549 research outputs found
Infrared Absorption in Acetanilide by Solitons
The infrared spectrum of acetanilide shows a new band that is red shifted from the main amide-I maximum by about 15 cm-1, the intensity of which increases at low temperature. It is suggested that this band may arise from the creation of amide-I solitons that are similar (but not identical) to those proposed by Davydov for the alpha helix in proteins. © 1983 The American Physical Society
High Temperature Electron Localization in dense He Gas
We report new accurate mesasurements of the mobility of excess electrons in
high density Helium gas in extended ranges of temperature and density to ascertain
the effect of temperature on the formation and dynamics of localized electron
states. The main result of the experiment is that the formation of localized
states essentially depends on the relative balance of fluid dilation energy,
repulsive electron-atom interaction energy, and thermal energy. As a
consequence, the onset of localization depends on the medium disorder through
gas temperature and density. It appears that the transition from delocalized to
localized states shifts to larger densities as the temperature is increased.
This behavior can be understood in terms of a simple model of electron
self-trapping in a spherically symmetric square well.Comment: 23 pages, 13 figure
Superhydrophobic lab-on-chip measures secretome protonation state and provides a personalized risk assessment of sporadic tumour
Secretome of primary cultures is an accessible source of biological markers compared to more complex and less decipherable
mixtures such as serum or plasma. The protonation state (PS) of secretome reflects the metabolism of cells and can be used for
cancer early detection. Here, we demonstrate a superhydrophobic organic electrochemical device that measures PS in a drop of
secretome derived from liquid biopsies. Using data from the sensor and principal component analysis (PCA), we developed
algorithms able to efficiently discriminate tumour patients from non-tumour patients. We then validated the results using mass
spectrometry and biochemical analysis of samples. For the 36 patients across three independent cohorts, the method identified
tumour patients with high sensitivity and identification as high as 100% (no false positives) with declared subjects at-risk, for
sporadic cancer onset, by intermediate values of PS. This assay could impact on cancer risk management, individual’s diagnosis
and/or help clarify risk in healthy populations
Particles-vortex interactions and flow visualization in He4
Recent experiments have demonstrated a remarkable progress in implementing
and use of the Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) and particle tracking
techniques for the study of turbulence in He4. However, an interpretation of
the experimental data in the superfluid phase requires understanding how the
motion of tracer particles is affected by the two components, the viscous
normal fluid and the inviscid superfluid. Of a particular importance is the
problem of particle interactions with quantized vortex lines which may not only
strongly affect the particle motion, but, under certain conditions, may even
trap particles on quantized vortex cores. The article reviews recent
theoretical, numerical, and experimental results in this rapidly developing
area of research, putting critically together recent results, and solving
apparent inconsistencies. Also discussed is a closely related technique of
detection of quantized vortices negative ion bubbles in He4.Comment: To appear in the J Low Temperature Physic
Personalizing Cancer Pain Therapy: Insights from the Rational Use of Analgesics (RUA) Group
Introduction: A previous Delphi survey from the Rational Use of Analgesics (RUA) project involving Italian palliative care specialists revealed some discrepancies between current guidelines and clinical practice with a lack of consensus on items regarding the use of strong opioids in treating cancer pain. Those results represented the basis for a new Delphi study addressing a better approach to pain treatment in patients with cancer. Methods: The study consisted of a two-round multidisciplinary Delphi study. Specialists rated their agreement with a set of 17 statements using a 5-point Likert scale (0 = totally disagree and 4 = totally agree). Consensus on a statement was achieved if the median consensus score (MCS) (expressed as value at which at least 50% of participants agreed) was at least 4 and the interquartile range (IQR) was 3–4. Results: This survey included input from 186 palliative care specialists representing all Italian territory. Consensus was reached on seven statements. More than 70% of participants agreed with the use of low dose of strong opioids in moderate pain treatment and valued transdermal route as an effective option when the oral route is not available. There was strong consensus on the importance of knowing opioid pharmacokinetics for therapy personalization and on identifying immediate-release opioids as key for tailoring therapy to patients’ needs. Limited agreement was reached on items regarding breakthrough pain and the management of opioid-induced bowel dysfunction. Conclusion: These findings may assist clinicians in applying clinical evidence to routine care settings and call for a reappraisal of current pain treatment recommendations with the final aim of optimizing the clinical use of strong opioids in patients with cancer
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