140 research outputs found
Beyond mean-field bistability in driven-dissipative lattices: bunching-antibunching transition and quantum simulation
In the present work we investigate the existence of multiple nonequilibrium
steady states in a coherently driven XY lattice of dissipative two-level
systems. A commonly used mean-field ansatz, in which spatial correlations are
neglected, predicts a bistable behavior with a sharp shift between low- and
high-density states. In contrast one-dimensional matrix product methods reveal
these effects to be artifacts of the mean-field approach, with both
disappearing once correlations are taken fully into account. Instead, a
bunching-antibunching transition emerges. This indicates that alternative
approaches should be considered for higher spatial dimensions, where classical
simulations are currently infeasible. Thus we propose a circuit QED quantum
simulator implementable with current technology to enable an experimental
investigation of the model considered
Concurrence of fatigue and potentiation after a sustained maximal voluntary contraction
El objetivo del presente estudio fue analizar la concurrencia e interacción
existente entre diferentes factores que afectan al rendimiento, tales como son la
fatiga central, la fatiga periférica y la potenciación post-activación (PPA) tras la
realización de una contracción máxima voluntaria (CMV) sostenida hasta la
pérdida del 50% en los valores de fuerza iniciales. Con el objetivo de valorar los
efectos de la fatiga central, fatiga periférica y la PPA se utilizó la técnica de
interpolación de descargas. Los resultados han revelado pérdidas en los valores
de durante aproximadamente 3´30´´ y que la fatiga dependió tanto de factores
centrales como periféricos. También se produjo una inhibición de la PPA tras la
realización de la CMV sostenida, durante un breve periodo de tiempo (entre 30´´
y 1´30´´). Además, se observó la coexistencia de los distintos fenómenos estudiados, que sin embargo, demostraron tener una curva de recuperación temporal diferenteThe aim of the present study was to analyze the concurrence and interaction
between different factors affecting the performance, such as central fatigue,
peripheral fatigue and post-activation potentiation (PAP) after the performance
of a maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) sustained until the loss of the 50% of
the initial torque value. In order to assess the effects of central fatigue,
peripheral fatigue and the PAP on the performance of the MVC, the twitch
interpolation technique was used. Our findings revealed a loss of the force
capability during at least 3'30'' and that the recorded fatigue had central and
peripheral contributions. Moreover, it has been observed an inhibition of the
PAP after the completion of the sustained MVC during a brief interval (between
30´´ and 1´30´´). Furthermore, it has been observed the coexistence of the
different studied phenomena, however, they showed different time course of the
recover
Does ipsilateral corticospinal excitability play a decisive role in the cross-education effect caused by unilateral resistance training?:A systematic review
INTRODUCTION: Unilateral resistance training has been shown to improve muscle strength in both the trained and the untrained limb. One of the most widely accepted theories is that this improved performance is due to nervous system adaptations, specifically in the primary motor cortex. According to this hypothesis, increased corticospinal excitability (CSE), measured with transcranial magnetic stimulation, is one of the main adaptations observed following prolonged periods of training. The principal aim of this review is to determine the degree of adaptation of CSE and its possible functional association with increased strength in the untrained limb. DEVELOPMENT: We performed a systematic literature review of studies published between January 1970 and December 2016, extracted from Medline (via PubMed), Ovid, Web of Science, and Science Direct online databases. The search terms were as follows: (transcranial magnetic stimulation OR excitability) AND (strength training OR resistance training OR force) AND (cross transfer OR contralateral limb OR cross education). A total of 10 articles were found. CONCLUSION: Results regarding increased CSE were inconsistent. Although the possibility that the methodology had a role in this inconsistency cannot be ruled out, the results appear to suggest that there may not be a functional association between increases in muscle strength and in CSE
Source identification for mobile devices, based on wavelet transforms combined with sensor imperfections
One of the most relevant applications of digital image forensics is to accurately identify the device used for taking a given set of images, a problem called source identification. This paper studies recent developments in the field and proposes the mixture of two techniques (Sensor Imperfections and Wavelet Transforms) to get better source identification of images generated with mobile devices. Our results show that Sensor Imperfections and Wavelet Transforms can jointly serve as good forensic features to help trace the source camera of images produced by mobile phones. Furthermore, the model proposed here can also determine with high precision both the brand and model of the device
Are B cells altered in the decidua of women with preterm or term labor?
Peer Reviewedhttps://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/149277/1/aji13102_am.pdfhttps://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/149277/2/aji13102.pd
Solamen Vaillanti Mollusk powder as an efficient biosorbent for removing cobalt ions from aqueous solution: Kinetic and equilibrium studies
In this research, Solamen Vaillanti mollusk (SVM) skin biosorbent was synthesized and used as a low-cost and environmentally friendly adsorbent to eliminate cobalt (Co2+) heavy metal ion from aqueous solution. The surface morphology and specific surface area of SVM were analyzed by SEM and BET analyses. Also, the impact of various effective factors like pH, temperature, contact time, biosorbent dose, and cobalt ion concentration was studied on the uptake process. According to our study, the highest biosorption efficiency of Co2+ (97.31%) was attained at pH 5, a mixing speed of 200 rpm, Co2+ ion concentration of 5 mg l-1, and biosorbent dosage of 2 g l-1 after 50 min. Also, the maximum biosorption capacity of SVM biosorbent was 16.23 mg l-1, which was achieved at pH 5 and temperature of 25 °C. Moreover, kinetic and equilibrium studies demonstrated that the quasi-second-order kinetic model and the Langmuir isotherm model are better compatible with the experimental data. Furthermore, the reusability of the bioadsorbent showed that it can be reused in 4 cycles in the bioadsorption process.Campus Lima Centr
Inflammation-Induced Adverse Pregnancy and Neonatal Outcomes Can Be Improved by the Immunomodulatory Peptide Exendin-4
Preterm birth is the leading cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality worldwide. Inflammation is causally linked to preterm birth; therefore, finding an intervention that dampens maternal and fetal inflammatory responses may provide a new strategy to prevent adverse pregnancy and neonatal outcomes. Using animal models of systemic maternal inflammation [intraperitoneal injection of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)] and fetal inflammation (intra-amniotic administration of LPS), we found that (1) systemic inflammation induced adverse pregnancy and neonatal outcomes by causing a severe maternal cytokine storm and a mild fetal cytokine response; (2) fetal inflammation induced adverse pregnancy and neonatal outcomes by causing a mild maternal cytokine response and a severe fetal cytokine storm; (3) exendin-4 (Ex4) treatment of dams with systemic inflammation or fetal inflammation improved adverse pregnancy outcomes by modestly reducing the rate of preterm birth; (4) Ex4 treatment of dams with systemic, but not local, inflammation considerably improved neonatal outcomes, and such neonates continued to thrive; (5) systemic inflammation facilitated the diffusion of Ex4 through the uterus and the maternal–fetal interface; (6) neonates born to Ex4-treated dams with systemic inflammation displayed a similar cytokine profile to healthy control neonates; and (7) treatment with Ex4 had immunomodulatory effects by inducing an M2 macrophage polarization and increasing anti-inflammatory neutrophils, as well as suppressing the expansion of CD8+ regulatory T cells, in neonates born to dams with systemic inflammation. Collectively, these results provide evidence that dampening maternal systemic inflammation through novel interventions, such as Ex4, can improve the quality of life for neonates born to women with this clinical condition
EFFICACY AND SAFETY OF BOCEPREVIR-BASED THERAPY IN HCVG1 TREATMENT-EXPERIENCED PATIENTS WITH ADVANCED FIBROSIS/CIRRHOSIS: THE ITALIAN AND SPANISH NPP EARLY ACCESS PROGRAM
Background and Aims: To maximize cost/efficay of boceprevirbased
triple therapy (BOC) in patients with HCV-related advanced
fibrosis/cirrhosis.
Methods: ITT SVR12, safety and futility rules value were evaluated
in the multicenter national Italian and Spanish early access Name-
Patient-Program which includes treatment-experienced patients
with HCVG1-related advanced fibrosis/cirrhosis (Metavir F3/4)
treated with BOC in both countries.
Results: 402 patients (mean age 55 years; range 22–75),
316 (78.6%) G1b, 255 (63.4%) F4, 60 (30.9%) with oesophageal
varices, 137 (34.1%) relapsers, 95 (23.6%) partial and 168 (41.8%) null
responders were enrolled. Platelets count <100,000 and albumin
levels <3.5 g/dl were present in 49 (12.2%) and 22 (6.3%) patients,
respectively. 369 (91.8%) received at least 1 dose of BOC. Overall ITT
SVR12 rates and according to prior response to P/R, fibrosis stage
and TW8 HCV-RNA value to P/R/BOC are reported in the table.
At multivariate analysis, the strongest predictors of SVR12 were
TW8 HCV-RNA undetectability (RR, 30.8; 95% CI, 8.7–108.7) and
HCV-RNA detectable but <1000 IU/mL (RR, 9.1; 95% CI, 2.6–31.8)
compared to those with HCV-RNA ≥1000 IU/mL.
Two patients (0.5%) died from multi-organ failure, 13 (3.2%)
developed hepatic decompensation, 41 (10.2%) had severe anemia
(<8.5 g/dl) and 31 (7.7%) required at least one blood transfusion.
Conclusions: In treatment-experienced patients with advanced
fibrosis/cirrhosis, SVR12 attained by BOC was satisfactory. Mortality,
life-threatening adverse events and severe anemia rates were
similar to those reported in other real-practice studies. A TW8
futility rule enables a safely discontinuation of BOC in patients
who are extremely unlikely to achieve SVR, thus optimizing the
effectiveness of treatment in this difficult-to-cure population
CagA-positive Helicobacter pylori infection is not associated with decreased risk of Barrett's esophagus in a population with high H. pylori infection rate
BACKGROUND & AIM: The role that H. pylori infection plays in the development of and Barrett's esophagus (BE) is uncertain. We tested the hypothesis that infection with cagA+ Helicobacter pylori strains protects against the development of BE. METHODS: We studied 104 consecutive patients, residents in an area with a high prevalence of H. pylori infection, with BE and 213 sex- and age-matched controls. H. pylori infection and CagA antibody status were determined by western blot serology. RESULTS: H. pylori prevalence was higher in patients with BE than in controls (87.5% vs. 74.6%; OR. 2.3; 95% CI: 1.23–4.59). Increasing age was associated with a higher prevalence of H. pylori (p < 0.05). The prevalence of CagA+ H. pylori serology was similar in patients with BE and controls (64.4% vs. 54.5%; NS). Type I H. pylori infection (CagA+ and VacA+) was similar in patients with BE and controls (44.2% vs. 41.3%; NS). Logistic regression analysis identified alcohol (O.R. 7.09; 95% CI 2.23–22.51), and H. pylori infection (OR: 2.41; 95%CI: 1.20–4.84) but not CagA+ serology as independent factors. CONCLUSION: Neither H. pylori infection nor H. pylori infection by CagA+ strains reduce the risk of BE in a population with high prevalence of H. pylori infection
High efficacy and tolerability of hepatitis C genotype 2 treatment with direct-acting antivirals in real world: analysis of the Hepa-C Registry
Poster presentatio
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