Confinement interaction in nonlinear generalizations of the Wick-Cutkosky model

We consider nonlinear-mediating-field generalizations of the Wick-Cutkosky model. Using an iterative approach and eliminating the mediating field by means of the covariant Green function we arrive at a Lagrangian density containing many-point time-nonlocal interaction terms. In low-order approximations of $\phi^3{+}\phi^4$ theory we obtain the usual two-current interaction as well as a three-current interaction of a confining type. The same result is obtained without approximation for a version of the dipole model. The transition to the Hamiltonian formalism and subsequent canonical quantization is performed with time non-locality taken into account approximately. A relativistic three-particle wave equation is derived variationally by using a three-particle Fock space trial state. The non-relativistic limit of this equation is obtained and its properties are analyzed and discussed.Comment: 15 pages, 1 figure, LaTe

Optimizing fiber cross-sectional shape for improving stability of air–water interface over superhydrophobic fibrous coatings

In this letter, a mathematical force-balance formulation is developed that can be used to predict the critical pressure, the hydrostaticpressure above which the surface starts to depart from the non-wetting state, for superhydrophobicsurfaces comprised of highly aligned fibers (e.g., biased AC-electrospun coatings) with arbitrary cross-sectional shapes. We have also developed a methodology for optimizing the fiber cross-sections to maximize the critical pressure of the surface, using the Euler–Lagrange equation. A case study is presented to better demonstrate the application of our method

Opportunities for optics in integrated circuits applications

Optics potentially addresses two key problems in electronic chips and systems: interconnects and timing. Short optical pulses (e.g., picoseconds or shorter) offer particularly precise timing. Results are shown for optical and electrical four-phase clocking, with <1 ps rms jitter for the optical case

Evaluation of self-medication prevalence, diagnosis and prescription in migraine in Kerman, Iran

Objective: To investigate different diagnosis aspects, prescribed drugs and self-medications of migraine in Iran. Methods: We selected 210 migraineurs from high school and university students in Kerman, Iran over a period of 6 months in 2002 by multistage randomized screening based on the International Headache Society criteria. We classified them into 2 groups on the basis of whether they had consulted a physician or not. We then evaluated the physician prescriptions, and prevalence of self-medications. Results: Only 49 of migraineurs consulted a physician, and only 53 were correctly diagnosed by physicians according to the International Headache Society criteria. Our study shows that 69 of general practitioners diagnoses were wrong. In spite of indications for prophylactic treatment, it was not prescribed in 76 of the patients, and 50 of the general practitioners prescribed it without any indications. Furthermore, 91 of patients used self-medication; Acetaminophen and Codeine were the most common. Conclusion: General practitioners' misdiagnosis and mismanagement of the migraineurs, and easy access to various drugs in Iran, have led to a high rate of self-medication. Self-medication with Codeine, with regard to its side effects, such as increase of secondary headaches and dependency is the major problem. Consequently, medical education systems, physician reevaluating methods, and the concept of self-medication among patients have to be revised

Isolation of keratinophilic fungi from soil in Isfahanprovince, Iran

Objective. — To evaluate the epidemiology of keratophilic fungi in Isfahan province, Iran.Material and methods. — The present research has been conducted on soil samples collected from 16 townships of Isfahan province. For isolate geophilic dermatophytes and keratinophilic fungi, the keratin baiting technique has been applied. Results. — Of 800 soil samples examined, 588 (73.5%) keratinophilic fungi were isolated. The present studied recognized 727 isolates including 16 species of 11 genus, as follows: Chrysosporium keratinophilum (31.4%), C. pannicola (16.9%), C. tropicum (15.4%), Microsporum gypseum (12.4%), Chrysosporium spp. (9.9%), C. indicum (7%), Sepedonium spp. (3.3%), Malbranchia spp. (1%), Trichophyton terrestre (0.8%), T. ajelloi and Paecilomyces lilacinus (0.4%), Engyodontium album and Acremonium spp. (0.3%), Curvularia spp., Fusarium spp. and Ulocladium spp. (0.1%). In this study, E. album was isolated for the first time in this country (Iran). The frequency these keratinophilic fungi are discussed in relation to different agents such as soil pH. Conclusion. — This study contributes to the knowledge of keratophilic fungi in Iran. # 2011 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserve

Using visual and linguistic framing to support sustainable decisions in an online store

Companies face several digital communication challenges when it comes to promoting green products or services. The framing effect, which refers to the presentation of information, can significantly influence decision-making in digital interfaces. This research explores the impact of information framing through text and visuals on purchase decisions for sustainable fashion products. An online evaluation study (&#x1d441; = 84) of an e-commerce environment was conducted. We found that visual framing significantly affected user product choices, supporting more sustainability decisions. In contrast, little evidence was found that supported the effectiveness of linguistic (i.e., message) framing on user product choices. We discuss implications on how product pages should be designed to encourage sustainable decision-making

Using visual and linguistic framing to support sustainable decisions in an online store

Companies face several digital communication challenges when it comes to promoting green products or services. The framing effect, which refers to the presentation of information, can significantly influence decision-making in digital interfaces. This research explores the impact of information framing through text and visuals on purchase decisions for sustainable fashion products. An online evaluation study (&#x1d441; = 84) of an e-commerce environment was conducted. We found that visual framing significantly affected user product choices, supporting more sustainability decisions. In contrast, little evidence was found that supported the effectiveness of linguistic (i.e., message) framing on user product choices. We discuss implications on how product pages should be designed to encourage sustainable decision-making

Evidence for a DNA-Based Mechanism of Intron-Mediated Enhancement

Many introns significantly increase gene expression through a process termed intron-mediated enhancement (IME). Introns exist in the transcribed DNA and the nascent RNA, and could affect expression from either location. To determine which is more relevant to IME, hybrid introns were constructed that contain sequences from stimulating Arabidopsis thaliana introns either in their normal orientation or as the reverse complement. Both ends of each intron are from the non-stimulatory COR15a intron in their normal orientation to allow splicing. The inversions create major alterations to the sequence of the transcribed RNA with relatively minor changes to the DNA structure. Introns containing portions of either the UBQ10 or ATPK1 intron increased expression to a similar degree regardless of orientation. Also, computational predictions of IME improve when both intron strands are considered. These findings are more consistent with models of IME that act at the level of DNA rather than RNA

A Novel Shortwave Infrared Proximal Sensing Approach to Quantify the Water Stability of Soil Aggregates

Soil structure and aggregate stability (AS) are critical soil properties affecting water infiltration, root growth, and resistance to soil and wind erosion. Changes in AS may be early indicators of soil degradation, pointing to low organic matter (OM) content, reduced biological activity, or poor nutrient cycling. Hence, efficient and reliable AS measurement techniques are essential for detection, management, and remediation of degraded soil resources. Here we quantify soil AS by developing a novel proximal sensing technique based on shortwave infrared (SWIR) reflectance measurements. The novel approach is similar to the well-documented high energy moisture characteristic (HEMC) method, which yields a stability ratio (SR) derived from comparison of hydraulic and structural characteristics of slowly- and rapidly-wetted soil samples near-saturation. We rapidly wetted aggregated soil samples (i.e., high energy input) and hypothesized that an AS index can be derived from SWIR surface reflectance spectra due to differences in post-wetting surface roughness that is intimately linked to AS. To test this hypothesis, surface reflectance spectra from a wide range of structured soil textures under both slowly- and rapidly-wetted samples, were measured with a SWIR spectroradiometer (350–2500 nm). The ratio between pre- and post-wetting spectra was determined and compared with the HEMC method’s volume of drainable pore ratio (VDPR). We found a strong correlation (R2 = 0.87) between the VDPR and the SWIR-derived reflectance index (RI) and also between the SR (R2 = 0.90) and the RI for all soils. These results point to the feasibility and appeal of quantifying AS using the newly proposed and more time-efficient proximal sensing method

Predicting shape and stability of air–water interface on superhydrophobic surfaces with randomly distributed, dissimilar posts

A mathematical framework developed to calculate the shape of the air–water interface and predict the stability of a microfabricated superhydrophobicsurface with randomly distributed posts of dissimilar diameters and heights is presented. Using the Young–Laplace equation, a second-order partial differential equation is derived and solved numerically to obtain the shape of the interface, and to predict the critical hydrostatic pressure at which the superhydrophobicity vanishes in a submersed surface. Two examples are given for demonstration of the method’s capabilities and accuracy