45 research outputs found

    Casimir interaction between a microscopic dipole oscillator and a macroscopic solenoid

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    We discuss the interaction between a microscopic electric dipole oscillator and a long solenoid which are separated by a small distance. The solenoid belongs to a simple RLC circuit and the zero point and thermal current fluctuations within the solenoid coils are taken into account. We describe how they affect the equilibrium state and the excited states of the oscillator, thus providing a description of the Casimir interaction of the system. We calculate the modification in the lifetime of the oscillator excited states as a function of the parameters of the circuit, the dipole orientation, and the distance between the dipole and the solenoid. The Casimir force between the solenoid and the electric dipole is calculated, and it is shown that this Casimir interaction always exists, that is, it occurs even when the macroscopic current in the solenoid is zero. We suggest experiments which can exhibit these effects related to the electromagnetic interactions between atoms or molecules and simple circuits

    The Stakes in Bayh-Dole: Public Values Beyond the Pace of Innovation

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    Evaluation studies of the Bayh-Dole Act are generally concerned with the pace of innovation or the transgressions to the independence of research. While these concerns are important, I propose here to expand the range of public values considered in assessing Bayh-Dole and formulating future reforms. To this end, I first examine the changes in the terms of the Bayh-Dole debate and the drift in its design. Neoliberal ideas have had a definitive influence on U.S. innovation policy for the last thirty years, including legislation to strengthen patent protection. Moreover, the neoliberal policy agenda is articulated and justified in the interest of “competitiveness.” Rhetorically, this agenda equates competitiveness with economic growth and this with the public interest. Against that backdrop, I use Public Value Failure criteria to show that values such as political equality, transparency, and fairness in the distribution of the benefits of innovation, are worth considering to counter the “policy drift” of Bayh-Dole

    Season affects body composition and estimation of fluid overload in haemodialysis patients: variations in body composition; a survey from the European MONDO database

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    BACKGROUND: Seasonal variations in blood pressure (BP) and inter-dialytic weight gain (IDWG) are well established in dialysis patients. However, no study has assessed changes in body composition (BC) in this population. METHODS: In this survey, seasonal variations in fat mass (FM), lean tissue mass (LTM), extracellular water (ECW) and fluid overload (FO) were assessed in 42 099 dialysis patients (mean age 61.2 years, 58% males) from the Fresenius Medical Care Europe database, as part of the MONitoring Dialysis Outcomes (MONDO) consortium, in relation to other nutritional parameters, IDWG and BP. BC was assessed by a body composition monitor (BCM(R), Fresenius Medical Care, Bad Homburg, Germany). RESULTS: FM was highest in winter and lowest in summer (triangle upFM -1.17 kg; P < 0.001), whereas LTM was lowest during winter and highest in summer (triangle upLTM 0.86 kg; P < 0.0001). ECW and FO were lowest in winter, and highest in spring (triangle upECW: 0.13 L; P < 0.0001, triangle upFO: 0.31 L; P < 0.0001) and summer (triangle upECW: 0.15 L; P < 0.0001 and triangle upFO: 0.2 L; P < 0.0001), despite a higher systolic blood pressure (SBP; 136.7 +/- 17.4 mmHg) and IDWG (3.0 +/- 1.1 kg) during winter. C-reactive protein (CRP), serum sodium and haemoglobin levels were highest in winter, whereas serum albumin was lowest in fall. Normalized protein catabolic rate (nPCR) was lowest in winter and matched variations in BC only to a minor degree. CONCLUSIONS: BC and hydration state, assessed by bio-impedance spectroscopy, follows a seasonal pattern which may be of relevance for the estimation of target weight, and for the interpretation of longitudinal studies including estimates of BC. Whether these changes should lead to therapeutic interventions could be the focus of future studies
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