Statistical Mechanics of Constrained Electronic Systems and Semiconductor Structures

Contains table of contents for Section 4, an introduction, reports on four research projects and a list of publications.Joint Services Electronics Program Contract DAAL03-92-C-000

Statistical Mechanics of Surface Systems and Quantum-Correlated Systems

Contains table of contents for Section 4, an introduction, reports on five research projects and a list of publications.Joint Services Electronics Program Contract DAAL03-92-C-000

Asymmetry in RNA pseudoknots: observation and theory

RNA can fold into a topological structure called a pseudoknot, composed of non-nested double-stranded stems connected by single-stranded loops. Our examination of the PseudoBase database of pseudoknotted RNA structures reveals asymmetries in the stem and loop lengths and provocative composition differences between the loops. By taking into account differences between major and minor grooves of the RNA double helix, we explain much of the asymmetry with a simple polymer physics model and statistical mechanical theory, with only one adjustable parameter

Plasma Dynamics

Contains table of contents for Section 2 and reports on four research projects.Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory Subcontract 6264005National Science Foundation Grant ECS 84-13173National Science Foundation Grant ECS 85-14517U.S. Air Force - Office of Scientific Research Contract AFOSR 89-0082-AU.S. Army - Harry Diamond Laboratories Contract DAAL02-86-C-0050U.S. Navy - Office of Naval Research Contract N00014-87-K-2001Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory Subcontract B108472National Science Foundation Grant ECS 88-22475U.S. Department of Energy Contract DE-FG02-91-ER-54109National Aeronautics and Space Administration Grant NAGW-2048U.S. Department of Energy Contract DE-AC02-ET-51013U.S. Department of Energy Contract DE-AC02-78-ET-5101

Plasma Dynamics

Contains table of contents for Section 2 and reports on four research projects.Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory Subcontract 6264005National Science Foundation Grant ECS 84-13173National Science Foundation Grant ECS 85-14517U.S. Air Force - Office of Scientific Research Contract AFOSR 84-0026U.S. Army - Harry Diamond Laboratories Contract DAAL02-86-C-0050U.S. Navy - Office of Naval Research Contract N00014-87-K-2001National Science Foundation Grant ECS 85-15032National Science Foundation Grant ECS 88-22475U.S. Department of Energy Contract DE-AC02-ET-5101

Plasma Dynamics

Contains table of contents for Section 2 and reports on four research projects.Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (Subcontract 6264005)National Science Foundation (Grant ECS 84-13173)National Science Foundation (Grant ECS 85-14517)U.S. Air Force - Office of Scientifc Research (Contract AFOSR 84-0026)U.S. Army - Harry Diamond Laboratories (Contract DAAL02-86-C-0050)U.S. Navy - Office of Naval Research (Contract N00014-87-K-2001)U.S. Department of Energy (Contract DE-AC02-78-ET-51013)National Science Foundation (Grant ECS 85-1 5032

Multicentre experience with valve-sparing aortic root replacement by means of combined remodelling and external aortic ring annuloplasty in patients with Marfan syndrome

OBJECTIVES: The most recent valve-sparing root replacement technique combines the advantages of the reimplantation (David) and remodelling (Yacoub) techniques. The aortic root is reconstructed according to the remodelling technique, the aortic valve is repaired according to the principle of effective height, and an external ring provides annular support. The purpose of this study was to evaluate operative and mid-term outcomes using this technique in patients with Marfan syndrome.METHODS: Adult patients with Marfan syndrome who had an indication for aortic root surgery according to European Society of Cardiology guidelines and were operated on using this new root replacement technique were retrospectively evaluated. Follow-up was obtained from standard outpatient visits and included echocardiography.RESULTS: The study group comprised 22 patients (mean age 36 years, 68% males). Mean follow-up was 7.5 years. There were no mortalities. Two patients required aortic valve replacement because of aortic regurgitation. In both patients, the aortic root was severely dilated (≥65 mm) preoperatively, with grade III aortic valve regurgitation and aortic valve cusps that were very fragile. Aortic regurgitation was grade ≤I on follow-up in 18 of the remaining 20 patients.CONCLUSIONS: Valve-sparing root replacement using remodelling combined with aortic-ring annuloplasty is safe in patients with Marfan syndrome. The mid-term outcome is promising in patients undergoing elective valve-sparing root replacement at recommended root diameters. However, in patients with extremely dilated aortic roots and already severe aortic regurgitation, the technique should be used cautiously as aortic cusps are fragile and might not be suitable for durable repair.CLINICAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: UMCG Research registry #11208.</p

Politiek en georganiseerde misdaad

ARTIKELEN: T.E. Aalberts - Een gevaarlijke driehoeksverhouding? Falende staten, georganiseerde misdaad en transnationaal terrorisme L. Paoli - De 'politiek-criminele nexus' in Italië; 150 jaar betrekkingen tussen maffia en politiek C.J.C.F. Fijnaut - Lombroso's kijk op de Italiaanse maffia M. Cools - André Cools en Augusta; een Belgische affaire D. Siegel - Misdaad en politiek in Rusland P. Gounev en T. Bezlov - Georganiseerde misdaad, corruptie en politiek in Bulgarije P. Andreas - Criminaliserende gevolgen van internationale economische sancties Internetsites. SAMENVATTING: Dit themanummer gaat over de samenwerking tussen de politieke gevestigde orde en criminele netwerken of organisaties in diverse landen. Tot die politieke orde behoren bewindspersonen, andere politieke bestuurders, maar ook hoge functionarissen bij het leger, de inlichtingen- en veiligheidsdiensten, de politie en de rechtshandhaving. In landen met veel regimewisselingen kunnen ook politici in de oppositie bij zo'n samenwerkingsverband betrokken zijn