2,964 research outputs found
Liquid Polymorphism and Density Anomaly in a Lattice Gas Model
We present a simple model for an associating liquid in which polymorphism and
density anomaly are connected. Our model combines a two dimensional lattice gas
with particles interacting through a soft core potential and orientational
degrees of freedom represented through thermal \char`\"{}ice
variables\char`\"{} . The competition between the directional attractive forces
and the soft core potential leads to a phase diagram in which two liquid phases
and a density anomaly are present. The coexistence line between the low density
liquid and the high density liquid has a positive slope contradicting the
surmise that the presence of a density anomaly implies that the high density
liquid is more entropic than the low density liquid
EEG ALTERATIONS DURING ABSENT "HEALING"
Five separate individuals who regard themselves as healers or spiritual healers, in a time controlled situation, were asked to send healing energy to a total of 110 subjects who were located from 100 feet to 160 miles from the healer. In all instances, there were moderate to quite striking changes in the subject's EEG usually occurring within the first five minutes of the sending of healing energy, bur sometimes appearing most dramatic twenty minutes after the completion of the healing. Almost always there was a marked increase in delta activity in all areas of the brain with less significant increases in theta and alpha activity. In 50 of the subjects, the healer was directed to send energy initially either to the frontal or occipital area and then later to reverse the intended area of the brain. In these cases, there was a much greater increase of brain wave activity in the part of the brain to which the healers' energy was directed, although most of the time the increased healing energy also affected other lobes of the brain. It appears that human mental intent to heal, especially by trained healers, is transmitted through space from over 100 feet to 160 miles
EEG ALTERATIONS DURING ABSENT "HEALING"
Five separate individuals who regard themselves as healers or spiritual healers, in a time controlled situation, were asked to send healing energy to a total of 110 subjects who were located from 100 feet to 160 miles from the healer. In all instances, there were moderate to quite striking changes in the subject's EEG usually occurring within the first five minutes of the sending of healing energy, bur sometimes appearing most dramatic twenty minutes after the completion of the healing. Almost always there was a marked increase in delta activity in all areas of the brain with less significant increases in theta and alpha activity. In 50 of the subjects, the healer was directed to send energy initially either to the frontal or occipital area and then later to reverse the intended area of the brain. In these cases, there was a much greater increase of brain wave activity in the part of the brain to which the healers' energy was directed, although most of the time the increased healing energy also affected other lobes of the brain. It appears that human mental intent to heal, especially by trained healers, is transmitted through space from over 100 feet to 160 miles
The stellar velocity dispersion in the inner 1.3 disk scale-lengths of the irregular galaxy NGC 4449
We present measurements of the stellar velocity dispersion in the inner 1
arcmin radius (1.3 disk scale-lengths) of the irregular galaxy NGC 4449
determined from long-slit absorption-line spectra. The average observed
dispersion is 29 +/-2 km/s, the same as predicted from NGC 4449's luminosity.
No significant rotation in the stars is detected. If we assume a maximum
rotation speed of the stars from the model determined from the gas kinematics
of Hunter et al. (2002), the ratio V_max/sigma_z measured globally is 3. This
ratio is comparable to values measured in spiral galaxies, and implies that the
stellar disk in NGC 4449 is kinematically relatively cold. The intrinsic
minor-to-major axis ratio (b/a)_0 is predicted to be in the range 0.3-0.6,
similar to values derived from the distribution of observed b/a of Im galaxies.
However, V/sigma_z measured locally is 0.5-1.1, and so the circular velocity of
NGC 4449 is comparable or less than the velocity of the stars within the
central 1.3 disk scale-lengths of the galaxy.Comment: To be published in ApJ, Nov 200
Science for a wilder Anthropocene: synthesis and future directions for trophic rewilding research
Trophic rewilding is an ecological restoration strategy that uses species introductions to restore top-down trophic interactions and associated trophic cascades to promote self-regulating biodiverse ecosystems. Given the importance of large animals in trophic cascades and their widespread losses and resulting trophic downgrading, it often focuses on restoring functional megafaunas. Trophic rewilding is increasingly being implemented for conservation, but remains controversial. Here, we provide a synthesis of its current scientific basis, highlighting trophic cascades as the key conceptual framework, discussing the main lessons learned from ongoing rewilding projects, systematically reviewing the current literature, and highlighting unintentional rewilding and spontaneous wildlife comebacks as underused sources of information. Together, these lines of evidence show that trophic cascades may be restored via species reintroductions and ecological replacements. It is clear, however, that megafauna effects may be affected by poorly understood trophic complexity effects and interactions with landscape settings, human activities, and other factors. Unfortunately, empirical research on trophic rewilding is still rare, fragmented, and geographically biased, with the literature dominated by essays and opinion pieces. We highlight the need for applied programs to include hypothesis testing and science-based monitoring, and outline priorities for future research, notably assessing the role of trophic complexity, interplay with landscape settings, land use, and climate change, as well as developing the global scope for rewilding and tools to optimize benefits and reduce human–wildlife conflicts. Finally, we recommend developing a decision framework for species selection, building on functional and phylogenetic information and with attention to the potential contribution from synthetic biology
Liver triacylglycerol content and gestational diabetes: effects of moderate energy restriction
Aims/hypothesis
Women with a history of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) have raised liver triacylglycerol. Restriction of energy intake in type 2 diabetes can normalise glucose control and liver triacylglycerol concentration but it is not known whether similar benefits could be achieved in GDM. The aim of this work was to examine liver triacylglycerol accumulation in women with GDM and the effect of modest energy restriction.
Methods
Sixteen women with GDM followed a 4 week diet (5 MJ [1200 kcal]/day). Liver triacylglycerol, before and after diet and postpartum, was measured by magnetic resonance. Insulin secretion and sensitivity were assessed before and after diet. Twenty-six women who underwent standard antenatal care for GDM (matched for age, BMI, parity and ethnicity) were used as a comparator group.
Results
Fourteen women, who completed the study, achieved a weight loss of 1.6 ± 1.7 kg over the 4 week dietary period. Mean weight change was −0.4 kg/week in the study group vs +0.3 kg/week in the comparator group (p = 0.002). Liver triacylglycerol level was normal but decreased following diet (3.7% [interquartile range, IQR 1.2–6.1%] vs 1.8% [IQR 0.7–3.1%], p = 0.004). There was no change in insulin sensitivity or production. Insulin was required in six comparator women vs none in the study group (eight vs two required metformin). Blood glucose control was similar for both groups. The hypo-energetic diet was well accepted.
Conclusions/interpretation
Liver triacylglycerol in women with GDM was not elevated, unlike observations in non-pregnant women with a history of GDM. A 4 week hypo-energetic diet resulted in weight loss, reduced liver triacylglycerol and minimised pharmacotherapy. The underlying pathophysiology of glucose metabolism appeared unchanged
The Coupled Cluster Method in Hamiltonian Lattice Field Theory: SU(2) Glueballs
The glueball spectrum within the Hamiltonian formulation of lattice gauge
theory (without fermions) is calculated for the gauge group SU(2) and for two
spatial dimensions.
The Hilbert space of gauge-invariant functions of the gauge field is
generated by its parallel-transporters on closed paths along the links of the
spatial lattice. The coupled cluster method is used to determine the spectrum
of the Kogut-Susskind Hamiltonian in a truncated basis. The quality of the
description is studied by computing results from various truncations, lattice
regularisations and with an improved Hamiltonian.
We find consistency for the mass ratio predictions within a scaling region
where we obtain good agreement with standard lattice Monte Carlo results.Comment: 13 pages, 7 figure
Four millennia of Iberian biomolecular prehistory illustrate the impact of prehistoric migrations at the far end of Eurasia
Population genomic studies of ancient human remains have shown how modern-day European population structure has been shaped by a number of prehistoric migrations. The Neolithization of Europe has been associated with large-scale migrations from Anatolia, which was followed by migrations of herders from the Pontic steppe at the onset of the Bronze Age. Southwestern Europe was one of the last parts of the continent reached by these migrations, and modern-day populations from this region show intriguing similarities to the initial Neolithic migrants. Partly due to climatic conditions that are unfavorable for DNA preservation, regional studies on the Mediterranean remain challenging. Here, we present genome-wide sequence data from 13 individuals combined with stable isotope analysis from the north and south of Iberia covering a four-millennial temporal transect (7, 500–3, 500 BP). Early Iberian farmers and Early Central European farmers exhibit significant genetic differences, suggesting two independent fronts of the Neolithic expansion. The first Neolithic migrants that arrived in Iberia had low levels of genetic diversity, potentially reflecting a small number of individuals; this diversity gradually increased over time from mixing with local hunter-gatherers and potential population expansion. The impact of post-Neolithic migrations on Iberia was much smaller than for the rest of the continent, showing little external influence from the Neolithic to the Bronze Age. Paleodietary reconstruction shows that these populations have a remarkable degree of dietary homogeneity across space and time, suggesting a strong reliance on terrestrial food resources despite changing culture and genetic make-up
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