Optical polarisation of the Crab pulsar: precision measurements and comparison to the radio emission

The linear polarisation of the Crab pulsar and its close environment was derived from observations with the high-speed photo-polarimeter OPTIMA at the 2.56-m Nordic Optical Telescope in the optical spectral range (400 - 750 nm). Time resolution as short as 11 microseconds, which corresponds to a phase interval of 1/3000 of the pulsar rotation, and high statistics allow the derivation of polarisation details never achieved before. The degree of optical polarisation and the position angle correlate in surprising details with the light curves at optical wavelengths and at radio frequencies of 610 and 1400 MHz. Our observations show that there exists a subtle connection between presumed non-coherent (optical) and coherent (radio) emissions. This finding supports previously detected correlations between the optical intensity of the Crab and the occurrence of giant radio pulses. Interpretation of our observations require more elaborate theoretical models than those currently available in the literature.Comment: 21 pages, 13 figures, uses AMS.sty, mn2e.cls, mn2e.bst and natbib.sty, submitted to MNRA

ZZ--Z′Z' mixing and oblique corrections in an SU(3)×U(1){\rm SU(3) \times U(1)} model

A global fit for experiments is included in this revised version.Comment: IFP-460-UNC, TRI-PP-93-11, 20 pages, 2 figures are appende

Exact ground states for the four-electron problem in a Hubbard ladder

The exact ground state of four electrons in an arbitrary large two leg Hubbard ladder is deduced from nine analytic and explicit linear equations. The used procedure is described, and the properties of the ground state are analyzed. The method is based on the construction in r-space of the different type of orthogonal basis wave vectors which span the subspace of the Hilbert space containing the ground state. In order to do this, we start from the possible microconfigurations of the four particles within the system. These microconfigurations are then rotated, translated and spin-reversed in order to build up the basis vectors of the problem. A closed system of nine analytic linear equations is obtained whose secular equation, by its minimum energy solution, provides the ground state energy and the ground state wave function of the model.Comment: 10 pages, 7 figure

Kondo-resonance, Coulomb blockade, and Andreev transport through a quantum dot

We study resonant tunneling through an interacting quantum dot coupled to normal metallic and superconducting leads. We show that large Coulomb interaction gives rise to novel effects in Andreev transport. Adopting an exact relation for the Green's function, we find that at zero temperature, the linear response conductance is enhanced due to Kondo-Andreev resonance in the Kondo limit, while it is suppressed in the empty site limit. In the Coulomb blockaded region, on the other hand, the conductance is reduced more than the corresponding conductance with normal leads because large charging energy suppresses Andreev reflection.Comment: 3 pages Revtex, 4 Postscript figures, accepted for publication in Phys. Rev.

Transport in Coupled Quantum Dots: Kondo Effect Versus Anti-Ferromagnetic Correlation

The interplay between the Kondo effect and the inter-dot magnetic interaction in a coupled-dot system is studied. An exact result for the transport properties at zero temperature is obtained by diagonalizing a cluster, composed by the double-dot and its vicinity, which is connected to leads. It is shown that the system goes continuously from the Kondo regime to an anti-ferromagnetic state as the inter-dot interaction is increased. The conductance, the charge at the dots and the spin-spin correlation are obtained as a function of the gate potential.Comment: 4 pages, 3 postscript figures. Submitted to PR

MRI-LINAC: A transformative technology in radiation oncology

Advances in radiotherapy technologies have enabled more precise target guidance, improved treatment verification, and greater control and versatility in radiation delivery. Amongst the recent novel technologies, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) guided radiotherapy (MRgRT) may hold the greatest potential to improve the therapeutic gains of image-guided delivery of radiation dose. The ability of the MRI linear accelerator (LINAC) to image tumors and organs with on-table MRI, to manage organ motion and dose delivery in real-time, and to adapt the radiotherapy plan on the day of treatment while the patient is on the table are major advances relative to current conventional radiation treatments. These advanced techniques demand efficient coordination and communication between members of the treatment team. MRgRT could fundamentally transform the radiotherapy delivery process within radiation oncology centers through the reorganization of the patient and treatment team workflow process. However, the MRgRT technology currently is limited by accessibility due to the cost of capital investment and the time and personnel allocation needed for each fractional treatment and the unclear clinical benefit compared to conventional radiotherapy platforms. As the technology evolves and becomes more widely available, we present the case that MRgRT has the potential to become a widely utilized treatment platform and transform the radiation oncology treatment process just as earlier disruptive radiation therapy technologies have done

International consensus on (ICON) anaphylaxis

ICON: Anaphylaxis provides a unique perspective on the principal evidence-based anaphylaxis guidelines developed and published independently from 2010 through 2014 by four allergy/immunology organizations. These guidelines concur with regard to the clinical features that indicate a likely diagnosis of anaphylaxis -- a life-threatening generalized or systemic allergic or hypersensitivity reaction. They also concur about prompt initial treatment with intramuscular injection of epinephrine (adrenaline) in the mid-outer thigh, positioning the patient supine (semi-reclining if dyspneic or vomiting), calling for help, and when indicated, providing supplemental oxygen, intravenous fluid resuscitation and cardiopulmonary resuscitation, along with concomitant monitoring of vital signs and oxygenation. Additionally, they concur that H1-antihistamines, H2-antihistamines, and glucocorticoids are not initial medications of choice. For self-management of patients at risk of anaphylaxis in community settings, they recommend carrying epinephrine auto-injectors and personalized emergency action plans, as well as follow-up with a physician (ideally an allergy/immunology specialist) to help prevent anaphylaxis recurrences. ICON: Anaphylaxis describes unmet needs in anaphylaxis, noting that although epinephrine in 1 mg/mL ampules is available worldwide, other essentials, including supplemental oxygen, intravenous fluid resuscitation, and epinephrine auto-injectors are not universally available. ICON: Anaphylaxis proposes a comprehensive international research agenda that calls for additional prospective studies of anaphylaxis epidemiology, patient risk factors and co-factors, triggers, clinical criteria for diagnosis, randomized controlled trials of therapeutic interventions, and measures to prevent anaphylaxis recurrences. It also calls for facilitation of global collaborations in anaphylaxis research. In addition to confirming the alignment of major anaphylaxis guidelines, ICON: Anaphylaxis adds value by including summary tables and citing 130 key references. It is published as an information resource about anaphylaxis for worldwide use by healthcare professionals, academics, policy-makers, patients, caregivers, and the public

The effects of endogenous and exogenous androgens on cardiovascular disease risk factors and progression

Cardiovascular disease incidence rates have long been known to significantly differ between the two sexes. Estrogens alone fail to explain this phenomenon, bringing an increasing amount of attention to the role of androgens. Contrary to what was initially hypothesized, androgens seem to have an overall cardioprotective effect, especially in men. Recent studies and published data continue to support this notion displaying a consistent inverse correlation with atherosclerosis progression and cardiovascular disease both in regressive and prospective study models. Clinical studies have also revealed what seems to be a differential androgenic effect on various cardiovascular risk factors between men and women. Further insight indicates that in order to avoid confusion it may be also preferable to separately examine the effects of endogenous androgen levels from exogenous testosterone administration, as well as discern the differential results of low to normal and supraphysiological administration doses. This review summarizes old and recent data according to the above distinctions, in an attempt to further our understanding of the role of androgens in cardiovascular disease