Noise and diffusion of particles obeying asymmetric exclusion processes

The relation between noise and Fick's diffusion coefficient in barrier limited transport associated with hopping or tunneling mechanisms of particles obeying the asymmetric simple exclusion processes (ASEP) is physically assessed by Monte Carlo simulations. For a closed ring consisting of a large number of barriers the diffusion coefficient is related explicitly to the current noise thus revealing the existence of a generalized Nyquist-Einstein relation. Both diffusion and noise are confirmed to decrease as the square root of the number of barriers as a consequence of the correlation induced by ASEP. By contrast, for an open linear chain of barriers the diffusion coefficient is found to be no longer related to current noise. Here diffusion depends on particle concentration but is independent of the number of barriers

Optimum frequency modulation receivers

Optimization of receivers for demodulating FM SIGNAL corrupted by Gaussian noise, and solution to maximum likelihood equatio

On the c-theorem in more than two dimensions

Several pieces of evidence have been recently brought up in favour of the c-theorem in four and higher dimensions, but a solid proof is still lacking. We present two basic results which could be useful for this search: i) the values of the putative c-number for free field theories in any even dimension, which illustrate some properties of this number; ii) the general form of three-point function of the stress tensor in four dimensions, which shows some physical consequences of the c-number and of the other trace-anomaly numbers.Comment: Latex, 7 pages, 1 tabl

ATLAS RPC offline monitoring and data quality assessment

In this work several aspects of ATLAS RPC offline monitoring and data quality assessment are illustrated with cosmics data selected by RPC trigger. These correspond to trigger selection, front-end mapping, detection efficiency and occupancy, which are studied in terms of low level quantities such as: RPC off-line hits and standalone tracks. The tools and techniques presented are also extended to the forthcoming LHC p-p beam collisions.Comment: Poster section at ICHEP08, Philadelphia, USA, July 2008. 3 pages, LaTeX, 3 eps figure

WEIGHTBIT: An advancement in wearable technology

Wearable devices are becoming an important interface between users and fitness activities. Their capabilities are improving exponentially, and new strategies are being developed to track sports using sensors that are widely used in robotics. These wearable gadgets are normally created in conjunction with smartphone applications enabling the user to visualise the data and share it through social networks, or compete with other users. The technology behind these devices is often simple using sensors that can be found in a smartphone, such as GPS, accelerometer and gyroscope. However, there are currently no devices capable of measuring the gym activity of weight lifting. In this paper, we present WeightBit: a system consisting of technologically enhanced gym gloves, comprised of the aforementioned sensor’s as well as an additional weight sensor to detect weight and arm movements. Using this data in combination with a smartphone application, it will be possible to monitor a new series of sports activities with specific focus on weight training. Furthermore, the data collected by the application will enable broader research by medical researchers or institutions. The goal is to keep users focused and keen to live a healthy life, providing them a great tool to track their progress, and to develop a system that will allow medical institutions access to this data for further study

A geogenic approach for the Radon monitoring and the exposure assessment at a regional scale: The results of the Rad_Campania project

Abstract. The aim of this paper is to analyse and discuss the results of the regional program Rad Campania for the monitoring and the assessment of the radon risk. An innovative methodology, based on a geogenic approach, was developed, supported by a comprehensive campaign of radon measurement performed in soil gas, natural waters, drinking natural water samples and indoor air. Data refer to field measurements carried out in three provinces of the Campania Region (Italy): Salerno, Avellino and Benevento. The programme was completed with the main purpose to investigate the peculiarities of the radon issue at a provincial scale and to redact a map of the radon potential from soil as a tool for authorities to recognise critical areas ("Radon prone areas") to monitor. Since the experience demonstrates that the high radon potential from soil is not indicative of high indoor radon concentrations, in this paper the authors have tried to identify a possible general correlation between geological features of the soil and structural characteristics of the buildings, elaborating more in depth all data collected. The main purpose is to categorize and analyse the performance of different kind of construction, typical of the local area, in order to develop, in a future work, an indicator of the building performances as a useful tool, for authorities, to recognise constructions potentially more exposed to high indoor radon activity concentrations. Results and perspectives have been discussed

25th International Congress of the European Association for Endoscopic Surgery (EAES) Frankfurt, Germany, 14-17 June 2017 : Oral Presentations

Introduction: Ouyang has recently proposed hiatal surface area (HSA) calculation by multiplanar multislice computer tomography (MDCT) scan as a useful tool for planning treatment of hiatus defects with hiatal hernia (HH), with or without gastroesophageal reflux (MRGE). Preoperative upper endoscopy or barium swallow cannot predict the HSA and pillars conditions. Aim to asses the efficacy of MDCT’s calculation of HSA for planning the best approach for the hiatal defects treatment. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 25 patients, candidates to laparoscopic antireflux surgery as primary surgery or hiatus repair concomitant with or after bariatric surgery. Patients were analyzed preoperatively and after one-year follow-up by MDCT scan measurement of esophageal hiatus surface. Five normal patients were enrolled as control group. The HSA’s intraoperative calculation was performed after complete dissection of the area considered a triangle. Postoperative CT-scan was done after 12 months or any time reflux symptoms appeared. Results: (1) Mean HSA in control patients with no HH, no MRGE was cm2 and similar in non-complicated patients with previous LSG and cruroplasty. (2) Mean HSA in patients candidates to cruroplasty was 7.40 cm2. (3) Mean HSA in patients candidates to redo cruroplasty for recurrence was 10.11 cm2. Discussion. MDCT scan offer the possibility to obtain an objective measurement of the HSA and the correlation with endoscopic findings and symptoms. The preoperative information allow to discuss with patients the proper technique when a HSA[5 cm2 is detected. During the follow-up a correlation between symptoms and failure of cruroplasty can be assessed. Conclusions: MDCT scan seems to be an effective non-invasive method to plan hiatal defect treatment and to check during the follow-up the potential recurrence. Future research should correlate in larger series imaging data with intraoperative findings

Metastatic melanoma cells with BRAF G469A mutation: nab‑paclitaxel better than vemurafenib?

Purpose BRAF G469A is a missense mutation within exon 11 of the BRAF gene resulting in a constitutively activated enzyme frequently associated with MAP kinase cascade signaling activation. No evidence currently exists about its role in determining sensitivity/resistance to BRAF inhibitors, utilized in the treatment of patients carrying BRAF V600 mutations, and to chemotherapy. The newly established metastatic melanoma (MM) cell line MO-1 was characterized for its sensitivity to vemurafenib and nabpaclitaxel, both already utilized for the treatment of MM. Methods All analyses were carried out by comparing results with those found in MM cells wild type for BRAF or mutated in V600. In addition, cellular effectors were investigated by ELISA kits, western blotting and flow cytometry. Results The exposure to vemurafenib inhibited MO-1 cell proliferation at concentrations similar to those obtained in vemurafenib-resistant melanoma models, and an explanation of this sensitivity is the strong activation of Erk1/2 . and the low expression of MITF. Nab-paclitaxel strongly reduced proliferation of MO-1 cells perhaps for the very low expression level of PMEL17, transcriptionally regulated by MITF and negatively involved in determining sensitivity to taxanes. Conclusions Thus, the mutation BRAF G469A in MM might be related to a weak effectiveness of therapy with BRAF inhibitors and a promising therapeutic approach may be with nab-paclitaxel