4,404 research outputs found
Pre-logarithmic and logarithmic fields in a sandpile model
We consider the unoriented two-dimensional Abelian sandpile model on the
half-plane with open and closed boundary conditions, and relate it to the
boundary logarithmic conformal field theory with central charge c=-2. Building
on previous results, we first perform a complementary lattice analysis of the
operator effecting the change of boundary condition between open and closed,
which confirms that this operator is a weight -1/8 boundary primary field,
whose fusion agrees with lattice calculations. We then consider the operators
corresponding to the unit height variable and to a mass insertion at an
isolated site of the upper half plane and compute their one-point functions in
presence of a boundary containing the two kinds of boundary conditions. We show
that the scaling limit of the mass insertion operator is a weight zero
logarithmic field.Comment: 18 pages, 9 figures. v2: minor corrections + added appendi
Boundary conditions and defect lines in the Abelian sandpile model
We add a defect line of dissipation, or crack, to the Abelian sandpile model.
We find that the defect line renormalizes to separate the two-dimensional plane
into two half planes with open boundary conditions. We also show that varying
the amount of dissipation at a boundary of the Abelian sandpile model does not
affect the universality class of the boundary condition. We demonstrate that a
universal coefficient associated with height probabilities near the defect can
be used to classify boundary conditions.Comment: 8 pages, 1 figure; suggestions from referees incorporated; to be
published in Phys. Rev.
Carbon Dioxide Reduction Technology Trade Study
For long-term human missions, a closed-loop atmosphere revitalization system (ARS) is essential to minimize consumables. A carbon dioxide (CO2) reduction technology is used to reclaim oxygen (O2) from metabolic CO2 and is vital to reduce the delivery mass of metabolic O2. A key step in closing the loop for ARS will include a proper CO2 reduction subsystem that is reliable and with low equivalent system mass (ESM). Sabatier and Bosch CO2 reduction are two traditional CO2 reduction subsystems (CRS). Although a Sabatier CRS has been delivered to International Space Station (ISS) and is an important step toward closing the ISS ARS loop, it recovers only 50% of the available O2 in CO2. A Bosch CRS is able to reclaim all O2 in CO2. However, due to continuous carbon deposition on the catalyst surface, the penalties of replacing spent catalysts and reactors and crew time in a Bosch CRS are significant. Recently, technologies have been developed for recovering hydrogen (H2) from Sabatier-product methane (CH4). These include methane pyrolysis using a microwave plasma, catalytic thermal pyrolysis of CH4 and thermal pyrolysis of CH4. Further, development in Sabatier reactor designs based on microchannel and microlith technology could open up opportunities in reducing system mass and enhancing system control. Improvements in Bosch CRS conversion have also been reported. In addition, co-electrolysis of steam and CO2 is a new technology that integrates oxygen generation and CO2 reduction functions in a single system. A co-electrolysis unit followed by either a Sabatier or a carbon formation reactor based on Bosch chemistry could improve the overall competitiveness of an integrated O2 generation and CO2 reduction subsystem. This study evaluates all these CO2 reduction technologies, conducts water mass balances for required external supply of water for 1-, 5- and 10-yr missions, evaluates mass, volume, power, cooling and resupply requirements of various technologies. A system analysis and comparison among the technologies was made based on ESM, technology readiness level and reliability. Those technologies with potential were recommended for development
Height variables in the Abelian sandpile model: scaling fields and correlations
We compute the lattice 1-site probabilities, on the upper half-plane, of the
four height variables in the two-dimensional Abelian sandpile model. We find
their exact scaling form when the insertion point is far from the boundary, and
when the boundary is either open or closed. Comparing with the predictions of a
logarithmic conformal theory with central charge c=-2, we find a full
compatibility with the following field assignments: the heights 2, 3 and 4
behave like (an unusual realization of) the logarithmic partner of a primary
field with scaling dimension 2, the primary field itself being associated with
the height 1 variable. Finite size corrections are also computed and
successfully compared with numerical simulations. Relying on these field
assignments, we formulate a conjecture for the scaling form of the lattice
2-point correlations of the height variables on the plane, which remain as yet
unknown. The way conformal invariance is realized in this system points to a
local field theory with c=-2 which is different from the triplet theory.Comment: 68 pages, 17 figures; v2: published version (minor corrections, one
comment added
CMS endcap RPC gas gap production for upgrade
The CMS experiment will install a RE4 layer of 144 new Resistive Plate Chambers (RPCs) on the existing york YE3 at both endcap regions to trigger high momentum muons from the proton-proton interaction. In this paper, we present the detailed procedures used in the production of new RPC gas gaps adopted in the CMS upgrade. Quality assurance is enforced as ways to maintain the same quality of RPC gas gaps as the existing 432 endcap RPC chambers that have been operational since the beginning of the LHC operation
Logarithmic two-point correlators in the Abelian sandpile model
We present the detailed calculations of the asymptotics of two-site
correlation functions for height variables in the two-dimensional Abelian
sandpile model. By using combinatorial methods for the enumeration of spanning
trees, we extend the well-known result for the correlation of minimal heights to for
height values . These results confirm the dominant logarithmic
behaviour for
large , predicted by logarithmic conformal field theory based on field
identifications obtained previously. We obtain, from our lattice calculations,
the explicit values for the coefficients and (the latter are new).Comment: 28 page
Lifshitz transition and van Hove singularity in a Topological Dirac Semimetal
A topological Dirac semimetal is a novel state of quantum matter which has
recently attracted much attention as an apparent 3D version of graphene. In
this paper, we report critically important results on the electronic structure
of the 3D Dirac semimetal Na3Bi at a surface that reveals its nontrivial
groundstate. Our studies, for the first time, reveal that the two 3D Dirac
cones go through a topological change in the constant energy contour as a
function of the binding energy, featuring a Lifshitz point, which is missing in
a strict 3D analog of graphene (in other words Na3Bi is not a true 3D analog of
graphene). Our results identify the first example of a band saddle point
singularity in 3D Dirac materials. This is in contrast to its 2D analogs such
as graphene and the helical Dirac surface states of a topological insulator.
The observation of multiple Dirac nodes in Na3Bi connecting via a Lifshitz
point along its crystalline rotational axis away from the Kramers point serves
as a decisive signature for the symmetry-protected nature of the Dirac
semimetal's topological groundstate.Comment: 5 pages, 4 Figures, Related papers on topological Fermi arcs and Weyl
Semimetals (WSMs) are at
http://physics.princeton.edu/zahidhasangroup/index.htm
Betel quid chewing as a risk factor for hepatocellular carcinoma: a case-control study
The role of betel quid chewing in the aetiology of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) was evaluated in a case–control study including 263 pairs of age- and sex-matched HCC patients and healthy controls. Serum hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), and antibodies to hepatitis C virus (anti-HCV) were determined, and standardized personal interview conducted using a structured questionnaire. Multivariate analysis indicated that betel quid chewing (odds ratio (OR), 3.49; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.74–6.96), HBsAg (OR, 16.69; 95% CI, 9.92–28.07), anti-HCV (OR, 38.57; 95% CI, 18.15–81.96), and educational duration of less than 10 years (OR, 1.71; 95% CI, 1.05–2.78) are independent risk factors of HCC. In addition, there was an additive interaction between betel quid chewing and chronic infection with either hepatitis B virus (synergy index, 5.37) or hepatitis C virus (synergy index, 1.66). Moreover, risk on HCC increased as duration of betel quid chewing increased, or amount of betel quid consumed (each P for trend < 0.0001). © 2001 Cancer Research Campaign http://www.bjcancer.co
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