335 research outputs found
Goldstone models in D+1 dimensions, D=3,4,5, supporting stable and zero topological charge solutions
We study finite energy static solutions to a global symmetry breaking
Goldstone model described by an isovector scalar field in D+1 spacetime
dimensions. Both topologically stable multisolitons with arbitrary winding
numbers, and zero topological charge soliton--antisoliton solutions are
constructed numerically in D=3,4,5. We have explored the types of symmetries
the systems should be subjected to, for there to exist multisoliton and
soliton--antisoliton pairs in D=3,4,5,6. These findings are underpinned by
constructing numerical solutions in the examples. Subject to axial
symmetry, only multisolitons of all topological charges exist in even D, and in
odd D, only zero and unit topological charge solutions exist. Subjecting the
system to weaker than axial symmetries, results in the existence of all the
possibilities in all dimensions. Our findings apply also to finite 'energy'
solutions to Yang--Mills and Yang-Mills--Higgs systems, and in principle also
sigma models.Comment: 29 pages, 6 figure
Interaction Energies of Generalised Monopoles
Generalisations of the 't Hooft-Polyakov monopole which can exhibit repulsion
only, attraction only, and both attraction and repulsion, between like
monopoles, are studied numerically. The models supporting these solitons are
SO(3) gauged Higgs models featuring Skyrme-like terms.Comment: 46 pages, including 22 postscript figures, LaTex forma
New stable phase of non uniform black strings in
We consider the non uniform black string equations in arbitrary number
of dimension in a perturbative approach up to order 2 and in a non
perturbative. We restrict the study in the perturbative approach to the
backreacting modes, since they provide the first relevant corrections on the
thermodynamical quantities of the solutions. We also present some preliminary
results in the construction of non-perturbative solutions, in particular, we
present a first part of the non uniform - uniform black string phase diagram.
Our results suggests the existence of a new stable phase for non uniform
black strings, namely long non uniform black string, with the extra direction
length of the order of the curvature.Comment: Results extended. 14 pages, 5 figure
Harrison transformation and charged black objects in Kaluza-Klein theory
We generate charged black brane solutions in dimensions in a theory of
gravity coupled to a dilaton and an antisymmetric form, by using a
Harrison-type transformation. The seed vacuum solutions that we use correspond
to uplifted Kaluza-Klein black strings and black holes in -dimensions. A
generalization of the Marolf-Mann quasilocal formalism to the Kaluza-Klein
theory is also presented, the global charges of the black objects being
computed in this way. We argue that the thermodynamics of the charged solutions
can be derived from that of the vacuum configurations. Our results show that
all charged Kaluza-Klein solutions constructed by means of Harrison
transformations are thermodynamically unstable in a grand canonical ensemble.
The general formalism is applied to the case of nonuniform black strings and
caged black hole solutions in Einstein-Maxwell-dilaton gravity, whose
geometrical properties and thermodynamics are discussed. We argue that the
topology changing transition scenario, which was previously proposed in the
vacuum case, also holds in this case. Spinning generalizations of the charged
black strings are constructed in six dimensions in the slowly rotating limit.
We find that the gyromagnetic ratio of these solutions possesses a nontrivial
dependence on the nonuniformity parameter.Comment: 42 pages, 12 figure
Sunscreens - Which and what for?
It is well established that sun exposure is the main cause for the development of skin cancer. Chronic continuous UV radiation is believed to induce malignant melanoma, whereas intermittent high-dose UV exposure contributes to the occurrence of actinic keratosis as precursor lesions of squamous cell carcinoma as well as basal cell carcinoma. Not only photocarcinogenesis but also the mechanisms of photoaging have recently become apparent. In this respect the use of sunscreens seemed to prove to be more and more important and popular within the last decades. However, there is still inconsistency about the usefulness of sunscreens. Several studies show that inadequate use and incomplete UV spectrum efficacy may compromise protection more than previously expected. The sunscreen market is crowded by numerous products. Inorganic sunscreens such as zinc oxide and titanium oxide have a wide spectral range of activity compared to most of the organic sunscreen products. It is not uncommon for organic sunscreens to cause photocontact allergy, but their cosmetic acceptability is still superior to the one given by inorganic sunscreens. Recently, modern galenic approaches such as micronization and encapsulation allow the development of high-quality inorganic sunscreens. The potential systemic toxicity of organic sunscreens has lately primarily been discussed controversially in public, and several studies show contradictory results. Although a matter of debate, at present the sun protection factor (SPF) is the most reliable information for the consumer as a measure of sunscreen filter efficacy. In this context additional tests have been introduced for the evaluation of not only the protective effect against erythema but also protection against UV-induced immunological and mutational effects. Recently, combinations of UV filters with agents active in DNA repair have been introduced in order to improve photoprotection. This article reviews the efficacy of sunscreens in the prevention of epithelial and nonepithelial skin cancer, the effect on immunosuppression and the value of the SPF as well as new developments on the sunscreen market. Copyright (C) 2005 S. Karger AG, Basel
Second-order -regularity in nonlinear elliptic problems
A second-order regularity theory is developed for solutions to a class of
quasilinear elliptic equations in divergence form, including the -Laplace
equation, with merely square-integrable right-hand side. Our results amount to
the existence and square integrability of the weak derivatives of the nonlinear
expression of the gradient under the divergence operator. This provides a
nonlinear counterpart of the classical -coercivity theory for linear
problems, which is missing in the existing literature. Both local and global
estimates are established. The latter apply to solutions to either Dirichlet or
Neumann boundary value problems. Minimal regularity on the boundary of the
domain is required. If the domain is convex, no regularity of its boundary is
needed at all
Procjena prijelazne stabilnosti dvopodručnog energetskog sustava s CSC-STATCOM-om zasnovanom na LQR-u
A current source converter (CSC) based static synchronous compensator (STATCOM) is a shunt flexible AC transmission system (FACTS) device, which has a vital role as a stability support for small and large transient instability in an interconnected power network. A robust linear quadratic regulator (LQR) based controller for CSC-STATCOM is proposed. In this paper, LQR based CSC-STATCOM is designed to enhance the transient stability of two-area two-machine power system. First of all, modeling & LQR based controller design for CSC-STATCOM are described. After that, the impact of the proposed scheme on the test system with different disturbances is demonstrated. The feasibility of the proposed scheme is demonstrated through simulation in MATLAB and the simulation results show an improvement in the transient stability of power system with CSC-STATCOM. Also, the robustness and effectiveness of CSC-STATCOM are better rather than other shunt FACTS devices (SVC & VSC-STATCOM) in this paper.Statički sinkroni kompenzator (STATCOM) zasnovan na pretvaraču strujnog izvora (CSC) je uređaj za izmjenični prijenos s fleksibilnim "shuntom" (FACTS), koji značajno doprinosi stabilnosti malih i srednjih prijelaznih nestabilnosti u međusobno povezanoj energetskoj mreži. Ovdje je predložen robusni sustav upravljanja zasnovan na linearnom kvadratičnom regulatoru (LQR) za CSC-STATCOM. U ovom radu, CSC-STATCOM zasnovan na LQR-u dizajniran je za povećanje stabilnosti dvopodručnog energetskog sustava s dva motora. Prvo su opisani postupak modeliranja te upravljački sustav zasnovan na LQR-u za CSC-STATCOM. Nakon toga, prikazan je utjecaj predstavljene sheme na ispitni sustav uz prisutnost različitih poremećaja. Provedivost predstavljenog pristupa je prikazana kroz MATLAB simulacije čiji rezultati prikazuju poboljšanje u prijelaznoj stabilnosti energetskog sustava s CSC-STATCOM-om. Također, u ovom radu je prikazana veća robusnost i efikasnost CSC-STATCOM "shunt" FACTS uređaja u odnosu na SVC i VSC-STATCOM
Influence of quorum sensing signal molecules on biofilm formation in Proteus mirabilis O18
The influence of basis of quorum sensing molecules on Proteus strains is much less known as compared to Pseudomonas or Escherichia. We have previously shown that a series of acylated homoserine lactones (acyl-HSL) does not influence the ureolytic, proteolytic, or hemolytic abilities, and that the swarming motility of Proteus mirabilis rods is strain specific. The aim of the presented study was to find out if the presence of a series of acyl-HSL influences biofilm formation of P. mirabilis laboratory strain belonging to O18 serogroup. This serogroup is characterized by the presence of a unique non-carbohydrate component, namely phosphocholine. Escherichia coli and P. mirabilis O18 strains used in this work contains cloned plasmids encoding fluorescent protein genes with constitutive gene expression. In mixed biofilms in stationary and continuous flow conditions, P. mirabilis O18 overgrow whole culture. P. mirabilis O18 strain has genetically proved a presence of AI–2 quorum sensing system. Differences in biofilm structure were observed depending on the biofilm type and culture methods. From tested acylated homoserine lactones (BHL, HHL, OHL, DHL, dDHL, tDHL), a significant influence had BHL on thickness, structure, and the amount of exopolysaccharides produced by biofilms formed by P. mirabilis O18 pDsRed2
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Is it me? Self-recognition bias across sensory modalities and its relationship to autistic traits
Background Atypical self-processing is an emerging theme in autism research, suggested by lower self-reference effect in memory, and atypical neural responses to visual self-representations. Most research on physical self-processing in autism uses visual stimuli. However, the self is a multimodal construct, and therefore, it is essential to test self-recognition in other sensory modalities as well. Self-recognition in the auditory modality remains relatively unexplored and has not been tested in relation to autism and related traits. This study investigates self-recognition in auditory and visual domain in the general population and tests if it is associated with autistic traits. Methods Thirty-nine neurotypical adults participated in a two-part study. In the first session, individual participant’s voice was recorded and face was photographed and morphed respectively with voices and faces from unfamiliar identities. In the second session, participants performed a ‘self-identification’ task, classifying each morph as ‘self’ voice (or face) or an ‘other’ voice (or face). All participants also completed the Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ). For each sensory modality, slope of the self-recognition curve was used as individual self-recognition metric. These two self-recognition metrics were tested for association between each other, and with autistic traits. Results Fifty percent ‘self’ response was reached for a higher percentage of self in the auditory domain compared to the visual domain (t = 3.142; P < 0.01). No significant correlation was noted between self-recognition bias across sensory modalities (τ = −0.165, P = 0.204). Higher recognition bias for self-voice was observed in individuals higher in autistic traits (τ AQ = 0.301, P = 0.008). No such correlation was observed between recognition bias for self-face and autistic traits (τ AQ = −0.020, P = 0.438). Conclusions Our data shows that recognition bias for physical self-representation is not related across sensory modalities. Further, individuals with higher autistic traits were better able to discriminate self from other voices, but this relation was not observed with self-face. A narrow self-other overlap in the auditory domain seen in individuals with high autistic traits could arise due to enhanced perceptual processing of auditory stimuli often observed in individuals with autism
Features, Causes and Consequences of Splanchnic Sequestration of Amino Acid in Old Rats
RATIONALE: In elderly subjects, splanchnic extraction of amino acids (AA) increases during meals in a process known as splanchnic sequestration of amino acids (SSAA). This process potentially contributes to the age-related progressive decline in muscle mass via reduced peripheral availability of dietary AA. SSAA mechanisms are unknown but may involve an increased net utilization of ingested AA in the splanchnic area. OBJECTIVES: Using stable isotope methodology in fed adult and old rats to provide insight into age-related SSAA using three hypotheses: 1) an increase in protein synthesis in the gut and/or the liver, 2) an increase in AA oxidation related to an increased ureagenesis, and 3) Kupffer cell (KC) activation consequently to age-related low-grade inflammation. FINDINGS: Splanchnic extraction of Leu (SPELeu) was doubled in old rats compared to adult rats and was not changed after KC inactivation. No age-related effects on gut and liver protein synthesis were observed, but urea synthesis was lower in old rats and negatively correlated to liver Arg utilization. Net whole-body protein synthesis and arterial AA levels were lower in old rats and correlated negatively with SPELeu. CONCLUSION: SSAA is not the consequence of age-related alterations in ureagenesis, gut or liver protein synthesis or of KC activity. However, SSAA may be related to reduced net whole-body protein synthesis and consequently to the reduced lean body mass that occurs during aging
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