The AdS/CFT/Unparticle Correspondence

We examine the correspondence between the anti-de Sitter (AdS) description of conformal field theories (CFTs) and the unparticle description of CFTs. We show how unparticle actions are equivalent to holographic boundary actions for fields in AdS, and how massive unparticles provide a new type of infrared cutoff that can be simply implemented in AdS by a soft breaking of conformal symmetry. We also show that processes involving scalar unparticles with dimensions d_s<2 or fermion unparticles with dimensions d_f<5/2 are insensitive to ultraviolet cutoff effects. Finally we show that gauge interactions for unparticles can be described by bulk gauge interactions in AdS and that they correspond to minimal gauging of the non-local effective action, and we compute the fermion unparticle production cross-section.Comment: 26 pages, 1 figur

The beta function of N=1 SYM in Differential Renormalization

Using differential renormalization, we calculate the complete two-point function of the background gauge superfield in pure N=1 Supersymmetric Yang-Mills theory to two loops. Ultraviolet and (off-shell) infrared divergences are renormalized in position and momentum space respectively. This allows us to reobtain the beta function from the dependence on the ultraviolet renormalization scale in an infrared-safe way. The two-loop coefficient of the beta function is generated by the one-loop ultraviolet renormalization of the quantum gauge field via nonlocal terms which are infrared divergent on shell. We also discuss the connection of the beta function to the flow of the Wilsonian coupling.Comment: 20 pages, 2 figures. Reference added, minor correction

Clinical and ultrasound thyroid nodule characteristics and their association with cytological and histopathological outcomes: A retrospective multicenter study in high-resolution thyroid nodule clinics

Introduction: Thyroid nodules are a common finding. A high-resolution thyroid nodule clinic (HR-TNC) condenses all tests required for the evaluation of thyroid nodules into a single appointment. We aimed to evaluate the clinical outcomes at HR-TNCs. Design and Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional multicenter study including data from four HR-TNCs in Spain. We evaluated fine-needle aspiration (FNA) indications and the association between clinical and ultrasound characteristics with cytological and histopathological outcomes. Results: A total of 2809 thyroid nodules were included; FNA was performed in 82.1%. Thyroid nodules that underwent FNA were more likely larger, isoechoic, with microcalcifications, and in younger subjects. The rate of nondiagnostic FNA was 4.3%. A solid component, irregular margins or microcalcifications, significantly increased the odds of Bethesda IV-V-VI (vs. Bethesda II). Irregular margins and a solid component were independently associated with increased odds of malignancy. Thyroid nodules <20 mm and ≥20–<40 mm had a 6.5-fold and 3.3-fold increased risk for malignancy respectively in comparison with those ≥40 mm. Conclusion: In this large multicenter study, we found that the presence of a solid component and irregular margins are factors independently related to malignancy in thyroid nodules. Since nodule size ≥40 mm was associated with the lowest odds of malignancy, this cut-off should not be a factor leading to indicate thyroid surgery. HR-TNCs were associated with a low rate of nondiagnostic FNA

Síntesis de la cronoestratigrafía y evolución sedimentaria de los sistemas lacustres evaporíticos y carbonatados neógenos de la Cuenca de Calatayud-Montalbán.

La Cuenca terciaria de Calatayud-Montalbán consta de dos subcuencas diferentes separadas por el umbral de Daroca (Cuenca de Calatayud en el sector septentrional y Cuenca de Montalbán en el sector meridional). Estas cuencas presentan una evolución sedimentaria muy similar de los sistemas lacustres neógenos evaporíticos y carbonáticos, que generalmente ocupan los sectores centrales de ambas depresiones. En la Cuenca de Calatayud, se reconocen tradicionalmente en el Neógeno tres unidades sedimentarias mayores denominadas Unidad Inferior, Intermedia y Superior separadas por dos rupturas sedimentarias principales. Las dos primeras tienen carácter evaporítico, mientras que la última tiene un carácter fluviolacustre. En los sectores centrales de la Cuenca de Montalbán, el sondeo Barrachina-l y las secciones estratigráficas complementarias han permitido apreciar una evolución sedimentaria muy similar para las unidades neógenas, con facies evaporíticas y carbonáticas muy parecidas, aunque con una cronoestratigrafía diferente y la ausencia del registro sedimentario del Mioceno medio a Plioceno. En este trabajo también se describe por vez primera la presencia de un nivel volcanoclástico intercalado entre las facies evaporíticas del Mioceno inferior de la Cuenca de Montalbán. Las asociaciones minerales identificadas en los depósitos lacustres del Mioceno inferiormedio de ambos sectores de la cuenca, muestran una secuencia que evoluciona desde facies lacustres evaporíticas de alto grado de hipersalinidad, hacia facies lacustres evaporíticas de baja-moderada salinidad. Solamente, el registro sedimentario de la Cuenca de Calatayud permite asegurar que esta evolución sedimentaria se completa con la presencia de facies carbonáticas fluviolacustres características de aguas dulces en el Mioceno superior. Esta secuencia de precipitación salina responde a un cambio progresivo en la hidroquímica de los sistemas lacustres relacionado con un cambio gradual de las condiciones climáticas que comenzaría en el Rambliense y se extendería, al menos, durante todo el Mioceno medio. Las diferencias cronoestratigráficas entre los dos sectores de la misma depresión deben estar relacionados con los diferentes condicionantes tectónicos y/o geomorfológicos a los que se han visto sometidas ambas cuencas durante el Mioceno. [ABSTRACT] The Tertiary Calatayud-Montalbán Basin consists of two distinct sub-basins separated by the Daroca High (Calatayud Basin in the northern sector and Montalbán Basin in the southern sector). These basins present a quite similar sedimentary evolution of the Neogene evaporitic and carbonatic lacustrine systems, that generally occupy central locations in both basins. Three main sedimentary units (Lower, Intermediate and Upper units) divided by two main sedimentary breaks are traditionally described in the Calatayud Basin. The Lower and Intermediate units have evaporitic sedimentation, whilst the Upper Unit is tipically freshwater fluviolacustrine sedimentation. In the central areas of the Montalbán basin, the Barrachina-l drill hole and complementary stratigraphic sections showed a very similar sedimentary evolution of the Neogene units, with similar evaporitic and carbonatic facies, but different chronostratigraphy. The Upper MiocenePliocene sedimentary record of the Montalbán Basin is absent. In addition, this work presents the first occurrence of a volcanoclastic layer interbedded in the Lower Miocene evaporitic facies of the Montalbán Basin. The identified mineral assemblages of the lacustrine deposits of both sectors of the basin, show an evolutionary sequence during the Lower-Middle Miocene from hypersaline to lower moderated salinity lacustrine facies. This evolutionary trend is only complete in the sedimentary record of the Calatayud Basin, where freshwater carbonatic fluviolacustrine facies are described in the Upper Miocene. This precipitation sequence is the result of a progressive hydrochemical change of the lacustrine systems related to a climatic change from the Ramblian to the Middle Miocene. Differences in the chronostratigraphy of both basins should be related to distinct tectonic scenarios and/or geomorphologic features during the Miocene

Effect of an admixture from Agave americana on the physical and mechanical properties of plaster

[EN] Physical and mechanical properties of a plaster paste added with an organic admixture, of the leaves of Agave americana, were studied. Plastic consistency behavior was evaluated and the water/gypsum(w/g) ratio was determined for each dosage of the admixture. Admixtur eeffect on setting was evaluated too. The chemical transformation of the hemihydrated form to gypsum (dihydrated form) was studied using a novel technique based on a moisture analyzer by halogen light. Flexural and compressive strengths were measured. The results show that ,for the same consistency, accordingly mechanical strengths were improved too. The setting times were increased which would enhance the application time of plaster and would reduce plastic shrinkage, common problems in this type of material. The changes in these physical properties not substantially affect the final mechanical strengths.Se estudiaron algunas propiedades físicas y mecanicas de pastas de yeso de construcción, adicionadas con un aditivo orgánico, producto de las plantas de agave americana. Se evaluó el comportamiento plástico de la pasta mediante ensayos de consistencia y se determinó, para cada dosificación su relación a/y. Se evluó la incidencia dell aditivo en los tiempos de fraguado. La transformacion de hemihidrato a dihidrato se realizó mediante una novedosa tecnica basada en un analizador de humedad por luz halógena. Se midieron las resistencias mecánicas a flexo-tracción y compresión. Los resultados muestras que, para una misma consistencia se mejoran las resistencias mecánicas. Los tiempos de fraguado de las pastas se aumentaron, lo que ayudaría a mejorar los tiempos de aplicación del yeso y a disminuir las retracciones plásticas. Las modificaciones de estas propiedadesfísicas no afectan considerablemente a las resistencias mecánicas finalesJ.C. Ochoa would like to thank Fundacion Carolina (the Carolina Foundation) for the scholarship granted to conduct this study, Universidad Nacional de Colombia(National University of Colombia) for the time granted, and the Instituto de Ciencia y Tecnologia del Hormigon-ICITECH (Institute of Science and Technology of Concrete) at Universitat Politecnica de Valencia for the human and material resources.Ochoa, J.; Bonilla Salvador, MM.; Borrachero Rosado, MV.; Paya Bernabeu, JJ. (2013). Efecto de un aditivo extraído de la planta Agave americana sobre las propiedades físicas y mecánicas de un yeso. Materiales de Construcción. 63:79-92. doi:10.3989/mc.2013.05111S799263(1) Hornbostel, C.: "Tipos, usos y aplicaciones", Materiales para la Construcción, Limusa S.A y C.V, 2002.Camarini, G., & De Milito, J. A. (2011). Gypsum hemihydrate–cement blends to improve renderings durability. Construction and Building Materials, 25(11), 4121-4125. doi:10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2011.04.048Arikan, M., & Sobolev, K. (2002). The optimization of a gypsum-based composite material. Cement and Concrete Research, 32(11), 1725-1728. doi:10.1016/s0008-8846(02)00858-xÇolak, A. (2006). Physical and mechanical properties of polymer-plaster composites. Materials Letters, 60(16), 1977-1982. doi:10.1016/j.matlet.2005.12.062Rubio-Avalos, J. C., Manzano-Ramírez, A., Luna-Bárcenas, J. G., Pérez-Robles, J. F., Alonso-Guzmán, E. M., Contreras-García, M. E., & González-Hernández, J. (2005). Flexural behavior and microstructure analysis of a gypsum-SBR composite material. Materials Letters, 59(2-3), 230-233. doi:10.1016/j.matlet.2004.07.054Çolak, A. (2001). Characteristics of acrylic latex-modified and partially epoxy-impregnated gypsum. Cement and Concrete Research, 31(11), 1539-1547. doi:10.1016/s0008-8846(01)00575-0Chindaprasirt, P., Boonserm, K., Chairuangsri, T., Vichit-Vadakan, W., Eaimsin, T., Sato, T., & Pimraksa, K. (2011). Plaster materials from waste calcium sulfate containing chemicals, organic fibers and inorganic additives. Construction and Building Materials, 25(8), 3193-3203. doi:10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2011.03.004(8) García Santos, A.: "PPF-reinforced, ESP-lightened gypsum plaster", Mater. Construcc., vol. 59, n° 293 (2009), pp. 105-124.Rubio-Avalos, J. C., Manzano-Ramírez, A., Yañez-Limón, J. M., Contreras-García, M. E., Alonso-Guzmán, E. M., & González-Hernández, J. (2005). Development and characterization of an inorganic foam obtained by using sodium bicarbonate as a gas generator. Construction and Building Materials, 19(7), 543-549. doi:10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2004.12.001Çolak, A. (2000). Density and strength characteristics of foamed gypsum. Cement and Concrete Composites, 22(3), 193-200. doi:10.1016/s0958-9465(00)00008-1(12) Izaguirre, A.; Lanas, J.; Álvarez, J. I.: "Effect of a biodegradable natural polymer on the properties of hardened lime-based mortars", Mater. Construcc., vol. 1, no 302 (2011), pp. 257-274.Chandra, S., Eklund, L., & Villarreal, R. R. (1998). Use of Cactus in Mortars and Concrete. Cement and Concrete Research, 28(1), 41-51. doi:10.1016/s0008-8846(97)00254-8(16) Borrachero, M. V.; Payá, J.; Bonilla, M.; Monzó, J.: "Nuevos procedimientos de análisis termogravimétricos para la caracterización de materiales de construcción: aplicación a yesos". VIII Congreso Nacional de Materiales, (2004), pp. 89-96.(11) Vimmrová, A.; Keppert, M.; Svoboda, L.; .erny´ R.: "Lightweight gypsum composites: Design strategies for multi-functionality", Cem. Concr. Comp., vol. 33, n° 1 (2011).(14) UNE EN-13279-1: Yesos de construcción y conglomerantes a base de yeso para la construcción. Parte 1: Definiciones y especificaciones (2006).(15) UNE EN-13279-2: Yesos de construcción y conglomerantes a base de yeso para la construcción. Parte 2: Métodos de ensayo (2006)

Circulating GDF11 levels are decreased with age but are unchanged with obesity and type 2 diabetes

Growth differentiation factor 11 (GDF11) is a member of the transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) superfamily which declines with age and exerts anti‐aging regenerative effects in skeletal muscle in mice. However, recent data in humans and mice are conflicting casting doubts about its true functional actions. The aim of the present study was to compare the circulating concentrations of GDF11 in individuals of different ages as well as body weight and glycemic status. Serum concentrations of GDF11 were measured by ELISA in 319 subjects. There was a significant increase in GDF11 concentrations in people in the 41‐50 y group and a decline in the elder groups (61‐70 and 71‐80 y groups, P=0.008 for the comparison between all age groups). However, no significant correlation between fat‐free mass index (FFMI), a formula used to estimate the amount of muscle mass in relation to height, and logGDF11 was observed (r=0.08, P=0.197). Moreover, no significant differences in circulating concentrations of GDF11 regarding obesity or glycemic status were found. Serum GDF11 concentrations in humans decrease in older ages being unaltered in obesity and T2D. Further studies should determine the exact pathophysiological role of GDF11 in aging

Evaluation trials of potential input reducing developments in 3 test locations.

The EUPHOROS project is co-funded by the European Commission, Directorate General for Research, within the 7th Framework Programme of RTD, Theme 2 – Biotechnology, Agriculture & Food, contract 211457. The views and opinions expressed in this Deliverable are purely those of the writers and may not in any circumstances be regarded as stating an official position of the European Commission. This Deliverable 5 Annex is the latest updated version in September 2011

Circulating concentrations of GDF11 are positively associated with TSH levels in humans

Growth differentiation factor 11 (GDF11) is a member of the transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta superfamily which declines with age and has been proposed as an anti-aging factor with regenerative effects in skeletal muscle in mice. However, recent data in humans and mice are conflicting, casting doubts about its true functional actions. The aim of the present study was to analyze the potential involvement of GFD11 in energy homeostasis in particular in relation with thyroid hormones. Serum concentrations of GDF11 were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in 287 subjects. A highly significant positive correlation was found between GDF11 and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) concentrations (r = 0.40, p 0.05 for both) with GDF11 levels. In a multiple linear regression analysis, the model that best predicted logGDF11 included logTSH, leptin, body mass index (BMI), age, and C-reactive protein (logCRP). This model explained 37% of the total variability of logGDF11 concentrations (p < 0.001), with only logTSH being a significant predictor of logGDF11. After segregating subjects by TSH levels, those within the low TSH group exhibited significantly decreased (p < 0.05) GDF11 concentrations as compared to the normal TSH group or the high TSH group. A significant correlation of GDF11 levels with logCRP (r = 0.19, p = 0.025) was found. GDF11 levels were not related to the presence of hypertension or cardiopathy. In conclusion, our results show that circulating concentrations of GDF11 are closely associated with TSH concentrations and reduced in subjects with low TSH levels. However, GDF11 is not related to the regulation of energy expenditure. Our data also suggest that GDF11 may be involved in the regulation of inflammation, without relation to cardiac function. Further research is needed to elucidate the role of GDF11 in metabolism and its potential involvement in thyroid pathophysiology