Isotropic, Nematic and Smectic A Phase Behaviour in a Fictitious Field

Phase behaviours of liquid crystals under external fields, conjugate to the nematic order and smectic order, are studied within the framework of mean field approximation developed by McMillan. It is found that phase diagrams, of temperature vs interaction parameter of smectic A order, show several topologically different types caused by the external fields. The influences of the field conjugate to the smectic A phase, which is fictitious field, are precisely discussed.Comment: To be published in J. Phys. Soc. Jpn. vol.73 No.

On the convergence to statistical equilibrium for harmonic crystals

We consider the dynamics of a harmonic crystal in $d$ dimensions with $n$ components, $d,n$ arbitrary, $d,n\ge 1$, and study the distribution $\mu_t$ of the solution at time $t\in\R$. The initial measure $\mu_0$ has a translation-invariant correlation matrix, zero mean, and finite mean energy density. It also satisfies a Rosenblatt- resp. Ibragimov-Linnik type mixing condition. The main result is the convergence of $\mu_t$ to a Gaussian measure as $t\to\infty$. The proof is based on the long time asymptotics of the Green's function and on Bernstein's ``room-corridors'' method

The role of endogenous and exogenous RasGAP-derived fragment N in protecting cardiomyocytes from peroxynitrite-induced apoptosis.

Peroxynitrite (PN) is a potent nitrating and oxidizing agent generated during various pathological situations affecting the heart. The negative effects of PN result, at least in part, from its ability to activate caspases and apoptosis. RasGAP is a ubiquitously expressed protein that is cleaved sequentially by caspase-3. At low caspase-3 activity, RasGAP is cleaved into an N-terminal fragment, called fragment N, that protects cells by activating the Ras/PI3K/Akt pathway. At high caspase-3 activity, fragment N is further cleaved and this abrogates its capacity to stimulate the antiapoptotic Akt kinase. Fragment N formation is crucial for the survival of cells exposed to a variety of stresses. Here we investigate the pattern of RasGAP cleavage upon PN stimulation and the capacity of fragment N to protect cardiomyocytes. PN did not lead to sequential cleavage of RasGAP. Indeed, PN did not allow accumulation of fragment N because it induced its rapid cleavage into smaller fragments. No situations were found in cells treated with PN in which the presence of fragment N was associated with survival. However, expression of a caspase-resistant form of fragment N in cardiomyocytes protected them from PN-induced apoptosis. Our results indicate that the antiapoptotic pathway activated by fragment N is effective at inhibiting PN-induced apoptosis (as seen when cardiomyocytes express a capase-3-resistant form of fragment N) but because fragment N is too transiently generated in response to PN, no survival response is effectively produced. This may explain the marked deleterious consequences of PN generation in various organs, including the heart

Vertebrate Air Breathing Arose In Fresh Waters And Not In The Oceans

Peer Reviewedhttps://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/137418/1/evo00662.pd

Computer modeling of large asteroid impacts into continental and oceanic sites: Atmospheric, cratering, and ejecta dynamics

Numerous impact cratering events have occurred on the Earth during the last several billion years that have seriously affected our planet and its atmosphere. The largest cratering events, which were caused by asteroids and comets with kinetic energies equivalent to tens of millions of megatons of TNT, have distributed substantial quantities of terrestrial and extraterrestrial material over much or all of the Earth. In order to study a large-scale impact event in detail, computer simulations were completed that model the passage of a 10 km-diameter asteroid through the Earth's atmosphere and the subsequent cratering and ejecta dynamics associated with impact of the asteroid into two different targets, i.e., an oceanic site and a continental site. The calcuations were designed to broadly represent giant impact events that have occurred on the Earth since its formation and specifically represent an impact cratering event proposed to have occurred at the end of Cretaceous time. Calculation of the passage of the asteroid through a U.S. Standard Atmosphere showed development of a strong bow shock that expanded radially outward. Behind the shock front was a region of highly shock compressed and intensely heated air. Behind the asteroid, rapid expansion of this shocked air created a large region of very low density that also expanded away from the impact area. Calculations of the cratering events in both the continental and oceanic targets were carried to 120 s. Despite geologic differences, impacts in both targets developed comparable dynamic flow fields, and by approx. 29 s similar-sized transient craters approx. 39 km deep and approx. 62 km across had formed. For all practical purposes, the atmosphere was nearly completely removed from the impact area for tens of seconds, i.e., air pressures were less than fractions of a bar out to ranges of over 50 km. Consequently, much of the asteroid and target materials were ejected upward into a near vacuum. Effects of secondary volcanism and return of the ocean over hot oceanic crater floor could also be expected to add substantial solid and vaporized material to the atmosphere, but these conditions were not studied

The Effect of Relative Pricing on the Fixed-Rate Mortgage Term Decision

This paper analyzes determinants of the fifteen- versus thirty-year fixed-rate mortgage (FRM) loan term decision. Because the thirty-year FRM may be converted (by partial prepayment) to the shorter term, the thirty-year instrument provides the implicit option to extend repayment. Relative rates measure the price (cost) of this option to the consumer. The results indicate that the term decision of consumers is highly sensitive to relative rates: probit estimates using data from a large national lending institution for the 1987 to 1990 period indicate that a 1% increase in the ratio of fifteen- to thirty-year rates lowers the probability of fifteen-year term choice by 20%. The results also indicate that expected housing price appreciation, which measures investment determinants of housing demand, is negatively related to the fifteen-year FRM term choice.

Influence of Homeotropic Anchoring Walls upon Nematic and Smectic Phases

McMillan liquid crystal model sandwiched between strong homeotropic anchoring walls is studied. Phase transitions between isotropic, nematic, and smectic A phases are investigated for wide ranges of an interaction parameter and of the system thickness. It is confirmed that the anchoring walls induce an increase in transition temperatures, dissappearance of phase transitions, and an appearance of non-spontaneous nematic phase. The similarity between influence of anchoring walls and that of external fields is discussed.Comment: 5 pages, 6 figure

Unsung heroes: who supports social work students on placement?

Since the introduction of the three year degree programme in 2003, social work education has undergone a number of significant changes. The time students spend on placement has been increased to two hundred days, and the range of placement opportunities and the way in which these placements have been configured has significantly diversified. A consistent feature over the years, however, has been the presence of a Practice Educator (PE) who has guided, assessed and taught the student whilst on placement. Unsurprisingly, the role of the PE and the pivotal relationship they have with the student has been explored in the past and features in social work literature. This paper, however, concentrates on a range of other relationships which are of significance in providing support to students on placement. In particular it draws on research to discuss the role of the university contact tutor, the place of the wider team in which the student is sited, and the support offered by family, friends and others. Placements and the work undertaken by PE’s will continue to be integral to the delivery of social work education. It is, however, essential to recognise and value the often over looked role of others in providing support to students on placement