Transition from a uni- to a bimodal interfacial charge distribution in LaAlO 3 / SrTiO 3 upon cooling

We present a combined resonant soft X-ray reflectivity and electric transport study of LaAlO 3/SrTiO 3 field effect devices. The depth profiles with atomic layer resolution that are obtained from the resonant reflectivity reveal a pronounced temperature dependence of the two-dimensional electron liquid at the LaAlO 3/SrTiO 3 interface. At room temperature the corresponding electrons are located close to the interface, extending down to 4 unit cells into the SrTiO 3 substrate. Upon cooling, however, these interface electrons assume a bimodal depth distribution: They spread out deeper into the SrTiO 3 and split into two distinct parts, namely one close to the interface with a thickness of about 4 unit cells and another centered around 9 unit cells from the interface. The results are consistent with theoretical predictions based on oxygen vacancies at the surface of the LaAlO 3 film and support the notion of a complex interplay between structural and electronic degrees of freedom. © 2020, The Author(s)

A new limit on the CP violating decay KS -> 3pi0 with the KLOE experiment

We have carried out a new direct search for the CP violating decay KS -> 3pi0 with 1.7 fb^-1 of e+e- collisions collected by the KLOE detector at the phi-factory DAFNE. We have searched for this decay in a sample of about 5.9 x 10^8 KS KL events tagging the KS by means of the KL interaction in the calorimeter and requiring six prompt photons. With respect to our previous search, the analysis has been improved by increasing of a factor four the tagged sample and by a more effective background rejection of fake KS tags and spurious clusters. We find no candidates in data and simulated background samples, while we expect 0.12 standard model events. Normalizing to the number of KS -> 2pi0 events in the same sample, we set the upper limit on BR(KS -> 3pi0 < 2.6 x 10^-8 at 90% C.L., five times lower than the previous limit. We also set the upper limit on the eta_000 parameter, |eta_000 | < 0.0088 at 90% C.L., improving by a factor two the latest direct measurement.Comment: Accepted for publication in Physics Letters B (15 pages, 13 figures

Precision measurement of σ(e+e−→π+π−γ)/σ(e+e−→μ+μ−γ)\sigma(e^+e^-\rightarrow\pi^+\pi^-\gamma)/\sigma(e^+e^-\rightarrow \mu^+\mu^-\gamma) and determination of the π+π−\pi^+\pi^- contribution to the muon anomaly with the KLOE detector

We have measured the ratio $\sigma(e^+e^-\rightarrow\pi^+\pi^-\gamma)/\sigma(e^+e^-\rightarrow \mu^+\mu^-\gamma)$, with the KLOE detector at DA$\Phi$NE for a total integrated luminosity of $\sim$ 240 pb$^{-1}$. From this ratio we obtain the cross section $\sigma(e^+e^-\rightarrow\pi^+\pi^-)$. From the cross section we determine the pion form factor $|F_\pi|^2$ and the two-pion contribution to the muon anomaly $a_\mu$ for $0.592<M_{\pi\pi}<0.975$ GeV, $\Delta^{\pi\pi} a_\mu$= $({\rm 385.1\pm1.1_{stat}\pm2.7_{sys+theo}})\times10^{-10}$. This result confirms the current discrepancy between the Standard Model calculation and the experimental measurement of the muon anomaly.Comment: 18 pages, 8 figures, minor text corrections, one table added, version to appear on Physics Letters

HER2 testing in breast cancer: Opportunities and challenges

Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) is overexpressed in 15-25% of breast cancers, usually as a result of HER2 gene amplification. Positive HER2 status is considered to be an adverse prognostic factor. Recognition of the role of HER2 in breast cancer growth has led to the development of anti-HER2 directed therapy, with the humanized monoclonal antibody trastuzumab (Herceptin (R)) having been approved for the therapy of HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer. Clinical studies have further suggested that HER2 status can provide important information regarding success or failure of certain hormonal therapies or chemotherapies. As a result of these developments, there has been increasing demand to perform HER2 testing on current and archived breast cancer specimens. This article reviews the molecular background of HER2 function, activation and inhibition as well as current opinions concerning its role in chemosensitivity and interaction with estrogen receptor biology. The different tissue-based assays used to detect HER2 amplification and overexpression are discussed with respect to their advantages and disadvantages, when to test (at initial diagnosis or pre-treatment), where to test (locally or centralized) and the need for quality assurance to ensure accurate and valid testing results

Trunk anatomical features and essential oils composition of woody-shrub species of the ecotone and steppe from the Northwestern region of Chubut Province

La Provincia del Chubut tiene una superficie aproximada de 224.686 km2, donde los bosques subantárticos se extienden hacia el oeste y el noroeste. Están compuestos por árboles nativos como la lenga, el coihue, el alerce o lahuán, el ciprés, el maitén, el ñire y el radal, entre otros. En el ecotono bosque-estepa incursionan algunas de estas especies arbóreas, pero existe mayor predominancia de arbustos de muy bajo porte. El objetivo de este trabajo fue analizar, sobre la base de los caracteres anatómicos del leño secundario, aspectos xeromórficos de arbustos patagónicos y determinar la presencia y la composición de los aceites esenciales en sus follajes. Se realizó el estudio anatómico de algunas especies arbustivas, comprendidas en las siguientes familias botánicas: Apiaceae, Asteraceae, Fabaceae, Lamiaceae, Malvaceae, Rhamnaceae, Solanaceae y Verbenaceae. Se realizó el estudio anatómico de: Adesmia boronioides (Fabaceae), Ameghinoa patagonica (Asteraceae), B. obovata, B. salicifolia, (Asteraceae), Clinopodium darwinii (Lamiaceae), Corynabutilon bicolor (Malvaceae), Diostea juncea (Verbenaceae), Discaria chacaye (Rhamnaceae), Fabiana imbricata (Solanaceae), Mulinum spinosum (Apiaceae), Ochetophila trinervis (Rhamnaceae), Schinus johnstonii y S. patagonicus (Anacardiaceae). Los elementos observados, analizados y medidos permitieron obtener resultados y establecer analogías y diferencias entre las especies. La mayoría de los arbustos presenta: porosidad de circular a semicircular en xilema temprano, y porosidad difusa, disposición dendrítica, ulmoide, en racimos, y oblicua en zigzag, en xilema tardío. En sección transversal, los poros se distribuyen solitarios, múltiples radiales cortos, largos y en cadena; en sección tangencial se observaron radios uni a multiseriados, homocelulares y heterocelulares. El sistema de radios es heterogéneo. Los espesamientos helicoidales están presentes en las paredes de los vasos y las traqueidas vasculares de varias especies. En el leño de otras, se hallaron traqueidas vasicéntricas y fibrotraqueidas. Las perforaciones reticuladas solo fueron halladas en algunos vasos de Ochetophila trinervis; y perforaciones radiovasculares, en D. chacaye. Las demás especies tienen vasos con perforaciones simples. Los valores de índice de vulnerabilidad, mesomorfismo, índice de fibras/vasos y frecuencia promedio de poros/mm2 obtenidos, demuestran que los arbustos estudiados habitan en sitios de xerófitos a extremadamente xéricos del ecotono-estepa del Chubut. El 64% de las especies mostró contenidos importantes de aceites esenciales. Este resultado estaría en concordancia con algunas hipótesis que plantean la presencia de estos metabolitos secundarios como adaptación a las condiciones xerófitas.Chubut Province has an area of about 224.686 km², and therein the sub Antarctic forest extends to the West and Northwest. Native trees such as lenga, coihue, alerce or lahuán, cypress, maitén, ñire and radal, among others, are the most frequent species present. Meanwhile in the forest-steppe of the ecotone some of these tree species are also present but with a greater predominance of very low bearing shrubs. The objective of this study was to analyze the xeromorphic aspects of patagonian shrubs based on the anatomical characters of the secondary wood and on the presence and composition of essential oils in their foliage. The anatomical study was conducted on: Adesmia boronioides (Fabaceae), Ameghinoa patagonica (Asteraceae), Baccharis linearis, B. obovata, B. salicifolia, (Asteraceae), Clinopodium darwinii (Lamiaceae), Corynabutilon bicolor (Malvaceae), Diostea juncea (Verbenaceae), Discaria chacaye (Rhamnaceae), Fabiana imbricata (Solanaceae), Mulinum spinosum (Apiaceae), Ochetophila trinervis (Rhamnaceae), Schinus johnstonii y S. patagonicus (Anacardiaceae). The anatomical elements observed, analyzed and measured, allowed establishing analogies and differences between the species. Most of the bushes presented: circular to semicircular porosity in spring wood, and diffuse-porous, dendritic provision, ulmoid, in clusters, and oblique zigzag in autumn-winter wood. In cross section, the pores were solitare, multiple radial short, long and chain; uni multiseriate, homocellular and heterocellular rays were observed in the tangential section. The radio system was heterogeneous. The helical thickening was present in the vessel walls and vascular tracheids, of several species. Fibrotracheids and vasicentric tracheids were found in the others woods. The reticulate perforations were only found in some vessels of Ochetophila trinervis; and radiovasculars drillings in D. chacaye. Other species had vessels with simple perforations. Index values of vulnerability, mesomorphism, index of fibers/vessels and frequency average pores/mm² obtained, demonstrated that the shrubs under study live in xerophytic to extremely xeric conditions in the ecotone-steppe in Chubut. About 64% of the species showed essential oils content. These results would be consistent with some hypotheses posed that the presence of these secondary metabolites constitutes a possible adaptation to xerophytic conditions.Fil: Guerra, Pedro E.. Universidad Nacional de la Patagonia "San Juan Bosco". Facultad de Ingeniería - Sede Esquel; ArgentinaFil: González, Silvia Beatriz. Universidad Nacional de la Patagonia "San Juan Bosco". Facultad de Ciencias Naturales - Sede Esquel; ArgentinaFil: Kirner, Helga J.. Universidad Nacional de la Patagonia "San Juan Bosco". Facultad de Ingeniería - Sede Esquel; ArgentinaFil: Retta, Daiana Sabrina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Houssay. Instituto de Química y Metabolismo del Fármaco. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica. Instituto de Química y Metabolismo del Fármaco; ArgentinaFil: Di Leo Lira, Paola Maria del Rosario. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Houssay. Instituto de Química y Metabolismo del Fármaco. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica. Instituto de Química y Metabolismo del Fármaco; ArgentinaFil: Gómez, Mariano F.. Centro de Investigación y Extensión Forestal Andino Patagónico; Argentin

Effectiveness of first and second-line empirical treatment in Italy: Results of the European registry on Helicobacter pylori management.

Background and aims: The optimal management of naïve and not naïve Helicobacter pylori patients remains unclear. Therefore, it is essential to evaluate whether the actual clinical practice mirrors the indications suggested by the guidelines. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness and the safety of the empirical first- and second-line treatments prescribed to patients enroled at Italian centres participating in the European Registry on H. pylori Management (Hp-EuReg). Methods: The Hp-EuReg is an international multicentre prospective non-interventional registry starting in 2013 aiming to evaluate the management of H. pylori infection by European gastroenterologists. Patients were registered in an e-CRF by AEG-REDCap. Variables assessed included demographics, previous eradication attempts, treatment regimen, effectiveness, and tolerance. Results: Overall, 3723 patients from 2013 to February 2021 were included: 2996 and 727 received an empirical first- and second-line treatment, respectively. According to the modified ITT analysis, among the first-line regimens, only the bismuth quadruple therapy with three-in-one-single capsule (BQT-TSC), the concomitant, and the sequential treatment - all lasting 10 days - achieved an eradication rate &gt;90%. Among the second-line regimens, only the 10-day BQT-TSC reported an effectiveness &gt;90%. High-dose PPI twice daily also significantly increased the effectiveness of some therapies. The BQT-TSC was the regimen with the highest incidence of adverse events. Conclusions: Only quadruple therapies lasting at least 10 days achieved over 90% eradication rates among the empirical first- and second-line regimens. It remains unclear whether high-dose PPI twice daily can improve the efficacy of quadruple treatment

Virtual Compton Scattering and the Generalized Polarizabilities of the Proton at Q^2=0.92 and 1.76 GeV^2

Virtual Compton Scattering (VCS) on the proton has been studied at Jefferson Lab using the exclusive photon electroproduction reaction (e p --> e p gamma). This paper gives a detailed account of the analysis which has led to the determination of the structure functions P_LL-P_TT/epsilon and P_LT, and the electric and magnetic generalized polarizabilities (GPs) alpha_E(Q^2) and beta_M(Q^2) at values of the four-momentum transfer squared Q^2= 0.92 and 1.76 GeV^2. These data, together with the results of VCS experiments at lower momenta, help building a coherent picture of the electric and magnetic GPs of the proton over the full measured Q^2-range, and point to their non-trivial behavior.Comment: version 2: modified according to PRC Editor's and Referee's recommendations. Archival paper for the E93-050 experiment at JLab Hall A. 28 pages, 23 figures, 5 cross-section tables. To be submitted to Phys.Rev.

XELOX vs FOLFOX-4 as first-line therapy for metastatic colorectal cancer: NO16966 updated results

BACKGROUND: We report updated overall survival (OS) data from study NO16966, which compared capecitabine plus oxaliplatin (XELOX) vs 5-fluorouracil/folinic acid plus oxaliplatin (FOLFOX4) as first-line therapy in metastatic colorectal cancer. METHODS: NO16966 was a randomised, two-arm, non-inferiority, phase III comparison of XELOX vs FOLFOX4, which was subsequently amended to a 2 x 2 factorial design with further randomisation to bevacizumab or placebo. A planned follow-up exploratory analysis of OS was performed. RESULTS: The intent-to-treat (ITT) population comprised 2034 patients (two-arm portion, n = 634; 2 x 2 factorial portion, n 1400). For the whole NO16966 study population, median OS was 19.8 months in the pooled XELOX/XELOX-placebo/XELOX-bevacizumab arms vs 19.5 months in the pooled FOLFOX4/FOLFOX4-placebo/FOLFOX4-bevacizumab arms (hazard ratio 0.95 (97.5% CI 0.85-1.06)). In the pooled XELOX/XELOX-placebo arms, median OS was 19.0 vs 18.9 months in the pooled FOLFOX4/FOLFOX4-placebo arms (hazard ratio 0.95 (97.5% CI 0.83-1.09)). FOLFOX4 was associated with more grade 3/4 neutropenia/granulocytopenia and febrile neutropenia than XELOX, and XELOX with more grade 3 diarrhoea and grade 3 hand-foot syndrome than FOLFOX4. CONCLUSION: Updated survival data from study NO16966 show that XELOX is similar to FOLFOX4, confirming the primary analysis of progression-free survival. XELOX can be considered as a routine first-line treatment option for patients with metastatic colorectal cancer

Backward electroproduction of pi0 mesons on protons in the region of nucleon resonances at four momentum transfer squared Q**2 = 1.0 GeV**2

Exclusive electroproduction of pi0 mesons on protons in the backward hemisphere has been studied at Q**2 = 1.0 GeV**2 by detecting protons in the forward direction in coincidence with scattered electrons from the 4 GeV electron beam in Jefferson Lab's Hall A. The data span the range of the total (gamma* p) center-of-mass energy W from the pion production threshold to W = 2.0 GeV. The differential cross sections sigma_T+epsilon*sigma_L, sigma_TL, and sigma_TT were separated from the azimuthal distribution and are presented together with the MAID and SAID parametrizations.Comment: 17 pages, 11 figures, information can be found at http://hallaweb.jlab.org/experiment/E93-050/vcs.html updated content about SAID analysis updated MAID results following new reference nucl-th/0310041 updated figure