Hartree-Fock-Bogoliubov Calculations in Coordinate Space: Neutron-Rich Sulfur, Zirconium, Cerium, and Samarium Isotopes

Using the Hartree-Fock-Bogoliubov (HFB) mean field theory in coordinate space, we investigate ground state properties of the sulfur isotopes from the line of stability up to the two-neutron dripline ($^{34-52}S$). In particular, we calculate two-neutron separation energies, quadrupole moments, and rms-radii for protons and neutrons. Evidence for shape coexistence is found in the very neutron-rich sulfur isotopes. We compare our calculations with results from relativistic mean field theory and with available experimental data. We also study the properties of neutron-rich zirconium ($^{102,104}Zr$), cerium ($^{152}Ce$), and samarium ($^{158,160}Sm$) isotopes which exhibit very large prolate quadrupole deformations.Comment: 7 pages, 6 figures, 2 tables submitted to Phys. Rev.

Behavior of shell-model configuration moments

An important input into reaction theory is the density of states or the level density. Spectral distribution theory (also known as nuclear statistical spectroscopy) characterizes the secular behavior of the density of states through moments of the Hamiltonian. One particular approach is to partition the model space into subspaces and find the moments in those subspaces; a convenient choice of subspaces are spherical shell-model configurations. We revisit these configuration moments and find, for complete $0\hbar\omega$ many-body spaces, the following behaviors: (a) the configuration width is nearly constant for all configurations; (b) the configuration asymmetry or third moment is strongly correlated with the configuration centroid; (c) the configuration fourth moment, or excess is linearly related to the square to the configuration asymmetry. Such universal behavior may allow for more efficient modeling of the density of states in a shell-model framework.Comment: 12 pages, 8 figure

A class of quasi-sparse companion pencils

In this paper, we introduce a general class of quasi-sparse potential companion pencils for arbitrary square matrix polynomials over an arbitrary field, which extends the class introduced in [B. Eastman, I.-J. Kim, B. L. Shader, K.N. Vander Meulen, Companion matrix patterns. Linear Algebra Appl. 436 (2014) 255-272] for monic scalar polynomials. We provide a canonical form, up to permutation, for companion pencils in this class. We also relate these companion pencils with other relevant families of companion linearizations known so far. Finally, we determine the number of different sparse companion pencils in the class, up to permutation.This work has been partially supported by theMinisterio de Economía y Competitividad of Spain through grants MTM2015-68805-REDT and MTM2015-65798-P

Towards a FPGA-controlled deep phase modulation interferometer

Deep phase modulation interferometry was proposed as a method to enhance homodyne interferometers to work over many fringes. In this scheme, a sinusoidal phase modulation is applied in one arm while the demodulation takes place as a post-processing step. In this contribution we report on the development to implement this scheme in a fiber coupled interferometer controlled by means of a FPGA, which includes a LEON3 soft-core processor. The latter acts as a CPU and executes a custom made application to communicate with a host PC. In contrast to usual FPGA-based designs, this implementation allows a real-time fine tuning of the parameters involved in the setup, from the control to the post-processing parameters.Comment: Proceedings of the X LISA Symposium, Gainesville, May 18-23, 201

Highly viscoelastic films at the water/air interface: α-Cyclodextrin with anionic surfactants

This work showcases the remarkable viscoelasticity of films consisting of α-cyclodextrin (α-CD) and anionic surfactants (S) at the water/air interface, the magnitude of which has not been observed in similar systems. The anionic surfactants employed are sodium salts of a homologous series of n-alkylsulfates (n = 8–14) and of dodecylsulfonate. Our hypothesis was that the very high viscoelasticity can be systematically related to the bulk and interfacial properties of the system. Through resolution of the bulk distribution of species using isothermal titration calorimetry, the high dilatational modulus is related to (α-CD)2:S1 inclusion complexes in the bulk with respect to both the bulk composition and temperature. Direct interfacial characterization of α-CD and sodium dodecylsulfate films at 283.15 K using ellipsometry and neutron reflectometry reveals that the most viscoelastic films consist of a highly ordered monolayer of 2:1 complexes with a minimum amount of any other component. The orientation of the complexes in the films and their driving force for adsorption are discussed in the context of results from molecular dynamics simulations. These findings open up clear potential for the design of new functional materials or molecular sensors based on films with specific mechanical, electrical, thermal, chemical, optical or even magnetic properties

Hydrophilic and lipophilic radiopharmaceuticals as tracers in pharmaceutical development: In vitro – In vivo studies

BACKGROUND: Scintigraphic studies have been performed to assess the release, both in vitro and in vivo, of radiotracers from tablet formulations. Four different tracers with differing physicochemical characteristics have been evaluated to assess their suitability as models for drug delivery. METHODS: In-vitro disintegration and dissolution studies have been performed at pH 1, 4 and 7. In-vivo studies have been performed by scintigraphic imaging in healthy volunteers. Two hydrophilic tracers, ((99m)Tc-DTPA) and ((99m)Tc-MDP), and two lipophilic tracers, ((99m)Tc-ECD) and ((99m)Tc-MIBI), were used as drug models. RESULTS: Dissolution and disintegration profiles, differed depending on the drug model chosen. In vitro dissolution velocity constants indicated a probable retention of the radiotracer in the formulation. In vivo disintegration velocity constants showed important variability for each radiopharmaceutical. Pearson statistical test showed no correlation between in vitro drug release, and in vivo behaviour, for (99m)Tc-DTPA, (99m)Tc-ECD and (99m)Tc-MIBI. High correlation coefficients were found for (99m)Tc-MDP not only for in vitro dissolution and disintegration studies but also for in vivo scintigraphic studies. CONCLUSION: Scintigraphic studies have made a significant contribution to the development of drug delivery systems. It is essential, however, to choose the appropriate radiotracers as models of drug behaviour. This study has demonstrated significant differences in release patterns, depending on the model chosen. It is likely that each formulation would require the development of a specific model, rather than being able to use a generic drug model on the basis of its physicochemical characteristics

Axially symmetric Hartree-Fock-Bogoliubov Calculations for Nuclei Near the Drip-Lines

Nuclei far from stability are studied by solving the Hartree-Fock-Bogoliubov (HFB) equations, which describe the self-consistent mean field theory with pairing interaction. Calculations for even-even nuclei are carried out on two-dimensional axially symmetric lattice, in coordinate space. The quasiparticle continuum wavefunctions are considered for energies up to 60 MeV. Nuclei near the drip lines have a strong coupling between weakly bound states and the particle continuum. This method gives a proper description of the ground state properties of such nuclei. High accuracy is achieved by representing the operators and wavefunctions using the technique of basis-splines. The detailed representation of the HFB equations in cylindrical coordinates is discussed. Calculations of observables for nuclei near the neutron drip line are presented to demonstrate the reliability of the method.Comment: 13 pages, 4 figures. Submitted to Physical Review C on 05/08/02. Revised on Dec/0

Healthy sports practice, teacher resilience and educational inclusion in Imbabura (Ecuador)

El deporte es una potente herramienta para promover inclusión social y mejora la resiliencia de quienes lo practican, tan necesaria para afrontar situaciones de riesgo, el crecimiento personal y el éxito académico-profesional. En el contexto ecuatoriano, los informes de datos oficiales indican que solo el 9.6% de la población con nivel de educación secundaria practica deporte, y la práctica deportiva es superior en la población masculina que la femenina. Nuestro objetivo fue conocer la resiliencia y práctica deportiva del profesorado de secundaria de Imbabura y su valoración y práctica en el aula, para promover una educación que resuelva sus necesidades en este sentido. La metodología fue no experimental, transversal, descriptiva y relacional. La muestra estuvo formada por 878 docentes, evaluados con el CDRISC y un cuestionario ad hoc de elaboración propia. Los resultados muestran alta práctica deportiva y resiliencia del profesorado. Destaca su autoeficacia y tenacidad. Dan valor a la resiliencia en el aula y trabajan sobre todo el control bajo presión. No hay diferencias significativas en resiliencia por práctica deportiva y sí las hay por género en esa variable a favor de los hombres. Los datos se discuten en la línea de promover pedagogías inclusivas, igualitarias, resilientes y saludables.Sport is a powerful tool to promote social inclusion and improves the resilience of those who practice it, so necessary to face risk situations, personal growth, and academic-professional success. In the Ecuadorian context, official data reports indicate that only 9.6% of the population with secondary education level practice sport, and sport practice is higher in the male population than in the female population. Our objective was to learn about the resilience and sports practice of secondary school teachers in Imbabura and their assessment and practice in the classroom, in order to drive an education that meets their needs in this regard. The methodology was non-experimental, cross-sectional, descriptive, and relational. The sample consisted of 878 teachers who were evaluated with the CD-RISC and an ad hoc questionnaire of their own elaboration. The results show a high level of sport practice and resilience among teachers. Their self-efficacy and tenacity stand out. They value resilience in the classroom and work especially on control under pressure. There are no significant differences in resilience by sport practice and there are significant differences by gender in this variable in favour of men. The data are discussed in the line of promoting inclusive, egalitarian, resilient and healthy pedagogies

Indicadores de maturação para definição de ponto de colheita do maracujá selvagem (passiflora tenuifila) cultivado na região de cerrado.

O Maracujá-selvagem é uma das espécies depositadas no BAG de Passifloras da Embrapa Cerrados que estão sendo estudadas para fins de melhoramento genético. Neste trabalho buscou-se avaliar uma metodologia de campo, para definição do ponto de colheita do fruto tomando-se como referência indicadores físicos, físico-químicos e de aparência dos frutos em 7 (sete) estádios. Fez-se comparações entre índices de aparência do fruto com as variáveis massa total,da casca, da polpa, das sementes e seus respectivos percentuais em relação ao fruto total, o diâmetro transversal e longitudinal e teor de açucares solúveis totais na polpa. Os resultados indicaram que o ponto ótimo de colheita dos frutos dá-se no estádio 3, quando apresentam aparência com coloração amarela em até 20% da casca e valores médios de 18,45g de massa total. Na polpa 26,5o Brix de açucares solúveis totais, 0,82% de acidez total titulável e pH 4,43