An Inverse Geometry Problem for the Localization of Skin Tumours by Thermal Analysis

In this paper, the Dual Reciprocity Method (DRM) is coupled to a Genetic Algorithm (GA) in an inverse procedure through which the size and location of a skin tumour may be obtained from temperature measurements at the skin surface. The GA is an evolutionary process which does not require the calculation of sensitivities, search directions or the definition of initial guesses. The DRM in this case requires no internal nodes. It is also shown that the DRM approximation function used is not an important factor for the problem considered here. Results are presented for tumours of different sizes and positions in relation to the skin surface

A coupled dual reciprocity BEM/Genetic algorithm for identification of blood perfusion parameters

The paper presents an inverse analysis procedure based on a coupled numerical formulation through which the coefficients describing non-linear thermal properties of blood perfusion may be identified. The numerical technique involves a combination of the Dual Reciprocity Boundary Element Method and a Genetic Algorithm for the solution of the Pennes bioheat equation. Both linear and quadratic temperature-dependent variations are considered for the blood perfusion

On kinetic energy stabilized superconductivity in cuprates

The possibility of kinetic energy driven superconductivity in cuprates as was recently found in the $tJ$ model is discussed. We argue that the violation of the virial theorem implied by this result is serious and means that the description of superconductivity within the $tJ$ model is pathological.Comment: 3 pages, v2 includes additional reference

Beta-blocker under-use in COPD patients

Background: Cardiovascular (CVS) comorbidities are common in COPD and contribute significantly to morbidity and mortality, especially following acute exacerbations of COPD (AECOPD). Beta-blockers (BBs) are safe and effective in COPD patients, with demonstrated survival benefit following myocardial infarction. We sought to determine if BBs are under-prescribed in patients hospitalized with AECOPD. We also sought to determine inpatient rates of CVS and cerebrovascular complications, and their impact on patient outcomes. Methods: Retrospective hospital data was collected over a 12-month period. The medical records of all patients 40 years of age coded with a diagnosis of AECOPD were analyzed. Prevalent use and incident initiation of BBs were assessed. Comorbidities including indications and contraindications for BB use were analyzed. Results: Of the 366 eligible patients, 156 patients (42.6%) had at least one indication for BB use – of these patients, only 53 (34.0%) were on BB therapy and 61 (39.1%) were not on BB therapy but had no listed contraindication. Prevalent use of BBs at the time of admission in all 366 patients was 19.7%, compared with 45.6%, 39.6% and 45.9% use of anti-platelets, statins and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor/angiotensin II receptor blockers, respectively. CVS and cerebrovascular complications were common in this population (57 patients, 16%) and were associated with longer length of stay (p,0.01) and greater inpatient mortality (p=0.02). Conclusions: BBs are under-prescribed in COPD patients despite clear indication(s) for their use. Further work is required to explore barriers to BB prescribing in COPD patients

Plasmonic concentrator of magnetic field of light

We propose an efficient concentrator of the magnetic component of evanescent field of light for measuring magnetic responses of nanostructures. It is in the form of a tapered fiber probe, which in its final part has corrugations along the angular dimension and is coated with metal except for the aperture at the tip. Internal, azimuthally polarized illumination is concentrated into a subwavelength spot with a strong longitudinal magnetic component H-z. Within the visual range of wavelengths 400-700 nm, the energy density of H-z is up to 50 times larger than that of the azimuthal electric E-phi one. This dominant H-z contribution may be used for magnetic excitation of elementary cells of metamaterials with a single probe guiding a wide spectrum of generated plasmons