The stochastic background from cosmic (super)strings: popcorn and (Gaussian) continuous regimes

In the era of the next generation of gravitational wave experiments a stochastic background from cusps of cosmic (super)strings is expected to be probed and, if not detected, to be significantly constrained. A popcorn-like background can be, for part of the parameter space, as pronounced as the (Gaussian) continuous contribution from unresolved sources that overlap in frequency and time. We study both contributions from unresolved cosmic string cusps over a range of frequencies relevant to ground based interferometers, such as LIGO/Virgo second generation (AdLV) and Einstein Telescope (ET) third generation detectors, the space antenna LISA and Pulsar Timing Arrays (PTA). We compute the sensitivity (at $2 \sigma$ level) in the parameter space for AdLV, ET, LISA and PTA. We conclude that the popcorn regime is complementary to the continuous background. Its detection could therefore enhance confidence in a stochastic background detection and possibly help determine fundamental string parameters such as the string tension and the reconnection probability.Comment: 21 pages, 11 figures ; revised version after correction of a typo in eq. 4.

\u3cem\u3eIn vitro\u3c/em\u3e Analysis of Nanoparticulate Hydroxyapatite/Chitosan Composites as Potential Drug Delivery Platforms for the Sustained Release of Antibiotics in the Treatment of Osteomyelitis

Nanoparticulate composites of hydroxyapatite (HAp) and chitosan were synthesized by ultrasound-assisted sequential precipitation and characterized for their microstructure at the atomic scale, surface charge, drug release properties, and combined antibacterial and osteogenic response. Crystallinity of HAp nanoparticles was reduced because of the interference of the surface layers of chitosan with the dissolution/reprecipitation-mediated recrystallization mechanism that conditions the transition from the as-precipitated amorphous calcium phosphate phase to the most thermodynamically stable one—HAp. Embedment of 5–10 nm sized, narrowly dispersed HAp nanoparticles within the polymeric matrix mitigated the burst release of the small molecule model drug, fluorescein, bound to HAp by physisorption, and promoted sustained-release kinetics throughout the 3 weeks of release time. The addition of chitosan to the particulate drug carrier formulation, however, reduced the antibacterial efficacy against S aureus. Excellent cell spreading and proliferation of osteoblastic MC3T3-E1 cells evidenced on microscopic conglomerates of HAp nanoparticles in vitro also markedly diminished on HAp/chitosan composites. Mitochondrial dehydrogenase activity exhibited normal values only for HAp/chitosan particle concentrations of up to 2 mg/cm2 and significantly dropped, by about 50%, at higher particle concentrations (4 and 8 mg/cm2). The gene expression of osteocalcin, a mineralization inductor, and the transcription factor Runx2 was downregulated in cells incubated in the presence of 3 mg/cm2 HAp/chitosan composite particles, whereas the expression of osteopontin, a potent mineralization inhibitor, was upregulated, further demonstrating the partially unfavorable osteoblastic cell response to the given particles. The peak in the expression of osteogenic markers paralleling the osteoblastic differentiation was also delayed most for the cell population incubated with HAp/chitosan particles. Overall, the positive effect of chitosan coating on the drug elution profile of HAp nanoparticles as carriers for the controlled delivery of antibiotics in the treatment of osteomyelitis was compensated for by the lower bacteriostatic efficiency and the comparatively unviable cell response to the composite material, especially at higher dosages

Phase Composition Control of Calcium Phosphate Nanoparticles for Tunable Drug Delivery Kinetics and Treatment of Osteomyelitis. Part 2: Antibacterial and Osteoblastic Response

Osteomyelitis has been traditionally treated by the combination of long-term antibiotic therapies and surgical removal of diseased tissue. The multifunctional material was developed in this study with the aim to improve this therapeutic approach by: (a) enabling locally delivered and sustained release of antibiotics at a tunable rate, so as to eliminate the need for repetitive administration of systemically distributed antibiotics; and (b) controllably dissolving itself, so as to promote natural remineralization of the portion of bone lost to disease. We report hereby on the effect of the previously synthesized calcium phosphates (CAPs) with tunable solubilities and drug release time scales on bacterial and osteoblastic cell cultures. All CAP powders exhibited satisfying antibacterial performance against Staphylococcus aureus, the main causative agent of osteomyelitis. Still, owing to its highest drug adsorption efficiency, the most bacteriostatically effective phase was amorphous CAP with the minimal inhibitory concentration of less than 1 mg/ml. At the same time, the positive cell response and osteogenic effect of the antibiotic-loaded CAP particles was confirmed in vitro for all the sparsely soluble CAP phases. Adsorption of the antibiotic onto CAP particles reversed the deleterious effect that the pure antibiotic exerted on the osteogenic activity of the osteoblastic cells. The simultaneous osteogenic and antimicrobial performance of the material developed in this study, altogether with its ability to exhibit sustained drug release, may favor its consideration as a material base for alternative therapeutic approaches to prolonged antibiotic administration and surgical debridement typically prescribed in the treatment of osteomyelitis

Simultaneous Bactericidal and Osteogenic Effect of Nanoparticulate Calcium Phosphate Powders Loaded with Clindamycin on Osteoblasts Infected with \u3cem\u3eStaphylococcus Aureus\u3c/em\u3e

S aureus internalized by bone cells and shielded from the immune system provides a reservoir of bacteria in recurring osteomyelitis. Its targeting by the antibiotic therapy may thus be more relevant for treating chronic bone infection than eliminating only the pathogens colonizing the bone matrix. Assessed was the combined osteogenic and antibacterial effect of clindamycinloaded calcium phosphate nanoparticles of different monophasic compositions on co-cultures comprising osteoblasts infected with S aureus. Antibiotic-carrying particles were internalized by osteoblasts and minimized the concentration of intracellular bacteria. In vitro treatments of the infected cells, however, could not prevent cell necrosis due to the formation of toxic byproducts of the degradation of the bacterium. Antibiotic-loaded particles had a positive morphological effect on osteoblasts per se, without reducing their viability, alongside stimulating upregulation of expression of different bone growth markers in infected osteoblasts to a higher degree than achieved during the treatment with antibiotic only

Impact of family in-home quality time on person travel demand

This paper introduces the concept of Primary Family Priority Time (PFPT), which represents a high priority household decision to spend time together for in-home activities. PFPT is incorporated into a fully specified and operational activity based (AB) discrete choice model system for Copenhagen, called COMPAS, using the DaySim software platform. Structural tests and estimation results identify two important findings. First, PFPT belongs high in the model hierarchy, and second, strong interactions exist between PFPT and the other day level activity components of the model system. Forecasts are generated for a road pricing and congestion scenario by COMPAS and a comparison version of the model system that excludes PFPT. COMPAS with PFPT exhibits less mode changing and time-of-day shifting in response to pricing and congestion than the comparison version

Simulation of underground gravity gradients from stochastic seismic fields

We present results obtained from a finite-element simulation of seismic displacement fields and of gravity gradients generated by those fields. The displacement field is constructed by a plane wave model with a 3D isotropic stochastic field and a 2D fundamental Rayleigh field. The plane wave model provides an accurate representation of stationary fields from distant sources. Underground gravity gradients are calculated as acceleration of a free test mass inside a cavity. The results are discussed in the context of gravity-gradient noise subtraction in third generation gravitational-wave detectors. Error analysis with respect to the density of the simulated grid leads to a derivation of an improved seismometer placement inside a 3D array which would be used in practice to monitor the seismic field.Comment: 24 pages, 12 figure

Accessibility of the Pre-Big-Bang Models to LIGO

The recent search for a stochastic background of gravitational waves with LIGO interferometers has produced a new upper bound on the amplitude of this background in the 100 Hz region. We investigate the implications of the current and future LIGO results on pre-Big-Bang models of the early Universe, determining the exclusion regions in the parameter space of the minimal pre-Big Bang scenario. Although the current LIGO reach is still weaker than the indirect bound from Big-Bang nucleosynthesis, future runs by LIGO, in the coming year, and by Advanced LIGO (~2009) should further constrain the parameter space, and in some parts surpass the Big-Bang nucleosynthesis bound. It will be more diffcult to constrain the parameter space in non-minimal pre-Big-Bang models, which are characterized by multiple cosmological phases in the yet not well understood stringy phase, and where the higher-order curvature and/or quantum-loop corrections in the string effective action should be included.Comment: 8 pages, 8 figure

Use of high-energy ionizing radiation for microbiological decontamination of coastal soil in the Kolubara river basin, Serbia

The Kolubara river pollutes the coastal land in the river basin and makes it unsuitable for agricultural activities in that area. Also, contaminated land poses a risk to the environment. Different methods can be used for soil decontamination. These methods include biological treatment/bioremediation, chemical oxidation, soil stabilization, physical methods, such as soil leaching, or treatment with high-energy ionizing radiation. Gamma irradiation of soil is a well-known method of inhibiting microbial activity. This paper investigated the influence of different doses and dose rates of gamma irradiation on microorganisms' decontamination of coastal soil, in the Kolubara river basin. The irradiation effects on reducing the total number of microorganisms and removing mold and pathogenic bacteria from soil samples were examined. Gamma radiation affects the soil's organic matter, causing the formation of free reactive radicals, which act as reducing and oxidizing agents, cleaving C-C bonds, and depolymerizing carbohydrates. It was found that a dose of 3 kGy of gamma radiation, neutralizes all pathogenic bacteria, a dose of 5 kGy deactivates mold in soil samples, and a dose of 10 kGy is optimal to kill all microorganisms in the samples and sterilize exposed soil. The research showed that the dose rate does not significantly affect microbiological decontamination of soil using gamma irradiation. The content of heavy metals in soil was determined, and the obtained values were compared with the remediation limit values prescribed by the regulations. It was concluded that the content of heavy metals in the analyzed soil samples is below the limit of remediation values. The only exception is the slightly increased copper content in one sample. The result of this research is the conclusion that the coastal land from the Kolubara basin can be decontaminated by gamma radiation treatment. This advanced soil treatment technology is available in Serbia because there is an industrial plant for gamma radiation treatment within the Vinča Institute

Treatment of Diabetic Ketoacidosis Associated With Antipsychotic Medication Literature Review

This work was funded by the Croatian Science Foundation grant No UIP- 2014-09-1245 Biomarkers in schizophrenia - integration of complementary methods in longitudinal follow up of first episode psychosis patients. The authors received no other funding for this work