Physical Regimes Research Articles

Energies and radii of light nuclei around unitarity

Light nuclei fall within a regime of universal physics governed by the fact that the two-nucleon scattering lengths are large compared to the typical nuclear interaction range set by one-pion exchange. This places nuclear physics near the so-called unitarity limit in which the scattering lengths are exactly infinite. Effective field theory provides a powerful theoretical framework to capture this separation of scales in a systematic way. It is shown here that the nuclear force can be constructed as a perturbative expansion around the unitarity limit and that this expansion has good convergence properties for both the binding energies of A=3,4 nuclei as well as for the radii of these states.

Particle–Continuum Coupling and its Scaling Regimes: Theory and Applications

AbstractThis work is motivated by the goal of designing simulation software for technical devices that, at their functional core, rely on atomistic‐scale processes embedded in a larger‐scale fluid environment. The core of the problem is the conceptual and technical approach for coupling particle and continuum representations of a fluid. The state of the art for key aspects including physical modeling, mathematical formalization, computational implementation, and applications, is discussed and organized in a consistent picture across the relevant physical regimes.

Change in Anthropometrics and Physical Fitness in Norwegian Cadets During 3Years of Military Academy Education.

High physical fitness is associated with increased occupational performance, better health, and reduced risk of injuries in military personnel. Thus, the military emphasizes physical training to maintain or develop physical fitness in their soldiers. It is important to monitor the effect of the physical training regime, but such information is lacking for Norwegian military cadets. Hence, the primary aim of this study was to investigate changes in anthropometrics and physical fitness among male and female army, navy and air force cadets during 3years of military academy education. 260 male and 29 female Norwegian cadets from the army, navy, and air force academies volunteered to participate. Anthropometrics, muscular power, muscular endurance, and maximal oxygen uptake were measured at entry (T0) and end of each year (T1, T2, and T3). Linear mixed models were used to examine the development in anthropometrics and physical fitness. We applied to the Regional Committee for Medical and Health Research Ethics to review the study before start-up, but the study was considered exempted from notification. The study was reviewed and approved by the Norwegian Social Science Data Services. Male and female cadets significantly increased their body weight, fat-free mass, body mass index, and percent body fat by 1 to 5% from T0 to T3. Skeletal muscle mass was unchanged. Muscular power (medicine ball throw and vertical jump) and muscular endurance (pull-ups and push-ups) increased by 3 to 20% in male cadets, while female cadets only increased results significantly for the medicine ball throw (10%). Relative maximal oxygen uptake decreased by 4% in both sexes, while absolute maximal oxygen uptake only decreased significantly (by 2%) in male cadets. Most of the observed changes were classified as trivial or small, according to calculated effect sizes. The observed changes were generally of similar magnitude for male and female cadets, and similar among the three academies. Anthropometrics and physical fitness were relatively stable in Norwegian male and female army, navy, and air force cadets during 3years of military academy education. Observed changes were typically classified as trivial or small. The initial gap in physical fitness between male and female cadets did not narrow during the education years. Norwegian male and female cadets displayed relatively good physical fitness profiles, compared to sex-matched cadets and soldiers from previously studied military populations.

Parallel three-dimensional simulations of quasi-static elastoplastic solids

Hypo-elastoplasticity is a flexible framework for modeling the mechanics of many hard materials under small elastic deformation and large plastic deformation. Under typical loading rates, most laboratory tests of these materials happen in the quasi-static limit, but there are few existing numerical methods tailor-made for this physical regime. In this work, we extend to three dimensions a recent projection method for simulating quasi-static hypo-elastoplastic materials. The method is based on a mathematical correspondence to the incompressible Navier–Stokes equations, where the projection method of Chorin (1968) is an established numerical technique. We develop and utilize a three-dimensional parallel geometric multigrid solver employed to solve a linear system for the quasi-static projection. Our method is tested through simulation of three-dimensional shear band nucleation and growth, a precursor to failure in many materials. As an example system, we employ a physical model of a bulk metallic glass based on the shear transformation zone theory, but the method can be applied to any elastoplasticity model. We consider several examples of three-dimensional shear banding, and examine shear band formation in physically realistic materials with heterogeneous initial conditions under both simple shear deformation and boundary conditions inspired by friction welding.

DIAPHANE: A portable radiation transport library for astrophysical applications

diaphane is a portable, scalable, and extensible library for modelling the transport of energy by radiation or relativistic particles (in particular neutrinos). Energy transport modelling is crucial for the hydrodynamic modelling of a wide range of astrophysical phenomena such as planet and galaxy formation, supernova explosions, and cosmic structure evolution. The diaphane library provides a computational framework and functionality to incorporate energy transport modelling into hydrodynamical astrophysics simulations. The transport routines are called from, and operate independently of, the underlying hydrodynamic code of choice. It is designed to be utilized by hydrodynamic astrophysical simulations through a simplified interface layer, allowing it to operate independently of the underlying hydrodynamic code. We provide a sample interface layer to three widely-used astrophysics-focussed smoothed-particle hydrodynamic codes, gadget2, gasoline and sphynx. The initial release comprises a particle-based implementation of Flux Limited Diffusion and Starrad, a ray casting method that we have developed. diaphane development has been supported the Platform for Advanced Scientific Computing. Program summaryProgram Title: DiaphaneProgram Files doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.17632/rwyd5k5rjh.1Code Ocean capsule:https://doi.org/10.24433/CO.5068717.v1Licensing provisions: MITProgramming language: C/C++Nature of problem: The ability to model and hence understand many important astrophysical processes has often been limited by the approximations and incompleteness in the treatment of radiation and relativistic particles, even though many algorithms exist for modelling the transport of energy by radiation and relativistic particles. For many problems, multiple algorithms must be used because each algorithm is best-suited in terms of speed and accuracy only in some particular physical regime. A comprehensive library that contains multiple radiation/relativistic transport techniques is needed in order to model astrophysical problems and their wide range in physical regimes. This library framework must be able to be easily and efficiently utilized by a hydrodynamic simulation code.Solution method: We provide a framework for solving radiation and neutrino transport in a portable, scalable, and extensible library. We provide a sample interface for multiple simulation codes, at this time gadget2 [2,3], gasoline [4] and sphynx [5,6]. Community development to develop new algorithms and support new hydrodynamic codes is welcome. The library framework allows multiple energy transport methods to be used simultaneously.Additional comments: This work has been supported by the Swiss Platform for Advanced Scientific Computing (PASC, http://www.pasc-ch.org/) project DIAPHANE (DR and RC) and by the European Research Council (FP7) under ERC Advanced Grant Agreement No. 321263-FISH (RC).A more detailed description of the library and framework are described in [1].Declaration of Competing InterestThe authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper.[1] D. S. Reed, T. Dykes, R. Cabezón, C. Gheller, L. Mayer, Computer Physics Communications 226 (2018) 1–9.[2] V. Springel, N. Yoshida, S. D. M. White, New Astronomy6 (2) (2001) 79–117.[3] V. Springel, Mon. Not. R. Astron. Soc. 364 (4) (2005) 1105–1134.[4] J. W. Wadsley, B. W. Keller, T. R. Quinn, Mon. Not. R. Astron. Soc. 471 (2) (2017) 2357–2369.[5] R. M. Cabezon, D. Garcia-Senz, (Sep 2017).[6] R. M. Cabezón, D. García-Senz, J. Figueira, Astronomy & Astrophysics 606 (2017) A78.

Plasma levels of miR-30d-5p are decreased in regularly exercising postmenopausal women.

Plasma/serum microRNAs (miRNAs) are proposed to have a role in the development of osteoporosis, and their levels can be affected by physical activity. Therefore, the aim of this study was to analyze differences in plasma miRNAs levels in postmenopausal women and to simultaneously find novel extracellular miRNAs that are associated with variations in physical activities. We measured hsa-miR-148a-3p, hsa-miR-125b, hsa-miR-21-5p, hsa-miR-93-5p, and hsa-miR-30d-5p in a cohort of 149 postmenopausal women divided into subgroups based on the amount of physical activity by using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Further, the correlation of plasma microRNAs with sit-to-stand performance was examined. DIANA web server was used to find which Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathways (P < 0.05) were regulated by miRNAs associated with physical activity and sit-to-stand performance. Plasma levels of hsa-miR-30d-5p were significantly (P = 0.015) lower in participants with higher physical activity, and a borderline trend for hsa-miR-21-5p (P = 0.06) was noticed. Higher plasma levels of hsa-miR-21-5p (P = 0.01) and hsa-miR-93-5p (P = 0.04) were observed in the group with reduced sit-to-stand performance. The two miRNAs seem to primarily regulate fatty acid metabolism-related processes. Our results suggest that levels of selected cell-free miRNAs in postmenopausal women are associated with different physical activity regimes.

An experimental investigation on the transient heat transfer characteristics using air/water droplets two-phase flow

The present study focused on evaluating the heat transfer behavior and predicting the surface resulting status during air/water droplets two-phase flow. Transient heat transfer based on the lumped capacitance model (LCM) was investigated experimentally under a range of water droplets concentration, surface temperature, and varying Re number. Compared with a single-phase air cooling, the transient surface temperature decreased with the increase in water droplets concentration and Re number. At the same cooling time, the surface temperature decreases about 13.5%, 47%, and 53.2% for (j = 46.79 – 111.68 kg/m2 hr). It was also noticed that the heat transfer coefficient increased with the increase in water droplets concentration and reach its maximum value at (j = 111.68 kg/m2 hr). Based on the analysis of the experimental results, the heat transfer mechanism due to the impacting of water droplets on the sphere surface was classified into three important physical regimes. Clear convection heat transfer regime corresponds to the dry region (region I); Convection and evaporation regimes correspond to the dry-out and wet regions (region II and III).

Response function generation for transmutation of Technetium-99 via high energy proton and neutron interactions in MCNP

This study provides a discretized transmutation rate response function that is consistent with the physics models used in MCNPX in order to circumvent a problem with reaction tallies not scoring in the model physics regime. This is used for the estimation of the transmutation rate of 99Tc in an accelerator driven system containing protons and spallation neutrons with energies up to 1500 MeV. To compute the interaction response function, a modeling construct consisting of a very small 99Tc target with a mono-directional neutron or proton source is used. The small size of the target allows attenuation and columbic energy loss to be ignored for the response function generation process. The transmutation rate responses for a total of 180 neutron energy bins ranging from 8.8 MeV to 1500 MeV and 120 proton energy bins ranging from 1 MeV to 1500 MeV are computed.

Second-order Fermi Reacceleration Mechanisms and Large-Scale Synchrotron Radio Emission in Intracluster Bridges.

Radio observations at low frequencies with the low frequency array (LOFAR) start discovering gigantic radio bridges connecting pairs of massive galaxy clusters. These observations probe unexplored mechanisms of insitu particle acceleration that operate on volumes of several Mpc^{3}. Numerical simulations suggest that such bridges are dynamically complex and that weak shocks and super-Alfvénic turbulence can be driven across the entire volume of these regions. In this Letter, we explore, for the first time, the role of second-order Fermi mechanisms for the reacceleration of relativistic electrons interacting with turbulence in these peculiar regions. We assume the turbulent energy flux measured in simulations and adopt a scenario in which relativistic particles scatter with magnetic field lines diffusing in super-Alfvénic turbulence and magnetic fields are amplified by the same turbulence. We show that steep spectrum and volume filling synchrotron emission can be generated in the entire intracluster bridge region, thus providing a natural explanation for radio bridges. Consequently, radio observations have the potential to probe the dissipation of energy on scales larger than galaxy clusters and second-order Fermi mechanisms operating in physical regimes that are still poorly explored. This has a potential impact on several branches of astrophysics and cosmology.

Influence of spontaneous curvature on the line tension of phase-coexisting domains in a lipid monolayer: A Landau-Ginzburg model.

The line tension between two coexisting phases of a binary lipid monolayer in its fluid state has contributions not only from the chemical mismatch energy between the two different lipid types but also from the elastic deformation of the lipid tails. We investigate to what extent differences in the spontaneous curvature of the two lipids affect the line tension. To this end, we supplement the standard Landau-Ginzburg model for the line tension between coexisting phases by an elastic energy that accounts for lipid splay and tilt. The spontaneous curvature of the two lipids enters into our model through the splay deformation energy. We calculate the structure of the interfacial region and the line tension between the coexisting domains numerically and analytically, the former based on the full non-linear model and the latter upon employing an approximation in the free energy that linearizes the resulting Euler-Lagrange equations. We demonstrate that our analytical approximation is in excellent agreement with the full non-linear model and use it to identify relevant length scales and two physical regimes of the interfacial profile, double-exponential decay, and damped oscillations. The dependence of the line tension on the spontaneous curvatures of the individual lipids is crucially dependent on how the bulk phases are affected. In the special case that the bulk phases remain inert, the line tension decreases when the difference between the spontaneous curvatures of the two lipid types grows.

Performance of the reconstruction and identification of high-momentum muons in proton-proton collisions at √s = 13 TeV

The CMS detector at the LHC has recorded events from proton-proton collisions, with muon momenta reaching up to 1.8 TeV in the collected dimuon samples. These high-momentum muons allow direct access to new regimes in physics beyond the standard model. Because the physics and reconstruction of these muons are different from those of their lower-momentum counterparts, this paper presents for the first time dedicated studies of efficiencies, momentum assignment, resolution, scale, and showering of very high momentum muons produced at the LHC. These studies are performed using the 2016 and 2017 data sets of proton-proton collisions at √s = 13 TeV with integrated luminosities of 36.3 and 42.1 fb−1, respectively.

Large Ocean Worlds with High-Pressure Ices

Pressures in the hydrospheres of large ocean worlds extend to ranges exceeding those in Earth deepest oceans. In this regime, dense water ices and other high-pressure phases become thermodynamically stable and can influence planetary processes at a global scale. The presence of high-pressure ices sets large icy worlds apart from other smaller water-rich worlds and complicates their study. Here we provide an overview of the unique physical states, thermodynamics, dynamic regimes, and evolution scenarios specific to large ocean worlds where high-pressure ice polymorphs form. We start by (i) describing the current state of knowledge for the interior states of large icy worlds in our solar system (i.e. Ganymede, Titan and Callisto). Then we (ii) discuss the thermodynamic and physical specifics of the relevant high–pressure materials, including ices, aqueous fluids and hydrates. While doing this we (iii) describe the current state of the art in modeling and understanding the dynamic regimes of high-pressure ice mantles. Based on these considerations we (iv) explore the different evolution scenarios for large icy worlds in our solar system. We (v) conclude by discussing the implications of what we know on chemical transport from the silicate core, extrapolation to exoplanetary candidate ocean worlds, limitations to habitability, differentiation diversity, and perspectives for future space exploration missions and experimental measurements.

Extension-Dependent Drift Velocity and Diffusion (DrDiff) Directly Reconstructs the Folding Free Energy Landscape of Atomic Force Microscopy Experiments.

Two equilibrium force microscopy trajectories [q(t)] of high-precision single-molecule spectroscopy assays were analyzed: the pulling of an HIV RNA hairpin and of a 3-aa sequence of the bacteriorhodopsin membrane protein. Both present hundreds of two-state folding transitions, and their free-energy [F(q)] landscapes were previously obtained by deconvolving time signals with the inverse Boltzmann and pfold methods. In this letter, the two F profiles were reconstructed directly from the measured time-series by the drift-diffusion (DrDiff) framework that characterized the effective conformational drift-velocity [v(q)] and diffusion [D(q)] coefficients. The two thermodynamic F profiles reconstructed with DrDiff directly from q(t) were in good agreement with those previously obtained from the deconvolved time signals. q(t) trajectories simulated with a two-dimensional framework in which the diffusion coefficient of the pulling setup (q coordinate) differed from the molecule (x coordinate) were also analyzed by DrDiff. The performance in reconstructing F was investigated in different conditions of diffusion anisotropy in the simulated time-series using Brownian dynamics. In addition, recently developed theories were used in order to evaluate the quality of the analysis performed in the experimental time series: the memory effects and the intrinsic biomolecular dynamic properties after connecting the probe to the molecule. With the 2-dimensional diffusive models and the additional analyses, it is proposed that the different physical regimes imposed by the stiffer probes of the two biomolecules will have an impact in the measured extension-dependent D and, thus, in the reconstruction of F by DrDiff. Stiffer AFM probes may reflect the molecular behavior more faithfully and reconstruction of F might be more successful. The reported quantities extracted directly from q(t) highlights the current state of the biomolecule characterization by force spectroscopy experiments: it is still challenging despite the recent advances, yet it is very promising.

On the Superposition of Mean Advective and Eddy-Induced Transports in Global Ocean Heat and Salt Budgets

AbstractOcean thermal expansion is a large contributor to observed sea level rise, which is expected to continue into the future. However, large uncertainties exist in sea level projections among climate models, partially due to intermodel differences in ocean heat uptake and redistribution of buoyancy. Here, the mechanisms of vertical ocean heat and salt transport are investigated in quasi-steady-state model simulations using the Australian Community Climate and Earth-System Simulator Ocean Model (ACCESS-OM2). New insights into the net effect of key physical processes are gained within the superresidual transport (SRT) framework. In this framework, vertical tracer transport is dominated by downward fluxes associated with the large-scale ocean circulation and upward fluxes induced by mesoscale eddies, with two distinct physical regimes. In the upper ocean, where high-latitude water masses are formed by mixed layer processes, through cooling or salinification, the SRT counteracts those processes by transporting heat and salt downward. In contrast, in the ocean interior, the SRT opposes dianeutral diffusion via upward fluxes of heat and salt, with about 60% of the vertical heat transport occurring in the Southern Ocean. Overall, the SRT is largely responsible for removing newly formed water masses from the mixed layer into the ocean interior, where they are eroded by dianeutral diffusion. Unlike the classical advective–diffusive balance, dianeutral diffusion is bottom intensified above rough bottom topography, allowing an overturning cell to develop in alignment with recent theories. Implications are discussed for understanding the role of vertical tracer transport on the simulation of ocean climate and sea level.

Risk factors for the development of digestive system diseases and prevalence of gastrointestinal symptoms in adolescents

Digestive diseases are a very common pathology in children and adolescents. Analysis of risk factors for the development of diseases of the digestive system and prevalence of gastrointestinal symptoms in students of professional educational organizations are presented in the article. 265 students of vocational education organizations aged 15 to 18 years were examined. The study design was a one-time cross-sectional study (active screening). Standardized formalized maps were used (complaints, medical history, physical examination results, regime and nature of diets, lifestyle and social and economic aspects were studied) to assess frequency of gastrointestinal symptoms. Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale (GSRS) – an internationally validated questionnaire for the study of quality of life developed by the Hassle Company (division of Astra) – was used to study gastrointestinal symptoms. Statistical data processing was carried out using «MS Excel 2002» program. The study was conducted in accordance with the requirements of bioethics, after receiving informed consent of adolescents and their parents. A number of adolescents who previously have been diagnosed with diseases of the digestive system are found; gastrointestinal symptoms are systematized and analyzed (symptom group according to the scales abdominal pain, reflux, dyspepsia diarrhoea, constipation) using the GSRS questionnaire; main risk factors for the development of digestive system diseases characteristic of adolescents are studied: (the nature and regime of diet, smoking, consumption of alcohol), awareness of students about the main factors of a healthy lifestyle were examined as results of the study. The results of the study must be taken into account when developing and implementing preventive and hygiene and educational measures that are aimed at maintaining health and improving the quality of life of the population and require an interdisciplinary approach.

Metabolic syndrome and perceived quality of life: a case-control study in Ghana

AbstractMetabolic syndrome (MetS), which refers to co-occurrence of cardiovascular risks primarily obesity, hypertension, insulin resistance and atherogenic dyslipidemia was previously uncommon in sub-Sahara African. But it is increasingly becoming a public health concern heightened by the epidemiological transition associated with excess energy intake, sedentary lifestyles and urbanization. The aim of this study was to assess the dietary, lifestyle and physiologic risk factors associated with MetS and the effect on perceived quality of life. The design was one-to-one age and sex-matched case-control study. MetS was defined as concomitant adiposity, hypertension and diabetes. Cases (n = 76) were recruited in the diabetic clinic of a municipal hospital in Ghana while controls (n = 76) were recruited in the communities in which the cases lived. Lifestyle habits and physical activity were assessed using a validated lifestyle and habits questionnaire while habitual dietary intakes were assessed using a food frequency questionnaire. Anthropometry, blood pressure and fasting capillary glucose were measured. Differences between cases and controls were tested using McNemar and paired t-test tests. Crude odds ratio (COR) for MetS was estimated using conditional logistic regression.Mean age of participants was 57.31 ± 5.46 years (range 45–65 years). Females constituted the majority (95%, n = 144). Among the cases and controls, lateral obesity (100% vs 60.5%), central obesity (98.7% vs 36.8%), hypertension (90.8% vs 2.6%) and diabetes (72.4% vs 1.3%) differed significantly. Fewer cases (10.5%) consumed diversified and healthy diets compared to the controls (77.6%) (p = 0.001). Significant number of cases felt a high risk for illness based on how they assessed their physical health (73.7% vs 2.6%), exercise and fitness regime (88.2% vs 13.2%), nutrition and weight control (14.5% vs 1.3%) and psychological health (19.7% vs 0%). However, none felt socially unhealthy. Lower risk for MetS was found among participants who had at least secondary education (COR:0.17 95% CI:0.04–0.73) and lived in a peri-urban setting (COR:0.22 95% CI:0.09–0.53) while unemployment (COR:9.00 95% CI:1.26–64.35) and central obesity (COR: 48.0 95% CI: 6.62–147.74) were associated with higher risk. MetS adversely affected general sense of wellbeing of the middle age adults. Obesity was an important predictor. Educational interventions to promote diversification of dietary intakes and enhance weight control are crucial to reduce MetS and could improve the quality of life of those affected. These interventions should be integrated into already existing community-based social support, and health systems.

Mental Working Capability of Primary School Pupils at Different Management of Physical Activity Regime

Mental Working Capability of Primary School Pupils at Different Management of Physical Activity Regime

PHYTOPLANKTON FUNCTIONAL GROUPS DRIVEN BY ALTERNATIVE STATES IN A TROPICAL FLOODPLAIN LAKE (PANTANAL, BRAZIL)

The flood pulse associated with local factors is the main drivers of the phytoplankton functional groups. The aim of this study was to evaluate the dynamics of the phytoplankton community and the Reynolds Functional Groups (RFG) and their relationships with the alternative states in a Pantanal floodplain lake. The Coqueiro Lake (municipality of Pocone, state of Mato Grosso, Brazil) was sampled monthly at three sites from April 2002 to May 2003. Three periods were identified: i) period I (first receding) with colonization of Egeria najas (Alismatales, Hydrocharitaceae), reduced depths and clear waters, characterized by the lowest species richness (mean = 23 taxa/sample) and reduced phytoplankton biomass (mean = 1.0 mg L-1); ii) periods II (low waters and rising) without Egeria najas, with lowest influence from the river, lowest depths, turbid waters, highest phytoplankton biomass (mean = 9.8 mg L-1) and species richness (mean = 29 taxa/sample); iii) periods III (high waters and beginning of the second receding) with Egeria najas and high influence from the river, greater depths, clear waters, with intermediate species richness (mean = 26 taxa/sample) and lowest phytoplankton biomass (mean = 0.7 mg L-1). Phytoplankton was composed mainly of nanoplanktonic algae with greatest contributions in the low waters without Egeria najas and was represented by 16 RFG, with reduced variability between the three periods and sites. The functional groups K, P, F, J, H1 and H2 were important in this shallow flood lake governed by natural mechanisms of alternation of clear water regime with reduced phytoplankton biomass to a new state of turbid water dominated by phytoplankton. The variations in the phytoplankton functional groups were related to the physical and chemical regime of the lake and the hydrodynamics of the flood system, which acts as a continuous renewal of the habitat conditions in the different alternative states the lake.

Symptoms of pelvic organ prolapse in women who lift heavy weights for exercise: a cross-sectional survey.

The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of symptoms of pelvic organ prolapse (POP), defined as the sensation of a vaginal bulge, and associated risk factors in women over 18years of age who lift light (≤15kg), moderate (16-50kg), and heavy (>50kg) weights for exercise, and those who do not lift weights for exercise. Women completed an online survey about risk factors for pelvic floor dysfunctions, physical activity history, and pelvic floor symptoms. A question about a vaginal bulge sensation from the validated Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory (PFDI-20) was used to indicate symptoms of POP. Relationships between symptoms of POP and possible risk factors were assessed through logistic regression analysis. Of the 3,934 survey participants, the total prevalence of POP symptoms was 14.4% (n = 566). Category of weight lifted, age, vaginal parity, history of constipation or hemorrhoids, and family history of POP were significantly associated with symptoms. Physically active women lifting weights ≤15kg were more likely to report symptoms of pelvic organ prolapse than women lifting weights greater than 50kg (59.7% vs 15.2%; adjusted odds ratio 2.1; 95% confidence interval 1.7-3.4). There was no relationship between POP symptoms and body mass index, forceps delivery, cesarean section, hysterectomy, or menopausal status. Physically active women who lift heavy weights for exercise do not have an increased prevalence of POP symptoms. Advice on the contribution of heavy weight lifting as part of a physical activity regime to the pathophysiology of POP requires further investigation.

Ab initio dielectric response function of diamond and other relevant high pressure phases of carbon

The electronic structure and dielectric properties of the diamond, body centered cubic diamond (bc8), and hexagonal diamond (lonsdaleite) phases of carbon are computed using density functional theory and many-body perturbation theory with the emphasis on the excitonic picture of the solid phases relevant in the regimes of high-pressure physics and warm dense matter. We also discuss the capabilities of reproducing the inelastic x-ray scattering spectra in comparison with the existing models in light of recent x-ray scattering experiments on carbon and carbon bearing materials in the Megabar range.