On a Quantum Universe Filled with Yang - Mills Radiation

We investigate the properties of a quantum Robertson - Walker universe described by the Wheeler -- DeWitt equation. The universe is filled with a quantum Yang -- Mills uniform field. This is then a quantum mini copy of the standard model of our universe. We discuss the interpretation of the Wheeler -- DeWitt wave function using the correspondence principle to connect $\vert\psi\vert^2$ for large quantum numbers to the classical probability for a radiation dominated universe. This can be done in any temporal gauge. The correspondence principle determines the Schr\"odinger representation of the momentum associated to the gravitational degree of freedom. We also discuss the measure in the mini--superspace needed to ensure invariance of the quantum description under change of the temporal gauge. Finally, we examine the behaviour of $\vert\psi\vert^2$ in inflationary conditions.Comment: 12 pages, PLAIN-TEX, Report: DFTT 23/9

Quantization of a 2D Minisuperspace Model in Dilaton-Einstein Gravity

We investigate a minisuperspace model of Einstein gravity plus dilaton that describes a static spherically symmetric configuration or a Kantowski - Sachs like universe. We develop the canonical formalism and identify canonical quantities that generate rigid symmetries of the Hamiltonian. Quantization is performed by the Dirac and the reduced methods. Both approaches lead to the same positive definite Hilbert space.Comment: 10 pages, plain tex, no figure

Quantization of the String Inspired Dilaton Gravity and the Birkhoff Theorem

We develop a simple scheme of quantization for the dilaton CGHS model without scalar fields, that uses the Gupta-Bleuler approach for the string fields. This is possible because the constraints can be linearized classically, due to positivity conditions that are present in the model (and not in the general string case). There is no ambiguity nor anomalies in the quantization. The expectation values of the metric and dilaton fields obey the classical requirements, thus exhibiting at the quantum level the Birkhoff theorem.Comment: 15 pages, Plain TeX, a shortened version will appear in Physics Letters

Optimal management of Cogan’s syndrome: a multidisciplinary approach

Cogan's syndrome (CS) is a rare disorder characterized by nonsyphilitic interstitial keratitis (IK) and audio-vestibular symptoms. CS affects mainly young Caucasian adults, mostly during their first three decades of age, and may develop into typical and atypical variants. Typical CS manifests primarily with IK and hearing loss, whereas atypical CS usually presents with inflammatory ocular manifestations in association with audio-vestibular symptoms but mostly different Ménière-like symptoms and, more frequently, with systemic inflammation (70%), of which vasculitis is the pathogenic mechanism. CS is considered as an autoimmune- or immune-mediated disease supported mainly by the beneficial response to corticosteroids. Using well-developed assays, antibodies to inner ear antigens, anti-Hsp70, and antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies were found to be associated with CS. Corticosteroids represent the first line of treatment, and multiple immunosuppressive drugs have been tried with variable degrees of success. Tumor necrosis factor-alpha blockers and other biological agents are a recent novel therapeutic option in CS. Cochlear implantation is a valuable rescue surgical strategy in cases with severe sensorineural hearing loss unresponsive to intensive and/or innovative immunosuppressive regimens

The Infinite Canvas: Perpetual Immersion of Sequential Narratives

In the past century, comic books have been represented as the lowest of art forms. As time progressed, the comic book as a medium evolved and became increasingly popular. The depth of the characters and the stories they enclose within their covers immerse the reader in worlds that through other mediums could not be properly depicted and experienced. The scope of this thesis will be to design a museum to host comic book art by means of analyzing its development as a popular art form and its relationship to architecture. The mission of the museum is to create an immersive comic book experience, promote the understanding and appreciation of comic art as well as to detail and discuss its artistic, cultural, and historical impact upon society. The city of Baltimore was selected as the site for this proposal. The ample diversity and grandeur of its history and character render it with a degree of richness and uniqueness rarely found in other cities. The duality of the setting in terms of affluent areas vs. impoverished ones helps denote it as a live example of the duality represented in the cities inside the comics

Nasal manifestations in granulomatosis with polyangiitis: a case report and review of the literature

Granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) is an anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitides of medium and small arteries, characterized by necrotizing granulomatous inflammation of the upper and lower respiratory tract with coexist- ing glomerulonephritis. We report a case of GPA in a patient presenting with a six-month history of spontaneous epistaxis, nasal obstruction and frontal headache. Nasal endoscopy showed a large nasal septum perforation and an anterior translucid mass in the right nasal fossa. Findings were confirmed by computed tomography (CT) scan with contrast. The patient underwent func- tional transnasal endoscopic removal of the mass; histological examination showed tissue features suggestive of GPA; dosage of c-ANCA e p-ANCA antibodies confirmed GPA diagnosis. Nasal septum perforation has long been recognized as a feature of GPA, in which granulomatous destruction of nasal cartilage can result in perforation and saddle-nose deformity. Prompt diagno- sis of GPA is important to initiate therapy which may be life-saving and organ sparing