Low-temperature behavior of the O(N) models below two dimensions.

We investigate the critical behavior and the nature of the low-temperature phase of the O(N) models treating the number of field components N and the dimension d as continuous variables with a focus on the d≤2 and N≤2 quadrant of the (d,N) plane. We precisely chart a region of the (d,N) plane where the low-temperature phase is characterized by an algebraic correlation function decay similar to that of the Kosterlitz-Thouless phase but with a temperature-independent anomalous dimension η. We revisit the Cardy-Hamber analysis leading to a prediction concerning the nonanalytic behavior of the O(N) models' critical exponents and emphasize the previously not broadly appreciated consequences of this approach in d<2. In particular, we discuss how this framework leads to destabilization of the long-range order in favor of the quasi-long-range order in systems with d<2 and N<2. Subsequently, within a scheme of the nonperturbative renormalization group we identify the low-temperature fixed points controlling the quasi-long-range ordered phase and demonstrate a collision between the critical and the low-temperature fixed points upon approaching the lower critical dimension. We evaluate the critical exponents η(d,N) and ν^{-1}(d,N) and demonstrate a very good agreement between the predictions of the Cardy-Hamber type analysis and the nonperturbative renormalization group in d<2.

Metalliferous habitats and seed microbes affect the seed morphology and reproductive strategy of Arabidopsis halleri.

Purpose: Plant reproduction in metalliferous habitats is challenged by elevated concentrations of metal trace elements in soil. As part of their survival strategy, metal-tolerant plants have adjusted reproductive traits, including seed morphology, dormancy, and germination rate. These traits are particularly relevant, yet poorly understood, in metal hyperaccumulators that are promising candidates for phytoremediation. Methods: We assessed seed shape characteristics, dormancy, and germination rate in the hyperaccumulating model species Arabidopsis halleri. Seed morphological parameters were evaluated using seeds collected from two metalliferous and two non-metalliferous sites (~ 1000 seeds per location). We also addressed the potential influence of seed surface-associated microbes and endophytic fungi on germination success. Results: Seeds from non-metallicolous populations were on average 18% bigger than those from metal-contaminated post-mining sites, which contrasts the general expectation about reproductive parts in metallicolous plants. Irrespective of their origin, surface-sterilized seeds had up to ~ 20% higher germination rates and germinated earlier than non-sterilized seeds, hinting at a negative effect of seed-associated microbial communities. Surface sterilization also facilitated the emergence of an endophytic fungus (Aspergillus niger) that is a known seed-borne pathogen. Interestingly, A. niger actually promoted germination in surface-sterilized seeds from some locations. Conclusion: Despite species-wide metal tolerance in A. halleri, metalliferous conditions seem to differently affect reproductive traits compared to non-metalliferous environments (e.g., smaller seeds). Yet, higher germination rates in these populations hint at the potential of A. halleri to successfully colonize post-mining habitats. This process is modulated by site-specific interactions with seed microbiota.

Z_{4}-symmetric perturbations to the XY model from functional renormalization.

We employ the second order of the derivative expansion of the nonperturbative renormalization group to study cubic (Z_{4}-symmetric) perturbations to the classical XY model in dimensionality d∈[2,4]. In d=3 we provide accurate estimates of the eigenvalue y_{4} corresponding to the leading irrelevant perturbation and follow the evolution of the physical picture upon reducing spatial dimensionality from d=3 towards d=2, where we approximately recover the onset of the Kosterlitz-Thouless physics. We analyze the interplay between the leading irrelevant eigenvalues related to O(2)-symmetric and Z_{4}-symmetric perturbations and their approximate collapse for d→2. We compare and discuss different implementations of the derivative expansion in cases involving one and two invariants of the corresponding symmetry group.

Three-electrode galvanic microcells as a new antimicrobial tool.

This study presents the first research related to fungal and bacterial growth within electromagnetic fields generated by three-electrode galvanic cells, with PDA growth medium as an electrolyte. We used galvanic microcells constructed with copper, bismuth and zinc metal bars. The configuration of these electrodes was a fundamental agent in the creation of a maximum inhibition zone and in bismuth ion movement. Fungal strains, such as Aspergillus tubingensis and Rhodotorula mucilaginosa, and the bacterium Micrococcus luteus were used as model organisms.

Homogeneous Group approach to Elixhauser comorbidity for hospital death using administrative data.

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this study was to introduce a measure of patient's burden based on Elixhauser's comorbidity index. The mentioned measure needed to be based solely on administrative data and be applicable to all specialisations of hospital treatment. Moreover, the intention was to validate the estimation power of the models based on the groups of hospitalisations which were similar with respect to the primary diagnosis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In the study, we considered all hospitalisations in Poland from 2014 and 2015. Overall, 22 045 267 hospitalisation records of 11 566 525 patients were retrieved. An important element of this research was to validate the estimation power of the models based on the groups of patients who were similar with respect to the main reason for hospitalisation. Therefore, the population was split into 21 Homogeneous Groups based on the changed primary diagnosis. As explanatory variables we used demographic variables and 31 comorbidities defined by Elixhauser. The outcome variable was patient's mortality - in-hospital or up to 365 days after discharge. RESULTS: Out of the 21 created models, 9 had a very good estimation power (C-statistic over 0.85), the other 9 had satysfying results (C-statistic between 0.75 and 0.85) and only 3 performed poorly (C-statistic below 0.75). The odds ratio of variables varied widely between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: Our results support the hypothesis that comorbidity properly describes mortality in homogeneous groups of patients. Our models could be condensed into one, uniform, single-number comorbidity scale that summarizes all of the patient's burden. It was found that the odds ratio of some variables differed between homogeneous groups.

Criticality of the O(2) model with cubic anisotropies from nonperturbative renormalization.

We study the O(2) model with Z_{4}-symmetric perturbations within the framework of the nonperturbative renormalization group (RG) for spatial dimensionality d=2 and 3. In a unified framework we resolve the relatively complex crossover behavior emergent due to the presence of multiple RG fixed points. In d=3 the system is controlled by the XY, Ising, and low-T fixed points in the presence of a dangerously irrelevant anisotropy coupling λ. In d=2 the anisotropy coupling is marginal and the physical picture is governed by the interplay between two distinct lines of RG fixed points, giving rise to nonuniversal critical behavior, and an isolated Ising fixed point. In addition to inducing crossover behavior in universal properties, the presence of the Ising fixed point yields a generic, abrupt change of critical temperature at a specific value of the anisotropy field.

Atomic/Ionic Radius as Mathematical Limit of System Energy Evolution.

The classical, in its nature, concept of atomic or ionic radii, although profitable in many fields, is represented by an ambiguous choice of formulations. In this work, we propose a definition of atomic and ionic radii rooted in chemical principles and conceptual density functional theories. The estimation based on electron density fundamental response functions has been successfully tested. The generalized approach has been shown to be applicable to atoms in any oxidation state. The radii display good correlation with classical estimates, such as Shannon. The atomic and ionic radii obtained according to this scheme are directly comparable between different elements, without any adjustment procedures requiring fitting constants. The definition also has a clear physical interpretation, which supports understanding of size-related phenomena and trends.

Galvanic microcells as control agent of indoor microorganisms.

Today, fungicides are part of the basic tool kit for indoor surface maintenance. However, fungi develop resistance to fungicides, which consequently accelerates the evolution of virulence. Fungicides also carry the risk of adverse effects in humans. Galvanic microcells are a new tool for fungal control on indoor surfaces. We used two types of electrodes, Zn and Cu, with two potential anti-fungal mechanisms: the oligodynamic action of the metal ions themselves and the electricidal effect of the current between the electrodes. The size of the inhibition zone is related to the distance between the electrodes. We hypothesized that the unique geometric properties of the observed inhibition zone could be modelled using multi foci curve Cassini ovals. Moreover, the size of the inhibition zone possessed two maximum values, while the shape of the observed inhibition zones correlated with the shape of the electric field strength. The control activity of the galvanic microcells correlated with decreasing water content in building materials. Thus, this acute antifungal system works the best in damp building environments where the risk of fungal contamination is highest.

Exophiala sideris, a novel black yeast isolated from environments polluted with toxic alkyl benzenes and arsenic.

A novel species of the black yeast genus Exophiala (order Chaetothyriales) is described. Strains were repeatedly obtained by enriching samples of wild berries from different plants, guano-rich soil and from oak railway ties treated with arsenic creosote under a toluene-rich atmosphere. An identical strain was encountered in a closed arsenic mine polluted by alkyl benzenes. Its potential use for purposes of bioremediation is discussed.

Anther smuts of Caryophyllaceae: molecular analyses reveal further new species.

Recent collections of Microbotryum (Pucciniomycotina, Basidiomycota) specimens inhabiting anthers of different caryophyllaceous host plants were analysed using LM and electron microscopy, as well as molecular phylogenetic analyses using rDNA (ITS and LSU) sequences. The phylogenetic relationships of caryophyllaceous anther parasites are discussed. Three new species, Microbotryum adenopetalae, M. minuartiae, and M. silenes-acaulis, are described based on morphological, ecological, and molecular characteristics. New host plants are reported for Microbotryum dianthorum (Dianthus jacquemontii and Petrorhagia saxifraga) and M. lychnidis-dioicae (Cucubalus baccifer and Silene zawadskii). For Microbotryum violaceum, a neotype is selected.