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We study the QCD axion potential in hot and dense quark matter, within an NJL-like model that includes the coupling of the axion to quarks. Firstly we compute the effect of the chiral QCD crossover on the axion mass and self-coupling. Then, we compute the axion potential and study the domain walls. We find that the energy barrier between two adjacent vacuum states decreases in the chirally restored phase: this results in a lower surface tension of the walls. Finally we comment on the possibility of abundant production of walls in hot and dense quark matter.

In this study we model early time dynamics of relativistic heavy ion collisions by an initial color-electric field which then decays to a plasma by the Schwinger mechanism. The dynamics of the many particles system produced by the decay is described by relativistic kinetic theory, taking into account the backreaction on the color field by solving self-consistently the kinetic and the field equations. Our main results concern isotropization and thermalization for a 1+1D expanding geometry. In case of small η/s (η/s ≲ 0.3) we find τisotropization ≈ 0.8 fm/c and τthermalization ≈ 1 fm/c in agreement with the common lore of hydrodynamics.

Dentro del campo del crecimiento y desarrollo, el cálculo antropométrico, es una de las herramientas más utilizadas para encontrar indicadores válidos del estado general del crecimiento biológico de una población en su interacción con los diversos factores sociales. Frente al evidente proceso de pauperización por el que viene transcurriendo el país, la evaluación del estado nutricional de la población infantil, tanto en sus aspectos poblacionales como individuales, se hace necesaria y cotidiana. Presentamos aquí un software de escritorio que permite el cálculo y la graficación de las principales variables antropométricas. El E.V.A. 1.0 (Evaluación y Visualización Antropométrica) brinda también la posibilidad de almacenar los datos, de incorporar tablas de comparación (por default el sistema trae las tablas de la SAP y del NCHS), y de exportar la información al programa EPINFO y a la mayoría de las aplicaciones estándar de escritorio (planillas de cálculo, procesadores de texto, etc.). La aplicación posee también una modalidad de sugerencias de diagnóstico, con referencias bibliográficas, que puede ser de ayuda, tanto para el profesional de A.P.S. como para el investigador.

A current goal of relativistic heavy ion collisions experiments is to understand the impact of initial non-equilibrium on final observables. A Color Glass Condensate (CGC) as the limiting state of QCD matter at very high density implies initial non-thermal distribution at least for momenta below the saturation scale. In viscous hydrodynamics simulations, a standard Glauber initial condition leads to estimate 4πη/s ~ 1, while employing the Kharzeev-Levin-Nardi (KLN) modeling of the CGC leads to at least a factor of 2 larger η/s. Within a kinetic theory approach based on a relativistic Boltzmann-like transport simulation, our main result is that the out-of-equilibrium initial distribution in p-space reduces the effciency in building-up the elliptic flow. At RHIC energy we find the available data on υ2 are in agreement with a 4πη/s ~ 1 also for KLN initial conditions.

In this talk, we report on our results about the computation of isotropization and thermalization times of the quark-gluon plasma produced in relativistic heavy ion collisions, as well as of the elliptic flow. Simulation of the evolving fireball is achieved by solving the relativistic Boltzmann equation for the parton distribution function tuned at a fixed shear viscosity to entropy density ratio η/s. Our results show that the saturation in the initial spectrum reduces the efficiency in building-up the elliptic flow. Moreover both thermalization and isotropization times are quite small, approximately of 1 fm/c, if the system is in a strong coupling regime.

OBJECTIVE: Technical success of a finger replantation depends on several factors such as surgical procedure, type of injury, number of segments amputated, amputation level and individual patient factors. Among early complications that can occur in this type of surgery the onset of venous or arterial thrombosis is the most dreaded. Local irrigating solutions, oral and intravenous anticoagulants, thrombolytic agents, plasma expanders, vasodilating, and antiaggregant drugs are routinely used in patients undergoing microvascular procedures, but currently there is only a non-standardized practice based on anecdotal personal experience. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The aim of our study is to review selected literature relating to perioperative therapy in microsurgical digital replantation. We also report our case-load of 16 patients with finger avulsion describing our particular protocol for postoperative anticoagulation and restoration of fluid and electrolyte balance. RESULTS: Following our daily pharmacological protocol, the postoperative course of the replanted fingers was uneventful. The survival rate for finger replantations performed was 100% (n = 16) with no need for surgical revisions. CONCLUSIONS: The association Dextran- 40/Heparin/fluids in the proposed standardized pro-weight pharmacological protocol is an optimal postoperative prophylactic/therapeutic plan to reduce the incidence of endovascular thrombosis after replantation, so ensuring high rate of success in microvascular surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: Prominent ears are a common congenital deformity of the external ear, derived from a combination of defects in the antihelix and concha. The majority of cases are treated surgically, but one of major difficulties associated with otoplasty regards the achievement of lasting aesthetic results. With the present study we propose an effective combination of four surgical techniques of cartilage reshaping with the ultimate goal of creating a new stable antihelical fold. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Forty-one patients with prominent ears were involved prospectively. The subjects (16 male and 25 female) ranged in age from 6 to 43 years, with a mean age of 12 years. All patients underwent to the same surgical procedure and we performed softening and reshaping of the antihelix adopting the consecutive use of four surgical techniques: hemitransfixing microincisions, scoring, squeezing and posterior mattress suture fixation. RESULTS: Total number of ears that underwent surgery was 71. The mean postoperative follow-up period was 2 years. The mean postoperative change of protrusion was 7.96 mm referring to the superior cephaloauricular distance, while it was 12.18 mm considering the middle cephaloauricular distance. No patient developed complications or recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: The proposed surgical procedure for otoplasty resulted in endurance of auricular appearance and symmetry with high success rate and low morbidity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives: Nowadays, the conventional thyroidectomy may appear an overly aggressive treatment in patients undergoing intervention for small suspicious lesions harboring in low volume glands. In these cases a minimally invasive approach may be a safe and appropriate option. This work aims to evaluate the effectiveness of minimally invasive thyroidectomy in patients indicated to surgery for small lesions with preoperative suspicion of malignancy. Patients and Methods: 71 patients, undergoing minimally invasive total thyroidectomy as a single procedure between May 2005 and April 2009, were enrolled in this study. They were indicated to surgery for small suspicious or malignant lesions (up to 20 mm length by US; cT1 according to UICC 2002) and satisfied the inclusion criteria of minimally invasive thyroidectomy, with gland volume up to 25 ml, no evidence of locally advanced disease and no previous neck surgery. The outcomes were considered in terms of complication rate, postoperative pain, hospitalisation stay, cosmetic results and completeness of surgical resection in malignancies. Results: A low complication rate was registered. The surgical completeness, with mean serum thyroglobulin of 4.41 ± 4.03 ng/ml and radioiodine uptake of 2.91 ± 2.46%, was considered acceptable if compared with other experiences reported in literature. Excellent results with respect to patient comfort, postoperative pain and cosmetic outcome were obtained. Conclusion: This study confirms, where a correct selection of patients is made, the safety and the effectiveness of minimally invasive approach in the treatment of small suspicious and malignant nodules, which seem to represent its best indication. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses a case of birth fracture of the clavicle in an infant male delivered with vaginal labor. A hard palpable swelling appeared at the right clavicle of the infant 18 days after birth. Callus formation at the site of a fracture of the midclavicle was detected via radiography. The infant was not given any treatment and the callus began to subside 30 days after birth. The risk factors for birth fracture of the clavicle and obstetrical care for the condition are tackled.

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