SUSY QED with Lorentz-asymmetric fermionic matter and a glance at the electron's EDM

This contribution sets out to pursue the investigation of a supersymmetric electrodynamics model with Lorentz-symmetry violation (LSV) manifested by a space-time unbalance in the propagation of the fermionic charged matter. Despite violation of Lorentz symmetry, the supersymmetry algebra is kept untouched. We then adopt a superspace approach to build up an $\mathcal{N}=1$-supersymmetric Abelian gauge theory in presence of a Lorentz-violating background supermultiplet that accommodates the space-time asymmetry parameter of the charged matter. We describe, in this scenario, how the particular Lorentz-symmetry breaking, brought about by the fermionic matter, affects its (matter) scalar partners and the photon/photino that minimally couple to charged matter. From the (modified) Dirac, Klein-Gordon and Maxwell field equations, we work out the corresponding dispersion relations to inspect and discuss the physical effects of the LSV Majorana fermion condensates that naturally emerge from the background supermultiplet. Finally, we target efforts to investigate the Gordon decomposition of the charged lepton electromagnetic current. This is carried out by iterating the (fermion and scalar) matter field equations, which points to an effective contribution to the electron's electric dipole moment (EDM). This result allows us to attain an estimate of the pseudo-vector condensate of the (LSV) Majorana background fermion.Comment: 32 pages, 1 figur

Influência da função pulmonar e da força muscular na capacidade funcional de portadores de doença pulmonar obstrutiva crónica = The influence of lung function and muscular strength on the functional capacity of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients

Objectivo : Determinar que variável entre o volume expirado forçado no primeiro segundo (VEF1), a pressão parcial do oxigénio no sangue arterial (PaO2), a hipoxemia nocturna e a força muscular do quadricípite femoral pode predizer a distância percorrida no teste de caminhada de seis minutos (TC6) em doentes com DPOC. Doentes e métodos : Um estudo observacional do tipo transversal, envolvendo trinta doentes encaminhados a um programa de reabilitação pulmonar de um hospital universitário. A função pulmonar foi avaliada por espirometria, gasometria arterial e oximetria nocturna. A função muscular pela força muscular do quadricípite femoral e a avaliação da capacidade funcional pelo TC6. Resultados : A análise de regressão bivariada mostrou que a força do quadricípite femoral foi a única variá- vel que se mostrou estatisticamente significativa (p = 0,002) em predizer a distância, sendo responsá- vel por 38% da variância do TC6. Para essas variáveis a relação estabelecida estatisticamente foi que para cada quilo de força do quadricípite femoral, os doentes caminharam 5,9 metros no TC6. Conclusão : Os resultados indicam a importância da força muscular do MI em testes de esforço submáximo. Entre as variáveis estudadas, apenas a força muscular do quadricípite femoral pôde predizer a distância percorrida no TC6 em portadores de doença pulmonar obstrutiva crónica. Aim : To determine which variable (forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1), partial pressure of oxygen in arterial blood (PaO2), nocturnal hypoxaemia and muscular strength of femoral quadriceps) can predict the distance walked in the six-minute walk test (6MWT) by COPD patients. Methods : A cross-sectional and observational study of thirty patients referred to a pulmonary rehabilita tion programme at a university hospital. Lung function was evaluated by spirometry, arterial blood gas analysis and nocturnal oximetry. Muscle function was evaluated by quadriceps strength and functional capacity by the 6MWT. Results : Bivariate regression analysis showed that quadriceps strength, was the only variable to correlate significantly with the distance walked in the 6MWT (p=0.002), accounting for 38% of the 6MWT variance. The statistical relationship established for these variables was 1kg of quadriceps strength equalled 5.9 metres walked in the 6MWT. Conclusions : Our results showed the importance of lower limb muscle strength in submaximal exercise testing. We conclude that femoral quadriceps muscle strength is the only one of the variables studied which can predict the distance COPD patients walk in the 6MWT

Influência do tempo de armazenagem na cor dos grãos de café pré-processados por "via seca" e "via úmida"

Este trabalho foi desenvolvido com o objetivo de determinar a influência do período de armazenagem e do tipo de pré-processamento empregado no preparo do café (Coffea arabica L.), na coloração dos grãos beneficiados. O ensaio foi conduzido no delineamento inteiramente casualizado, com os tratamentos arranjados em um esquema fatorial com quatro períodos de armazenamento (0, 4, 8 e 12 meses) e dois tipos de pré-processamento (via seca e via úmida), com duas repetições. A determinação da cor dos grãos de café foi realizada pela leitura direta de reflectância das coordenadas L, a e b em colorímetro tristímulo, empregando o sistema Hunter de cor. Concluiu-se que a armazenagem do café, em condições ambiente, afetou a coloração dos grãos de café, reduzindo, principalmente, a intensidade da cores verde e azul com o aumento do tempo de armazenamento, independentemente do tipo de pré-processamento empregado e que o sistema de pré-processamento por via úmida do café foi o que apresentou menor efeito na coloração dos grãos durante os oito primeiros meses de armazenamento.The main objective of this work was to determine the influence of the storage period and the type of pre-processing on the color of green coffee (Coffea arabica L.). The assay design was entirely randomized, with treatments arranged in a factorial scheme with four storage periods (0, 4, 8 and 12 months) and two types of pre-processing (natural and washed coffee), with two repetitions. The color of the coffee grains was determined by direct reading of reflectance of coordinates L, a and b in a tristimulus colorimeter, with the Hunter color system. It was concluded that the storage process, in atmosphere conditions, reduced the intensity of the green and blue colors of the coffee grains, with the increase of storage time, independently of the type of pre-processing employed and that the washing pre-processing presented the smaller effect on the color loss during the first eight months of storage

A survey of fertility preservation options available to cancer patients around the globe

Purpose: Oncofertility focuses on providing fertility and endocrine-sparing options to patients who undergo life-preserving but gonadotoxic cancer treatment. The resources needed to meet patient demand often are fragmented along disciplinary lines. We quantify assets and gaps in oncofertility care on a global scale. Methods: Survey-based questionnaires were provided to 191 members of the Oncofertility Consortium Global Partners Network, a National Institutes of Health–funded organization. Responses were analyzed to measure trends and regional subtleties about patient oncofertility experiences and to analyze barriers to care at sites that provide oncofertility services. Results: Sixty-three responses were received (response rate, 25%), and 40 were analyzed from oncofertility centers in 28 countries. Thirty of 40 survey results (75%) showed that formal referral processes and psychological care are provided to patients at the majority of sites. Fourteen of 23 respondents (61%) stated that some fertility preservation services are not offered because of cultural and legal barriers. The growth of oncofertility and its capacity to improve the lives of cancer survivors around the globe relies on concentrated efforts to increase awareness, promote collaboration, share best practices, and advocate for research funding. Conclusion: This survey reveals global and regional successes and challenges and provides insight into what is needed to advance the field and make the discussion of fertility preservation and endocrine health a standard component of the cancer treatment plan. As the field of oncofertility continues to develop around the globe, regular assessment of both international and regional barriers to quality care must continue to guide process improvements

Survey of Third-Party Parenting Options Associated With Fertility Preservation Available to Patients With Cancer Around the Globe

Purpose: In the accompanying article, “Analysis of Fertility Preservation Options Available to Patients With Cancer Around the Globe,” we showed that specific fertility preservation services may not be offered at various sites around the world because of cultural and legal barriers. We assessed global and regional experiences as well as the legal status of third-party reproduction and adoption to serve as a comprehensive international data set and resource for groups that wish to begin oncofertility interventions. Methods: We provide data on the legalities of third-party assisted reproductive technologies and other family-building options in the 28 oncofertility-practicing countries surveyed. Results: We found regional and country differences that will be important in the development of tailored resources for physicians and for patient brochures that are sensitive to these local restrictions and cultural norms. Conclusion: Because many patients first consult Web-based materials, the formal assessment of the availability of these options provides members of the global oncofertility community with data to which they might otherwise not have ready access to better serve their patients

Survey of third-party parenting options associated with fertility preservation available to patients with cancer around the globe

bstract PURPOSE In the accompanying article, “Survey of Fertility Preservation Options Available to Patients With Cancer Around the Globe,” we showed that specific fertility preservation services may not be offered at various sites around the world because of cultural and legal barriers. We assessed global and regional experiences as well as the legal status of third-party reproduction and adoption to serve as a comprehensive international data set and resource for groups that wish to begin oncofertility interventions. METHODS We provide data on the legalities of third-party assisted reproductive technologies and other familybuilding options in the 28 oncofertility-practicing countries surveyed. RESULTS We found regional and country differences that will be important in the development of tailored resources for physicians and for patient brochures that are sensitive to these local restrictions and cultural norms. CONCLUSION Because many patients first consult Web-based materials, the formal assessment of the availability of these options provides members of the global oncofertility community with data to which they might otherwise not have ready access to better serve their patients