A new finite element formulation of three-dimensional beam theory based on interpolation of curvature

A new finite element formulation of the *kinematically exact finite-strain beam theory* is presented. The finite element formulation employs the generalized virtual work in which the main role is played by the pseudo-curvature vector. The solution of the governing equations is found by using a combined Galerkin-collocation algorith

Bounds on R-parity Violation from Resonant Slepton Production at the LHC

We consider the ATLAS and CMS searches for dijet resonances, as well as the ATLAS search for like-sign dimuon pairs at the LHC with 7 TeV center of mass energy. We interpret their exclusions in terms of bounds on the supersymmetric R-parity violating parameter space. For this we focus on resonant slepton production followed by the corresponding decay.Comment: 17 pages, 11 figures, 3 table

Resurrecting light stops after the 125 GeV Higgs in the baryon number violating CMSSM

In order to accommodate the observed Higgs boson mass in the CMSSM, the stops must either be very heavy or the mixing in the stop sector must be very large. Lower stop masses, possibly more accessible at the LHC, still give the correct Higgs mass only if the trilinear stop mixing parameter $|A_t|$ is in the multi-TeV range. Recently it has been shown that such large stop mixing leads to an unstable electroweak vacuum which spontaneously breaks charge or colour. In this work we therefore go beyond the CMSSM and investigate the effects of including baryon number violating operators $\lambda'' \bar{\bf U} \bar{\bf D}\bar{\bf D}$ on the stop and Higgs sectors. We find that for $\lambda'' \simeq {\mathcal{O}}(0.3)$ light stop masses as low as 220 GeV are consistent with the observed Higgs mass as well as flavour constraints while allowing for a stable vacuum. The light stop in this scenario is often the lightest supersymmetric particle. We furthermore discuss the importance of the one-loop corrections involving R-parity violating couplings for a valid prediction of the light stop masses.Comment: 26 pages, 9 figures; v2: slightly extended discussion about bounds from flavour observables; matches published versio

Discovery Potential of Selectron or Smuon as the Lightest Supersymmetric Particle at the LHC

We investigate the LHC discovery potential of R-parity violating supersymmetric models with a right-handed selectron or smuon as the lightest supersymmetric particle (LSP). These LSPs arise naturally in R-parity violating minimal supergravity models. We classify the hadron collider signatures and perform for the first time within these models a detailed signal over background analysis. We develop an inclusive three-lepton search and give prospects for a discovery at a center-of-mass energy of 7 TeV as well as 14 TeV. There are extensive parameter regions which the LHC can already test with 7 TeV and an integrated luminosity of 1 inverse femtobarn. We also propose a method for the mass reconstruction of the supersymmetric particles within our models at 14 TeV.Comment: 33 pages, 24 figures; preprint number added, layout correcte

Incorporating roots into Plant-FATE, a dynamic eco-evolution trait-based vegetation model

To predict the response of forest ecosystems and how projected climate change will shift plant species composition, we need models that can account for adaptations encompassing multiple temporal and organizational scales. Recently, eco-evolutionary optimality-based models have emerged, which need fewer parameters than their empirical counterparts, i.e. standard dynamic global vegetation models. The new Plant-FATE (Plant Functional Acclimation and Trait Evolution) model embodies functional diversity through the representation of species across trait space. It integrates ecosystem adaptations across three distinct levels: firstly, it captures the acclimation of plastic traits in individual plants by harnessing the principles of eco-evolutionary optimality. Secondly, to simulate shifts in species composition through demographic changes and species immigration, a trait-size-structured demographic vegetation model is implemented. Lastly, the model addresses the long-term genetic evolution of species by incorporating novel evolutionary theory tailored for trait-size-structured communities. Currently, Plant-FATE implements fine roots by scaling these to total leaf area, and coarse roots as a fraction of stem mass. Thus, rooting structures, plant root traits, and belowground trade-offs are not represented. To expand the modelling framework, we are implementing fine roots in a similar way as the crown, as a function of the root length profile and the root projection area. We are maintaining the current model structure so that total fine root mass is related to total leaf mass, which reduces the additional parameters needed to model. Instead, we are incorporating one additional trait, specific root length (SRL), which will determine the rooting profile, and which can evolve by natural selection in response to environmental changes. This allows for a depth distribution of fine roots, and for the plant water uptake to be dependent on both soil water potential and root distribution. At a community level, this implementation now means that changes in soil water content, e.g., during drought, can influence belowground competition and trade-offs between above- and below-ground biomass for different species. By modelling rooting strategies of deep-rooted vs shallow-rooted species, or evergreen vs deciduous species, the new root implementation in Plant-FATE will enable correct prediction of differential drought and climate response of coexisting plant species in line with the observed trade-offs in relative investment in above- and belowground tissues in association with their life-history strategy. It will thus allow to create a continuum of plants and their eco-evolutionary niches, which will allow us to predict plant functional diversity in response to environmental cues. Ultimately, incorporating roots in Plant-FATE will better represent ecosystem adaptation and community shifts in response to a changing climate

The Role of Dysregulated miRNAs in the Pathogenesis, Diagnosis and Treatment of Age-Related Macular Degeneration

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is an eye disease causing damage to the macular region of the retina where most of the photoreceptors responsible for central visual acuity are located. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small single-stranded non-coding RNA molecules that negatively regulate genes by silent post-transcriptional gene expressions. Previous studies have shown that changes in specific miRNAs are involved in the pathogenesis of eye diseases, including AMD. Altered expressions of miRNAs are related to disturbances of regulating oxidative stress, inflammation, angiogenesis, apoptosis and phagocytosis, which are known factors in the pathogenesis of AMD. Moreover, dysregulation of miRNA is involved in drusen formation. Thus, miRNAs may be used as potential molecular biomarkers for the disease and, furthermore, tailoring therapeutics to particular disturbances in miRNAs may, in the future, offer hope to prevent irreversible vision loss. In this review, we clarify the current state of knowledge about the influence of miRNA on the pathogenesis, diagnosis and treatment of AMD. Our study material consisted of publications, which were found in PubMed, Google Scholar and Embase databases using "Age-related macular degeneration", "miRNA", "AMD biomarkers", "miRNA therapeutics" and "AMD pathogenesis" as keywords. Paper search was limited to articles published from 2011 to date. In the section "Retinal, circulating and vitreous body miRNAs found in human studies", we limited the search to studies with patients published in 2016-2021

Application ofyo1k immunoglobulin in prophylaxis of diarrhea in piglets

The yolk immunoglobulin (IgY) preparate was added to the fodder of piglets to establish its prophylactic role in the periods of highest incidence of diarrhea. IgY was added in the proportion of 0,5g (Dl), lg (02) or 2g (03) /kg of the fodder, (control group without IgY) and given to suckling piglets (5-21 days old, in summary 873 from 81 sows at four groups, experiment 1.), or to piglets during first 30 days after weaning (15 piglets in each of the groups, experiment 2.). Experiment 1.: diarrhea occurred in 6.72% of suckling control piglets whereas no diarrhea was found in Dl group, in 0.92% of 02, and in 3.21% of 03 group. The incidence of other diseases was also higher in control than in experimental groups. The percent of reared piglets was significantly higher in experimental ( 89.17-91.98%, than in the control (82.21 %) groups