Metamorphosis and Taxonomy of Andreev Bound States

We analyze the spatial and energy dependence of the local density of states in a SNS junction. We model our system as a one-dimensional tight-binding chain which we solve exactly by numerical diagonalization. We calculate the dependence of the Andreev bound states on position, phase difference, gate voltage, and coupling with the superconducting leads. Our results confirm the physics predicted by certain analytical approximations, but reveal a much richer set of phenomena beyond the grasp of these approximations, such as the metamorphosis of the discrete states of the normal link (the normal bound states) into Andreev bound states as the leads become superconducting.Comment: 23 pages, 15 figure

Integrative molecular characterization of malignant pleural mesothelioma

Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is a highly lethal cancer of the lining of the chest cavity. To expand our understanding of MPM, we conducted a comprehensive integrated genomic study, including the most detailed analysis of BAP1 alterations to date. We identified histology-independent molecular prognostic subsets, and defined a novel genomic subtype with TP53 and SETDB1 mutations and extensive loss of heterozygosity. We also report strong expression of the immune-checkpoint gene VISTA in epithelioid MPM, strikingly higher than in other solid cancers, with implications for the immune response to MPM and for its immunotherapy. Our findings highlight new avenues for further investigation of MPM biology and novel therapeutic options. SIGNIFICANCE: Through a comprehensive integrated genomic study of 74 MPMs, we provide a deeper understanding of histology-independent determinants of aggressive behavior, define a novel genomic subtype with TP53 and SETDB1 mutations and extensive loss of heterozygosity, and discovered strong expresssion of the immune-checkpoint gene VISTA in epithelioid MPM

Larvae of the Costa Rican Hetaerina (Odonata: Calopterygidae) with comments on distribution

The larvae of seven of the nine Costa Rican species of Hetaerina (H.capitalis, H.cruentata, H. fuscogutfata, H. majuscula, H. miniata, H. occisa and H. titia) were identified by matching their Cellulose Acetate Gel Electrophoresis (CAGE) patterns with those of adults. CAGE allows larval descriptions to be processed at a much faster rate than through traditional rearing techniques and, provided that refrigeration and a power supply are available, is relatively portable and robust. Adults of H.capitalis, H.cruentata and H. miniata were also reared from final instar larvae. Larvae of H.caja and H.sempronia were identified by site association with adults and unique suites of morphological characters. Characters on the head, antennae, labium, pronotum, legs, abdomen, and caudal appendages are described and illustrated, and a key to final instar larvae of all nine species is presented. The distribution of Hetaerina in Costa Rica is influenced primarily by the Cordillera.Las larvas de siete de las nueve especies costarricenses de Hetaerina (H.capitalis, H.cruentata, H. fuscogutfata, H. majuscula, H. miniata, H. occisa y H. titia) fueron identificadas mediante el emparejamiento de sus electroforesis en gel de acetato de celulosa. (CAGE) con los de los adultos. CAGE permite que las descripciones de las larvas se procesen a un ritmo mucho más rápido que a través de las técnicas tradicionales de crianza y, siempre que se disponga de refrigeración y suministro eléctrico, es relativamente portátil y resistente. También se criaron adultos de H. capitalis, H. cruentata y H. miniata a partir de larvas en estadio final. Las larvas de H.caja y H.sempronia fueron identificadas por asociación de sitio con adultos y conjuntos únicos de caracteres morfológicos. Se describen e ilustran los caracteres de la cabeza, las antenas, los labios, el pronoto, las piernas, el abdomen y los apéndices caudales, y se presenta una clave para el estadio final de las larvas de las nueve especies. La distribución de Hetaerina en Costa Rica está influenciada principalmente por la Cordillera.Universidad Nacional, Costa RicaEscuela de Ciencias Biológica