Generalized strongly increasing semigroups

In this work we present a new class of numerical semigroups called GSI-semigroups. We see the relations between them and others families of semigroups and we give explicitly their set of gaps. Moreover, an algorithm to obtain all the GSI-semigroups up to a given Frobenius number is provided and the realization of positive integers as Frobenius numbers of GSI-semigroups is studied

Joint operation planning and execution

The intent of this research is to facilitate understanding of the joint planning process. The thesis consolidates a detailed description of the joint operation planning process with an indepth narrative of the Joint Operation Planning and Execution System (JOPES). The most current information available is provided on JOPES which Is still under development and continues to evolve. The role of defense transportation in joint operations planning and execution is emphasized.. An appendix contains a user's manual for the JOPED Computer-Assisted Instruction simulator which operates on a microcomputer. IT is specifically tailored for novices and those desiring to learn more about JOPES.http://archive.org/details/jointoperationpl00tallLieutenant, United States NavyApproved for public release; distribution is unlimited

Transmission Properties of the oscillating delta-function potential

We derive an exact expression for the transmission amplitude of a particle moving through a harmonically driven delta-function potential by using the method of continued-fractions within the framework of Floquet theory. We prove that the transmission through this potential as a function of the incident energy presents at most two real zeros, that its poles occur at energies $n\hbar\omega+\varepsilon^*$ ($0<Re(\varepsilon^*)<\hbar\omega$), and that the poles and zeros in the transmission amplitude come in pairs with the distance between the zeros and the poles (and their residue) decreasing with increasing energy of the incident particle. We also show the existence of non-resonant "bands" in the transmission amplitude as a function of the strength of the potential and the driving frequency.Comment: 21 pages, 12 figures, 1 tabl

High contrast dual-mode optical and 13C magnetic resonance imaging in diamond particles

Multichannel imaging -- the ability to acquire images of an object through more than one imaging mode simultaneously -- has opened interesting new perspectives in areas ranging from astronomy to medicine. Visible optics and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) offer complementary advantages of resolution, speed and depth of penetration, and as such would be attractive in combination. In this paper, we take first steps towards marrying together optical and MR imaging in a class of biocompatible particulate materials constructed out of diamond. The particles are endowed with a high density of quantum defects (Nitrogen Vacancy centers) that under optical excitation fluoresce brightly in the visible, but also concurrently electron spin polarize. This allows the hyperpolarization of lattice 13C nuclei to make the particles over three-orders of magnitude brighter than in conventional MRI. Dual-mode optical and MR imaging permits immediate access to improvements in resolution and signal-to-noise especially in scattering environments. We highlight additional benefits in background-free imaging, demonstrating lock-in suppression by factors of 2 and 5 in optical and MR domains respectively. Ultimate limits could approach as much as two orders of magnitude in each domain. Finally, leveraging the ability of optical and MR imaging to simultaneously probe Fourier-reciprocal domains (real and k-space), we elucidate the ability to employ hybrid sub-sampling in both conjugate spaces to vastly accelerate dual-image acquisition, by as much as two orders of magnitude in practically relevant sparse-imaging scenarios. This is accompanied by a reduction in optical power by the same factor. Our work suggests interesting possibilities for the simultaneous optical and low-field MR imaging of targeted diamond nanoparticles

A Metabolite Specific 3D Stack-of-Spiral bSSFP Sequence for Improved Lactate Imaging in Hyperpolarized [1-13^{13}C]Pyruvate Studies on a 3T Clinical Scanner

Purpose: The balanced steady-state free precession sequence has been previously explored to improve the efficient use of non-recoverable hyperpolarized $^{13}$C magnetization, but suffers from poor spectral selectivity and long acquisition time. The purpose of this study was to develop a novel metabolite-specific 3D bSSFP ("MS-3DSSFP") sequence with stack-of-spiral readouts for improved lactate imaging in hyperpolarized [1-$^{13}$C]pyruvate studies on a clinical 3T scanner. Methods: Simulations were performed to evaluate the spectral response of the MS-3DSSFP sequence. Thermal $^{13}$C phantom experiments were performed to validate the MS-3DSSFP sequence. In vivo hyperpolarized [1-$^{13}$C]pyruvate studies were performed to compare the MS-3DSSFP sequence with metabolite specific gradient echo ("MS-GRE") sequences for lactate imaging. Results: Simulations, phantom and in vivo studies demonstrate that the MS-3DSSFP sequence achieved spectrally selective excitation on lactate while minimally perturbing other metabolites. Compared with MS-GRE sequences, the MS-3DSSFP sequence showed approximately a 2.5-fold SNR improvement for lactate imaging in rat kidneys, prostate tumors in a mouse model and human kidneys. Conclusions: Improved lactate imaging using the MS-3DSSFP sequence in hyperpolarized [1-$^{13}$C]pyruvate studies was demonstrated in animals and humans. The MS-3DSSFP sequence could be applied for other clinical applications such as in the brain or adapted for imaging other metabolites such as pyruvate and bicarbonate

Prioritization of fish communities with a view to conservation and restoration on a large scale European basin, the Loire (France)

The hierarchical organization of important sites for the conservation or the restoration of fish communities is a great challenge for managers, especially because of financial or time constraints. In this perspective, we developed a methodology, which is easy to implement in different locations. Based on the fish assemblage characteristics of the Loire basin (France), we created a synthetic conservation value index including the rarity, the conservation status and the species origin. The relationship between this new synthetic index and the Fish-Based Index allowed us to establish a classification protocol of the sites along the Loire including fish assemblages to be restored or conserved. Sites presenting disturbed fish assemblages, a low rarity index, few threatened species, and a high proportion of non-native species were considered as important for the restoration of fish biodiversity. These sites were found mainly in areas where the assemblages are typical of the bream zone, e.g. with a higher number of eurytopic and limnophilic species. On the contrary, important sites for conservation were defined as having an important conservation potential (high RI, a lot of threatened species, and few nonnatives fish species) and an undisturbed fish assemblage similar to the expected community if habitats are undisturbed. Important sites for conservation were found in the Loire basin’s medium reaches which host assemblages typical for the grayling and the barbell zones, e.g. with a higher number of rheophilic species. The synthetic conservation value index could be adapted and completed with other criteria according to management priorities and capacities

Cost-effectiveness model of using zoledronic acid once a year versus current treatment strategies in postmenopausal osteoporosis

OBJECTIVES: To compare effectiveness, associated cost of outcomes and cost-effectiveness of a single annual infusion of zoledronic acid versus current treatment strategies plans for postmenopausal osteoporosis in France. METHODS: Twelve simulation-based models were built to investigate three types of fractures: vertebral (VF), non-vertebral excluding hip (NVF) and hip (HF), comparing two groups: zoledronic acid and current postmenopausal antiosteoporotic treatment strategies. Two effectiveness comparability assumptions have been tested: specific agent efficacy values, and same standard efficacy values for all active agents. Direct medical costs included drug costs, medical visits, monitoring and fracture management. Adherence levels were integrated into the model under the assumption that non-adherent patients had treatment effects similar to the levels of placebo effectiveness. RESULTS: Using the most conservative assumption (same standard efficacy values for all active agents), zoledronic acid strategy results in less vertebral, non-vertebral and hip fractures than other current antiosteoporotic treatment options over 3 years: 12.04% vs. 14.18%, 10.61% vs. 11.28% and 2.82% vs. 4.64% respectively, (p&lt;0.001). In addition, zoledronic acid is more cost-effective than the current treatment strategies in all types of fractures (p&lt;0.001): 1497 euros vs. 1685 euros per VF avoided, 1337 euros vs. 1404 euros per NVF avoided and 1216 euros vs. 1323 euros per HF avoided. CONCLUSION: Zoledronic acid is a cost-effective treatment strategy regardless of fracture type or effectiveness comparability assumptions