Disorder-Induced Stabilization of the Pseudogap in Strongly Correlated Systems

The interplay of strong interaction and strong disorder, as contained in the Anderson-Hubbard model, is addressed using two non-perturbative numerical methods: the Lanczos algorithm in the grand canonical ensemble at zero temperature and Quantum Monte Carlo. We find distinctive evidence for a zero-energy anomaly which is robust upon variation of doping, disorder and interaction strength. Its similarities to, and differences from, pseudogap formation in other contexts, including perturbative treatments of interactions and disorder, classical theories of localized charges, and in the clean Hubbard model, are discussed.Comment: 4.2 pages, 4 figure

Fetal and early neonatal interleukin-6 response

In 1998, a systemic fetal cytokine response, defined as a plasma interleukin-6 (IL-6) value above 11 pg/mL, was reported to be a major independent risk factor for the subsequent development of neonatal morbid events even after adjustments for gestational age and other confounders. Since then, the body of literature investigating the use of blood concentrations of IL-6 as a hallmark of the fetal inflammatory response syndrome (FIRS), a diagnostic marker of early-onset neonatal sepsis (EONS) and a risk predictor of white matter injury (WMI), has grown rapidly. In this article, we critically review: IL-6 biological functions; current evidence on the association between IL-6, preterm birth, FIRS and EONS; IL-6 reference intervals and dynamics in the early neonatal period; IL-6 response during the immediate postnatal period and perinatal confounders; accuracy and completeness of IL-6 diagnostic studies for EONS (according to the Standards for Reporting of Diagnostic Accuracy statement); and recent breakthroughs in the association between fetal blood IL-6, EONS, and WMI

Effectiveness of traditional meditation retreats: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND: An increasing number of studies are investigating traditional meditation retreats. Very little, however, is known about their effectiveness. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of meditation retreats on improving psychological outcomes in general population. DATA SOURCES: A systematic review of studies published in journals or as dissertations in PSYCINFO, PUBMED, CINAHL or Web of Science from the first available date until October 22, 2016. REVIEW METHODS: A total of 20 papers (21 studies, N = 2912) were included. RESULTS: Effect-size estimates of outcomes combined suggested that traditional meditation retreats are moderately effective in pre-post analyses (n = 19; Hedge's g = 0.45; 95% CI [0.35, 0.54], p < 0.00001) and in analyses comparing retreats to controls (n = 14; Hedge's g = 0.49; 95% CI [0.36, 0.61], p < 0.00001). Results were maintained at follow-up. No differences were observed between meditation styles. Results suggested large effects on measures of anxiety, depression and stress, and moderate effects on measures of emotional regulation and quality of life. As to potential mechanisms of actions, results showed large effects on measures of mindfulness and compassion, and moderate effects on measures of acceptance. In addition, changes in mindfulness levels strongly moderated clinical effect sizes. However, heterogeneity was significant among trials, probably due to differences in study designs, types and duration of the retreats and assessed outcomes, limiting therefore the implications of the results. CONCLUSION: Meditation retreats are moderately to largely effective in reducing depression, anxiety, stress and in ameliorating the quality of life of participants

Dermatillomania: Strategies for developing protective biomaterials/cloth

Dermatillomania or skin picking disorder (SPD) is a chronic, recurrent, and treatment resistant neuropsychiatric disorder with an underestimated prevalence that has a concerning negative impact on an individual’s health and quality of life. The current treatment strategies focus on behavioral and pharmacological therapies that are not very effective. Thus, the primary objective of this review is to provide an introduction to SPD and discuss its current treatment strategies as well as to propose biomaterial-based physical barrier strategies as a supporting or alternative treatment. To this end, searches were conducted within the PubMed database and Google Scholar, and the results obtained were organized and presented as per the following categories: prevalence, etiology, conse-quences, diagnostic criteria, and treatment strategies. Furthermore, special attention was provided to alternative treatment strategies and biomaterial-based physical treatment strategies. A total of six products with the potential to be applied as physical barrier strategies in supporting SPD treatment were shortlisted and discussed. The results indicated that SPD is a complex, underestimated, and underemphasized neuropsychiatric disorder that needs heightened attention, especially with regard to its treatment and care. Moreover, the high synergistic potential of biomaterials and nanosystems in this area remains to be explored. Certain strategies that are already being utilized for wound healing can also be further exploited, particularly as far as the prevention of infections is concerned

Cambios paleoambientales desde el Pleistoceno tardío hasta el Holoceno medio basados en el registro de diatomeas en la Salina del Bebedero (San Luis, Argentina)

This study analyzes the environmental changes that occurred in the western sector of the San Luis province (Argentina) during the Late Pleistocene to Middle Holocene period (approximately 12,600 to 3,600 years BP). The information provided by diatoms as paleobiological indicators is used for this analysis. We examined the lower 5 meters of the 10-meter-long SBIII core, which was recovered from the endorheic and hypersaline shallow lake known as Salina del Bebedero (33°20’S-66°45’W, 380 m a.s.l.). The observed peaks of relative abundance of the planktonic diatom Cyclotella choctawhatcheeana suggest episodes of substantial water supply to the shallow lake from the Andes mountains via the Desaguadero river. These episodes were interspersed with periods of low water levels, resulting in very shallow to marsh environments characterized by the presence of epiphytic and benthic diatoms. Furthermore, we discuss and integrate the inferred paleoenvironmental information obtained from the diatom records, along with data from other proxies such as pollen and sedimentology. This integration aims to enhance the previously developed paleoenvironmental model for the region, covering the period between approximately 12,600 and 3,600 years BP. Overall, this research significantly contributes to the understanding of diatom assemblages in hypersaline lacustrine systems of the eastern Andes throughout the studied period, revealing the importance of certain taxa as indicators of wetter conditions during the early Holocene and in more recent stages within this timeframe. Additionally, this study aims to expand our existing knowledge of diatoms biodiversity in this province.Este trabajo aporta herramientas de análisis para la comprensión de los cambios ambientales ocurridos en el sector occidental de la provincia de San Luis (Argentina) entre el periodo del Pleistoceno tardío y el Holoceno medio (ca. 12.600 a ca. 3.600 años AP), utilizando la información provista por diatomeas, como indicadores paleobiológicos. Se analizó la mitad inferior del testigo SBIII (10 a 5 m) obtenido en la cuenca endorreica salino-lacustre Salina del Bebedero (33° 20′ S; 66° 45′ O; 380 (m s.n.m.). Los picos de mayor abundancia relativa de la especie planctónica Cyclotella choctawhatcheeana sugieren episodios de gran aporte de agua a la laguna, procedente de la Cordillera de los Andes a través del río Desaguadero. Estos episodios estuvieron intercalados por periodos con bajos niveles lacustres (ambientes someros o palustres) caracterizados por la presencia de diatomeas epifíticas y bentónicas y se identificaron intervalos donde no se encontraron diatomeas. También discutimos y articulamos la información paleoambiental inferida para el período comprendido entre ca. 12.600 y 3.600 años AP, a partir de los registros de diatomeas, con la información disponible de otros proxies (polen y sedimentología), con el fin de mejorar el modelo paleoambiental generado previamente para la región. Este trabajo amplía el conocimiento de ensambles de diatomeas en sistemas lacustres hipersalinos de los Andes orientales durante el periodo estudiado, revelando la importancia de algunos taxones como indicadores de condiciones más húmedas durante el inicio del Holoceno y en etapas más recientes dentro de este periodo y, además, este estudio, profundiza los conocimientos existentes sobre la biodiversidad diatomológica en esta provincia

geo climatic applicability of direct evaporative cooling in italy

This chapter focuses on the climatic applicability of passive direct (downdraught) evaporative cooling (PDEC) techniques in the provincial capital cities of Italy. First, a PDEC potentiality map was produced using a previously developed method based on three variables: wet bulb depression, summer comfort air temperature threshold (25 °C) and cooling degree hours (CDHs). Second, an applicability map was produced by comparing the PDEC potentiality map to the local cooling energy demand. Third, a new method is presented including a calculation of the residual local cooling energy demand, i.e. residual CDH, related to air treatment by direct evaporative cooling. These residual CDH values were calculated considering different step-wise increasing outlet temperatures (WBT; WBT + 1 °C; …; WBT + 5 °C) as a function of the covered amount of wet bulb depression. Finally, three cities chosen as being representative of their respective Italian climatic macro-zones were selected in order to assess in greater detail the yearly variation of CDH aimed at supporting specific design strategies for ventilative passive cooling solutions

The Skeletonization of Milan WDS on Transients Due to Pumping Switching off: Preliminary Results

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