Carnot, Stirling, and Ericsson stochastic heat engines: Efficiency at maximum power.

This work uses the low-dissipation strategy to obtain efficiency at maximum power from a stochastic heat engine performing Carnot-, Stirling- and Ericsson-like cycles at finite time. The heat engine consists of a colloidal particle trapped by optical tweezers, in contact with two thermal baths at different temperatures, namely hot (T_{h}) and cold (T_{c}). The particle dynamics is characterized by a Langevin equation with time-dependent control parameters bounded to a harmonic potential trap. In a low-dissipation approach, the equilibrium properties of the system are required, which in our case, can be calculated through a statelike equation for the mean value 〈x^{2}〉_{eq} coming from a macroscopic expression associated with the Langevin equation.

Reply to "Comment on 'Non-Markovian harmonic oscillator across a magnetic field and time-dependent force fields' ".

Recently in a paper by Hidalgo-Gonzalez and Jiménez-Aquino [Phys. Rev. E 100, 062102 (2019)PREHBM2470-004510.1103/PhysRevE.100.062102], the generalized Fokker-Planck equation (GFPE) for a Brownian harmonic oscillator in a constant magnetic field and under the action of time-dependent force fields, has been explicitly calculated using the characteristic function method. Although the problem is linear it is not easy to solve, however, the method of the characteristic function is effective and allows to obtain an exact and precise solution of the problem. Our theoretical result has been compared with the one reported by Das et al. in a recently submitted paper [arXiv:2011.09771] using another solution method. The proposed method consists in constructing the GFPE and then calculating each time-dependent coefficient associated with this equation. However, in a more complicated case, one cannot know a priori the exact number of terms that this equation must contain. The precise number is further provided by the characteristic function method.

Acerola (Malpighia glabra L.) and guava (Psidium guayaba L.) industrial processing by-products stimulate probiotic Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium growth and induce beneficial changes in colonic microbiota.

AIMS: This study evaluated whether by-products from industrial processing of acerola (Malpighia glabra L.; AB) and guava (Psidium guajava L.; GB) fruit may stimulate the growth and metabolism of probiotic Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium and induce changes in human colonic microbiota. METHODS AND RESULTS: The ability of non-digested and digested AB or GB to stimulate the growth ad metabolism of Lactobacillus acidophilus LA-05, Lactobacillus casei L-26 and Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis BB-12 was evaluated. Changes in populations of distinct bacterial groups of human colonic microbiota induced by digested AB and GB were evaluated using an in vitro colonic fermentation system. Non-digested and digested AB and GB favoured probiotic growth. No difference among counts of probiotics in media with glucose, fructooligosaccharides and non-digested and digested AB and GB was found during a 48-h cultivation. Cultivation of probiotics in media with non-digested and digested AB and GB resulted in decreased pH, increased organic acid production and sugar consumption over time. Digested AB and GB caused overall beneficial changes in abundance of Bifidobacterium spp., Lactobacillus-Enterococcus, Eubacterium rectall-Clostridium coccoides and Bacteroides-Provotella populations, besides to decrease the pH and increase the short-chain fatty acid production during a 24-h in vitro colonic fermentation. CONCLUSION: AB and GB could be novel prebiotic ingredients because they can stimulate the growth and metabolism of probiotics and induce overall beneficial changes in human colonic microbiota. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: AB and GB stimulated the growth and metabolism of probiotics, in addition to induce beneficial alterations in human colonic microbiota composition and increase short-chain fatty acid production. These results characterize AB and GB as potential prebiotic ingredients and fruit processing by-products as sources of added-value compounds.

Tailoring the physical and chemical properties of Sn1-xCoxO2 nanoparticles: an experimental and theoretical approach.

In this work, we present a coupled experimental and theoretical first-principles investigation on one of the more promising oxide-diluted magnetic semiconductors, the Sn1-xCoxO2 nanoparticle system, in order to see the effect of cobalt doping on the physical and chemical properties. Our findings suggest that progressive surface enrichment with dopant ions plays an essential role in the monotonous quenching of the surface disorder modes. That weakening is associated with the passivation of the oxygen vacancies as the Co excess at the surface becomes larger. Room-temperature 119Sn Mössbauer spectroscopy data analysis revealed the occurrence of a distribution of isomer shifts, related to the different non-equivalent surroundings of Sn4+ ions and the coexistence of Sn2+/Sn4+ at the particle surfaces provoked by the inhomogeneous distribution of Co ions, in agreement with the X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy measurements. Magnetic measurements revealed a paramagnetic behavior of the Co ions dispersed in the rutile-type matrix with antiferromagnetic correlations, which become stronger as the Co content is increased. Theoretical calculations show that a defect with two Co mediated by a nearby oxygen vacancy is the most likely defect. The predicted effects of this defect complex are in accordance with the experimental results.

Non-Markovian harmonic oscillator across a magnetic field and time-dependent force fields.

We study the non-Markovian Brownian motion of an electrically charged harmonic oscillator through the action of both a constant magnetic field and time-dependent force fields. The generalized Langevin equation with a friction memory kernel is used to derive the generalized phase-space Fokker-Planck equation for the harmonic oscillator in the absence and in the presence of time-dependent force fields. To achieve our goal, the characteristic function method is applied to obtain, in an accurate way, the theoretical description of the problem. We explicitly calculate the correlation and cross-correlation functions for the position and velocity vectors. We show that the relevant physics behind the theory is contained in the generalized diffusion coefficient, which accounts for the natural coupling between both the harmonic oscillator and magnetic field. Our theoretical results are compared with those previously reported in the literature.

[Review of femoral component with proximal metaphyseal reconstruction using allograft cortical struts in a multioperated patient. Case report]. / Revisión de componente femoral con reconstrucción metafisaria proximal con aloinjerto óseo en lajas en paciente multioperado. Reporte de caso.

INTRODUCTION: Periprosthetic hip fractures are those that occur at the femoral and acetabular level. These fractures are associated with a wide variety of problems such as comminution, loose of bone stock and loosening of the femoral stem. Treatment of these fractures has historically been associated with high rates of treatment failures, complications and unsatisfactory outcomes. OBJECTIVE: To present the clinical-radiographic case of the treatment of a periprosthetic hip fracture, with a femoral revision and metaphyseal reconstruction with cortical strut allograft and cerclage cables, in a multioperated patient. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We present the case of a patient with a dislocation of a revision total hip prosthesis with a periprosthetic fracture type B3 of the Vancouver classification, who underwent a revision of the femoral component and a proximal metaphyseal reconstruction of the femur with cortical strut allograft and cerclage cables. RESULTS: The patient had an adequate evolution at the postoperative year, walking with a cane, radiographic control with adequate congruence of the prosthetic components and data of consolidation of the fracture. DISCUSSION: In the treatment of periprosthetic fractures, reconstruction can be done with use of cortical strut allograft and cerclage cables, with good functional and radiological results.

INTRODUCCIÓN: Las fracturas periprotésicas de cadera son aquéllas que ocurren a nivel femoral y acetabular. A estas fracturas se asocia una amplia variedad de problemas como la conminución, la pérdida ósea y con frecuencia el aflojamiento del vástago femoral. El tratamiento de estas fracturas ha estado históricamente asociado a altas tasas de fracasos del tratamiento, de complicaciones y de resultados insatisfactorios. OBJETIVO: Presentar el caso clínico-radiográfico del tratamiento de una fractura periprotésica con revisión femoral y reconstrucción metafisaria con lajas de cortical y cables de acero en un paciente multioperado. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Se presenta el caso de un paciente con luxación de prótesis total de cadera izquierda de revisión + fractura periprotésica Vancouver B3, a quien se le realiza revisión de componente femoral y reconstrucción metafisaria proximal de fémur con aloinjerto óseo en lajas y fijación con cables de acero. RESULTADOS: El paciente cursa con adecuada evolución al año de postoperado, deambulando con apoyo de bastón, control radiográfico y adecuada congruencia de los componentes protésicos y datos de consolidación de la fractura. DISCUSIÓN: En el tratamiento de las fracturas periprotésicas es posible recurrir a la reconstrucción mediante el uso de aloinjertos en laja de cortical, cerclados con cables de acero, con buenos resultados funcionales y radiológicos.

Regional process redesign of lung cancer care: a learning health system pilot project.

BACKGROUND: The Ottawa Hospital (toh) defined delay to timely lung cancer care as a system design problem. Recognizing the patient need for an integrated journey and the need for dynamic alignment of providers, toh used a learning health system (lhs) vision to redesign regional diagnostic processes. A lhs is driven by feedback utilizing operational and clinical information to drive system optimization and innovation. An essential component of a lhs is a collaborative platform that provides connectivity across silos, organizations, and professions. METHODS: To operationalize a lhs, we developed the Ottawa Health Transformation Model (ohtm) as a consensus approach that addresses process barriers, resistance to change, and conflicting priorities. A regional Community of Practice (cop) was established to engage stakeholders, and a dedicated transformation team supported process improvements and implementation. RESULTS: The project operationalized the lung cancer diagnostic pathway and optimized patient flow from referral to initiation of treatment. Twelve major processes in referral, review, diagnostics, assessment, triage, and consult were redesigned. The Ottawa Hospital now provides a diagnosis to 80% of referrals within the provincial target of 28 days. The median patient journey from referral to initial treatment decreased by 48% from 92 to 47 days. CONCLUSIONS: The initiative optimized regional integration from referral to initial treatment. Use of a lhs lens enabled the creation of a system that is standardized to best practice and open to ongoing innovation. Continued transformation initiatives across the continuum of care are needed to incorporate best practice and optimize delivery systems for regional populations.

Beneficial effects of acute trans-resveratrol supplementation in treated hypertensive patients with endothelial dysfunction.

Endothelial dysfunction is a surrogate marker of cardiovascular risk. Resveratrol is known to improve endothelial function in animals, however, clinical trials are limited. We hypothesized that the acute trans-resveratrol supplementation improves endothelial function in treated hypertensive patients with endothelial dysfunction. Twenty-four hypertensive patients between 45 and 65 years-old with baseline endothelial dysfunction were enrolled in a randomized, cross-over, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Individuals received either a single dose of trans-resveratrol (300 mg) or placebo and were crossed-over after a one-week washout period. Blood pressure (BP) measurements, aortic systolic blood pressure (SBP) and brachial flow-mediated dilation (FMD) were performed before and 1.5 hours after the intervention. FMD was significantly increased in women (4.2 ± 0.5 vs 7.1 ± 1.3%, p = 0.026) but not in men (4.4 ± 0.9 vs 4.9 ± 0.8%, p = 0.588) in the trans-resveratrol group. There was no statistical difference between baseline and final values of brachial BP and also no changes in aortic SBP. Patients with higher low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol had better FMD response to trans-resveratrol than patients with lower LDL cholesterol (7.4 ± 1.2 vs 4.3 ± 1.0%, p = 0.004). Our study demonstrated that the acute supplementation of trans-resveratrol promoted an improvement in endothelial function, especially in women and those with higher LDL-cholesterol, despite no changes in BP. List of Abbreviation: Aix: augmentation index; AP: augmentation pressure; BP: blood pressure; BMI: body Mass Index; CVD: cardiovascular disease; FMD: flow-mediated dilation; FRS: Framingham Risk Score; HDL: high-density lipoprotein; LDL: low-density lipoprotein; NO: nitric oxide; SPSS: Statistical Package for Social Sciences; ROS: reactive oxygen species; SBP: systolic blood pressure; TG: triglycerides.

HRTEM Microstructural Characterization of ß-WO3 Thin Films Deposited by Reactive RF Magnetron Sputtering.

Though tungsten trioxide (WO3) in bulk, nanosphere, and thin film samples has been extensively studied, few studies have been dedicated to the crystallographic structure of WO3 thin films. In this work, the evolution from amorphous WO3 thin films to crystalline WO3 thin films is discussed. WO3 thin films were fabricated on silicon substrates (Si/SiO2) by RF reactive magnetron sputtering. Once a thin film was deposited, two successive annealing treatments were made: an initial annealing at 400 °C for 6 h was followed by a second annealing at 350 °C for 1 h. Film characterization was carried out by X-ray diffraction (XRD), high-resolution electron transmission microscopy (HRTEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and atomic force microscopy (AFM) techniques. The ß-WO3 final phase grew in form of columnar crystals and its growth plane was determined by HRTEM.

[Ataxia telangiectasia-like disorder -a child with a novel variant in MRE11A gene]. / Ataxia-telangiectasia like: una adolescente portadora de una nueva variante del gen MRE11A.

TITLE: Ataxia-telangiectasia like: una adolescente portadora de una nueva variante del gen MRE11A.

Non-Markovian barotropic-type and Hall-type fluctuation relations in crossed electric and magnetic fields.

In this paper we derive the non-Markovian barotropic-type and Hall-type fluctuation relations for noninteracting charged Brownian particles embedded in a memory heat bath and under the action of crossed electric and magnetic fields. We first obtain a more general non-Markovian fluctuation relation formulated within the context of a generalized Langevin equation with arbitrary friction memory kernel and under the action of a constant magnetic field and an arbitrary time-dependent electric field. It is shown that this fluctuation relation is related to the total amount of an effective work done on the charged particle as it is driven out of equilibrium by the applied time-dependent electric field. Both non-Markovian barotropic- and Hall-type fluctuation relations are then derived when the electric field is assumed to be also a constant vector pointing along just one axis. In the Markovian limit, we show explicitly that they reduce to the same results reported in the literature.

Non-Markovian work fluctuation theorem in crossed electric and magnetic fields.

The validity of the transient work fluctuation theorem for a charged Brownian harmonic oscillator embedded in a non-Markovian heat bath and under the action of crossed electric and magnetic fields is investigated. The aforementioned theorem is verified to be valid within the context of the generalized Langevin equation with an arbitrary memory kernel and arbitrary dragging in the potential minimum. The fluctuation-dissipation relation of the second kind is assumed to be valid and shows that the non-Markovian stochastic dynamics associated with the particle, in the absence of the external time-dependent electric field, reaches an equilibrium state, as is precisely demanded by such a relation. The Jarzynski equality in this problem is also analyzed.

SPARC (secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine) knockdown protects mice from acute liver injury by reducing vascular endothelial cell damage.

Secreted protein, acidic and rich in cysteine (SPARC) is involved in many biological process including liver fibrogenesis, but its role in acute liver damage is unknown. To examine the role of SPARC in acute liver injury, we used SPARC knock-out (SPARC(-/-)) mice. Two models of acute liver damage were used: concanavalin A (Con A) and the agonistic anti-CD95 antibody Jo2. SPARC expression levels were analyzed in liver samples from patients with acute-on-chronic alcoholic hepatitis (AH). SPARC expression is increased on acute-on-chronic AH patients. Knockdown of SPARC decreased hepatic damage in the two models of liver injury. SPARC(-/-) mice showed a marked reduction in Con A-induced necroinflammation. Infiltration by CD4+ T cells, expression of tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-6 and apoptosis were attenuated in SPARC(-/-) mice. Sinusoidal endothelial cell monolayer was preserved and was less activated in Con A-treated SPARC(-/-) mice. SPARC knockdown reduced Con A-induced autophagy of cultured human microvascular endothelial cells (HMEC-1). Hepatic transcriptome analysis revealed several gene networks that may have a role in the attenuated liver damaged found in Con A-treated SPARC(-/-) mice. SPARC has a significant role in the development of Con A-induced severe liver injury. These results suggest that SPARC could represent a therapeutic target in acute liver injury.

Detection of weak signals in memory thermal baths.

The nonlinear relaxation time and the statistics of the first passage time distribution in connection with the quasideterministic approach are used to detect weak signals in the decay process of the unstable state of a Brownian particle embedded in memory thermal baths. The study is performed in the overdamped approximation of a generalized Langevin equation characterized by an exponential decay in the friction memory kernel. A detection criterion for each time scale is studied: The first one is referred to as the receiver output, which is given as a function of the nonlinear relaxation time, and the second one is related to the statistics of the first passage time distribution.

[Utility of a structured bone allograft for acetabular defects in the setting of a revision prosthesis]. / Utilidad del aloinjerto óseo estructurado para defectos acetabulares en prótesis de revisión.

INTRODUCTION: Coxarthrosis is considered as an increasingly frequent condition that will lead to an important demand for primary total hip arthroplasty in the coming decades and this, in turn, will increase the number of revision hip arthroplasties. The most common indications for revision are component loosening, hip ,instability and infection, with involvement of the acetabular component in more than 50% of revision procedures. Acetabular bone loss is one of the major challenges of revision hip arthroplasty. OBJECTIVES: To determine, by means of imaging studies, allograft osseointegration using the AAOS radiographic scales, the performance grade of the affected hip using the Harris Hip Score (HHS), and patient personal satisfaction, as well as identify and describe complications. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Observational, longitudinal, retrospective, descriptive, basic, clinical trial. The records of patients subjected to revision hip arthroplasty who experienced prosthetic loosening and had an acetabular defect treated with structured bone allograft between January 2007 and April 2012 were selected. Patients were followed-up at 6 and 12 months and compared with controls. RESULTS: The total number of patients was 18, 61% females and 39% males. Age range was 47-79 years. The acetabular defect grade was as follows: 44.4% were IIB; 44.4% were IIC, and 11.2% were III, according to the Paprosky classification. The HHS went from 27 to 72.3 at one year. Osseointegration was 100% in 9 patients, 75% in 6, and 50% in 3 patients. One patient had acute periprosthetic infection. CONCLUSIONS: This method represents a good treatment option for acetabular defects, as it provides significant improvement according to the HHS and proper allograft osseointegration, which helps patients increase their bone stock for future revision procedures.

Brownian motion of a harmonic oscillator in a noninertial reference frame.

The Brownian motion of a charged harmonic oscillator in the presence of additional force fields, such as a constant magnetic field and arbitrary time-dependent electric and mechanical forces, is studied in a rotational reference frame under uniform motion. By assuming an isotropic surrounding medium (a scalar friction constant), we solve explicitly the Smoluchowski equation associated with the Langevin equation for the charged harmonic oscillator and calculate the mean square displacements along and orthogonal to the rotation axis.

Structural consequences of cysteinylation of Cu/Zn-superoxide dismutase.

The metalloenzyme Cu/Zn-superoxide dismutase (SOD1) catalyzes the reduction of superoxide anions into molecular oxygen and hydrogen peroxide. Hydrogen peroxide can oxidize SOD1, resulting in aberrant protein conformational changes, disruption of SOD1 function, and DNA damage. Cells may have evolved mechanisms of regulation that prevent such oxidation. We observed that cysteinylation of cysteine 111 (Cys111) of SOD1 prevents oxidation by peroxide (DOI 10.1021/bi4006122 ). In this article, we characterize cysteinylated SOD1 using differential scanning fluorometry and X-ray crystallography. The stoichiometry of binding was one cysteine per SOD1 dimer, and there does not appear to be free volume for a second cysteine without disrupting the dimer interface. Much of the three-dimensional structure of SOD1 is unaffected by cysteinylation. However, local conformational changes are observed in the cysteinylated monomer that include changes in conformation of the electrostatic loop (loop VII; residues 133-144) and the dimer interface (loop VI; residues 102-115). In addition, our data shows how cysteinylation precludes oxidation of cysteine 111 and suggests possible cross-talk between the dimer interface and the electrostatic loop.

Power fluctuation theorem for a Brownian harmonic oscillator.

In this paper we study the validity of the total power fluctuation theorem spent on a Brownian harmonic oscillator when the system is driven out of equilibrium through the drag of the potential minimum. The theorem is first proved for an ordinary harmonic oscillator in two cases: The first one considers the particle in a thermal bath under the action of Gaussian white noise, and in the second one the drift is provided by an additional external Gaussian colored noise satisfying the characteristics of an Ornstein-Uhlenbeck process. We go further, by considering a charged harmonic oscillator under the action of an electromagnetic field. The theorem is also proven as in the two cases given above. In both of those cases, we illustrate the theorem for a uniform motion of the trap potential minimum and show that in the presence of external colored noise, the theorem is only valid in the stationary state.

Decay of unstable states driven by colored noise in an electromagnetic field.

The statistics of the first passage time in connection with the quasideterministic (QD) approach is used to characterize the non-Markovian decay process of the unstable state of an electrically charged Brownian particle under the influence of an electromagnetic field. We consider a constant magnetic field and a fluctuating electric field, which satisfies the properties of a Gaussian exponentially correlated noise. It is shown that at the beginning of the decay process, the magnetic field is strongly coupled to the noise correlation time and thus the requirements of the QD approach are not satisfied. Only in the approximation of a weak coupling between both parameters can the time characterization of the decay process be successfully achieved. Our theoretical approach relies on a Langevin equation for the charged particle in an arbitrary two-dimensional unstable potential and applies to a bistable potential as a particular case.