Cooperative Scattering by Cold Atoms

We have studied the interplay between disorder and cooperative scattering for single scattering limit in the presence of a driving laser. Analytical results have been derived and we have observed cooperative scattering effects in a variety of experiments, ranging from thermal atoms in an optical dipole trap, atoms released from a dark MOT and atoms in a BEC, consistent with our theoretical predictions.Comment: submitted for special issue of PQE 201

aHUS caused by complement dysregulation: new therapies on the horizon

Atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS) is a heterogeneous disease that is caused by defective complement regulation in over 50% of cases. Mutations have been identified in genes encoding both complement regulators [complement factor H (CFH), complement factor I (CFI), complement factor H-related proteins (CFHR), and membrane cofactor protein (MCP)], as well as complement activators [complement factor B (CFB) and C3]. More recently, mutations have also been identified in thrombomodulin (THBD), an anticoagulant glycoprotein that plays a role in the inactivation of C3a and C5a. Inhibitory autoantibodies to CFH account for an additional 5–10% of cases and can occur in isolation or in association with mutations in CFH, CFI, CFHR 1, 3, 4, and MCP. Plasma therapies are considered the mainstay of therapy in aHUS secondary to defective complement regulation and may be administered as plasma infusions or plasma exchange. However, in certain cases, despite initiation of plasma therapy, renal function continues to deteriorate with progression to end-stage renal disease and renal transplantation. Recently, eculizumab, a humanized monoclonal antibody against C5, has been described as an effective therapeutic strategy in the management of refractory aHUS that has failed to respond to plasma therapy. Clinical trials are now underway to further evaluate the efficacy of eculizumab in the management of both plasma-sensitive and plasma-resistant aHUS

Genetics and complement in atypical HUS

Central to the pathogenesis of atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS) is over-activation of the alternative pathway of complement. Following the initial discovery of mutations in the complement regulatory protein, factor H, mutations have been described in factor I, membrane cofactor protein and thrombomodulin, which also result in decreased complement regulation. Autoantibodies to factor H have also been reported to impair complement regulation in aHUS. More recently, gain of function mutations in the complement components C3 and Factor B have been seen. This review focuses on the genetic causes of aHUS, their functional consequences, and clinical effect

Design and microfabrication of a lateral excited gallium arsenide biosensor

GaAs crystal presents some interesting perspectives for resonant biosensors due to its piezoelectric and good mechanical properties and the opportunity to bio-functionalize the surface. Moreover, GaAs can be micromachined by wet etching in several solutions, which constitutes a batch and low-cost process of fabrication. The lateral field excitation (LFE) is used to generate bulk acoustic waves. The main advantage of LFE is the possibility to measure in liquid media, moreover reduced aging and increased frequency stability are also ensured. In this study, an analytical modelization is used to determine the orientations of the vibrating membrane and the electric field that give satisfactory metrological performances. Electrical performances are discussed as a function of geometrical parameters. A simulation based on a Finite Element Modelization is performed in order to optimize the design of the resonant structure. The microfabrication process of the structure is presented. The choice of etchants is discussed in terms of etching rates and surface textures. Several steps of the fabrication of the sensing area structure are shown and characterized. Finally, the active area is fabricated according to the theoretical and experimental results of this study