256 research outputs found
Biferroic YCrO3
YCrO3 which has a monoclinic structure, shows weak ferromagnetism below 140 K
(TN) and a ferroelectric transition at 473 K accompanied by hysteresis. We have
determined the structure and energetics of YCrO3 with ferromagnetic and
antiferromagnetic ordering by means of first-principles density functional
theory calculations, based on pseudopotentials and a plane wave basis. The
non-centrosymmetric monoclinic structure is found to be lower in energy than
the orthorhombic structure, supporting the biferroic nature of YCrO3.Comment: 16 pages including figure
Generalizing the autonomous Kepler Ermakov system in a Riemannian space
We generalize the two dimensional autonomous Hamiltonian Kepler Ermakov
dynamical system to three dimensions using the sl(2,R) invariance of Noether
symmetries and determine all three dimensional autonomous Hamiltonian Kepler
Ermakov dynamical systems which are Liouville integrable via Noether
symmetries. Subsequently we generalize the autonomous Kepler Ermakov system in
a Riemannian space which admits a gradient homothetic vector by the
requirements (a) that it admits a first integral (the Riemannian Ermakov
invariant) and (b) it has sl(2,R) invariance. We consider both the
non-Hamiltonian and the Hamiltonian systems. In each case we compute the
Riemannian Ermakov invariant and the equations defining the dynamical system.
We apply the results in General Relativity and determine the autonomous
Hamiltonian Riemannian Kepler Ermakov system in the spatially flat Friedman
Robertson Walker spacetime. We consider a locally rotational symmetric (LRS)
spacetime of class A and discuss two cosmological models. The first
cosmological model consists of a scalar field with exponential potential and a
perfect fluid with a stiff equation of state. The second cosmological model is
the f(R) modified gravity model of {\Lambda}_{bc}CDM. It is shown that in both
applications the gravitational field equations reduce to those of the
generalized autonomous Riemannian Kepler Ermakov dynamical system which is
Liouville integrable via Noether integrals.Comment: Reference [25] update, 21 page
Magnetic tension and gravitational collapse
The gravitational collapse of a magnetised medium is investigated by studying
qualitatively the convergence of a timelike family of non-geodesic worldlines
in the presence of a magnetic field. Focusing on the field's tension we
illustrate how the winding of the magnetic forcelines due to the fluid's
rotation assists the collapse, while shear-like distortions in the distribution
of the field's gradients resist contraction. We also show that the relativistic
coupling between magnetism and geometry, together with the tension properties
of the field, lead to a magneto-curvature stress that opposes the collapse.
This tension stress grows stronger with increasing curvature distortion, which
means that it could potentially dominate over the gravitational pull of the
matter. If this happens, a converging family of non-geodesic lines can be
prevented from focusing without violating the standard energy conditions.Comment: Typos corrected. Published versio
Expression of L1 retrotransposons in granulocytes from patients with active systemic lupus erythematosus
Background: Patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) have autoantibodies against the L1-encoded open-reading frame 1 protein (ORF1p). Here, we report (i) which immune cells ORF1p emanates from, (ii) which L1 loci are transcriptionally active, (iii) whether the cells express L1-dependent interferon and interferon-stimulated genes, and (iv) the effect of inhibition of L1 ORF2p by reverse transcriptase inhibitors.Results: L1 ORF1p was detected by flow cytometry primarily in SLE CD66b+CD15+ regular and low-density granulocytes, but much less in other immune cell lineages. The amount of ORF1p was higher in neutrophils from patients with SLE disease activity index (SLEDAI) > 6 (p = 0.011) compared to patients with inactive disease, SLEDAI < 4. Patient neutrophils transcribed seven to twelve human-specific L1 loci (L1Hs), but only 3 that are full-length and with an intact ORF1. Besides serving as a source of detectable ORF1p, the most abundant transcript encoded a truncated ORF2p reverse transcriptase predicted to remain cytosolic, while the two other encoded an intact full-length ORF2p. A number of genes encoding proteins that influence L1 transcription positively or negatively were altered in patients, particularly those with active disease, compared to healthy controls. Components of nucleic acid sensing and interferon induction were also altered. SLE neutrophils also expressed type I interferon-inducible genes and interferon β, which were substantially reduced after treatment of the cells with drugs known to inhibit ORF2p reverse transcriptase activity.Conclusions: We identified L1Hs loci that are transcriptionally active in SLE neutrophils, and a reduction in the epigenetic silencing mechanisms that normally counteract L1 transcription. SLE neutrophils contained L1-encoded ORF1p protein, as well as activation of the type I interferon system, which was inhibited by treatment with reverse transcriptase inhibitors. Our findings will enable a deeper analysis of L1 dysregulation and its potential role in SLE pathogenesis.</p
Survey of Valinokkam Bay and adjoining area to assess its suitability for integrated sea farming — A report
The Valinokkam Bay and the adjoining area, east of the Bay surveyed, lie between Lat. 9°9' N and 9° 12' N and Long. 78°30'E and 78°42'E . The available information indicates that the bay and the adjoining grounds in the sea are highly productive and suitable for sea farming activities
Current trends in the surgical management of Dupuytren’s disease in Europe: an analysis of patient charts
Introduction: Dupuytren's disease (DD) causes progressive digital flexion contracture and is more common in men of European descent. Methods: Orthopaedic and plastic surgeons in 12 European countries (the Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, The Netherlands, Poland, Spain, Sweden and the UK) with >3 and <30 years experience reviewed the medical charts of five consecutive patients they had treated surgically for DD in 2008. Descriptive statistics are reported. Results: In total, 3,357 patient charts were reviewed. Mean (standard deviation) patient age was 61.9 (10.2) years; 81% were men. At the time of the procedure, 11% of patients were at Tubiana stage Ia (0-20° total flexion); 30%, stage Ib (21-45°); 34%, stage II (46-90°); 17%, stage III (91-135°); and 5%, stage IV (&135°). Percutaneous needle fasciotomy was performed in 10%, fasciotomy in 13%, fasciectomy in 69% and dermofasciectomy (DF) in 6% of patients. After surgery, fingers improved a mean of 1.9 Tubiana stages, and 54% of patients had no nodules or contracture. The rate of reported complications during the procedure was 4% overall (11% in patients undergoing DF). The most common postoperative complications reported were haematoma (8%), wound healing complications (6%) and pain (6%). No postoperative complications were reported in 77% of patients. Conclusions: In this European study of more than 3,000 patients with DD, most patients were diagnosed at Tubiana stage I or II, the majority received fasciectomy and more than half had no nodules or contracture remaining after surgery
How can the results of a qualitative process evaluation be applied in management, improvement and modification of a preventive community trial? The IHHP Study
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