Fermat's principle in quantum gravitational optics

Interactions incorporating the vacuum polarization effects in curved backgrounds modify the null cone structure in such a way that the photon trajectories would not be the space-time geodesics anymore. The gravitational birefringence introduced as a direct consequence of these effects, will allow shifts in the photon velocities leading to polarization dependent superluminal propagation. Taking these effects into account we study Fermat's principle in the context of the 1+3 (threading) formulation of the space-time decomposition. We find an expression for the modified spacetime refractive index and show it is proportional to the light cone correction to the first order. Consequences of this modification on polarization sum rules and spatial light paths are considered.Comment: 13 Pages, REVTex format, section on gravitomagnetic monopoles is removed along with its references, new references adde

Adsorption of Multi-block and Random Copolymer on a Solid Surface: Critical Behavior and Phase Diagram

The adsorption of a single multi-block $AB$-copolymer on a solid planar substrate is investigated by means of computer simulations and scaling analysis. It is shown that the problem can be mapped onto an effective homopolymer adsorption problem. In particular we discuss how the critical adsorption energy and the fraction of adsorbed monomers depend on the block length $M$ of sticking monomers $A$, and on the total length $N$ of the polymer chains. Also the adsorption of the random copolymers is considered and found to be well described within the framework of the annealed approximation. For a better test of our theoretical prediction, two different Monte Carlo (MC) simulation methods were employed: a) off-lattice dynamic bead-spring model, based on the standard Metropolis algorithm (MA), and b) coarse-grained lattice model using the Pruned-enriched Rosenbluth method (PERM) which enables tests for very long chains. The findings of both methods are fully consistent and in good agreement with theoretical predictions.Comment: 27 pages, 12 figure

Polystomophora orientalis (Hemiptera: Coccoidea: Pseudococcidae), a new genus and species record for Iran

شپشک آرد‌آلود Polystomophora orientalis Matesova در تاریخ 15/3/1386 از منطقه‌‌ی بایگ تربت حیدریه در استان خراسان رضوی از روی ریشه‌ی خارشتر، Alhagi pseudoalhagi، جمع‌آوری شد. جنس و گونه‌ی این شپشک برای اولین بار از ایران گزارش می‌شود. جنسPolystomophora Borchsenius تاکنون از منطقه‌ی Palaearctic گزارش شده است

Comparison of metronidazole and ceftizoxime in prophylaxis of post-hysterectomy infections

Ceftizoxime is a common agent used in prophylaxis of infections after abdominal hysterectomy. Metronidazole could be used instead of ceftizoxime for this matter. To compare these two drugs, in a randomized clinical trial, 30 patients received metronidazole suppositories (1g) and 33 patients received intravenous ceftizoxime (1g) before surgery. There were not any significant demographic (age, weight, parity, hospitalization duration, pre-operation hemoglobin) differences between two groups. Also, the incision type and post-operation bleeding were the same in two groups. The complications after abdominal hysterectomy such as febrile morbidity, urinary tract infections and wound infections were not significantly different between two treatment groups. These results indicate that a single dose metronidazole has the same effect as ceftizoxime in infection prophylaxis of post-hysterectomy infection. Copyright © 2006 by Razi Institute for Drug Research (RIDR)

An Improved UFLS Scheme based on Estimated Minimum Frequency and Power Deficit

In the event of a power system disturbance, it is important that the decision to implement under frequency load shedding is based on both the minimum frequency and the magnitude of the disturbance. In this paper, we propose the use of higher order polynomial curve fitting to estimate the minimum frequency. If the prediction shows that the minimum frequency threshold will be violated, the magnitude of the total disturbance is estimated using the swing equation. In addition, the minimum amount of load that must be shed to restore the frequency just above the minimum value can also be directly calculated. Simulations are carried out for the considered Taiwan power system and the results prove the efficiency of the proposed technique

Identification of Pigment Epithelium-Derived Factor Protein Forms with Distinct Activities on Tumor Cell Lines

Purpose. Pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF) is a multifunctional serpin. The purpose of this study is to identify PEDF protein forms and investigate their biological activities on tumor cell lines. Methods. Recombinant human PEDF proteins were purified by cation- and anion-exchange column chromatography. They were subjected to SDS-PAGE, IEF, deglycosylation, heparin affinity chromatography, and limited proteolysis. Cell viability, real-time electrical impedance of cells, and wound healing assays were performed using bladder and breast cancer cell lines, rat retinal R28, and human ARPE-19 cells. Results. Two PEDF protein peaks were identified after anion-exchange column chromatography: PEDF-1 eluting with lower ionic strength than PEDF-2. PEDF-1 had higher pI value and lower apparent molecular weight than PEDF-2. Both PEDF forms were glycosylated, bound to heparin, and had identical patterns by limited proteolysis. However, PEDF-2 emerged as being highly potent in lowering cell viability in all tumor cell lines tested, and in inhibiting tumor and ARPE-19 cell migration. In contrast, PEDF-1 minimally affected tumor cell viability and cell migration but protected R28 cells against death caused by serum starvation. Conclusion. Two distinct biochemical forms of PEDF varying in overall charge have distinct biological effects on tumor cell viability and migration. The existence of PEDF forms may explain the multifunctional modality of PEDF

Aquaporin-4 and brain edema.

Aquaporin-4 (AQP4) is a water-channel protein expressed strongly in the brain, predominantly in astrocyte foot processes at the borders between the brain parenchyma and major fluid compartments, including cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and blood. This distribution suggests that AQP4 controls water fluxes into and out of the brain parenchyma. Experiments using AQP4-null mice provide strong evidence for AQP4 involvement in cerebral water balance. AQP4-null mice are protected from cellular (cytotoxic) brain edema produced by water intoxication, brain ischemia, or meningitis. However, AQP4 deletion aggravates vasogenic (fluid leak) brain edema produced by tumor, cortical freeze, intraparenchymal fluid infusion, or brain abscess. In cytotoxic edema, AQP4 deletion slows the rate of water entry into brain, whereas in vasogenic edema, AQP4 deletion reduces the rate of water outflow from brain parenchyma. AQP4 deletion also worsens obstructive hydrocephalus. Recently, AQP4 was also found to play a major role in processes unrelated to brain edema, including astrocyte migration and neuronal excitability. These findings suggest that modulation of AQP4 expression or function may be beneficial in several cerebral disorders, including hyponatremic brain edema, hydrocephalus, stroke, tumor, infection, epilepsy, and traumatic brain injury