New approach in physical failure analysis based on 3D reconstruction

In this work we present a new approach in physical failure analysis. Fault isolation can be done using volume diagnosis techniques. But when studying the identified defect sites by Focused Ion Beam (FIB) cross-sectioning, correct interpretation of the cross-sectional views strongly relies on choosing an appropriate cutting strategy. However, volume diagnosis techniques do not provide any information on which cutting directions and settings to choose to avoid misinterpretation of the spatial evolution of the defects. The proposed approach is to acquire FIB-SEM tomographic datasets at the defect sites to unequivocally characterize the defects in three-dimensional visualizations, independent of particular cross-sectioning strategies. In this specific case we have applied the methodology at a microcontroller for automotive applications on which a couple of floating VIAS were found. Thanks to the complete information obtained with the tomography, the defect could be assigned to a specific class of etching tools, and the root cause thus be solved

Efeito do exercício físico e da suplementação com L-arginina em marcadores bioquímicos, antropométricos e de força em mulheres com Hipotireoidismo

Hypothyroidism is characterized by a dysfunction of the thyroid gland that has a high production of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and fails to produce its hormones thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3) correctly. Frequent in female populations, it is related to secondary dyslipidemias, endothelial dysfunction, and the reduction of the bioavailability of nitric oxide (NO). Objective: This study evaluated the effect of physical exercise and L-arginine supplementation on the levels of NO, lipid profile, anthropometric and physical data in 16 hypothyroid women residing in the city of Sarandi-RS. Materials and Methods: Characterized by a randomized clinical trial by intervention, divided into four groups. G1: exercise and supplementation; G2: exercise; G3: supplementation with L-arginine and G4: control. To evaluate the physical abilities of the volunteers, anthropometric data (weight, height, waist and hip measurements, skinfolds), 1RM strength tests, and VO2 max treadmill test were analyzed. Blood tests were performed on CT, HDL, LDL, TG, TSH, T3, T4 and NO. Results: The results obtained were significant for the reduction of% G and increase of lean mass for the G1 and G3 groups, as well as an increase of 1RM in G1 and G2. Other important results observed were the significant increase of NO to G1, and from T3 to G2. Conclusion: L-arginine supplementation may be beneficial to the studied population, and may improve quality of life, reducing CT and increasing bioavailability of NO, as well as physical exercise may be beneficial to increase T3O hipotireoidismo é caracterizado por uma disfunção da glândula tireoide que apresenta uma alta produção do hormônio tireo-estimulante (TSH) e deixa de produzir seus hormônios tiroxina (T4) e triiodotironina (T3) corretamente. Frequente em populações femininas, está relacionado a dislipidemias secundárias, disfunção endotelial e a redução da biodisponibilidade de óxido nítrico (NO). Objetivo: Esta pesquisa avaliou o efeito do exercício físico e da suplementação de L-arginina sobre os níveis de NO, perfil lipídico, dados antropométricos e físicos em 16 mulheres portadoras de hipotireoidismo residentes no município de Sarandi-RS. Materiais e Métodos: Este estudo é caracterizado por um estudo clínico randomizado por intervenção, dividido em quatro grupos. G1: exercício e suplementação; G2: exercício; G3: suplementação com L-arginina e G4: controle. Para avaliar as capacidades físicas das voluntárias foram analisados dados antropométricos (peso, altura, medidas de cintura e quadril, dobras cutâneas). Foram realizados testes de força de 1RM, e teste de VO2max em esteira rolante. Para análises sanguíneas foram realizados exames de CT, HDL, LDL, TG, TSH, T3, T4 e NO. Resultados: Os resultados obtidos foram significativos para a redução do %G e aumento de massa magra para os grupos G1 e G3, assim como foi verificado aumento de 1RM no G1 e G2. Outros resultados importantes verificados foram o aumento significativo de NO para G1, e de T3 para G2. Conclusão: A suplementação com L-arginina pode ser benéfica a população estudada, podendo melhorar a qualidade de vida, reduzindo o CT e aumentando a biodisponibilidade de NO, assim como exercício físico pode ser benéfico ao aumento de T3

A novel prostate cell type-specific gene signature to interrogate prostate tumor differentiation status and monitor therapeutic response (running title: Phenotypic classification of prostate tumors)

In this study, we extracted prostate cell-specific gene sets (metagenes) to define the epithelial differentiation status of prostate cancers and, using a deconvolution-based strategy, interrogated thousands of primary and metastatic tumors in public gene profiling datasets. We identified a subgroup of primary prostate tumors with low luminal epithelial enrichment (LumElow). LumElow tumors were associated with higher Gleason score and mutational burden, reduced relapse-free and overall survival, and were more likely to progress to castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). Using discriminant function analysis, we generate a predictive 10-gene classifier for clinical implementation. This mini-classifier predicted with high accuracy the luminal status in both primary tumors and CRPCs. Immunohistochemistry for COL4A1, a low- luminal marker, sustained the association of attenuated luminal phenotype with metastatic disease. We found also an association of LumE score with tumor phenotype in genetically engineered mouse models (GEMMs) of prostate cancer. Notably, the metagene approach led to the discovery of drugs that could revert the low luminal status in prostate cell lines and mouse models. This study describes a novel tool to dissect the intrinsic heterogeneity of prostate tumors and provide predictive information on clinical outcome and treatment response in experimental and clinical samples

Operations of and Future Plans for the Pierre Auger Observatory

Technical reports on operations and features of the Pierre Auger Observatory, including ongoing and planned enhancements and the status of the future northern hemisphere portion of the Observatory. Contributions to the 31st International Cosmic Ray Conference, Lodz, Poland, July 2009.Comment: Contributions to the 31st ICRC, Lodz, Poland, July 200

Highlights from the Pierre Auger Observatory

The Pierre Auger Observatory is the world's largest cosmic ray observatory. Our current exposure reaches nearly 40,000 km$^2$ str and provides us with an unprecedented quality data set. The performance and stability of the detectors and their enhancements are described. Data analyses have led to a number of major breakthroughs. Among these we discuss the energy spectrum and the searches for large-scale anisotropies. We present analyses of our X$_{max}$ data and show how it can be interpreted in terms of mass composition. We also describe some new analyses that extract mass sensitive parameters from the 100% duty cycle SD data. A coherent interpretation of all these recent results opens new directions. The consequences regarding the cosmic ray composition and the properties of UHECR sources are briefly discussed.Comment: 9 pages, 12 figures, talk given at the 33rd International Cosmic Ray Conference, Rio de Janeiro 201

Atmospheric effects on extensive air showers observed with the Surface Detector of the Pierre Auger Observatory

Atmospheric parameters, such as pressure (P), temperature (T) and density, affect the development of extensive air showers initiated by energetic cosmic rays. We have studied the impact of atmospheric variations on extensive air showers by means of the surface detector of the Pierre Auger Observatory. The rate of events shows a ~10% seasonal modulation and ~2% diurnal one. We find that the observed behaviour is explained by a model including the effects associated with the variations of pressure and density. The former affects the longitudinal development of air showers while the latter influences the Moliere radius and hence the lateral distribution of the shower particles. The model is validated with full simulations of extensive air showers using atmospheric profiles measured at the site of the Pierre Auger Observatory.Comment: 24 pages, 9 figures, accepted for publication in Astroparticle Physic

The exposure of the hybrid detector of the Pierre Auger Observatory

The Pierre Auger Observatory is a detector for ultra-high energy cosmic rays. It consists of a surface array to measure secondary particles at ground level and a fluorescence detector to measure the development of air showers in the atmosphere above the array. The "hybrid" detection mode combines the information from the two subsystems. We describe the determination of the hybrid exposure for events observed by the fluorescence telescopes in coincidence with at least one water-Cherenkov detector of the surface array. A detailed knowledge of the time dependence of the detection operations is crucial for an accurate evaluation of the exposure. We discuss the relevance of monitoring data collected during operations, such as the status of the fluorescence detector, background light and atmospheric conditions, that are used in both simulation and reconstruction.Comment: Paper accepted by Astroparticle Physic

Update on the correlation of the highest energy cosmic rays with nearby extragalactic matter

Data collected by the Pierre Auger Observatory through 31 August 2007 showed evidence for anisotropy in the arrival directions of cosmic rays above the Greisen-Zatsepin-Kuz'min energy threshold, \nobreak{$6\times 10^{19}$eV}. The anisotropy was measured by the fraction of arrival directions that are less than $3.1^\circ$ from the position of an active galactic nucleus within 75 Mpc (using the V\'eron-Cetty and V\'eron $12^{\rm th}$ catalog). An updated measurement of this fraction is reported here using the arrival directions of cosmic rays recorded above the same energy threshold through 31 December 2009. The number of arrival directions has increased from 27 to 69, allowing a more precise measurement. The correlating fraction is $(38^{+7}_{-6})$, compared with $21$ expected for isotropic cosmic rays. This is down from the early estimate of $(69^{+11}_{-13})$. The enlarged set of arrival directions is examined also in relation to other populations of nearby extragalactic objects: galaxies in the 2 Microns All Sky Survey and active galactic nuclei detected in hard X-rays by the Swift Burst Alert Telescope. A celestial region around the position of the radiogalaxy Cen A has the largest excess of arrival directions relative to isotropic expectations. The 2-point autocorrelation function is shown for the enlarged set of arrival directions and compared to the isotropic expectation.Comment: Accepted for publication in Astroparticle Physics on 31 August 201