2,179 research outputs found
Cosmic Microwave Background Radiation Anisotropy Induced by Cosmic Strings
We report on a current investigation of the anisotropy pattern induced by
cosmic strings on the cosmic microwave background radiation (MBR). We have
numerically evolved a network of cosmic strings from a redshift of to
the present and calculated the anisotropies which they induce. Based on a
limited number of realizations, we have compared the results of our simulations
with the observations of the COBE-DMR experiment. We have obtained a
preliminary estimate of the string mass-per-unit-length in the cosmic
string scenario.Comment: 8 pages of TeX - [Color] Postscript available by anonymous ftp at
ftp://fnas08.fnal.gov:/pub/Publications/Conf-94-197-A, FERMILAB-Conf-94/197-
Large Angular Scale CMB Anisotropy Induced by Cosmic Strings
We simulate the anisotropy in the cosmic microwave background (CMB) induced
by cosmic strings. By numerically evolving a network of cosmic strings we
generate full-sky CMB temperature anisotropy maps. Based on maps, we
compute the anisotropy power spectrum for multipole moments . By
comparing with the observed temperature anisotropy, we set the normalization
for the cosmic string mass-per-unit-length , obtaining , which is consistent with all other
observational constraints on cosmic strings. We demonstrate that the anisotropy
pattern is consistent with a Gaussian random field on large angular scales.Comment: 4 pages, RevTeX, two postscript files, also available at
http://www.damtp.cam.ac.uk/user/defects/ to appear in Physical Review
Letters, 23 September 199
Cardiac Arrhythmias as Manifestations of Nanopathies: An Emerging View
A nanodomain is a collection of proteins localized within a specialized, nanoscale structural environment, which can serve as the functional unit of macroscopic physiologic processes. We are beginning to recognize the key roles of cardiomyocyte nanodomains in essential processes of cardiac physiology such as electrical impulse propagation and excitationâcontraction coupling (ECC). There is growing appreciation of nanodomain dysfunction, i.e., nanopathy, as a mechanistic driver of life-threatening arrhythmias in a variety of pathologies. Here, we offer an overview of current research on the role of nanodomains in cardiac physiology with particular emphasis on: (1) sodium channel-rich nanodomains within the intercalated disk that participate in cell-to-cell electrical coupling and (2) dyadic nanodomains located along transverse tubules that participate in ECC. The beat to beat function of cardiomyocytes involves three phases: the action potential, the calcium transient, and mechanical contraction/relaxation. In all these phases, cell-wide function results from the aggregation of the stochastic function of individual proteins. While it has long been known that proteins that exist in close proximity influence each otherâs function, it is increasingly appreciated that there exist nanoscale structures that act as functional units of cardiac biophysical phenomena. Termed nanodomains, these structures are collections of proteins, localized within specialized nanoscale structural environments. The nano-environments enable the generation of localized electrical and/or chemical gradients, thereby conferring unique functional properties to these units. Thus, the function of a nanodomain is determined by its protein constituents as well as their local structural environment, adding an additional layer of complexity to cardiac biology and biophysics. However, with the emergence of experimental techniques that allow direct investigation of structure and function at the nanoscale, our understanding of cardiac physiology and pathophysiology at these scales is rapidly advancing. Here, we will discuss the structure and functions of multiple cardiomyocyte nanodomains, and novel strategies that target them for the treatment of cardiac arrhythmias
Accurate identification and epidemiological characterization of Burkholderia cepacia complex : an update
Bacteria belonging to the Burkholderia cepacia complex (Bcc) are among the most important pathogens isolated from cystic fibrosis (CF) patients and in hospital acquired infections (HAI). Accurate identification of Bcc is questionable by conventional biochemical methods. Clonal typing of Burkholderia is also limited due to the problem with identification. Phenotypic identification methods such as VITEK2, protein signature identification methods like VITEK MS, Bruker Biotyper, and molecular targets such as 16S rRNA, recA, hisA and rpsU were reported with varying level of discrimination to identify Bcc. rpsU and/or 16S rRNA sequencing, VITEK2, VITEK MS and Bruker Biotyper could discriminate between Burkholderia spp. and non-Burkholderia spp. Whereas, Bcc complex level identification can be given by VITEK MS, Bruker Biotyper, and 16S rRNA/rpsU/recA/hisA sequencing. For species level identification within Bcc hisA or recA sequencing are reliable. Identification of Bcc is indispensable in CF patients and HAI to ensure appropriate antimicrobial therapy
Cosmic Strings in an Open Universe with Baryonic and Non-Baryonic Dark Matter
We study the effects of cosmic strings on structure formation in open
universes. We calculate the power spectrum of density perturbations for two
class of models: one in which all the dark matter is non baryonic (CDM) and one
in which it is all baryonic (BDM). Our results are compared to the 1 in 6 IRAS
QDOT power spectrum. The best candidates are then used to estimate , the
energy per unit length of the string network. Some comments are made on
mechanisms by which structures are formed in the two theories.Comment: uu-encoded compressed tar of postscript files, Imperial/TP/94-95/0
CMB Anisotropy Induced by Cosmic Strings on Angular Scales
We have computed an estimate of the angular power spectrum of the Cosmic
Microwave Background (CMB) induced by cosmic strings on angular scales , using a numerical simulation of a cosmic string network; and decomposed
this pattern into scalar, vector, and tensor parts. We find no evidence for
strong acoustic oscillations in the scalar anisotropy but rather a broad peak.
The anisotropies from vector modes dominate except on very small angular scales
while the tensor anisotropies are sub-dominant on all angular scales. The
anisotropies generated after recombination are even more important than in
adiabatic models. We expect that these qualitative features are robust to the
varying of cosmological parameters, a study which has not yet been done.Comment: 4 pages, 2 figure
Spatiotemporal patterns of cholera hospitalization in Vellore, India
Systematically collected hospitalization records provide valuable insight into disease patterns and support comprehensive national infectious disease surveillance networks. Hospitalization records detailing patientâs place of residence (PoR) can be utilized to better understand a hospitalâs case load and strengthen surveillance among mobile populations. This study examined geographic patterns of patients treated for cholera at a major hospital in south India. We abstracted 1401 laboratory-confirmed cases of cholera between 2000â2014 from logbooks and electronic health records (EHRs) maintained by the Christian Medical College (CMC) in Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India. We constructed spatial trend models and identified two distinct clusters of patient residenceâone around Vellore (836 records (61.2%)) and one in Bengal (294 records (21.5%)). We further characterized differences in peak timing and disease trend among these clusters to identify differences in cholera exposure among local and visiting populations. We found that the two clusters differ by their patient profiles, with patients in the Bengal cluster being most likely older males traveling to Vellore. Both clusters show well-aligned seasonal peaks in mid-July, only one week apart, with similar downward trend and proportion of predominant O1 serotype. Large hospitals can thus harness EHRs for surveillance by utilizing patientsâ PoRs to study disease patterns among resident and visitor populations
Doppler peaks from active perturbations
We examine how the qualitative structure of the Doppler peaks in the angular
power spectrum of the cosmic microwave anisotropy depends on the fundamental
nature of the perturbations which produced them. The formalism of Hu and
Sugiyama is extended to treat models with cosmic defects. We discuss how
perturbations can be ``active'' or ``passive'' and ``incoherent'' or
``coherent'', and show how causality and scale invariance play rather different
roles in these various cases. We find that the existence of secondary Doppler
peaks and the rough placing of the primary peak unambiguously reflect these
basic properties.Comment: uufile, 8pages, 3 figures. Now available at
http://euclid.tp.ph/Papers/index.html; Changes: URL added, Eqn. (8) expanded,
grant numbers include
Back reaction in the formation of a straight cosmic string
A simple model for the formation of a straight cosmic string, wiggly or
unperturbed is considered. The gravitational field of such string is computed
in the linear approximation. The vacuum expectation value of the stress tensor
of a massless scalar quantum field coupled to the string gravitational field is
computed to the one loop order. Finally, the back-reaction effect on the
gravitational field of the string is obtained by solving perturbatively the
semiclassical Einstein's equations.Comment: 29 pages, LaTeX, no figures. A postcript version can be obtained from
anonymous ftp at ftp://ftp.ifae.es/preprint.f
- âŠ