Annihilation of edge dislocations in smectic A liquid crystals

This paper presents a theoretical study of the annihilation of edge dislocations in the same smectic plane in a bulk smectic-A phase. We use a time-dependent Landau-Ginzburg approach where the smectic ordering is described by the complex order parameter psi( r--> ,t) =eta e(iphi) . This quantity allows both the degree of layering and the position of the layers to be monitored. We are able to follow both precollision and postcollision regimes, and distinguish different early and late behaviors within these regimes. The early precollision regime is driven by changes in the phi ( r--> ) configuration. The relative velocity of the defects is approximately inversely proportional to the interdefect separation distance. In the late precollision regime the symmetry changes within the cores of defects also become influential. Following the defect collision, in the early postcollision stage, bulk layer order is approached exponentially in time. At very late times, however, there seems to be a long-time power-law tail in the order parameter fluctuation relaxation

Evaluation of phosphatidylserine-dependent antiprothrombin antibody testing for the diagnosis of antiphospholipid syndrome: results of an international multicentre study.

OBJECTIVE: A task force of scientists at the International Congress on Antiphospholipid Antibodies recognized that phosphatidylserine-dependent antiprothrombin antibodies (aPS/PT) might contribute to a better identification of antiphospholipid syndrome (APS). Accordingly, initial and replication retrospective, cross-sectional multicentre studies were conducted to ascertain the value of aPS/PT for APS diagnosis. METHODS: In the initial study (eight centres, seven countries), clinical/laboratory data were retrospectively collected. Serum/plasma samples were tested for IgG aPS/PT at Inova Diagnostics (Inova) using two ELISA kits. A replication study (five centres, five countries) was carried out afterwards. RESULTS: In the initial study (n = 247), a moderate agreement between the IgG aPS/PT Inova and MBL ELISA kits was observed (k = 0.598). IgG aPS/PT were more prevalent in APS patients (51%) than in those without (9%), OR 10.8, 95% CI (4.0-29.3), p < 0.0001. Sensitivity, specificity, positive (LR+) and negative (LR-) likelihood ratio of IgG aPS/PT for APS diagnosis were 51%, 91%, 5.9 and 0.5, respectively. In the replication study (n = 214), a moderate/substantial agreement between the IgG aPS/PT results obtained with both ELISA kits was observed (k = 0.630). IgG aPS/PT were more prevalent in APS patients (47%) than in those without (12%), OR 6.4, 95% CI (2.6-16), p < 0.0001. Sensitivity, specificity, LR + and LR- for APS diagnosis were 47%, 88%, 3.9 and 0.6, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: IgG aPS/PT detection is an easily performed laboratory parameter that might contribute to a better and more complete identification of patients with APS.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Field induced memory effects in random nematics

We studied numerically external field induced memory effects in randomly perturbed nematic liquid crystals. Random anisotropy nematic-type lattice model was used. The impurities imposing orientational disorder were randomly spatially distributed with the concentration p below the percolation threshold. Simulations were carried for finite temperatures, where we varied p, interaction strength between LC molecules, and impurities and external field B. In the {B, T} plane we determined lines separating short range—quasi long range and quasi long range—long range order. Furthermore, crossover regime separating external field and random field dominated regime was estimated. We calculated remanent nematic ordering in samples at B = 0 as a function of the previously experienced external field strength B

Field Induced Memory Effects in Random Nematics

We studied numerically external field induced memory effects in randomly perturbed nematic liquid crystals. Random anisotropy nematic-type lattice model was used. The impurities imposing orientational disorder were randomly spatially distributed with the concentration p below the percolation threshold. Simulations were carried for finite temperatures, where we varied p, interaction strength between LC molecules, and impurities and external field B. In the {B,T} plane we determined lines separating short range—quasi long range and quasi long range—long range order. Furthermore, crossover regime separating external field and random field dominated regime was estimated. We calculated remanent nematic ordering in samples at B=0 as a function of the previously experienced external field strength B

Compliance of proposed Codex Alimentarius Guidelines for virus management with principles of good practice

Public concerns relating to food safety remain high, with most attention focused on manufactured foods and those served in catering operations. The viral contamination of food can occur anywhere in the food supply chain from farm to fork, but most food-borne viral infections can be traced back to infected persons who handle food that is neither heated nor otherwise treated. Regard to the increasing incidence of food-borne viral infections, the Codex Alimentarius Committee on Food Hygiene issued an international draft on a Code of Hygienic Practice for the control of viruses in foods. Using SWOT analysis as a methodological tool, the main results of the analysis revealed limitations of the document regarding language terminology, detection methodology and transparency

Annihilation of edge dislocations in smectic A liquid crystals

This paper presents a theoretical study of the annihilation of edge dislocations in the same smectic plane in a bulk smectic-A phase. We use a time-dependent Landau-Ginzburg approach where the smectic ordering is described by the complex order parameter psi( r--&gt; ,t) =eta e(iphi) . This quantity allows both the degree of layering and the position of the layers to be monitored. We are able to follow both precollision and postcollision regimes, and distinguish different early and late behaviors within these regimes. The early precollision regime is driven by changes in the phi ( r--&gt; ) configuration. The relative velocity of the defects is approximately inversely proportional to the interdefect separation distance. In the late precollision regime the symmetry changes within the cores of defects also become influential. Following the defect collision, in the early postcollision stage, bulk layer order is approached exponentially in time. At very late times, however, there seems to be a long-time power-law tail in the order parameter fluctuation relaxation

Analysis of the impact of interior orientation parameters in different UAV-based image-block compositions on positional accuracy

Understanding the factors that influence the quality of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV)-based products is a scientifically ongoing and relevant topic. Our research focused on the impact of the interior orientation parameters (IOPs) on the positional accuracy of points in a calibration field, identified and measured in an orthophoto and a point cloud. We established a calibration field consisting of 20 materialized points and 10 detailed points measured with high accuracy. Surveying missions with a fixed-wing UAV were carried out in three series. Several image blocks that differed in flight direction (along, across), flight altitude (70 m, 120 m), and IOPs (known or unknown values in the image-block adjustment) were composed. The analysis of the various scenarios indicated that fixed IOPs, computed from a good geometric composition, can especially improve vertical accuracy in comparison with self-calibration; an image block composed from two perpendicular flight directions can yield better results than an image block composed from a single flight direction