Observation of correlations up to the micrometer scale in sliding charge-density waves

High-resolution coherent x-ray diffraction experiment has been performed on the charge density wave (CDW) system K$_{0.3}$MoO$_3$. The $2k_F$ satellite reflection associated with the CDW has been measured with respect to external dc currents. In the sliding regime, the $2k_F$ satellite reflection displays secondary satellites along the chain axis which corresponds to correlations up to the micrometer scale. This super long range order is 1500 times larger than the CDW period itself. This new type of electronic correlation seems inherent to the collective dynamics of electrons in charge density wave systems. Several scenarios are discussed.Comment: 4 pages, 3 figures Typos added, references remove

QCD and total cross-sections: photons and hadrons

In this contribution, we discuss a total cross-section model which can be applied to both photon and purely hadronic processes. We find that the model can reproduce photo-production cross-sections, as well as extrapolations of gamma* p processes to gamma p using vector meson dominance models, with minimal modifications from the proton case.Comment: 5 pages, 1 figure, to be published in Proceedings of Diffraction 2008, September 9-14 2008, Marseille, Franc

High resolution spectroscopy of single NV defects coupled with nearby 13^{13}C nuclear spins in diamond

We report a systematic study of the hyperfine interaction between the electron spin of a single nitrogen-vacancy (NV) defect in diamond and nearby $^{13}$C nuclear spins, by using pulsed electron spin resonance spectroscopy. We isolate a set of discrete values of the hyperfine coupling strength ranging from 14 MHz to 400 kHz and corresponding to $^{13}$C nuclear spins placed at different lattice sites of the diamond matrix. For each lattice site, the hyperfine interaction is further investigated through nuclear spin polarization measurements and by studying the magnetic field dependence of the hyperfine splitting. This work provides informations that are relevant for the development of nuclear-spin based quantum register in diamond.Comment: 8 pages, 5 figure

Maxwell-Chern-Simons Q-balls

We examine the energetics of $Q$-balls in Maxwell-Chern-Simons theory in two space dimensions. Whereas gauged $Q$-balls are unallowed in this dimension in the absence of a Chern-Simons term due to a divergent electromagnetic energy, the addition of a Chern-Simons term introduces a gauge field mass and renders finite the otherwise-divergent electromagnetic energy of the $Q$-ball. Similar to the case of gauged $Q$-balls, Maxwell-Chern-Simons $Q$-balls have a maximal charge. The properties of these solitons are studied as a function of the parameters of the model considered, using a numerical technique known as relaxation. The results are compared to expectations based on qualitative arguments.Comment: 6 pages. Talk given at Theory CANADA 2, Perimeter Institut

Normocalcaemic hyperparathyroidism (NPHPT) and primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT): Least significant change (LSC) for adjusted serum calcium

Introduction: The least significant change (LSC) is a term used in individuals in order to evaluate whether one measurement has changed significantly from the previous one. It is widely used when assessing bone mineral density (BMD) scans. To the best of our knowledge, there no such estimate available in the literature for patients with disorders of calcium metabolism. Our aim was to provide an estimate of the least significant change for albumin-adjusted calcium in patients with normocalcaemic hyperparathyroidism (NPHPT) and primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT). Methods: We used the within subject standard deviation calculated in a population of NPHPT and PHPT patients and multiplied it by 2.77. Results: The LSC for NPHPT and PHPT were found to be 0.25 and 0.24 mmol/L respectively (1.00 and 0.96 mg/dL). In clinical practice, the value of 0.25 mmol/L could be used. Discussion: The least significant change given, could be used in two ways in these patients. First, it gives a range to which values are expected. This can provide some reassurance for the patient and the physician in cases of intermittent hypercalcaemia. Moreover, it can be a marker of whether an individual has an actual significant change of his calcium after parathyroid surgery

Popular critiques of consultancy and a politics of management learning?

In this short article, I argue that popular business discourse on the role of management consultancy in the promotion and translation of management ideas is often critical, informed by more or less implicit ethical and political concerns with employee security, equity, openness and the transparency and legitimacy of responsibility. These concerns are, in part, ‘sayable’ because their object is seen as a scapegoat for management. Nevertheless, combined with the popular form of their expression, they can support and legitimize critical studies of management learning, a discipline which otherwise has become overly concerned with processual and situational phenomena at the expense of broader political dynamics and of the content and consequences of management and management knowledg

Normocalcemic hyperparathyroidism : study of its prevalence and natural history

Context Normocalcemic hyperparathyroidism (NPHPT) is characterized by persistently normal calcium levels and elevated parathyroid hormone (PTH) values, after excluding other causes of secondary hyperparathyroidism. The prevalence of the disease varies greatly and the data on the natural history of this disease are sparse and inconclusive. Objectives The objectives of this study are to describe the prevalence of NPHPT and its natural history in a referral population and to compare the variability of serum calcium with a group of patients with primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT). Design A retrospective study was conducted over 5 years. Setting The setting for this study was a metabolic bone referral center. Patients A total of 6280 patients were referred for a bone mineral density measurement (BMD). Main Outcome Measures The prevalence and natural history of NPHPT and variability of calcium were the main outcome measures. Results We identified NPHPT patients using data from the day of the BMD measurement. We excluded patients with low estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) or vitamin D, or with no measurements available. Based on the evaluation of their medical files, we identified 11 patients with NPHPT (prevalence 0.18%). Only 4 patients had consistent normocalcemia throughout their follow-up, with only 2 also having consistently high PTH. None had consistently normal eGFR or vitamin D. Intermittent hypercalcemia was present in 7 of the 11 NPHPT patients. The mean adjusted calcium was found to be significantly lower in the NPHPT group compared with the PHPT group but higher than the control group. PTH was similar for NPHPT and PHPT. These 2 groups had similar variability in serum calcium. Conclusions NPHPT patients often have episodes of hypercalcemia. We believe that NPHPT is a mild form of PHPT

The prevalence and natural history of normocalcaemic hypoparathyroidism in a United Kingdom referral population

Context Normocalcaemic hypoparathyroidism (NHYPO) is characterised by persistently low levels of parathyroid hormone (PTH) with normal levels of calcium. There is little in current literature on this disease, with only two studies published on its prevalence whilst its natural history remains relatively unknown. Objectives to identify the prevalence of NHYPO in a UK referral population and to study the natural history of the disorder. Design Retrospective study. Follow up five years Patients 6280 patients referred for a BMD measurement in a Metabolic Bone referral centre Measurements Prevalence of NHYPO and variability of calcium Results Based on laboratory results on the index day, 22 patients with NHYPO were identified. Four patients were excluded due to non‐PTH induced hypocalcaemia and unconfirmed data. The final prevalence was 0.29%. Only 67% had persistent normocalcaemia, the rest having intermittent hypocalcaemia. Two of these patients also had persistently low PTH on two occasions. Most of the patients had one PTH measurement available. No patient developed permanent hypoparathyroidism. Conclusions The prevalence calculated from this UK referral population is lower when compared to results from previous studies. NHYPO patients often have episodes of hypocalcaemia with some cases having no apparent reason for calcium levels below the reference range

High energy gamma ray balloon instrument

The High Energy Gamma Ray Balloon Instrument was built in part to verify certain subsystems' performance for the Energetic Gamma Ray Experiment Telescope (EGRET) instrument, the high energy telescope to be carried on the Gamma Ray Observatory. This paper describes the instrument, the performance of some subsystems, and some relevant results

A Late Born White-tailed Deer, Odocoileus virginianus, Fawn in Southcentral Wisconsin

Published reports of peak breeding and parturition dates for White-tailed Deer (Odocoileus virginianus) indicate that deer in northern regions typically breed during November and give birth during late May and early June. However, we report a late-born White-tailed Deer fawn killed by a vehicle between 12-13 March 2007 in south central Wisconsin. Morphology measurements and body weight indicated the individual was 63-76 days old, was born between 26 December 2006 and 8 January 2007, and was conceived between 14-27 June 2006. To our knowledge, this observation represents the latest documented breeding activity in northern deer populations