Dynamic structure factor of the Ising model with purely relaxational dynamics

We compute the dynamic structure factor for the Ising model with a purely relaxational dynamics (model A). We perform a perturbative calculation in the $\epsilon$ expansion, at two loops in the high-temperature phase and at one loop in the temperature magnetic-field plane, and a Monte Carlo simulation in the high-temperature phase. We find that the dynamic structure factor is very well approximated by its mean-field Gaussian form up to moderately large values of the frequency $\omega$ and momentum $k$. In the region we can investigate, $k\xi \lesssim 5$, $\omega \tau \lesssim 10$, where $\xi$ is the correlation length and $\tau$ the zero-momentum autocorrelation time, deviations are at most of a few percent.Comment: 21 pages, 3 figure

Diagnosis of biliary tract and ampullary carcinomas

Diagnostic methods for biliary tract carcinoma and the efficacy of these methods are discussed. Neither definite methods for early diagnosis nor specific markers are available in this disease. When this disease is suspected on the basis of clinical symptoms and risk factors, hemato-biochemical examination and abdominal ultrasonography are performed and, where appropriate, enhanced computed tomography (CT) and/or magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) is carried out. Diagnoses of extrahepatic bile duct cancer and ampullary carcinoma are often made based on the presence of obstructive jaundice. Although rare, abdominal pain and pyrexia, as well as abnormal findings of the hepatobiliary system detected by hemato-biochemical examination, serve as a clue to making a diagnosis of these diseases. On the other hand, the early diagnosis of gallbladder cancer is scarcely possible on the basis of clinical symptoms, so when this cancer is found with the onset of abdominal pain and jaundice, it is already advanced at the time of detection, thus making a cure difficult. When gallbladder cancer is suspected, enhanced CT is carried out. Multidetector computed tomography (MDCT), in particular — one of the methods of enhanced CT — is useful for decision of surgical criteria, because MDCT shows findings such as localization and extension of the tumor, and the presence or absence of remote metastasis. Procedures such as magnetic resonance imaging, endoscopic ultrasonography, bile duct biopsy, and cholangioscopy should be carried out taking into account indications for these procedures in individual patients. However, direct biliary tract imaging is necessary for making a precise diagnosis of the horizontal extension of bile duct cancer

Treatment of irritable bowel syndrome with osteopathy: results of a randomized controlled pilot study

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Effective treatment for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is not yet available. Osteopathy is a manual treatment which relies on mobilizing and manipulating procedures in order to relieve complaints. In the present study, a randomized controlled trial was carried out to evaluate the effects of osteopathic treatment for IBS. METHODS: Eligible IBS patients were randomized between osteopathy and standard care. Follow-up was 6 months and validated means of follow-up were used. After 1, 3 and 6 months an overall assessment of symptoms was noted and a symptom score was obtained on a 5-point Likert scale. Quality of life (QOL) was scored with the standardized IBSQOL 2000 questionnaire and the Functional Bowel Disorder Severity Index was used. RESULTS: Twenty patients were randomized into the osteopathy group (OG) and 19 patients were included in the standard care group (SCG). Sixty-eight percent of patients in the OG noted definite overall improvement in symptoms and 27% showed slight improvement. One patient (5%) was free of symptoms at the end of the study. In the SCG, 18% noted definite improvement, 59% showed slight improvement, and in 17% worsening of symptoms was present. The difference in change in overall symptomatic improvement was statistically significant in favor of the osteopathic treatment (P < 0.006). Mean Functional Bowel Disorder Severity Index (FBDSI) score in the OG decreased from 174 to 74 at 6 months (P < 0.0001). Also, a significant decrease was noted in the SCG from 171 to 119 (P < 0.0001). However, the decrease in the OG was significantly higher compared with the standard treatment (P = 0.02). Mean symptom score in the OG decreased from 9.1 to 6.8 but this did not reach statistical significance. In the SCG, no change in symptom score occurred (8.7 vs 10). At 6 months, the score in the OG was significantly lower (6.8 vs 10; P = 0.02). The QOL score increased in the OG at 111 versus 129 (P < 0.009). In the SCG an increase was also noted, but this was not statistically significant (109 vs 121). CONCLUSION: Osteopathic therapy is a promising alternative in the treatment of patients with IBS. Patients treated with osteopathy overall did better, with respect to symptom score and QOL

Intergenerational transmission of drinking motives and how they relate to young adults' alcohol use

Contains fulltext : 116546.pdf (publisher's version ) (Open Access)Aims This study examined whether parental drinking motives are associated with young adults' drinking motives, and their association with young adults' drinking behaviors. Methods: The sample consisted of 290 18-year-old and 289 20-year-old drinking young adults and their parents. Results: For the younger group, stronger maternal coping motives were related to stronger social and enhancement motives, while stronger paternal coping motives were associated with stronger young adult coping motives. For the older group, stronger maternal coping motives were related to stronger social motives and stronger paternal enhancement motives were associated with stronger overall young adult drinking motives. For the younger group, both enhancement and conformity motives were predictive of their alcohol use. For the older group, only higher social motives were predictive of higher alcohol use. Both groups' higher coping and enhancement motives were associated with more drinking problems. Conclusions: While, concerning content, there are some differences due to parent gender and adolescent age, stronger parental drinking motives are indeed associated with stronger adolescent drinking motives, which in turn are quite consistently related to more adolescent alcohol use and alcohol-related problems.7 p

Screening of the QCD heavy quark potential at finite temperature

Karsch F, Wyld HW. Screening of the QCD heavy quark potential at finite temperature. Physics Letters, B. 1988;213(4):505-510

Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) as a reinforcing fibre in polypropylene composites

In this study the switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.), a biomass crop being developed in North America and Europe, was tested as a stiffening and reinforcing agent in polypropylene (PP) composites with and without maleic anhydride grafted PP (MAPP) as a compatibiliser and to evaluate the effect of pulping and different sources of switchgrass on composite characteristics. The refiner pulping yield for two switchgrass varieties was estimated between 70¿80&Eth;The addition of 30øby weight) switchgrass pulp resulted in an increase of the flexural modulus by a factor of about 2.5 compared to pure polypropylene. Which was only slightly lower than values found for jute and flax. The flexural strength of PP composites reinforced with pulped switchgrass and MAPP was almost doubled compared to pure PP and approached values found for jute and flax. The compatibilising effect of MAPP has been visualised by micrographs. The good mechanical properties are achieved despite the severe fibre length reduction as a result of thermoplastic compounding which is shown by fibre length analysis. The impact strength of switchgrass/PP composites was much lower than for pure PP. The use of different switchgrass varieties and harvesting time had a minor to no effect on the mechanical performance of the respective composites. The chemical composition of different varieties was fairly constant. The low price and the relatively good mechanical characteristics should make switchgrass an attractive fibre for filling and stiffening in thermoplastic composites. Further improvement of composite mechanical properties should be possibl