Law of large numbers for non-elliptic random walks in dynamic random environments

We prove a law of large numbers for a class of $\Z^d$-valued random walks in dynamic random environments, including non-elliptic examples. We assume for the random environment a mixing property called \emph{conditional cone-mixing} and that the random walk tends to stay inside wide enough space-time cones. The proof is based on a generalization of a regeneration scheme developed by Comets and Zeitouni for static random environments and adapted by Avena, den Hollander and Redig to dynamic random environments. A number of one-dimensional examples are given. In some cases, the sign of the speed can be determined.Comment: 36 pages, 4 figure

The parabolic Anderson model on a Galton-Watson tree

We study the long-time asymptotics of the total mass of the solution to the parabolic Anderson model (PAM) on a supercritical Galton-Watson random tree with bounded degrees. We identify the second-order contribution to this asymptotics in terms of a variational formula that gives information about the local structure of the region where the solution is concentrated. The analysis behind this formula suggests that, under mild conditions on the model parameters, concentration takes place on a tree with minimal degree. Our approach can be applied to finite locally tree-like random graphs, in a coupled limit where both time and graph size tend to infinity. As an example, we consider the configuration model or, more precisely, the uniform simple random graph with a prescribed degree sequence.Comment: 32 page

Does ADHD worsen inhibitory control in preschool children born very premature and/or with very low birth weight?

Introduction: Deficits in executive functioning, especially in inhibitory control, are present in children born very premature and/or with very low birth weight (VP/VLBW) and in children with attention-deficit/ hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Objective: To evaluate whether ADHD imposes additional inhibitory control (IC) deficits in preschoolers born VP/VLBW. Methods: 79 VP/VLBW (4 to 7 years) children were assessed for ADHD using the Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia for School Aged Children – Present and Lifetime Version (K-SADS-PL). IC was measured with Conners’ Kiddie Continuous Performance Test (K-CPT 2) and the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function – Preschool Version (BRIEF-P). Results: No significant differences were found between ADHD (n = 24) and non-ADHD children (n = 55) for any of the measures (p = 0.062 to p = 0.903). Both groups had deficits in most K-CPT 2 scores compared to normative samples, indicating poor IC and inconsistent reaction times. Conclusions: ADHD does not aggravate IC deficits in VP/VLBW children. Either neuropsychological tasks and parent reports of executive functions (EFs) may not be sensitive enough to differentiate VP/VLBW preschoolers with and without ADHD, or these children’s EFs are already so impaired that there is not much room for additional impairments imposed by ADHD

Improving the diagnosis of meningitis due to enterovirus and herpes simplex virus I and II in a tertiary care hospital

Background Enterovirus and herpes simplex viruses are common causes of lymphocytic meningitis. The purpose of this study was to analyse the impact of the use molecular testing for Enteroviruses and Herpes simplex viruses I and II in all suspected cases of viral meningitis. Methods From November 18, 2008 to November 17, 2009 (phase II, intervention), all patients admitted with suspected viral meningitis (with pleocytosis) had a CSF sample tested using a nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT). Data collected during this period were compared to those from the previous one-year period, i.e. November 18, 2007 to November 17, 2008 (phase I, observational), when such tests were available but not routinely used. Results In total, 2,536 CSF samples were assessed, of which 1,264 were from phase I, and 1,272 from phase II. Of this total, a NAAT for Enterovirus was ordered in 123 cases during phase I (9.7% of the total phase I sample) and in 221 cases in phase II (17.4% of the total phase II sample). From these, Enterovirus was confirmed in 35 (28.5%, 35/123) patients during phase I and 71 (32.1%, 71/221) patients during phase II (p = 0.107). The rate of diagnosis of meningitis by HSV I and II did not differ between the groups (13 patients, 6.5% in phase I and 13, 4.7% in phase II) (p = 1.0), from 200 cases in phase I and 274 cases in phase II. Conclusions The number of cases diagnosed with enteroviral meningitis increased during the course of this study, leading us to believe that the strategy of performing NAAT for Enterovirus on every CSF sample with pleocytosis is fully justified

Transmission of signals using white LEDs for VLC applications

In this paper an integrated wavelength optical filter and photodetector for Visible Light Communication (VLC) is used. The proposed application uses indoor warm light lamps lighting using ultra-bright white LEDs pulsed at frequencies higher than the ones perceived by the human eye. The system was analyzed using two different types the white LEDs, namely, phosphor and trichromatic based LEDs. The signals were transmitted into free space and the generated photocurrent was measured by the pin-pin photodetector based on a-SiC:H/a-Si:H. This device operates in the visible spectrum, allowing thus the detection of the pulsed white light emitted by the LEDs. However, as it also works as a visible optical filter with controlled wavelength sensitivity through the use of adequate optical biasing light, it is able to detect different wavelengths. This feature allows the detection of the individual components of the tri-chromatic white LED, which enlarges the amount of information transmitted by this type of white LED, when compared to the phosphor based LED. A capacitive optoelectronic model supports the experimental results and the physical operation of the device. A numerical simulation is presented.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Evaluating the potential of biodiesel production through microalgae farming in photobioreactor and high rate ponds from wastewater treatment

In the last decade, the research works on microbial as a potential source of lipid for biodiesel production have been growing. In this work, the potential of a sludge from high-rate lagoons in urban sewage treatment, composed mainly by Chlorella sp., as oil source for biodiesel production, was studied. The potential of Chlorella sp. growth in photobioreactor under controlled conditions was also investigated. Low lipid content (up to 3%) was observed in both cases. The composition of both oils showed high amount of fatty acids and fatty acid based compounds, however there are also other non-fatty acid based lipids. Density and viscosity of biodiesel from biosolid oil were determined and the results showed that these physico-chemical properties do not match the specification required for biodiesel. The results showed that sewage sludge from Samambaia treatment station (DF, Brazil) and Chlorella sp. cultivated under the conditions described in this work are not potential sources of fatty material for biodiesel production

Annona coriacea Mart. fractions promote cell cycle arrest and inhibit autophagic flux in human cervical cancer cell lines

Plant-based compounds are an option to explore and perhaps overcome the limitations of current antitumor treatments. Annona coriacea Mart. is a plant with a broad spectrum of biological activities, but its antitumor activity is still unclear. The purpose of our study was to determine the effects of A. coriacea fractions on a panel of cervical cancer cell lines and a normal keratinocyte cell line. The antitumor effect was investigated in vitro by viability assays, cell cycle, apoptosis, migration, and invasion assays. Intracellular signaling was assessed by Western blot, and major compounds were identified by mass spectrometry. All fractions exhibited a cytotoxic effect on cisplatin-resistant cell lines, SiHa and HeLa. C3 and C5 were significantly more cytotoxic and selective than cisplatin in SiHa and Hela cells. However, in CaSki, a cisplatin-sensitive cell line, the compounds did not demonstrate higher cytotoxicity when compared with cisplatin. Alkaloids and acetogenins were the main compounds identified in the fractions. These fractions also markedly decreased cell proliferation with p21 increase and cell cycle arrest in G2/M. These effects were accompanied by an increase of H2AX phosphorylation levels and DNA damage index. In addition, fractions C3 and C5 promoted p62 accumulation and decrease of LC3II, as well as acid vesicle levels, indicating the inhibition of autophagic flow. These findings suggest that A. coriacea fractions may become effective antineoplastic drugs and highlight the autophagy inhibition properties of these fractions in sensitizing cervical cancer cells to treatment.e FINEP (MCTI/FINEP/MS/SCTIE/DECIT-01/ 2013—FP XII-BIOPLAT), Barretos Cancer Hospital, CAPES, CNPq, FAPEMIG, UFSJ. RMR is a recipient of CNPq Productivity Gran