Dark Matter Constraints on Composite Higgs Models

In composite Higgs models the pseudo-Nambu-Goldstone Boson (pNGB) nature of the Higgs field is an interesting alternative for explaning the smallness of the electroweak scale with respect to the beyond the Standard Model scale. In non-minimal models additional pNGB states are present and can be a Dark Matter (DM) candidate, if there is an approximate symmetry suppressing their decay. Here we assume that the low energy effective theory (for scales much below the compositeness scale) corresponds to the Standard Model with a pNGB Higgs doublet and a pNGB DM multiplet. We derive general effective DM Lagrangians for several possible DM representations (under the SM gauge group), including the singlet, doublet and triplet cases. Within this framework we discuss how the DM observables (relic abundance, direct and indirect detection) constrain the dimension-6 operators induced by the strong sector assuming that DM behaves as a Weakly Interacting Particle (WIMP) and that the relic abundance is settled through the freeze-out mechanism. We also apply our general results to two specific cosets: $SO(6)/SO(5)$ and $SO(6)/SO(4) \times SO(2)$, which contain a singlet and doublet DM candidate, respectively. In particular we show that if compositeness is a solution to the little hierarchy problem, representations larger than the triplet are strongly disfavored. Furthermore, we find that composite models can have viable DM candidates with much smaller direct detection cross-sections than their non-composite counterparts, making DM detection much more challenging.Comment: version accepted by JHE

Exploiting graphic processing units parallelism to improve intelligent data acquisition system performance in JET's correlation reflectometer

The performance of intelligent data acquisition systems relies heavily on their processing capabilities and local bus bandwidth, especially in applications with high sample rates or high number of channels. This is the case of the self adaptive sampling rate data acquisition system installed as a pilot experiment in KG8B correlation reflectometer at JET. The system, which is based on the ITMS platform, continuously adapts the sample rate during the acquisition depending on the signal bandwidth. In order to do so it must transfer acquired data to a memory buffer in the host processor and run heavy computational algorithms for each data block. The processing capabilities of the host CPU and the bandwidth of the PXI bus limit the maximum sample rate that can be achieved, therefore limiting the maximum bandwidth of the phenomena that can be studied. Graphic processing units (GPU) are becoming an alternative for speeding up compute intensive kernels of scientific, imaging and simulation applications. However, integrating this technology into data acquisition systems is not a straight forward step, not to mention exploiting their parallelism efficiently. This paper discusses the use of GPUs with new high speed data bus interfaces to improve the performance of the self adaptive sampling rate data acquisition system installed on JET. Integration issues are discussed and performance evaluations are presente

Influence of ceramide 2 on in vitro skin permeation and retention of 5-ALA and its ester derivatives, for Photodynamic Therapy

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) based on topical 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA), an endogenous precursor of protoporphyrin, is an interesting approach for the treatment of skin cancer. However, 5-ALA is a hydrophilic molecule and such a characteristic limits its appropriate cutaneous penetration and retention. In this way, more lipophilic molecules, such as esterified 5-ALA derivatives, have been under investigation in order to improve the skin penetration of this molecule. Drug formulation can also alter 5-ALA skin penetration. Therefore, the aim of this work was to study the influence of ceramide 2 - the main lipid of the SC- on the cutaneous delivery of 5-ALA and its ester derivatives in vitro, using Franz diffusion cell. The skin permeation of all studied drugs was decreased in the presence of ceramide, representing a desirable characteristic in order to avoid the risk of systemic side effects. Nevertheless, the SC and [epidermis + dermis] retention after 16 h has also been decreased in the presence of ceramide, as compared to control. In conclusion, ceramide was not a good adjuvant, meaning that research of other vehicles could be useful to improve cutaneous delivery of 5-ALA.A Terapia Fotodinâmica (TFD) tópica com um precursor das porfirinas endógenas, o ácido 5-aminolevulínico (5-ALA), constitui uma nova modalidade para o tratamento do câncer de pele. Entretanto, o 5-ALA é uma molécula hidrofílica, o que limita sua penetração e retenção cutânea apropriadas. Moléculas mais lipofílicas, tais como derivados esterificados do 5-ALA, estão sob intensa investigação para melhorar a penetração cutânea desta molécula. A formulação que contém o fármaco também pode alterar a penetração cutânea do 5-ALA. Desta forma, o objetivo deste trabalho foi estudar a influência da ceramida 2 - o principal lipídeo do EC- sobre a penetração cutânea de 5-ALA e seus derivados esterificados usando células de difusão de Franz. A permeação de todas as drogas estudadas através da pele foi diminuída na presença de ceramida, o que é desejável, evitando riscos de efeitos colaterais sistêmicos. Entretanto, a retenção no EC e [epiderme + derme] também foi diminuída na presença da ceramida, após 16 horas, comparado ao controle. Concluindo, a ceramida não foi um bom adjuvante, sendo necessária a pesquisa de outros veículos para melhorar a liberação cutânea do 5-ALA.FAPES

Student's preparedness for disasters in schools: a systematic review protocol

Introduction: Children are one of the most vulnerable groups in disasters. Improving students’ knowledge and skills to prepare for disasters can play a major role in children’s health. School as a place to teach children can make a significant contribution to provide the necessary skills. This study aims to identify the effects, strengths and weaknesses of interventions in schools to prepare children for disasters. Methods and analysis: We use Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines to develop a protocol for this systematic review. The included studies will report on the results of interventions targeting ‘schoolchildren’ defined as individuals between 4 and under 18 years old studying in schools. Different electronic databases will be used for a comprehensive literature search, including MEDLINE, Web of Science, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Cochrane Register of Controlled Trials and EMBASE to identify the records that match the mentioned inclusion criteria published till December 2020. The main search terms are ‘disaster’, ‘preparedness’, ‘children’ and ‘school’. Four types of data will be extracted from the qualified studies including study characteristics (study design, year of publication and geographical region where the study was conducted), participant characteristics (sample size, age and gender), intervention characteristics (aim of intervention, intervention facilitators and barriers) and intervention outcomes. The quality appraisal of the selected papers will be conducted using Cochrane Collaboration’s Risk of Bias for quantitative studies and Critical Appraisal Skills Programme checklist for qualitative studies. We use a narrative synthesis for this systematic review. The narrative synthesis refers to an approach to systematic reviews which focuses mostly on applying words and texts to summarise and explain findings. Ethics and dissemination: This paper is a part of a Ph.D. thesis of Hamed Seddighi at University of Social welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences with ethics code IR.USWR.REC.1399.008 approved by the Ethics Committee of the above-mentioned university

Poly-epsilon-lysine hydrogels with dynamic crosslinking facilitates cell proliferation

The extracellular matrix (ECM) is a three-dimensional network within which fundamental cell processes such as cell attachment, proliferation, and differentiation occur driven by its inherent biological and structural cues. Hydrogels have been used as biomaterials as they possess many of the ECM characteristics that control cellular processes. However, the permanent crosslinking often found in hydrogels fails to recapitulate the dynamic nature of the natural ECM. This not only hinders natural cellular migration but must also limit cellular expansion and growth. Moreover, there is an increased interest in the use of new biopolymers to create biomimetic materials that can be used for biomedical applications. Here we report on the natural polymer poly-ε-lysine in forming dynamic hydrogels via reversible imine bond formation, with cell attachment promoted by arginine-glycine-aspartic acid (RGD) incorporation. Together, the mechanical properties and cell behavior of the dynamic hydrogels with low poly-ε-lysine quantities indicated good cell viability and high metabolic activity

Evaluation of the Biodegradation Process of Low-density Polyethylene by Aspergillus brasiliensis in Soil

Due to the impact that plastics generate in ecosystems, the management of this type of plastic waste has become a growing problem, so it is extremely important to focus efforts on research and knowledge generation around this topic. This research was focused on the evaluation of the biodegradation process of low-density polyethylene sheets using inoculum treatments of Aspergillus brasiliensis, in a compost-type soil matrix in order to determine the percentage of biodegradability and the state of the surface of the material by Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) analysis. The percentages of LDPE biodegradation 3.60 % were evidenced in 10 weeks under conditions such as 6.3 pH, 55% humidity and 20 °C. The studies carried out with this strain are still limited within the scientific bibliography, therefore, this project is considered relevant in the characterization of the biodegradation processes of complex polymers

Obtaining equations to estimate flows of the river Cabrera stations St. Alphonsus, hoarse, Volume and Bridge Venado (Huila) based on the regression methodology and Transfer.

El siguiente trabajo tiene como fin estimar ecuaciones generales en lugares específicos donde no se cuenta con estaciones localizadas estratégicamente con base en la metodología de Regresión y Transferencia, por tanto no se tiene una idea clara del valor real de los caudales circulantes y por consiguiente establecer ecuaciones para la determinación de caudales para el cauce en del rió Cabrera. Se pretende enfocar esta metodología en el área de la Ingeniería Civil, dando un aporte de estimación de caudales con el fin de que se pueda incluir en los cálculos y utilizarlos para la obtención más rápida de caudales en zonas desconocidas y así reducir el tiempo de procesamiento de datos y aprovecharlo en la ejecución.The following paper aims to estimate general equations in specific places where you do not have strategically located based on the methodology of Regression and Transfer stations so you do not have a clear idea of the real value of the circulating flows and therefore establish equations for determining flow rates for the channel in the river Cabrera. It intends to focus this methodology in the field of Civil Engineering, giving a contribution to estimate flow rates so that it can be included in the calculations and use them for faster delivery of flows in unfamiliar areas and to reduce processing time data and use it in execution

Physical methods for topical skin drug delivery: concepts and applications

Topical drug delivery is an interesting approach to treat skin diseases and to avoid pain and low patient compliance in cases where a systemic delivery is required. However, the stratum corneum, which is the outermost skin layer, strongly protects the body from the entrance of substances, especially those hydrophilic. In this context, different physical methods have been studied to overcome the stratum corneum barrier and facilitate penetration of drugs into or through the skin. Among them, iontophoresis, low-frequency ultrasound and microneedles have been widely employed for transdermal drug delivery. More recently, they are also studied to aid in the treatment of dermatological disorders, such as skin tumors and inflammation. Basically, iontophoresis refers to the movement of charged and non-charged hydrophilic molecules through the skin due to the application of a low constant electric current and the contributions of electromigration and electroosmosis. In low-frequency ultrasound, cavitation is the main mechanism for skin permeabilization that consists on the formation of microbubbles that disorganize the stratum corneum. Microneedles are microprojections, minimally invasive, that can be designed with different lengths, materials and geometry to increase skin permeability. In this review, concepts, mechanisms and applications of these three physical methods will be presented and discussed with focus on their use in dermatological treatments. Moreover, comparative studies using different physical methods will be presented and also some clinical perspectives will be addressed

Developmental Sex Differences in the Metabolism of Cardiolipin in Mouse Cerebral Cortex Mitochondria

Cardiolipin (CL) is a mitochondrial-specific phospholipid. CL content and acyl chain composition are crucial for energy production. Given that estradiol induces CL synthesis in neurons, we aimed to assess CL metabolism in the cerebral cortex (CC) of male and female mice during early postnatal life, when sex steroids induce sex-dimorphic maturation of the brain. Despite the fact that total amount of CL was similar, its fatty acid composition differed between males and females at birth. In males, CL was more mature (lower saturation ratio) and the expression of the enzymes involved in synthetic and remodeling pathways was higher, compared to females. Importantly, the sex differences found in CL metabolism were due to the testosterone peak that male mice experience perinatally. These changes were associated with a higher expression of UCP-2 and its activators in the CC of males. Overall, our results suggest that the perinatal testosterone surge in male mice regulates CL biosynthesis and remodeling in the CC, inducing a sex-dimorphic fatty acid composition. In male's CC, CL is more susceptible to peroxidation, likely explaining the testosterone-dependent induction of neuroprotective molecules such as UCP-2. These differences may account for the sex-dependent mitochondrial susceptibility after perinatal hypoxia/ischemia.Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de La Plat