66 research outputs found
About Bianchi I with VSL
In this paper we study how to attack, through different techniques, a perfect
fluid Bianchi I model with variable G,c and Lambda, but taking into account the
effects of a -variable into the curvature tensor. We study the model under
the assumption,div(T)=0. These tactics are: Lie groups method (LM), imposing a
particular symmetry, self-similarity (SS), matter collineations (MC) and
kinematical self-similarity (KSS). We compare both tactics since they are quite
similar (symmetry principles). We arrive to the conclusion that the LM is too
restrictive and brings us to get only the flat FRW solution. The SS, MC and KSS
approaches bring us to obtain all the quantities depending on \int c(t)dt.
Therefore, in order to study their behavior we impose some physical
restrictions like for example the condition q<0 (accelerating universe). In
this way we find that is a growing time function and Lambda is a decreasing
time function whose sing depends on the equation of state, w, while the
exponents of the scale factor must satisfy the conditions
and
, i.e. for all equation of state relaxing in this way the
Kasner conditions. The behavior of depends on two parameters, the equation
of state and a parameter that controls the behavior of
therefore may be growing or decreasing.We also show that through
the Lie method, there is no difference between to study the field equations
under the assumption of a var affecting to the curvature tensor which the
other one where it is not considered such effects.Nevertheless, it is essential
to consider such effects in the cases studied under the SS, MC, and KSS
hypotheses.Comment: 29 pages, Revtex4, Accepted for publication in Astrophysics & Space
Scienc
Bianchi II with time varying constants. Self-similar approach
We study a perfect fluid Bianchi II models with time varying constants under
the self-similarity approach. In the first of the studied model, we consider
that only vary and The obtained solution is more general that
the obtained one for the classical solution since it is valid for an equation
of state while in the classical solution
Taking into account the current observations, we conclude
that must be a growing time function while is a positive
decreasing function. In the second of the studied models we consider a variable
speed of light (VSL). We obtain a similar solution as in the first model
arriving to the conclusions that must be a growing time function if
is a positive decreasing function.Comment: 10 pages. RevTeX
Gradient models of the axion-photon coupling
We establish an extended version of the Einstein - Maxwell - axion model by
introducing into the Lagrangian cross-terms, which contain the gradient
four-vector of the pseudoscalar (axion) field in convolution with the Maxwell
tensor. The gradient model of the axion-photon coupling is applied to
cosmology: we analyze the Bianchi-I type Universe with an initial magnetic
field, electric field induced by the axion-photon interaction, cosmological
constant and dark matter, which is described in terms of the pseudoscalar
(axion) field. Analytical, qualitative and numerical results are presented in
detail for two distinguished epochs: first, for the early Universe with
magnetic field domination; second, for the stage of late-time accelerated
expansion.Comment: 26 pages, 5 figures, accepted for publication in The European
Physical Journal
Homogeneous cosmologies in generalized modified gravity
Dynamical system methods are used in the study of the stability of spatially
flat homogeneous cosmologies within a large class of generalized modified
gravity models in the presence of a relativistic matter-radiation fluid. The
present approach can be considered as the generalization of previous works in
which only cases were considered. Models described by an arbitrary
function of all possible geometric invariants are investigated and general
equations giving all critical points are derived.Comment: 13 pages, no figure
Size Doesn't Matter: Towards a More Inclusive Philosophy of Biology
notes: As the primary author, O’Malley drafted the paper, and gathered and analysed data (scientific papers and talks). Conceptual analysis was conducted by both authors.publication-status: Publishedtypes: ArticlePhilosophers of biology, along with everyone else, generally perceive life to fall into two broad categories, the microbes and macrobes, and then pay most of their attention to the latter. ‘Macrobe’ is the word we propose for larger life forms, and we use it as part of an argument for microbial equality. We suggest that taking more notice of microbes – the dominant life form on the planet, both now and throughout evolutionary history – will transform some of the philosophy of biology’s standard ideas on ontology, evolution, taxonomy and biodiversity. We set out a number of recent developments in microbiology – including biofilm formation, chemotaxis, quorum sensing and gene transfer – that highlight microbial capacities for cooperation and communication and break down conventional thinking that microbes are solely or primarily single-celled organisms. These insights also bring new perspectives to the levels of selection debate, as well as to discussions of the evolution and nature of multicellularity, and to neo-Darwinian understandings of evolutionary mechanisms. We show how these revisions lead to further complications for microbial classification and the philosophies of systematics and biodiversity. Incorporating microbial insights into the philosophy of biology will challenge many of its assumptions, but also give greater scope and depth to its investigations
Prevalence and Risk Factors of Neurologic Manifestations in Hospitalized Children Diagnosed with Acute SARS-CoV-2 or MIS-C
Background: Our objective was to characterize the frequency, early impact, and risk factors for neurological manifestations in hospitalized children with acute severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection or multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C). Methods: Multicenter, cross-sectional study of neurological manifestations in children aged <18 years hospitalized with positive SARS-CoV-2 test or clinical diagnosis of a SARS-CoV-2-related condition between January 2020 and April 2021. Multivariable logistic regression to identify risk factors for neurological manifestations was performed. Results: Of 1493 children, 1278 (86%) were diagnosed with acute SARS-CoV-2 and 215 (14%) with MIS-C. Overall, 44% of the cohort (40% acute SARS-CoV-2 and 66% MIS-C) had at least one neurological manifestation. The most common neurological findings in children with acute SARS-CoV-2 and MIS-C diagnosis were headache (16% and 47%) and acute encephalopathy (15% and 22%), both P < 0.05. Children with neurological manifestations were more likely to require intensive care unit (ICU) care (51% vs 22%), P < 0.001. In multivariable logistic regression, children with neurological manifestations were older (odds ratio [OR] 1.1 and 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.07 to 1.13) and more likely to have MIS-C versus acute SARS-CoV-2 (OR 2.16, 95% CI 1.45 to 3.24), pre-existing neurological and metabolic conditions (OR 3.48, 95% CI 2.37 to 5.15; and OR 1.65, 95% CI 1.04 to 2.66, respectively), and pharyngeal (OR 1.74, 95% CI 1.16 to 2.64) or abdominal pain (OR 1.43, 95% CI 1.03 to 2.00); all P < 0.05. Conclusions: In this multicenter study, 44% of children hospitalized with SARS-CoV-2-related conditions experienced neurological manifestations, which were associated with ICU admission and pre-existing neurological condition. Posthospital assessment for, and support of, functional impairment and neuroprotective strategies are vitally needed
The Cholecystectomy As A Day Case (CAAD) Score: A Validated Score of Preoperative Predictors of Successful Day-Case Cholecystectomy Using the CholeS Data Set
Background
Day-case surgery is associated with significant patient and cost benefits. However, only 43% of cholecystectomy patients are discharged home the same day. One hypothesis is day-case cholecystectomy rates, defined as patients discharged the same day as their operation, may be improved by better assessment of patients using standard preoperative variables.
Methods
Data were extracted from a prospectively collected data set of cholecystectomy patients from 166 UK and Irish hospitals (CholeS). Cholecystectomies performed as elective procedures were divided into main (75%) and validation (25%) data sets. Preoperative predictors were identified, and a risk score of failed day case was devised using multivariate logistic regression. Receiver operating curve analysis was used to validate the score in the validation data set.
Results
Of the 7426 elective cholecystectomies performed, 49% of these were discharged home the same day. Same-day discharge following cholecystectomy was less likely with older patients (OR 0.18, 95% CI 0.15–0.23), higher ASA scores (OR 0.19, 95% CI 0.15–0.23), complicated cholelithiasis (OR 0.38, 95% CI 0.31 to 0.48), male gender (OR 0.66, 95% CI 0.58–0.74), previous acute gallstone-related admissions (OR 0.54, 95% CI 0.48–0.60) and preoperative endoscopic intervention (OR 0.40, 95% CI 0.34–0.47). The CAAD score was developed using these variables. When applied to the validation subgroup, a CAAD score of ≤5 was associated with 80.8% successful day-case cholecystectomy compared with 19.2% associated with a CAAD score >5 (p < 0.001).
Conclusions
The CAAD score which utilises data readily available from clinic letters and electronic sources can predict same-day discharges following cholecystectomy
Photodynamic antimicrobial chemotherapy (PACT) for the treatment of malaria, leishmaniasis and trypanosomiasis
A photodynamic effect occurs when photosensitiser molecules absorb light and dissipate the absorbed energy by transferring it to biological acceptors (usually oxygen), generating an excess of reactive species that are able to force cells into death pathways. Several tropical diseases present physiopathological aspects that are accessible to the application of a photosensitiser and local illumination. In addition, disease may be transmitted through infected blood donations, and many of the aetiological agents associated with tropical diseases have been shown to be susceptible to the photodynamic approach. However, there has been no systematic investigation of the application of photoantimicrobial agents in the various presentations, whether to human disease or to the disinfection of blood products or even as photo-insecticides. We aim in this review to report the advances in the photoantimicrobial approach that are beneficial to the field of anti-parasite therapy and also have the potential to facilitate the development of low-cost/high-efficiency protocols for underserved populations
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