Element-Specific Depth Profile of Magnetism and Stoichiometry at the La0.67Sr0.33MnO3/BiFeO3 Interface

Depth-sensitive magnetic, structural and chemical characterization is important in the understanding and optimization of novel physical phenomena emerging at interfaces of transition metal oxide heterostructures. In a simultaneous approach we have used polarized neutron and resonant X-ray reflectometry to determine the magnetic profile across atomically sharp interfaces of ferromagnetic La0.67Sr0.33MnO3 / multiferroic BiFeO3 bi-layers with sub-nanometer resolution. In particular, the X-ray resonant magnetic reflectivity measurements at the Fe and Mn resonance edges allowed us to determine the element specific depth profile of the ferromagnetic moments in both the La0.67Sr0.33MnO3 and BiFeO3 layers. Our measurements indicate a magnetically diluted interface layer within the La0.67Sr0.33MnO3 layer, in contrast to previous observations on inversely deposited layers. Additional resonant X-ray reflection measurements indicate a region of an altered Mn- and O-content at the interface, with a thickness matching that of the magnetic diluted layer, as origin of the reduction of the magnetic moment.Comment: 13 pages, 4 figures, supplemental material include

Acute Hypersensitivity Reaction After Casirivimab/Imdevimab Infusion in a COVID-19-Positive Young Male: Myopericarditis or Kounis Syndrome?

Myocarditis has been a rare, but well-documented side effect of the mRNA-based vaccines against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) as well as a complication of viral infections including SARS-CoV-2. However, myopericarditis as a complication of monoclonal antibody infusion or as a complication of allergic reaction to antibody infusions might be underreported. We report the case of a 30-year-old man with a previous diagnosis of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection one week prior to presentation, unvaccinated for SARS-CoV-2, who was referred from a monoclonal infusion center where he received casirivimab/imdevimab and 15 minutes after the infusion began to complain of chills, chest pain, shortness of breath, and was hypotensive. In the infusion center, the patient received epinephrine and diphenhydramine and was directed to the ER, where the patient was febrile, tachycardic, and hypotensive. Initial troponin was 1.91 which peaked at 11.73 and CK-MB which peaked at 21.2. EKG had no ischemic changes. A two-dimensional echocardiogram showed an ejection fraction (EF) of about 45%, with a left ventricular dysfunction and trivial posterior pericardial effusion, and it was diagnosed as myopericarditis. On admission, he was started on full-dose enoxaparin, aspirin, fluid resuscitation, steroids, remdesevir, and bilevel positive airway pressure (BiPap) due to his respiratory compromise. Three days later, with clinical improvement, a repeat echocardiogram showed EF of 65%, with normal ventricular contractility and no pericardial effusion. The patient was discharged home with close cardiology follow-up. Though this could be a simple case of viral myopericarditis with troponinemia secondary to demand-ischemia, the differential should be broadened to complication of monoclonal antibody, given the sudden symptom onset after infusion completion and/or a possible Kounis syndrome. Though there have not been any reported cases of casirivimab/imdevimab causing myopericarditis, adverse cardiac events after monoclonal therapy have been reported mainly in cancer patients receiving monoclonal infusions

Mejoramiento del porcentaje de proteina en maiz para ensilaje con el aumento y parcializaci 3n de la fertilizacion nitrogenada

In clay soils with poor drainage two trials were carried out with the objective of determining the effect of nitrogen application on maize (Zea mays L.) for silage on forage yield and protein content. In Trial 1, the treatments were two corn silage hybrids of different growing periods, SX-43 and INIA-150, sown at 90.000 plants ha-1 and four N rates: 0, 100, 200 and 400 kg N ha-1. In Trial 2, the treatments were two N rates: 200 and 400 kg of N ha-1, and three forms of N application: a) 1/2 at sowing + 1/2 at 30 cm plant height; b) 1/3 at sowing + 1/3 at 30 cm plant height + 1/3 at 60 cm plant height; and c) 1/4 at sowing + 1/4 at 30 cm plant height + 1/4 at 60 cm plant height +1/4 at flowering. One treatment was without N. In Trial 1 N application increased DM yield (P < 0.05), but no significant response was observed with N rates between 100 and 400 kg N ha-1, due to soil limitations. Forage production and protein percentage increased significantly with N application. In Trial 2, DM production in corn silage increased with higher N rates (P < 0.05). Forage protein percentage was increased by higher N rates and partitioning of the application. On increasing the partitioning of N from two to four applications, protein percentage of forage was increased by 23 and 37% for 200 and 400 kg of N ha-1, respectively.En suelos arcillosos de mal drenaje se realizaron dos ensayos con el objetivo de determinar la respuesta de ma\uedz (Zea mays L.) para ensilaje a la aplicaci\uf3n de N en el rendimiento y contenido de prote\uedna del forraje. En el Ensayo 1 los tratamientos correspondieron a dos h\uedbridos de ma\uedz para ensilaje de distinta precocidad, SX-43 e INIA-150, sembrados con una poblaci\uf3n de 90.000 plantas ha-1 y cuatro dosis de N: 0, 100, 200 y 400 kg N ha-1. En el Ensayo 2, los tratamientos fueron dos dosis de N: 200 y 400 kg N ha-1, y tres formas de aplicaci\uf3n de nitr\uf3geno: a) 1/2 a la siembra + 1/2 a 30 cm de altura de las plantas; b) 1/3 a la siembra + 1/3 a 30 cm de altura de las plantas + 1/3 a 60 cm de altura de plantas; y c) 1/4 a la siembra + 1/4 a 30 cm de altura de las plantas + 1/4 a 60 cm de altura de plantas +1/4 en floraci\uf3n. Adem\ue1s se incluy\uf3 un tratamiento sin aplicaci\uf3n de N. En el Ensayo 1, la aplicaci\uf3n de N aument\uf3 el rendimiento de MS (P < 0,05), sin embargo no hubo respuesta significativa entre 100 y 400 kg de N, debido a limitantes de suelo. La producci\uf3n y el porcentaje de prote\uedna del forraje aument\uf3 significativamente con la aplicaci\uf3n de N. En el Ensayo 2, la producci\uf3n de MS en el ma\uedz aument\uf3 con la aplicaci\uf3n de N (P < 0,05). El porcentaje de prote\uedna del forraje se increment\uf3 con mayores dosis de N y su parcializaci\uf3n. Al aumentar la parcializaci\uf3n del N de 2 a 4 aplicaciones se increment\uf3 el tenor proteico del forraje en 23 y 37 % para las dosis de 200 y 400 kg N ha-1, respectivamente

Changes of the Neutron Flux of the Nuclear Reactor Triga Mark III Since the Conversion from High to Low 235U Enrichment

The neutron flux of the Triga Mark III research reactor was studied using nuclear track detectors. The facility of the National Institute for Nuclear Research (ININ), operates with a new core load of 85 LEU 30/20 (Low Enriched Uranium) fuel elements. The reactor provides a neutron flux around 2 × 1012 n cm-2s-1 at the irradiation channel. In this channel, CR-39 (allyl diglycol policarbonate) Landauer® detectors were exposed to neutrons; the detectors were covered with a 3 mm acrylic sheet for (n, p) reaction. Results show a linear response between the reactor power in the range 0.1 - 7 kW, and the average nuclear track density with data reproducibility and relatively low uncertainty (±5%). The method is a simple technique, fast and reliable procedure to monitor the research reactor operating power levels

Effect of zeolitic products in the nutritive quality of the diatom Thalassiosira weissflogii

The marine diatom Thalassiosira weissflogii (Grunow) G. Fryxell et Hasle (= T. fluviatilis Hustedt) was cultured in a batch system with f/2 medium supplemented with 10 mg l-1 of the zeolitic products Zeben 56, Zestec 56 and AZ. After 10 days cell composition was measured. The most important effect was observed with Zestec 56 which induced an increase of octadecatetraenoic acid (C18:4) and docosahexaenoic acid (C22:6 DHA). Results suggest that zeolitic products can be used as part of the f/2 medium to improve the nutritional quality of this diatom

Mutations in LAMB2 causing a severe form of synaptic congenital myasthenic syndrome

BackgroundWe describe a severe form of congenital myasthenic syndrome (CMS) associated with congenital nephrosis and ocular malformations caused by two truncating mutations in the gene encoding the laminin beta2 subunit (LAMB2).Methods and resultsMutational analysis in the affected patient, who has a history of a serious untoward reaction to treatment with acetylcholinesterase inhibition, revealed two frame-shifting heteroallelic mutations, a maternally inherited 1478delG and a paternally inherited 4804delC. An anconeus muscle biopsy demonstrated a profound distortion of the architecture and function of the neuromuscular junction, which was strikingly similar to that seen in mice lacking laminin beta2 subunit. The findings included: pronounced reduction of the axon terminal size with encasement of the nerve endings by Schwann cells, severe widening of the primary synaptic cleft and invasion of the synaptic space by the processes of Schwann cells, and moderate simplification of postsynaptic folds and intact expression of the endplate acetylcholinesterase. The endplate potential quantal content was notably reduced, while the frequencies and amplitudes of miniature endplate potentials were only moderately diminished and the decay phases of miniature endplate potentials were normal. Western blot analysis of muscle and kidney tissue and immunohistochemistry of kidney tissue showed no laminin beta2 expression.ConclusionThis case, which represents a new type of synaptic CMS, exemplifies the wide variability of phenotypes associated with LAMB2 mutations and underscores the fundamental role that laminin beta2 plays in the development of the human neuromuscular junction

Especies leguminosas forrajeras para corte en suelos arcillosos de mal drenaje

Forage yield of three species of leguminous forrages: alfalfa, Medicago sativa L.; red clover, Trifolium pratense L.; and birdsfoot trefoil Lotus corniculatus L. was evaluated in waterlogged soils in the VIIth Region, Chile, during four seasons with three fertilization rates: 2 t lime ha-1 + 150 kg P2O5 ha-1; no lime application + 150 kg P2O5 ha-1; and no lime + 70 kg of P2O5 ha-1, applying half of the fertilizer dose during the seasons following establishment. The experimental design was randomized complete blocks with four repetitions. An analysis of variance was carried out and means were compared using the Duncan test (P 64 0.05). Alfalfa needed high fertilization to achieve production comparable to birdsfoot trefoil and red clover, reaching its best production with complete fertilization in the first season (4.6 t DM ha-1). The red clover maintained high production until the second season independent of the fertilizer dose (11.8 t DM ha-1), but began to decline in the third season. The birdsfoot trefoil was the species best adapted to these soil conditions, DM yield was not affected by the dose of phosphorus in the four years, reaching production levels of 7.1 t DM ha-1 during the fourth season.Se evalu\uf3 el rendimiento de forraje en tres especies de leguminosas forrajeras: alfalfa, Medicago sativa L.; tr\ue9bol rosado, Trifolium pratense L.; y lotera, Lotus corniculatus L. en suelos arcillosos de mal drenaje de la VII Regi\uf3n, Chile, durante cuatro temporadas, con tres niveles de fertlizaci\uf3n: 2 t de cal ha-1 + 150 kg de P2O5 ha-1; sin aplicaci\uf3n de cal + 150 kg de P2O5 ha-1; y sin cal + 70 kg de P2O5 ha-1, aplicando durante las siguientes temporadas la mitad de la dosis de fertilizante aplicado al establecimiento. El dise\uf1o experimental utilizado fue de bloques completos al azar con cuatro repeticiones. Se realiz\uf3 an\ue1lisis de varianza y en la comparaci\uf3n de medias se us\uf3 la prueba de Duncan (P 64 0,05). La alfalfa necesit\uf3 una alta fertilizaci\uf3n para lograr una producci\uf3n comparable a la lograda por la lotera y tr\ue9bol rosado, alcanzando su mayor producci\uf3n con fertilizaci\uf3n completa en la primera temporada (4,6 t MS ha-1). El tr\ue9bol rosado mantuvo una alta producci\uf3n hasta la segunda temporada independiente de la dosis de fertilizante (11,8 t MS ha-1), la que empez\uf3 a declinar en la tercera temporada. La lotera fue la especie que mejor se adapt\uf3 a estas condiciones de suelo, no se afect\uf3 su rendimiento de MS por la dosis de P en los cuatro a\uf1os, alcanzando niveles de producci\uf3n de 7,1 t MS ha-1 durante la cuarta temporada

Modelling the strongest silicate emission features of local type 1 AGN

We measure the 10 and $18\mu$m silicate features in a sample of 67 local ($z<0.1$) type 1 active galactic nuclei (AGN) with available {\it Spitzer} spectra dominated by non-stellar processes. We find that the $10\mu$m silicate feature peaks at $10.3^{+0.7}_{-0.9}\mu$m with a strength (Si$_{p}$ = ln f$_{p}$(spectrum)/f$_{p}$(continuum)) of $0.11^{+0.15}_{-0.36}$, while the $18\mu$m one peaks at $17.3^{+0.4}_{-0.7}\mu$m with a strength of $0.14^{+0.06}_{-0.06}$. We select from this sample sources with the strongest 10$\mu$m silicate strength ($\sigma_{Si_{10\mu m}}>0.28$, 10 objects). We carry out a detailed modeling of the IRS/{\it Spitzer} spectra by comparing several models that assume different geometries and dust composition: a smooth torus model, two clumpy torus models, a two-phase medium torus model, and a disk+outflow clumpy model. We find that the silicate features are well modeled by the clumpy model of Nenkova et al. 2008, and among all models those including outflows and complex dust composition are the best (Hoenig et al. 2017). We note that even in AGN-dominated galaxies it is usually necessary to add stellar contributions to reproduce the emission at the shortest wavelengths.Comment: Accepted for publication in Ap