garantir uma ampla cobertura do genoma de Nicotiana tabacum. A partir do grupo de marcadores selecionados, análises de agrupamento por similaridade genotípica, de genealogia e identidade genética inequívoca de cultivares poderão ser realizadas para genótipos de interesse, fornecendo uma ferramenta estratégica em processos de certificação de pureza genética, propriedade intelectual e rastreabilidade ao longo da cadeia produtiva
The Search for Intergalactic Hydrogen Clouds in Voids
I present the results of a search for intergalactic hydrogen clouds in voids.
Clouds are detected by their HI LyA absorption lines in the HST spectra of
low-redshift AGN. The parameter with which the environments of clouds are
characterized is the tidal field, which places a lower limit on the cloud
mass-density which is dynamically stable against disruption. Galaxy redshift
catalogs are used to sum the tidal fields along the lines of sight, sorting
clouds according to tidal field upper, or lower limits. The analytical
methodology employed is designed to detect gas clouds whose expansion following
reionization is restrained by dark matter perturbations. End-products are the
cloud equivalent width distribution functions (EWDF) of catalogs formed by
sorting clouds according to various tidal field upper, or lower limits.
Cumulative EWDFs are steep in voids (S ~ -1.5 \pm 0.2), but flatter in high
tidal field zones (S ~ -0.5 \pm 0.1). Most probable cloud Doppler parameters
are ~30 km/s in voids and ~60 km/s in proximity to galaxies. In voids, the
cumulative line density at low EW (~ 15 mA) is ~ 500 per unit redshift. The
void filling factor is found to be 0.87 <= f_v <= 0.94. The void EWDF is
remarkably uniform over this volume, with a possible tendency for more massive
clouds to be in void centers. The size and nature of the void cloud population
suggested by this study is completely unanticipated by the results of published
3-D simulations, which predict that most clouds are in filamentary structures
around galaxy concentrations, and that very few observable absorbers would lie
in voids. Strategies for modeling this population are briefly discussed.Comment: 21 pages, 19 figures, apjemulate style, to appear in ApJ vol. 57
Stellar parameters for stars of the CoRoT exoplanet field
Aims:To support the computation and evolutionary interpretation of periods
associated with the rotational modulation, oscillations, and variability of
stars located in the CoRoT fields, we are conducting a spectroscopic survey for
stars located in the fields already observed by the satellite. These
observations allow us to compute physical and chemical parameters for our
stellar sample. Method: Using spectroscopic observations obtained with UVES/VLT
and Hydra/Blanco, and based on standard analysis techniques, we computed
physical and chemical parameters (, , ,
, , , and ) for a large
sample of CoRoT targets. Results: We provide physical and chemical parameters
for a sample comprised of 138 CoRoT targets. Our analysis shows the stars in
our sample are located in different evolutionary stages, ranging from the main
sequence to the red giant branch, and range in spectral type from F to K. The
physical and chemical properties for the stellar sample are in agreement with
typical values reported for FGK stars. However, we report three stars
presenting abnormal lithium behavior in the CoRoT fields. These parameters
allow us to properly characterize the intrinsic properties of the stars in
these fields. Our results reveal important differences in the distributions of
metallicity, , and evolutionary status for stars belonging to
different CoRoT fields, in agreement with results obtained independently from
ground-based photometric surveys. Conclusions: Our spectroscopic catalog, by
providing much-needed spectroscopic information for a large sample of CoRoT
targets, will be of key importance for the successful accomplishment of several
different programs related to the CoRoT mission, thus it will help further
boost the scientific return associated with this space mission.Comment: 43 pages, 17 figures, accepted for publication in A&
Acceptance of dishes based on mechanically separated meat of tambaqui (Colossoma macropomum) in a public school, Brazil.
In Brazil, due to economic and social factors, public policies are needed to grant access to quality nutrition in school. This provision should respect the local food culture; however, in the North, the region with the highest production of inland fisheries, fish consumption among students is still very low. The aim of the present study is to characterize Tambaqui (Colossoma macropomum) MSM, suggest planned school dishes based on this MSM and assesses their acceptability among students at the elementary and high school levels in northern Brazil. The study was carried out over one month and was a quantitative (hedonic scale and leftover/intake index) and qualitative research about preference. The participants were 120 elementary- and high-school students chosen randomly after they were authorized by their parents or legal guardians. Fish-based dishes were inserted in the diet of schoolchildren and their acceptability was evaluated. The children were also inquired about their fish consumption routines. The statistical analyses used were frequency tables and chi-squared independence test associated with Fisher?s exact test. Two dishes were well accepted by the students; however, the results showed that fish acceptance among younger students are higher than among adolescents. So, policies that promote fish intake and a healthy lifestyle must be stimulated since the early grades
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