Bernstein-Szego Polynomials Associated with Root Systems

We introduce multivariate generalizations of the Bernstein-Szego polynomials, which are associated to the root systems of the complex simple Lie algebras. The multivariate polynomials in question generalize Macdonald's Hall-Littlewood polynomials associated with root systems. For the root system of type A1 (corresponding to the Lie algebra SL (2;C)) the classic Bernstein-Szego polynomials are recovered.Comment: LaTeX, 12 page

Optimization of Solid-Supported Glaser-Hay Reactions in the Microwave

The translation of organometallic reactions into a microwave reactor has numerous advantages. Herein, we describe the application of a previously developed solid-supported Glaser-Hay reaction to microwave conditions. Overall, an array of diynes has been prepared demonstrating the ability to conduct chemoselective reactions in the microwave within 20 min compared to the 16 h thermal conditions. Moreover, non-microwave transparent alkynes have been found to react more quickly, preventing catalyst quenching, and resulting in higher yields

Galaxy Clusters in the Line of Sight to Background Quasars: I. Survey Design and Incidence of MgII Absorbers at Cluster Redshifts

We describe the first optical survey of absorption systems associated with galaxy clusters at z= 0.3-0.9. We have cross-correlated SDSS DR3 quasars with high-redshift cluster/group candidates from the Red-Sequence Cluster Survey. We have found 442 quasar-cluster pairs for which the MgII doublet might be detected at a transverse (physical) distance d<2 Mpc from the cluster centers. To investigate the incidence (dN/dz) and equivalent-width distribution n(W) of MgII systems at cluster redshifts, two statistical samples were drawn out of these pairs: one made of high-resolution spectroscopic quasar observations (46 pairs), and one made of quasars used in MgII searches found in the literature (375 pairs). The results are: (1) the population of strong MgII systems (W_0>2.0 Ang.) near cluster redshifts shows a significant (>3 sigma) overabundance (up to a factor of 15) when compared with the 'field' population; (2) the overabundance is more evident at smaller distances (d<1 Mpc) than larger distances (d<2 Mpc) from the cluster center; and, (3) the population of weak MgII systems (W_0<0.3 Ang.) near cluster redshifts conform to the field statistics. Unlike in the field, this dichotomy makes n(W) in clusters appear flat and well fitted by a power-law in the entire W-range. A sub-sample of the most massive clusters yields a stronger and still significant signal. Since either the absorber number density or filling-factor/cross-section affects the absorber statistics, an interesting possibility is that we have detected the signature of truncated halos due to environmental effects. Thus, we argue that the excess of strong systems is due to a population of absorbers in an overdense galaxy environment, and the lack of weak systems to a different population, that got destroyed in the cluster environment. (Abridged)Comment: Accepted for publication in the Astrophysical Journa

Multinet : enabler for next generation enterprise wireless services

Wireless communications are currently experiencing a fast migration toward the beyond third-generation (B3G)/fourth generation (4G) era. This represents a generational change in wireless systems: new capabilities related to mobility and new services support is required and new concepts as individual-centric, user-centric or ambient-aware communications are included. One of the main restrictions associated to wireless technology is mobility management, this feature was not considered in the design phase; for this reason, a complete solution is not already found, although different solutions are proposed and are being proposed. In MULTINET project, features as mobility and multihoming are applied to wireless network to provide the necessary network and application functionality enhancements for seamless data communication mobility considering end-user scenario and preferences. The aim of this paper is to show the benefits of these functionalities from the Service Providers and final User point of view

Cross-sectional Associations of Opiate Misuse/Opioid Use Disorder among Adults Experiencing Homelessness

The purpose of this manuscript is to determine the prevalence of opioid misuse/opioid use disorder (OUD) among adults experiencing homelessness and describe characteristics that account for significant variance in relation to opioid misuse in those who misuse and do not misuse opioids. From six homeless shelters in Oklahoma City, adults participated in a survey about their demographics, substance use, mental health, and physical health from July to August of 2016 (n = 569). For assessing substance use, participants responded about their opioid misuse and diagnosis of OUD, current smoking status, arrests due to drug possession or driving while intoxicated, and diagnosis with alcohol use disorder or another drug use disorder, excluding opiate use disorder. A cumulative score of mental health comorbidity was created based on affirmative responses for having been diagnosed with depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), schizophrenia/schizoaffective disorder, bipolar disorder, or an anxiety disorder besides PTSD. For physical health, one item from the General Health Survey-Short Form assessed pain, one item from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance Survey assessed health, and one item assessed history of concussion. Bivariate analyses and logistic regression models identified the association. Sixteen percent of participants reported having experienced opioid misuse/been diagnosed with OUD. Substance use behaviors and physical health accounted for significant variance among those who misuse compared to those that do not misuse opioids. The most robust positive association of opioid misuse included: being white, being a current smoker, being diagnosed with another drug disorder, and having a concussion history. Additional research among the homeless population with a focus on concussion history as it relates to substance use and mental health comorbidity is needed

Brote de psitacosis en la localidad de Fontana (Chaco, Argentina) durante enero de 2014

La psitacosis es una enfermedad de notificación obligatoria, individual e inmediata, cuya transmisión a los seres humanos puede ocurrir por contacto directo con aves infectadas o indirecto por material contaminado. El último caso confirmado en la Provincia del Chaco había ocurrido en el año 2004, por ello se requirió la intervención del equipo provincial de epidemiólogos a fin de iniciar la investigación de un probable brote de la enfermedad y realizar las intervenciones necesarias a fin de evitar la aparición de nuevos afectados. La pesquisa se llevó a cabo bajo los lineamientos del “estudio de brote” recomendado por las autoridades sanitarias. El caso correspondió a una persona de sexo masculino con sintomatología presuntiva y antecedente de contacto con un ave psitácida. Además de los interrogatorios, se recolectaron muestras del ave y de la familia involucrada, iniciándose la quimioprofilaxis recomendada. Mediante pruebas de reacción en cadena de la polimerasa (PCR), el laboratorio confirmó la aparición de Chlamydia psittaci, por lo cual quedó configurado el brote de psitacosis.

Double balloon catheter for induction of labour in women with a previous cesarean section, could it be the best choice?

Introduction: We analysed the efficacy and safety of double-balloon catheter for cervical ripening in women with a previous cesarean section and which were the most important variables associated with an increased risk of repeated cesarean delivery. Materials and methods: We designed an observational retrospective study of 418 women with unfavourable cervices (Bishop Score <5), a prior cesarean delivery, and induction of labour with a double-balloon catheter. Baseline maternal data and perinatal outcomes were recorded for a descriptive, bivariate, and multivariate analysis. A p value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Most women improved their initial Bishop Score (89.5%) although only a 20.8% of them went into spontaneous active labour. Finally, 51.4% of the women achieved a vaginal delivery. Five cases of intrapartum uterine rupture (1.2%) occurred. After multivariate analysis, main risk factors for repeated cesarean section were dystocia in the previous pregnancy (OR 1.744; CI 95% 1.066–2.846), the absence of previous vaginal delivery (OR 2.590; CI 95% 1.066–6.290), suspected fetal macrosomia (OR 2.410; CI 95% 0.959–6.054), and duration of oxytocin induction period (OR 1.005; CI 95% 1.004–1.006). The area under the curve was 0.789 (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Double-balloon catheter seems to be safe and effective for cervical ripening in women with a previous cesarean delivery and unfavourable cervix. In our study, most women could have a vaginal delivery in spite of their risk factors for cesarean delivery. A multivariate model based on some clinical variables has moderate predictive value for intrapartum cesarean section

Convective Motion in a Vibrated Granular Layer

Experimental results are presented for a vertically shaken granular layer. In the range of accelerations explored, the layer develops a convective motion in the form of one or more rolls. The velocity of the grains near the wall has been measured. It grows linearly with the acceleration, then the growing rate slows down. A rescaling with the amplitude of the wall velocity and the height of the granular layer makes all data collapse in a single curve. This can provide insights on the mechanism driving the motion.Comment: 10 pages, 5 figures submitted to Phys. Rev. Let

Detecting local synchronization in coupled chaotic systems

We introduce a technique to detect and quantify local functional dependencies between coupled chaotic systems. The method estimates the fraction of locally syncronized configurations, in a pair of signals with an arbitrary state of global syncronization. Application to a pair of interacting Rossler oscillators shows that our method is capable to quantify the number of dynamical configurations where a local prediction task is possible, also in absence of global synchronization features