Complex lithium ion dynamics in simulated LiPO3 glass studied by means of multi-time correlation functions

Molecular dynamics simulations are performed to study the lithium jumps in LiPO3 glass. In particular, we calculate higher-order correlation functions that probe the positions of single lithium ions at several times. Three-time correlation functions show that the non-exponential relaxation of the lithium ions results from both correlated back-and-forth jumps and the existence of dynamical heterogeneities, i.e., the presence of a broad distribution of jump rates. A quantitative analysis yields that the contribution of the dynamical heterogeneities to the non-exponential depopulation of the lithium sites increases upon cooling. Further, correlated back-and-forth jumps between neighboring sites are observed for the fast ions of the distribution, but not for the slow ions and, hence, the back-jump probability depends on the dynamical state. Four-time correlation functions indicate that an exchange between fast and slow ions takes place on the timescale of the jumps themselves, i.e., the dynamical heterogeneities are short-lived. Hence, sites featuring fast and slow lithium dynamics, respectively, are intimately mixed. In addition, a backward correlation beyond the first neighbor shell for highly mobile ions and the presence of long-range dynamical heterogeneities suggest that fast ion migration occurs along preferential pathways in the glassy matrix. In the melt, we find no evidence for correlated back-and-forth motions and dynamical heterogeneities on the length scale of the next-neighbor distance.Comment: 12 pages, 13 figure

Novel hypoglycemic effects of Ganoderma lucidum water-extract in obese/diabetic (+db/+db) mice

In this study, we evaluated the pharmacological effects of Ganoderma lucidum (G. lucidum) (water-extract) (0.003, 0.03 and 0.3 g/kg, 4-week oral gavage) consumption using the lean (+db/+m) and the obese/diabetic (+db/+db) mice. Different physiological parameters (plasma glucose and insulin levels, lipoproteins-cholesterol levels, phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK), 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase (HMG CoA reductase) and isolated aorta relaxation of both species were measured and compared. G. lucidum (0.03 and 0.3 g/kg) lowered the serum glucose level in +db/+db mice after the first week of treatment whereas a reduction was observed in +db/+m mice only fed with 0.3 g/kg of G. lucidum at the fourth week. A higher hepatic PEPCK gene expression was found in +db/+db mice. G. lucidum (0.03 and 0.3 g/kg) markedly reduced the PEPCK expression in +db/+db mice whereas the expression of PEPCK was attenuated in +db/+m mice (0.3 g/kg G. lucidum). HMG CoA reductase protein expression (in both hepatic and extra-hepatic organs) and the serum insulin level were not altered by G. lucidum. These data demonstrate that G. lucidum consumption can provide beneficial effects in treating type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) by lowering the serum glucose levels through the suppression of the hepatic PEPCK gene expression

Quantitative gas measurements using a versatile opo-based cavity ringdown spectrometer and the comparison with spectroscopic databases

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A comparison of isosorbide mononitrate, misoprostol and combination therapy for first trimester pre-operative cervical ripening: a randomised controlled trial

Objective To determine whether a combined therapy with isosorbide mononitrate: (40mg) and misoprostol (400 mug) for pre-operative cervical ripening in the first trimester would result in improved clinical effectiveness, and fewer side effects compared with each agent used alone. Design Randomised controlled trial. Setting Glasgow Royal Infirmary. Population Sixty-six primigravid women scheduled for suction termination of pregnancy. Methods Women were randomly assigned to receive before surgery, per vaginam, Isosorbide mononitrate 10 mg in = 22), misoprostol 400 mug (n = 22) or both agents together [isosorbide mononitrate 40 mg and misoprostol 400 mug] (n = 22). Main outcome measures 1. To assess the cumulative force required to dilate the cervix to 8 mm: 2. the onset of new symptoms before termination of pregnancy. Results The cervical resistance following combination therapy with isosorbide mononitrate and misoprostol was not significantly different than following misoprostol alone [21.5N vs 18.5N; median difference (95% CI) 19N (-22 to -19)]. Pre-treatment with misoprostol used alone resulted in a lower cervical resistance than isosorbide mononitrate alone (18.5N vs 39N, P = 0.04, Mann-Whitney U test). There was no difference in the number of women remaining asymptomatic following either isosorbide mononitrate or misoprostol or combination therapy [14/22 (64%) vs 11/21 (52% vs 11/22 (50%), Fisher's exact test]. Conclusions We have not shown any advantage of combining misoprostol with the nitric oxide donor isosorbide mononitrate compared with misoprostol alone for pre-operative cervical ripening in the first trimester