Canonical D = 1 supergravity framework for FLRW cosmology

We construct an extension of standard flat FLRW cosmology with matter, possessing local D = 1, N = 1 proper-time supersymmetry. The fundamental equation for the resulting mini-superspace models of quantum universes is a Dirac-like analogue of the Friedmann and Wheeler-DeWitt equations. We provide solutions of this equation for specific matter configurations based on the supersymmetric O(3) and O(2, 1) sigma-models. It turns out that in the compact model the volume rate of growth of the universe is quantized and non-vanishing due to the zero-point energy of the scalar fields. In the non-compact model the spectrum of the growth rates is continuous but subject to an uncertainty relation involving the scale and the growth factor.Comment: 14 pages, no figure

PKS 1018-42: A Powerful Kinetically Dominated Quasar

We have identified PKS 1018-42 as a radio galaxy with extraordinarily powerful jets, over twice as powerful as any 3CR source of equal or lesser redshift except for one (3C196). It is perhaps the most intrinsically powerful extragalactic radio source in the, still poorly explored, Southern Hemisphere. PKS 1018-42 belongs to the class of FR II objects that are kinetically dominated, the jet kinetic luminosity, $Q \sim 6.5 \times 10^{46}\mathrm{ergs/s}$ (calculated at 151 MHz), is 3.4 times larger than the total thermal luminosity (IR to X-ray) of the accretion flow, $L_{bol} \sim 1.9 \times 10^{46}\mathrm{ergs/s}$. It is the fourth most kinetically dominated quasar that we could verify from existing radio data. From a review of the literature, we find that kinetically dominated sources such as PKS 1018-42 are rare, and list the 5 most kinetically dominated sources found from our review. Our results for PKS 1018-42 are based on new observations from the Australia Telescope Compact Array.Comment: To appear in ApJ Letter

Heparin as a risk factor for perigraft seroma complicating the modified Blalock-Taussig shunt

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine the risk factors associated with the occurrence of perigraft seromas complicating systemic-to-pulmonary polytetrafluoroethylene grafts. METHODS: Clinical and perioperative variables were reexamined, blinded for the outcome variable perigraft seroma, in 60 patients undergoing 67 consecutive graft procedures in a 3.5-year period. RESULTS: Eight cases of perigraft seroma were diagnosed in six patients. Univariate analysis revealed age (p = 0.02), a diagnosis of pulmonary atresia with ventricular septal defect and systemic-pulmonary collaterals (p = 0.001), reimplantation of collaterals during the procedure (p < 0.001), and intravenous heparin administered after operation (p < 0.0001) as risk factors for symptomatic perigraft seroma. Multivariable analysis defined heparin as the only significant factor associated with symptomatic perigraft seroma. Consolidation of the upper lobe on chest radiograph, ipsilateral to the shunt, directly after operation (p = 0.01), but especially 8 to 10 days after operation (p < 0.0001), or the need for prolonged drainage of pleural fluid (p < 0.0001) were correlated with the occurrence of perigraft seroma. Perigraft seroma led to four early rethoracotomies in three patients and to accelerated corrective surgery in three cases. Consolidation and absent perfusion of lung segments persisted in two patients. CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest that the use of heparin leads to an increased risk of perigraft seroma, complicating systemic-pulmonary polytetrafluoroethylene grafts. Prolonged pleural drainage and/or postoperative consolidation of the upper lobe indicate the development of symptomatic perigraft seroma. Treatment is controversial and results are unpredictable. Expectative management seems to be justified so long as permitted by the clinical condition

Indications for stenting of coarctation of the aorta in children under 3 months of age

Introduction: Coarctation of the aorta in children under 3 months of age is usually treated surgically. However, there are clinical scenarios in which stenting of native or recurrent coarctation may become necessary in this age group. Case reports: Four cases illustrate possible indications: left ventricular dysfunction increasing the operative risk, thrombus formation after coarctation surgery, patient size (i.e. in premature babies), and retrograde arch obstruction after hybrid palliation of hypoplastic left heart syndrome. In all babies, coarctation stenting was carried out successfully without complications. Conclusion: Coarctation stenting can be carried out safely in small children. Usually, the stent has to be removed or redilated later. Results are encouraging

Dysrhythmias in patients with a complete atrioventricular septal defect: From surgery to early adulthood

Contains fulltext : 203679.pdf (publisher's version ) (Open Access

Cardiologist and cardiac surgeon view on decision-making in prosthetic aortic valve selection: does profession matter?

Cardiolog