Radiation from Comoving Poynting Flux Acceleration

We derive analytic formulas for the radiation power output when electrons are accelerated by a relativistic comoving kinetic Poynting flux, and validate these analytic results with Particle-In-Cell simulations. We also derive analytically the critical frequency of the radiation spectrum. Potential astrophysical applications of these results are discussed. A quantitative model of gamma-ray bursts based on the breakout of kinetic Poynting flux is presented.Comment: 30 pages 8 figures, resubmitted to ApJ, replaces earlier preprint titled "Radiation from Kinetic Poynting Flux Acceleration" (arXiV:0704.1843); most of the paper has been rewritte

Problems of tomato marketing in Claveria, Northern Mindanao, Philippines : the role of farmers' associations : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Agricultural Economics at Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand

The role of farmers' association in tomato marketing cannot be underemphasised. Previous studies revealed that total production of tomatoes from the Northern Mindanao growers were distributed to agents, assembler-wholesalers, cooperatives or farmers' associations wholesalers, wholesaler-retailers and retailers. A considerable proportion of tomatoes (25%) were directed to cooperatives or farmers' association. The study surveyed two farmers' associations (UFCI and CPFA) and non-member growers with the objectives of examining the problems perceived by growers in marketing tomatoes, exploring the perceived problems of the associations and presenting the efforts of two farmers' associations in overcoming these problems. It is concluded that contract selling should be considered by UFCI while CPFA should investigate its present contract agreement. A continuous member education programme (e.g. twice a year) and the encouragement to attend open discussion sessions are important suggestions to improve the performance of the associations

Nomenclature for renal replacement therapy and blood purification techniques in critically ill patients: practical applications

This article reports the conclusions of the second part of a consensus expert conference on the nomenclature of renal replacement therapy (RRT) techniques currently utilized to manage acute kidney injury and other organ dysfunction syndromes in critically ill patients. A multidisciplinary approach was taken to achieve harmonization of definitions, components, techniques, and operations of the extracorporeal therapies. The article describes the RRT techniques in detail with the relevant technology, procedures, and phases of treatment and key aspects of volume management/fluid balance in critically ill patients. In addition, the article describes recent developments in other extracorporeal therapies, including therapeutic plasma exchange, multiple organ support therapy, liver support, lung support, and blood purification in sepsis. This is a consensus report on nomenclature harmonization in extracorporeal blood purification therapies, such as hemofiltration, plasma exchange, multiple organ support therapies, and blood purification in sepsis

Coupled plasma filtration adsorption (CPFA) plus continuous veno-venous haemofiltration (CVVH) versus CVVH alone as an adjunctive therapy in the treatment of sepsis

To compare the efficacy of Coupled Plasma Filtration and Adsorption (CPFA) plus Continuous Veno-Venous Haemofiltration (CVVH) versus CVVH alone as an adjunct treatment of sepsis in terms of haemodynamic stability, inotropic requirement and inflammatory mediators. Design and Methods: Prospective randomized controlled trial involving septic patients with/without acute kidney injury (AKI) whom were randomized to receive CPFA + CVVH or CVVH alone. Haemodynamic parameters including inotropic requirements and inflammatory mediators [procalcitonin (PCT) and C reactive protein (CRP)] were measured. Results: Twenty-three patients [CPFA + CVVH (n = 11), CVVH (n = 12)] were enrolled. Haemodynamic stability occurred earlier and sustained in the CPFA + CVVH group with an increase in diastolic blood pressure (p = 0.001 vs. p = 0.226) and mean arterial pressure (p = 0.001 vs. p = 0.575) at the end of treatment with no increment in inotropic requirement. Both groups had a reduction in PCT and CRP (CPFA + CVVH: p = 0.003, p = 0.026 and CVVH: p = 0.008, p = 0.071 respectively). The length of intensive care unit stay, hospital stay and 30 day outcomes were similar between the groups. There was an inverse association between serum albumin and CRP (p = 0.018). Serum albumin positively correlated with systolic blood pressure (p = 0.012) and diastolic blood pressure (p = 0.009). We found a trend between CRP and length of hospital stay (p = 0.056). Patients with a lower PCT at 24 h had a better outcome (survival) than those with a higher PCT (p = 0.045). Conclusion: CPFA is a feasible, albeit expensive adjunctive extracorporeal treatment that may be superior to CVVH alone in the treatment of severe sepsis

Casimir Free Energy at High Temperatures: Grounded vs Isolated Conductors

We evaluate the difference between the Casimir free energies corresponding to either grounded or isolated perfect conductors, at high temperatures. We show that a general and simple expression for that difference can be given, in terms of the electrostatic capacitance matrix for the system of conductors. For the case of close conductors, we provide approximate expressions for that difference, by evaluating the capacitance matrix using the proximity force approximation. Since the high-temperature limit for the Casimir free energy for a medium described by a frequency-dependent conductivity diverging at zero frequency coincides with that of an isolated conductor, our results may shed light on the corrections to the Casimir force in the presence of real materials.Comment: 7 page

The Characteristics of the Kapok (Ceiba pentadra, Gaertn.) Seed Oil

The Malaysian Kapok (Ceiba pentadra) seeds were found to contain about 28 per cent oil. The oil from both raw and roasted seeds produced a positive Halphe'Jl test for cyclopropenoid fatty acids. Acid value, fatty acid composition by gas-liquid chromatography, iodine value, refractive index, saponification number, and unsaponifiables of the oil were also determined. The values (area percent) for fatty acids as methyl esters were: Cf4:0 (0.25%), C16:0 (24.31%), C16:1 (0.4%), C18:0 (2.65%), C18:1 (21.88%), C18:2 (38.92%), C20:0 plus C18 :3 (1%), malvalic acid (7.18%), C22:0 (0.44%), and sterculic acid (2.96%). Nlalvalic and sterculic acids were determined as AgNOrCH30H derivatives of their methyl esters. Since the cyclopropenoid fatty acids bring about a number of abnormal physiological effects in experimental animals, it would be extremely unwise to consume these seeds