A differential criterion for complete intersections

Let $A$ be a noetherian ring whose maximal spectrum has dimension at most 1. For instance, $A$ can be a noetherian local ring or an order in a number field. Let $B$ be a finite projective $A$-algebra that becomes étale over the total ring of quotients of $A$. In this note it is shown that $B$ is of the form $A[X_1,\dots , X_n]/(f_1,\dots , f_n)$ if and only if the Fitting ideal Fit$_B(\Omega_{B/A})$ of the module of differentials of $B$ over $A$ is free of rank 1 as a $B$-module. In particular, the ring of integers in a number field $K$ is of the form $\mathbb{Z}[X_1,\dots , X_n]/(f_1,\dots , f_n)$ if and only if the different of $K$ over $\mathbb{Q}$ is a principal ideal

Oxidation of AlInAs for current blocking in a photonic crystal laser

To make an electrically pumped photonic crystal membrane laser is a challenging task. One of the problems is how to avoid short circuiting between the p- and n-doped parts of the laser diode, when the membrane thickness is limited to 200-300nm. We propose to use the oxide of AlInAs to realize a current blocking function. In this way, based on submicron selective area re-growth, we aim for electrically injected photonic crystal lasers with high output power, small threshold currents and low power consumption. Here results are presented on the oxidation of AlInAs. The results show that it is feasible to use the oxide of AlInAs for current blocking in an InP-based membrane photonic crystal laser

Investigation of the Domain Wall Fermion Approach to Chiral Gauge Theories on the Lattice

We investigate a recent proposal to construct chiral gauge theories on the lattice using domain wall fermions. We restrict ourselves to the finite volume case, in which two domain walls are present, with modes of opposite chirality on each of them. We couple the chiral fermions on only one of the domain walls to a gauge field. In order to preserve gauge invariance, we have to add a scalar field, which gives rise to additional light mirror fermion and scalar modes. We argue that in an anomaly free model these extra modes would decouple if our model possesses a so-called strong coupling symmetric phase. However, our numerical results indicate that such a phase most probably does not exist. ---- Note: 9 Postscript figures are appended as uuencoded compressed tar file.Comment: 27p. Latex; UCSD/PTH 93-28, Wash. U. HEP/93-6

Estimating the risk of HIV transmission from homosexual men receiving treatment to their HIV-uninfected partners

Objective To determine how the risk of HIV transmission from homosexual men receiving antiretroviral treatment is related to patterns of patient monitoring and condom use. Methods A stochastic mathematical simulation model was developed of cohorts of men in the Netherlands who have sex with men (MSM), defining the parameters of the model using observational cohort data. The model incorporates viral load trends during first-line treatment, patient monitoring and different scenarios for the way in which condom use may depend on recent viral load measurements. The model does not include the effect of sexually transmitted infections on HIV transmission. Results For MSM receiving treatment, the risk of transmitting HIV to their long-term partner is 22% (uncertainty interval: 9-37%) if condoms are never used. With incomplete use (in 30% of sex acts) the risk is reduced slightly, to 17% (7-29%). However, the risk is as low as 3% (0.2-8%) when men receiving treatment use condoms only 6 months beyond their last undetectable viral load measurement. The risk is further reduced when 3 months is the time period beyond which condoms are used. Conclusions When condom use by HIV-infected men receiving combination treatment with antiretroviral agents is based on their last viral load measurement, the transmission risk is much lower than with incomplete condom use. The key message for patients is that although always using condoms during treatment is the best way to protect partners from the risk of HIV transmission, when such use cannot be achieved, the second best strategy is to use condoms whenever the last undetectable viral load was measured more than 3 months ag

Reproducibility of lymphovascular space invasion (LVSI) assessment in endometrial cancer

Aims Lymphovascular space invasion (LVSI) in endometrial cancer (EC) is an important prognostic variable impacting on a patient's individual recurrence risk and adjuvant treatment recommendations. Recent work has shown that grading the extent of LVSI further improves its prognostic strength in patients with stage I endometrioid EC. Despite this, there is little information on the reproducibility of LVSI assessment in EC. Therefore, we designed a study to evaluate interobserver agreement in discriminating true LVSI from LVSI mimics (Phase I) and reproducibility of grading extent of LVSI (Phase II). Methods and results Scanned haematoxylin and eosin (H&E) slides of endometrioid EC (EEC) with a predefined possible LVSI focus were hosted on a website and assessed by a panel of six European gynaecological pathologists. In Phase I, 48 H&E slides were included for LVSI assessment and in Phase II, 42 H&E slides for LVSI grading. Each observer was instructed to apply the criteria for LVSI used in daily practice. The degree of agreement was measured using the two-way absolute agreement average-measures intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Reproducibility of LVSI assessment (ICC = 0.64, P < 0.001) and LVSI grading (ICC = 0.62, P < 0.001) in EEC was substantial among the observers. Conclusions Given the good reproducibility of LVSI, this study further supports the important role of LVSI in decision algorithms for adjuvant treatment

Late Entry to HIV Care Limits the Impact of Anti-Retroviral Therapy in the Netherlands

To explain differences in survival in the first three years of combination anti-retroviral therapy (cART) between HIV treatment centres in The Netherlands.We developed a mathematical simulation model, parameterised using data from the ATHENA cohort that describes patients entering care, being monitored and starting cART. Three scenarios were used to represent three treatment centres with widely varying mortality rates on cART that were differentiated by: (i) the distribution of CD4 counts of patients entering care; (ii) the age distribution of patients entering care; (iii) the average rate of monitoring the patients not on cART. At the level of the treatment centre, the fraction of Dutch MSM dying in the first three years of treatment ranged from 0% to 8%. The mathematical model captured the large variation in observed mortality between the three treatment centres. Manipulating the age-distribution of patients or the frequency of monitoring did not affect the model predictions. In contrast, when the same national average distribution of CD4 count at entry was used in all the scenarios, the variation in predicted mortality between all centres was diminished.Patients entering care with low CD4 counts appears to be the main source of variation in the mortality rates between Dutch treatment centres. Recruiting HIV-infected individuals to care earlier could lead to substantial improvements in cART outcomes. For example, if patients were to present with at least 400 CD4 cells/mm(3), as they do already in some centres, then our model predicts that the mortality in the first three years of cART could be reduced by approximately 20%

Finite complete intersection algebras and the completeness radical

Wetensch. publicatieFaculteit der Wiskunde en Natuurwetenschappe

Upscaling a district heating system based on biogas cogeneration and heat pumps

The energy supply of the Meppel district Nieuwveense landen is based on biogas cogeneration, district heating, and ground source heat pumps. A centrally located combined heat and power engine (CHP) converts biogas from the municipal wastewater treatment facility into electricity for heat pumps and heat for district heating purposes. Development of the urban district is influenced by the current economic and building decline. For the district heating energy concept, a migration strategy for the required infrastructure is required. The migration spans the district’s small-scale starting phase involving 40 houses up to a scale of 176 houses. An optimization model which maximizes profitability is developed which includes data from district heating and cooling demand patterns. With the optimization model, optimal CHP size, boiler size, and operational hours are determined for various scenarios. From the scenario analysis, a migration strategy is developed which starts with a simple system concept supported by boilers to a larger system which includes a CHP. Sustainability in terms of CO2 emission savings of the energy concept is compared with other possible energy concepts