Scaling and aging in the homogeneous cooling state of a granular fluid of hard particles

The presence of the aging phenomenon in the homogeneous cooling state (HCS) of a granular fluid composed of inelastic hard spheres or disks is investigated. As a consequence of the scaling property of the $N$-particle distribution function, it is obtained that the decay of the normalized two-time correlation functions slows down as the time elapsed since the beginning of the measurement increases. This result is confirmed by molecular dynamics simulations for the particular case of the total energy of the system. The agreement is also quantitative in the low density limit, for which an explicit analytical form of the time correlation function has been derived. The reported results also provide support for the existence of the HCS as a solution of the N-particle Liouville equation.Comment: 17 pages, 3 figures; v3 revised version (minor changes, corrected typos, v2=v1 due to a submission error)accepted for publication in J. Phys. A: Math. Theo

Ripples in a string coupled to Glauber spins

Each oscillator in a linear chain (a string) interacts with a local Ising spin in contact with a thermal bath. These spins evolve according to Glauber dynamics. Below a critical temperature, a rippled state in the string is accompanied by a nonzero spin polarization. The system is shown to form ripples in the string which, for slow spin relaxation, vibrates rapidly about quasi-stationary states described as snapshots of a coarse-grained stroboscopic map. For moderate observation times, ripples are observed irrespective of the final thermodynamically stable state (rippled or not).Comment: 5 pages, 2 figure

Phosphoproteomics data classify hematological cancer cell lines according to tumor type and sensitivity to kinase inhibitors

This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited

Recherche et identification des premiers sous-produits d'oxydation de l'isoproturon par le système ozone/peroxyde d'hydrogène

Une solution aqueuse tamponnée par des phosphates (pH initial - 8) dopée en isoproturon (N- (isopropyl-4-phényl)-N-N'-diméthylurée) (~ 20 mg 1-1), a été oxydée par le système perozone, combinant l'ozone et le peroxyde d'hydrogène dans un rapport molaire de 0,5 à 0,6 moles de H2O2 par mole d'ozone. Les disparitions du composé parent, du carbone organique total (COT), du carbone total (CT) et de la consommation d'ozone, ont été suivies au cours de l'oxydation. Les premiers sous-produits d'oxydation, ceux susceptibles de conserver une formulation moléculaire proche de celle du composé initial, et par conséquent de posséder encore une activité toxique, ont été isolés et caractérisés par chromatographie gazeuse couplée à la spectrométrie de masse.Il a été trouvé que l'isoproturon requiert un taux d'oxydation molaire de 10 moles d'ozone par mole d'isoproturon introduit, pour obtenir une élimination complète de cet herbicide. En revanche, le COT n'est pratiquement pas minéralisé, même avec de très forts taux d'ozone, ce qui indique la présence dans le milieu de sous-produits rémanents.La plupart des premiers sous-produits d'oxydation détectés conservent le cycle aromatique dans leur structure, et au moins un atome d'azote, et sont présents à des concentrations significatives. Ces composés semblent aussi réactifs que l'isoproturon vis-à-vis de la perozonation puisqu'ils disparaissent lorsqu'on prolonge l'oxydation. De plus, l'identification de ces sous-produits laisse supposer que l'attaque des radicaux hydroxyles générés par le procédé perozone, entraîne la rupture d'une liaison C-N ou d'une liaison C-H, conduisant à la formation de composés oxygénés.The goal of our study was to identify the initial oxidation by-products (IOBP) of isoproturon (N-(isopropyl 4 phenyl)-N-N'-dimethylurea) formed during a combined ozone/hydrogen peroxide (peroxone system) treatment. Solution of isoproturon (20 mg · l-¹ or 10[sup]4 M) were prepared in ultrapure water buffered with phosphate ions (45.9 mg · l-¹ KH2PO4 + 457.2 mg · l-¹ Na2HPO4) at an initial pH dose to 8 and an ionic strength of about 10-2 mol · l-¹, and in the absence of radical scavengers (bicarbonate ions) and organic matter. Each experiment was conducted in a glass semi-continuous reactor (bubble column, capacity: 2.81, ID=40 mm, H=2 m) with recirculation of the aqueous phase (60-651 · h-¹) counter current to the gaseous phase. Ozonized air produced in the laboratory (TRAILIGAZ Labo 76 apparatus) was applied at the bottom of the column through a porous glass frit (porosity: 15 to 40 µm) at a flow rate of about 2.81 · h-¹ (ozone concentration in gas: 76 to 124 mg l-¹). The hydrogen peroxide solution (dilution from a 30 % solution FLUKA) was introduced at the level of the ozonized air entrance. The applied hydrogen peroxide/ozone molar ratio was equal to about 0.5 (or 0.4 g/g). In the first phase of our work, primary experiments were conducted to determine the efficiency of peroxone oxidation (combined O3/H2O2) in removing isoproturon and carbon. For these experiments, the analysis of isoproturon was performed by HPLC on a SUPELCOSIL C8 column (15 cm x 4.6 mm) with UV detection at 236 nm (WATERS Model 500 pump with SPECTROMONITOR 3100 detector), using a methanol/water carrier phase (50/50 v/v, 1 ml · min-¹). Each five minute during the oxidation, total organic carbon (TOC) and total carbon (TC=TOC + mineral carbon) were controlled with DOHRMANN DC80 carbon analyser. The pH and ozone concentrations were also monitored (ozone introduced and in the off-gas by potassium iodure method, and dissolved ozone by indigotrisulfonate method). Calculation of consumed ozone was obtained by the following equation: consumed O3=introduced O3 - O3 in off-gas - dissolved O3. The results are expressed as curves showing removals of isoproturon, TOC, TC versus the oxidation dosage (as moles of introduced ozone per mole of initial isoproturon). Their interpretation has shown that the complete disappearance of isoproturon is achieved in 12 minutes and requires about 10 moles of ozone per mole of pesticide. However, TOC was removed to only 50% for a three times higher ozone dose (27 moles per mole reached in 30 minutes). The presence of this remaining TOC (65 mg · l-¹) for such high ozone dose indicates that some by-products remain in the solution. These by-products visualised on the HPLC chromatograms for the isoproturon dosage (4 well-separated and significant peaks) seem to be as reactive as pesticide itself because of their disappearance during oxidation.In a second phase of our work, a similar experiment was conducted over a period of 7 minutes for having up to 90% removal of isoproturon. A 1.5 litre of oxidized isoproturon solution was collected for liquid-liquid extraction with methylene dichloride ((50 ml (2 min), 25 ml (2 min), 25 ml (2 min)) after adding acid (HCI to pH 2) and salt (NaCl). After desiccation on anhydrous sodium thiosulphate (Na2SO4) and concentration under nitrogen flow, the methylene dichloride extract (extract A) was analysed by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (VARIAN 3300 coupled with a FINNIGAN ITS 40, on-column injector: 280°C, carrier gas: helium) on DB5 capillary column (50°C to 250°C at 3°C · min), for structural identification of the oxidation by-products. Two other extracts were obtained by the same way and analysed as blanks: the initial isoproturon solution not oxidized (extract B), and the buffer solution without isoproturon oxidized under the same conditions as the pesticide solution (extract C). These two blanks have allowed to distinguish the peaks really appeared after oxidation of those either present before oxidation or produced by the oxidation/extraction of the buffer. The GC/MS chromatogram of extract A has revealed 15 peaks really issued from the oxidation of isoproturon. The molecular weights given by the mass spectra have been correlated by chemical ionisation. The identified oxidation by-products (7 on the 15) are phenylated and/or nitrated compounds which are: 4-isopropylaniline, 4-amino-benzaldehyde, paraquinon, 4-isopropylnitrobenzene, 4-isopropylbenzene-N-for-mamide, N-(4-phenol)-N-N'-dimethylurea or « oxoisoproturon » and N-(isopropyl-4-phenyl)-N-N'- (methyl-formyl) urea. Mechanisms are suggested for the formation of these products from isoproturon. It seems that the hydroxyl radicals (OH) generated by the peroxone system attack either a C-N bond (as in the case of atrazine) or a C-H bond. The subsequent attacks (OH· or O3, O2) lead to the formation of oxygenated molecules (alcohol, carboxyl groups)

Conditioned place avoidance in the planaria Schmidtea mediterranea: A pre-clinical invertebrate model of anxiety-related disorders

The objective of the present study was to develop a model of avoidance learning and its extinction in planarians (Schmidtea mediterranea). Based on previous experiments showing conditioned place preference, we developed a procedure to investigate conditioned place avoidance (CPA) using shock as an unconditioned stimulus (US) and an automated tracking system to record the animals’ behaviour. In Experiment 1, we assessed the unconditioned properties of different shock intensities by measuring post shock activity. In two subsequent experiments we investigated CPA using different designs, surfaces as conditioned stimuli (CSs; rough and smooth), and different US intensities (5V and 10V). In general, we observed the successful development of CPA. However, CPA was stronger with higher shock intensities, and we found that, in our preparation, a rough surface is best at entering into an association with the shock than a smooth surface. Finally, we also observed extinction of CPA. The evidence of CPA and its extinction in flatworms validates the planaria as a pre-clinical model for the study of avoidance learning, a hallmark of anxiety disorders

Biomechanical and histological analysis of titanium (machined and treated surface) versus zirconia implant materials: an in vivo animal study

This article belongs to the Special Issue Clinical Implants and the Biocompatibility of Biodegradable BiomaterialsObjectives: The aim of this study was to perform an in vivo histological comparative evaluation of bone formation around titanium (machined and treated surface) and zirconia implants. For the present study were used 50 commercially pure titanium implants grade IV, being that 25 implants with a machined surface (TiM group), 25 implants with a treated surface (TiT group) and, 25 implants were manufactured in pure zirconia (Zr group). The implants (n = 20 per group) were installed in the tibia of 10 rabbits. The implants distribution was randomized (n = 3 implants per tibia). Five implants of each group were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy and an optical laser profilometer for surface roughness characterization. Six weeks after the implantation, 10 implants for each group were removed in counter-torque for analysis of maximum torque value. The remaining samples were processed, included in historesin and cut to obtain non-decalcified slides for histomorphological analyses and histomorphometric measurement of the percentage of bone-implant contact (BIC%). Comparisons were made between the groups using a 5% level of significance (p < 0.05) to assess statistical differences. The results of removal torque values (mean ± standard deviation) showed for the TiM group 15.9 ± 4.18 N cm, for TiT group 27.9 ± 5.15 N cm and for Zr group 11.5 ± 2.92 N cm, with significant statistical difference between the groups (p < 0.0001). However, the BIC% presented similar values for all groups (35.4 ± 4.54 for TiM group, 37.8 ± 4.84 for TiT group and 34.0 ± 6.82 for Zr group), with no statistical differences (p = 0.2171). Within the limitations of the present study, the findings suggest that the quality of the new bone tissue formed around the titanium implants present a superior density (maturation) in comparison to the zirconia implants

Glauber slow dynamics of the magnetization in a molecular Ising chain

The slow dynamics (10^-6 s - 10^4 s) of the magnetization in the paramagnetic phase, predicted by Glauber for 1d Ising ferromagnets, has been observed with ac susceptibility and SQUID magnetometry measurements in a molecular chain comprising alternating Co{2+} spins and organic radical spins strongly antiferromagnetically coupled. An Arrhenius behavior with activation energy Delta=152 K has been observed for ten decades of relaxation time and found to be consistent with the Glauber model. We have extended this model to take into account the ferrimagnetic nature of the chain as well as its helicoidal structure.Comment: 4 pages, 4 figures (low resolution), 16 references. Submitted to Physical Review Letter

Low cadmium concentration in whole blood from residents of Northern Sardinia (Italy) with special reference to smoking habits

Introduction. The present study was initiated to investigate the cadmium concentrations in whole blood of Northern Sardinian, non-occupationally exposed adult subjects. Sardinia is a large Italian island which differs genetically and environmentally from other mainland Italian areas. Methods. Two hundred and forty-three adults (157 females and 86 males) were selected in the study area from subjects who were undergoing blood collection for laboratory analysis during the period January 2005-May 2005. Whole blood was analysed by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometer equipped with a Zeeman-effect background corrector (Perkin Elmer ZL5100) and an auto sampler. The adopted analytical procedure uses the Stabilized Platform Temperature Furnace (STPF) technique. Results. The mean value of Blood Cadmium Concentration (BCdC), expressed as Geometric Mean, was 0.32 mg/l (CI 95%: 0.31-0.34 mg/l) significantly ranging from 0.27 mg/l (CI 95%: 0.26-0.29 mg/l) in non-smokers to 0.34 mg/l (CI 95%: 0.30-0.39 mg/l) in ex-smokers up to 0.47 mg/l (CI 95%: 0.42-0.53 mg/l) in smokers (p inf. 0.0001). Discussion. The results show that BCdC levels in Northern Sar- dinian non-occupationally exposed adults are lower than levels found in many other regions, including those within Italy. Nev- ertheless, similar values have been detected in other European countries and cities. Conclusions. In relation to other reports in which data were analysed by strata for smoking habit and age, we found similar BCdC values among non smokers. However, Sardinian smokers seem to show lower levels of blood cadmium

Medida de adherencia al tratamiento en pacientes con hiperuricemia o gota

Objetivos: Medir la adherencia a los medicamentos antigotosos en pacientes con hiperuricemia o gota y determinar los factores asociados a la adherencia en el tratamiento antigotoso. Método: Estudio observacional descriptivo transversal llevado a cabo en Farmacia Gómez Parera, Armilla (Granada). Se incluyeron pacientes mayores de 18 años con prescripción médica para el tratamiento de la hiperuricemia o gota. Se midió la uricemia (Refloton®) y la adherencia al tratamiento mediante el cuestionario BMQ (The Brief Medication Questionnaire). Se realizó un análisis de regresión logística multivariante para estudiar la relación entre la uricemia y los distintos factores asociados. Resultados: Se incluyeron 19 pacientes, donde el 89,5% fueron hombres. La media de edad fue de 65,5 (DE: 12,94) años. El valor medio de uricemia fue de 6,03 (DE 2,06). Como resultado del BMQ se obtuvo que solo 10,5% era adherente al tratamiento antigotoso y por cada punto de aumento en el recuento del BMQ, aumenta por término medio 2,65 mg/dl el AU en sangre. Las variables incluidas explicaron un 64,1% de la variabilidad de la uricemia en el modelo. Conclusiones: Los pacientes que toman medicamentos para la gota o la hiperuricemia, tienen baja adherencia al tratamiento y los valores de AU en sangre están relacionados con el grado de adherencia al tratamiento de estos pacientes.Aim: To measure the gout medication adherence in patients with hyperuricemia or gout and to determine the factors associated with adherence to anti-gout treatment. Method: Cross-sectional observational study conducted in Pharmacy Gomez Parera, Armilla (Granada). We included patients older than 18 with medical prescription to treat hyperuricemia or gout. Uric acid was measured (Refloton ®) and adherence to treatment by the questionnaire BMQ (The Brief Medication Questionnaire). Performed a multivariate logistic regression analysis to study the relationship between serum uric acid and the various associated factors. Results: We included 19 patients, where 89.5% were men. The mean age was 65.5 (SD: 12.94) years. The average value was 6.03 uricemia (SD 2.06). BMQ as a result it was found that only 10.5% were adherent and anti-gout treatment for each point increase in the count of BMQ increases averaged 2.65 mg / dl blood AU. The variables included explained 64.1% of the variability in the model uricemia. Conclusions: Patients who take medicine for gout or hyperuricemia, have low adherence to therapy and blood AU values are related to the degree of adherence to treatment of these patients

Adhesion measurement to the treatmentin patients with hyperuricemia or gout.

Objetivos: Medir la adherencia a los medicamentos antigotosos en pacientes con hiperuricemia o gota y determinar los factores asociados a la adherencia en el tratamiento antigotoso.Método: Estudio observacional descriptivo transversal llevado a cabo en Farmacia Gómez Parera, Armilla (Granada). Se incluyeron pacientes mayores de 18 años con prescripción médica para el tratamiento de la hiperuricemia o gota. Se midió la uricemia (Refloton®) y la adherencia al tratamiento mediante el cuestionario BMQ (The Brief Medication Questionnaire). Se realizó un análisis de regresión logística multivariante para estudiar la relación entre la uricemia y los distintos factores asociados.Resultados: Se incluyeron 19 pacientes, donde el 89,5% fueron hombres. La media de edad fue de 65,5 (DE: 12,94) años. El valor medio de uricemia fue de 6,03 (DE 2,06). Como resultado del BMQ se obtuvo que solo 10,5% era adherente al tratamiento antigotoso y por cada punto de aumento en el recuento del BMQ, aumenta por término medio 2,65 mg/dl el AU en sangre. Las variables incluidas explicaron un 64,1% de la variabilidad de la uricemia en el modelo.Conclusiones: Los pacientes que toman medicamentos para la gota o la hiperuricemia, tienen baja adherencia al tratamiento y los valores de AU en sangre están relacionados con el grado de adherencia al tratamiento de estos pacientes.Aim: To measure the gout medication adherence in patients with hyperuricemia or gout and to determine the factors associated with adherence to anti-gout treatment.Method: Cross-sectional observational study conducted in Pharmacy Gomez Parera, Armilla (Granada). We included patients older than 18 with medical prescription to treat hyperuricemia or gout. Uric acid was measured (Refloton ®) and adherence to treatment by the questionnaire BMQ (The Brief Medication Questionnaire). Performed a multivariate logistic regression analysis to study the relationship between serum uric acid and the various associated factors.Results: We included 19 patients, where 89.5% were men. The mean age was 65.5 (SD: 12.94) years. The average value was 6.03 uricemia (SD 2.06). BMQ as a result it was found that only 10.5% were adherent and anti-gout treatment for each point increase in the count of BMQ increases averaged 2.65 mg / dl blood AU. The variables included explained 64.1% of the variability in the model uricemia.Conclusions: Patients who take medicine for gout or hyperuricemia, have low adherence to therapy and blood AU values are related to the degree of adherence to treatment of these patient