Simulation and optimisation of terahertz emission from InGaAs and InP photoconductive switches

We simulate the terahertz emission from laterally-biased InGaAs and InP using a three-dimensional carrier dynamics model in order to optimise the semiconductor material. Incident pump-pulse parameters of current Ti:Sapphire and Er:fibre lasers are chosen, and the simulation models the semiconductor's bandstructure using parabolic Gamma, L and X valleys, and heavy holes. The emitted terahertz radiation is propagated within the semiconductor and into free space using a model based on the Drude-Lorentz dielectric function. As the InGaAs alloy approaches InAs an increase in the emitted power is observed, and this is attributed to a greater electron mobility. Additionally, low-temperature grown and ion-implanted InGaAs are modelled using a finite carrier trapping time. At sub-picosecond trapping times the terahertz bandwidth is found to increase significantly at the cost of a reduced emission power.Comment: 9 pages, 7 figure

Sensitivity of conservative pollutants estimation using ISCST3 to input parameters for a case of study

[ES] El presente documento describe un proceso de análisis realizado sobre el modelo gaussiano de dispersión de contaminantes atmosféricos ISCST3 aplicado en un área densamente poblada, el Instituto Superior Politécnico José Antonio Echeverría (CUJAE) ubicado en la Habana. Para la simulación numérica se realizó un inventario de fuentes y de emisiones de contaminantes atmosféricos en la zona, para estimar la concentración del contaminante conservativo, en este caso dióxido de azufre. El objetivo es mostrar la sensibilidad de esta simulación numérica con la variación en la entrada de varios parámetros: albedo medio, razón de Bowen, rugosidad de la superficie y velocidad del viento. Una vez obtenidos los resultados se analiza la influencia de las variaciones en la entrada de dichos parámetros sobre la concentración del contaminante estudiado. Concluyendo que la velocidad del viento es el parámetro al que el modelo es más sensible y presenta la menor sensibilidad a los cambios en la entrada del albedo. El receptor menos afectado en los valores de concentración estimados para 24 horas es el receptor 2, ubicado en el centro de la malla y correspondiente al campus universitario de la CUJAE. Mientras que para valores horarios los menos sensibles son los receptores 1 y 3.[EN] This paper describes a process of analysis of the Gaussian model ISCST3 of air pollutants dispersión applied in a densely populated area, the Higher Polytechnic Institute José Antonio Echeverría (CUJAE) in Havana. For the numerical simulation was carried out a sources and emissions inventory of air pollutants in the área, to estímate the concentration of the conservative pollutant, in this case sulfur dioxide. The objective is to show the sensitivity of numerical simulation with variation in the input of several parameters: average albedo, Bowen ratio, surface roughness and wind speed. After obtaining the results, the influence of variatíons in these parameters input and contaminant concentration studied is analyzed. Concluding that the wind speed is the parameter to which the model is more sensitive and has the lowest sensitivity to changes in albedo input. The least affected receptor concentration values estimated for 24 hours is the number 2, located in the center of the screen and land in the campus CUJAE. While for hourly values, receptors 1 and 3 are less sensitive.Los autores agradecen al proyecto de Doctorado auricular en su dimensión ambiental existente entre el Instituto Superior Politécnico José Antonio Echeverría (CUJAE) y la Universidad Politécnica de Valencia que permitió en el marco del mismo la realización de este trabajo. Además de nuestra gratitud a otras instituciones que facilitaron los datos y medios para la investigación como son: Dirección Provincial de Salud Pública de ciudad de La Habana, Cuba energía perteneciente al Ministerio de Ciencia Tecnología y Medio Ambiente y a la Oficina de Acción Internacional (OIA) de la Universidad Politécnica de Valencia.González-Cruz, M.; Pire-Rivas, S.; López Jiménez, PA. (2012). Sensibilidad del modelo ISCST3 en la estimación de contaminantes conservativos: Caso de estudio. REVISTA MEXICANA DE INGENIERÍA QUÍMICA. 11(2):287-298. http://hdl.handle.net/10251/150423S28729811

Molecular cloning and expression of a putative crustacean hyperglycemic hormone (CHH) of Litopenaeus vannamei in Pichia pastoris

Crustacean hyperglycemic hormone (CHH) is the most abundant and best studied member of the CHH/MIH/GIH neuropeptide hormone family. CHH plays a major role in controlling glucose levels in the hemolymph, and it also has significance in regulating molting, reproduction, and osmoregulation. In contrast, molt-inhibiting hormone (MIH) is responsible for maintaining animals in an intermolt stage. In this study, Liv-MIH-1 cDNA, which encodes a mature neuropeptide from the eyestalk of white shrimp, Litopenaeus vannamei , was expressed in methylotrophic yeast ( Pichia pastoris KM71) under the control of an alcohol oxidase promoter. Recombinant Liv-MIH-1 was secreted into the culture medium using the \u3b1-factor prepro-sequence without Glu-Ala repeats. The expectedprotein, which had an apparent molecular mass of 12.1 kDa, was detected by Tricine-SDS-PAGE analysis and confirmed by Western blot. Pure recombinant Liv- MIH-1 was obtained by affinity chromatography, and N-terminal sequence analysis confirmed expression of the protein. Biological assays for CHH and MIH activity were also performed. Purified recombinant Liv-MIH-1 showed the ability to elevate the glucose level of hemolymph ofL. vannamei, but molting was unaffected. Since these results are in agreement with the high structural and phylogenetic similarity that has been observed between Liv-MIH-1 and other CHH neuropeptides we propose to rename the protein Liv-CHH-SG1

Contribution of polymorphisms in IFNG and TNF to complications of the allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation with sibling donors

Las complicaciones del trasplante alogénico de células progenitoras hematopoyéticas (TACPH) relacionado incluyen tiempos variables de engraftment,enfermedad injerto contra huésped (EICH), infeccionesbacterianas y reactivación de citomegalovirus(CMV), entre otras. La existencia de polimorfismosen genes no HLA que codifican citoquinas proinflamatoriastales como el factor de necrosis tumoralalfa (TNF) e interferón gamma (IFNG) condicionaría la aparición de estas complicaciones. Se evaluóel impacto de la variante +1349 CAn del gen INFG y del polimorfismo -308 G/A de TNF en el engraftment y en la EICH en 148 receptores de TACPHrealizados en los centros participantes. Con respecto al engraftment tardío (≥15 días), el análisis multivariado confirmó el poder predictivo desfavorable del genotipo CAno12/no12 (baja producción) de IFNG(OR 3,9; p=0,003), médula ósea (MO) como fuente de células progenitoras (OR 4,6; p=0,013) y bacteriemia (OR 3,0; p=0,033). En relación a EICHa 3-4,las variables independientes fueron el genotipo de baja producción de IFNG (OR 0,1; p=0,008), bacteriemia (OR 3,3; p=0,048) y presencia de CMV(OR3,3; p=0,046). Y con respecto a EICHc, el riesgo fue influenciado por el genotipo -308 GG (producción baja) de TNF (OR 3,3; p=0,038), SP como fuente (OR 5,0; p=0,028), acondicionamiento mieloablativo (OR 3,3; p=0,014) y antecedente de EICHa 2-4 (OR 2,6; p=0,029). Aunque es necesario confirmar estos hallazgos, el genotipo de baja producción de IFNG se asoció con engraftment tardío y menor EICHa, mientras que los genotipos de baja producción de TNF se relacionaron con mayor incidencia de EICHc. Las variantes polimórficas estudiadas contribuirían al desarrollo de complicaciones en pacientes con TACPH relacionado.Complications of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) include variable engraftment times, acute (aGVHD) and chronic (cGVHD) graft-versus-host diseases, bacterial infections and reactivation of cytomegalovirus (CMV), among others. The existence of polymorphisms in non-HLA genes that encode pro-inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF) and interferon gamma (IFNG) would condition the appearance of these complications. The impact of polymorphic variants +1349 CAn of INFG gene and -308 G/A of TNF was evaluated on the engraftment and GVHD in 148 allo-HSCT recipients with sibling donors. In the multivariate analysis, the genotype CAno12/no12 (low production) of INFG (OR 3.9, p=0.003), bone marrow (BM) as source of progenitor cells (OR 4.6, p=0.013) and bacteremia (OR 3.0, p=0.033) maintained their predictive power with respect to late engraftment (≥15 days). Genotype of low IFNG production (OR 0.1, p=0.008), bacteremia (OR 3.3, p=0.048) and presence of CMV (OR 3.3, p=0.046) showed a significant association with aGVHD 3-4. And with respect to cGVHD, the genotype -308 GG (low production) of TNF (OR 3.3, p=0.038), PB as source (OR 5.0, p=0.028), myeloablative conditioning (OR 3.3, p=0.014) and previous aGVHD 2-4 (OR 2.6, p=0.029). Although it is necessary to confirm these findings, the genotype of lower IFNG production was associated with a later engraftment and less severe aGVHD and genotypes of lower TNF production was related to a higher incidence of cGVHD contributing to the development of complications in allo-HSCT.Fil: Palau Nagore, Maria Virginia. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Instituto de Medicina Experimental. Academia Nacional de Medicina de Buenos Aires. Instituto de Medicina Experimental; ArgentinaFil: Berro, Mariano. Universidad Austral; ArgentinaFil: Bestach, Yesica Soledad. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Instituto de Medicina Experimental. Academia Nacional de Medicina de Buenos Aires. Instituto de Medicina Experimental; ArgentinaFil: Rivas, M.M.. Universidad Austral; ArgentinaFil: Foncuberta, C.. Instituto Alexander Fleming; ArgentinaFil: Vitriu, A.. Instituto Alexander Fleming; ArgentinaFil: Remaggi, G.. Fundaleu; ArgentinaFil: Martínez Rolón, J.. Fundaleu; ArgentinaFil: Jaimovich, Sebastian Gaston. Fundación Favaloro; ArgentinaFil: Requejo, A.. Fundación Favaloro; ArgentinaFil: Padros, K.. Primer Centro Argentino de Inmunogenética; ArgentinaFil: Rodríguez, M.B.. Primer Centro Argentino de Inmunogenética; ArgentinaFil: Kusminsky, G.. Universidad Austral; ArgentinaFil: Larripa, Irene Beatriz. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Instituto de Medicina Experimental. Academia Nacional de Medicina de Buenos Aires. Instituto de Medicina Experimental; ArgentinaFil: Belli, Carolina Bárbara. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Instituto de Medicina Experimental. Academia Nacional de Medicina de Buenos Aires. Instituto de Medicina Experimental; Argentin

Impact of uterine manipulator on oncological outcome in endometrial cancer surgery

Background: There are limited data available to indicate whether oncological outcomes might be influenced by the uterine manipulator, which is used at the time of hysterectomy for minimally invasive surgery in patients with endometrial cancer. The current evidence derives from retrospective studies with limited sample sizes. Without substantial evidence to support its use, surgeons are required to make decisions about its use based only on their personal choice and surgical experience. Objective: To evaluate the use of the uterine manipulator on oncological outcomes after minimally invasive surgery, for apparent early-stage endometrial cancer. Study Design: We performed a retrospective multicentric study to assess the oncological safety of uterine manipulator use in patients with apparent early-stage endometrial cancer, treated with minimally invasive surgery. The type of manipulator, surgical staging, histology, lymphovascular space invasion, International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics stage, adjuvant treatment, recurrence, and pattern of recurrence were evaluated. The primary objective was to determine the relapse rate. The secondary objective was to determine recurrence-free survival, overall survival, and the pattern of recurrence. Results: A total of 2661 women from 15 centers were included; 1756 patients underwent hysterectomy with a uterine manipulator and 905 without it. Both groups were balanced with respect to histology, tumor grade, myometrial invasion, International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics stage, and adjuvant therapy. The rate of recurrence was 11.69% in the uterine manipulator group and 7.4% in the no-manipulator group (P<.001). The use of the uterine manipulator was associated with a higher risk of recurrence (hazard ratio, 2.31; 95% confidence interval, 1.27–4.20; P=.006). The use of uterine manipulator in uterus-confined endometrial cancer (International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics [FIGO] I–II) was associated with lower disease-free survival (hazard ratio, 1.74; 95% confidence interval, 0.57–0.97; P=.027) and higher risk of death (hazard ratio, 1.74; 95% confidence interval, 1.07–2.83; P=.026). No differences were found regarding the pattern of recurrence between both groups (chi-square statistic, 1.74; P=.63). Conclusion: In this study, the use of a uterine manipulator was associated with a worse oncological outcome in patients with uterus-confined endometrial cancer (International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics I–II) who underwent minimally invasive surgery. Prospective trials are essential to confirm these results

Inhibition of inflammatory signaling in Pax5 mutant cells mitigates B-cell leukemogenesis

Altres ajuts: We would like to thank the "Fundación Ramón Areces," a Research Contract with the "Fundación Síndrome de Wolf-Hirschhorn o 4p-", and institutional grants from the "Fundación Ramón Areces" and "Banco de Santander" to the CBMSO. Research in the ISG group is partially supported by by Junta de Castilla y León (UIC-017, CSI001U16, and CSI234P18), and by the German Jose Carreras Foundation (DJCLS R13/26; DJCLS 07R/2019). AC-G and M.I.-H. are supported by FSE-Conserjería de Educación de la Junta de Castilla y León 2019 and 2020 (ESF- European Social Fund) fellowship, respectively. J.R.-G. is supported by a scholarship from University of Salamanca co-financed by Banco Santander and ESF.PAX5 is one of the most frequently mutated genes in B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL), and children with inherited preleukemic PAX5 mutations are at a higher risk of developing the disease. Abnormal profiles of inflammatory markers have been detected in neonatal blood spot samples of children who later developed B-ALL. However, how inflammatory signals contribute to B-ALL development is unclear. Here, we demonstrate that Pax5 heterozygosis, in the presence of infections, results in the enhanced production of the inflammatory cytokine interleukin-6 (IL-6), which appears to act in an autocrine fashion to promote leukemia growth. Furthermore, in vivo genetic downregulation of IL-6 in these Pax5 heterozygous mice retards B-cell leukemogenesis, and in vivo pharmacologic inhibition of IL-6 with a neutralizing antibody in Pax5 mutant mice with B-ALL clears leukemic cells. Additionally, this novel IL-6 signaling paradigm identified in mice was also substantiated in humans. Altogether, our studies establish aberrant IL6 expression caused by Pax5 loss as a hallmark of Pax5-dependent B-ALL and the IL6 as a therapeutic vulnerability for B-ALL characterized by PAX5 loss

A First Search for coincident Gravitational Waves and High Energy Neutrinos using LIGO, Virgo and ANTARES data from 2007

We present the results of the first search for gravitational wave bursts associated with high energy neutrinos. Together, these messengers could reveal new, hidden sources that are not observed by conventional photon astronomy, particularly at high energy. Our search uses neutrinos detected by the underwater neutrino telescope ANTARES in its 5 line configuration during the period January - September 2007, which coincided with the fifth and first science runs of LIGO and Virgo, respectively. The LIGO-Virgo data were analysed for candidate gravitational-wave signals coincident in time and direction with the neutrino events. No significant coincident events were observed. We place limits on the density of joint high energy neutrino - gravitational wave emission events in the local universe, and compare them with densities of merger and core-collapse events.Comment: 19 pages, 8 figures, science summary page at http://www.ligo.org/science/Publication-S5LV_ANTARES/index.php. Public access area to figures, tables at https://dcc.ligo.org/cgi-bin/DocDB/ShowDocument?docid=p120000

Latin American consumption of major food groups: Results from the ELANS study

Background The Latin American (LA) region is still facing an ongoing epidemiological transition and shows a complex public health scenario regarding non-communicable diseases (NCDs). A healthy diet and consumption of specific food groups may decrease the risk of NCDs, however there is a lack of dietary intake data in LA countries. Objective Provide updated data on the dietary intake of key science-based selected food groups related to NCDs risk in LA countries. Design ELANS (Latin American Study of Nutrition and Health) is a multicenter cross-sectional study assessing food consumption from an urban sample between15 to 65 years old from 8 LA countries (Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Peru, and Venezuela). Two 24-HR were obtained from 9, 218 individuals. The daily intake of 10 food groups related to NCDs risk (fruits; vegetables; legumes/beans; nuts and seeds; whole grains products; fish and seafood; yogurt; red meat; processed meats; sugar-sweetened beverages (ready-to-drink and homemade)) were assessed and compared to global recommendations. Results Only 7.2% of the overall sample reached WHO's recommendation for fruits and vegetables consumption (400 grams per day). Regarding the dietary patterns related to a reduced risk of NCDs, among the overall sample legumes and fruits were the food groups with closer intake to the recommendation, although much lower than expected (13.1% and 11.5%, respectively). Less than 3.5% of the sample met the optimal consumption level of vegetables, nuts, whole grains, fish and yogurt. Largest country-dependent differences in average daily consumption were found for legumes, nuts, fish, and yogurt. Mean consumption of SSB showed large differences between countries. Conclusion Diet intake quality is deficient for nutrient-dense food groups, suggesting a higher risk for NCDs in the urban LA region in upcoming decades. These data provide relevant and up-to-date information to take urgent public health actions to improve consumption of critically foods in order to prevent NCDs. Copyright