Low-loss athermal bulk-optic flat-top passband MUX/DMUX

Low-loss (<6 dB), flat-top, 16-wavelength, 100-GHz channel spacing DWDM (de)multiplexers are reported. The bulk-optics architecture used allows excellent thermal stability for operating temperature [-10, 60°C]     

Greenhouse gas footprints of different biofuel production systems

The aim of this study is to show the impact of different assumptions and methodological choices on the life-cycle greenhouse gas (GHG) performance of biofuels by providing the results for different key parameters on a consistent basis. These include co-products allocation or system expansion, N₂O emissions from crop cultivation, conversion systems and co-product applications and direct land-use change emissions. The results show that the GHG performance of biofuels varies depending on the method applied and the system boundaries selected. Key factors include selected allocation procedures and the location of production and related yields, reference land and soil N₂O emissions.     

Solving Non-Linear Models with Saddle-Path Instabilities

Economic models derived from optimizing behavior are typically characterized by the properties of non-linearity and saddle-path instability. The typical solution method involves deriving the stable arm of the saddle-path and calculating suitable “jumps” to bring the path of endogenous variables onto this stable arm. The solution for the stable arm can be determined using a range of different approaches. In this paper we examine the extent to which the success of these alternative approaches can be evaluated. Any method of evaluation will be dependent upon the amount of information that is known about a particular model solution. For some deterministic models the only information known with certainty about the path of the model solution are values taken by steady-state solutions; the rest of the path must be approximated in some way based on numerical solutions derived from non-linear ordinary differential equations. In some special cases it is possible to derive a closed-form solution of the entire path. As an example of a model with a closed-form solution, we consider a simple linear model with two stable complex-valued eigenvalues and one unstable real-valued eigenvalue. The model is then employed as a benchmark to compare the properties of model solutions derived using two well-known solution algorithms. Because the model has complex-valued eigenvalues it will have cyclic dynamics and thus problems encountered in solving these dynamics will likely coincide with some of the problems that solution algorithms have in solving non-linear models. Since the entire solution path of the model is known, it is possible to derive deeper insights into the factors that are likely to ensure the success or failure of different solution approaches than would be the case if less information about the solution path was available.An earlier version of this paper was presented to the Ninth International Conference on Computing in Economics and Finance organized by the Society of Computational Economics, University of Washington at Seattle, July 11–13, 2003. Earlier versions of this paper have also been presented at seminars and workshops at the University of Oxford, at the University of Canterbury at Christchurch, and at the University of Melbourne. JEL Classifications: C63, E17     

Dielectric switching with memory in thin films of stearic acid

Stearic acid (CH3-CH216-COOH) films were deposited by thermal evaporation under vacuum. Thin-film capacitors were formed as aluminium-stearic acid-aluminium/gold structures. These devices exhibited dielectric memory switching between two stable states. This effect is analysed and discussed.     

Extravesical involvement in patients with bladder carcinoma in situ: biological and therapy implications

PURPOSE: The biological and therapeutic implications of extravesical involvement in patients with bladder carcinoma in situ were analyzed. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Of 138 patients with bladder carcinoma in situ 87 (63%) had extravesical involvement, including the prostate in 53, the upper urinary tract in 11 and both structures in 23 (pan-urothelial involvement). With survival free of disease as an end point, univariate and multivariate analyses were done. RESULTS: Patients with extravesical involvement had worse survival than those with bladder carcinoma in situ alone (p < 0.001). In multivariate analysis prostate involvement (p = 0.0007) and pan-urothelial involvement (p = 0.0001) were selected as significant variables. When pathological patterns were considered prostatic stromal invasion (p = 0.0002) was the only variable selected. With these data 3 patient groups with disease mortality risk were defined. CONCLUSIONS: Prostate involvement and pan-urothelial involvement behave as independent prognostic factors, with the latter probably reflecting an extremetly diffuse character of carcinoma in situ. However, the upper urinary tract had no influence on survival. In patients with upper urinary tract and/or prostatic involvement limited to the mucosa treatment can be conservative. Patients with ductal or stromal involvement should undergo radical treatment. For upper tract involvement conservative approaches may be considered if there are no radiological signs of invasion or low grade tumor.     

Adrenal gland incidentaloma in the oncologic patient: is its histologic study obligatory?

We evaluated the performance of an automatic polymerase chain reaction (PCR) detection system for identification of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in respiratory specimens. Six hundred and two respiratory specimens, including 557 sputa and 45 bronchial washing samples, were analyzed using the COBAS AMPLICOR Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) test. The results were compared with those obtained from acid-fast microscopy, conventional culture, and clinical history. In cases of discrepancy between the results of the COBAS AMPLICOR MTB test and culture, the medical history of the patient was reviewed, the COBAS AMPLICOR MTB test was repeated, and the gene encoding M. tuberculosis superoxide dismutase was screened using PCR (SOD-PCR). Fourteen samples were excluded because the internal control test result was negative. Of 57 specimens that were culture positive for Mycobacterium species, 40 appeared to have growth of M. tuberculosis and 21 were smear positive for acid-fast bacteria. The sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values for the COBAS AMPLICOR MTB test evaluated at our laboratory were 85.0% (34/40), 99.3% (544/548), 89.5% (34/38), and 98.9% (544/550), respectively. Three specimens that were culture positive for M. tuberculosis but negative by COBAS AMPLICOR MTB test were positive when rechecked by both COBAS AMPLICOR MTB test and SOD-PCR. Among the four specimens with positive reactions on both COBAS AMPLICOR MTB test and SOD-PCR that were culture negative, two were from patients who had been receiving antituberculosis treatment, one was from a patient who had been treated for tuberculosis for 1 year, and the other was from a patient who died of sepsis with adult respiratory distress syndrome. In more than 70% of smear-negative and culture-positive specimens and 86.4% of smear-positive specimens, M. tuberculosis was identified by the COBAS AMPLICOR MTB test within 10 hours after receipt of the specimens. Our data show that the COBAS AMPLICOR MTB test provides rapid and accurate detection of M. tuberculosis in respiratory specimens.     

Coping ability in women who become victims of rape.

72 18–68 yr old women who had been raped during the previous year and 72 18–72 women who had never been raped were administered the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, a locus of control scale, selected subscales of the California Psychological Inventory (CPI), and the Vocabulary subtest of the WAIS-R. The 2 groups, who were matched on demographic characteristics, also completed a biographical measure. Information was also obtained from significant others. The strongest domain of prediction was psychosocial competency, with the rape victim scoring lower on measures of social presence, dominance and assertiveness, and higher on external/social locus of control. A past history of alcohol or drug abuse added to the rape-vulnerability profile. Rape victims were more likely to have a past history of psychiatric hospitalization and suicidal thoughts. They did not differ from controls on the Vocabulary subtest, but they scored lower on the Achievement via Independence scale of the CPI. Physical ability attributes were not associated with rape vulnerability. (23 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Lateral current flow in thyristors with partially shorted cathodes—II: Three-terminal operation,theory of turn-on area,plasma spreading velocity and the effect of gold doping

The lateral current flow I_G(x) in the p-gate region of a thyristor under three-terminal operation in the high-impedance region is investigated, the cathode except where stated, being partially short-circuited. For the simple model employed it appears that a large fraction of the gate current drive flows out of the shorting dot (SD). In the region of high cathode bias, close to the gate contact, I_G(x) follows a very different—though admittedly estimated—course compared to the two-terminal case of paper (I). It falls in value with increasing distance from the gate contact until V_K the cathode junction voltage bias has fallen to such a low value that I_G(x) starts rising again similarly to the two-terminal case. Estimates are also made of V_K(x) and J_K(x) the cathode current density and a theory of the turn-on area is put forward based upon the assumptions of (a) a much faster n-p-n transistor response compared to the p-n-p section and (b) a critical cathode current density derived from the two-terminal (no SD) breakover condition. The influence of gold doping is surmised in keeping with the measured differences between gold-doped and nominally gold-free devices. Finally, as in paper (I) an expression for effective current gain is sought for three-terminal operation proving successful for an n-p-n transistor but more elusive for a thyristor structure. Nevertheless the equations graphically illustrate the influence of the SD in reducing the applied gate drive to an effective gate drive. Approximate analytical solutions are obtained for I_G(x), J_K(x) and turn-on area, the latter two also as a function of gate drive. This solution also yields important constants of the theory. Initial computer calculations confirm this.     

The Academy of Psychosomatic Medicine practice guidelines for psychiatric consultation in the general medical setting. The Academy of Psychosomatic Medicine

This practice guideline seeks to provide guidance to psychiatrists who regularly evaluate and manage patients with medical illnesses. The guideline is intended to delineate the knowledge base, professional expertise, and integrated clinical approach necessary to effectively manage this complex and diverse patient population. This guideline was drafted by a work group consisting of psychiatrists with clinical and research expertise in the field, who undertook a comprehensive review of the literature. The guideline was reviewed by the executive council of the Academy of Psychosomatic Medicine and revised prior to final approval. Some of the topics discussed include qualifications of C-L consultants, patient assessment, psychiatric interventions (e.g., psychotherapy, pharmacotherapy), medicolegal issues, and child and adolescent consultations.