Complex Scalar DM in a B-L Model

In this work, we implement a complex scalar Dark Matter (DM) candidate in a $U(1)_{B-L}$ gauge extension of the Standard Model. The model contains three right handed neutrinos with different quantum numbers and a rich scalar sector, with extra doublets and singlets. In principle, these extra scalars can have VEVs ($V_{\Phi}$ and $V_{\phi}$ for the extra doublets and singlets, respectively) belonging to different energy scales. In the context of $\zeta\equiv\frac{V_{\Phi}}{V_{\phi}}\ll1$, which allows to obtain naturally light active neutrino masses and mixing compatible with neutrino experiments, the DM candidate arises by imposing a $Z_{2}$ symmetry on a given complex singlet, $\phi_{2}$, in order to make it stable. After doing a study of the scalar potential and the gauge sector, we obtain all the DM dominant processes concerning the relic abundance and direct detection. Then, for a representative set of parameters, we found that a complex DM with mass around $200$ GeV, for example, is compatible with the current experimental constraints without resorting to resonances. However, additional compatible solutions with heavier masses can be found in vicinities of resonances. Finally, we address the issue of having a light CP-odd scalar in the model showing that it is safe concerning the Higgs and the $Z_{\mu}$ boson invisible decay widths, and also the energy loss in stars astrophysical constraints.Comment: 20 pages, 3 figure

Accidental symmetries and massless quarks in the economical 3-3-1 model

In the framework of a 3-3-1 model with a minimal scalar sector, known as the economical 3-3-1 model, we study its capabilities of generating realistic quark masses. After a detailed study of the symmetries of the model, before and after the spontaneous symmetry breaking, we find a remaining axial symmetry that prevents some quarks to gain mass at all orders in perturbation theory. Since this accidental symmetry is anomalous, we also consider briefly the possibility to generate their masses for non-perturbative effects. However, we find that non-perturbative effects are not enough to generate the measured masses for that three massless quarks. Hence, these results imply that the economical 3-3-1 model is not a realistic description of the electroweak interaction and it has to be modified.Comment: 11 pages, no figure

Natural PQ symmetry in the 3-3-1 model with a minimal scalar sector

In the framework of a 3-3-1 model with a minimal scalar sector we make a detailed study concerning the implementation of the PQ symmetry in order to solve the strong CP problem. For the original version of the model, with only two scalar triplets, we show that the entire Lagrangian is invariant under a PQ-like symmetry but no axion is produced since an U(1) subgroup remains unbroken. Although in this case the strong CP problem can still be solved, the solution is largely disfavored since three quark states are left massless to all orders in perturbation theory. The addition of a third scalar triplet removes the massless quark states but the resulting axion is visible. In order to become realistic the model must be extended to account for massive quarks and invisible axion. We show that the addition of a scalar singlet together with a Z_N discrete gauge symmetry can successfully accomplish these tasks and protect the axion field against quantum gravitational effects. To make sure that the protecting discrete gauge symmetry is anomaly free we use a discrete version of the Green-Schwarz mechanism.Comment: 18 pages, 1 figure, 3 table

Drug Release from Ordered Mesoporous Silicas

The state-of-the-art in the investigation of drugs release from Silica-based ordered Mesoporous Materials (SMMs) is reviewed. First, the SMM systems used like host matrixes are described. Then, the model drugs studied until now, including their pharmacological action, structure and the mesoporous matrix employed for each drug, are comprehensively listed. Next, the factors influencing the release of drugs from SMMs and the strategies used to control the drug delivery, specially the chemical functionalization of the silica surface, are discussed. In addition, how all these factors were gathered in a kinetic equation that describes the drug release from the mesoporous matrixes is explained. The new application of molecular modeling and docking in the investigation of the drug delivery mechanisms from SMMs is also presented. Finally, the new approaches under investigation in this field are mentioned including the design of smart stimuli-responsive materials and other recent proposals for a future investigation

Calcificaciones heterotópicas en cirugía protésica de cadera: Prótesis bicénctricas vs híbridas

Realizamos el seguimiento clínico y radiológico de 202 pacientes a los que se implantó una Prótesis Total de Cadera cementada (PTC). Analizamos la presencia de calcificaciones heterotópicas (CH) y su graduación, estudiando separadamente prótesis híbridas y bicéntricas. Valoramos los factores de riesgo relacionados con la aparición de CH, tamaño de implantes, alineación final, lado intervenido y relación con la presencia de complicaciones locales y sistemáticas. La prevalencia de CH fue de 35.5% (grado I, 19%; grado II, 10%; grado III, 5% y grado IV 1,5%); 9,9 % sintomáticas. Una mayor proporción de CH fue observada en varones (p=0,005); vástagos de mayor tamaño (p=0,001). No existen diferencias significativas (p=0,059) entre pacientes con prótesis híbridas frente a aquellos con prótesis bicéntricas. La valoración de Harris mostró diferencias en el seguimiento del parámetro dolor a los 24 meses entre los grupos con y sin CH.The clinical and radiological follow-up of 202 patients with a cemented Hip Artrhoplasty (HA) was reviewed. The presence of periarticular heterotopic ossifications (PHO) and its gradation was compared i9n hybrid and bipolar arthroplasties. Risk factors related to the appearance of PHO, implants size, final alignment, operated side and relationship to the postoperative local and systemic complications were several of the parameter analyzed. The presence of PHO was 35,5% (degree I, 19%; degree II, 10%; degree III, 5% and degree IV, 1,5%); 9,9% symptomatic. A greater proportion of PHO was observed in males (p=0,005) greater zie stems (p=0,001) and patients with postoperative local complications (p=0,001). There were no statistical differences between patients with hybrid hip arthoplasties as compared to those with bipolar his arthroplasties. The Harris score showed differences as regards pain at 24 months follow-up between the groups whit an without PHO

Mesoporous silica nanoparticles as a new carrier methodology in the controlled release of the active components in a polypill

Polypill is a medication designed for preventing heart attacks through a combination of drugs. Current formulations contain blood pressure-lowering drugs and others, such statins or acetylsalicylic acid. These drugs exhibit different physical chemical features, and consequently different release kinetics. Therefore, the concentration in plasma of some of them after the release process can be out of the therapeutic range. This paper investigates a new methodology for the control dosage of a polypill recently reported containing hydrochlorothiazide, amlodipine, losartan and simvastatin in a 12.5/2.5/25/40 weight ratio. The procedure is based onmesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSN) with MCM-41 structure (MSN-41) used as carrier, aimed to control release of the four drugs included in the polypill. In vitro release data were obtained by HPLC and the curves adjusted with a kinetic model. To explain the release results, a molecular model was built to determine the drug-matrix interactions, and quantum mechanical calculations were performed to obtain the electrostatic properties of each drug. Amlodipine, losartan and simvastatin were released from the polypill-MSN-41 system in a controlled way. This would be a favourable behavior when used clinically because avoid too quick pressure decrease. However, the diuretic hydrochlorothiazide was quickly released from our system in the first minutes, as is needed in hypertensive urgencies. In addition, an increase in the stability of amlodipine and hydrochlorothiazide occurred in the polypill-MSN-41 system. Therefore, the new way of polypill dosage proposed can result in a safer and effective treatment. (C) 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved

A molecular model to explain the controlled release from SBA-15 functionalized with APTES

A molecular model with the approximate pore diameter of SBA-15 was constructed for the first time to investigate the effect of functionalize the matrix with 3-aminopropyl-triethoxy-silane (APTES) in the release of Chicago Sky Blue 6B (CSB). It was expected that the positively charged amino groups of APTES could interact with the negatively charged sulphonic groups of CSB allowing controlling the release process. Indeed the experimental study showed that the release kinetics of CSB from SBA-15-APTES is two orders of magnitude smaller than from native SBA-15. However molecular modelling calculations investigating the possible interactions of APTES and SBA-15 yield unexpected results. In the model including only the condensation between the silanol groups of SBA-15 and APTES, the calculated interaction energy of CSB was quite similar than with the model of native SBA-15. However when additional electrostatic interactions of the -NH2 groups of APTES with the mesoporous matrix were modelled the mesoporous channels underwent a considerable deformation. These results point to the structure deformation as the cause of the greater retention of CSB in SBA-15-APTES and warn about the special features of AFTES when used to functionalize mesoporous silica materials. The model built in this paper could be used to construct predictive models in analogous drug delivery systems. (C) 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved

Integral field spectroscopy of nitrogen overabundant blue compact dwarf galaxies

We study the spatial distribution of the physical properties and of oxygen and nitrogen abundances in three Blue Compact Dwarf Galaxiess (HS 0128+2832, HS 0837+4717 and Mrk 930) with a reported excess of N/O in order to investigate the nature of this excess and, particularly, if it is associated with Wolf-Rayet (WR) stars We have observed these BCDs by using PMAS integral field spectroscopy in the optical spectral range (3700 - 6900 {\AA}), mapping their physical-chemical properties, using both the direct method and appropriate strong-line methods. We make a statistical analysis of the resulting distributions and we compare them with the integrated properties of the galaxies. Our results indicate that outer parts of the three galaxies are placed on the "AGN-zone" of the [NII]/H{\alpha} vs. [OIII]/H{\beta} diagnostic diagram most likely due to a high N/O combined with the excitation structure in these regions. From the statistical analysis, it is assumed that a certain property can be considered as spatially homogeneous (or uniform) if a normal gaussian function fits its distribution in several regions of the galaxy. Moreover, a disagreement between the integrated properties and the mean values of the distribution usually appears when a gaussian does not fit the corresponding distribution. We find that for Mrk 930, the uniformity is found for all parameters, except for electron density and reddening. The rotation curve together with the H{\alpha} map and UV images, reveal a perturbed morphology and possible interacting processes. The N/O is found to be constant in the three studied objects at spatial scales of the order of several kpc so we conclude that the number of WR stars estimated from spectroscopy is not sufficient to pollute the ISM and to produce the observed N/O excess in these objectsComment: 17 pages, 14 figures, accepted for publication in Astronomy & Astrophysic