Lifetime of Excitations in Atomic and Molecular Bose-Einstein Condensates

Recent experimental progress has produced Molecular Superfluids (MSF) in thermal equilibrium; this opens the door to a new class of experiments investigating the associated thermodynamic and dynamical responses. We review the theoretical picture of the phase diagram and quasiparticle spectrum in the Atomic Superfluid (ASF) and MSF phases. We further compute the parametric dependence of the quasiparticle lifetimes at one-loop order. In the MSF phase, the $U(1)$ particle number symmetry breaks to $\mathbb{Z}_2$ and the spectrum exhibits a gapless Goldstone mode in addition to a gapped $\mathbb{Z}_2$-protected atom-like mode. In the ASF phase, the $U(1)$ symmetry breaks completely, leaving behind a Goldstone mode and an unprotected gapped mode. In both phases, the Goldstone mode decays with a rate given by the celebrated Belyaev result, as in a single component condensate. In the MSF phase, the gapped mode is sharp up to a critical Cherenkov momentum beyond which it emits phonons. In the ASF phase, the gapped mode decays with a constant rate even at small momenta. These decay rates govern the spectral response in microtrap tunneling experiments and lead to sharp features in the transmission spectrum of atoms fired through molecular clouds

Smart Brace for Static and Dynamic Knee Laxity Measurement

Every year in Europe more than 500 thousand injuries that involve the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) are diagnosed. The ACL is one of the main restraints within the human knee, focused on stabilizing the joint and controlling the relative movement between the tibia and femur under mechanical stress (i.e., laxity). Ligament laxity measurement is clinically valuable for diagnosing ACL injury and comparing possible outcomes of surgical procedures. In general, knee laxity assessment is manually performed and provides information to clinicians which is mainly subjective. Only recently quantitative assessment of knee laxity through instrumental approaches has been introduced and become a fundamental asset in clinical practice. However, the current solutions provide only partial information about either static or dynamic laxity. To support a multiparametric approach using a single device, an innovative smart knee brace for knee laxity evaluation was developed. Equipped with stretchable strain sensors and inertial measurement units (IMUs), the wearable system was designed to provide quantitative information concerning the drawer, Lachman, and pivot shift tests. We specifically characterized IMUs by using a reference sensor. Applying the Bland–Altman method, the limit of agreement was found to be less than 0.06 m/s2 for the accelerometer, 0.06 rad/s for the gyroscope and 0.08 μT for the magnetometer. By using an appropriate characterizing setup, the average gauge factor of the three strain sensors was 2.169. Finally, we realized a pilot study to compare the outcomes with a marker-based optoelectronic stereophotogrammetric system to verify the validity of the designed system. The preliminary findings for the capability of the system to discriminate possible ACL lesions are encouraging; in fact, the smart brace could be an effective support for an objective and quantitative diagnosis of ACL tear by supporting the simultaneous assessment of both rotational and translational laxity. To obtain reliable information about the real effectiveness of the system, further clinical validation is necessary

Concept Generation and Preliminary Prototyping of a Tailored Smart Glove with Capacitive Pressure Sensors for Force Grip Analysis in Cycling

Design methods for sports engineering allow to improve the world around the athlete. In cycling, a sport device that can be useful to reduce and monitor the risk of injuries is a smart glove equipped with pressure sensors. The literature underlined how the current design methods lack the comprehensive consideration of sensors integration for force analysis at the handlebar. Furthermore, the majority of existing solutions is based on resistive pressure sensors. In this work, we present mainly two advancements with respect to the state-of-the-art: (1) user-centered design methodology for the glove development, which allows to take care about the main design parameters which involve the cyclist, namely her/his anthropometric characteristics and her/his sport gesture analysis (achieved by the pressure analysis on the handlebar) during classic grip position of cycling (i.e., top grip); (2) prototyping of custom-made capacitive pressure sensors instead of classic commercial resistive pressure sensors. The work involves the concept generation, the selection of the optimal concept through Kano and Quality of Function Development as well as the preliminary prototyping of one capacitive pressure sensor, realized using a fabrication process involving additive manufacturing techniques and silicon molding

Magnetic localization system for short-range positioning: a ready-to-use design tool

Magnetic localization is used in many indoor positioning applications, such as industrial, medical, and IoT, for its benefits related to the absence of line of sight needs, multipath and fading, the low cost of transmitters and receivers, and the simple development of setups made of coils and magnetic sensors. In short-range applications, this technology could bring some advantages with respect to ultrasound, laser, or RF ones. Nevertheless, fixed both the desired accuracy and the energy constraints, the optimal design of a localization system based on magnetic measurement depends on several factors: the dimension, the number and the optimal positions of the anchors, the uncertainties due to the sensing elements, and the data acquisition systems (DAQs). To preliminary fix all these parameters, suitable simulation environments allow developers to save time and money in developing localization applications. Many magnetic field simulators are available, but it is rare to find those that, considering the uncertainty due to the receiver and DAQs, are able to provide optimal anchors scenario given a target accuracy. To address this problem, this article presents a simulation tool providing the user with design requirements for given target accuracy. The aim of this article is to perform the first steps in providing a ready-to-use specification framework that given the localization domain, the mobile sensors, the DAQ characteristics, and the target accuracy and helps the developer of indoor magnetic positioning systems. The actual validity of the simulation model has been tested on a real setup.Postprint (published version

Delay discounting and substance use treatment outcomes: A systematic review focused on treatment outcomes and discounting methodology

Introduction Delay discounting—the tendency to choose small, immediate rewards over larger, delayed rewards—is robustly associated with substance use. Delay discounting may present challenges in treatment for substance use disorders, as individuals with elevated discounting may struggle to wait for the long-term rewards that come from abstinence, which may yield poorer treatment outcomes. However, evidence on the role of discounting in treatment outcomes has been inconsistent. The study conducted a systematic review of the literature to characterize the prospective effects of delay discounting measured pre-treatment on substance use treatment outcomes, with a focus on characterizing findings across: 1) type of treatment outcome and 2) methodology used to assess and characterize discounting. Method A systematic literature search identified N = 17 studies that examined the association between delay discounting at treatment entry (pre-treatment) and substance use treatment outcomes. Findings were reported across the following substance use treatment outcomes: abstinence, relapse, use frequency and related problems, and treatment adherence. Findings regarding discounting methodology were reported by type of discounting measure (adjusting choice task, fixed choice task, or experiential task) and parameter used to characterize discounting (k, log transformed k (lnk), and area under the curve). Results Delay discounting at treatment entry was not consistently associated with substance use treatment outcomes when examined across all studies overall (47 %) or by treatment outcome (0–40 % for most outcomes). The majority of studies (64 %) that used an adjusting choice, computer-based task reported a significant association between discounting and treatment outcomes, whereas few studies that used a fixed choice or experiential task reported significant associations with treatment outcomes (0–25 %). Most studies (71 %) that used the lnk parameter to characterize discounting reported significant associations between discounting and a range of treatment outcomes. In contrast, few studies that used k or AUC (25–33 %) reported significant associations between discounting and treatment outcomes. Conclusion When examined overall and by treatment outcome, evidence did not consistently indicate that delay discounting was prospectively associated with substance use treatment outcomes. However, delay discounting at treatment entry was more commonly associated with a variety of poorer treatment outcomes when researchers used more fine-grained methods to characterize discounting

La Articulación de Contenidos como oportunidad para la formación integral del diseñador.

Ponencia al 6ª Encuentro Latinoamericano de Docentes de Diseño. ELADDI, 2013.Algunas de las principales dificultades en cuanto a articulación de contenidos entre diferentes asignaturas se relacionan con la adecuación y el manejo de los tiempos académicos, la necesidad de abarcar la especificidad disciplinar en los espacios curriculares planteados institucionalmente y con la percepción escindida que los alumnos tienen acerca de las áreas de conocimiento que se abordan en el cursado de la carrera. Como propuesta superadora de esta situación se propone desarrollar un ejercicio de articulación y concurrencia sobre una temática común, con distintos enfoques disciplinares de abordaje, entre las Cátedras Diseño Industrial II A y B, Tecnología II y Ergonomía II, del mismo nivel de la Carrera de Diseño Industrial. En cada asignatura se trabajan los contenidos particulares facilitando la transferencia y vinculación de los mismos, aún cuando sean planteados en distintos momentos del año o los alumnos cursen indistintamente dichas asignaturas. De esta manera, el alumno realiza en Ergonomía II el análisis de la actividad, mediante la observación, el relevamiento de datos, procesamiento de información y elaboración de recomendaciones de mejora sobre la realización de una actividad. En Diseño Industrial II se retoma esta información para la construcción de un programa de diseño, a partir del cual desarrollar una propuesta de solución innovadora. En tecnología II, se conforman grupos de trabajo que retoman las propuestas de diseño, seleccionando una de ellas, sobre la que trabajar en el desarrollo tecnológico y de documentación técnica de la pieza principal. El ejercicio se cierra con una puesta en común de las experiencias realizadas en cada Cátedra, presentando a los alumnos un recorrido de los procesos realizados a partir de la experiencia.Olivia, Silvia Patricia. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Arquitectura, Urbanismo y Diseño; ArgentinaFigueroa, Marisa. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Arquitectura, Urbanismo y Diseño; ArgentinaAlvarez, Jorge. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Arquitectura, Urbanismo y Diseño; ArgentinaBellitti, Eduardo. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Arquitectura, Urbanismo y Diseño; ArgentinaOtras Ingenierías y Tecnología

Tendencia de la electrónica en productos de consumo : oportunidad de innovación para el diseñador industrial

Ponencia en VIII Jornadas de Investigación y II Jornadas de Investigación de Becarios y Doctorandos Encuentro y Reflexión : investigación + transferencia + desarrolloEl siguiente trabajo presenta un estudio que tiene como finalidad, establecer qué relación existe entre el diseño industrial, la electrónica y el un perfil de egresado de la FAUD UNC que pudiera ser demandado en la actualidad. Se busca determinar, si lo hubiera, la oportunidad de innovación que permita el conocimiento, manejo y/o dominio de la electrónica en la carrera de grado de diseño Industrial. La creciente incorporacién de sistemas electrénicos en los productos de consumo destinados al hogar, oficina y/o comercio ha producido un aumentosignificativo de los requerimientos de los mismos en lo quese refiere al consumo racional de energia, facilidad de uso, automatizacién y confort. En consecuencia dichas tendencias constituyen un factor de competitividad en el mercado y en algunos casos son potenciales incorporaciones para superar la obsolescencia del producto. En este contexto corresponde reflexionar sobre el rol del disefo industrial en esta coyuntura contrastada con la formacion del disefador hoy.Fil: Bellitti, Eduardo. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Arquitectura, Urbanismo y Diseño; ArgentinaFil: Bellitti, Carlos R. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Arquitectura, Urbanismo y Diseño; ArgentinaFil: Villafañez, Blanca Gabriela. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Arquitectura, Urbanismo y Diseño; ArgentinaFil: Maurer, Laura Lucía. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Arquitectura, Urbanismo y Diseño; ArgentinaFil: Duca, Claudio. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Arquitectura, Urbanismo y Diseño; ArgentinaFil: Dovis, Sebastián. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Arquitectura, Urbanismo y Diseño; ArgentinaFil: Modesti, Mario. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Arquitectura, Urbanismo y Diseño; ArgentinaFil: Da Andrea, Emiliano. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Arquitectura, Urbanismo y Diseño; ArgentinaFil: Anastasia, Julio. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Arquitectura, Urbanismo y Diseño; ArgentinaFil: Martellotto, Carolina. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Arquitectura, Urbanismo y Diseño; ArgentinaFil: Peralta, Agustín A. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Arquitectura, Urbanismo y Diseño; Argentin

Alteration of the translational readthrough isoform AQP4ex induces redistribution and downregulation of AQP4 in human glioblastoma

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is characterized by a remarkable cellular and molecular heterogeneity that make the behavior of this tumor highly variable and resistant to therapy. In addition, the most serious clinical complication of GBM and other brain tumors is the development of vasogenic edema which dramatically increase the intracranial pressure. In the present study we evaluate the expression, supramolecular organization and spatial distribution of AQP4 and AQP4ex, the new readthrough isoform of AQP4, in relationship with the degree of vasogenic brain edema and tumor progression. To this purpose, tissue samples from regions of tumor core, peritumoral and non-infiltrated tissues of each GBM patient (n = 31) were analyzed. Immunofluorescence experiments revealed that the expression of AQP4ex was almost absent in tumoral regions while the canonical AQP4 isoforms appear mostly delocalized. In peritumoral tissues, AQP4 expression was found altered in those perivascular astrocyte processes where AQP4ex appeared reduced and partially delocalized. Protein expression levels measured by immunoblot showed that global AQP4 was reduced mainly in the tumor core. Notably, the relative amount of AQP4ex was more severely reduced starting from the peritumoral region. BN-PAGE experiments showed that the supramolecular organization of AQP4 is only partially affected in GBM. Edema assessment by magnetic resonance imaging revealed that the level of AQP4ex downregulation correlated with edema severity. Finally, the degree of BBB alteration, measured with sodium fluorescein content in GBM biopsies, correlated with the edema index and AQP4ex downregulation. Altogether these data suggest that the AQP4ex isoform is critical in the triggering event of progressive downregulation and mislocalization of AQP4 in GBM, which may affect the integrity of the BBB and contributes to accumulation of edema in the peritumoral tissue. Thus, AQP4ex could be considered as a potential early biomarker of GBM progression

Glut1, glut3 expression and 18fdg-pet/ct in human malignant melanoma: What relationship exists? new insights and perspectives

Background: Malignant melanoma is the most aggressive of skin cancers and the 19th most common cancer worldwide, with an estimated age-standardized incidence rate of 2.8–3.1 per 100,000; although there have been clear advances in therapeutic treatment, the prognosis of MM patients with Breslow thickness greater than 1 mm is still quite poor today. The study of how melanoma cells manage to survive and proliferate by consuming glucose has been partially addressed in the literature, but some rather interesting results are starting to be present. Methods: A systematic review was conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines and a search of PubMed and Web of Sciences (WoS) databases was performed until 27 September 2021 using the terms: glucose transporter 1 and 3 and GLUT1/3 in combination with each of the following: melanoma, neoplasm and immunohistochemistry. Results: In total, 46 records were initially identified in the literature search, of which six were duplicates. After screening for eligibility and inclusion criteria, 16 publications were ultimately included. Conclusions: the results discussed regarding the role and expression of GLUT are still far from definitive, but further steps toward understanding and stopping this mechanism have, at least in part, been taken. New studies and new discoveries should lead to further clarification of some aspects since the various mechanisms of glucose uptake by neoplastic cells are not limited to the transporters of the GLUT family alone