Strange Hadrons from the ALCOR Rehadronization Model

Hadron multiplicities --- especially for strange particles --- are calculated in the framework of the algebraic coalescence rehadronization model (ALCOR), which counts for redistribution of quarks into hadrons for relativistic heavy-ion collisions. The influence of Bjorken flow on the final hadronic composition are incorporated in the model. A comparison is made with the CERN SPS NA35 $S+S$ and $p+p$ experiments. The analysis of these experiments with ALCOR shows a strangeness enhancement for S+S collisions and a possible formation of a sort of semi-deconfined state of the matter. Predictions for Pb+Pb collisions (NA49) are also presented.Comment: 14 pages, LaTeX, Review to appear in Proceedings of Strangeness'95, Tucson, Arizona, Jan. 4--6 1995. (American Institute of Physics

Faces of quark matter

Based on an analysis in the framework of a coalescence hadronization model (ALCOR) we conclude that in heavy ion collisions at CERN SPS and RHIC energies a new type of matter, the massive quark-antiquark matter is produced.Comment: Talk given at Budapest Workshop on Quark and Hadron Dynamics in Relativistic Heavy Ion Collisions (BP 2002) Budapest, Hungary, 3-7 Mar 2002. 12 pages in Latex, 8 PS figure. Submitted to Heavy Ion Physics. Note added in proo

Pion and Kaon Spectra from Distributed Mass Quark Matter

After discussing some hints for possible masses of quasiparticles in quark matter on the basis of lattice equation of state, we present pion and kaon transverse spectra obtained by recombining quarks with distributed mass and thermal cut power-law momenta as well as fragmenting by NLO pQCD with intrinsic $k_T$ {and nuclear} broadening.Comment: Talk given at SQM 200

First clinical experience of tracheal intubation with the SensaScope®, a novel steerable semirigid video stylet

Background. Problems with tracheal intubation are a major cause of anaesthesia-related morbidity and mortality. Difficulty with tracheal intubation is primarily a consequence of failure to see the vocal cords with conventional direct laryngoscopy. We report our experience with use of the SensaScope® for tracheal intubation in routine clinical practice. Methods. The SensaScope® is a hybrid steerable semirigid S-shaped video stylet. Its handling and performance were assessed by anaesthetists with a minimum of 1 yr of experience. They performed four intubations each with the device in anaesthetized elective surgical patients. The view of the glottis with the Macintosh laryngoscope was compared with the view shown on the monitor by the SensaScope®. The time taken to complete intubation, the final tracheal tube (TT) position and the degree of difficulty of the procedure were recorded. Results. Thirty-two patients were studied. All Macintosh Cormack and Lehane grade 3 patients were converted to grade 1 or 2 with the SensaScope®. Mean intubation time was 25 (12) s and correct mid-tracheal TT cuff position was achieved in all cases. The degree of difficulty was 3.0 (1.8) on a numerical scale ranging from 0 to 10. All operators rapidly became familiar with the device and mastered its technique of use. Conclusion. The SensaScope® is a reliable and effective device for tracheal intubation under vision of the normal airway. It has great potential to facilitate management of difficult airway situations in anaesthetized and paralysed patient

Chemical equilibration and thermal dilepton production from the quark gluon plasma at finite baryon density

The chemical equilibration of a highly unsaturated quark-gluon plasma has been studied at finite baryon density. It is found that in the presence of small amount of baryon density, the chemical equilibration for gluon becomes slower and the temperature decreases less steeply as compared to the baryon free plasma. As a result, the space time integrated yield of dilepton is enhanced if the initial temperature of the plasma is held fixed. Even at a fixed initial energy density, the suppression of the dilepton yields at higher baryo-chemical potential is compensated, to a large extent, by the slow cooling of the plasma.Comment: Latex, 19 pages, 8 postscript figures. To appear in Phys. Rev.