Shortcuts to adiabaticity in harmonic traps: A quantum-classical analog.

We present a technique for efficiently transitioning a quantum system from an initial to a final stationary state in less time than is required by an adiabatic (quasistatic) process. Our approach makes use of Nelson's stochastic quantization, which represents the quantum system as a classical Brownian process. Thanks to this mathematical analogy, known protocols for classical overdamped systems can be translated into quantum protocols.

Optimal Time-Entropy Bounds and Speed Limits for Brownian Thermal Shortcuts.

By controlling the variance of the radiation pressure exerted on an optically trapped microsphere in real time, we engineer temperature protocols that shortcut thermal relaxation when transferring the microsphere from one thermal equilibrium state to another. We identify the entropic footprint of such accelerated transfers and derive optimal temperature protocols that either minimize the production of entropy for a given transfer duration or accelerate the transfer for a given entropic cost as much as possible. Optimizing the trade-off yields time-entropy bounds that put speed limits on thermalization schemes.

Reply to "Comment on 'Harvesting information to control nonequilibrium states of active matter' ".

We stress that the limitations on one of the results of our paper [R. Goerlich et al., Phys.

Harvesting information to control nonequilibrium states of active matter.

We propose to use a correlated noise bath to drive an optically trapped Brownian particle that mimics active biological matter. Due to the flexibility and precision of our setup, we are able to control the different parameters that drive the stochastic motion of the particle with unprecedented accuracy, thus reaching strongly correlated regimes that are not easily accessible with real active matter. In particular, by using the correlation time (i.

Noise and ergodic properties of Brownian motion in an optical tweezer: Looking at regime crossovers in an Ornstein-Uhlenbeck process.

We characterize throughout the spectral range of an optical trap the nature of the noise that drives the Brownian motion of an overdamped trapped single microsphere and its ergodicity, comparing experimental, analytical, and simulated data. We carefully analyze noise and ergodic properties (i) using the Allan variance for characterizing the noise and (ii) exploiting a test of ergodicity tailored for experiments done over finite times. We derive these two estimators in the Ornstein-Uhlenbeck low-frequency trapped-diffusion regime and study analytically their evolution toward the high-frequency Wiener-like free-diffusion regime, in very good agreement with simulated and experimental results.

Development and validation of a ready to use cryo-EROD assay for the standardized screening of dioxins and dioxin-like compounds in foodstuffs.

Recent European regulations have indicated the need for new bioanalytical screening methods capable of monitoring dioxin and dioxin-like compounds in foodstuffs and environmental samples, cost-effectively and with a quicker turnaround. Cryo-cells of the hepatic H4IIE line preserved in 96-well plates were exposed to sample extracts prepared from various foodstuffs and analysed for their content of dioxins and dioxin-like compounds by means of the 7-Ethoxyresorufin-O-Deethylase (EROD)-assay in two laboratories. Assay data were compared between both laboratories and results from instrumental analysis used as a confirmatory method.

Bolus ingestion but not regular consumption of native or dealcoholized red wine modulates selected immunological functions of leukocytes in healthy volunteers.

Background/aims: Red wine (RW) consumption reduces the risk for coronary heart disease (CHD). Since immunological mechanisms involved in CHD were modulated by RW polyphenols in vitro, we investigated whether consumption of native or dealcoholized RW (DRW) affects selected immunological parameters in healthy adults ex vivo.

Methods: Twenty-seven nonsmokers were randomized to consume a single dose of 200 ml RW, 175 ml DRW or 200 ml water (controls).

Skeletal deformations in medaka (Oryzias latipes) visualized by synchrotron radiation micro-computer tomography (SRmicroCT).

Synchrotron radiation micro-computer tomography (SRmicroCT) offers the possibility to investigate biomineralized structures in high detail. Two animals of adult medaka fish (Oryzias latipes) were analyzed by SRmicroCT with a resolution of 6.55 microm: the wild-type animal was normally developed whereas the second animal showed an idiopathic deformation of the cranial and axial skeleton.

Zebrafish and medaka as models for bone research including implications regarding space-related issues.

Teleost fish develop bones directly from mesenchymal condensations and from cartilage precursors. At the cellular level, the involved cell populations share many features with their mammalian counterparts. In addition, several genes are already described in fish showing high homology in amino acid sequence and expression with the corresponding genes of tetrapods that are involved in bone metabolism.

Inflammatory cytokines induce protein tyrosine nitration in rat astrocytes.

Protein tyrosine nitration may be relevant for the pathogenesis of hepatic encephalopathy (HE). Infections, sepsis, and trauma precipitate HE episodes. Recently, serum levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha were shown to correlate with severity of HE in chronic liver failure.

Dynamic expression of sparc precedes formation of skeletal elements in the Medaka (Oryzias latipes).

Sparc is a secreted calcium-binding glycoprotein that regulates mineralization of bone tissues in mammals. In other vertebrates, its function remains largely unclear. Here, we describe the isolation, genomic organization and expression of the sparc gene in the teleost Medaka (Oryzias latipes), an established vertebrate model for developmental studies.

Single and repeated moderate consumption of native or dealcoholized red wine show different effects on antioxidant parameters in blood and DNA strand breaks in peripheral leukocytes in healthy volunteers: a randomized controlled trial (ISRCTN68505294).

Background: Red wine (RW) is rich in antioxidant polyphenols that might protect from oxidative stress related diseases, such as cardiovascular disease and cancer. Antioxidant effects after single ingestion of RW or dealcoholized RW (DRW) have been observed in several studies, but results after regular consumption are contradictory. Thus, we examined if single or repeated consumption of moderate amounts of RW or DRW exert antioxidant activity in vivo.

Antigen-specific targeting and elimination of EBV-transformed B cells by allergen toxins.

Background: With the exception of antigen-specific immunotherapy, current treatments for atopic diseases provide only symptomatic relief. Because of the increasing incidence of such diseases, the development of novel strategies and concepts for the treatment of allergies is urgently needed.

Objective: Here we present a new approach for the treatment of atopic diseases.

Modulation of endothelial and smooth muscle function by bed rest and hypoenergetic, low-fat nutrition.

Prolonged microgravity alters the regulation of the peripheral vasculature. The influence of reduced food intake, as often observed in astronauts, on vascular function is unclear. In a randomized, four-phase, crossover study, the effect of simulated microgravity (13 days of bed rest), energetic restriction (-25%, fat reduced), and their combination on endothelium-dependent and -independent vasodilation was compared with ambulatory control conditions.

A proinflammatory role for Fas in joints of mice with collagen-induced arthritis.

Collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) is a chronic inflammatory disease bearing all the hallmarks of rheumatoid arthritis, e.g. polyarthritis, synovitis, and subsequent cartilage/bone erosions.

The teleost fish medaka (Oryzias latipes) as genetic model to study gravity dependent bone homeostasis in vivo.

Long-term space flight and microgravity result in bone loss that can be explained by reduced activity of bone-forming cells (osteoblasts) and/or an increase in activity of bone resorbing cells (osteoclasts). Osteoprotegerin (OPG) has been shown to regulate the balance between osteoblast and osteoclast cell numbers and is involved in maintaining constant bone mass under normal gravitational conditions. The small bony fish medaka (Oryzias latipes) has attracted increasing attention as a genetic model system to study normal embryonic developmental and pathological processes.

Lymphocyte proliferation and apoptosis in HIV-seropositive and healthy subjects during long-term ingestion of fruit juices or a fruit-vegetable-concentrate rich in polyphenols and antioxidant vitamins.

Objective: We investigated whether ingestion of polyphenols from fruit juices or a fruit-vegetable-concentrate affects lymphocyte proliferation and apoptosis in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-seropositive (HIV(+)) and HIV-seronegative (HIV(-)) subjects.

Design: Randomized, prospective pilot intervention study.

Setting: University of Bonn, Department of General Internal Medicine.

Plasma antioxidant capacity of HIV-seropositive and healthy subjects during long-term ingestion of fruit juices or a fruit-vegetable-concentrate containing antioxidant polyphenols.

Objective: To investigate whether antioxidant polyphenols from fruit juices or a fruit-vegetable-concentrate increase the plasma antioxidant capacity in HIV-infected and healthy subjects.

Design: Twenty-three HIV-seropositive and 18 seronegative adults were randomized to ingest either 1 l of fruit juice or 30 ml fruit-vegetable-concentrate per day over 16 weeks in addition to their normal Western diet.

Methods: Plasma antioxidant capacity was determined as Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC) at baseline, after 1 and 16 weeks of intervention, and after a 6 week washout.

Selection and enrichment of differentially labeled plant protoplasts.

A fast and efficient method for the selection of plasmamembrane-marked protoplasts via magnetic-associated cell separation (MACS) was developed. Isolated mesophyll protoplasts from sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) were covalently labeled at their plasma membrane with fluoresceine isothiocyanate (FITC) with an efficiency of greater than 95%.

[Possibilities for preoperative determination of transplant quality using an osteoporosis index].

Preprosthetic procedures and reconstructive measurements are typically performed in elder patients. In this age group osteoporotic changes of the skeleton are common. The facial bones are persistently envolved within this process.

Plasmodium falciparum merozoites primarily stimulate the V gamma 9 subset of human gamma/delta T cells.

Peripheral blood-derived T cells from six unprimed caucasian donors were tested for the in vitro reactivity to Plasmodium falciparum merozoites (PFM). Without exception vigorous proliferative responses were observed within the donors tested. The frequency of PFM-reactive T cells ranged from 1/150-1/300.

[Left spontaneous femoral fracture in primary hyperparathyroidism and postgastrectomy bone disease following a Billroth II stomach resection].

In the present case a primary hyperparathyroidism was aggravated by postgastrectomy bone disease and led to a spontaneous fracture of the left femur and to a pseudofracture of the right femur. Renal symptoms like concrements or nephrocalcinosis were based on the intestinal conditioned malabsorption of vitamin-D and calcium not evident. Radiologically there was a mixed pattern of ostitis fibrosa cystica generalisata von Recklinghausen and osteomalacia respectively osteoporosis based on postgastrectomy bone disease.