A magnetically induced quantum phase transition in holography

We investigate quantum phase transitions in a 2+1 dimensional gauge theory at finite chemical potential $\chi$ and magnetic field $B$. The gravity dual is based on 4D $\mathcal{N}=2$ Fayet-Iliopoulos gauged supergravity and the solutions we consider---that are constructed analytically---are extremal, dyonic, asymptotically $AdS_4$ black-branes with a nontrivial radial profile for the scalar field. We discover a line of second order fixed points at $B=B_c(\chi)$ between the dyonic black brane and an extremal "thermal gas" solution with a singularity of good-type, according to the acceptability criteria of Gubser [1]. The dual field theory is the ABJM theory [2] deformed by a triple trace operator $\Phi^3$ and placed at finite charge and magnetic field. This line of fixed points might be useful in studying the various strongly interacting quantum critical phenomena such as the ones proposed to underlie the cuprate superconductors. We also find curious similarities between the behaviour of the VeV $\langle \Phi \rangle$ under B and that of the quark condensate in 2+1 dimensional NJL models.Comment: 33 pages, 7 figure

Variabilidade das correntes na plataforma interna ao largo de Tramandaí, RS durante o verão de 2014

Upwelling and Downwelling events in very shallow water still are poorly understood on brazilian coastal. This work aims to obtain a better understanding of ocean circulation in shallow waters, such as coastal currents and sea level oscillations. An acoustic waves and currents profiler, AWAC, Nortek brand, was anchored at 11 m depth off Tramandaí beach, which was programmed to record a continuous series of waves and currents data, beginning on December 17, 2013 and ending on March 13, 2014 (summer). The results indicated that in the inner shelf the direction of the currents for short periods reverses, sometimes Southward, sometimes Northward. Also, it was observed the maximum velocities of 0.6 and 0.9 m.s-1 on the bottom and on the surface, respectively. In addition, a flow rate of 0.018 m.s-1 to S was calculated based on the average profile of the water column. Furthermore, were found indicative of upwelling and downwelling circulation patterns, from wind and current direction analysis as well, variations in water temperature and also in average sea level.Os fenômenos da ressurgência e subsidência costeira em regiões com pequenas profundidades ainda são pouco compreendidos no litoral brasileiro. O presente trabalho visa obter um melhor entendimento das condições oceanográficas em águas rasas, tais como as forçantes das correntes costeiras e das oscilações do nível do mar. Um perfilador acústico de ondas e correntes, AWAC, da marca Nortek, foi fundeado a 11 m de profundidade ao largo da praia de Tramandaí, programado para registrar uma série contínua de dados de ondas e correntes, com início em 17 de dezembro de 2013 e término em 13 de março de 2014 (período do verão). Os resultados indicaram que a circulação tem inversões de curto período no sentido das correntes, ora para S, ora para N. Também foi possível verificar velocidades máximas de 0,6 e 0,9 m.s-1 no fundo e em superfície, respectivamente. Ademais, um fluxo resultante para S, de aproximadamente 0,018 m.s-1 foi calculado com base no perfil médio da coluna de água. Além disso, foram encontrados indicativos de ressurgência e subsidência costeira, através das análises da direção do vento e das correntes, das variações na temperatura da água e também do nível médio do mar

Sedimentação da Lagoa Itapeva, RS, Brasil

Hydrodynamic factors that control sedimentation in the Itapeva Lake were assessed on the granulometric distribution map generated by the Pejrup’s diagram and by the analysis of the hydrodynamic action, which results from the waves in the lacustrine body. The texture patterns of bottom samples showed that there is significant hydrodynamic energy in the sedimentation process: the sand fraction prevails in the submerged margins whereas grain size decreases, from coarse silt to fine silt, moved towards the center. The content of organic matter also shows this pattern, with a steady increase in the central area of the lacustrine body and near the mouths of the Três Forquilhas and Cardoso rivers. The main processes that determine sedimentation are mainly controlled by the amount of fluvial sediment, which is redistributed by the action of waves and currents resulting from the action of winds. The concentration of clay-sized grains is not very significant not only because there is low input by the rivers, but also because the wave agitation avoid this granulometric class from depositing on the lacustrine bottom. Fine sediment in the deepest spots and in the most sheltered areas shows the influence of less effective currents that enable deposition in these areas.Os fatores hidrodinâmicos que controlam a sedimentação na Lagoa Itapeva foram avaliados através do mapa de distribuição granulométrica gerado a partir do diagrama de Pejrup e da análise da ação hidrodinâmica induzida pelas ondas no corpo lacustre. Os padrões texturais das amostras de fundo indicaram a presença de significativa energia hidrodinâmica atuante no processo de sedimentação, com predomínio da fração arenosa nas margens submersas e granodecrescência para tamanhos silte grosso a fino em direção ao centro. O teor de matéria orgânica também apresenta este padrão, com aumento gradativo na área central do corpo lacustre e nas proximidades das desembocaduras dos rios Três Forquilhas e Cardoso. Os principais processos que condicionam a sedimentação na lagoa são controlados pelo aporte de sedimentos fluviais, redistribuídos pela ação das ondas e correntes induzidas pela ação dos ventos. A concentração de grãos tamanho argila é pouco significativa, devido à baixa inserção pelos rios, além da agitação gerada por ondas sobre o piso lacustre, que dificulta a deposição desta classe granulométrica. A presença de sedimentos finos nos locais mais profundos e nas áreas mais abrigadas indica a influência de correntes menos efetivas, permitindo a deposição nestes locais

Phosphodiesterase-5 inhibition and cardioprotection: potential role of hydrogen sulfide

Background Our laboratory has shown that phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE-5) inhibitors including sildenafil, vardenafil and tadalafil induce powerful protection against myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury. We have shown that sildenafil protects through activation PKC, expression of eNOS/iNOS, protein kinase G (PKG) and opening of mitochondrial KATP (mitoKATP) channels [1]. Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is a gaseous molecule that is produced enzymatically and exerts physiological actions in the cardiovascular system. Similar to PKG, H2S has been shown to protect the heart via opening of mitoKATP channel [2]. In the current study, we hypothesized that tadalafil, the long acting inhibitor of PDE-5 mediates cardioprotection through H2S signaling in a PKG-dependent fashion. Methods and results After baseline transthoracic echocardiography (TTE), adult ICR mice were injected i.p. with vehicle (10% DMSO) or tadalafil (1 mg/kg) with or without KT5823 (KT, PKG blocker, 1 mg/kg) or dl-propargylglycine [PAG, Cystathionine-γ-lyase (CSE, H2S-producing enzyme) blocker; 50 mg/kg] 1 h prior to coronary artery ligation for 30 min and reperfusion for 24 h, whereas C57BL-wild type and CSE-knockout mice were treated with either vehicle or tadalafil. After reperfusion, TTE was performed and hearts were collected for infarct size (IS) measurement using TTC staining. Survival was increased with tadalafil (95%) compared with control (65%, P \u3c 0.05). Infarct size was reduced with tadalafil (13.2 ± 1.7%) compared to vehicle (40.6 ± 2.5%; P \u3c 0.05). KT and PAG abolished tadalafil-induced protection (IS: 39.2 ± 1% and 51.2 ± 2.4%, respectively) similar to genetic deletion of CSE (47.2 ± 5.1%). Moreover, tadalafil preserved fractional shortening (FS: 31 ± 1.5%) compared to control (FS: 22 ± 4.8%, P \u3c 0.05). Baseline FS was 44 ± 1.7%. KT and PAG abrogated the preservation of LV function with tadalafil by decline in FS to 17 ± 1% and 23 ± 3%, respectively. Compared to vehicle, myocardial H2S production was significantly increased with tadalafil and was abolished with KT. Conclusion PKG activation with tadalafil limits myocardial infarction and preserves LV function through H2S signaling

neuroimaging changes in menkes disease part 2

SUMMARY: This is the second part of a retrospective and review MR imaging study aiming to define the frequency rate, timing, imaging features, and evolution of gray matter changes in Menkes disease, a rare multisystem X-linked disorder of copper metabolism characterized by early, severe, and progressive neurologic involvement. According to our analysis, neurodegenerative changes and focal basal ganglia lesions already appear in the early phases of the disease. Subdural collections are less common than generally thought; however, their presence remains important because they might challenge the differential diagnosis with child abuse and might precipitate the clinical deterioration. Anecdotal findings in our large sample seem to provide interesting clues about the protean mechanisms of brain injury in this rare disease and further highlight the broad spectrum of MR imaging findings that might be expected while imaging a child with the suspicion of or a known diagnosis of Menkes disease

Geocronologia com 210Pb na avaliação das taxas de sedimentação e da dinâmica deposicional na Lagoa Itapeva, sul do Brasil

As a result of anthropogenic activities, coastal lakes are potentially threatened by increased sedimentation rates and relative sea-level increases. The present study analyzed the sedimentary-filling conditions of Itapeva Lake by using the 210Pb geochronology method, which is based on 210Pb and 226Ra activity values obtained from three sediment cores. Measurements of sedimentation rates in the core C3 indicate a strong influence of the drainage of the Três Forquilhas River with values of approximately 3.2 mm.a-1. The sampling points in the center (C2) and north (C1) exhibited significantly lower values of 2.4 and 2.9 mm.a-1, respectively. These values are lower than the rates of relative sea-level increase, which indicate a transitional scenario between the stabilization and sedimentary deficit in the lacustrine burial process. The particle size analysis in the core samples indicates the presence of significant hydrodynamic energy in the sedimentation. The silt fraction is the dominant class, with variations in size ranging from medium to coarse in all samples, followed by the occurrence of fraction sand in relation to clay which presented low concentration, not over 9%. However, an increase in mud content has been observed in the core C3 over the last several decades, which suggests changes in the drainage basin of the Três Forquilhas River due to an increase in sediment production. Urbanization and the introduction of agriculture within the last century are the main reasons for this behaviorLagoas costeiras são ambientes potencialmente ameaçados pelo aumento recente das taxas de sedimentação e elevação relativa do nível do mar. Neste trabalho foram analisadas as condições de preenchimento sedimentar da Lagoa Itapeva utilizando o método geocronológico 210Pb, a partir dos valores da atividade do 210Pb e 226Ra obtidos de três testemunhos geológicos. As taxas de sedimentação medidas no testemunho C3 indicam forte influência da drenagem do Rio Três Forquilhas, com valores na ordem de 3,2 mm.a-1. Os pontos de coleta no centro C2 e norte C1 apresentaram valores sensivelmente menores, 2,4 e 2,9 mm.a-1, respectivamente. Tais valores mostram-se inferiores as taxas de elevação relativa do nível do mar, indicando um cenário transicional entre a estabilização e o déficit sedimentar no processo de preenchimento lacustre. A análise granulométrica nos testemunhos indica a presença de significativa energia hidrodinâmica no processo de sedimentação. A fração silte é a classe dominante, com variação entre o tamanho médio a grosso em todas as amostras, seguida pela ocorrência da fração areia em relação à argila que apresentou baixa concentração, não ultrapassando 9%. Entretanto, foi verificado no testemunho C3 um aumento do teor de lamas nas últimas décadas, o que sugere modificações na bacia de drenagem do Rio Três Forquilhas pelo aumento na produção de sedimentos. A urbanização e a introdução da agricultura no último século são as principais variáveis que explicam este comportamento