Measurement of thermal properties of biological tissues and tissue-mimicking phantom with a dual-needle sensor

This work presents the measurement of the thermal properties of ex vivo biological tissues (i.e., porcine liver and kidney tissues) as a function of temperature, along with the thermal characterization of a tissue-mimicking agar-based phantom. The evaluation of the thermal properties was performed by the dual needle technique, adopting a sensor equipped with two needles, capable to deliver thermal energy to the biomaterial and monitor the related tissue thermal behavior. Measurements of thermal conductivity, thermal diffusivity, and volumetric heat capacity were conducted at room temperature and at temperatures relevant from a biological point of view, namely, body temperature and temperatures of similar to 60 degrees C- 65 degrees C, which are typically correlated to instantaneous thermal damage in tissue. Thermal properties of biological tissue remained rather constant at the investigated temperatures: average values of thermal conductivity ranged from 0.515 W/(m.K) to 0.575 W/(m.K), thermal diffusivity ranged from 0.144 mm(2)/s to 0.163 mm2/s, whilst the average volumetric heat capacity was from 3.48 MJ/(m(3).K) to 3.72 MJ/(m(3).K). Furthermore, the thermal properties of the realized agar phantom were comparable to the ones of biological tissues. The results of this study provide valuable information for the characterization of porcine liver and kidney tissues, in terms of their thermal properties, to be used in predictive mathematical models of thermal therapies and validate the usage of agar phantoms as tissue-mimicking materials

Acerca del criterio de optimización basado en la maximización de la utilidad esperada

Se analizan la validez y los alcances de la definición de esperanza matemática y las condiciones formales que debe satisfacer la función de utilidad a fin de garantizar la validez del criterio de optimización basado en la maximización de la utilidad esperada. En particular, se realiza un análisis crítico de las justificaciones de la aparente preferencia por la violación del axioma de independencia de Von Neumman-Morgenstern y una corrección a los postulados del teorema de Menger a partir de las funciones de preferencias suavizadas

Comments on Inan’s Notions of Objectual and Propositional Curiosity

In this paper I comment on Inan’s notions of propositional and objectual curiosity. Even though Inan offers an interesting and intuitive distinction between propositional and objectual curiosity, I want to question two aspects of his theory of curiosity. One aspect concerns his thesis that propositional curiosity is interdependent on epistemic attitudes such as belief, certainty and interest. Another aspect of his theory that I discuss is his thesis that objectual curiosity is not reducible to propositional curiosity. In more detail, in the fi rst part, I start off by explaining what propositional curiosity is according to Inan and I bring up two worries that I call: (i) over-complexity as a result of subjectivity and (ii) overcomplexity as a result of dynamics for the above mentioned epistemic attitudes. Both worries stress the problem of over-complexity of Inan’s theory of propositional curiosity. In the second part, I argue that objectual curiosity is, contrary to Inan’s hypothesis, reducible to propositional curiosity. I further argue that the object of wh- questions that, according to Inan, express objectual curiosity can either be about the truth value of general or singular proposition. In addition, I suggest that only the reading where wh- questions express curiosity in a form of de re reading and have a singular proposition as their content is the one that is compatible with Inan’s notion of objectual curiosity

Filaggrin mutations in relation to skin barrier and atopic dermatitis in early infancy

Background Loss-of-function mutations in the skin barrier gene filaggrin (FLG) increase the risk of atopic dermatitis (AD), but their role in skin barrier function, dry skin and eczema in infancy is unclear. Objectives To determine the role of FLG mutations in impaired skin barrier function, dry skin, eczema and AD at 3 months of age and throughout infancy. Methods FLG mutations were analysed in 1836 infants in the Scandinavian population-based PreventADALL study. Transepidermal water loss (TEWL), dry skin, eczema and AD were assessed at 3, 6 and 12 months of age. Results FLG mutations were observed in 166 (9%) infants. At 3 months, carrying FLG mutations was not associated with impaired skin barrier function (TEWL > 11 center dot 3 g m(-2) h(-1)) or dry skin, but was associated with eczema [odds ratio (OR) 2 center dot 89, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1 center dot 95-4 center dot 28; P < 0 center dot 001]. At 6 months, mutation carriers had significantly higher TEWL than nonmutation carriers [mean 9 center dot 68 (95% CI 8 center dot 69-10 center dot 68) vs. 8 center dot 24 (95% CI 7 center dot 97-8 center dot 15), P < 0 center dot 01], and at 3 and 6 months mutation carriers had an increased risk of dry skin on the trunk (OR 1 center dot 87, 95% CI 1 center dot 25-2 center dot 80; P = 0 center dot 002 and OR 2 center dot 44, 95% CI 1 center dot 51-3 center dot 95; P < 0 center dot 001) or extensor limb surfaces (OR 1 center dot 52, 95% CI 1 center dot 04-2 center dot 22; P = 0 center dot 028 and OR 1 center dot 74, 95% CI 1 center dot 17-2 center dot 57; P = 0 center dot 005). FLG mutations were associated with eczema and AD in infancy. Conclusions FLG mutations were not associated with impaired skin barrier function or dry skin in general at 3 months of age, but increased the risk for eczema, and for dry skin on the trunk and extensor limb surfaces at 3 and 6 months.Peer reviewe