Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The results of this study show that Monte Carlo simulations of diffusion in homogeneous turbulence can be formulated in terms of the Eulerian space-time velocity autocorrelation function. Numerical results obtained using this approach agree with results obtained by Taylor (1921) using the Lagrangian autocorrelation function. Use was made of the equivalence of the Lagrangian and Eulerian Monte Carlo approaches to derive analytic relations between the Lagrangian integral time scale and the Eulerian integral space and time scales. These analytic results were verified by comparison to Monte Carlo simulations and to other theoretical results. They are in general agreement with many existing theories and semi-empirical relations.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The field algebra of the minimal models of W-algebras is amenable to a very simple description as a polynomial algebra generated by a few elementary fields, corresponding to order parameters. Using this description, the complete Landau-Ginzburg lagrangians for these models are obtained. Perturbing these lagrangians we can explore their phase diagrams, which correspond to multicritical points with D_n symmetry. In particular, it is shown that there is a perturbation for which the phase structure is similar to that of the IRF models of Jimbo et al. (orig.).

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

In ab initio molecular dynamics, whenever information about the potential energy surface is needed for integrating the equations of motion, it is computed 'on the fly' using electronic structure calculations. For Born-Oppenheimer methods, the electronic structure calculations are converged, whereas in the extended Lagrangian approach the electronic structure is propagated along with the nuclei. Some recent advances for both approaches are discussed.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

I report on some recent work done in collaboration with E. de Rafael on the connection between ultraviolet renormalons in QCD and Nambu-Jona-Lasinio-like Lagrangians as its effective description at low energies. (orig.)

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The systems for which the algebra of gauge transformations in the lagrangian formalism is closed, are considered. The hamiltonian BRST charge and the BRST-invariant hamiltonian are found explicitly. Their expansions in powers of the ghost variables contain, in general, an infinite number of terms. (orig.).

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

In this note we prove to all orders in the small scale expansion that all off-shell parameters which appear in the chiral effective Lagrangian with explicit DELTA(1232) isobar degrees of freedom can be absorbed into redefinitions of certain low-energy constants and are therefore redundant.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Methods of solving Navier-Stokes equations for turbulent channel flow are given. These numerical solutions utilize either Neumann or Dirichlet boundary conditions. Computer codes were written and tested and are discussed. Digital image processing of flow visualization video sequences, taken simultaneously with vorticity probe measurements in a turbulent boundary layer, were carried out. 4 figs. (GHH)

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Irrespective of supersymmetry, it is interesting to understand the special properties of theories admitting duality rotations. The Lagrangian of such a theory is not invariant under the transformations, nor does it change by a total derivative, but it transforms in a particular way which implies that the system of the equations of motion is invariant and that observables, such as the energy momentum tensor and therefore the total energy and momentum, are invariant. The main results of a recent paper on the properties of theories admitting duality rotations written in collaboration with M. K. Gaillard (1981) are described.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

We show that the chaotic dynamical behaviour displayed by diagonal Bianchi type IX metrics in general relativity does not occur on approach to the singularity in higher-order lagrangian theories of gravity. However, chaotic behaviour does occur in the more general non-diagonal type IX models in these theories. An interpretation of these results in terms of the hamiltonian potential picture of the type IX evolution is given. (orig.).

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The paper is concerned with the economic operation of power systems comprising pumped storage and thermal plants. In power systems, pumped storage plants may receive the energy required for pumping water either from the system in which they are integrated or from a neighbouring system. Therefore, two mathematical formulations of the problem are presented depending on the source of energy during pumping. In both cases, the problem is reduced to a non linear optimization problem. Two numerical techniques are suggested for the solution of this optimization problem, namely the Lagrangian Multipliers technique and the Rosen Gradient Projection technique. Numerical examples are presented to demonstrate the techniques. Although the Lagrangian Multipliers technique has the advantage of being a well known technique, however, computer wise, the Rosen Gradient Projection technique proves to be more efficient. The results of the numerical examples given ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

We study heavy physics effects on the Higgs production in {gamma}{gamma} fusion using the effective Lagrangian approach. We find that the effects coming from new physics may enhance the standard model predictions for the number of events expected in the final states {bar {ital b}}{ital b}, {ital WW}, and {ital ZZ} up to one order of magnitude, whereas the corresponding number of events for the final state {bar {ital t}}{ital t} may be enhanced up to two orders of magnitude. {copyright} {ital 1996 American Institute of Physics.}

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The mass of the nucleon is studied in a chiral quark-diquark model. Both scalar and axial-vector diquarks are taken into account for the construction of the nucleon state. After the hadronization procedure is used to obtain an effective meson-baryon Lagrangian, the quark-diquark self-energy is calculated to generate the baryon kinetic term as well as determine the mass of the nucleon. It turns out that both the scalar and axial-vector parts of the self-energy are attractive for the mass of the nucleon. We investigate the range of parameters that can reproduce the mass of the nucleon.

CERN Document Server

We present an application that automatically writes the Helas library corresponding to the Feynman rules of any Lagrangian, renormalizable or not, in quantum field theory. The code, written in Python, takes the Universal FeynRules Output as an input and produces the complete set of routines (wave-functions and amplitudes) that are needed for the computation of Feynman diagrams at leading as well as at higher orders. The representation is language independent and outputs in Fortran, C++, Python are currently available. A few key sample applications implemented in the MadGraph5 framework are presented.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Aim of the work was to describe the noninvasive assessment of bone mineral density, geometrical and biochemical properties in premenopausal women with dietary intake of phytoestrogens and comparison of these parameters with those of age-matched female subjects with Mediterranean dietary intake lacking in these substances. Volumetric cortical, trabecular and total mineral density and bone geometrical properties were evaluated with peripheral quantitative computed tomography (pQCT) at the distal radius of the non dominant forearm. pQCT showed higher bone mineral density (total and trabecular) and SSI values in premenopausal with dietary intake of phytoestrogens. Despite the lack of statistical significance, these preliminary results, should further support the few literature findings about the potential role of phytoestrogens consumption in preventing trabecular bone loss. However, further studies are warranted to evaluate definitively postmenopausal osteoporosis. [Italian] Scopo del ...

CERN Document Server

In six dimensions, cancellation of gauge, gravitational, and mixed anomalies strongly constrains the set of quantum field theories which can be coupled consistently to gravity. We show that for some classes of six-dimensional supersymmetric gauge theories coupled to gravity, the anomaly cancellation conditions are equivalent to tadpole cancellation and other constraints on the matter content of heterotic/type I compactifications on K3. In these cases, all consistent 6D supergravity theories have a realization in string theory. We find one example which may arise from a novel string compactification, and we identify a new infinite family of models satisfying anomaly factorization. We find, however, that this infinite family of models, as well as other infinite families of models previously identified by Schwarz are pathological. We suggest that it may be feasible to demonstrate that there is a string theoretic realization of all consistent six-dimensional supergravity theories which ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The evolution of Bianchi type-I and type-IX universes for a theory of gravity with an {epsilon}{ital R}{sup 2} term added to the usual Lagrangian is considered. As in the spatially flat Robertson-Walker case considered previously by others, inflation is found to occur. For any amount of initial anisotropy, the anisotropy decays quickly relative to the length of the inflationary epoch, and the amount of expansion is enhanced by the anisotropy. The exceptions are Bianchi type-IX universes near or at isotropy. In these cases a wide range of initial parameters causes the universe to recollapse, thus reducing the phase space in which inflation can occur. The diagonal metric is shown to be the most general form in the {ital R}{sup 2} theory for both Bianchi type-I universes with a perfect fluid and vacuum Bianchi type-IX models.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

An algorithm for solving the extended security constrained economic dispatch (ESCED) problem with real-time economic dispatch grade speed and reliability is presented. The ESCED problem is formulated by adding regulating margin and ramp rate constraints to the network security constrained economic dispatch problem previously solved by the CEDC algorithm. Starting with Newton`s method to optimize the Lagrangian, the ESCED is developed by superimposing on Newton`s method eight major components called Tracking Start Initialization, Hessian Pre-Elimination, Implicit Dual Variable Calculations, Regulating Margin Sensitivity Coefficient Calculations, Traumatic Event Evaluation, Constraint Relaxation, Implicit Ramp Rate Constraint Implementation, and Relaxed Incremental Cost Calculations. Test results are also presented.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The dynamical effects of spatially homogeneous electromagnetic fields on anisotropic Bianchi type-IX models are studied. The Lagrangians and Hamiltonians affecting the evolution of anisotropy (including the gravitational and electromagnetic potentials) are obtained for very general spatially homogeneous metrics by means of the Arnowitt-Deser-Misner Hamiltonian formalism. For models having diagonal metrics an exact solution for the electromagnetic fields is obtained. This solution allows a qualitative solution for the gravitational variables. The total solution is similar to that of Brill. For Bianchi type-IX models having symmetric and general metrics, a discussion of the qualitative behavior of the universe point under the influence of the above potentials is given. In particular, it is shown that in some cases the presence of the electromagnetic potential inhibits some types of singularities.

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics (SPH) is a Lagrangian, particle-based method that is well suited to industrial mixing simulations. Mass transport is simply the motion of the particles, and its grid-free nature means that it can easily accommodate complicated geometries involving moving parts and sharp corners. This article describes 2D SPH simulations of a Twin Cam mixer and compares the results against experimental data and results from two published finite element method (FEM) simulations. To analyze the mixing processes in the Twin Cam mixer, we present a method for calculating the Finite-Time Lyapunov Exponent (FTLE) using SPH particle data. The FTLEs can be used to locate the unstable and stable manifolds in the flow and indicate where mixing is either promoted or inhibited in the flo...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

We prove a theorem relating torus-equivariant coherent sheaves on toric varieties to polyhedrally-constructible sheaves on a vector space. At the level of K-theory, the theorem recovers Morelli?s description of the K-theory of a smooth projective toric variety (Morelli in Adv. Math. 100(2):154?182, 1993). Specifically, let X be a proper toric variety of dimension n and let Formula Not Shown be the Lie algebra of the compact dual (real) torus Formula Not Shown . Then there is a corresponding conical Lagrangian ??T ? M ? and an equivalence of triangulated dg categories Formula Not Shown , where Formula Not Shown is the triangulated dg category of perfect complexes of torus-equivariant coherent sheaves on X and Sh cc (M ?;?) is the triangulated dg category of complex of sheaves on M ? with co...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The new industrial political tools based on the sustainable development of productive activities, and originating at the Rio Conference in 1992, late introduced by the EU, the Government and voluntary organizations (ISO, CEM, UNI) are gradually entering the market, thereby underling their effect in terms of industrial competitiveness. The main tools were examined in the report and mostly refer to the voluntary ones which, in surpassing the 'command and control' logic, increasingly tend to get close to traditional fiscal, tariff and financial ones. Voluntary agreements, environmental management systems (EMAS, ISO 14001), the risk prevention systems (UNI 10617), certification (Eco label, ISO 14040) and environment communication tools (environment balance sheet, environmental report, environmental statement) are synthetically described. [Italian] I nuovi strumenti di politica industriale orientati allo sviluppo sostenibile delle attivita' produttive che traggono ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Active contrast material extravasation can be recognized with conventional CT scanners, though it has been considered a rare finding. Helical CT seems to increase the detection rate and especially to boost the radiologist's confidence in this diagnosis. Though active bleeding is defined in severely-injured subjects requiring urgent intervention and may be associated with findings of hypovolaemic shock, it should not be considered itself as a negative prognostic factor. Contrast extravasation is due to ongoing hemorrhage and its detection is critical for urged treatment. Accurate anatomical location permits to choose surgical management or transcatheter embolization and thus decreases time consumption for precis e bleeding site identification. [Italian] Lo stravaso attivo del mdc e' rilevabile anche con appropriate apparecchiature TC tradizionali, sebbene sia stato considerato raro. La TC sprirale sembra aumentare la frequanza del riconoscimento e ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

A strong toroidal rotation braking has been observed in plasmas with application of an n = 1 magnetic perturbation field on the JET tokamak. Calculation results from the momentum transport analysis show that the torque induced by the n = 1 perturbation field has a global profile. The maximal value of this torque is at the plasma core region (#rho# < 0.4) and it is about half of the neutral beam injection torque. The calculation shows that the plasma is mainly in the #nu#_-#sq root##nu# regime in the plasma core, but it is close to the transition between the 1/#nu# and #nu#_-#sq root##nu# regimes. The neoclassical toroidal viscosity (NTV) torque in the 1/#nu# and #nu#_-#sq root##nu# regimes is calculated. The observed torque is of a magnitude in between that of the NTV torque in the 1/#nu# and #nu#_-#sq root##nu# regimes. The NTV torque in the #nu#_-#sq root##nu# regimes is enhanced using the Lagrangian variation of the magnetic field strength. However, it is ...

CERN Document Server

We investigate the $D\\bar{D}$ production in $e^+e^-$ annihilations near threshold in an effective Lagrangian approach. It shows that the lineshape of the cross section near threshold is sensitive to the contributions from the $\\psi^\\prime$ though it is below the $D\\bar{D}$ threshold. The recent experimental data from BES and Belle collaborations allow us to determine the $\\psi^\\prime D\\bar{D}$ coupling constant which appears to be consistent with other theoretical studies. As a consequence, the $\\psi^\\prime$-$\\psi(3770)$ mixing parameter can be extracted around the $\\psi(3770)$ mass region. Resonance parameters for $\\psi(3770)$, X(3900), $\\psi(4040)$ and $\\psi(4160)$ are also investigated. The X(3900) appears as an enhancement at around 3.9 GeV in the Belle data. In addition to treating it as a resonance, we also study the mechanism that the enhancement is produced by the $D\\bar{D^*}+c.c.$ open channel effects. Our result shows that such a ...

CERN Document Server

We exhibit static solutions of multi-flavour QCD in two dimensions that have the quantum numbers of baryons and mesons, constructed out of quark and anti-quark solitons. In isolation the latter solitons have infinite energy, corresponding to the presence of a string carrying the non-singlet colour flux off to spatial infinity. When $N_c$ solitons of this type are combined, a static, finite-energy, colour singlet solution is formed, corresponding to a baryon. Similarly, static meson solutions are formed out of a soliton and an anti-soliton of different flavours. The stability of the mesons against annihilation is ensured by flavour conservation. The static solutions exist only when the fundamental fields of the bosonized Lagrangian belong to $U(N_c{\\times}N_f)$ rather than to $SU(N_c) \\times U(N_f)$. Discussion of flavour symmetry breaking requires a careful treatment of the normal ordering ambiguity. Our results can be viewed as a derivation of the constituent ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

We show that a general variant of the Wick theorems can be used to reduce the time ordered products in the Gell-Mann and Low formula for a certain class on non local quantum field theories, including the case where the interaction Lagrangian is defined in terms of twisted products. The only necessary modification is the replacement of the Stueckelberg-Feynman propagator by the general propagator (the 'contractor' of Denk and Schweda) D(y-y';#tau#-#tau#')=(1)/i(#DELTA#_+(y-y')#theta#(#tau#-#tau#')+#DELTA#+(y'-y)#theta#(#tau#'-#tau#)), where the violations of locality and causality are represented by the dependence of #tau#,#tau#' on other points, besides those involved in the contraction. This leads naturally to a diagrammatic expansion of the Gell-Mann and Low formula, in terms of the same diagrams as in the local case, the only necessary modification concerning the Feynman rules. The ordinary local theory is easily recovered as a special case, and there is a ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

A one-dimensional numerical model for the expansion of impact-produced vapor clouds is used to investigate magnetic field generation mechanisms in events such as meteor collisions with the moon. The resulting cloud properties, such as ionization fraction, electrical conductivity, radial expansion velocity, mass density, and energy density are estimated. The model is initiated with the peak shock states and pressure thresholds for incipient and complete vaporization of anorthosite lunar surface materials by iron and GA composition meteorites. The expansion of the spherical gas cloud into a vacuum was traced with a one-dimensional explicit lagrangian hydrodynamic code. The hypervelocity impact plasmas produced are found to be significant in the amplitudes and orientations of the magnetic fields generated. An ambient magnetic field could have been provided by the core dynamo, which would have interacted with the expanding plasmas and formed induced paleomagnetic ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

This report describes in detail the First Generation Duct Injection Model developed for the analysis of the fundamental processes of flue gas desulfurization by sorbent injection. The model is a two- and three-dimensional, multiphase reacting flow analyzer using computational fluid dynamics methods. The gaseous phase is solved in an Eulerian frame while the droplets or particles are tracked in a Lagrangian frame. The model has an associated preprocessor which allow easy problem set up by the use without in-depth knowledge of computational fluid dynamics. The aerodynamics of the First Generation Duct Injection Model have been successfully validated with a number of test cases for which experimental data are available. Data from the Meredosia pilot plant humidification tests have been used to validate the gas and droplet dynamics of the model with good agreement. Comparison of SO{sub 2} removal results using the present model (with one injector) and the ...

CERN Document Server

We compare N-body simulations of isolated galaxies performed in both frameworks of modified Newtonian dynamics (MOND) and Newtonian gravity with dark matter (DM). We have developed a multigrid code able to efficiently solve the modified Poisson equation derived from the Lagrangian formalism AQUAL. We take particular care of the boundary conditions that are a crucial point in MOND. The 3-dimensional dynamics of initially identical stellar discs is studied in both models. In Newtonian gravity the live DM halo is chosen to fit the rotation curve of the MOND galaxy. For the same value of the Toomre parameter (Q_T), galactic discs in MOND develop a bar instability sooner than in the DM model. In a second phase the MOND bars weaken while the DM bars continue to grow by exchanging angular momentum with the halo. The bar pattern speed evolves quite differently in the two models: there is no dynamical friction on the MOND bars so they keep a constant pattern speed while the ...

CERN Document Server

A simple analytical/numerical model has been developed for computing the evolution, over periods of up to a few hours, of the current and temperature profile in the upper layer of the ocean. The model is based upon conservation laws for heat and momentum, and employs an eddy diffusion parameterisation which is dependent on both the wind speed and the wind stress applied at the sea surface. Other parameters such as the bulk-skin surface temperature difference and CO$_2$ flux are determined by application of the Molecular Oceanic Boundary Layer Model (MOBLAM) of Schluessel and Soloviev. A similar model, for the current profile only, predicts a temporary increase in wave breaking intensity and decrease in wave height under conditions where the wind speed increases suddenly, such as, for example, during gusts and squalls. The model results are compared with measurements from the lagrangian Skin Depth Experimental Profiler (SkinDeEP) surface profiling instrument made ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The new industrial political tools based on the sustainable development of productive activities, and originating at the Rio Conference in 1992, late introduced by the European Union, the Government and voluntary organizations (ISO, CEM, UNI) are gradually entering the market, thereby underling their effect in terms of industrial competitiveness. The main tools were examined in the report and mostly refer to the voluntary ones which, in surpassing the command and control logic, increasingly tend to get close to traditional fiscal, tariff and financial ones. Voluntary agreements, environmental management systems (EMAS, ISO14000), the risk prevention systems (UNI 10617), certification (Ecolabel, ISO 14040) and environment communications tools (environment balance sheet, environmental report, environmental statement) are synthetically described. Finally, the tools regarding the incentives still under Government concern an their diffusion are examined. [Italian] I nuovi strumenti di ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Reflection tomography allows in theory the determination of the velocity distribution and the reflector geometries in the subsurface from the travel times of the seismic waves. The solution of the inverse problem is the model (velocity distribution and reflectors) that minimizes the misfits between observed travel times and travel times computed by raytracing (the forward problem). Two representations of the velocity field are generally used: blocky models (discontinuous) and smooth models. The object of this thesis is the study of tomography with smooth models which offer interesting properties at a practical level as well as at a mathematical and numerical level. We propose an original formulation of the inverse problem which allow the integration of a priori information adapted to smooth models. This formulation assures the existence, the uniqueness and the stability of the solution of the linearized inverse problem. The non-linear inverse problem is solved by a Gauss-Newton method ...

Science.gov (United States)

In our previous paper (Lanzafame et al. 2000, PASJ 52, 515) we showed, through 2D SPH simulations, that the stellar mass ratio, M 2 / M 1, of a close binary system (that determines the position and then the initial specific angular momentum at L 1) plays a fundamental role in the formation and development of spiral structures and shock fronts in the radial flow of accretion discs. In that work only a quasi-sonic value of the injection velocity at L 1 was considered. In the present work we also carried out 2D SPH simulations with the aim to investigate the development of such structures, while keeping constant the mass of the compact primary (M 1 = 1 M odot) and the separation between the two components, and assuming as an initial condition of two different supersonic injection velocities at L 1, characterizing two sets of simulations. For each set we considered four values of the secondary to primary mass ratio, M 2 / M 1. We worked out 2D models because the damping effect of the ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

An Eulerian/Langrangian model was developed to study the two-phase flow in a two-dimensional, axisymmetric, direct-injection diesel engine, under motored and firing conditions. The liquid phase was tracked in a Lagrangian sense using discrete droplet packets (DDP). The gaseous phase was solved using an implicit, iterative, finite-difference, scheme of the control volume variety. Gaseous-phase turbulence was modeled using a compressible two-equation k/epsilon model. Turbulence effects on the liquid phase were modeled by superimposing a randomly oriented turbulent eddy velocity proportional to the root of the turbulent kinetic energy, on each packet's mean relative velocity. Droplet-droplet interactions were neglected. The general knowledge obtained during validation studies, was used to simulate the direct-injection two-stroke diesel engine under motored conditions. The simulation showed that by beginning of the injection, (15/sup 0/ before top dead center: ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Fuel spray and air motion characteristics and combustion in direct injection (DI) diesel engines was studied using computational models of the commercial CFD-code FIRE. Physical subprocesses modelled included Lagrangian spray droplet movement and behaviour (atomisation, evaporation and interaction of spray droplets) and combustion of evaporated liquid spray in the gas phase. Fuel vapour combustion rate was described by the model of Magnussen and Hjertager. The standard k,{epsilon}-model was used for turbulence. In order to be able to predict combustion accurately, the fuel spray penetration should be predicted with reasonable accuracy. In this study, the standard drag coefficient had to be reduced in order to match the computed penetration to the measured one. In addition, the constants in the submodel describing droplet breakup also needed to be adjusted for closer agreement with the measurements. The characteristic time scale of fuel consumption rate k/C{sub R} ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The finite-volume based commercial CFD-code Fluent was used to simulate the reacting flow in a heavy fuel oil fired laboratory furnace. Both the standard {kappa}-{epsilon} turbulence model and the Reynolds stress model (RSM) were tested. The combustion model was based on the conserved scalar (mixture fraction) and prescribed probability density function approach. The heavy fuel oil droplet trajectories were predicted by solving the momentum equations for the droplets using the Lagrangian treatment. The soot distribution in the furnace was calculated by solving a transport equation for the soot mass fraction. Simple expressions for the soot formation and oxidation rates were employed. The radiation heat transfer equation was solved using the finite volume method. The formation of thermal NO from molecular nitrogen was modeled according to the extended Zeldovich mechanism. Fuel-based NO was modeled assuming that all the nitrogen in the fuel is released as hydrogen ...

Science.gov (United States)

Our Universe is ruled by quantum mechanics and its extension quantum field theory. However, the explanations for a number of cosmological phenomena such as inflation, dark energy, symmetry breakings, and phase transitions need the presence of classical scalar fields. Although the process of condensation of scalar fields in the lab is fairly well understood, the extension of results to a cosmological context is not trivial. Here we investigate the formation of a condensate--a classical scalar field--after reheating of the Universe. We assume a light quantum scalar field produced by the decay of a heavy particle, which for simplicity is assumed to be another scalar. We show that during the radiation domination epoch under certain conditions, the decay of the heavy particle alone is sufficient for the production of a condensate. This process is very similar to preheating--the exponential particle production at the end of inflation. During the matter domination epoch when the expansion of ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The purpose of this work is to investigate the possible role of Helical CT defecography in pelvic floor disorders by comparing the results of the investigations with those of conventional defecography. The series analyzed consisted of 90 patients, namely 62 women and 28 men, ranging in age 24-82 years. They were all submitted to conventional defecography, and 18 questionable cases were also studied with Helical CT defecography. The conventional examination was performed during the 4 standard phases of resting, squeezing, Valsalva and straining; it is used a remote-control unit. The parameters for Helical CT defecography were: 5 mm beam collimation, pitch 2, 120 KV, 250 m As and 18-20 degrees gantry inclination to acquire coronal images of the pelvic floor. The rectal ampulla was distended with a bolus of 300 mL nonionic iodinated contrast agent (dilution: 3g/cc). The patient wore a napkin and was seated on the table, except for those who could not hold the position and were thus ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Rectus sheath hematomas are a frequent but sometimes misdiagnosed disease in patients under anticoagulative drugs, hemodialysis, or simply in the elderly. The most frequent localization is in the lower part of the abdomen: the explanation lies in the anatomy of the abdominal wall, especially in the arcuate line of the rectus sheath. Aim of this work is to explain the reason of the almost constant location correlating the anatomy with the CT features. The rectus abdominis muscle lies between the aponeuroses of the transverse and oblique muscles which form the so called rectus sheath. This arrangement is found from the costal arch to a level approximately between the umbilicus and the pubic symphisis, where the rear layer of the rectus sheath ends with a curved edge, called the arcuate or semicircular line of Douglas. Beneath this line the aponeuroses of the three muscles pass in front of the rectus which is separated from the peritoneum only by the fascia trasversalis, a thin connective ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The study described in this report is part of a project sponsored by the Toronto Atmospheric Fund, performed at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, to assess the potential role of surface property modifications on energy, meteorology, and air quality in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), Canada. Numerical models were used to establish the possible meteorological and ozone air-quality impacts of increased urban albedo and vegetative fraction, i.e., ''cool-city'' strategies that can mitigate the urban heat island (UHI), significantly reduce urban energy consumption, and improve thermal comfort, particularly during periods of hot weather in summer. Mitigation is even more important during critical heat wave periods with possible increased heat-related hospitalization and mortality. The evidence suggests that on an annual basis cool-city strategies are beneficial, and the implementation of such measures is currently being investigated in the U.S. and ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Purpose: Cardiomyopathy is one of the major complications of {beta} thalassaemia major as a result of transfusion iron overload. The aim of our study is to evaluate with MR if there is any difference of iron deposition signal intensity (SI) or distribution between non-cardiopatic and cardiopatic thalassaemic patients in order to establish if there is a relationship between cardiopathy and iron deposition. Materials and methods: We studied 20 patients affected by {beta} thalassaemia major, of whom 10 cardiopatic and 10 non-cardiopatic, and 10 healthy volunteers as control group. Serum ferritin and left ventricular ejection fraction were calculated in thalassaemic patients. All patients were examinated using a 1.5 MR unit with ECG-gated GE cine-MR T2*-weighted, SE T1-weighted and GE T2*-weighted sequences. In all cases, using an adequate ROI, the myocardial and skeletal muscle signal intensity (SI), the myocardial/skeletal muscle signal intensity radio (SIR) and the SI average of the ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Acute thoracic aortic injuries account for up to 10-20% of fatalities in high-speed deceleration road accidents and have an estimated immediate fatality rate of 80-90%. Untreated survivors to acute trauma (10-20%) have a dismal prognosis: 30% of them die within 6 hours, 40-50% die within 24 hours, and 90% within 4 months. It was investigated the diagnostic accuracy of Helical Computed Tomography (Helical CT) in acute traumatic injuries of the thoracic aorta, and the role of this technique in the diagnostic management of trauma patients with a strong suspicion of aortic rupture. It was compared retrospectively the chest Helical CT findings of 256 trauma patients examined June 1995 through August 1999. Chest Helical CT examinations were performed according to trauma score, to associated traumatic lesions and to plain chest radiographic findings. All the examinations were performed with no intravenous contrast agent administration and the pitch 2 technique. After a previous baseline ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

In this article is reviewed the role of Computed Tomography (CT) in thoracic complications following ortho topic liver transplantation (OLT). In a post-OLT population of 567 patients transplanted in the Italian institutions, 100 patients (17.6%) were examined with chest CT. It was reviewed data relative to the total number of examinations, clinical and/or radiographic indications, the CT technique-i.e., conventional (with (out) intravenous, i.v., contrast material) or high-resolution (HRCT). It also reviewed the radiologic patterns and their correlation with the other clinical, bronchoscopic and/or laboratory results. Of 152 chest CT examinations, 45 (29.6%) were performed because of clinical indications, 31 (20.4%) because of a radiographic abnormality, 64 (42.1%) because of clinical and radiographic abnormality, 64 (42.1%) because of clinical and radiographic indications, while in 12 cases (7.9%) the reasons were unknown; 133/152 (87.5%) examinations had been performed with ...