3,530 research outputs found
Lifetime statistics of quantum chaos studied by a multiscale analysis
In a series of pump and probe experiments, we study the lifetime statistics
of a quantum chaotic resonator when the number of open channels is greater than
one. Our design embeds a stadium billiard into a two dimensional photonic
crystal realized on a Silicon-on-insulator substrate. We calculate resonances
through a multiscale procedure that combines graph theory, energy landscape
analysis and wavelet transforms. Experimental data is found to follow the
universal predictions arising from random matrix theory with an excellent level
of agreement.Comment: 4 pages, 6 figure
Molecular characterisation, evolution and expression analysis of g-type lysozymes in Ciona intestinalis
Lysozyme is an important defense molecule of the innate immune system. Known for its bactericidal
properties, lysozyme catalyzes the hydrolysis of b-(1,4)-glycosidic bonds between the N-acetyl glucosamine
and N-acetyl muramic acid in the peptidoglycan layer of bacterial cell walls. In this study, the
complete coding sequence of four g-type lysozymes were identified in Ciona intestinalis. Phylogenetic
analysis and modelling supported the hypothesis of a close relationship with the vertebrate g-type lysozymes
suggesting that the C. intestinalis g-type lysozyme genes (CiLys-g1, Cilys-g2, CiLys-g3, CiLys-g4)
share a common ancestor in the chordate lineage. Protein motif searches indicated that C. intestinalis gtype
lysozymes contain a GEWL domain with a GXXQ signature, typical of goose lysozymes. Quantitative
Real-Time PCR analysis results showed that transcripts are expressed in various tissues from
C. intestinalis. In order to determine the involvement of C. intestinalis g-type lysozymes in immunity, their
expression was analyzed in the pharynx, showing that transcripts were significantly up-regulated in
response to a challenge with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). These data support the view that CiLys g-type are
molecules with potential for immune defense system against bacterial infection
Alkyphenol exposure alters steroidogenesis in male lizard podarcis siculus
Background: Nonylphenol (NP) and Octylphenol (OP) are persistent and non-biodegradable environmental contaminants classified as endocrine disruptor chemicals (EDCs). These compounds are widely used in several industrial applications and present estrogen-like properties, which have extensively been studied in aquatic organisms. The present study aimed to verify the interference of these compounds alone, and in mixture, on the reproductive cycle of the male terrestrial vertebrate Podarcis siculus, focusing mainly on the steroidogenesis process. Methods: Male lizards have been treated with different injections of both NP and OP alone and in mixture, and evaluation has been carried out using a histological approach. Results: Results obtained showed that both substances are able to alter both testis histology and localization of key steroidogenic enzymes, such as 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3β-HSD), 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (17β-HSD) and P450 aromatase. Moreover, OP exerts a preponderant effect, and the P450 aromatase represents the major target of both chemicals. Conclusions: In conclusion, NP and OP inhibit steroidogenesis, which in turn may reduce the reproductive capacity of the specimens
Tunneling mediated by conical waves in a 1D lattice
The nonlinear propagation of 3D wave-packets in a 1D Bragg-induced band-gap
system, shows that tranverse effects (free space diffraction) affect the
interplay of periodicity and nonlinearity, leading to the spontaneous formation
of fast and slow conical localized waves. Such excitation corresponds to
enhanced nonlinear transmission (tunneling) in the gap, with peculiar features
which differ on the two edges of the band-gap, as dictated by the full
dispersion relationship of the localized waves.Comment: 5 pages, 6 figure
THE ANALYSIS OF THEORETICAL APPROACHES FOR CALCULATING TURNOVER RATIOS
The methods of financial analysis are widely used to estimate a company\u27s financial position and results of business activities. Studying scientific literature of the theoretical guidelines for the financial statement analysis we can find different approaches. The aim of the research is to study methods of turnover financial ratios calculations and basing on the empirical research findings to develop the recommendations for improvement the methods for it. The authors of this paper are studying theoretically different scientist`s findings for using book value or average value of balance sheet analyzing such important ratios as turnover of companies. For the empirical research the data from annual statements of Latvian companies of manufacturing and trade branches are used. In the research the authors have applied quantitative and qualitative methods of economics such as the mathematical and the statistical methods, the ratio analysis, the graphical method, the logically – constructive methods. At the end of the research the authors give the summary of general conclusions and findings
Flood hazard of the Somma-Vesuvius region based on historical (19-20th century) and geomorphological data
This paper presents a preliminary susceptibility map of the flood hazard
for the Somma-Vesuvius volcanic district, worked out by means of multidisciplinary
historical, geological, geomorphological and rainfall data
processing. It is well known that the Somma-Vesuvius volcano, due to its
explosive volcanism and the dense urbanization of the surrounding area,
with a population exceeding 650,000 is one of the most dangerous active
volcanoes of the world. Although this area has been extensively studied
from the volcanological point of view with regards to its volcanic hazard,
there are currently not many detailed studies about its flood hazard factors,
despite the fact that, in the last century, many intense rainfall events
in this area have produced several floods that invaded the surrounding
plains affecting towns and roads, and causing much damages and loss of
lives. Accordingly, in this paper high-resolution DEM (5Ă—5 m pixel) and
detailed geomorphological maps of the whole area have been analyzed
and processed in GIS environment, carrying out a comparative study of
the present-day morphology and the morphology of the 1900’s volcanic edifice,
including changes of infrastructures and buildings throughout the
last century. These results, together with historical chronicles data and
the rainfall accurate data for all flood events, have been processed in this
paper for highlighting the drainage basins areas of Somma-Vesuvius
where the flood phenomena could be more probable in the future, working
out a preliminary zoning map, also suggesting in which sectors interventions
useful for mitigation of flood risk should be implemented
The diagnostic accuracy of the small fiber neuropathy symptoms inventory questionnaire (SFN-SIQ) for identifying pure small fiber neuropathy
A definite diagnosis of pure small fiber neuropathy (SFN) relies on specific diagnostic testing, such as skin biopsy, quantitative sensory testing (QST), and nociceptive evoked potentials, which require considerable resources that may not be widely available. Accordingly, diagnostic tools with easy implementation in non-specialist centers are warranted to identify patients who require second-level diagnostic tests. In this study, we aimed to test the accuracy of the Small Fiber Neuropathy Symptoms Inventory Questionnaire (SFN-SIQ) in diagnosing pure SFN. We enrolled 86 patients with suspected pure SFN. In these patients, we calculated the diagnostic accuracy of the SFN-SIQ using a combination of clinical examination, QST, and skin biopsy as a reference standard. We found that the SFN-SIQ showed an excellent ability to discriminate between patients with and without pure SFN, with 86% sensitivity and 70% specificity in the diagnosis of pure SFN. Our study providing the diagnostic yield of the SFN-SIQ for pure SFN diagnosis suggests that this questionnaire might be used to screen patients with suspected SFN and identify those requiring second-level diagnostic tests such as QST, skin biopsy, or nociceptive evoked potentials
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