RESUMO
An analytical expression for the quantum breathing frequency ωb of harmonically trapped quantum particles with inverse power-law repulsion is derived. It is verified by ab initio numerical calculations for electrons confined in a lateral (2D) quantum dot. We show how this relation can be used to express the ground state properties of harmonically trapped quantum particles as functions of the breathing frequency by presenting analytical results for the kinetic, trap, and repulsive energy and for the linear entropy. Measurement of ωb together with these analytical relations represents a tool to characterize the state of harmonically trapped interacting particles--from the Fermi gas to the Wigner crystal regime.
RESUMO
Airway mucus is a complex mixture of secretory products that provides a multifaceted defense against pulmonary infection. Mucus contains antimicrobial peptides (e.g., defensins) and enzymes (e.g., lysozyme) although the contribution of these to airway sterility has not been tested in vivo. We have previously shown that an enzymatically active, heme-containing peroxidase comprises 1% of the soluble protein in sheep airway secretions, and it has been hypothesized that this airway peroxidase may function as a biocidal system. In this study, we show that sheep airway peroxidase is identical to milk lactoperoxidase (LPO) and that sheep airway secretions contain thiocyanate (SCN(-)) at concentrations necessary and sufficient for a functional peroxidase system that can protect against infection. We also show that airway LPO, like milk LPO, produces the biocidal compound hypothiocyanite (OSCN(-)) in vitro. Finally, we show that in vivo inhibition of airway LPO in sheep leads to a significant decrease in bacterial clearance from the airways. The data suggest that the LPO system is a major contributor to airway defenses. This discovery may have significant implications for chronic airway colonization seen in respiratory diseases such as cystic fibrosis.
