Strong Running Coupling from the Gauge Sector of Domain Wall Lattice QCD with Physical Quark Masses.

We report on the first computation of the strong running coupling at the physical point (physical pion mass) from the ghost-gluon vertex, computed from lattice simulations with three flavors of domain wall fermions. We find α_{MS[over ¯]}(m_{Z}^{2})=0.1172(11), in remarkably good agreement with the world-wide average. Our computational bridge to this value is the Taylor-scheme strong coupling, which has been revealed of great interest by itself because it can be directly related to the quark-gluon interaction kernel in continuum approaches to the QCD bound-state problem.

Zero-temperature phase diagram of D2 physisorbed on graphane.

We determined the zero-temperature phase diagram of D2 physisorbed on graphane using the diffusion Monte Carlo method. The substrate used was C-graphane, an allotropic form of the compound that has been experimentally obtained through hydrogenation of graphene. We found that the ground state is the δ phase, a commensurate structure observed experimentally when D2 is adsorbed on graphite, and not the registered √3 x √3 structure characteristic of H2 on the same substrate.

Strong running coupling at τ and Z(0) mass scales from lattice QCD.

This Letter reports on the first computation, from data obtained in lattice QCD with u, d, s, and c quarks in the sea, of the running strong coupling via the ghost-gluon coupling renormalized in the momentum-subtraction Taylor scheme. We provide readers with estimates of α(MS[over ¯])(m(τ)(2)) and α(MS[over ¯])(m(Z)(2)) in very good agreement with experimental results. Including a dynamical c quark makes the needed running of α(MS[over ¯]) safer.

Abordaje anterior para lesiones traumáticas de la columna cervical baja. Resultados a largo plazo / Anterior approach for traumatic lesions of the lower cervical spine: long-term results

Objetivo: El objetivo de este estudio es evaluar los resultados a largo plazo obtenidos en el tratamiento quirúrgico de lesiones traumáticas graves de la columna cervical baja mediante la práctica de un abordaje anterior así como la revisión de la literatura médica al respecto. Material y método Estudio retrospectivo de 32 pacientes con lesiones traumáticas en la columna cervical baja tratadas mediante artrodesis por vía anterior con injerto tricortical y fijación con placa autoestable. La media de edad fue de 33,7 años (rango: 13 - 54). La etiología más frecuente fue tras caída de altura en 13 casos, accidente de tráfico en 18 casos y accidente durante la práctica de deporte acuático en un caso. La media de seguimiento fue de 10,2 años (rango: 4,3 - 19,5). Resultados: En todos los pacientes estudiados, a excepción de uno, obtuvimos una sólida fusión en un plazo de 3 a 6 meses. Radiológicamente, observamos el 100% de restauración de la altura, y se recuperó la lordosis cervical fisiológica (>20°) en un 70% y la reducción anatómica en un 87%. La incorporación laboral a sus antiguos puestos de trabajo fue posible en el 71,87% (23 pacientes), al igual que la capacidad de realizar actividades básicas de la vida diaria sin presencia de síntomas. Conclusiones Aunque no existe unanimidad en el tratamiento de las lesiones traumáticas de la columna cervical baja, la descompresión anterior, unida al uso de injerto tricortical autólogo estructural y estabilización mediante sistema de placas autoestables, se considera la mejor opción terapéutica para la mayoría de estas lesiones (AU)

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to assess the long-term results obtained by surgical treatment of severe lower cervical spine injuries by means of an anterior approach. We also carry out a review of the literature on the subject. Materials and methods Retrospective study of 32 patients with traumatic injuries in their low cervical spine, treated by means of anterior arthrodesis with a tricortical graft and locking plate fixation. Mean age was 33.7 years (range: 13–54). The most frequent mechanism of injury was fall from height in 13 cases, road accident in 18 and one case of an accident in the course of water sports practice. Mean follow-up was 10.2 years (range: 4.3–19.5). Results In all but one of our patients we obtained Sorong fusion at 3 to 6 months. Radiologically we observed 100% height restoration, recovery of physiologic cervical lordosis (>20°) in 70% of patients and anatomic reduction in 87%. Resumption of previous occupation was possible for 23 patients (71.87%); the same number of patients was capable of performing basic activities of daily living without feeling any symptoms. Conclusions Although there is no unanimity as regards the best treatment for traumatic injury to the lower cervical spine, anterior decompression, accompanied by the use of a structural autologous tricortical graft and stabilization by locking plates, is considered the best option for most of these lesions (AU)

Enteroenteric fistula of the duodenum in a patient with AIDS and Mycobacterium avium-intracellulare infection.

Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy revealed a double lumen in the second portion of the duodenum in a 39-year-old man with advanced acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). The lesion was not lined with an epithelium and improved with antituberculous therapy. These findings, as well as both an extensive transmural inflammation with foamy macrophages laden with acid-fast microorganisms and the destruction of the bowel wall, were consistent with Mycobacterium avium-intracellulare infection, but not with congenital duplication. An upper gastrointestinal series was falsely negative. Deep, penetrating lesions and double-barreled lumen are not infrequent in AIDS-related esophageal disease. We propose that similar lesions related to M avium-intracellulare occur in the bowel, especially when immune impairment and mycobacterial infection are severe. Awareness of mycobacterial infections of the gut is important in the era of AIDS.

Heart morphological changes in rats placed in a crowded environment.

A group of rats were stressed by placing them in a crowded environment. Examination of the hearts showed the following anatomic changes: (1) increased weight; (2) occlusion of capillaries by platelet thrombi; (3) endothelial swelling of capillaries; and (4) swelling and deformity of mitochondria.