Pionic Content of Rho-N-N and Rho-N-Delta Vertex Functions

The dynamical content of rho-N-N and rho-N-Delta vertex functions is studied with a mesonic model. A set of coupled integral equations satisfied by these vertex functions were solved self-consistently. These soulutions indicate that the dominant mesonic content arises from di-pion dynamics. With the experimentally determined pion-baryon-baryon coupling constants and ranges as input, the model predicts a g_{\rho NN} that agrees with the meson-exchange-potential results. On the other hand, it predicts a smaller f_{\rho N\Delta} and much softer form factors. Implications of the findings on the use of phenomenological coupling constants in nuclear reaction studies are discussed.Comment: 9 pages, 2 figures will be furnished upon request; LA-UR-94-126

Truth Table Invariant Cylindrical Algebraic Decomposition by Regular Chains

A new algorithm to compute cylindrical algebraic decompositions (CADs) is presented, building on two recent advances. Firstly, the output is truth table invariant (a TTICAD) meaning given formulae have constant truth value on each cell of the decomposition. Secondly, the computation uses regular chains theory to first build a cylindrical decomposition of complex space (CCD) incrementally by polynomial. Significant modification of the regular chains technology was used to achieve the more sophisticated invariance criteria. Experimental results on an implementation in the RegularChains Library for Maple verify that combining these advances gives an algorithm superior to its individual components and competitive with the state of the art

Relationship Between Tissue Zinc Levels and Maturity Period of Field Beans

Most bean varieties (Phaseolus vulgaris) are susceptible to zinc deficiency and, if grown where zinc deficiency occurs, are invariably listed among those crops with the greatest need for zinc fertilization (1, 2, 3, 4). Bean plants with mild to moderate zinc deficiency symptoms early in the growing season may recover and produce essentially a normal yield. However, as several individuals have observed (1, 2, 3) this early-season zinc deficiency invariably results in delayed maturity. This is a critical factor in geographical areas where beans may be damaged by fall rains or early frost. The research reported here establishes quantitative relationships between the zinc level in bean tissues and the number of days required for maturation. The results support previous observations of delayed maturity when bean plants have inadequate zinc during early growth

Randomized trial in postprandial functional dyspepsia: reassurance and diagnostic explanation with or without traditional dietary advice

Background Almost 80% of individuals with functional dyspepsia experience meal-related symptoms and are diagnosed with postprandial distress syndrome (PDS). However, studies evaluating dietary modifications in PDS are sparse. We performed a single-center randomized trial comparing reassurance and diagnostic explanation (RADE) with or without traditional dietary advice (TDA) in PDS. Methods Following a normal upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, individuals with PDS were randomized to a leaflet providing RADE ± TDA; the latter recommending small, regular meals and reducing the intake of caffeine/alcohol/fizzy drinks and high-fat/processed/spicy foods. Questionnaires were completed over 4 weeks, including self-reported adequate relief of dyspeptic symptoms, and the validated Leuven Postprandial Distress Scale (LPDS), Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale, and Nepean Dyspepsia Index for quality of life. The primary endpoint(s) to define clinical response were (i) ≥50% adequate relief of dyspeptic symptoms and (ii) >0.5-point reduction in the PDS subscale of the LPDS (calculated as the mean scores for early satiety, postprandial fullness, and upper abdominal bloating). Key Results Of the 53 patients with PDS, 27 were assigned RADE-alone and 26 to additional TDA. Baseline characteristics were similar between groups, with a mean age of 39 years, 70% female, 83% white British, and coexistent irritable bowel syndrome in 66%. The primary endpoints of (i) adequate relief of dyspeptic symptoms were met by 33% (n = 9) assigned RADE-alone versus 39% (n = 10) with TDA; p-value = 0.70, while (ii) a reduction of >0.5 points in the PDS subscale was met by 37% (n = 10) assigned RADE-alone versus 27% (n = 7) with TDA; p-value = 0.43. Response rates did not differ according to irritable bowel syndrome status. There were no significant between-group changes in the gastrointestinal symptom rating scale and dyspepsia quality of life. Conclusions & Inferences This study of predominantly white British patients with PDS found the addition of TDA did not lead to significantly greater symptom reduction compared with RADE alone. Alternate dietary strategies should be explored in this cohort

Scanning electron microscopy image representativeness: morphological data on nanoparticles.

A sample of a nanomaterial contains a distribution of nanoparticles of various shapes and/or sizes. A scanning electron microscopy image of such a sample often captures only a fragment of the morphological variety present in the sample. In order to quantitatively analyse the sample using scanning electron microscope digital images, and, in particular, to derive numerical representations of the sample morphology, image content has to be assessed. In this work, we present a framework for extracting morphological information contained in scanning electron microscopy images using computer vision algorithms, and for converting them into numerical particle descriptors. We explore the concept of image representativeness and provide a set of protocols for selecting optimal scanning electron microscopy images as well as determining the smallest representative image set for each of the morphological features. We demonstrate the practical aspects of our methodology by investigating tricalcium phosphate, Ca3 (PO4 )2 , and calcium hydroxyphosphate, Ca5 (PO4 )3 (OH), both naturally occurring minerals with a wide range of biomedical applications

Kinematically Complete Measurements of p+p → p+n+(pi+) Near Threshold

This research was sponsored by the National Science Foundation Grant NSF PHY-931478

Tensor Polarized Deuteron Capture by the Hydrogen Isotopes

This research was sponsored by the National Science Foundation Grant NSF PHY 87-1440