62 research outputs found
Mirage Torsion
Z_NxZ_M orbifold models admit the introduction of a discrete torsion phase.
We find that models with discrete torsion have an alternative description in
terms of torsionless models. More specifically, discrete torsion can be 'gauged
away' by changing the shifts by lattice vectors. Similarly, a large class of
the so-called generalized discrete torsion phases can be traded for changing
the background fields (Wilson lines) by lattice vectors. We further observe
that certain models with generalized discrete torsion are equivalent to
torsionless models with the same gauge embedding but based on different
compactification lattices. We also present a method of classifying heterotic
Z_NxZ_M orbifolds.Comment: 26 pages, 3 figures, v2: matches version published in JHE
Heterotic orbifold models on Lie lattice with discrete torsion
We provide a new class of Z_N x Z_M heterotic orbifolds on non-factorisable
tori, whose boundary conditions are defined by Lie lattices. Generally, point
groups of these orbifolds are generated by Weyl reflections and outer
automorphisms of the lattices. We classify abelian orbifolds with and without
discrete torsion. Then we find that some of these models have smaller Euler
numbers than those of models on factorisable tori T^2 x T^2 x T^2. There is a
possibility that these orbifolds provide smaller generation numbers of N=1
chiral matter fields than factorisable models.Comment: 24 pages, 5 figures; v2: a few errors on tables are corrected, typos
corrected, version to appear in JHE
Ceramographic Examinations of Irradiated AGR-1 Fuel Compacts
The AGR 1 experiment involved irradiating 72 cylindrical fuel compacts containing tri-structural isotropic (TRISO)-coated particles to a peak burnup of 19.5% fissions per initial metal atom with no in-pile failures observed out of almost 300,000 particles. Six irradiated AGR 1 fuel compacts were selected for microscopy that span a range of irradiation conditions (temperature, burnup, and fast fluence). These six compacts also included all four TRISO coating variations irradiated in the AGR experiment. The six compacts were cross-sectioned both transversely and longitudinally, mounted, ground, and polished after development of careful techniques for preserving particle structures against preparation damage. From 36 to 79 particles within each cross section were exposed near enough to midplane for optical microscopy of kernel, buffer, and coating behavior. The microstructural analysis focused on kernel swelling and porosity, buffer densification and fracture, debonding between the buffer and inner pyrolytic carbon (IPyC) layers, and fractures in the IPyC and SiC layers. Three basic particle morphologies were established according to the extent of bonding between the buffer and IPyC layers: complete debonding along the interface (Type A), no debonding along the interface (Type B), and partial debonding (Type AB). These basic morphologies were subdivided according to whether the buffer stayed intact or fractured. The resulting six characteristic morphologies were used to classify particles within each cross section, but no spatial patterns were clearly observed in any of the cross-sectional morphology maps. Although positions of particle types appeared random within compacts, examining a total of 931 classified particles allowed other relationships among morphological types to be established
Improved bone defect healing by a superagonistic GDF5 variant derived from a patient with multiple synostoses syndrome
Multiple synostoses syndrome 2 (SYNS2) is a rare genetic disease characterized by multiple fusions of the joints of the extremities, like phalangeal joints, carpal and tarsal joints or the knee and elbows. SYNS2 is caused by point mutations in the Growth and Differentiation Factor 5 (GDF5), which plays an essential role during skeletal development and regeneration. We selected one of the SYNS2-causing GDF5 mutations, p.N445T, which is known to destabilize the interaction with the Bone Morphogenetic Protein (BMP) antagonist NOGGIN (NOG), in order to generate the superagonistic GDF5 variant GDF5(N445T). In this study, we tested its capacity to support regeneration in a rat critical-sized defect model in vivo. MicroCT and histological analyses indicate that GDF5(N445T)-treated defects show faster and more efficient healing compared to GDF5 wild type (GDF5(wt))-treated defects. Microarray-based gene expression and quantitative PCR analyses from callus tissue point to a specific acceleration of the early phases of bone healing, comprising the inflammation and chondrogenesis phase. These results support the concept that disease-deduced growth factor variants are promising lead structures for novel therapeutics with improved clinical activities
Seasonal forage quality of rangelands across Kansas
The K-State Research and Extension
Forage Task Force surveyed Kansas
rangelands during the course of seasonal
changes to enable producers and managers to
better estimate the feed value of their pasture
forage during particular times of the year.
Kansas’ two distinct rangeland vegetation
types, shortgrass and tallgrass prairie, were
evaluated. Forage samples were collected
monthly from two rangeland sites in each of
10 Kansas counties. Tallgrass vegetation
was lowest in acid detergent fiber (ADF) and
greatest in crude protein (CP) from May to
July, and rapidly increased in ADF and
declined in CP the rest of the season.
Shortgrass vegetation was also lower in ADF
and greater in CP from May to July, but
changed less from early summer to the
winter than did tallgrass vegetation.
Degradable intake protein (DIP) was greatest
for tallgrass vegetation in May. Otherwise
DIP was similar between tallgrass and
shortgrass except in February and March
when shortgrass had greater DIP. DIP was
greatest in May and June for both vegetation
types and gradually declined from June to
December. Undegradable intake protein
(UIP) values were greater for tallgrass
vegetation than for shortgrass vegetation
from May through July, but all other months
were similar. Seasonal forage quality is
different between and within rangeland
vegetation types, and identification of
dominant vegetation is a key determinant in
choosing appropriate animal nutritional
management strategies
Spinor-Vector Duality in Heterotic String Orbifolds
The three generation heterotic-string models in the free fermionic
formulation are among the most realistic string vacua constructed to date,
which motivated their detailed investigation. The classification of free
fermion heterotic string vacua has revealed a duality under the exchange of
spinor and vector representations of the SO(10) GUT symmetry over the space of
models. We demonstrate the existence of the spinor-vector duality using
orbifold techniques, and elaborate on the relation of these vacua to free
fermionic models.Comment: 20 pages. v2 minor corrections. Version to appear on JHEP. v3
misprints correcte
Discrete R-symmetries and Anomaly Universality in Heterotic Orbifolds
We study discrete R-symmetries, which appear in 4D low energy effective field
theory derived from hetetoric orbifold models. We derive the R-symmetries
directly from geometrical symmetries of orbifolds. In particular, we obtain the
corresponding R-charges by requiring that the couplings be invariant under
these symmetries. This allows for a more general treatment than the explicit
computations of correlation functions made previously by the authors, including
models with discrete Wilson lines, and orbifold symmetries beyond
plane-by-plane rotational invariance. Surprisingly, for the cases covered by
earlier explicit computations, the R-charges differ from the previous result.
We study the anomalies associated with these R-symmetries, and comment on the
results.Comment: 21 pages, 2 figures. Minor changes, typos corrected. Matches JHEP
published versio
A perfect match of MSSM-like orbifold and resolution models via anomalies
Compactification of the heterotic string on toroidal orbifolds is a promising
set-up for the construction of realistic unified models of particle physics.
The target space dynamics of such models, however, drives them slightly away
from the orbifold point in moduli space. This resolves curvature singularities,
but makes the string computations very difficult. On these smooth manifolds we
have to rely on an effective supergravity approximation in the large volume
limit. By comparing an orbifold example with its blow-up version, we try to
transfer the computational power of the orbifold to the smooth manifold. Using
local properties, we establish a perfect map of the the chiral spectra as well
as the (local) anomalies of these models. A key element in this discussion is
the Green-Schwarz anomaly polynomial. It allows us to identify those
redefinitions of chiral fields and localized axions in the blow-up process
which are relevant for the interactions (such as Yukawa-couplings) in the model
on the smooth space.Comment: 2+35 pages, 1 figur
Forming conjectures within a spreadsheet environment
This paper is concerned with the use of spreadsheets within mathematical investigational tasks. Considering the learning of both children and pre-service teaching students, it examines how mathematical phenomena can be seen as a function of the pedagogical media through which they are encountered. In particular, it shows how pedagogical apparatus influence patterns of social interaction, and how this interaction shapes the mathematical ideas that are engaged with. Notions of conjecture, along with the particular faculty of the spreadsheet setting, are considered with regard to the facilitation of mathematical thinking. Employing an interpretive perspective, a key focus is on how alternative pedagogical media and associated discursive networks influence the way that students form and test informal conjectures
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