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Introduction. Page kidney (PK) is a rare condition caused by parenchymal compression due to a subcapsular hematoma. Irreversible damage of the graft may occur if this condition is not recognized and treated properly. Clinical case. We describe the case of a 16-year-old man with chronic renal failure secondary to corticosteroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome (CRNS) caused by NPHS2 mutations. The patient underwent a 5th fifth living-related KT. The graft was placed intraperitoneally and reperfused well without complications. On the 4th postoperative day his labs demonstrated raising creatinine associated with refractory hypertension, gross hematuria and anemia. Urgent ultrasound revealed a subcapsular hematoma with signs of parenchymal compression. PK phenomenon was suspected and urgent surgical intervention decided. Comments. PK is a rare but an emergence potentially treatable and reversible complication after pediatric KT. Early diagnosis based on clinical suspicion and suggestive imaging are the key points for a favorable outcome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To compare the frequency of health-care worker (HCW) hand contamination by Escherichia coli versus Klebsiella species after patient care and to determine activities associated with contamination. We conducted a prospective observational study at two tertiary-care centres. We observed HCWs caring for patients colonized/infected with E. coli or Klebsiella. HCW hands were cultured before room entry and after patient care. Contamination was defined as detecting E. coli or Klebsiella on HCW hands. Risk factors for contamination were analysed using logistic regression. Patient-to-HCW transmission was confirmed by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE). We performed 466 HCW observations: 290 from patients with E. coli , 149 with Klebsiella , and 27 with both species. Eighty-seven per cent of observations (404/464) occurred in patients who had received chlorhexidine bathing within 2 days. HCW hand contamination rates were similar between E. coli (6.2%; 18/290) and Klebsiella (7.4%; 11/149) (p 0.6). High-risk activities independently associated with contamination were toilet assistance (OR 9.34; 95% CI 3.10–28.16), contact with moist secretions (OR 6.93; 95% CI 2.82–17.00), and hygiene/bed-bathing (OR 3.80; 95% CI 1.48–9.80). PFGE identified identical/closely related isolates in the patient and HCW hands in 100% (18/18) of E. coli and 54.5% (6/11) of Klebsiella observations. We did not find a difference in HCW hand contamination rates between E. coli and Klebsiella after patient care. Hand hygiene should be reinforced after high-risk activities. Discrepancies in matching patient and HCW hand isolates occurred more frequently for Klebsiella than for E. coli ; differences in species-level transmission dynamics might exist. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To explore the influence of electromagnetic fields (EMFs) on the cell cycle progression of MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 breast cancer cell lines and to evaluate the radiosensitizing effect of magnetotherapy during therapeutic co-exposure to EMFs and radiotherapy. Material and methods: Cells were exposed to EMFs (25, 50 and 100 Hz; 8 and 10 mT). In the co-treatment, cells were first exposed to EMFs (50 Hz/10 mT) for 30 min and then to ionizing radiation (IR) (2 Gy) 4 h later. Cell cycle progression and free radical production were evaluated by flow cytometry, while radiosensitivity was explored by colony formation assay. Results: Generalized G1-phase arrest was found in both cell lines several hours after EMF exposure. Interestingly, a marked G1-phase delay was observed at 4 h after exposure to 50 Hz/10 mT EMFs. No cell cycle perturbation was observed after repeated exposure to EMFs. IR-derived ROS production was enhanced in EMF-exposed MCF-7 cells at 24 h post-exposure. EMF-exposed cells were more radiosensitive in comparison to sham-exposed cells. Conclusions: These results highlight the potential benefits of concomitant treatment with magnetotherapy before radiotherapy sessions to enhance the effectiveness of breast cancer therapy. Further studies are warranted to identify the subset(s) of patients who would benefit from this multimodal treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work the comparative quality of dry cured shoulders was studied from different genetic lines: Retinto x Entrepelado RxT (n=6), Torbiscal TxT (n=6), Entrepelado ExE (n=10), Retinto RxR (n=6) and Entrepelado x Torbiscal TxE/ExT (n=8). Dry-cured shoulders were evaluated w1tr EVACAL method, an original method from SiPA. This method includes physico-chemical analys1s (moisture, intramuscular fat, proteins, NaCI, myoglobin, fatty acid profile, volatile compound s and lipid oxidation), instrumental analysis (instrumental colour, pH and texture) and sensory analysis. The obtained results exposed that RxR batch shows a hígher ratio in oleic/steric and MUFAISAT, which is related with a high quality. This was confirmed in the sensory analysis with high scores of fat fluidity and lean brightness. The TxE/ExT batch is characterized by high quantities of myoglobin which resulted in high quantities of volatile compounds from aminoacid (2-metylbutanal y 3-metylbutan al). These facts were shown in the sensory analysis results with higher flavour persistence and higher juiciness in comparison with the other batches. Moreover, RxE batch reveals a high quantity oí intramuscular fat and higher scores in sensory attributes regarding the appearance (fat fluidity), texture (juiciness) and odour intensity in comparison with the other batches. We can conclude that there are three genetics lines which result in high quality products. The convenience of using one of these depends on other aspects like the prolificacy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel two-sense support for flexural tests has been designed and manufactured in Ikerlan. The aim of this support is to do two-sense bending fatigue tests. In order to reduce the displacement corresponding to a given stress, a novel test configuration, designated as five-point bending, is modelled analytically. Basically, it is a three-point configuration with two supports at the ends that exert forces in the same sense as the applied load. In this way, a partial clamping is obtained that can be modelled by concentrated loads. The model has been checked carrying out quasi-static three-point and five-point bending tests at different spans in unidirectional carbon/epoxy composite specimens. Flexural modulus and the out-of-plane shear modulus have been obtained by linear regression in both cases, after having obtained experimentally the stiffness of the system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A prospective, multicentre, population-based surveillance programme for Candida bloodstream infections was implemented in five metropolitan areas of Spain to determine its incidence and the prevalence of antifungal resistance, and to identify predictors of death. Between May 2010 and April 2011, Candida isolates were centralized to a reference laboratory for species identification by DNA sequencing and for susceptibility testing by EUCAST reference procedure. Prognostic factors associated with early (0-7 days) and late (8-30 days) death were analysed using logistic regression modelling. We detected 773 episodes: annual incidence of 8.1 cases/100 000 inhabitants, 0.89/1000 admissions and 1.36/10 000 patient-days. Highest incidence was found in infants younger than 1 year (96.4/100 000 inhabitants). Candida albicans was the predominant species (45.4%), followed by Candida parapsilosis (24.9%), Candida glabrata (13.4%) and Candida tropicalis (7.7%). Overall, 79% of Candida isolates were susceptible to fluconazole. Cumulative mortality at 7 and 30 days after the first episode of candidaemia was 12.8% and 30.6%, respectively. Multivariate analysis showed that therapeutic measures within the first 48 h may improve early mortality: antifungal treatment ( OR 0.51, 95% CI 0.27-0.95) and central venous catheter removal ( OR 0.43, 95% CI 0.21-0.87). Predictors of late death included host factors (e.g. patients' comorbid status and signs of organ dysfunction), primary source ( OR 1.63, 95% CI 1.03-2.61), and severe sepsis or septic shock ( OR 1.77, 95% CI 1.05-3.00). In Spain, the proportion of Candida isolates non-susceptible to fluconazole is higher than in previous reports. Early mortality may be improved with strict adherence to guidelines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of a microsomal preparation from skeletal muscle revealed that both Ca transport and Ca-dependent ATP hydrolysis linked to Sarco-Endoplasmic Reticulum Ca-ATPase are inhibited by epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG). A half-maximal effect was achieved at approx. 12 μM. The presence of the galloyl group was essential for the inhibitory effect of the catechin. The relative inhibition of the Ca-ATPase activity decreased when the Ca concentration was raised but not when the ATP concentration was elevated. Data on the catalytic cycle indicated inhibition of maximal Ca binding and a decrease in Ca binding affinity when measured in the absence of ATP. Moreover, the addition of ATP to samples in the presence of EGCG and Ca led to an early increase in phosphoenzyme followed by a time-dependent decay that was faster when the drug concentration was raised. However, phosphorylation following the addition of ATP plus Ca led to a slow rate of phosphoenzyme accumulation that was also dependent on EGCG concentration. The results are consistent with retention of the transporter conformation in the Ca-free state, thus impeding Ca binding and therefore the subsequent steps when ATP is added to trigger the Ca transport process. Furthermore, phosphorylation by inorganic phosphate in the absence of Ca was partially inhibited by EGCG, suggesting alteration of the native Ca-free conformation at the catalytic site. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present a set of equations modelling wind velocity in a 3D domain in terms of the ground height function, the ground temperature and the wind on the boundary. The wind field is adjusted to several punctual wind velocity measurements at different points in the 3D domain by an optimal control problem in which the (unknown) wind on the boundary is the control. Using the meteorological wind punctual measures as datum, the model provides locally a detailed 3D wind that takes into account topography and thermal gradients on the surface by solving only 2D linear equations. We consider briefly the numerical approximation and two examples, including one with real data to control the accuracy of the model. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A numerical method is developed for fire spread simulation modelling. The model is a two-dimensional one which takes into account moisture content and radiation. We consider the combustion of a porous solid, where a simplified energy conservation equation is applied. The effect of the vegetation moisture and endothermic pyrolysis is incorporated in the model by means of a multivalued function representing the enthalpy. Some of the three-dimensional effects are incorporated in the model, i.e. heat losses in the vertical direction and non-local radiation from the flame above the vegetal layer. Also the radiation model allows to cope with wind and slope effects. The approximate solution is obtained using a finite element method. A semi-implicit Euler algorithm in time is applied. The resolution of the multivalued operator is done using the Yosida approximation of a perturbed multivalued operator. The characteristic method combined with a discrete ordinate method is used to solve the radiation equation. Finally, several representative examples are solved and compared with experimental data. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the Jurassic Gijon Formation (Asturias, NW Iberian Peninsula) two carbonated aquifers have been defined, which show different hydrochemical features manifested by different sulphate concentrations and strong contrast in electrical conductivity values. The relationship between litology and water chemistry is an example of a great didactic interest that, along with the landscape value of the places where springs are located, led as to propose as points of hydrogeology interest four discharge points from these aquifers, where the mentioned aspects are clearly identified and are places of easy accessibility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper we analyze the Residual-Free Bubble (RFB) method applied to the linear diffusion­advection­reaction problem. We propose a new a priori error analysis for the method and for its practical implementation in a quite general context, which allows, e.g. linear or quadratic elements on the resolvable scales. We also perform some numerical tests, showing in both cases the advantages of the method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We study Gorenstein injective and projective modules over Zariski filtered rings and obtain relations between the Gorenstein dimensions on the category of filtered modules from the associated category of graded modules over the associated graded ring. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This retrospective study of 28 patients with pruritus and hyperpigmentation located on the upper half of the hack, without involvement of other skin areas, includes 8 cases of macular amyloidosis, four neurodermatitis and 16 compatible with what has been described as notalgia paresthetica (NP). With the exception of the arnyloid deposition, we did not find histopathological data that differentiated between macular amyloidosis and NP, since in both processes we found necrotic keratinocytes and melanophages. The differential diagnosis and the current nosological situation of the hyperpigmentation localized on the upper back are reviewed. A diagnostic protocol is proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Packaging sector generates 40% of the plastics consumption in Europe. Among the most consumed plastics, polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is still the material that undoubtedly continues to grow in the packaging sector. Hence, there is a concern related to the recycling process, which today is only around 56%. Therefore, the objective of this work focuses on the use of this recycled material as a source of raw material for pultrusion processes. This work studies and compares the processability of final composite pultruded parts by using three different pre-impregnated recycled materials different in their viscosity and stream. Those composites were characterized by mechanical testing and microscopy analysis. The obtained results were compared with those of another pultruded thermoplastic (polypropylene) composite. From this study, it was possible to transform a waste into a product with high added value, reducing the carbon footprint. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of recycled PET (rPET) in long-term applications, such as composites, may provide an environmentally friendly solution for PET wastes. Main problem to overcome to use rPET in composites is its high viscosity which compromises the impregnation with the fibers during the consolidation process. As it is well known, PET undergoes thermo-mechanical and hydrolytic degradation during its mechanical recycling decreasing its viscosity and causing a loss of mechanical properties. For this reason, this paper takes into consideration a rheological modification during mechanical recycling to achieve the necessary fluidity for composites while maintaining the mechanical properties. Rheological modification was carried out by physical and chemical methods. Physical method was realized through blending with virgin PET (vPET) of low melt viscosity. Chemical method was performed on rPET, vPET and its blends by reactive extrusion. The effect of rheological modifications on the final thermal and mechanical properties was studied. Main results showed that both methods are able to decrease the viscosity without compromising mechanical properties. In addition, the chemical method during the reactive extrusion provided higher Elastic Modulus values. • Recycling of poly(ethylene terephthalate). • Rheological modification by physical and chemical methods. • Decreasing the viscosity while maintaining mechanical properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Our aim is to present our experience with split liver transplantation. From 1992–2002, 14 livers were split to obtain 28 grafts that were transplanted to 12 adults and 16 children. Ex situ splitting was performed in all cases. The left graft consisted of the left lateral segment (segments II–III) in 11 cases and the left lobe in three, depending on the size of the pediatric recipient. Pediatric recipients were of mean age 3, 4 years; mean weight 13 kg; six emergency cases for fulminant hepatic failure or urgent retransplantation and seven of 10 elective cases for biliary atresia. Postoperative mortality rate was 31% (five cases), including four of six emergency cases and one elective case (10%). The main cause was multiorgan failure. Technical complications were: one arterial thrombosis, one portal vein thrombosis, and four biliary complications. Eleven patients are alive and well. Adult recipients were of mean age 53 years. The indications were hepatocellular carcinoma in six cases, liver cirrhosis of various etiologies in five, and one recurrence of hepatitis C in a graft. Two patients died during the postoperative period from sepsis after retransplantation for primary nonfunction of the split graft and multiorgan failure with sepsis. One-year actuarial survival was 84%.: ConclusionsThe results of split liver transplantation in elective cases are similar to whole liver transplantation, whereas patient survival among emergency cases is low due to the critical condition of the patients. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Sputtering of silicon in a He magnetron discharge (MS) has been reported as a bottom-up procedure to obtain He-charged silicon films (i.e., He nanobubbles encapsulated in a silicon matrix). The incorporation of heavier noble gases is demonstrated in this work with a synergistic effect, producing increased Ne and Ar incorporations when using He–Ne and He–Ar gas mixtures in the MS process. Microstructural and chemical characterizations are reported using ion beam analysis (IBA) and scanning and transmission electron microscopies (SEM and TEM). In addition to gas incorporation, He promotes the formation of larger nanobubbles. In the case of Ne, high-resolution X-ray photoelectron and absorption spectroscopies (XPS and XAS) are reported, with remarkable dependence of the Ne 1s photoemission and the Ne K-edge absorption on the nanobubble's size and composition. The gas (He, Ne and Ar)-charged thin films are proposed as "solid" targets for the characterization of spectroscopic properties of noble gases in a confined state without the need for cryogenics or high-pressure anvils devices. Also, their use as targets for nuclear reaction studies is foreseen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article describes the CRIERFAC study, which consists of screening for chronic kidney disease (CKD) in community pharmacies in Spain. Pharmacists select patients who meet certain criteria and perform tests to measure creatinine and calculate estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). If the results indicate a value below a certain threshold, they are referred to primary care physicians. The study was conducted in 141 out of a total of 200 pharmacies, recruiting 2,116 patients and obtaining a final sample of 2,000 patients. The methodology has been successful and well received by users of community pharmacies. CKD is a disease that affects more than 10% of the Spanish population and is characterized by long-term kidney problems. It is important to perform screening tests and maintain a healthy lifestyle to prevent kidney deterioration. [Extracted from the article]

Photoelectron spectroscopy data suggest that the mechanism of enhanced oxidation of Si promoted by multilayers of K deposited on its surface is based on the formation of potassium oxides, identified as K2O2 and KO2, that transfer oxygen efficiently to the Si substrate upon annealing at 900 K. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses a study on the concentrations of the antifungal drug, micafungin, at a standard dosage of 100-milligrams per day in plasma and burn eschar tissues in critically ill adult patients with serious burn injuries. Topics covered include the rate of mortality among patients in the intensive care units, and the inverse correlation between percentage burned total body surface area and plasma exposure.

Objective Paradoxical growth (PG) and trailing effect (TE) are frequently observed during antifungal susceptibility testing (AFST). These two phenomena interfere with the determination of the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC). The aim of this study was to assess the clinical impact of TE and PG. Methods We analysed the frequency of TE and PG of 690 Candida isolates collected from a population-based study performed in Spain (CANDIPOP) and correlated the results with clinical outcome of the patients. Results Around 70% (484/690) of the isolates exhibited TE to azoles. Candida tropicalis showed the highest presence of TE (39/53 isolates exhibited residual growth >25% of control). No TE was seen in most of the isolates from the psilosis complex. PG was mainly associated with echinocandins. In patients treated with fluconazole within the first 48 hours after blood sampling ( n = 221), the presence of TE to azoles tended to be associated with lower 30-day mortality (odds ratio (OR) 0.55, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.25–1.00) but not with clinical failure (OR 0.85, 95% CI 0.45–1.54). In the subgroup of 117 patients treated with echinocandins, the presence of PG was not associated with patient's response to antifungal treatment (OR for 30-day mortality 1.63, 95% CI 0.76–4.03; OR for clinical failure 1.17, 95% CI 0.53–2.70). Conclusions TE or PG are widely expressed among Candida spp., although they do not seem to influence clinical outcome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Immunohistochemistry section staining is not always easy to interpret. Manual quantification of immunohistochemical staining is limited by the observer visual ability to detect changes in level staining. Hence, the quantification of immunostaining by means of digital image analysis allows us to measure accurately protein expression percentages in immunobiological stained tissues and ensures to overcome the visual limitations. We perform an experimental study to analyse the impact of folic acid (FA) deficiency into collagen IV and laminin‐1 expression in the embryonic mouse lens. The study starts with microscope images of embryos mouse lens whose mothers fed a diet deficient in FA during 2 and 8 weeks. A principal component analysis (PCA) image processing is used to analyse these images coming from control and FA deficit groups. The method permits to define an index of over‐ or infraexpression of collagen IV and laminin‐1 associated to different spatial organisation structures (PC processes). Additionally, it permits to determine in precise percentage the exact quantity of the overexpression or infraexpression and finally to comprehend molecular regionalisation and expression in both control and deficient groups. The results suggest that even with 2 weeks of deficit of FA the expression and distribution of both molecules is affected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Segmented thermoplastic polyurethanes (PUs) were synthetized using polycarbonate diol as soft segment with a molar mass of 500 and as a hard segment 1,5-pentanediol with a combination of isophorone diisocyanate (IPDI) and hexamethylene diisocyanate (HDI). Differential scanning calorimetry, differential mechanical analysis, Fourier transform infrared-attenuated total reflection spectroscopy, haze, transmittance, hardness, tensile properties and retention of tensile properties tests were employed to characterize the different PUs. The results of this study show that IPDI/HDI relation has a significant impact on the phase mixing, crystallinity and therefore on the PU’s properties. The variation of diisocyanate type ratio allows obtaining PUs of different nature from a high rubbery material with a high content in IPDI to high crystalline PU increasing the HDI content. Material transparency was also modified by decreasing the amorphous nature of the materials with the increase in the HDI content. The weather resistance of the final PU is related with the different isocyanate relation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Enhance adherence to treatment is one of the main objectives in psychiatric clinical practice. The aim of this study is to evaluate changes in the use of oral antipsychotic medication, the use of rehabilitation resources and the number and duration of income in Psychiatric Inpatient Unit, comparing one year before and one year after RLAI''s introduction, in patients with different psychiatric disorders, followed up by Mental Health Center and have maintained adherence to treatment for a defined period. We performed an observational, retrospective study by reviewing medical records of patients in ambulatory monitoring. The sample consisted of all patients (112) who had maintained RLAI treatment for a year, excluding those who did not fulfill the guideline correctly (14), remaining n=98. We included patients of various pathologies, establishing groups as qualitative variables (F.20=56; F.25=12; F.22–28=20; F.60=10); of both sexes (V=71; M=27) and all ages. The preliminary results obtained showed a greater use of rehabilitation resources and decreased use of oral antipsychotics. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract The aim of this paper is to explore the use of assessment as a tool for structuring students' experiences within a networked learning environment. It is suggested that this investigation may have a wider bearing on issues raised by the idea of aligning teaching approach with the students' approach to learning. The methods used are broadly phenomenographic and the use of this approach is proposed for the evaluation of networked learning in higher education. The work is drawn from the initial phase of a two-year study being undertaken at Lancaster University. The choice of phenomenography as the preferred methodological approach is explained and how this is appropriate for evaluation. An emphasis is placed upon the evaluative aspects of phenomenography, its focus on varieties of experience and the relationship between approaches adopted to learning and the outcomes of learning. The example, drawn from the research, examines student approaches in relation to the declared intentions of the course designers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Therapy for recurrent Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea (CDAD) is challenging. We evaluated the frequency, associated risk factors, and prognosis of first CDAD recurrences. Prospective cohort study of all consecutive cases of primary CDAD diagnosed in a university hospital from January 2006 to June 2013. Recurrent infection was defined as reappearance of symptoms within 8 weeks of the primary diagnosis, provided that CDAD symptoms had previously resolved and a new toxin test was positive. Predictors of a first episode of recurrent CDAD were determined by logistic regression analysis. In total, 502 patients (51.6 % men) with a mean age of 62.3 years (SD 18.5) had CDAD; 379 (76 %) were cured, 61 (12 %) had a first recurrence, 52 (10 %) died within 30 days of the CDAD diagnosis, nine (2 %) required colectomy, and one was lost to follow-up. Among the 61 patients with a first recurrence, 36 (59.3 %) were cured, 15 (23.7 %) had a second recurrence, nine (15.3 %) died, and one (1.7 %) required colectomy. On multivariate analysis, age older than 65 years (OR 2.04; 95 % CI, 1.14-3.68; P < 0.02) and enteral nutrition (OR, 3.62; 95%CI, 1.66-7.87; P < 0.01) were predictors of a first recurrence. A risk score was developed for first CDAD recurrence using the predictive factors and selected biological variables. In our CDAD cohort, 12 % of patients had a first recurrence of this disease, in which the prognosis was less favorable than that of the primary episode, as it heralded a higher risk of additional recurrences. Patient age and enteral nutrition were predictors of a first recurrence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Increase of resting Ca2+ levels and amplitude of vasopressin-induced Ca2+ transients were observed when cells in serum-free medium were exposed to 5mM Ca2+ for 2h. Small effect on cell viability was also observed. A rapid cytotoxic effect was developed in the presence of 10mM Ca2+ and absence of serum. However, cells exposed to 10mM Ca2+ in the presence of serum were protected from damage for at least 2days. Resting Ca2+ levels and cytosolic Ca2+ transients in serum-containing medium with 10mM Ca2+ displayed lower increases and a tendency to recover control values. When serum was absent, cells preincubated with 10mM Ca2+ were more sensitive to thapsigargin-induced damage than cells preincubated with lower Ca2+. The sensitivity was similar when serum was present. Tolerance to high Ca2+ in the presence of serum was linked to potentiation of the mitochondrial Ca2+ entry to decrease the sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ overload. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Toll-like receptors (TLRs) constitute a family of nonpolymorphic receptors that are devoted to pathogen recognition. In this work, we have explored the impact of TLR ligands (TLR-L) on human hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) and hematopoietic progenitor cells (HPCs). We show that HSCs and HPCs have a comparable pattern of expression of TLR transcripts characterized by the predominance of TLR1, -2, -3, -4 and -6. In long-term cultures of HSCs, HPCs and stromal cells, most TLR-L profoundly inhibited B-cell development while preserving or enhancing the production of myeloid cells. In short-term cultures, the TLR1/2 ligand PAM3CSK4 induced a large proportion of HPCs to express markers of the myelomonocytic lineage. PAM3CSK4 induced only marginal expression of myeloid lineage markers on HSCs but promoted their myeloid commitment as revealed by their acquisition of the phenotype of multi- and bipotential myeloid progenitors and by upregulation of the transcription factors PU.1, C/EBPα and GATA-1. Our results suggest that TLR agonists can bias the lineage commitment of human HSCs and shift the differentiation of lineage-committed progenitors to favor myelopoiesis at the expense of lymphoid B-cell development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The elusive crystal structure of the so-called 'antimonic acid' has been investigated by means of robust and state-of-the-art techniques. The synergic results of solid-state magic-angle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and a combined Rietveld refinement from synchrotron X-ray and neutron powder diffraction data reveal that this compound contains two types of protons, in a pyrochlore-type structure of stoichiometric formula (H3O)1.20(7)H0.77(9)Sb2O6. Some protons belong to heavily delocalized H3O+ subunits, while some H+ are directly bonded to the oxygen atoms of the covalent framework of the pyrochlore structure, with O–H distances close to 1 Å. A proton diffusion mechanism is proposed relying on percolation pathways determined by bond-valence energy landscape analysis. X-ray absorption spectroscopy results corroborate the structural data around Sb5+ ions at short-range order. Thermogravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry endorsed the conclusions on the water content within antimonic acid. Additional 0.7 water molecules per formula were assessed as moisture water by thermal analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

New angle-resolved photoelectron spectroscopy (ARPES) data, recorded at several different photon energies from the Si(111)(7 × 7) surface, show that the well-known S1 and S2 surface states that lie in the bulk band gap are localised at specific (adatom and rest atom) sites on the reconstructed surface. The variations in the photoemission intensity from these states as a function of polar and azimuthal emission angle, and incident photon energy, are not consistent with Fermi surface mapping but are well-described by calculations of the multiple elastic scattering in the final state. This localisation of the most shallowly bound S1 state is consistent with the lack of significant dispersion, with no evidence of Fermi surface crossing, implying that the surface is not, as has been previously proposed, metallic in character. Our findings highlight the importance of final state scattering in interpreting ARPES data, an aspect that is routinely ignored and can lead to misleading conclusions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Forward scattering photoelectron diffraction has been used to study the structure of Yb(111) films epitaxially deposited onto W(110) single crystals. The measurements have been carried out recording the intensity modulations of the Yb 4f photoemission core levels throughout a complete set of polar and azimuthal scans. We observe the coexistence of two domains with a characteristic face-centered-cubic (fcc) structure. Both domains appear to be rotated 60° toward each other. The possible presence of a hexagonal-close-packed (hcp) phase or a mixture of fcc and hcp phases, which could be stabilized by the presence of oxygen, has been particularly investigated. However, these two possibilities have been disregarded due to the clear disagreement observed between the scattering simulations and the experimental data. © 2003 American Institute of Physics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A recipe to produce ultrathin gate oxides by K-promoted catalytic oxidation of Si is described. The thickness of the final oxide depends linearly on the amount of K predeposited. The resulting oxide is chemically homogeneous. The process takes place at temperatures much lower than those used in thermal oxidation. The maximum temperature required to desorb the catalyst is 600 °C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Candins are commonly used as initial therapy in patients with candidemia and are known to diffuse poorly into ocular tissue. The aim of our multicenter study was to assess whether eye involvement was more common in patients initially treated with echinocandins. We performed a post hoc analysis of a prospective, multicenter, population-based candidemic surveillance program implemented in Spain during 2010–2011 (CANDIPOP project). Eye involvement was detected in 13 of 168 patients with candidemia (7.7%) who underwent ophthalmoscopy. Two patients had endophthalmitis, while the remaining patients had chorioretinitis. The frequency of ocular candidiasis was similar in patients receiving initial therapy with candins (3/56; 5.4%) or with other regimens (10/112; 8.9%). At multivariate analysis, risk conditions for eye involvement were dialysis after candidemia (OR, 19.4; 95% CI, 1.7–218.4) and involvement of organs other than the eye (OR, 5.4; 95% CI, 1.1–25.7). In conclusion, eye involvement was not found to be more frequent in patients receiving initial therapy with echinocandins than in patients receiving other drugs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Influence of the covalence, octahedral distortion and the translation symmetry of the chromium ions in octahedral coordination on the electronic structure for compounds under investigation was clarified. Cr L 2,3 and Ti L 2.3 X-ray absorption spectra (XAS) along with atomic multiplet calculations and resonant Ti 2p-3d and Cr 2p-3d photoelectron spectra of valence band (RXPS) in the intercalated titanium dichalcogenides Cr x TiX 2 (X = Se, Te) and in the substitution compound Ti x Cr 1− x Se 2 show the charge transfer between chromium and titanium sublattices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For certain conditions of layer thickness, the interface between GdTiO3 (GTO) and SrTiO3 (STO) in multilayer samples has been found to form a two-dimensional electron gas(2DEG) with very interesting properties including high mobilities and ferromagnetism. We have here studied two trilayer samples of the form [2 nm GTO/1.0 or 1.5 unit cells STO/10 nm GTO] as grown on (001) (LaAlO3)0.3(Sr2AlTaO6)0.7, with the STO layer thicknesses being at what has been suggested is the critical thickness for 2DEG formation. We have studied these with Ti-resonant angle-resolved and angle-integrated photoemission and find that the spectral feature in the spectra associated with the 2DEG is present in the 1.5 unit cell sample, but not in the 1.0 unit cell sample. We also observe through core-level spectra additional states in Ti and Sr, with the strength of a low-binding-energy state for Sr being associated with the appearance of the 2DEG, and we suggest it to have an origin in final-state core-hole screening. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Among the different graphene synthesis methods, chemical vapor deposition of graphene on low cost copper foil shows great promise for large scale applications. Here, we present growth experiments to obtain high quality graphene and its clean transfer onto any substrates. Bilayer-free monolayer graphene was obtained by a careful pre-annealing step and by optimizing the H 2 flow during growth. The as-grown graphene was transferred using an improved wet chemical graphene transfer process. Some major flaws in the conventional wet chemical, polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) assisted, graphene transfer process are addressed. The transferred graphene on arbitrary substrates was found to be free of metallic contaminants, defects (cracks, holes or folds caused by water trapped beneath graphene) and PMMA residues. The high quality of the transferred graphene was further evidenced by angle resolved photoelectron spectroscopy studies, for which the linear dependency of the electronic band structure characteristic of graphene was measured at the Dirac point. This is the first Dirac cone observation on the CVD grown graphene transferred on some 3D bulk substrate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We describe an analytical methodology to obtain high sensitivity and better resolution through the study of fluorometric excitation ( λ) and emission ( λ) spectrum wavelengths of OPA-amino acids. The spectrum emission study revealed a maximum signal peak at 450 nm for aspartate and glutamine. For glycine, taurine, and GABA, the maximum signal peak was at 448 and for glutamate at 452 nm. The remaining amino acids analyzed showed a maximum emission around 450 nm. The best signal obtained within the spectrum excitation experiments was using 229- to 450-nm λ- λ. The drawbacks observed at these wavelengths were a baseline drift and negative peaks occurrence. Thus, the excitation wavelength of 240 nm was chosen (240- to 450-nm λ- λ) as a compromise between a very good signal response and a baseline stability to resolve the 18 amino acids studied. Furthermore, this protocol was properly validated. On the other hand, the elution gradient program used for neuroactive amino acids (aspartate, glutamate, glycine, taurine and GABA) showed separation to the baseline, in a 15-min run in all of them. Other amino acids, up to 18, also exhibited a very good separation in a 25-min run. In conclusion, we propose the use of 240- to 450-nm λ- λ wavelengths, in OPA-amino acids analysis, as the most suitable protocol to obtain the best signal response, maintaining an optimum chromatographic resolution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Motivated by the prediction of a high TeV luminosity we investigated whether the blazar 1ES 1727+502 (z = 0.055) is emitting very high energy (VHE, E > 100 GeV) γ rays. We observed the BL Lac object 1ES 1727+502 in stereoscopic mode with the two MAGIC telescopes for 14 nights between May 6th and June 10th 2011, for a total effective observing time of 12.6 h. To study the multiwavelength spectral energy distribution (SED), we used simultaneous optical R-band data from the KVA telescope, archival UV/optical and X-ray observations from instruments UVOT and XRT on board of the Swift satellite, and high energy (HE, 0.1GeV-100 GeV) γ-ray data from the Fermi-LAT instrument. We detected, for the first time, VHE γ-ray emission from 1ES 1727+502 at a statistical significance of 5.5σ. The integral flux above 150 GeV is estimated to be (2.1 ± 0.4)% of the Crab nebula flux and the de-absorbed VHE spectrum has a photon index of (2.7 ± 0.5). No significant short-term variability was found in any of the wavebands presented here. We model the SED using a one-zone synchrotron self-Compton model obtaining parameters typical for this class of sources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High-energy and k-space resolution angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy experiments were achieved on nominally single and bilayer graphene grown by Si-flux assisted molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) on the C-face of SiC. This material shows the same structure as the graphene grown by standard high-temperature annealing of SiC, noticeably the rotational disorder and the very weak electronic coupling between stacked layers. The SiC substrate induces a strong doping by charge transfer, with a Dirac point located 320 meV below the Fermi level for monolayer graphene. The efficient screening by the successive graphene layers results in a reduction of this value to 190 meV for bilayer graphene. The opening of an energy band gap, whose width is inversely dependent on the thickness, is also reported. These measurements emphasize the potentialities of the Si-flux assisted MBE technique, more particularly for homogeneous low thickness graphene growth on the C-face of SiC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context. BL Lacertae objects are variable at all energy bands on time scales down to minutes. To construct and interpret their spectral energy distribution (SED), simultaneous broad-band observations are mandatory. Up to now, the number of objects studied during such campaigns is very limited and biased towards high flux states. Aims. We present the results of a dedicated multi-wavelength study of the high-frequency peaked BL Lacertae (HBL) object and known TeV emitter 1ES 2344+514 by means of a pre-organised campaign. Methods. The observations were conducted during simultaneous visibility windows of MAGIC and AGILE in late 2008. The measurements were complemented by Metsähovi, RATAN-600, KVA+Tuorla, Swift and VLBA pointings. Additional coverage was provided by the ongoing long-term F-GAMMA and MOJAVE programs, the OVRO 40-m and CrAO telescopes as well as the Fermi satellite. The obtained SEDs are modelled using a one-zone as well as a self-consistent two-zone synchrotron self-Compton model. Results. 1ES 2344+514 was found at very low flux states in both X-rays and very high energy gamma rays. Variability was detected in the low frequency radio and X-ray bands only, where for the latter a small flare was observed. The X-ray flare was possibly caused by shock acceleration characterised by similar cooling and acceleration time scales. MOJAVE VLBA monitoring reveals a static jet whose components are stable over time scales of eleven years, contrary to previous findings. There appears to be no significant correlation between the 15 GHz and R-band monitoring light curves. The observations presented here constitute the first multi-wavelength campaign on 1ES 2344+514 from radio to VHE energies and one of the few simultaneous SEDs during low activity states. The quasi-simultaneous Fermi-LAT data poses some challenges for SED modelling, but in general the SEDs are described well by both applied models. The resulting parameters are typical for TeV emitting HBLs. Consequently it remains unclear whether a so-called quiescent state was found in this campaign. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Photoelectron spectroscopic measurements have been performed, with synchrotron radiation on PbSe/CdSe heteronanocrystals that initially consist of core-shell structures. The study of the chemical states of the main elements in the nanocrystals shows a reproducible and progressive change in the valence-band and core-level spectra under photon irradiation, whatever the core and shell sizes are. Such chemical modifications are explained in light of transmission electron microscopy observations and reveal a phase transformation of the nanocrystals: The core-shell nanocrystals undergo a morphological change toward a Janus structure with the formation of semidetached PbSe and CdSe clusters. Photoelectron spectroscopy gives new insight into the reorganization of the ligands anchored at the surface of the nanocrystals and the modification of the electronic structure of these heteronanocrystals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context. On March 28, 2011, the BAT instrument on board the Swift satellite detected a new transient event that in the very beginning was classified as a gamma ray burst (GRB). However, the unusual X-ray flaring activity observed from a few hours up to days after the onset of the event made a different nature seem to be more likely. The long-lasting activity in the X-ray band, followed by a delayed brightening of the source in infrared and radio activity, suggested that it is better interpreted as a tidal disruption event that triggered a dormant black hole in the nucleus of the host galaxy and generated an outflowing jet of relativistic matter. Aims. Detecting a very high energy emission component from such a peculiar object would be enable us to constrain the dynamic of the emission processes and the jet model by providing information on the Doppler factor of the relativistic ejecta. Methods. The MAGIC telescopes observed the peculiar source Swift J1644+57 during the flaring phase, searching for gamma-ray emission at very-high energy (VHE, E > 100 GeV), starting observations nearly 2.5 days after the trigger time. MAGIC collected a total of 28 h of data during 12 nights. The source was observed in wobble mode during dark time at a mean zenith angle of 35°. Data were reduced using a new image-cleaning algorithm, the so-called sum-cleaning, which guarantees a better noise suppression and a lower energy threshold than the standard analysis procedure. Results. No clear evidence for emission above the energy threshold of 100 GeV was found. MAGIC observations permit one to constrain the emission from the source down to 100 GeV, which favors models that explain the observed lower energy variable emission. Data analysis of simultaneous observations from AGILE, Fermi and VERITAS also provide negative detection, which additionally constrain the self-Compton emission component. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context. On March 28, 2011, the BAT instrument on board the Swift satellite detected a new transient event that in the very beginning was classified as a gamma ray burst (GRB). However, the unusual X-ray flaring activity observed from a few hours up to days after the onset of the event made a different nature seem to be more likely. The long-lasting activity in the X-ray band, followed by a delayed brightening of the source in infrared and radio activity, suggested that it is better interpreted as a tidal disruption event that triggered a dormant black hole in the nucleus of the host galaxy and generated an outflowing jet of relativistic matter. Aims. Detecting a very high energy emission component from such a peculiar object would be enable us to constrain the dynamic of the emission processes and the jet model by providing information on the Doppler factor of the relativistic ejecta . Methods. The MAGIC telescopes observed the peculiar source Swift J1644+57 during the flaring phase, searching for gamma-ray emission at very-high energy (VHE, E > 100 GeV), starting observations nearly 2.5 days after the trigger time. MAGIC collected a total of 28 h of data during 12 nights. The source was observed in wobble mode during dark time at a mean zenith angle of 35°. Data were reduced using a new image-cleaning algorithm, the so-called sum-cleaning, which guarantees a better noise suppression and a lower energy threshold than the standard analysis procedure. Results. No clear evidence for emission above the energy threshold of 100 GeV was found. MAGIC observations permit one to constrain the emission from the source down to 100 GeV, which favors models that explain the observed lower energy variable emission. Data analysis of simultaneous observations from AGILE, Fermi and VERITAS also provide negative detection, which additionally constrain the self-Compton emission component. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context. Magnetars are an extreme, highly magnetized class of isolated neutron stars whose large X-ray luminosity is believed to be driven by their high magnetic field. Aims. We study for the first time the possible very high energy ?-ray emission above 100 GeV from magnetars, observing the sources 4U 0142+61 and 1E 2259+586. Methods. We observed the two sources with atmospheric Cherenkov telescopes in the very high energy range (E > 100 GeV). 4U0142+61 was observed with the MAGIC I telescope in 2008 for about 25 h and 1E 2259+586 was observed with the MAGIC stereoscopic system in 2010 for about 14 h. The data were analyzed with the standard MAGIC analysis software. Results. Neither magnetar was detected. Upper limits to the differential and integral flux above 200GeV were computed using the Rolke algorithm. We obtain integral upper limits to the flux of 1.52 x 10-12 cm-2 s-1 and 2.7 × 10-12 cm-2 s-1 with a confidence level of 95% for 4U0142+61 and 1E 2259+586, respectively. The resulting differential upper limits are presented together with X-ray data and upper limits in the GeV energy range. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context. We present the discovery of very high energy (VHE, E > 100 GeV) γ-ray emission from the BL Lac object 1ES 1215+303 by the MAGIC telescopes and simultaneous multi-wavelength data in a broad energy range from radio to y-rays. Aims. We study the VHE γ-ray emission from IES 1215+303 and its relation to the emissions in other wavelengths. Methods. Triggered by an optical outburst, MAGIC observed the source in 2011 January-February for 20.3 h. The target was monitored in the optical R-band by the KVA telescope that also performed optical polarization measurements. We triggered target of opportunity observations with the Swift satellite and obtained simultaneous and quasi-simultaneous data from the Fermi Large Area Telescope and from the Metsähovi radio telescope. We also present the analysis of older MAGIC data taken in 2010. Results. The MAGIC observations of 1ES 1215+303 carried out in 2011 January-February resulted in the first detection of the source at VHE with a statistical significance of 9.4σ. Simultaneously, the source was observed in a high optical and X-ray state. In 2010 the source was observed in a lower state in optical, X-ray, and VHE, while the GeV y-ray flux and the radio flux were comparable in 2010 and 2011. The spectral energy distribution obtained with the 2011 data can be modeled with a simple one zone SSC model, but it requires extreme values for the Doppler factor or the electron energy distribution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context. We present the results of a long M 87 monitoring campaign in very high energy γ-rays with the MAGIC-I Cherenkov telescope. Aims. We aim to model the persistent non-thermal jet emission by monitoring and characterizing the very high energy γ-ray emission of M 87 during a low state. Methods. A total of 150 h of data were taken between 2005 and 2007 with the single MAGIC-I telescope, out of which 128.6?h survived the data quality selection. We also collected data in the X-ray and Fermi-LAT bands from the literature (partially contemporaneous). Results. No flaring activity was found during the campaign. The source was found to be in a persistent low-emission state, which was at a confidence level of 7σ. We present the spectrum between 100?GeV and 2?TeV, which is consistent with a simple power law with a photon index Γ = 2.21 ± 0.21 and a flux normalization at 300?GeV of (7.7 ± 1.3) × 10-8 TeV-1 s-1 m-2. The extrapolation of the MAGIC spectrum into the GeV energy range matches the previously published Fermi-LAT spectrum well, covering a combined energy range of four orders of magnitude with the same spectral index. We model the broad band energy spectrum with a spine layer model, which can satisfactorily describe our data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]