1,271 research outputs found
Error analysis in cross-correlation of sky maps: application to the ISW detection
Constraining cosmological parameters from measurements of the Integrated
Sachs-Wolfe effect requires developing robust and accurate methods for
computing statistical errors in the cross-correlation between maps. This paper
presents a detailed comparison of such error estimation applied to the case of
cross-correlation of Cosmic Microwave Background (CMB) and large-scale
structure data. We compare theoretical models for error estimation with
montecarlo simulations where both the galaxy and the CMB maps vary around a
fiducial auto-correlation and cross-correlation model which agrees well with
the current concordance LCDM cosmology. Our analysis compares estimators both
in harmonic and configuration (or real) space, quantifies the accuracy of the
error analysis and discuss the impact of partial sky survey area and the choice
of input fiducial model on dark-energy constraints. We show that purely
analytic approaches yield accurate errors even in surveys that cover only 10%
of the sky and that parameter constraints strongly depend on the fiducial model
employed. Alternatively, we discuss the advantages and limitations of error
estimators that can be directly applied to data. In particular, we show that
errors and covariances from the Jack-Knife method agree well with the
theoretical approaches and simulations. We also introduce a novel method in
real space that is computationally efficient and can be applied to real data
and realistic survey geometries. Finally, we present a number of new findings
and prescriptions that can be useful for analysis of real data and forecasts,
and present a critical summary of the analyses done to date.Comment: submitted to MNRAS, 26 page
Production of high‐purity galacto‐oligosaccharides by depleting glucose and lactose from galacto‐oligosaccharide syrup with yeasts
Cross-correlation of WMAP 3rd year and the SDSS DR4 galaxy survey: new evidence for Dark Energy
We cross-correlate the third-year WMAP data with galaxy samples extracted
from the SDSS DR4 (SDSS4) covering 13% of the sky, increasing by a factor of
3.7 the volume sampled in previous analyses. The new measurements confirm a
positive cross-correlation with higher significance (total signal-to-noise of
about 4.7). The correlation as a function of angular scale is well fitted by
the integrated Sachs-Wolfe (ISW) effect for LCDM flat FRW models with a
cosmological constant. The combined analysis of different samples gives
Omega_L=0.80-0.850.77-0.86$ (95% CL). We find
similar best fit values for Omega_L for different galaxy samples with median
redshifts of z ~0.3 and z ~0.5, indicating that the data scale with redshift as
predicted by the LCDM cosmology (with equation of state parameter w=-1). This
agreement is not trivial, but can not yet be used to break the degeneracy
constraints in the w versus Omega_L plane using only the ISW data.Comment: 5 pages, final version to be published by MNRAS Let. Minor changes
with some additional clarification on error analysis don
Static Configurations of Dark Energy and Dark Matter
We study static configurations of dark matter coupled to a scalar field
responsible for the dark energy of the Universe. The dark matter is modelled as
a Fermi gas within the Thomas-Fermi approximation. The mass of the dark matter
particles is a function of the scalar field. We analyze the profile of the dark
matter halos in galaxies. In this case our framework is equivalent to the model
of the isothermal sphere. In the presence of a scalar field, the velocity of a
massive object orbiting the galaxy is not of the order of the typical velocity
of the dark matter particles, as in the conventional picture. Instead, it is
reduced by a factor that quantifies the dependence of the dark matter mass on
the scalar field. This has implications for dark matter searches. We derive new
solutions of the Einstein equations which describe compact objects composed of
dark matter. Depending on the scale of the dark matter mass, the size of these
objects can vary between microscopic scales and cosmological distances. We
determine the mass to radius relation and discuss the similarities with
conventional neutron stars and exotic astrophysical objects.Comment: 23 pages, 3 figures, minor additions to the tex
Reducing dementia risk by targeting modifiable risk factors in mid-life: study protocol for the Innovative midlife intervention for dementia deterrence (In-MINDD) randomised controlled feasibility trial
Background
Dementia prevalence is increasing as populations live longer, with no cure and the costs of caring exceeding many other conditions. There is increasing evidence for modifiable risk factors which, if addressed in mid-life, can reduce the risk of developing dementia in later life. These include physical inactivity, low cognitive activity, mid-life obesity, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. This study aims to assess the acceptability and feasibility and impact of giving those in mid-life, aged between 40 and 60 years, an individualised dementia risk modification score and profile and access to personalised on-line health information and goal setting in order to support the behaviour change required to reduce such dementia risk. A secondary aim is to understand participants’ and practitioners’ views of dementia prevention and explore the acceptability and integration of the Innovative Midlife Intervention for Dementia Deterrence (In-MINDD) intervention into daily life and routine practice.
Methods/design
In-MINDD is a multi-centre, primary care-based, single-blinded randomised controlled feasibility trial currently being conducted in four European countries (France, Ireland, the Netherlands and the UK). Participants are being recruited from participating general practices. Inclusion criteria will include age between 40 and 60 years; at least one modifiable risk factor for dementia risk (including diabetes, hypertension, obesity, renal dysfunction, current smoker, raised cholesterol, coronary heart disease, current or previous history of depression, self-reported sedentary lifestyle, and self-reported low cognitive activity) access to the Internet. Primary outcome measure will be a change in dementia risk modification score over the timescale of the trial (6 months). A qualitative process evaluation will interview a sample of participants and practitioners about their views on the acceptability and feasibility of the trial and the links between modifiable risk factors and dementia prevention. This work will be underpinned by Normalisation Process Theory.
Discussion
This study will explore the feasibility and acceptability of a risk profiler and on-line support environment to help individuals in mid-life assess their risk of developing dementia in later life and to take steps to alleviate that risk by tackling health-related behaviour change. Testing the intervention in a robust and theoretically informed manner will inform the development of a future, full-scale randomised controlled trial
Tyrosol-Enriched Tomatoes by Diffusion across the Fruit Peel from a Chitosan Coating: A Proposal of Functional Food
Chitosan is receiving increasing attention from the food industry for being a biodegradable, non-toxic, antimicrobial biopolymer able to extend the shelf life of, and preserve the quality of, fresh food. However, few studies have investigated the ability of chitosan-based coatings to allow the diffusion of bioactive compounds into the food matrix to improve its nutraceutical quality. This research is aimed at testing whether a hydrophilic molecule (tyrosol) could diffuse from the chitosan-tyrosol coating and cross the tomato peel. To this end, in vitro permeation tests using excised tomato peel and an in vivo application of chitosan-tyrosol coating on tomato fruit, followed by tyrosol quantification in intact fruit, peel and flesh during a seven-day storage at room temperature, were performed. Both approaches demonstrated the ability of tyrosol to permeate across the fruit peel. Along with a decreased tyrosol content in the peel, its concentration within the flesh was increased, indicating an active transfer of tyrosol into this tissue. This finding, together with the maintenance of constant tyrosol levels during the seven-day storage period, is very promising for the use of chitosan formulations to produce functional tomato fruit
Large scale structure and the generalised Chaplygin gas as dark energy
The growth of large scale structure is studied in a universe containing both
cold dark matter (CDM) and generalized Chaplygin gas (GCg). GCg is assumed to
contribute only to the background evolution of the universe while the CDM
component collapses and forms structures. We present some new analytical as
well as numerical results for linear and non-linear growth in such model. The
model passes the standard cosmological distance test without the need of a
cosmological constant (LCDM). But we find that the scenario is severely
constrained by current observations of large scale structure. Any small
deviations of the GCg parameters away from the standard Lambda dominated
cosmology (LCDM) produces substantial suppression for the growth of structures.Comment: 6 pages, matches version accepted for publication in Phys.Rev.D (in
press
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