On the use of multilayer Laue lenses with X-ray Free Electron Lasers

Multilayer Laue lenses were used for the first time to focus x-rays from an X-ray Free Electron Laser (XFEL). In an experiment, which was performed at the European XFEL, we demonstrated focusing to a spot size of a few tens of nanometers. A series of runs in which the number of pulses per train was increased from 1 to 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 10, 20 and 30 pulses per train, all with a pulse separation of 3.55 us, was done using the same set of lenses. The increase in the number of pulses per train was accompanied with an increase of x-ray intensity (transmission) from 9% to 92% at 5 pulses per train, and then the transmission was reduced to 23.5 % when the pulses were increased further. The final working condition was 30 pulses per train and 23.5% transmission. Only at this condition we saw that the diffraction efficiency of the MLLs changed over the course of a pulse train, and this variation was reproducible from train to train. We present the procedure to align and characterize these lenses and discuss challenges working with the pulse trains from this unique x-ray source

Spontaneous Conception and Uncomplicated Term Pregnancy after Fertility Preserving Surgery and Chemotherapy in a Young Woman with Embryonal Rhabdomyosarcoma of the Pelvic Wall

Ovarian failure after chemotherapy is a challenge for practitioners in infertility. We report a case of uncomplicated term pregnancy in a young woman undergoing surgery and chemotherapy for rhabdomyosarcoma of the pelvic wall. The woman has been followed up for 15 years. She underwent operative laparoscopy and a first course of chemotherapy together with GnRH agonist therapy when she was 22-year-old. An exploratory laparoscopy and a debulking laparotomy were performed after six months because of persistent intraperitoneal disease and were followed by multiple courses of chemotherapy together with GnRH agonist therapy. A laparotomy for adhesiolysis was performed after two years because of mechanical ileus. The woman conceived spontaneously and delivered at term when she was 30-year-old. The long term follow up demonstrated that menstrual pattern, conception and pregnancy were unaffected by surgery and chemotherapy. This case further suggests that attempts to preserve fertility at surgery are mandatory in young women with cancer

Electron beam lithography of hybrid sol-gel negative resist

The direct pattering process here described is proposed as an alternative to conventional multi step nano-fabrication techniques, merging materials with novel functional properties and the simplification of the fabrication processes. We report the use of an innovative hybrid sol-gel material working as negative resists for EBL lithography and showing a resolution better than 100 nm. Tailoring the optical and mechanical properties, few examples of photonic nanostructure were fabricated with a simple e-beam exposure that greatly simplify the nanofabrication process. (C) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved

Micro scale evolution of surface chemistry and morphology of the key components in operating hydrocarbon-fuelled SOFC

Replacement of hydrogen with hydrocarbon fuels in solid-oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) is an appealing alternative for reducing the implementation costs of SOFCs technology, but the electrode stability and susceptibility to carbon deposition still remain important issues to be solved. The present in situ photoelectron microscopy study of a prototype hydrocarbon-fuelled SOFC, operated at 650 °C in C2H4 + H2O gas mixture and voltages in the range 0−3 V, provides insights into morphologychemistry changes of the Ni electrodes and Cr interconnects with decisive impact on the electrochemical activity and durability. The results reveal the combination of thermal and electromigration of Ni across the electrode−electrolyte interface that can cause sensible material losses and structural changes responsible for the deterioration of device performance. The C 1s spectra evidence deposition of C and formation of carbides on the Ni electrodes and Cr interconnects at 650 °C as result of C2H4 dissociation, the process being promoted applying cathodic potential and reversed by switching to anodic potential. Following the attenuation of the C signal under anodic potential, the effect of the stability of different carbides on the reaction rate was observed