1,082 research outputs found
Relative size underlies alternative morph development in a salamander
Size thresholds commonly underlie the induction of alternative morphological states. However, the respective importance of absolute and relative size to such thresholds remains uncertain. If absolute size governs expression, morph frequency should differ among environments that influence absolute sizes (e.g. resources, competition), and individuals of the same morph should have similar average sizes across environments. If relative size determines expression, the frequency of each morph may not differ among environments, but morphs within each environment should differ in size relative to one another. We tested these predictions in a salamander (Ambystoma talpoideum) that develops into either a terrestrial metamorph or an aquatic paedomorph. To generate size variation within and among environments, we reared individuals in mesocosm ponds across three conspecific densities. We found that morph frequency did not differ among density treatments, and the morphs were not similarly sized within each density treatment. Instead, within each environment, relatively larger individuals became metamorphs and relatively smaller individuals became paedomorphs. Relative size therefore determined morph development, highlighting the importance of an individual’s social context to size-dependent morph induction
Pinch Resonances in a Radio Frequency Driven SQUID Ring-Resonator System
In this paper we present experimental data on the frequency domain response
of a SQUID ring (a Josephson weak link enclosed by a thick superconducting
ring) coupled to a radio frequency (rf) tank circuit resonator. We show that
with the ring weakly hysteretic the resonance lineshape of this coupled system
can display opposed fold bifurcations that appear to touch (pinch off). We
demonstrate that for appropriate circuit parameters these pinch off lineshapes
exist as solutions of the non-linear equations of motion for the system.Comment: 9 pages, 8 figures, Uploaded as implementing a policy of arXiving old
paper
Giant Relaxation Oscillations in a Very Strongly Hysteretic SQUID ring-Tank Circuit System
In this paper we show that the radio frequency (rf) dynamical characteristics
of a very strongly hysteretic SQUID ring, coupled to an rf tank circuit
resonator, display relaxation oscillations. We demonstrate that the the overall
form of these characteristics, together with the relaxation oscillations, can
be modelled accurately by solving the quasi-classical non-linear equations of
motion for the system. We suggest that in these very strongly hysteretic
regimes SQUID ring-resonator systems may find application in novel logic and
memory devices.Comment: 7 pages, 5 figures. Uploaded as implementing a policy of arXiving old
paper
Consumer acceptance of patient-performed mobile teledermoscopy for the early detection of melanoma
Background Mobile teledermoscopy allows consumers to send images of skin lesions to a teledermatologist for remote diagnosis. Currently, technology acceptance of mobile teledermoscopy by people at high risk of melanoma is unknown. Objectives We aimed to determine the acceptance of mobile teledermoscopy by consumers based on perceived usefulness, ease of use, compatibility, attitude/intention, subjective norms, facilitators and trust before use. Consumer satisfaction was explored after use
Energy Down Conversion between Classical Electromagnetic Fields via a Quantum Mechanical SQUID Ring
We consider the interaction of a quantum mechanical SQUID ring with a
classical resonator (a parallel tank circuit). In our model we assume that
the evolution of the ring maintains its quantum mechanical nature, even though
the circuit to which it is coupled is treated classically. We show that when
the SQUID ring is driven by a classical monochromatic microwave source, energy
can be transferred between this input and the tank circuit, even when the
frequency ratio between them is very large. Essentially, these calculations
deal with the coupling between a single macroscopic quantum object (the SQUID
ring) and a classical circuit measurement device where due account is taken of
the non-perturbative behaviour of the ring and the concomitant non-linear
interaction of the ring with this device.Comment: 7 pages, 6 figure
A Fully Quantum Mechanical Model of a SQUID Ring Coupled to an Electromagnetic Field
A quantum system comprising of a monochromatic electromagnetic field coupled
to a SQUID ring with sinusoidal non-linearity, is studied. A magnetostatic flux
is also threading the SQUID ring, and is used to control the
coupling between the two systems. It is shown that for special values of
the system is strongly coupled. The time evolution of the system is
studied. It is shown that exchange of energy takes place between the two modes
and that the system becomes entangled. A second quasi-classical model that
treats the electromagnetic field classically is also studied. A comparison
between the fully quantum mechanical model with the electromagnetic field
initially in a coherent state and the quasi-classical model, is made.Comment: 7 pages, 9 figures. Uploaded as implementing a policy of arXiving old
paper
Occupational exposure to N-nitrosamines and pesticides and risk of pancreatic cancer
Objectives Animal evidence shows that N-nitrosamines and similar xenobiotic compounds are pancreatic carcinogens. We aimed to determine whether occupational exposure to N-nitrosamines or to pesticides increases risk of pancreatic cancer development. Methods Participants (504 cases, 643 controls) in a population-based case-control study (The Queensland Pancreatic Cancer Study) provided data on demographic, medical and lifestyle factors and lifetime job histories. Specific questions were asked regarding work in rubber and leather industries, metalworking jobs and occupational or direct use of pesticides on animals or crops. An occupational hygienist reviewed this information (blind to case status) to assess likelihood of exposure to N-nitrosamines and pesticides, and estimated level and frequency of such exposures. Results No associations were found for risk of pancreatic cancer and occupational exposure to N-nitrosamines (OR=0.85, 95% CI 0.51 to 1.42) and no associations were seen with level or frequency of exposure. No associations were observed for ever exposure to pesticides in general (OR=0.90, 95% CI 0.61 to 1.33) or to any of the pesticide subgroups. Stratification by history of cigarette smoking did not change these results. Conclusions This comprehensive analysis of a large case-control study does not support an association between occupational exposure to N-nitrosamines or pesticide use and risk of pancreatic cancer
Quantum Statistics and Entanglement of Two Electromagnetic Field Modes Coupled via a Mesoscopic SQUID Ring
In this paper we investigate the behaviour of a fully quantum mechanical
system consisting of a mesoscopic SQUID ring coupled to one or two
electromagnetic field modes. We show that we can use a static magnetic flux
threading the SQUID ring to control the transfer of energy, the entanglement
and the statistical properties of the fields coupled to the ring. We also
demonstrate that at, and around, certain values of static flux the effective
coupling between the components of the system is large. The position of these
regions in static flux is dependent on the energy level structure of the ring
and the relative field mode frequencies, In these regions we find that the
entanglement of states in the coupled system, and the energy transfer between
its components, is strong.Comment: 15 pages, 19 figures, Uploaded as implementing a policy of arXiving
old paper
Quantum graphs where back-scattering is prohibited
We describe a new class of scattering matrices for quantum graphs in which
back-scattering is prohibited. We discuss some properties of quantum graphs
with these scattering matrices and explain the advantages and interest in their
study. We also provide two methods to build the vertex scattering matrices
needed for their construction.Comment: 15 page
Model validation for a noninvasive arterial stenosis detection problem
Copyright @ 2013 American Institute of Mathematical SciencesA current thrust in medical research is the development of a non-invasive method for detection, localization, and characterization of an arterial stenosis (a blockage or partial blockage in an artery). A method has been proposed to detect shear waves in the chest cavity which have been generated by disturbances in the blood flow resulting from a stenosis. In order to develop this methodology further, we use both one-dimensional pressure and shear wave experimental data from novel acoustic phantoms to validate corresponding viscoelastic mathematical models, which were developed in a concept paper [8] and refined herein. We estimate model parameters which give a good fit (in a sense to be precisely defined) to the experimental data, and use asymptotic error theory to provide confidence intervals for parameter estimates. Finally, since a robust error model is necessary for accurate parameter estimates and confidence analysis, we include a comparison of absolute and relative models for measurement error.The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, the Air Force Office of Scientific Research, the Deopartment of Education and the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC)
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