Spreading gossip in social networks

We study a simple model of information propagation in social networks, where two quantities are introduced: the spread factor, which measures the average maximal fraction of neighbors of a given node that interchange information among each other, and the spreading time needed for the information to reach such fraction of nodes. When the information refers to a particular node at which both quantities are measured, the model can be taken as a model for gossip propagation. In this context, we apply the model to real empirical networks of social acquaintances and compare the underlying spreading dynamics with different types of scale-free and small-world networks. We find that the number of friendship connections strongly influences the probability of being gossiped. Finally, we discuss how the spread factor is able to be applied to other situations.Comment: 10 pages, 16 figures, Revtex; Virt.J. of Biol. Phys., Oct.1 200

Langevin theory of absorbing phase transitions with a conserved magnitude

The recently proposed Langevin equation, aimed to capture the relevant critical features of stochastic sandpiles, and other self-organizing systems is studied numerically. This equation is similar to the Reggeon field theory, describing generic systems with absorbing states, but it is coupled linearly to a second conserved and static (non-diffusive) field. It has been claimed to represent a new universality class, including different discrete models: the Manna as well as other sandpiles, reaction-diffusion systems, etc. In order to integrate the equation, and surpass the difficulties associated with its singular noise, we follow a numerical technique introduced by Dickman. Our results coincide remarkably well with those of discrete models claimed to belong to this universality class, in one, two, and three dimensions. This provides a strong backing for the Langevin theory of stochastic sandpiles, and to the very existence of this new, yet meagerly understood, universality class.Comment: 4 pages, 3 eps figs, submitted to PR

Proteomic analysis of total cellular proteins of human neutrophils

This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Licens

The impact of patient global assessment in the definition of remission as a predictor of long-term radiographic damage in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: protocol for an individual patient data meta-analysis

BACKGROUND: Remission is the target for management of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and intensification of immunosuppressive therapy is recommended for those that do not achieve this status. Patient global assessment (PGA) is the single patient reported outcome considered in the American College of Rheumatology/European League Against Rheumatism remission criteria, but its use as target has been questioned. The primary aim of this study is to assess whether excluding PGA from the definition of disease remission changes the association of disease remission with long-term radiographic damage and physical function in patients with RA. METHODS: Individual Patient Data Meta-analysis using data from randomized controlled trials of biological and targeted synthetic agents, identified through ClinicalTrials.gov and PubMed. Different remission states will be defined: (i) 4v-remission [tender (TJC28) and swollen 28-joint counts (SJC28) both≤1, C-reactive protein (CRP)≤1 (mg/dl), and PGA≤1 (0-10 scale)], (ii) 4v-near-remission (TJC28≤1, SJC28≤1, CRP≤1, and PGA>1), (iii) non-remission (TJC28>1 or SJC28>1 or CRP>1), all mutually exclusive, and (iv) 3v-remission (TJC28≤1, SJC28≤1, CRP≤1). Likelihood ratios will be used to descriptively compare whether meeting the 3v and 4v-remission criteria in a single visit (at 6 or 12 months) predicts good outcome in the second year (1-2y). Differences in the predictive value of PGA in the definition of remission will be assessed by comparing the three mutually exclusive disease states using logistic regression analysis. Good outcome is defined primarily by radiographic damage (no deterioration in radiographic scores, whatever the instrument used in each trial), and secondarily by functional disability (Health Assessment Questionnaire consistently ≤0.5 and no deterioration), and their combination ("overall good outcome"). Additional analyses will consider longer periods over which to (concurrently) define remission status and outcome (between 1-5y and 1-10y), different cut-offs to define good radiographic outcome (change ≤0.5, ≤3 and ≤5 in radiographic score), sustained remission and the influence of treatment and other clinical factors. DISCUSSION: If 4v-remission and 4v-near-remission are associated with a similar probability of good outcomes, particularly regarding structural damage, the 3v-remission (excluding PGA) could be adopted as the target for immunosuppressive therapy. Patients' perspectives would remain essential, but assessed separately from disease activity, using instruments adequate to guide adjunctive therapies. Systematic review registration: PROSPERO, CRD42017057099

Fluorination effects on the thermodynamic, thermophysical and surface properties of ionic liquids

Fundacao para a Ciencia e a Tecnologia (FCT/MCTES) - SFRH/BD/100563/2014 ; SFRH/BPD/82264/2011 ; PTDC/EQU-FTT/118800/2010 ; PTDC/CTM-NAN/121274/2010 ; IF/00210/2014/CP1244/CT0003 ; UID/Multi/04551/2013 ; UID/CTM/50011/2013 European Research Council (ERC) - ERC-2013-StG-337753 FCT/MEC - RECI/BBB-BQB/0230/2012This paper reports the thermal, thermodynamic, thermophysical and surface properties of eight ionic liquids with fluorinated alkyl side chain lengths equal or greater than four carbon atoms. Melting and decomposition temperatures were determined together with experimental densities, surface tensions, refractive indices, dynamic viscosities and ionic conductivities in a temperature interval ranging from (293.15 to 353.15) K. The surface properties of these fluorinated ionic liquids were discussed and several thermodynamic functions, as well as critical temperatures, were estimated. Coefficients of isobaric thermal expansion, molecular volumes and free volume effects were calculated from experimental values of density and refractive index and compared with previous data. Finally, Walden plots were used to evaluate the ionicity of the investigated ionic liquids.publishersversionpublishe