79 research outputs found
Relating gravitational wave constraints from primordial nucleosynthesis, pulsar timing, laser interferometers, and the CMB: implications for the early universe
We derive a general master equation relating the gravitational-wave
observables r and Omega_gw(f). Here r is the tensor-to-scalar ratio,
constrained by cosmic-microwave-background (CMB) experiments; and Omega_gw(f)
is the energy spectrum of primordial gravitational-waves, constrained e.g. by
pulsar-timing measurements, laser-interferometer experiments, and Big Bang
Nucleosynthesis (BBN). Differentiating the master equation yields a new
expression for the tilt d(ln Omega_gw(f))/d(ln f). The relationship between r
and Omega_gw(f) depends sensitively on the uncertain physics of the early
universe, and we show that this uncertainty may be encapsulated (in a
model-independent way) by two quantities: w_hat(f) and nt_hat(f), where
nt_hat(f) is a certain logarithmic average over nt(k) (the primordial tensor
spectral index); and w_hat(f) is a certain logarithmic average over w_tilde(a)
(the effective equation-of-state in the early universe, after horizon
re-entry). Here the effective equation-of-state parameter w_tilde(a) is a
combination of the ordinary equation-of-state parameter w(a) and the bulk
viscosity zeta(a). Thus, by comparing constraints on r and Omega_gw(f), one can
obtain (remarkably tight) constraints in the [w_hat(f), nt_hat(f)] plane. In
particular, this is the best way to constrain (or detect) the presence of a
``stiff'' energy component (with w > 1/3) in the early universe, prior to BBN.
Finally, although most of our analysis does not assume inflation, we point out
that if CMB experiments detect a non-zero value for r, then we will immediately
obtain (as a free by-product) a new upper bound w_hat < 0.55 on the
logarithmically averaged effective equation-of-state parameter during the
``primordial dark age'' between the end of inflation and the start of BBN.Comment: v1: 12 + 6 pages (main text + appendices), 7 figures; v2: fonts fixed
in figure
Avaliação do paciente com artrite
Arthritis are clinical manifestations of plenty of diseases. Its etiological classification is many times difficult and depends on careful clinical history and physical examination. Gout and skeptical arthritis presents commonly as acute monoarthritis and reactional arthritis are often polyarticular. Hospitalar admission is a risk factor to the development of reactional arthritis, crisis of gout and septical arthritis.Early diagnosis is imperative to start early treatment, symptom relief and articular function preservation.Synovial fluid aspiration and its analysis are of critical diagnostic importance in cases of acute monoarthritis.Artrites sĂŁo manifestações clĂnicas de uma sĂ©rie de doenças. Sua classificação etiolĂłgica Ă© muitas vezes difĂcil e depende de histĂłria clĂnica e exame fĂsico cuidadosos. Artrite sĂ©ptica e gota se apresentam mais comumente como monoartrite aguda e quadros reacionais sĂŁo geralmente poliarticulares. A internação hospitalar Ă© fator de risco para o desenvolvimento tanto de artrites reacionais quanto para crises de gota e artrite sĂ©ptica. O diagnĂłstico precoce Ă© muito importante a fim de iniciar o tratamento precocemente, alĂvio dos sintomas e preservação da funcionalidade articular. A punção do lĂquido sinovial e sua análise sĂŁo de fundamental importância diagnĂłstica nos quadros de monoartrite aguda
Anticoagulation in hospitalized patients
Os eventos tromboembólicos, principalmente o tromboembolismo venoso, acrescem importante morbidade e mortalidade e representam a segunda causa mais comum de complicações em pacientes hospitalizados. A anticoagulação é o tratamento padrão nestes casos, porém frequentemente seu manejo é complexo e requer conhecimento adequado tanto da farmacologia das drogas quanto da fisiologia da coagulação.Este artigo revê alguns pontos essenciais para quem lida com esses eventos e fornece noções práticas do manejo dos antagonistas da vitamina K e dos anticoagulantes parenterais.Thromboembolic events, particularly venous thromboembolism, add significant morbidity and mortality and represent the second most common cause of complications in hospitalized patients. Anticoagulation is the standard treatment in these cases, but often their management is complex and requires adequate knowledge of both the pharmacology of drugs and the physiology of coagulation. This article reviews some key points to those who deal with these events and provides practical notions of management of vitamin K antagonists and parenteral anticoagulants
Peak and end point of the relic graviton background in string cosmology
Using general arguments we determine the allowed region for the end point
frequency and the peak energy density of the stochastic background of gravity
waves expected in string cosmology. We provide an accurate estimate of the
minimal experimental sensitivity required to detect a signal in the Hz to GHz
range.Comment: 11 pages, LATEX, one figure included using eps. A complete collection
of papers and references on the pre-big-bang scenario in string cosmology is
available at http://www.to.infn.it/teorici/gasperini
Thermal history of the plasma and high-frequency gravitons
Possible deviations from a radiation-dominated evolution, occurring prior the
synthesis of light nuclei, impacted on the spectral energy density of
high-frequency gravitons. For a systematic scrutiny of this situation, the
CDM paradigm must be complemented by (at least two) physical
parameters describing, respectively, a threshold frequency and a slope. The
supplementary frequency scale sets the lower border of a high-frequency domain
where the spectral energy grows with a slope which depends, predominantly, upon
the total sound speed of the plasma right after inflation. While the infra-red
region of the graviton energy spectrum is nearly scale-invariant, the expected
signals for typical frequencies larger than 0.01 nHz are hereby analyzed in a
model-independent framework by requiring that the total sound speed of the
post-inflationary plasma be smaller than the speed of light. Current (e.g.
low-frequency) upper limits on the tensor power spectra (determined from the
combined analysis of the three large-scale data sets) are shown to be
compatible with a detectable signal in the frequency range of wide-band
interferometers. In the present context, the scrutiny of the early evolution of
the sound speed of the plasma can then be mapped onto a reliable strategy of
parameter extraction including not only the well established cosmological
observables but also the forthcoming data from wide band interferometers.Comment: 47 pages, 31 included figures, to appear in Classical and Quantum
Gravit
Spanish validation of Bad Sobernheim Stress Questionnaire (BSSQ (brace).es) for adolescents with braces
<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>As a result of scientific and medical professionals gaining interest in Stress and Health Related Quality of Life (HRQL), the aim of our research is, thus, to validate into Spanish the German questionnaire <b>Bad Sobernheim Stress Questionnaire (BSSQ) (mit Korsett)</b>, for adolescents wearing braces.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>The methodology used adheres to literature on trans-cultural adaptation by doing a translation and a back translation; it involved 35 adolescents, ages ranging between 10 and 16, with Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS) and wearing the same kind of brace (Rigo System ChĂŞneau Brace). The materials used were a socio-demographics data questionnaire, the SRS-22 and the Spanish version of BSSQ(brace).es. The statistical analysis calculated the reliability (test-retest reliability and internal consistency) and the validity (convergent and construct validity) of the BSSQ (brace).es.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>BSSQ(brace).es is reliable because of its satisfactory internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha coefficient was 0.809, p < 0.001) and temporal stability (test-retest method with a Pearson correlation coefficient of 0.902 (p < 0.01)).</p> <p>It demonstrated convergent validity with SRS-22 since the Pearson correlation coefficient was 0.656 (p < 0.01). By undertaking an Exploratory Principal Components Analysis, a latent structure was found based on two Components which explicate the variance at 60.8%.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>BSSQ (brace).es is reliable and valid and can be used with Spanish adolescents to assess the stress level caused by the brace.</p
"I am nothing": experiences of loss among women suffering from severe birth injuries in Tanzania
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Despite the increased attention on maternal mortality during recent decades, which has resulted in maternal health being defined as a Millennium Development Goal (MDG), the disability and suffering from obstetric fistula remains a neglected issue in global health. Continuous leaking of urine and the physical, emotional and social suffering associated with it, has a profound impact on women's quality of life. This study seeks to explore the physical, cultural and psychological dimensions of living with obstetric fistula, and demonstrate how these experiences shape the identities of women affected by the condition. A cross-sectional study with qualitative and quantitative components was used to explore the experiences of Tanzanian women living with obstetric fistula and those of their husbands. The study was conducted at the Comprehensive Community Based Rehabilitation Tanzania hospital in Dar es Salaam, Bugando Medical Centre in Mwanza, and Mpwapwa district, in Dodoma region. Conveniently selected samples of 16 women were interviewed, and 151 additional women responded to a questionnaire. In addition, 12 women affected by obstetric fistula and six husbands of these affected women participated in a focus group discussions. Data were analysed using content data analysis framework and statistical package for the social sciences (SPSS) version 15 for Microsoft windows. The study revealed a deep sense of loss. Loss of body control, loss of the social roles as women and wives, loss of integration in social life, and loss of dignity and self-worth were located at the core of these experiences. The women living with obstetric fistula experience a deep sense of loss that had negative impact on their identity and quality of life. Acknowledging affected women's real-life experiences is important in order to understand the occurrence and management of obstetric fistula, as well as prospects after treatment. This knowledge will help to improve women's sense of self-worth and maintain their identity as women, wives, friends and community members. Educational programmes to empower women socially and economically and counselling of families of women living with obstetric fistula may help these women receive medical and social support that is necessary.\u
Topical application of a melanotropin analogue to vulgar vitiligo dermo-epidermal minigrafts
Stochastic backgrounds of relic gravitons: a theoretical appraisal
Stochastic backgrounds or relic gravitons, if ever detected, will constitute
a prima facie evidence of physical processes taking place during the earliest
stages of the evolution of the plasma. The essentials of the stochastic
backgrounds of relic gravitons are hereby introduced and reviewed. The pivotal
observables customarily employed to infer the properties of the relic gravitons
are discussed both in the framework of the CDM paradigm as well as in
neighboring contexts. The complementarity between experiments measuring the
polarization of the Cosmic Microwave Background (such as, for instance, WMAP,
Capmap, Quad, Cbi, just to mention a few) and wide band interferometers (e.g.
Virgo, Ligo, Geo, Tama) is emphasized. While the analysis of the microwave sky
strongly constrains the low-frequency tail of the relic graviton spectrum,
wide-band detectors are sensitive to much higher frequencies where the spectral
energy density depends chiefly upon the (poorly known) rate of
post-inflationary expansion.Comment: 94 pages, 32 figure
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