Toponomic Quantum Computation

Holonomic quantum computation makes use of non-abelian geometric phases, associated to the evolution of a subspace of quantum states, to encode logical gates. We identify a special class of subspaces, for which a sequence of rotations results in a non-abelian holonomy of a topological nature, so that it is invariant under any $SO(3)$-perturbation. Making use of a Majorana-like stellar representation for subspaces, we give explicit examples of topological-holonomic (or toponomic) NOT and CNOT gates.Comment: 5 pages, 4 figure

Curves in quantum state space, geometric phases, and the brachistophase

Given a curve in quantum spin state space, we inquire what is the relation between its geometry and the geometric phase accumulated along it. Motivated by Mukunda and Simon's result that geodesics (in the standard Fubini-Study metric) do not accumulate geometric phase, we find a general expression for the derivatives (of various orders) of the geometric phase in terms of the covariant derivatives of the curve. As an application of our results, we put forward the brachistophase problem: given a quantum state, find the (appropriately normalized) hamiltonian that maximizes the accumulated geometric phase after time $\tau$ - we find an analytical solution for all spin values, valid for small $\tau$. For example, the optimal evolution of a spin coherent state consists of a single Majorana star separating from the rest and tracing out a circle on the Majorana sphere.Comment: 23 pages, 6 figure

Nuevas localidades del zorrillo manchado del sur Spilogale angustifrons (Carnivora, Mephitidae) en Veracruz, México/ New locations of the Southern Spotted Skunk Spilogale angustifrons (Carnivora, Mephitidae) in Veracruz, Mexico

We provide five new locations of the Southern Spotted Skunk Spilogale angustifrons Howell 1902 in Veracruz, Mexico. These records extend the known geographic distribution of this species in the Veracruz state.We provide five new locations of the Southern Spotted Skunk Spilogale angustifrons Howell 1902 in Veracruz, Mexico. These records extend the known geographic distribution of this species in the Veracruz state

Pleiotrophin as a central nervous system neuromodulator, evidences from the hippocampus

Pleiotrophin (PTN) is a secreted growth factor, and also a cytokine, associated with the extracellular matrix, which has recently starting to attract attention as a significant neuromodulator with multiple neuronal functions during development. PTN is expressed in several tissues, where its signals are generally related with cell proliferation, growth, and differentiation by acting through different receptors. In Central Nervous System (CNS), PTN exerts post-developmental neurotrophic and -protective effects, and additionally has been involved in neurodegenerative diseases and neural disorders. Studies in Drosophila shed light on some aspects of the different levels of regulatory control of PTN invertebrate homologs. Specifically in hippocampus, recent evidence from PTN Knock-out (KO) mice involves PTN functioning in learning and memory. In this paper, we summarize, discuss, and contrast the most recent advances and results that lead to proposing a PTN as a neuromodulatory molecule in the CNS, particularly in hippocampus

Vineyard Management and Physicochemical Parameters of Soil Affect Native Trichoderma Populations, Sources of Biocontrol Agents against Phaeoacremonium minimum

[EN] Native strains of Trichoderma in vineyard soil represent an opportunity for reducing the incidence of grapevine trunk diseases (GTDs) in vineyards. Moreover, its relationship with the environment (physicochemical soil characteristics and farming management practices) remains unclear. In the current study, a survey was carried out on farming management used by viticulturists, and soil samples were studied to analyze their physicochemical properties and to isolate Trichoderma strains. Later, statistical analyses were performed to identify possible correlations between Trichoderma populations, soil management and soil characteristics. In addition, in vitro tests, including antibiosis and mycoparasitism, were performed to select those Trichoderma strains able to antagonize Phaeoacremonium minimum. In this study a positive correlation was found between the iron content and pH in the soil, and a lower pH increases Trichoderma populations in soils. Vineyard management also affects Trichoderma populations in the soil, negatively in the case of fertilization and tillage and positively in the case of herbicide spraying. Two Trichoderma native strains were selected as potential biocontrol agents (Trichoderma gamsii T065 and Trichoderma harzianum T087) using antibiosis and mycoparasitism as mechanisms of action. These results led to the conclusion that native Trichoderma strains hold great potential as biological control agents and as producers of secondary metabolites.SIThis research was funded by project GLOBALVITI ‘Solución global para mejorar la’ Centro para el Desarrollo Tecnológico Industrial–CDTI—(Madrid, Spain) Project, GLOBALVITI project (CIEN Program) IDI-20160746, the project LowpHwine (CIEN Program) IDI ‘Estudio de nuevos factores relacionados con el suelo, la planta y la microbiota enológica que influyen en el equilibrio de la acidez de los vinos y en su garantía de calidad y estabilidad en climas cálidos’ and Bodega Pago de Carraovejas S.L.U. Thanks to all the wineries and viticulturists who kindly let us sample their vineyards. Thanks also to the research staff of the GUIIAS group for their technical support

Relação entre actividade física e consumo nocivo de substâncias. Uma revisão sistemática

Resumen: Introducción: El consumo de sustancias nocivas es el continuo consumo de sustancias como el alcohol, el tabaco u otras drogas, que repercuten a una persona negativamente, cambiando por completo el funcionamiento del cerebro y produciendo conductas peligrosas. Objetivos: Como principal objetivo para esta revisión sistemática es conocer qué papel desempeña la actividad y el ejercicio físicos en relación con el consumo de sustancias nocivas, en base a evidencias científicas de los últimos cinco años. Métodos: Se realizó una búsqueda bibliográfica a través de la base de datos de la plataforma Web Of Science con el fin de analizar artículos para abordar nuestro tema de trabajo. En esta revisión, se han estudiado 22 artículos que pasaron algunos criterios de elección Resultados y discusión: Los artículos seleccionados tratan sobre diferentes factores que intervienen en la relación que tiene el consumo de sustancias nocivas con la práctica de actividad y ejercicio físicos, así como otros aspectos importantes, que son hábitos saludables. Conclusiones: Existen diferentes disciplinas para prevenir hábitos perjudiciales que afectan a la salud de una persona, como son la práctica de actividad y ejercicio físicos para poder evitar el consumo de sustancias nocivas, o al menos poder reducir este inconveniente.Abstract: Introduction: Harmful substance use is the continued use of substances such as alcohol, tobacco or other drugs, which have a negative impact on a person, completely changing the functioning of the brain and leading to dangerous behaviours. Aim: The main objective of this systematic review is to find out what role physical activity and exercise play in relation to substance use, based on scientific evidence from the last five years Methods: A literature search was conducted through the Web Of Science platform database in order to analyse articles to address our topic of work. In this review, we studied 22 articles that passed some criteria of choice Results & discussion: The selected articles deal with different factors involved in the relationship between the consumption of harmful substances and the practice of physical activity and exercise, as well as other important aspects, which are healthy habits. Conclusions: There are different disciplines to prevent harmful habits that affect a person's health, such as the practice of physical activity and exercise to avoid the consumption of harmful substances, or at least to be able to reduce this inconvenience.Resumo: Introdução: O consumo nocivo de substâncias é o uso continuado de substâncias como o álcool, o tabaco ou outras drogas, que têm um impacto negativo numa pessoa, alterando completamente o funcionamento do cérebro e produzindo comportamentos perigosos. Objectivos: O principal objectivo desta revisão sistemática é descobrir o papel que a actividade física e o exercício desempenham em relação ao abuso de substâncias, com base em provas científicas dos últimos cinco anos. Objectivos: O principal objectivo desta revisão sistemática é descobrir qual o papel que a actividade física e o exercício desempenham em relação ao consumo de substâncias, com base em provas científicas dos últimos cinco anos Métodos: Foi efectuada uma pesquisa bibliográfica através da base de dados da plataforma Web Of Science com o objectivo de analisar artigos que abordassem o nosso tema de trabalho. Nesta revisão, estudámos 22 artigos que passaram por alguns critérios de escolha Resultados e Discussão: Os artigos seleccionados abordam diferentes factores envolvidos na relação entre o consumo de substâncias nocivas e a prática de actividade física e exercício, bem como outros aspectos importantes, que são os hábitos saudáveis Conclusões: Existem diferentes disciplinas para prevenir os hábitos nocivos que afectam a saúde de uma pessoa, como a prática de actividade física e de exercício para evitar o consumo de substâncias nocivas ou, pelo menos, para poder reduzir esse inconveniente

STEPAR: an automatic code to infer stellar atmospheric parameters

Context. StePar is an automatic code written in Python 3.X designed to compute the stellar atmospheric parameters T_(eff), log g, [Fe/H], and ξ of FGK-type stars by means of the equivalent width (EW) method. This code has already been extensively tested in different spectroscopic studies of FGK-type stars with several spectrographs and against thousands of Gaia-ESO Survey UVES U580 spectra of late-type, low-mass stars as one of its 13 pipelines. Aims. We describe the code that we tested against a library of well characterised Gaia benchmark stars. We also release the code to the community and provide the link for download. Methods. We carried out the required EW determination of Fe i and Fe ii spectral lines using the automatic tool TAME. StePar implements a grid of MARCS model atmospheres and the MOOG radiative transfer code to compute stellar atmospheric parameters by means of a Downhill Simplex minimisation algorithm. Results. We show the results of the benchmark star test and also discuss the limitations of the EW method, and hence the code. In addition, we find a small internal scatter for the benchmark stars of 9 ± 32 K in T_(eff), 0.00 ± 0.07 dex in log g, and 0.00 ± 0.03 dex in [Fe/H]. Finally, we advise against using StePar on double-lined spectroscopic binaries or spectra with R 15 km s^(−1) , and on stars later than K4 or earlier than F6

Plants with potential use on obesity and its complications

Obesity is the most prevalent nutritional disease and a growing public health problem worldwide. This disease is a causal component of the metabolic syndrome related with abnormalities, including hyperglycemia, dyslipidemia, hypertension, inflammation, among others. There are anti-obesity drugs, affecting the fundamental processes of the weight regulation; however they have shown serious side effects, which outweigh their beneficial effects. Most recent studies on the treatment of obesity and its complications have focused on the potential role of different plants preparation that can exert a positive effect on the mechanisms involved in this pathology. For instance, anti-obesity effects of green tea and its isolated active principles have been reported in both in vitro (cell cultures) and in vivo (animal models) that possess healthy effects, decreasing adipose tissue through reduction of adipocytes differentiation and proliferation. A positive effect in lipid profile, and lipid and carbohydrates metabolisms were demonstrated as well. In addition, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities were studied. However, the consumption of green tea and its products is not that common in Western countries, where other plants with similar bioactivity predominate; nevertheless, the effect extension has not been analyzed in depth, despite of their potential as alternative treatment for obesity. In this review the anti-obesity potential and reported mechanisms of action of diverse plants such as: Camellia sinensis, Hibiscus sabdariffa, Hypericum perforatum, Persea americana, Phaseolus vulgaris, Capsicum annuum, Rosmarinus officinalis, Ilex paraguariensis, Citrus paradisi, Citrus limon, Punica granatum, Aloe vera, Taraxacum officinale and Arachis hypogaea is summarized. We consider the potential of these plants as natural alternative treatments of some metabolic alterations associated with obesity

Lupane-type triterpenes and their anti-cancer activities against most common malignant tumors

In recent times, a great deal of interest has been motivated on plant derived compounds known as nutraceuticals. These compounds exert important beneficial activities that improve people’s health status when are consumed regularly, and now they appear as a viable option to explore their possible therapeutic effects against diseases like cancer. Particularly, lupane-type triterpenes have shown great ability to modulate multiple cancer-related signaling pathways and processes, including NF-κB, Wnt/β-catenin, PI3K/Akt, apoptosis, and many other routes related to proliferation or cell death, which are uncontrolled in malignant tumors. These investigations have promoted in vitro and in vivo studies, searching their mechanisms of action; although more research is still needed to prove its potential in human clinical trials. This review focuses on the ability of betulin, betulinic acid and lupeol to show benefits against the most common types of malignant tumors, which are considered a major global threat for public health