Rate of convergence of a particle method to the solution of the Mc Kean-Vlasov's equation

This paper studies the rate of convergence of an appropriatediscretization scheme of the solution of the Mc Kean-Vlasovequation introduced by Bossy and Talay. More specifically,we consider approximations of the distribution and of thedensity of the solution of the stochastic differentialequation associated to the Mc Kean - Vlasov equation. Thescheme adopted here is a mixed one: Euler/weakly interactingparticle system. If $n$ is the number of weakly interactingparticles and $h$ is the uniform step in the timediscretization, we prove that the rate of convergence of thedistribution functions of the approximating sequence in the $L^1(\Omega\times \Bbb R)$ norm and in the sup norm is of theorder of $\frac 1{\sqrt n} + h $, while for the densities is ofthe order $ h +\frac 1 {\sqrt {nh}}$. This result is obtainedby carefully employing techniques of Malliavin Calculus.

The struggle against creative accounting: Is "true and fair view" part of the problem or part of the solution?

Creative accounting is a growing issue of interest in Spain. In this article we argue that the concept true and fair view can limit or promote the use of creative accounting depending upon its interpretation. We review the range of meanings that true and fair view can take at an international level and compare the experience of the United Kingdom with the Australian one by analysing the use of true and fair view to limit creative accounting. Finally, we suggest lines of action to be considered by the Spanish accounting standards-setting institutions.

Direct visualization of supercoiled DNA molecules in solution.

The shape of supercoiled DNA molecules in solution is directly visualized by cryo-electron microscopy of vitrified samples. We observe that: (i) supercoiled DNA molecules in solution adopt an interwound rather than a toroidal form, (ii) the diameter of the interwound superhelix changes from about 12 nm to 4 nm upon addition of magnesium salt to the solution and (iii) the partition of the linking deficit between twist and writhe can be quantitatively determined for individual molecules.

The development of a stable oral solution of captopril for paediatric patients

Study objectives: Many major drugs are not available in paediatric form. The aim of this study was to develop a stable liquid solution of captopril for oral paediatric use allowing individualised dosage and easy administration to newborn and young patients. Methods: A specific HPLC-UV method was developed. In a pilot study, a number of formulations described in the literature as affording one-month stability were examined. In the proper long-term study, the formulation that gave the best results was then prepared in large batches and its stability monitored for two years at 5°C and room temperature, and for one year at 40°C. Results: Most formulations described in the literature were found wanting in our pilot study. A simple solution of the drug (1 mg/mL) in purified water (European Pharmacopeia) containing 0.1% disodium edetate (EDTA-Na) as preservative proved chemically and microbiologically stable at 5°C and room temperature for two years. Conclusion: The proposed in-house formulation fulfils stringent criteria of purity and stability and is fully acceptable for oral administration to newborn and young patients.

Generalized Multiobjective Multitree model solution using MOEA

In a previous paper a novel Generalized Multiobjective Multitree model (GMM-model) was proposed. This model considers for the first time multitree-multicast load balancing with splitting in a multiobjective context, whose mathematical solution is a whole Pareto optimal set that can include several results than it has been possible to find in the publications surveyed. To solve the GMM-model, in this paper a multi-objective evolutionary algorithm (MOEA) inspired by the Strength Pareto Evolutionary Algorithm (SPEA) is proposed. Experimental results considering up to 11 different objectives are presented for the well-known NSF network, with two simultaneous data flows

Nodal staging in colorectal cancer: should distant lymph nodes be recovered in surgical specimens?

To assess the value of sampling lymph nodes located far sidelong colorectal cancer specimens, we analyzed retrospectively surgical specimens from 345 colorectal cancer patients. The mesocolic and perirectal fat was divided into 2 fractions: close to (<5 cm) and distant from (>5 cm) the tumor. Tumors were located in the cecum (n = 61), ascending colon (n = 29), transverse colon (n = 31), descending colon (n = 27), sigmoid colon (n = 108), and rectum (n = 89). The median number of lymph nodes sampled was 17 in both fractions (range, 4-66), 12 (range, 0-46) in the close fraction, and 3 (range, 0-33) in the distant fraction. There were 169 pN0, 104 pN1, and 72 pN2 cases. The pN staging was accurate in all cases except 10 based on the close fraction alone; of these, 6 were upstaged from pN0 to pN1 and 4 from pN1 to pN2 when the distant fraction was considered. Among pN1-upstaged cases, 5 were rectal (3/5 with neoadjuvant radiotherapy) and 1 colonic. In the colon, we found that lymph node location is more important than lymph node number because metastatic lymph nodes were present mostly in the peritumoral area. This suggests that lymph nodes should be initially recovered from the pericolic fat close to the tumor. If there are less than 4 positive lymph nodes and less than 12 lymph nodes examined in total, additional lymph nodes should be retrieved from the distal fraction for potential upstaging. In the rectum, systematic sampling of close and distant lymph nodes is mandatory because in rare cases, metastases are detected only in distant lymph nodes, particularly in patients who have undergone neoadjuvant radiotherapy.

Reduction of symmetry in grandite solid solution

The results of a crystal structure refinement of an anisotropic grandite garnet specimen with composition Gro36-4 And63-6 are given. The structure obtained has orthorrombic symmetry (space group Fddd) and is compared with similar results obtained by other authors. In all cases the reduction of symmetry is due to the ordering of Fe3+ and Al in octahedral sites. Non cubic structures of grandites are discussed in connection with optical, morphological an grou-th features of these minerals.