Weak selection and stability of localized distributions in Ostwald ripening

We support and generalize a weak selection rule predicted recently for the self-similar asymptotics of the distribution function (DF) in the zero-volume-fraction limit of Ostwald ripening (OR). An asymptotic perturbation theory is developed that, when combined with an exact invariance property of the system, yields the selection rule, predicts a power-law convergence towards the selected self-similar DF and agrees well with our numerical simulations for the interface- and diffusion-controlled OR.Comment: 4 pages, 2 figures, submitted to PR

Extracted species of rare earth elements using bis(1,1,3,3-tetramethylbutyl)phosphinic acid as an extractant and their effective mutual separation by high-performance extraction chromatography

The possible extracted species of rare earth elements (REE) in bis(1,1,3,3-tetramethylbutyl)phosphinic acid (Hmbp)/cyclohexane-HNO3 system was proposed by a log-log plot analysis and a saturated extraction method as being [M(mbp)(3)(Hmbp)(3)] (M = REE). It was also verified by IR, H-1 NMR spectra and element analysis of lutetium-Hmbp extracted species. The effective mutual separation of REEs was achieved on the Hmbp modified C-18 column by a pH gradient elution. Moreover, the degree of the mutual separation of europium(III) from gadolinium(III) was remarkably improved by adding glycollic acid in the mobile phase. A fine concentrate of Sm2O3, Eu2O3, and Gd2O3 from a rare earths smeltery was analyzed by the present method with the spectrophotometric detection after postcolumn derivatization with Arsenazo III

Optical coherence tomography parameters predictive of visual outcome after anti-VEGF therapy for retinal vein occlusion

Akiko Fujihara-Mino, Yoshinori Mitamura, Naoki Inomoto, Hiroki Sano, Kei Akaiwa, Kentaro Semba Department of Ophthalmology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima University Graduate School, Tokushima, Japan Purpose: To determine the optical coherence tomography (OCT) parameters that are predictive of visual outcome after anti-VEGF therapy for a retinal vein occlusion (RVO). Methods: Fifty-seven eyes with macular edema (ME) secondary to a central or branch RVO treated with bevacizumab or ranibizumab were studied. Spectral-domain OCT and microperimetry were performed before, 1, 3, and 6 months after the treatment and at the final visit. Central retinal thickness (CRT), macular volume (MV), integrity of the external limiting membrane (ELM), ellipsoid zone (EZ), and foveal bulge (FB), and photoreceptor outer segment (PROS) length were determined. Results: The mean follow-up period was 17.8±11.5 months. In 46 of the 57 eyes, a resolution of the ME was achieved. The pretreatment CRT and MV, presence of intact ELM, EZ, and FB, and PROS length at the time of ME resolution were significantly correlated with the best-corrected visual acuity and retinal sensitivity at the final visit (P<0.050). Multiple regression analyses showed that the pretreatment MV had the highest correlation with the posttreatment best-corrected visual acuity and retinal sensitivity (P<0.050). Conclusion: The CRT, MV, ELM, EZ, FB, and PROS length are predictive factors for the visual outcome after anti-VEGF therapy for RVO. Keywords: anti-VEGF therapy, retinal sensitivity, retinal vein occlusion, spectral-domain optical coherence tomography, visual acuit