Anomalous Roughening in Experiments of Interfaces in Hele-Shaw Flows with Strong Quenched Disorder

We report experimental evidences of anomalous kinetic roughening in the stable displacement of an oil-air interface in a Hele-Shaw cell with strong quenched disorder. The disorder consists on a random modulation of the gap spacing transverse to the growth direction (tracks). We have performed experiments varying average interface velocity and gap spacing, and measured the scaling exponents. We have obtained beta=0.50, beta*=0.25, alpha=1.0, alpha_l=0.5, and z=2. When there is no fluid injection, the interface is driven solely by capillary forces, and a higher value of beta around beta=0.65 is measured. The presence of multiscaling and the particular morphology of the interfaces, characterized by high slopes that follow a L\'evy distribution, confirms the existence of anomalous scaling. From a detailed study of the motion of the oil--air interface we show that the anomaly is a consequence of different local velocities over tracks plus the coupling in the motion between neighboring tracks. The anomaly disappears at high interface velocities, weak capillary forces, or when the disorder is not sufficiently persistent in the growth direction. We have also observed the absence of scaling when the disorder is very strong or when a regular modulation of the gap spacing is introduced.Comment: 14 pages, 17 figure

Molecular Epidemiology of Invasive Listeriosis due to Listeria monocytogenes in a Spanish Hospital over a Nine-Year Study Period, 2006–2014

We investigated the pathogenicity, invasiveness, and genetic relatedness of 17 clinical Listeria monocytogenes stains isolated over a period of nine years (2006–2014). All isolates were phenotypically characterised and growth patterns were determined. The antimicrobial susceptibility of L. monocytogenes isolates was determined in E-tests. Invasion assays were performed with epithelial HeLa cells. Finally, L. monocytogenes isolates were subtyped by PFGE and MLST. All isolates had similar phenotypic characteristics (β-haemolysis and lecithinase activity), and three types of growth curve were observed. Bacterial recovery rates after invasion assays ranged from 0.09% to 7.26% (1.62 ± 0.46). MLST identified 11 sequence types (STs), and 14 PFGE profiles were obtained, indicating a high degree of genetic diversity. Genetic studies unequivocally revealed the occurrence of one outbreak of listeriosis in humans that had not previously been reported. This outbreak occurred in October 2009 and affected three patients from neighbouring towns. In conclusion, the molecular epidemiological analysis clearly revealed a cluster (three human cases, all ST1) of not previously reported listeriosis cases in northwestern Spain. Our findings indicate that molecular subtyping, in combination with epidemiological case analysis, is essential and should be implemented in routine diagnosis, to improve the tracing of the sources of outbreaks.Gerencia Regional de Salud, Junta de Castilla y Le´on, Spain, research project GRS 698/A/2011 and the EU 7th Framework Programme through the PROMISE project (Project no. 265877)

Experiments of Interfacial Roughening in Hele-Shaw Flows with Weak Quenched Disorder

We have studied the kinetic roughening of an oil--air interface in a forced imbibition experiment in a horizontal Hele--Shaw cell with quenched disorder. Different disorder configurations, characterized by their persistence length in the direction of growth, have been explored by varying the average interface velocity v and the gap spacing b. Through the analysis of the rms width as a function of time, we have measured a growth exponent beta ~= 0.5 that is almost independent of the experimental parameters. The analysis of the roughness exponent alpha through the power spectrum have shown different behaviors at short (alpha_1) and long (alpha_2) length scales, separated by a crossover wavenumber q_c. The values of the measured roughness exponents depend on experimental parameters, but at large velocities we obtain alpha_1 ~= 1.3 independently of the disorder configuration. The dependence of the crossover wavenumber with the experimental parameters has also been investigated, measuring q_c ~ v^{0.47} for the shortest persistence length, in agreement with theoretical predictions.Comment: 20 pages, 22 figure

Implementation and analysis of list mode algorithm using tubes of response on a dedicated brain and breast PET

In this work we present an innovative algorithm for the reconstruction of PET images based on the List-Mode (LM) technique which improves their spatial resolution compared to results obtained with current MLEM algorithms. This study appears as a part of a large project with the aim of improving diagnosis in early Alzheimer disease stages by means of a newly developed hybrid PET-MR insert. At the present, Alzheimer is the most relevant neurodegenerative disease and the best way to apply an effective treatment is its early diagnosis. The PET device will consist of several monolithic LYSO crystals coupled to SiPM detectors. Monolithic crystals can reduce scanner costs with the advantage to enable implementation of very small virtual pixels in their geometry. This is especially useful for LM reconstruction algorithms, since they do not need a pre-calculated system matrix. We have developed an LM algorithm which has been initially tested with a large aperture (186 mm) breast PET system. Such an algorithm instead of using the common lines of response, incorporates a novel calculation of tubes of response. The new approach improves the volumetric spatial resolution about a factor 2 at the border of the field of view when compared with traditionally used MLEM algorithm. Moreover, it has also shown to decrease the image noise, thus increasing the image quality. © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.This work was supported by the Centre for Industrial Technological Development co-funded by FEDER through the Technology Fund (DREAM Project, IDI-20110718), by the Spanish Plan Nacional de Investigacion Cientifica, Desarrollo e Innovacion Tecnologica (I+D+I) under Grant. No. FIS2010-21216-CO2-01TEO 2008/114.Moliner Martínez, L.; Correcher, C.; González Martínez, AJ.; Conde Castellanos, PE.; Hernández Hernández, L.; Orero Palomares, A.; Rodríguez Álvarez, MJ.... (2013). Implementation and analysis of list mode algorithm using tubes of response on a dedicated brain and breast PET. Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research Section A: Accelerators, Spectrometers, Detectors and Associated Equipment. 702:129-132. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nima.2012.08.029S12913270

Assessment of physical fitness during pregnancy: validity and reliability of fitness tests, and relationship with maternal and neonatal health - a systematic review.

Objectives: To systematically review studies evaluating one or more components of physical fitness (PF) in pregnant women, to answer two research questions: (1) What tests have been employed to assess PF in pregnant women? and (2) What is the validity and reliability of these tests and their relationship with maternal and neonatal health? Design: A systematic review. Data sources: PubMed and Web of Science. Eligibility criteria: Original English or Spanish full-text articles in a group of healthy pregnant women which at least one component of PF was assessed (field based or laboratory tests). Results: A total of 149 articles containing a sum of 191 fitness tests were included. Among the 191 fitness tests, 99 (ie, 52%) assessed cardiorespiratory fitness through 75 different protocols, 28 (15%) assessed muscular fitness through 16 different protocols, 14 (7%) assessed flexibility through 13 different protocols, 45 (24%) assessed balance through 40 different protocols, 2 assessed speed with the same protocol and 3 were multidimensional tests using one protocol. A total of 19 articles with 23 tests (13%) assessed either validity (n=4), reliability (n=6) or the relationship of PF with maternal and neonatal health (n=16). Conclusion: Physical fitness has been assessed through a wide variety of protocols, mostly lacking validity and reliability data, and no consensus exists on the most suitable fitness tests to be performed during pregnancy. PROSPERO registration number: CRD42018117554

Monolithic crystals for PET devices: optical coupling optimization

NOTICE: this is the author’s version of a work that was accepted for publication in Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research Section A. Changes resulting from the publishing process, such as peer review, editing, corrections, structural formatting, and other quality control mechanisms may not be reflected in this document. Changes may have been made to this work since it was submitted for publication. A definitive version was subsequently published in Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research Section A [Volume 731, 11 December 2013, Pages 288–294] DOI 10.1016/j.nima.2013.05.049[EN] In this work we present a method to efficiently collect scintillation light when using monolithic scintillator crystals. The acceptance angle of the scintillation light has been reduced by means of optical devices reducing the border effect which typically affects continuous crystals. We have applied this procedure on gamma detectors for PET systems using both position sensitive PMTs and arrays of SiPMs. In the case of using SiPMs, this approach also helps to reduce the photosensor active area. We evaluated the method using PMTs with a variety of different crystals with thicknesses ranging from 10 to 24 mm. We found that our design allows the use of crystal blocks with a thickness of up to 18 mm without degrading the spatial resolution caused by edge effects and without a significant detriment to the energy resolution. These results were compared with simulated data. The first results of monolithic LYSO crystals coupled to an array of 256 SiPMs by means of individual optical light guides are also presented.This work was supported by the Centre for Industrial Technological Development co-funded by FEDER through the Technology Fund (DREAM Project, IDI-20110718), the Spanish Plan Nacional de Investigación Científica, Desarrollo e Innovación Tecnológica (I+D +I) under Grant no. FIS2010-21216-CO2-01 and the Valencian Local Government under Grant PROMETEO 2008/114.González Martínez, AJ.; Peiró, A.; Conde, P.; Hernández Hernández, L.; Moliner Martínez, L.; Orero Palomares, A.; Rodríguez-Álvarez, M.... (2013). Monolithic crystals for PET devices: optical coupling optimization. Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research Section A: Accelerators, Spectrometers, Detectors and Associated Equipment. 731:288-294. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nima.2013.05.049S28829473

SIVA-1 regulates apoptosis and synaptic function by modulating XIAP interaction with the death receptor antagonist FAIM-L

The long isoform of Fas apoptosis inhibitory molecule (FAIM-L) is a neuron-specific death receptor antagonist that modulates apoptotic cell death and mechanisms of neuronal plasticity. FAIM-L exerts its antiapoptotic action by binding to X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein (XIAP), an inhibitor of caspases, which are the main effectors of apoptosis. XIAP levels are regulated by the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway. FAIM-L interaction with XIAP prevents the ubiquitination and degradation of the latter, thereby allowing it to inhibit caspase activation. This interaction also modulates non-apoptotic functions of caspases, such as the endocytosis of AMPA receptor (AMPAR) in hippocampal long-term depression (LTD). The molecular mechanism of action exerted by FAIM-L is unclear since the consensus binding motifs are still unknown. Here, we performed a two-hybrid screening to discover novel FAIM-L-interacting proteins. We found a functional interaction of SIVA-1 with FAIM-L. SIVA-1 is a proapoptotic protein that has the capacity to interact with XIAP. We describe how SIVA-1 regulates FAIM-L function by disrupting the interaction of FAIM-L with XIAP, thereby promoting XIAP ubiquitination, caspase-3 activation and neuronal death. Furthermore, we report that SIVA-1 plays a role in receptor internalization in synapses. SIVA-1 is upregulated upon chemical LTD induction, and it modulates AMPAR internalization via non-apoptotic activation of caspases. In summary, our findings uncover SIVA-1 as new functional partner of FAIM-L and demonstrate its role as a regulator of caspase activity in synaptic function

SIVA-1 regulates apoptosis and synaptic function by modulating XIAP interaction with the death receptor antagonist FAIM-L

Altres ajuts: This work was funded by grants awarded by the Spanish "Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad" , the Generalitat de Catalunya, and the Fundació La Marató de TV3 (201414-30) to J.X.C. E.C. is supported by a predoctoral fellowship from the Vall d'Hebron Research Institute (VHIR). R.B. is supported by a predoctoral fellowship from the Spanish "Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad".The long isoform of Fas apoptosis inhibitory molecule (FAIM-L) is a neuron-specific death receptor antagonist that modulates apoptotic cell death and mechanisms of neuronal plasticity. FAIM-L exerts its antiapoptotic action by binding to X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein (XIAP), an inhibitor of caspases, which are the main effectors of apoptosis. XIAP levels are regulated by the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway. FAIM-L interaction with XIAP prevents the ubiquitination and degradation of the latter, thereby allowing it to inhibit caspase activation. This interaction also modulates non-apoptotic functions of caspases, such as the endocytosis of AMPA receptor (AMPAR) in hippocampal long-term depression (LTD). The molecular mechanism of action exerted by FAIM-L is unclear since the consensus binding motifs are still unknown. Here, we performed a two-hybrid screening to discover novel FAIM-L-interacting proteins. We found a functional interaction of SIVA-1 with FAIM-L. SIVA-1 is a proapoptotic protein that has the capacity to interact with XIAP. We describe how SIVA-1 regulates FAIM-L function by disrupting the interaction of FAIM-L with XIAP, thereby promoting XIAP ubiquitination, caspase-3 activation and neuronal death. Furthermore, we report that SIVA-1 plays a role in receptor internalization in synapses. SIVA-1 is upregulated upon chemical LTD induction, and it modulates AMPAR internalization via non-apoptotic activation of caspases. In summary, our findings uncover SIVA-1 as new functional partner of FAIM-L and demonstrate its role as a regulator of caspase activity in synaptic function

Results of a combined monolithic crystal and an array of ASICs controlled SiPMs

[EN] In this work we present the energy and spatial resolutions we have obtained for a γ ray detector based on a monolithic LYSO crystal coupled to an array of 256 SiPMs. Two crystal configurations of the same trapezoidal shape have been tried. In one approach all surfaces were black painted but the exit one facing the photosensor array which was polished. The other approach included a retroreflector (RR) layer coupled to the entrance face of the crystal powering the amount of transmitted light to the photosensors. Two coupling media between the scintillator and the SiPM array were used, namely direct coupling by means of optical grease and coupling through an array of light guides. Since the same operational voltage was supplied to the entire array, it was needed to equalize their gains before feeding their signals to the Data Acquisition system. Such a job was performed by means of 4 scalable Application Specific Circuits (ASICs). An energy resolution of about 24.4% has been achieved for the direct coupling with the RR layer together with a spatial resolution of approximately 2.9 mm at the detector center. With the light guides coupling the effects of image compression at the edges are significantly minimized, but worsening the energy resolution to about 33.1% with a spatial resolution nearing 4 mm at the detector center. & 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.cknowledgments This work was supported by the Centre for Industrial Technological Development co-funded by FEDER through the Technology Fund (DREAM Project, IDI-20110718), the Spanish Plan Nacional de Investigación Científica, Desarrollo e Innovación Tecnológica (IþDþI) under Grant no. FIS2010-21216-CO2-01 and the Valencian Local Government under Grant PROMETEO 2008/114Conde Castellanos, PE.; González Martínez, AJ.; Hernández Hernández, L.; Bellido, P.; Iborra Carreres, A.; Crespo Navarro, E.; Moliner Martínez, L.... (2014). Results of a combined monolithic crystal and an array of ASICs controlled SiPMs. Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research Section A: Accelerators, Spectrometers, Detectors and Associated Equipment. 734:132-136. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nima.2013.08.079S13213673

Calibration and performance tests of detectors for laser-accelerated protons

We present the calibration and performance tests carried out with two detectors for intense proton pulses accelerated by lasers. Most of the procedures were realized with proton beams of 0.46-5.60 MeV from a tandem accelerator. One approach made use of radiochromic films, for which we calibrated the relation between optical density and energy deposition over more than three orders of magnitude. The validity of these results and of our analysis algorithms has been confirmed by controlled irradiation of film stacks and reconstruction of the total beam charge for strongly non-uniform beam profiles. For the spectral analysis of protons from repeated laser shots, we have designed an online monitor based on a plastic scintillator. The resulting signal from a photomultiplier directly measured on a fast oscilloscope is especially useful for time-of-flight applications. Variable optical filters allow for suppression of saturation and an extension of the dynamic range. With pulsed proton beams we have tested the detector response to a wide range of beam intensities from single particles to 3 ×105 protons per 100 ns time interval.Project funded by the Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness and co-funded with FEDER's funds within the INNPACTO 2011 program under Grant No. IPT-2011-0862-900000. This work was supported by the Spanish Plan Nacional de Investigacion Cientifica, Desarrollo e Innovacion Tecnologica (I+D+i) under Grant No. TEC 2013-48036-C3-1-R and the Valencian Local Government under Grants PROMETEOII/2013/010 and ISIC 2011/013. The work of A. J. Gonzalez is financed by CSIC with a JAE-Doc contract under Junta de Ampliacion de Estudios program, cofinanced by the European Social Fund.Peer Reviewe