Slow Dynamics in Glasses

Minimalist theories of complex systems are broadly of two kinds: mean-field and axiomatic. So far all theories of complex properties absent from simple systems and intrinsic to glasses are axiomatic. Stretched Exponential Relaxation (SER) is the prototypical complex temporal property of glasses, discovered by Kohlrausch 150 years ago, and now observed almost universally in microscopically homogeneous, complex non-equilibrium materials, including luminescent electronic (Coulomb) glasses. Critical comparison of alternative axiomatic theories with both numerical simulations and experiments strongly favors dynamical trap models over static percolative or energy landscape models. PACS: 61.20.Lc; 67.40.F

Integrating Function‐Directed Treatments into Palliative Care

The growing acceptance of palliative care has created opportunities to increase the use of rehabilitation services among populations with advanced disease, particularly those with cancer. Broader delivery has been impeded by the lack of a shared definition for palliative rehabilitation and a mismatch between patient needs and established rehabilitation service delivery models. We propose the definition that, in the advanced cancer population, palliative rehabilitation is function‐directed care delivered in partnership with other clinical disciplines and aligned with the values of patients who have serious and often incurable illnesses in contexts marked by intense and dynamic symptoms, psychological stress, and medical morbidity to realize potentially time‐limited goals. Although palliative rehabilitation is most often delivered by inpatient physical medicine and rehabilitation consultation/liaison services and by physical therapists in skilled nursing facilities, outcomes in these settings have received little scrutiny. In contrast, outpatient cancer rehabilitation programs have gained robust evidentiary support attesting to their benefits across diverse settings. Advancing palliative rehabilitation will require attention to historical barriers to the uptake of cancer rehabilitation services, which include the following: patient and referring physicians’ expectation that effective cancer treatment will reverse disablement; breakdown of linear models of disablement due to presence of concurrent symptoms and psychological distress; tension between reflexive palliation and impairment‐directed treatment; palliative clinicians’ limited familiarity with manual interventions and rehabilitation services; and challenges in identifying receptive patients with the capacity to benefit from rehabilitation services. The effort to address these admittedly complex issues is warranted, as consideration of function in efforts to control symptoms and mood is vital to optimize patients’ autonomy and quality of life. In addition, manual rehabilitation modalities are effective and drug sparing in the alleviation of adverse symptoms but are markedly underused. Realizing the potential synergism of integrating rehabilitation services in palliative care will require intensification of interdisciplinary dialogue.Peer Reviewedhttps://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/146938/1/pmr2s335.pd

Measurement and noise characterization of optically induced index changes using THz interferometry

A Michelson interferometer designed for broadband single-cycle THz pulses is used to characterize optically induced index changes in semiconductors which result in submicron changes in optical path length. The interferometric measurements are compared both to standard THz time-domain spectroscopy (THz-TDS) and differential THz-TDS based on modulation of the sample. By analyzing noise contributions in THz spectroscopy systems, it is shown that the destructive interference achieved in THz interferometry reduces both some sources of random errors as well as errors due to system drift.Peer reviewedElectrical and Computer Engineerin

Part-per-million gas detection from long-baseline THz spectroscopy

We report a long-baseline THz time domain spectrometer based on a White cell design capable of detecting gas species in the low part-per-million range in near real time. Coherent transients from methyl chloride vapor are observed directly in the time domain using a 5.0 m path length at pressures down to 1 Pa. Both phase sensitive (lock-in) detection and direct signal averaging using a rapid-scanning delay line are used for data acquisition.Peer reviewedElectrical and Computer Engineerin

Direct observation of the Gouy phase shift in THz impulse ranging

Here we present a direct observation of the Gouy effect through THz impulse scattering from cylindrical and spherical targets. A pi/2 Gouy phase shift through a one-axis focus compared to the more common pi phase shift of the two-axis focus is required to interpret the scattering results using a physical optics model.Peer reviewedElectrical and Computer Engineerin

Properties of surface waves determined via bistatic terahertz impulse ranging

A bistatic terahertz impulse ranging system has permitted the full isolation and direct measurements of the surface wave loss and dispersion for terahertz frequencies on a dielectric cylinder. This system permits ranging investigations with variable bistatic angles between the source and detector. Direct, frequency dependent comparisons of surface wave loss and propagation velocity are compared to Mie theory and previous measurements of surface wave propagation over a 1 THz bandwidth. The observed radiation from the surface waves is seen to depend on the path of the radiation in and along the scatterer.Peer reviewedElectrical and Computer Engineerin

Retroperitoneal lymph node dissection (RPLND) for malignant phenotype Leydig cell tumours of the testis: a 10-year experience.

Retroperitoneal lymph node dissection (RPLND) is a prognostic, palliative, and potentially therapeutic procedure for patients with malignant phenotype Leydig cell tumours of the testis. We reviewed the records of patients diagnosed with malignant phenotype Leydig cell tumours of the testis treated by RPLND. Modified template dissection was performed in all cases with extra-template excision of tumour mass in Stage II disease. Routine clinico-radiological follow-up was performed. Six open RPLNDs (1 re-do procedure) were performed on 5 patients diagnosed with Stage I (n = 3) and Stage II (n = 2) malignant phenotype Leydig cell tumour of the testis. Median age = 63 years (range = 55-72). Median peri-operative blood loss = 1500 ml (range = 500-1500 ml). Median operating time = 6 h (range = 4.5-6.5). Two patients with Stage II disease developed post-operative complications of acute kidney injury (n = 1) and pneumonia (n = 1). Median length of stay was 8 days (range = 6-11). RPLND specimens from patients with Stage I were tumour-free, whilst patients with Stage II disease had evidence of metastatic tumour. At latest follow-up (median = 13 months, range = 7-22), no patient with Stage I disease had radiological evidence of recurrence, however the two patients with Stage II disease had died due to tumour recurrence at 13 months and 36 months. RPLND for malignant phenotype Leydig cell testicular tumours appears to be well tolerated. Despite surgery, overall outcomes for Stage II appear to be poor due to the disease phenotype. Larger prospective multi-centre studies are required to determine the definitive criteria for surgery in Stage I disease