On the classical capacity of quantum Gaussian channels

The set of quantum Gaussian channels acting on one bosonic mode can be classified according to the action of the group of Gaussian unitaries. We look for bounds on the classical capacity for channels belonging to such a classification. Lower bounds can be efficiently calculated by restricting to Gaussian encodings, for which we provide analytical expressions.Comment: 10 pages, IOP style. v2: minor corrections, close to the published versio

Naturally Occurring PCSK9 Inhibitors

Genetic, epidemiological and pharmacological data have led to the conclusion that antagonizing or inhibiting Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) reduces cardiovascular events. This clinical outcome is mainly related to the pivotal role of PCSK9 in controlling low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels. The absence of oral and affordable anti-PCSK9 medications has limited the beneficial effects of this new therapeutic option. A possible breakthrough in this field may come from the discovery of new naturally occurring PCSK9 inhibitors as a starting point for the development of oral, small molecules, to be used in combination with statins in order to increase the percentage of patients reaching their LDL-cholesterol target levels. In the present review, we have summarized the current knowledge on natural compounds or extracts that have shown an inhibitory effect on PCSK9, either in experimental or clinical settings. When available, the pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic profiles of the listed compounds are described

Performance analysis of elite lifesavers during competition: effects related to gender, turn of competition, and age category

The aim of this study was to analyse elite lifesavers' official performances according to specific intermediate times recorded during each speciality, and comparing them in relation to genders, turns of competition (qualifications; finales), and age (seniors; youths) categories. For this purpose, the intermediate times of 825 (female: 423, male: 402) individual performances were recorded by means of the official stopwatch of championship and two video cameras synchronised with the official stopwatch of competition. A linear mixed-effects model was applied to verify subgroup differences (p <= 0.05). For single specialty, differences emerged for each observed variables (p <= 0.001). Differences (p range: <0.001-0.03) were confirmed for the interactions with specific intermediate times, excepting for those in "Manikin Tow with Fins - 100 m" with each variable, in "Manikin Carry with Fins - 100 m" with age, and in "Obstacle Swim - 200 m" with gender and age. Therefore, elite lifesaving coaches will be able to benefit from the results of this study, considering specific performances, avoiding any generalisation, and promoting more aware training sessions

Influence of long- and short-term climatic changes on chernozem soils : Central Chernozem region of Russia

The main purpose of this article is the identification of forest-steppe and steppe chernozem soils (Eastern European Mollisols) reactions to climate change with different periodicitiesyesBelgorod State National Research Universit

Stochastic resonance in Gaussian quantum channels

We determine conditions for the presence of stochastic resonance in a lossy bosonic channel with a nonlinear, threshold decoding. The stochastic resonance effect occurs if and only if the detection threshold is outside of a "forbidden interval". We show that it takes place in different settings: when transmitting classical messages through a lossy bosonic channel, when transmitting over an entanglement-assisted lossy bosonic channel, and when discriminating channels with different loss parameters. Moreover, we consider a setting in which stochastic resonance occurs in the transmission of a qubit over a lossy bosonic channel with a particular encoding and decoding. In all cases, we assume the addition of Gaussian noise to the signal and show that it does not matter who, between sender and receiver, introduces such a noise. Remarkably, different results are obtained when considering a setting for private communication. In this case the symmetry between sender and receiver is broken and the "forbidden interval" may vanish, leading to the occurrence of stochastic resonance effects for any value of the detection threshold.Comment: 17 pages, 6 figures. Manuscript improved in many ways. New results on private communication adde

Involvement of heparanase in the pathogenesis of acute kidney injury: Nephroprotective effect of PG545

Despite the high prevalence of acute kidney injury (AKI) and its association with increased morbidity and mortality, therapeutic approaches for AKI are disappointing. This is largely attributed to poor understanding of the pathogenesis of AKI. Heparanase, an endoglycosidase that cleaves heparan sulfate, is involved in extracellular matrix turnover, inflammation, kidney dysfunction, diabetes, fibrosis, angiogenesis and cancer progression. The current study examined the involvement of heparanase in the pathogenesis of ischemic reperfusion (I/R) AKI in a mouse model and the protective effect of PG545, a potent heparanase inhibitor. I/R induced tubular damage and elevation in serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen to a higher extent in heparanase over-expressing transgenic mice vs. wild type mice. Moreover, TGF-\u3b2, vimentin, fibronectin and \u3b1-smooth muscle actin, biomarkers of fibrosis, and TNF\u3b1, IL6 and endothelin-1, biomarkers of inflammation, were upregulated in I/R induced AKI, primarily in heparanase transgenic mice, suggesting an adverse role of heparanase in the pathogenesis of AKI. Remarkably, pretreatment of mice with PG545 abolished kidney dysfunction and the up-regulation of heparanase, pro-inflammatory (i.e., IL-6) and pro-fibrotic (i.e., TGF-\u3b2) genes induced by I/R. The present study provides new insights into the involvement of heparanase in the pathogenesis of ischemic AKI.Our results demonstrate that heparanase plays a deleterious role in the development of renal injury and kidney dysfunction,attesting heparanase inhibition as a promising therapeutic approach for AKI