Determination of the micromagnetic parameters in (Ga,Mn)As using domain theory

The magnetic domain structure and magnetic properties of a ferromagnetic (Ga,Mn)As epilayer with perpendicular magnetic easy-axis are investigated. We show that, despite strong hysteresis, domain theory at thermodynamical equilibrium can be used to determine the micromagnetic parameters. Combining magneto-optical Kerr microscopy, magnetometry and ferromagnetic resonance measurements, we obtain the characteristic parameter for magnetic domains $\lambda_c$, the domain wall width and specific energy, and the spin stiffness constant as a function of temperature. The nucleation barrier for magnetization reversal and the Walker breakdown velocity for field-driven domain wall propagation are also estimated

Crystal structures of self-assembled nanotubes from flexible macrocycles by weak interactions

8 páginas, 7 figuras, 2 tablas, 2 esquemas.Herein we report the crystal structures of tubular self-assemblies of flexible macrooligolides. The assembly is driven by the propensity of the macrocycles to create nearly flat structures displaying a void space within them and the cooperativity of weak directional interactions such as dipole–dipole interactions and CH***Ohydrogen bonds and non-directional interactions such as van der Waals contacts. The significance of the stereochemistry and the size of the cavity in the formation of the nanotubes are also studied.This research was supported by the Spanish MICINN-FEDER (CTQ2008-03334/BQU, CTQ2008-06806-C02-01/BQU and CTQ2008-06754-C04-01/PPQ), the MSC (RTICC RD06/0020/ 1046) and the Canary Islands FUNCIS (PI 01/06).Peer reviewe

Patient selection for LIVE therapy: from clinical indications to multimodality imaging individual case planning

Background Less Invasive Ventricular Enhancement (LIVE) with Revivent TC is an innovative therapy for symptomatic ischemic heart failure (HF). It is designed to reconstruct a negatively remodeled left ventricle (LV) after an anterior myocardial infarction (MI) by plication of the scar tissue. Its indications are specific, and as with any other structural heart intervention, the success of the procedure starts with appropriate patient selection. We aim to present the indications of the technique, crucial aspects in patient selection, and individual case planning approach. Methods and results After clinical evaluation, transthoracic echocardiography is the first imaging modality to be performed in a potential candidate for the therapy. However, definitive indication and detailed case planning rely on late gadolinium-enhanced cardiac magnetic resonance imaging or multiphasic contrast-enhanced cardiac computed tomography. These imaging modalities also assist with relative or absolute contra-indications for the procedure. Individual assessment is done to tailor the procedure to the specifics of the LV anatomy and location of the myocardial scar. Conclusion LIVE procedure is a unique intervention to treat symptomatic HF and ischemic cardiomyopathy after anterior MI. It is a highly customizable intervention that allows a patient-tailored approach, based on multimodality imaging assessment and planification

Treating symptoms and reversing remodelling: clinical and echocardiographic 1‐year outcomes with percutaneous mitral annuloplasty for mild to moderate secondary mitral regurgitation

Aims- To determine the effects of percutaneous mitral annuloplasty on symptoms, walk distance and left ventricular (LV) structure and function in patients with mild or moderate secondary mitral regurgitation (SMR). Methods and results- This was a pooled analysis of patients (n = 68) who, despite guideline-directed medical therapy had symptomatic heart failure (HF) with mild (n = 25) or moderate (n = 43) SMR treated with percutaneous mitral annuloplasty as part of the TITAN, TITAN II, or REDUCE-FMR trials. Primary outcomes were changes in symptoms, 6-min walk distance, and quality of life assessed by the Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire (KCCQ) after 1 year. Secondary analyses included changes in LV structure and function. At 1 year, New York Heart Association class status was maintained (48%) or improved (46%) in most patients, mean KCCQ scores increased from baseline by 10 units [95% confidence interval (CI) 3 to17; P < 0.01] and mean 6-min walk test distance increased by 34 m (95% CI 12 to 57; P < 0.01). SMR grade improved in 25% of patients and was maintained in 58% of patients with changes in mean regurgitant volume of −7 mL (95% CI −11 to −3; P < 0.001), vena contracta −0.11 cm (95% CI −0.20 to −0.02; P < 0.05), and effective regurgitant orifice area −0.03 cm2 (95% CI −0.06 to −0.01; P < 0.05). There were non-significant improvements in LV ejection fraction and volumes. Survival over 1 year was 89% with no difference between mild (96%) and moderate (86%) SMR (log-rank P = 0.22). Progression-free survival was 70% (82% in mild vs. 63% in moderate SMR; P = 0.16). Freedom from HF hospitalization was 73% (87% in mild SMR vs. 66% in moderate SMR; P = 0.07). Conclusion- Among patients with symptomatic HF and mild or moderate SMR on guideline-directed medical therapy, percutaneous mitral annuloplasty was associated with improvements in symptoms, SMR, a stabilization of LV structure and function, and high survival rates

3D echocardiographic reference ranges for normal left ventricular volumes and strain: Results fromthe EACVI NORRE study

Aim To obtain the normal ranges for 3D echocardiography (3DE) measurement of left ventricular (LV) volumes, function, and strain from a large group of healthy volunteers. Methods and results A total of 440 (mean age: 45613 years) out of the 734 healthy subjects enrolled at 22 collaborating institutions of the Normal Reference Ranges for Echocardiography (NORRE) study had good-quality 3DE data sets that have been analysed with a vendor-independent software package allowing homogeneous measurements regardless of the echocardiographic machine used to acquire the data sets. Upper limits of LV end-diastolic and end-systolic volumes were larger in men (97 and 42 mL/m2) than in women (82 and 35 mL/m2; P<0.0001). Conversely, lower limits of LV ejection fraction were higher in women than in men (51% vs. 50%; P<0.01). Similarly, all strain components were higher in women than in men. Lower range was -18.6% in men and -19.5% in women for 3D longitudinal strain, -27.0% and -27.6% for 3D circumferential strain, -33.2% and -34.4% for 3D tangential strain and 38.8% and 40.7% for 3D radial strain, respectively. LV volumes decreased with age in both genders (P<0.0001), whereas LV ejection fraction increased with age only in men. Among 3DE LV strain components, the only one, which did not change with age was longitudinal strain. Conclusion The NORRE study provides applicable 3D echocardiographic reference ranges for LV function assessment. Our data highlight the importance of age- and gender-specific reference values for both LV volumes and strain. All rights reserved

Canine Morphology: Hunting for Genes and Tracking Mutations

In this essay, Abigail Shearin and Elaine Ostrander discuss the proposed genomic mechanisms for the extraordinary level of phenotypic variation observed in the domestic dog and the evidence detailing the variants responsible for the many shapes, sizes, textures, and colors of man's best friend

The Cryptic African Wolf: Canis aureus lupaster Is Not a Golden Jackal and Is Not Endemic to Egypt

The Egyptian jackal (Canis aureus lupaster) has hitherto been considered a large, rare subspecies of the golden jackal (C. aureus). It has maintained its taxonomical status to date, despite studies demonstrating morphological similarities to the grey wolf (C. lupus). We have analyzed 2055 bp of mitochondrial DNA from C. a. lupaster and investigated the similarity to C. aureus and C. lupus. Through phylogenetic comparison with all wild wolf-like canids (based on 726 bp of the Cytochrome b gene) we conclusively (100% bootstrap support) place the Egyptian jackal within the grey wolf species complex, together with the Holarctic wolf, the Indian wolf and the Himalayan wolf. Like the two latter taxa, C. a. lupaster seems to represent an ancient wolf lineage which most likely colonized Africa prior to the northern hemisphere radiation. We thus refer to C. a. lupaster as the African wolf. Furthermore, we have detected C. a. lupaster individuals at two localities in the Ethiopian highlands, extending the distribution by at least 2,500 km southeast. The only grey wolf species to inhabit the African continent is a cryptic species for which the conservation status urgently needs assessment