Calcitonin versus etidronate for the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis: a meta-analysis of published clinical trials

DNA double-strand breaks are very genotoxic lesions that can result in chromosome aberrations. The current view is that DNA double-strand breaks are repaired most efficiently through homologous recombination in yeast and simple end-joining in mammalian cells. However, recent experiments reveal that both repair pathways are conserved from yeast to mammals, including humans. The challenge ahead is to put the different pieces of the jigsaw together into coherent mechanisms for both pathways and to determine their relative contributions to ionizing-radiation resistance and to the prevention of genetic instability and carcinogenesis.     

Damage of polymers studied by micro-Fourier Transform Raman spectroscopy

Summary The potential of the micro-Fourier Transform Raman tool in examining specific localized regions in polymeric materials with some degree of fluorescence when analyzed by conventional Raman spectroscopy is examined. Analysis of characteristic bands of the vibrational spectra obtained in a small area damaged by a visible and NIR laser beam in commercial Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) shows a different conformer ratio than that observed in a non irradiated zone.     

The Air is Always Cleaner on the Other Side: Race,Space, and Ambient Air Toxics Exposures in California

Abstract: Environmental justice advocates have recently focused attention on cumulative exposure in minority neighborhoods due to multiple sources of pollution. This article uses U.S. EPA's National Air Toxics Assessment (NATA) for 1996 to examine environmental inequality in California, a state that has been a recent innovator in environmental justice policy. We first estimate potential lifetime cancer risks from mobile and stationary sources. We then consider the distribution of these risks using both simple comparisons and a multivariate model in which we control for income, land use, and other explanatory factors, as well as spatial correlation. We find large racial disparities in California's “riskscape” as well as inequalities by other factors and suggest several implications for environmental and land use policy.     

Micro-Raman spectroscopy study of the process of microindentation in polymers

The residual deformation produced by Vickers microindentations in poly(3,3-dimethyl oxetane) (PDMO) was analysed by Raman microspectroscopy. Microstructural variations were observed as the Raman spectra were recorded at different positions along and out of the microindentation. A gradual distribution of the monoclinic and orthorhombic structures arises as the spectra were scanned from the centre to the edge of the impression area. This crystalline variation in PDMO, which reflects the degree of stress present on the surface of the sample, was utilized to obtain information on the distribution of pressure in and around the microindentation. In addition to the clear variation of pressure inside the permanently deformed region, no crystalline transformation was noted out of the impression area. Similar features were observed when the Raman spectra were recorded along one of the diagonals of the indentation.     

Analytical and numerical analysis of phase and amplitude errors in the performance of arrayed waveguide gratings

The closed expression of the mean power transfer function for an arrayed waveguide grating (AWG), taking into account fabrication errors, is presented. Comparison with numerical simulations using a previous Fourier optics modeling show good agreement. The procedure to predict the AWG floor level using the numerical modeling is presented and checked against the analytical derived expressions.     

On the use of tapered linearly chirped gratings asdispersion-induced distortion equalizers in SCM systems

We report on the use of tapered linearly chirped fiber gratings to equalize dispersion-induced distortion in long distance/broad-band subcarrier multiplexed (SCM) systems. Different apodization functions for the coupling factor of the fiber grating have been considered and their equalizing capability of fiber-induced distortion in a subcarrier system have been compared. The results of the theoretical analysis show that both harmonic and intermodulation distortions are significantly reduced when the equalizer parameters have been properly designed. Higher reduction of the nonlinear distortion is obtained when the length of the filter increases, even though a saturation effect on this reduction figure appears when the equalizer length is about four or five times its minimum value to achieve equalization, which is derived theoretically based on the SCM optical system parameters. The performance of a Tanh-type tapered linearly chirped grating equalizer on a realistic broadband SCM system is also considered. The results reveal that the dispersion-induced distortion can be neglected when the equalizer is employed     

Ornament and function

The architects and builders in the past lacked our knowledge concerning fluid dynamics, but they exhibited a deep rooted ability to observe and reflect - thus, different cultures have developed by trial and error. The authors have produced a stimulating analysis which couples the science of fluid dynamics and a sensitive understanding of past cultures. The paper is recommended reading.