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Wavelet analysis and HHG in nanorings: their applica-tions in logic gates and memory mass devices

2015

We study the application of one nanoring driven by a laser field in different states of polarization in logic circuits. In particular we show that assigning Boolean values to different states of the incident laser field and to the emitted signals, we can create logic gates such as OR, XOR and AND. We also show the possibility of making logic circuits such as half-adder and full-adder using one and two nanorings respectively. Using two nanorings we made the Toffoli gate. Finally we use the final angular momentum acquired by the electron to store information and hence show the possibility of using an array of nanorings as a mass memory device.

Predicting maximum annual values of event soil loss by USLE-type models

2017

Abstract Previous experimental investigations showed that a large proportion of total plot soil erosion over a long time period is generally due to relatively few, large storms. Consequently, erosion models able to accurately predict the highest plot soil loss values have practical importance since they could allow to improve the design of soil conservation practices in an area of interest. At present USLE-based models are attractive from a practical point of view, since the input data are generally easy to obtain. The USLE was developed with specific reference to the mean annual temporal scale but it was also applied at the event scale. Other models, such as the USLE-M and the USLE-MM, app…

Exploiting historical rainfall and landslide data in a spatial database for the derivation of critical rainfall thresholds

2017

Critical rainfall thresholds for landslides are powerful tools for preventing landslide hazard. The thresholds are commonly estimated empirically starting from rainfall events that triggered landslides in the past. The creation of the appropriate rainfall–landslide database is one of the main efforts in this approach. In fact, an accurate agreement between the landslide and rainfall information, in terms of location and timing, is essential in order to correctly estimate the rainfall–landslide relationships. A further issue is taking into account the average moisture conditions prior the triggering event, which reasonably may be crucial in determining the sufficient amount of precipitation.…

Chemical composition and anticancer activity of essential oil of Mediterranean sage (Salvia officinalis L.)

2013

Maternal care provides antifungal protection to eggs in the European earwig

2014

Many insects raise their offspring on organic substrates or in the soil where microorganisms are abundant. Microbes may pose a serious threat to offspring development and survival by either decomposing food resources or directly infecting the offspring. Selection to cope with these effects may favor social defenses, for example, through forms of parental care that can limit or eliminate these threats to offspring fitness. In this study, we experimentally tested if maternal egg attendance in the European earwig Forficula auricularia has a function as a social defense against mold infection of eggs by manipulating exposure of eggs to mold spores and the presence of the mother in a fully facto…

Coffee and endothelial function: a battle between caffeine and antioxidants ?

2010

Although coffee is largely consumed by adults in Western countries, controversy exists about its impact on the cardiovascular system. We recently demonstrated that caffeinated and decaffeinated espresso coffee have different acute effects on endothelial function in healthy subjects, measured using flow-mediated dilation (FMD) of the brachial artery. In this study, we measured the anti-oxidant capacity of two coffee substances in terms of free stable radical 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl 50% inhibition (I(50) DPPH). The caffeinated coffee had a slightly higher anti-oxidant capacity than decaffeinated espresso coffee (I(50) DPPH: 1.13±0.02 vs 1.30±0.03 μl; P0.001). We suggest that the unfavo…

Evaluation of the antioxidant capacity, furan compounds and cytoprotective/cytotoxic effects upon Caco-2 cells of commercial Colombian coffee.

2017

Abstract Antioxidant capacity (AC), total phenolics (TPs), furan compounds (HMF and furfural F) and cytoprotective/cytotoxic effects upon Caco-2 cells (MTT, cell cycle and reactive oxygen species (ROS)) were evaluated in Colombian coffee (2 ground and 4 soluble samples). The AC (ABTS and FRAP), TPs and HMF ranged between 124–722, 95–802 μmoles Trolox/g, 21–100 mg gallic acid/g and 69–2900 mg/kg, respectively. Pretreatment of cells for 24 h with lyophilized coffee infusions at the highest dose without cytotoxic effects (500 μg/mL) significantly prevented the decrease in cell viability compared to control stress with H2O2 (5 mM/2 h), recovering viability to values between 34% and 45% and rest…

Influence of enzyme-aided extraction and ultrasonication on the phenolics content and antioxidant activity of Paeonia officinalis L. petals

2020

Peony is a less utilized herbaceous plant of ornamental and medicinal relevance. The petals are rich in bioactive phenolics and hence, the development of efficient extraction is required for maximum recovery and bioactivity. In this study, the optimal conditions for the ultrasound-assisted extraction of peony phenolics were first investigated by comparing to conventional extraction and testing the data fit by mathematical models (linear, two factor interactions, quadratic) followed by investigation of cellulase pre-treatment combined with ultrasonication. High amounts of flavonoids, phenolics and tannins were extracted in 30 min under ultrasound conditions of 150 W, 40 kHz, 50 % amplitude, …

Coffee components and cardiovascular risk: beneficial and detrimental effects

2014

Coffee consists of several biological active compounds, such as caffeine, diterpenes, chlorogenic acids, and melanoidins, which may affect human health. The intake of each compound depends on the variety of coffee species, roasting degree, type of brewing method and serving size. The bioavailability and the distribution of each compound and its metabolites also contribute to coffee mechanisms of action. The health benefits of coffee consumption regarding cardiovascular system and metabolism mostly depend on its antioxidant compounds. In contrast, diterpenes and caffeine may produce harmful effects by raising lipid fraction and affecting endothelial function, respectively. Studying the mecha…

Treatment of isolated ascending aortic aneurysm by off-pump epiaortic wrapping is safe and durable.

2016

OBJECTIVES: Isolated ascending aortic aneurysm (iAA) is usually treated by open graft repair requiring sternotomy, cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) and cardioplegia. This approach carries significant mortality in older patients or those presenting with comorbidities. We report an original series of patients presenting with iAA and treated with epiaortic wrapping by using a synthetic mesh. This less invasive aortic repair technique allows reducing the aortic diameter to a predefined value and is performed without CPB. METHODS: Data from patients presenting with an iAA and treated with the wrapping technique (WT) by polypropylene/polyester mesh from November 2006 to July 2015 were collected. The …