Dynamical polaron Ansatz: A theoretical tool for the ultrastrong-coupling regime of circuit QED

13 págs.; 5 figs.In this work we develop a semianalytical variational Ansatz to study the properties of few-photon excitations interacting with a collection of quantum emitters in regimes that go beyond the rotating-wave approximation. This method can be used to approximate both the static and dynamical properties of a superconducting qubit in an open transmission line, including the spontaneous emission spectrum and the resonances in scattering experiments. The approximations are quantitatively accurate for rather strong couplings, as shown by a direct comparison to matrix-product-state numerical methods, and provide also a good qualitative description for stronger couplings well beyond the Markovian regime. ©2016 American Physical SocietyThe authors acknowledge support from Spanish Mineco Project No. FIS2012-33022, CAM Research Network QUITEMAD+, and EU FP7 FET Open project PROMISCE.Peer Reviewe

Some ecological aspects of free-living Haemaphysalis juxtakochi Cooley, 1946 (Acari: Ixodidae) in Panama

Objective. To describe the seasonal variation and perform a comparative analysis on habitat preference of Haemaphysalis juxtakochi in Panama. Materials and methods. Ticks were collected from the vegetation, using a white cloth, between January 2009 and March 2010, in four site located in Summit Municipal Park (SMP), two in wooded area (WA) and two in grasslands (GR).The ticks were determined as larvae, nymphs and adults of H. juxtakochi. The number of ticks collected in each area was employed to describe the seasonal distribution of both immature and adult stages, and the non-parametric Mann-Whitney U test. Results. A total of 2.338 ticks in WA and 560 ticks in GR were collected. The major peak of adults from May to July, nymphs peaked from January to April and the peak of larvae abundance from December and January. There was a significant difference in the number of ticks collected in the two areas for each tick stage (larvae, mean number (MN) in WA 120.14, MN in GR 57.07, P: 0.02; nymphs, MN in WA 46.42, MN in GR 16.38, P: 0.018; adults, MN in WA 6.64, MN in GR 1.78, P: 0.02). Conclusions. The results suggest that H. juxtakochi maintains a one-year cycle in the study areas. This cycle would be characterized by the immature population peaks in the dry season; while adults are distributed throughout year, with a peak in the transition from the rainy and dry. Moreover, H. juxtakochi was more abundant in forests than in grasslands, which could lead to a better adaptation to forested conditions.Objetivo. Describir la variación estacional y realizar un análisis comparativo de la preferencia de hábitat de H. juxtakochi en Panamá. Materiales y métodos. Se recolectaron mensualmente garrapatas de la vegetación utilizando una tela blanca, entre enero de 2009 y marzo de 2010 en cuatro sitios establecidos en el Parque Municipal Summit (PMS), dos en área de pastizales (AP) y dos en área boscosa (AB). Las garrapatas fueron identificadas como larva, ninfa y adulto de H. juxtakochi. El Some ecological aspects of free-living Haemaphysalis juxtakochi Cooley, 1946 (Acari: Ixodidae) in Panama Algunos aspectos ecológicos de fases de vida libre de Haemaphysalis juxtakochi Cooley, 1946 (Acari: Ixodidae) en Panamá Gleydis García G,1 Lic, Angélica Castro DF,1 Lic, Sergio Bermúdez C,1* M.Sc, Santiago Nava,2 Ph.D. 1Instituto Conmemorativo Gorgas de Estudios de la Salud, Ciudad de Panamá, Panamá 0816- 02593. 2Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria, Estación Experimental Agropecuaria Rafaela y Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, CC 22, CP 2300 Rafaela, Santa Fe, Argentina. *Correspondencia: [email protected] Received: February 2013; Accepted: November 2013. ORIGINAL Rev.MVZ Córdoba 19(1):3984-3989, 2014. ISSN: 0122-0268 3985 número de garrapatas recolectadas en cada área fue empleado para describir la distribución estacional de ambos estadios inmaduros y adultos, y se compararon con la prueba no paramétrica Mann-Whitney U. Resultados. Se recolectó un total de 2.338 garrapatas en AP y 560 garrapatas en AB. El mayor pico de garrapatas adultas fue de mayo hasta julio, los picos de ninfas fueron de enero hasta abril y los picos de abundancia de larvas desde diciembre hasta enero. Hubo diferencias significativas en el número de garrapatas recolectadas en las dos áreas para cada estadio (número promedio de larvas en AB 120.14, en AP 57.07, P: 0.02; número promedio de ninfas en AB 46.42, en AP 16.38, P:0.018; número promedio de adultos en AB 6.64, en AP 1.78, P: 0.02). Conclusiones. Los resultados sugieren que H. juxtakochi mantiene un ciclo de un año en las áreas de estudio. Este ciclo estaría caracterizado por picos poblacionales de ejemplares inmaduros en la época seca; mientras que los adultos se distribuyen a lo largo de todo año, con un pico en la transición entre la época lluviosa y seca. Por otra parte, H. juxtakochi fue más abundante en bosques que en pastizales, lo cual podría suponer mejores adaptaciones a condiciones boscosas.Fil: García G., Gleydis. Instituto Conmemorativo Gorgas de Estudios de la Salud; PanamáFil: Castro D.F., Angélica. Instituto Conmemorativo Gorgas de Estudios de la Salud; PanamáFil: Bermúdez Castillero, Sergio Eduardo. Instituto Conmemorativo Gorgas de Estudios de la Salud; PanamáFil: Nava, Santiago. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA). Estación Experimental Agropecuaria Rafaela; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentin

The Role of Probiotics and Prebiotics in the Prevention and Treatment of Obesity

Obesity is a global pandemic complex to treat due to its multifactorial pathogenesis—an unhealthy lifestyle, neuronal and hormonal mechanisms, and genetic and epigenetic factors are involved. Scientific evidence supports the idea that obesity and metabolic consequences are strongly related to changes in both the function and composition of gut microbiota, which exert an essential role in modulating energy metabolism. Modifications of gut microbiota composition have been associated with variations in body weight and body mass index. Lifestyle modifications remain as primary therapy for obesity and related metabolic disorders. New therapeutic strategies to treat/prevent obesity have been proposed, based on pre- and/or probiotic modulation of gut microbiota to mimic that found in healthy non-obese subjects. Based on human and animal studies, this review aimed to discuss mechanisms through which gut microbiota could act as a key modifier of obesity and related metabolic complications. Evidence from animal studies and human clinical trials suggesting potential beneficial effects of prebiotic and various probiotic strains on those physical, biochemical, and metabolic parameters related to obesity is presented. As a conclusion, a deeper knowledge about pre-/probiotic mechanisms of action, in combination with adequately powered, randomized controlled follow-up studies, will facilitate the clinical application and development of personalized healthcare strategies.Supported by funds from European Union 7th FP KBBE.2013.2.2-02—MyNewGut Project (“Factors influencing the human gut microbiome and its effect on the development of diet-related diseases and brain development”, Grant Agreement 613979) and from Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness GD-Brain Projects (SAF2015-69265-c2.2)

Some ecological aspects of free-living Haemaphysalis juxtakochi Cooley, 1946 (Acari: Ixodidae) in Panama

ABSTRACT Objective. To describe the seasonal variation and perform a comparative analysis on habitat preference of Haemaphysalis juxtakochi in Panama. Materials and methods. Ticks were collected from the vegetation, using a white cloth, between January 2009 and March 2010, in four site located in Summit Municipal Park (SMP), two in wooded area (WA) and two in grasslands (GR).The ticks were determined as larvae, nymphs and adults of H. juxtakochi. The number of ticks collected in each area was employed to describe the seasonal distribution of both immature and adult stages, and the non-parametric Mann-Whitney U test. Results. A total of 2.338 ticks in WA and 560 ticks in GR were collected. The major peak of adults from May to July, nymphs peaked from January to April and the peak of larvae abundance from December and January. There was a significant difference in the number of ticks collected in the two areas for each tick stage (larvae, mean number (MN) in WA 120.14, MN in GR 57.07, P: 0.02; nymphs, MN in WA 46.42, MN in GR 16.38, P: 0.018; adults, MN in WA 6.64, MN in GR 1.78, P: 0.02). Conclusions. The results suggest that H. juxtakochi maintains a one-year cycle in the study areas. This cycle would be characterized by the immature population peaks in the dry season; while adults are distributed throughout year, with a peak in the transition from the rainy and dry. Moreover, H. juxtakochi was more abundant in forests than in grasslands, which could lead to a better adaptation to forested conditions

Neutron-proton interaction in rare-earth nuclei: Role of tensor force

We investigate the role of the tensor force in the description of doubly odd deformed nuclei within the framework of the particle-rotor model. We study the rare-earth nuclei 174Lu, 180Ta, 182Ta, and 188Re using a finite-range interaction, with and without tensor terms. Attention is focused on the lowest K=0 and K=1 bands, where the effects of the residual neutron-proton interaction are particularly evident. Comparison of the calculated results with experimental data evidences the importance of the tensor-force effects.Comment: 8 pages, 5 figures, to be published on Physical Review

CATASTROPHIC MUSCULOSKELETAL INJURIES IN THOROUGHBRED HORSES, CARACAS-VENEZUELA

Se hizo un estudio clínico-patológico de las lesiones músculo-esqueléticas catastróficas ocurridas en pruebas públicas en el Hipódromo “La Rinconada”, Caracas, Venezuela, entre el 2000 al 2007. Se trabajó con 78 equinos Pura Sangre de Carrera con lesiones del aparato locomotor. Se colectó muestras de sangre para estudio hematológico, bioquímico y hormonal (paratohormona), así como muestras de orina para determinar niveles de fosfatos. Se les practicó la eutanasia debido a la severidad de las lesiones y se realizó la necropsia. Se tomó secciones de tejido óseo para determinación de calcio y fósforo, y de tejido muscular, tendinoso, gástrico, renal y hepático para estudio histológico. Los exámenes clínicos revelaron claudicación grado IV-V en todos los animales. La pérdida de continuidad ósea (fracturas) ocurrió en todos los casos, y exposición de estructuras óseas, articulares, rupturas de tendones, ligamentos y compromiso vascular en el 60%. Las fracturas fueron de tipo multifragmentaria (60%), oblicua (25%) y espiral (15%). Los valores sanguíneos y de orina estuvieron afectados. En la necropsia se observó el síndrome ulceroso gástrico equino, congestión hepática y necrosis tubular aguda renal. El análisis histológico reveló gastritis aguda superficial severa, úlceras gástricas, necrosis periacinar hepática, osteomalacia y necrosis del hueso subcondral, condromalacia y capsulitis severa.A clinical and pathological study was conducted on musculoskeletal catastrophic lesions of the locomotive apparatus occurred in 78 Thoroughbred horses in the racetrack «La Rinconada», Caracas, Venezuela, during 2000 to 2007. Blood samples were collected for hematological, biochemical and parathormone analysis in blood. Also, urine samples for phosphate levels. All animals were euthanized due to severe lesions, and bone, tendons, stomach, kidney and liver samples were taken for by histopathology evaluation. Clinical exams revealed lameness grade IV-V in all animals. Losses of bone continuity (fracture) occurred in all cases, and exposition of bone structures, joint damage, rupture of tendons and ligaments and vascular destruction were observed in 60% of them. The types of fractures were comminuted (60%), oblique (25%) and spiral (15%). Blood and urine values were affected. Necropsy showed equine gastric ulcer syndrome, liver congestion and renal acute tubular necrosis. Histopathological analysis showed acute and severe gastritis, gastric ulcers, hepatic periacinar necrosis, osteomalacia and necrosis in subchondral bone, chondromalacia and severe capsulitis

LESIONES GÁSTRICAS, HEPÁTICAS Y RENALES EN EL SÍNDROME DE ÚLCERAS GÁSTRICAS EN EQUINOS PURA SANGRE DE CARRERA.

The aim of this study was to describe gastric, hepatic, and renal lesions inThoroughbred Racing horses associated to the equine gastric ulcer syndrome. Thirtyhorses with a history of gastric ulcer syndrome and recurrent colic during 2006 to 2007 atthe Race Track «La Rinconada», Caracas, Venezuela were evaluated. Horses were euthanized and the necropsy was conducted. Tissue samples were collected from stomach,liver and kidney, and processed by conventional histological methods. In the stomach,the mucosa was intact but areas of hyperaemia and hyperkeratosis were observed in 6cases, multifocal small erosions or ulcers in 6 cases, multifocal large ulcers with areas ofextensive erosion in 12 cases and extensive areas of ulceration with exposure of thesubmucosa in 6 cases. The macroscopic evaluation of the liver showed evidenthepatomegaly in 22 cases and lobular pattern in 18 cases. The kidneys showed severecongestion in all cases, loss of cortico-medullar ratio in 20 cases, cortical necrosis in 18cases, acute tubular necrosis in all cases, papillary necrosis in 6 cases, and adherence ofthe capsule with interstitial fibroplasia in 4 cases. Lesions in the gastric mucosa, liver andkidney were associated with extended treatment with non-steroidal anti-inflammatorydrugsEl objetivo del estudio fue describir lesiones gástricas, hepáticas y renales en caballos Pura Sangre de Carreras enmarcadas en el síndrome ulceroso gástrico equino. Se trabajó con 30 ejemplares Pura Sangre de Carrera con historia de síndrome ulceroso gástrico y cólico recurrentes entre 2006 y 2007, en el Hipódromo «La Rinconada», Caracas, Venezuela. A los animales se les practicó la eutanasia y se colectó nuestras de tejido gástrico, hepático y renal. Las muestras fueron procesadas por los métodos histológicos convencionales. En el estómago se observó mucosa intacta, pero con áreas de hiperemia y/o hiperqueratosis en 6 casos, pequeñas erosiones multifocales o úlceras en 30 casos, úlceras grandes multifocales con regiones extensas de erosión en 12 casos, y úlceras extensivas con áreas de exposición de la submucosa en 6 casos. La evaluación macroscópica del hígado evidenció icteria en 22 casos, así como hepatomegalia y patrón lobulillar en 18 casos. Los riñones mostraron congestión severa en todos los casos, pérdida de la relación córtico medular en 20 casos, necrosis cortical 18 casos, necrosis tubular aguda en todos los casos, necrosis papilar confluente en 6 casos y adherencia de la cápsula con fibroplasia intersticial en 4 casos. Las lesiones observadas en la mucosa gástrica, hígado y riñón estuvieron asociadas con terapéuticas prolongadas con antiinflamatorios no esteroideos

Cortical Visual Evoked Potentials and Growth in Infants Fed with Bioactive Compounds-Enriched Infant Formula: Results from COGNIS Randomized Clinical Trial

Postnatal nutrition is essential for growth and neurodevelopment. We analyzed the influence of a new enriched-infant formula with bioactive compounds on growth, neurodevelopment, and visual function (VF) in healthy infants during their first 18 months of life. A total of 170 infants were randomized in the COGNIS randomized clinical trial (RCT) to receive a standard infant formula (SF = 85) or a new experimental infant formula supplemented with functional nutrients (EF = 85). As a control, 50 breastfed infants (BF) were enrolled. Growth patterns were evaluated up to 18 months of life; neurodevelopment was assessed by general movements at 2, 3, and 4 months; VF was measured by cortical visual evoked potentials at 3 and 12 months. No differences in growth and neurodevelopment were found between groups. Regarding VF, SF and EF infants presented prolonged latencies and lower amplitudes in the P100 wave than BF infants. In the EF group, a higher percentage of infants presented response at 7 1/2' of arc at 12 months compared to 3 months of age; a similar proportion of BF and EF infants presented responses at 7 1/2' of arc at 12 months of age. Early nutritional intervention with bioactive compounds could narrow the gap in growth and neurodevelopment between breastfed and formula-fed infants.This project has been funded by Ordesa Laboratories, S.L. Contract University of Granada General Foundation, No. 3349 and SMARTFOODS (CIEN) Contract University of Granada General Foundation, No. 4003, Spanish Ministry of Economy, Industry and Competitiveness; funded in part by HORIZON 2020 EU DynaHEALTH Project (GA No.633595)

Ballistic Localization in Quasi-1D Waveguides with Rough Surfaces

Structure of eigenstates in a periodic quasi-1D waveguide with a rough surface is studied both analytically and numerically. We have found a large number of "regular" eigenstates for any high energy. They result in a very slow convergence to the classical limit in which the eigenstates are expected to be completely ergodic. As a consequence, localization properties of eigenstates originated from unperturbed transverse channels with low indexes, are strongly localized (delocalized) in the momentum (coordinate) representation. These eigenstates were found to have a quite unexpeted form that manifests a kind of "repulsion" from the rough surface. Our results indicate that standard statistical approaches for ballistic localization in such waveguides seem to be unappropriate.Comment: 5 pages, 4 figure