Generalized Harmonic Functions and the Dewetting of Thin Films

This paper describes the solvability of Dirichlet problems for Laplace's equation when the boundary data is not smooth enough for the existence of a weak solution in H1Ω. Scales of spaces of harmonic functions and of boundary traces are defined and the solutions are characterized as limits of classical harmonic functions in special norms. The generalized harmonic functions, and their norms, are defined using series expansions involving harmonic Steklov eigenfunctions on the domain. It is shown that the usual trace operator has a continuous extension to an isometric isomorphism of specific spaces. This provides a characterization of the generalized solutions of harmonic Dirichlet problems. Numerical simulations of a model problem are described. This problem is related to the dewetting of thin films and the associated phenomenology is describe

The geometric approach to human stress based on stress-related surrogate measures.

We present a predictive Geometric Stress Index (pGSI) and its relation to behavioural Entropy ([Formula: see text]). [Formula: see text] is a measure of the complexity of an organism's reactivity to stressors yielding patterns based on different behavioural and physiological variables selected as Surrogate Markers of Stress (SMS). We present a relationship between pGSI and [Formula: see text] in terms of a power law model. This nonlinear relationship describes congruences in complexity derived from analyses of observable and measurable SMS based patterns interpreted as stress. The adjective geometric refers to subdivision(s) of the domain derived from two SMS (heart rate variability and steps frequency) with respect to a positive/negative binary perceptron based on a third SMS (blood oxygenation). The presented power law allows for both quantitative and qualitative evaluations of the consequences of stress measured by pGSI. In particular, we show that elevated stress levels in terms of pGSI leads to a decrease of the [Formula: see text] of the blood oxygenation, measured by peripheral blood oxygenation SpO2 as a model of SMS

Modelling Training Adaptation in Swimming Using Artificial Neural Network Geometric Optimisation.

This study aims to model training adaptation using Artificial Neural Network (ANN) geometric optimisation. Over 26 weeks, 38 swimmers recorded their training and recovery data on a web platform. Based on these data, ANN geometric optimisation was used to model and graphically separate adaptation from maladaptation (to training). Geometric Activity Performance Index (GAPI), defined as the ratio of the adaptation to the maladaptation area, was introduced. The techniques of jittering and ensemble modelling were used to reduce overfitting of the model. Correlation (Spearman rank) and independence (Blomqvist β) tests were run between GAPI and performance measures to check the relevance of the collected parameters. Thirteen out of 38 swimmers met the prerequisites for the analysis and were included in the modelling. The GAPI based on external load (distance) and internal load (session-Rating of Perceived Exertion) showed the strongest correlation with performance measures. ANN geometric optimisation seems to be a promising technique to model training adaptation and GAPI could be an interesting numerical surrogate to track during a season

Biases in Inverse Ising Estimates of Near-Critical Behaviour

Inverse Ising inference allows pairwise interactions of complex binary systems to be reconstructed from empirical correlations. Typical estimators used for this inference, such as Pseudo-likelihood maximization (PLM), are biased. Using the Sherrington-Kirkpatrick (SK) model as a benchmark, we show that these biases are large in critical regimes close to phase boundaries, and may alter the qualitative interpretation of the inferred model. In particular, we show that the small-sample bias causes models inferred through PLM to appear closer-to-criticality than one would expect from the data. Data-driven methods to correct this bias are explored and applied to a functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) dataset from neuroscience. Our results indicate that additional care should be taken when attributing criticality to real-world datasets

The World Summit of Harmonization on Traditional, Alternative and Complementary Medicine (TACM) in Lima, Peru

The World Summit of Harmonization on Traditional, Alternative and Complementary Medicine (TACM) was held in Lima, Peru, November 7–11, 2007, with almost 600 worldwide participants. This meeting was organized by Peruvian Medical College, the institution that affiliates and authorizes all physicians to practice medicine in Peru. The meeting included seven sections starting with an overview on the current status of the TACM. The second section included experiences from different countries on regulations and quality control in products and services used in the TACM. The worldwide experience of education and training in TACM was a very important part of the meeting in which speakers from Spain, Germany, Argentina, Italy, Brazil, Cuba and Peru shared their experience. The meeting included topics on homeopathy, acupuncture, mind–body medicine, neural therapy, chiropraxis, among others. Two final sessions were related to the ways of linking Traditional medicine to the national Health Systems in the Latin America countries and also the association between bio-commerce and TACM including intellectual properties and bio-piracy

Secreted Enzyme-Responsive System for Controlled Antifungal Agent Release

[EN] Essential oil components (EOCs) such as eugenol play a significant role in plant antimicrobial defense. Due to the volatility and general reactivity of these molecules, plants have evolved smart systems for their storage and release, which are key prerequisites for their efficient use. In this study, biomimetic systems for the controlled release of eugenol, inspired by natural plant defense mechanisms, were prepared and their antifungal activity is described. Delivery and antifungal studies of mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSN) loaded with eugenol and capped with different saccharide gates-starch, maltodextrin, maltose and glucose-against fungus Aspergillus niger-were performed. The maltodextrin- and maltose-capped systems show very low eugenol release in the absence of the fungus Aspergillus niger but high cargo delivery in its presence. The anchored saccharides are degraded by exogenous enzymes, resulting in eugenol release and efficient inhibition of fungal growth.This research was funded by the project NutRisk (Project No: CZ.02.1.01/0.0/0.0/16_019/0000845), the Spanish Government (projects RTI2018-100910-B-C41, RTI2018-101599-B-C22-AR and RTI2018-101599-B-C21-AR (MINECO/FEDER)) and the GeneralitatValenciana (project PROME-TEO 2018/024); by the National Agency for Agricultural Research of the Ministry of Agriculture of the Czech Republic under project Biostore QK21010064; and by the Research Infrastructure METROFOOD-CZ supported by the Ministry of Education, Youth, and Sports of the Czech Republic under project number LM201810. A.B. thanks the Spanish Government for financial support.Bernardos Bau, A.; Bozik, M.; Montero, A.; Pérez-Esteve, É.; García-Casado, E.; Lhotka, M.; Frankova, A.... (2021). Secreted Enzyme-Responsive System for Controlled Antifungal Agent Release. Nanomaterials. 11(5):1-14. https://doi.org/10.3390/nano11051280S11411

Antifungal effect of essential oil components against Aspergillus niger when loaded into silica mesoporous supports

BACKGROUND: Essential oil components (EOCs) are known for their antifungal properties; however, their high volatility limits their application as antimicrobial agents. Strategies used for controlling the volatility of EOCs include encapsulation or loading into porous materials. This study evaluated the in vitro antifungal activity of selected EOCs (carvacrol, cinnamaldehyde, eugenol and thymol) against the fungus Aspergillus niger when loaded into MCM-41 and b-cyclodextrin (b-CD). RESULTS: Carvacrol and thymol in Mobil Composition of Matter No. 41 (MCM-41) displayed remarkable enhanced antifungal properties in comparison to the pure or b- CD-encapsulated EOCs. In fact, carvacrol and thymol were able to maintain antifungal activity and inhibit fungal growth for 30 days, suggesting better applicability of these EOCs as natural preservatives. CONCLUSIONS: The sustained antifungal effect of EOCs encapsulated into silica mesoporous supports was described.The authors wish to express their gratitude to the Government of the Czech Republic (Postdok CZU: ESF and MEYS CZ.1.07/2.3.00/30.0040), to CIGA (Project number: 20132024) and to the Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic (research project RVO: 61388963). Beth Green is thanked for language control.Bernardos Bau, A.; Marina, T.; Zacek, P.; Pérez-Esteve, É.; Martínez-Máñez, R.; Lhotka, M.; Kourimská, L.... (2015). Antifungal effect of essential oil components against Aspergillus niger when loaded into silica mesoporous supports. Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture. 95(14):2824-2831. doi:10.1002/jsfa.7022S28242831951