Using the Man9(GlcNAc)2 – DC-SIGN pairing to probe specificity in photochemical immobilization

We demonstrate the expected preference of an immobilised oligosaccharide Man(9)(GlcNAc)(2) upon a 96-well photochemical array, for its known receptor, the cell-surface lectin Dendritic Cell-Specific ICAM3 Grabbing Nonintegrin (DC-SIGN) when compared to immobilised competing monosaccharides

The Athletic Profile of Fast Bowling in Cricket : A Review

Cricket is a global sport played in over 100 countries with elite performers attracting multimillion dollar contracts. Therefore, performers maintaining optimum physical fitness and remaining injury free is important. Fast bowlers have a vital position in a cricket team, and there is an increasing body of scientific literature that has reviewed this role over the past decade. Previous research on fast bowlers has tended to focus on biomechanical analysis and injury prevention in performers. However, this review aims to critically analyze the emerging contribution of physiological-based literature linked to fast bowling in cricket, highlight the current evidence related to simulated and competitive in-match performance, and relate this practically to the conditioning coach. Furthermore, the review considers limitations with past research and possible avenues for future investigation. It is clear with the advent of new applied mobile monitoring technology that there is scope for more ecologically valid and longitudinal exploration capturing in-match data, providing quantification of physiological workloads, and analysis of the physical demands across the differing formats of the game. Currently, strength and conditioning specialists do not have a critical academic resource with which to shape professional practice, and this review aims to provide a starting point for evidence in the specific areaPeer reviewedFinal Accepted Versio

Two-channel Kondo physics in two-impurity Kondo models

We consider the non-Fermi liquid quantum critical state of the spin-S two-impurity Kondo model, and its potential realization in a quantum dot device. Using conformal field theory (CFT) and the numerical renormalization group (NRG), we show the critical point to be identical to that of the two-channel Kondo model with additional potential scattering, for any spin-S. Distinct conductance signatures are shown to arise as a function of device asymmetry; with the `smoking gun' square-root behavior, commonly believed to arise at low-energies, dominant only in certain regimes.Comment: 4.5 pages (with 3 figures) + 9 pages (with 4 figures) supplementary materia

Creation and characterization of vector vortex modes for classical and quantum communication

Vector vortex beams are structured states of light that are non-separable in their polarisation and spatial mode, they are eigenmodes of free-space and many fibre systems, and have the capacity to be used as a modal basis for both classical and quantum communication. Here we outline recent progress in our understanding of these modes, from their creation to their characterization and detection. We then use these tools to study the propagation behaviour of such modes in free-space and optical fibre and show that modal cross-talk results in a decay of vector states into separable scalar modes, with a concomitant loss of information. We present a comparison between probabilistic and deterministic detection schemes showing that the former, while ubiquitous, negates the very benefit of increased dimensionality in quantum communication while reducing signal in classical communication links. This work provides a useful introduction to the field as well as presenting new findings and perspectives to advance it further

The columbia registry of controlled clinical computer trials

pre-printNumerous reports on randomized controlled clinical trials of comnputer-based interventions have been published. These trials provide useful evaluations of the impact of information technology on patient care. Unfortunately, several obstacles make access to the trial reports difficult. Barriers include the large variety of publications in which reports may appear, non-standard descriptors, and incomplete indexing. Some analyzers indicate inadequate testing of computer methods. The purpose of establishing a registry of randomized controlled clinical computer trials was to assist the identification of computer services with demonstrated ability to improve the process or outcome of patient care. A report collection, selection, information extraction, and registration method was developed and implemented. One hundred and six reports on computer trials have been collected. A large variety of computer-assisted interventions have been tested in the registered trials (40% reminder, 15% feedback, 14% dose planning, 14% patient education, 12% medical record). 76% of the registered reports were published in the United States and most of the remainder in various European countries. In reporting computer trial results, 77% of the authors did not use both tile "computer" and "trial" keywords in the title or abstract of their papers. We conclude that a major obstacle to adequate computer technology assessment is inadequate access to the published results

Quality evaluation of controlled clinical information service trials

pre-printRandomized controlled clinical trials are increasingly accepted as tools of computer technology assessment and, therefore, quality evaluation of trials has great theoretical and practical significance. The purpose of this study was to assist the design of evaluation studies and synthesis of published results by developing and validating an easy-to-use quality scoring method. The development of the new scoring system was based on the available quality evaluation methods and the analysis of 19 trial reports registered in the Columbia Registry of Controlled Clinical Information Service Trials. First critical aspects and afterwards the levels of quality were defined. In spite of the fact that all quality requirements were met by some trials, the average overall quality score was 52.6 (± 8. 7) per cent. The minimum score was 37 and the maximum was 72 per cent. Data collection and site/sample definition were better in the good quality trials, but improvement in statistical analysis was erratic. 7he quality scoring method was validated by using another sample of 20 registered trials. While the number of published controlled clinical trials is increasing in medical informnatics, the analysis was unable to demonstrate a significant positive correlation between the quality and year of publication

A decision-support system for the analysis of clinical practice patterns

pre-printSeveral studies documented substantial variation in medical practice patterns, but physicians often do not have adequate information on the cumulative clinical and financial effects of their decisions. The purpose of developing an expert system for the analysis of clinical practice patterns was to assist providers in analyzing and improving the process and outcome of patient care. The developed QFES (Quality Feedback Expert System) helps users in the definition and evaluation of measurable quality improvement objectives. Based on objectives and actual clinical data, several measures can be calculated (utilization of procedures, annualized cost effect of using a particular procedure, and expected utilization based on peer-comparison and case-mix adjustment). The quality management rules help to detect important discrepancies among members of the selected provider group and compare performance with objectives. The system incorporates a variety of data and knowledge bases: (i) clinical data on actual practice patterns, (ii) frames of quality parameters derived from clinical practice guidelines, and (iii) rules of quality management for data analysis. An analysis of practice patterns of 12 family physicians in the management of urinary tract infections illustrates the use of the system