Brane inflation and the WMAP data: a Bayesian analysis

The Wilkinson Microwave Anisotropy Probe (WMAP) constraints on string inspired ''brane inflation'' are investigated. Here, the inflaton field is interpreted as the distance between two branes placed in a flux-enriched background geometry and has a Dirac-Born-Infeld (DBI) kinetic term. Our method relies on an exact numerical integration of the inflationary power spectra coupled to a Markov-Chain Monte-Carlo exploration of the parameter space. This analysis is valid for any perturbative value of the string coupling constant and of the string length, and includes a phenomenological modelling of the reheating era to describe the post-inflationary evolution. It is found that the data favour a scenario where inflation stops by violation of the slow-roll conditions well before brane annihilation, rather than by tachyonic instability. Concerning the background geometry, it is established that log(v) > -10 at 95% confidence level (CL), where "v" is the dimensionless ratio of the five-dimensional sub-manifold at the base of the six-dimensional warped conifold geometry to the volume of the unit five-sphere. The reheating energy scale remains poorly constrained, Treh > 20 GeV at 95% CL, for an extreme equation of state (wreh ~ -1/3) only. Assuming the string length is known, the favoured values of the string coupling and of the Ramond-Ramond total background charge appear to be correlated. Finally, the stochastic regime (without and with volume effects) is studied using a perturbative treatment of the Langevin equation. The validity of such an approximate scheme is discussed and shown to be too limited for a full characterisation of the quantum effects.Comment: 65 pages, 15 figures, uses iopart. Shortened version, updated references. Matches publication up to appendix B kept on the arXi

Migration Paradigm Shifts and Transformation of Migrant Communities: The Case of Dutch Kiwis

This paper explores the dynamics of Dutch community change in New Zealand since 1950. The Netherlands has been the largest source country of migrants from continental Europe to New Zealand, but by 2006 40 percent of the Netherlands born were aged 65 or older. We find that there are three distinct cohorts of these migrants, each covering roughly 20 years of arrivals: a large cohort of post-war migrants (those who arrived in the 1950s and 1960s), and much smaller cohorts of skilled migrants (those who arrived in the 1970s and 1980s), and transnational professionals (those who arrived in the 1990s or more recently). Early migrants were mostly younger arrival, more religious, less educated and had more children than the subsequent cohorts. More recent migrants are increasingly highly qualified and in high-skill occupations. "Dutch Kiwis" are more geographically dispersed than other immigrants, and more recent arrivals are relatively more often located in rural areas. This transformation of the Dutch community in New Zealand can be linked to global and New Zealand/Netherlands specific changes that have conditioned the character and volume of the migrant flows and the dynamics of migrant community development.globalisation, push and pull factors of migration, ageing of migrant communities, migrant integration, cohort analysis

Multi-color fluorescent DNA analysis in an integrated optofluidic lab-on-a-chip

Sorting and sizing of DNA molecules within the human genome project has enabled the genetic mapping of various illnesses. By employing tiny lab-on-a-chip devices for such DNA analysis, integrated DNA sequencing and genetic diagnostics have become feasible. However, such diagnostic chips typically lack integrated sensing capability. We address this issue by combining microfluidic capillary electrophoresis with laser-induced fluorescence detection resulting in optofluidic integration towards an on-chip bio-analysis tool [1,2]. We achieve a spatial separation resolution of 12 μm, which can enable a 20-fold enhancement in electropherogram peak resolution, leading to plate numbers exceeding one million. We demonstrate a high sizing/calibration accuracy of 99% [3], and ultrasensitive fluorescence detection (limit of detection = 65 femtomolar, corresponding to merely 2-3 molecules in the excitation/detection volume) of diagnostically relevant double-stranded DNA molecules by integrated-waveguide laser excitation. Subsequently, we introduce a principle of parallel optical processing to this optofluidic lab-on-a-chip. Different sets of exclusively color-labeled DNA fragments – otherwise rendered indistinguishable by their spatio-temporal coincidence – are traced back to their origin by modulation-frequency-encoded multi-wavelength laser excitation, fluorescence detection with a color-blind photomultiplier, and Fourier-analysis decoding. As a proof of principle, fragments from independent human genomic segments, associated with genetic predispositions to breast cancer and anemia, are extracted by multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification, and simultaneously analyzed. Such multiple yet unambiguous optical identification of biomolecules opens new horizons for “enlightened” lab-on-a-chip devices

Derivation of SPH equations in a moving referential coordinate system

The conventional SPH method uses kernel interpolation to derive the spatial semi-discretisation of the governing equations. These equations, derived using a straight application of the kernel interpolation method, are not used in practice. Instead the equations, commonly used in SPH codes, are heuristically modified to enforce symmetry and local conservation properties. This paper revisits the process of deriving these semi-discrete SPH equations. It is shown that by using the assumption of a moving referential coordinate system and moving control volume, instead of the fixed referential coordinate system and fixed control volume used in the conventional SPH method, a set of new semi- discrete equations can be rigorously derived. The new forms of semi-discrete equations are similar to the SPH equations used in practice. It is shown through numerical examples that the new rigorously derived equations give similar results to those obtained using the conventional SPH equations

[68Ga]-DOTATOC-PET/CT for meningioma IMRT treatment planning

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Purpose</p> <p>The observation that human meningioma cells strongly express somatostatin receptor (SSTR 2) was the rationale to analyze retrospectively in how far DOTATOC PET/CT is helpful to improve target volume delineation for intensity modulated radiotherapy (IMRT).</p> <p>Patients and Methods</p> <p>In 26 consecutive patients with preferentially skull base meningioma, diagnostic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and planning-computed tomography (CT) was complemented with data from [⁶⁸Ga]-DOTA-D Phe¹-Tyr³-Octreotide (DOTATOC)-PET/CT. Image fusion of PET/CT, diagnostic computed tomography, MRI and radiotherapy planning CT as well as target volume delineation was performed with OTP-Masterplan^®. Initial gross tumor volume (GTV) definition was based on MRI data only and was secondarily complemented with DOTATOC-PET information. Irradiation was performed as EUD based IMRT, using the Hyperion Software package.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>The integration of the DOTATOC data led to additional information concerning tumor extension in 17 of 26 patients (65%). There were major changes of the clinical target volume (CTV) which modify the PTV in 14 patients, minor changes were realized in 3 patients. Overall the GTV-MRI/CT was larger than the GTV-PET in 10 patients (38%), smaller in 13 patients (50%) and almost the same in 3 patients (12%). Most of the adaptations were performed in close vicinity to bony skull base structures or after complex surgery. Median GTV based on MRI was 18.1 cc, based on PET 25.3 cc and subsequently the CTV was 37.4 cc. Radiation planning and treatment of the DOTATOC-adapted volumes was feasible.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>DOTATOC-PET/CT information may strongly complement patho-anatomical data from MRI and CT in cases with complex meningioma and is thus helpful for improved target volume delineation especially for skull base manifestations and recurrent disease after surgery.</p

A randomized controlled trial of PEEK versus titanium interference screws for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with 2-year follow-up

Purpose: To compare the clinical performance of ACL reconstruction with PEEK and titanium interference screws at 2 years and to evaluate a novel method of measuring tunnel volume. Study Design: Randomized controlled trial; Level of evidence, 1. Methods: A total of 133 patients underwent arthroscopic ACL reconstruction with 4-strand hamstring autografts and were randomized to have titanium or PEEK interference screws for femoral and tibial tunnel fixation. At 2 years, subjective Lysholm and International Knee Documentation Committee scores were assessed and clinical examination performed. At 12 months, MRI was performed to assess graft incorporation and cyst formation, and a novel technique was employed to measure tunnel volumes. Results: There were no significant differences in graft rerupture rate, contralateral ACL rupture rate, subjective outcomes, or objective outcomes. In the titanium and PEEK groups, MRI demonstrated high overall rates of graft integration (96%-100% and 90%-93%, respectively) and ligamentization (89% and 84%) and low rates of synovitis (22% and 10%) and cyst formation (0%-18% and 13%-15%). There was a higher proportion of patients with incomplete graft integration within the femoral tunnel in the PEEK group as compared with the titanium group (10% vs 0%, P = .03); however, the authors suggest that metal artifact precluded proper assessment of the graft in the titanium group by MRI. Tunnel volumes also appeared to be equivalent in the 2 groups and were measured with a novel technique that was highly reproducible in the PEEK group secondary to the absence of flare. Conclusion: Two-year clinical analysis of PEEK interference screws for femoral and tibial fixation of ACL reconstructions showed equivalent clinical performance to titanium interference screws. Given the excellent mechanical characteristics, biological compatibility, and absence of metal artifact on MRI, PEEK has become our material of choice for interference screw fixation in ACL reconstruction

Integrated microfluidic tmRNA purification and real-time NASBA device for molecular diagnostics.

We demonstrate the first integrated microfluidic tmRNA purification and nucleic acid sequence-based amplification (NASBA) device incorporating real-time detection. The real-time amplification and detection step produces pathogen-specific response in < 3 min from the chip-purified RNA from 100 lysed bacteria. On-chip RNA purification uses a new silica bead immobilization method. On-chip amplification uses custom-designed high-selectivity primers and real-time detection uses molecular beacon fluorescent probe technology; both are integrated on-chip with NASBA. Present in all bacteria, tmRNA (10Sa RNA) includes organism-specific identification sequences, exhibits unusually high stability relative to mRNA, and has high copy number per organism; the latter two factors improve the limit of detection, accelerate time-to-positive response, and suit this approach ideally to the detection of small numbers of bacteria. Device efficacy was demonstrated by integrated on-chip purification, amplification, and real-time detection of 100 E. coli bacteria in 100 microL of crude lysate in under 30 min for the entire process

New product development in an emerging economy: analysing the role of supplier involvement practices by using Bayesian Markov chain Monte Carlo technique

The research question is whether the positive relationship found between supplier involvement practices and new product development performances in developed economies also holds in emerging economies. The role of supplier involvement practices in new product development performance is yet to be substantially investigated in the emerging economies (other than China). This premise was examined by distributing a survey instrument (Jayaram’s (2008) published survey instrument that has been utilised in developed economies) to Malaysian manufacturing companies. To gauge the relationship between the supplier involvement practices and new product development (NPD) project performance of 146 companies, structural equation modelling was adopted. Our findings prove that supplier involvement practices have a significant positive impact on NPD project performance in an emerging economy with respect to quality objectives, design objectives, cost objectives, and “time-to-market” objectives. Further analysis using the Bayesian Markov Chain Monte Carlo algorithm, yielding a more credible and feasible differentiation, confirmed these results (even in the case of an emerging economy) and indicated that these practices have a 28% impact on variance of NPD project performance. This considerable effect implies that supplier involvement is a must have, although further research is needed to identify the contingencies for its practices

How Do Maternal Subclinical Symptoms Influence Infant Motor Development during the First Year of Life?

An unavoidable reciprocal influence characterizes the mother-child dyad. Within this relationship, the presence of depression, somatization, hostility, paranoid ideation, and interpersonal sensitivity symptoms at a subclinical level and their possible input on infant motor competences has not been yet considered. Bearing in mind that motor abilities represent not only an indicator of the infant\u2019s health-status, but also the principal field to infer his/her needs, feelings and intentions, in this study the quality of infants\u2019 movements were assessed and analyzed in relationship with the maternal attitudes. The aim of this research was to investigate if/how maternal symptomatology may pilot infant\u2019s motor development during his/her first year of life by observing the characteristics of motor development in infants aged 0\u201311 months. Participants included 123 mothers and their infants (0\u201311 months-old). Mothers\u2019 symptomatology was screened with the Symptom Checklist-90-Revised (SCL-90-R), while infants were tested with the Peabody Developmental Motor Scale-Second Edition. All dyads belonged to a non-clinical population, however, on the basis of SCL-90-R scores, the mothers\u2019 sample was divided into two groups: normative and subclinical. Descriptive, t-test, correlational analysis between PDMS-2 scores and SCL-90-R results are reported, as well as regression models results. Both positive and negative correlations were found between maternal perceived symptomatology, Somatization (SOM), Interpersonal Sensitivity (IS), Depression (DEP), Hostility (HOS), and Paranoid Ideation (PAR) and infants\u2019 motor abilities. These results were further verified by applying regression models to predict the infant\u2019s motor outcomes on the basis of babies\u2019 age and maternal status. The presence of positive symptoms in the SCL-90-R questionnaire (subclinical group) predicted good visual-motor integration and stationary competences in the babies. In particular, depressive and hostility feelings in mothers seemed to induce an infant motor behavior characterized by a major control of the environmental space. When mothers perceived a higher level of hostility and somatization, their babies showed difficulties in sharing action space, such as required in the development of stationary positions and grasping abilities. In a completely different way, when infants can rely on a mother with low-perceived symptoms (normative group) his/her motor performances develop with a higher degree of freedom/independence. These findings suggest, for the first time, that even in a non- clinical sample, mother\u2019s perceived-symptoms can produce important consequences not in infant motor development as a whole, but in some specific areas, contributing to shape the infant\u2019s motor ability and his/her capability to act in the world