On fermion masses and mixing in a model with A4A_4 symmetry

In a recently proposed multi-Higgs extension of the standard model in which discrete symmetries, $A_4$ and $Z_3$ are imposed we show that, after accommodating the fermion masses and the mixing matrices in the charged currents, the mixing matrices in the neutral currents induced by neutral scalars are numerically obtained. However, the flavor changing neutral currents are under control mainly by mixing and/or mass suppressions in the neutral scalar sector.Comment: Version accepted for publication in International Journal of Modern Physics A. In this version we added a discussion on the charged lepton and neutrino masses. The title has been changed. Other minor changes do not modify the conclusion

Out-of-phase oscillation between superfluid and thermal components for a trapped Bose condensate under oscillatory excitation

The vortex nucleation and the emergence of quantum turbulence induced by oscillating magnetic fields, introduced by Henn E A L, et al. 2009 (Phys. Rev. A 79, 043619) and Henn E A L, et al. 2009 (Phys. Rev. Lett. 103, 045301), left a few open questions concerning the basic mechanisms causing those interesting phenomena. Here, we report the experimental observation of the slosh dynamics of a magnetically trapped $^{87}$Rb Bose-Einstein condensate (BEC) under the influence of a time-varying magnetic field. We observed a clear relative displacement in between the condensed and the thermal fraction center-of-mass. We have identified this relative counter move as an out-of-phase oscillation mode, which is able to produce ripples on the condensed/thermal fractions interface. The out-of-phase mode can be included as a possible mechanism involved in the vortex nucleation and further evolution when excited by time dependent magnetic fields.Comment: 5 pages, 5 figures, 25 reference

Causes of non-attachment to contraceptive methods

Existen diversas causas de abandono o desapego al tratamiento en usuarias de métodos anticonceptivos. De forma general, la percepción o asociación de efectos adversos con el método anticonceptivo representa la principal causa de abandono. La mayor parte de los efectos adversos de los métodos anticonceptivos se relaciona con ideas o creencias erróneas, basadas en mitos, que se transmiten a través del tiempo. Incluso la influencia de abandono o desapego viene apoyada por el propio médico, quien por falta de actualización y asesoramiento puede seguir anclado en el pasado y recomendar acciones, como los 'descansos' del tratamiento con anticoncepción hormonal combinada, que motivan el abandono o, lo que es peor, fracaso del método, con la consecuencia de un embarazo no deseado. Los factores intrínsecos al método pueden aumentar la tasa de abandono, cuando este no se adapta a las características específicas y preferencias des las pacientes. En un intento por disminuir la tasa de abandono se han desarrollado nuevas formulaciones de anticonceptivos hormonales, con la finalidad de reducir los efectos adversos y aportar beneficios adicionales que aumenten el apego al tratamiento. [English] There are several causes of abandonment or detachment to treatment in users of contraceptive methods. In general, the perception or association of adverse effects with the contraceptive method represents the main cause of interruption. Most of the adverse effects of contraceptive methods are related to misconceptions or beliefs, based on myths, that are transmitted over time. Even the influence of abandonment or detachment is supported by the doctor himself, who for lack of updating and advice can remain anchored in the past and recommend actions, such as the 'breaks' of treatment with combined hormonal contraception, which motivate the abandonment or, which is worse, failure of the method, with the consequence of an unwanted pregnancy. The factors intrinsic to the method can increase the abandonment rate, when it does not adapt to the specific characteristics and preferences of the patients. In an attempt to reduce the dropout rate, new formulations of hormonal contraceptives have been developed, with the aim of reducing adverse effects and providing additional benefits that increase adherence to treatment

Engorda de bubalinos em sistemas integrados de pastagens nativa e cultivada com suplementação de uréia.

bitstream/item/42513/1/Boletim-Pesquisa-158-CPATU.pd

Review and analysis of advances in functionalized, smart, and multifunctional asphalt mixtures

Road pavements are designed to withstand road traffic and weathering actions while ensuring comfortable and safe riding conditions as well as low costs and damage to the environment. When a road pavement has additional abilities or reacts to an external stimulus, it is considered to be smart and multifunctional. Examples of such abilities that have been investigated in asphalt mixtures are photocatalytic, superhydrophobic, self-cleaning, de-icing/anti-icing, self-healing, thermochromic, and latent heat thermal energy storage abilities. These abilities are developed using different materials such as nano/microparticles (including semiconductor materials and microcapsules), fibers, phase change materials (PCMs), and dyes, often using dissimilar techniques such as spray coating, volume incorporation, spreading, and asphalt binder modification. Owing to their large surface areas, road pavements are true recipients for large amounts of nano/micromaterials, and consequently, act as important “tools” to stimulate an emerging sector related to the scale of production of materials in the form of nanoparticles. Moreover, smart and multifunctional road pavements can be included in the domain of clean technology (e.g., photocatalytic pavements that promote the environmental depollution of NOx-type gases emitted as vehicle exhaust gases). In this context, they can contribute to materializing the transition to a novel socio-economic model known as “Green Recovery” that is environmentally friendly, sustainable, and inclusive. This model is a very important path toward economic and employment recovery, a vision to which many countries are strongly committed. Therefore, this work reviews new capabilities imparted to asphalt mixtures and provides recommendations.This work was supported by FCT (Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia) under the framework of the Strategic Funding UIDB/04029/2020, UIDB/04650/2020, and UID/FIS/04650/2019, and the PTDC/FIS-MAC/6606/2020, PTDC/FIS/120412/2010, and PEst-OE/ECI/UI4047/2019. The first author would like to acknowledge the FCT for the Ph.D. scholarship (SFRH/BD/137421/2018) and the third author would like to thank CNPq - Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico - for the PQ 1-D scholarship (308,360/2017–6)

Subthreshold dynamics of the neural membrane potential driven by stochastic synaptic input

In the cerebral cortex, neurons are subject to a continuous bombardment of synaptic inputs originating from the network's background activity. This leads to ongoing, mostly subthreshold membrane dynamics that depends on the statistics of the background activity and of the synapses made on a neuron. Subthreshold membrane polarization is, in turn, a potent modulator of neural responses. The present paper analyzes the subthreshold dynamics of the neural membrane potential driven by synaptic inputs of stationary statistics. Synaptic inputs are considered in linear interaction. The analysis identifies regimes of input statistics which give rise to stationary, fluctuating, oscillatory, and unstable dynamics. In particular, I show that (i) mere noise inputs can drive the membrane potential into sustained, quasiperiodic oscillations (noise-driven oscillations), in the absence of a stimulus-derived, intraneural, or network pacemaker; (ii) adding hyperpolarizing to depolarizing synaptic input can increase neural activity (hyperpolarization-induced activity), in the absence of hyperpolarization-activated currents

Three-vortex configurations in trapped Bose-Einstein condensates

We report on the creation of three-vortex clusters in a $^{87}Rb$ Bose-Einstein condensate by oscillatory excitation of the condensate. This procedure can create vortices of both circulation, so that we are able to create several types of vortex clusters using the same mechanism. The three-vortex configurations are dominated by two types, namely, an equilateral-triangle arrangement and a linear arrangement. We interpret these most stable configurations respectively as three vortices with the same circulation, and as a vortex-antivortex-vortex cluster. The linear configurations are very likely the first experimental signatures of predicted stationary vortex clusters.Comment: 4 pages, 4 figure

Myocardial Work Brings New Insights into Left Ventricular Remodelling in Cardio-Oncology Patients

Serial transthoracic echocardiographic (TTE) assessment of 2D left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and global longitudinal strain (GLS) are the gold standard screening methods for cancer therapeutics-related cardiac dysfunction (CTRCD). Non-invasive left ventricular (LV) pressure-strain loop (PSL) provides a novel method of quantifying myocardial work (MW) with potential advantages to evaluate the impact of cardiotoxic treatments on heart function. We prospectively assessed breast cancer female patients undergoing cancer therapy through serial monitoring by 2D and 3D TTE. Patients were evaluated at T0, T1 and T2 (before, 4-6 and 12-14 months after starting therapy, respectively). Through PSL analysis, MW indices were calculated. A total of 122 patients, with a mean age of 54.7 years, who received treatment with anthracyclines (77.0%) and anti-HER2 (75.4%) were included. During a mean follow-up of 14.9 ± 9.3 months, LVEF and GLS were significantly diminished, and 29.5% developed CTRCD. All MW indices were significantly reduced at T1 compared with baseline and tended to return to baseline values at T2. Global work index and global work efficiency showed a more pronounced variation in patients with CTRCD. The presence of more than one cardiovascular risk factor, obesity and baseline left atrium volume were predictors of changes in MW parameters. In conclusion, breast cancer treatment was associated with LV systolic dysfunction as assessed by MW, with its peak at 4-6 months and a partial recovery afterwards. Assessment of myocardial deformation parameters allows a more detailed characterization of cardiac remodelling and could enhance patient screening and selection for cardioprotective therapeutics.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio