Effective transition rates for epitaxial growth using fast modulation

Thin-film deposition is an industrially important process that is highly dependent on the processing conditions. Most films are grown under constant conditions, but a few studies show that modified properties may be obtained with periodic inputs. However, assessing the effects of modulation experimentally becomes impractical with increasing material complexity. Here we consider periodic conditions in which the period is short relative to the time scales of growth. We analyze a stochastic model of thin-film growth, computing effective transition rates associated with rapid periodic process parameters. Combinations of effective rates may exist that are not attainable under steady conditions, potentially enabling new film properties. An algorithm is presented to construct the periodic input for a desired set of effective transition rates. These ideas are demonstrated in three simple examples using kinetic Monte Carlo simulations of epitaxial growth

Measurement of the ΔS=-ΔQ Amplitude from K_(e3)^0 Decay

We have measured the time distribution of the π^+e^-ν and π^-e^+ν modes from initial K^0's in a spark-chamber experiment performed at the Bevatron. From 1079 events between 0.2 and 7 K_S^0 lifetime, we find ReX=-0.069±0.036, ImX=+0.108_(-0.074)^(+0.092). This result is consistent with X=0 (relative probability = 0.25), but more than 4 standard deviations from the existing world average, +0.14 -0.13i

Adaptive rational interpolation: Arnoldi and Lanczos-like equations

Accepted versio

A case of congenital TTP presenting with microganiopathy in adulthood

BACKGROUND: Congenital thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP), also known as Upshaw-Schulman Syndrome is a rare inherited deficiency of ADAMTS13. Unlike the more common acquired TTP which is characterized by an acquired inhibitor of ADAMTS13, patients with congenital TTP have an absolute deficiency of ADAMTS13 without an inhibitor. Congenital TTP generally presents in infancy with repeat episodes of acute hemolysis and evidence of microangiopathy, these episodes are usually triggered by illness or physiological stress. Congenital TTP can be effectively treated with plasma infusion either during acute episodes or on a prophylactic schedule to prevent episodes. CASE PRESENTATION: We present a case of a 25 year old Caucasian woman with no know family history of hematological disorders with congenital TTP. She presented with episodes of hemolysis since infancy, but without clear evidence of microangiopathy until the age of 25. At presentation to our center the patient was documented to have thrombocytopenia, elevated creatinine, and schistocytes. She was initially treated with plasma infusion at a rate of 60 ml/hr continuously for a 24 hr period with resolution of her thrombocytopenia and hemolysis. At the time of writing this article she is maintained on a prophylactic schedule of biweekly plasma infusions at 10 mg/kg and is maintaining a normal platelet count with no evidence of hemolysis. CONCLUSION: Congenital TTP is a rare condition, and the above case is atypical as the patient did not present with clear evidence of microangiopathy until adulthood. Although this a rare condition it is important for physicians to be aware of as it, especially the possibility of atypical presentations, as the condition is potentially fatal and effective treatment exists

Collaboration in electronic resource provision in university libraries: SHEDL, a Scottish case study

This case study examines the growth of collaboration among Scottish higher education institutions. Following a summary of the work of the Scottish Confederation of University and Research Libraries (SCURL), more detailed information is provided on collaboration in the fields of acquisition, licensing, selection, and purchasing. Some of the UK background is outlined, relating to NESLi2 in particular, in order to illuminate the options within Scotland. The origins of negotiations on electronic resource provision within Scotland are described, drawing on developments in other countries including Ireland and Scandinavia. After initial setbacks, the implementation of the Scottish Higher Education Digital Library (SHEDL) from 2007 to 2009 is detailed. Current benefits arising from SHEDL are explained, and some possible future developments are discussed

Probing the role of the cation–π interaction in the binding sites of GPCRs using unnatural amino acids

We describe a general application of the nonsense suppression methodology for unnatural amino acid incorporation to probe drug–receptor interactions in functional G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), evaluating the binding sites of both the M2 muscarinic acetylcholine receptor and the D2 dopamine receptor. Receptors were expressed in Xenopus oocytes, and activation of a G protein-coupled, inward-rectifying K^+ channel (GIRK) provided, after optimization of conditions, a quantitative readout of receptor function. A number of aromatic amino acids thought to be near the agonist-binding site were evaluated. Incorporation of a series of fluorinated tryptophan derivatives at W6.48 of the D2 receptor establishes a cation–π interaction between the agonist dopamine and W6.48, suggesting a reorientation of W6.48 on agonist binding, consistent with proposed “rotamer switch” models. Interestingly, no comparable cation–π interaction was found at the aligning residue in the M2 receptor

Implementing digital resources for clinicians' and patients' varying needs.

This paper presents an overview of several evidence-based medicine and patient information studies conducted across the UK health service over a 4 year period, investigating clinicians', managers', and patients' perceptions of digital resources (primarily digital libraries) in hospitals, Primary Care Trusts, NHS Direct (patient call centre) and patient groups. In-depth interviews and focus groups are analysed using grounded theory methodologies and through content analysis used to produce quantitative finding. The perceived impacts of three different methods employed for delivering health informatics are presented. The findings highlight some generic issues relevant for health informatics in the UK health sector as well as some specific issues for medical digital libraries. This paper reviews in more detail the issues of medical technology implementation (traditional implementation, on the wards, and intermediaries within in communities). A breakdown of the clinicians' and patients' information journey (information initiation, facilitation and interpretation) is also presented with regard to medical digital libraries and online resources. Broad guidelines derived from these findings are provided for health-informatics deployment