The Hilbert-Space Structure of Non-Hermitian Theories with Real Spectra

We investigate the quantum-mechanical interpretation of models with non-Hermitian Hamiltonians and real spectra. After describing a general framework to reformulate such models in terms of Hermitian Hamiltonians defined on the Hilbert space $L_2(-\infty,\infty)$, we discuss the significance of the algebra of physical observables.Comment: 5 pages, uses iopart.cls. Talk given by R. Kretschmer at the 1st International Workshop on Pseudo-Hermitian Hamiltonians in Quantum Physics, Prague, Czech Republic, June 16-17, 2003. To appear in the proceeding

Copyright Contracts and Earnings of Visual Creators: A Survey of 5,800 British Designers, Fine Artists, Illustrators and Photographers

There is a common perception that digitisation has prompted changes in creative labour markets. In particular, it is widely assumed that exploiters insist on "grabbing rights" (i.e. broadly conceived assignments of rights), that visual artists are not able to negotiate, that they are paid less and less, and that they are compelled to waive their moral rights. This study suggests a much more equivocal picture. In place of a straightforward narrative of decline, the results of the survey suggest that in most fields there has been less change over the last decade than one might have expected: that, terms of exploitation are most often about the same. That is not to say that there are no discernible changes in particular occupations and media. Respondents and interviewees identify some important shifts. Perhaps surprisingly, it seems there are changes in practice that are, from the creator's perspective, both positive and negative. The most positive change is identified amongst the fine artists where half (50%) see their personal bargaining position as having improved, with only 6% perceiving a weakening. The most disturbing changes are in relation to photographers. About half of all photographers (49%) say their bargaining position has worsened, with only 22% reporting improvements. A significant percentage of photographers (40%) report an increase in assignments (compared with 6% who think they have decreased). Moreover, 24% report an increase in moral rights waivers (compared to 3% who identify a decrease), and a decline in the practice of attribution. 31% of photographers see attribution as decreasing over the last decade, and only 8% increasing. 28% say income from secondary use has decreased, while only 16% say it has decreased

Multi-channel Bethe-Salpeter equation

A general form of multi-channel Bethe-Salpeter equation is considered. In contradistinction to the hitherto applied approaches, our coupled system of equations leads to the simultaneous solutions for all relativistic four-point Green functions (elastic and inelastic) appearing in a given theory. A set of relations which may be helpful in approximate treatments is given. An example of extracting useful information from the equations is discussed: we consider the most general trilinear coupling of N different scalar fields and obtain - in the ladder approximation - closed expressions for the Regge trajectories and their couplings to different channels in the vicinity of l = -1. Sum rules and an example containing non-obvious symmetry are discussed.Comment: 16 pages. Extended version published in JHEP. Uses JHEP.cls (included

The efficacy of halofantrine in the treatment of acute malaria in nonimmune travelers

A multicenter prospective trial was performed to investigate the efficacy and the tolerability of halofantrine in nonimmune patients with malaria imported from areas with drug-resistant falciparum parasites (mainly Africa). Forty-five of the 74 subjects were treated with a one-day regimen (3 x 500 mg) of halofantrine, and the other 29 received the same regimen with an additional treatment on day 7. In the second group, a 100% efficacy rate was demonstrated, but in the group receiving the one-day regimen, four recrudescences were observed in patients with falciparum malaria. Only five mild adverse reactions were seen, which disappeared spontaneously after the end of the treatment. We conclude that halofantrine is highly effective in curing malaria in nonimmune subjects. The treatment scheme for such persons should include an additional treatment on day 7 for nonimmune individuals. This drug was well tolerated in our patients, indicating that halofantrine will be useful in the treatment of multidrug-resistant malaria in nonimmune persons

Caught in a vicious cycle? Explaining bidirectional spillover between parent-child relationships and peer victimization

Relationships with parents and peers are crucial for children's socialization, but how parent-child and peer relationships mutually affect each other is not well understood. Guided by spillover theory, we zoomed in on the bidirectional interplay between parental rejection and warmth on the one hand and peer victimization on the other, and examined whether children's maladjustment symptoms mediated hypothesized cross-domain spillover effects. Data stem from five waves of the longitudinal KiVa study among 9,770 children (50% boys; mean age = 9.16, standard deviation = 1.29). Results from random intercept cross-lagged panel models showed that higher parental rejection and lower parental warmth predicted increases in peer victimization and vice versa across waves, thus supporting the bidirectional model. Moreover, spillover from parent-child rejection and warmth to peer victimization was partially driven by children's depressive symptoms and bullying perpetration. Vice versa, spillover from peer victimization to parent-child rejection and warmth was partially driven by children's social anxiety, depressive symptoms, conduct problems, and bullying perpetration. Thus, children might get caught in persistent problems in two important social domains, and these two domains influence each other through children's maladjustment. Family and school interventions should be integrated to prevent a downwards spiral

Isolated vertebral fractures give elevated serum protein S-100B levels

ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND: Serum protein S-100B determinations have been widely proposed in the past as markers of traumatic brain injury and used as a predictor of injury severity and outcome. The purpose of this prospective observational case series was therefore to determine S-100B serum levels in patients with isolated injuries to the back. METHODS: Between 1 February and 1 May 2008, serum samples for S-100B analysis were obtained within 1 hour of injury from 285 trauma patients. All patients with a head injury, polytrauma, and intoxicated patients were excluded to select isolated injuries to the spine. 19 patients with isolated injury of the back were included. Serum samples for S-100B analysis and CT spine were obtained within 1 hours of injury. RESULTS: CT scans showed vertebral fractures in 12 of the 19 patients (63%). All patients with fractures had elevated S-100B levels. Amongst the remaining 7 patients without a fracture, only one patient with a severe spinal contusion had an S-100B concentration above the reference limit. The mean S-100B value of the group with fractures was more than 4 times higher than in the group without fractures (0.385 vs 0.087 mug/L, p = 0.0097). CONCLUSION: Our data, although limited due to a very small sample size, suggest that S-100B serum levels might be useful for the diagnosis of acute vertebral body and spinal cord injury with a high negative predictive power. According to the literature, the highest levels of serum S-100B are found when large bones are fractured. If a large prospective study confirms our findings, determining the S-100B level may contribute to more selective use of CT and MRI in spinal trauma

Intellectual Property Law and Entertainment Law Issues

The University of Georgia School of Law\u27s Dean Rusk Center hosted an intellectual property law lecture featuring Martin Kretschmer, professor of information jurisprudence and director of the Centre for Intellectual Property Policy & Management at Bournemouth University, U.K. Kretschmer discussed his groundbreaking work in artist compensation in the European Union as well as the contractual structures that drive creative industries on April 6 at 1:30 p.m. in the Larry Walker Room of Dean Rusk Hall. His lecture was followed by comments from W. Bruce Burch, UGA director of Interdisciplinary Certificate in Music Business; Bertis E. Downs IV, Georgia Law adjunct professor and general counsel for the music group R.E.M.; and John L. Turner, UGA Terry College of Business associate professor