Inertial domain wall characterization in layered multisublattice antiferromagnets

The motion of a Neel-like 180 degrees domain wall induced by a time-dependent staggered spin-orbit field in the layered collinear antiferromagnet Mn2Au is explored. Through an effective version of the two sublattice nonlinear a-model which does not take into account the antiferromagnetic exchange interaction directed along the tetragonal c-axis, it is possible to replicate accurately the relativistic and inertial traces intrinsic to the magnetic texture dynamics obtained through atomistic spin dynamics simulations for quasistatic processes. In the case in which the steady-state magnetic soliton motion is extinguished due to the abrupt shutdown of the external stimulus, its stored relativistic exchange energy is transformed into a complex translational mobility, being the rigid domain wall profile approximation no longer suitable. Although it is not feasible to carry out a detailed follow-up of its temporal evolution in this case, it is possible to predict the inertial-based distance travelled by the domain wall in relation to its steady-state relativistic mass. This exhaustive dynamical characterization for different time-dependent regimes of the driving force is of potential interest in antiferromagnetic domain wall-based device applications.R.R.-E., K.Y.G., and R.M.O. thanks O. Chubykalo-Fesenko, S. Khmelevskyi, A. A. Sapozhnik, M. Jourdan, A. K. Zvezdin, and B. A. Ivanov for the fruitful discussions that have helped us to improve this manuscript. The work of R.M.O. and K.Y.G. was partially supported by the STSM Grants from the COST Action CA17123 "Ultrafast opto-magneto-electronics for non-dissipative information technology''. K.Y.G. acknowledges support by IKERBASQUE (the Basque Foundation for Science) and the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation under grant PID2019-108075RB-C33/AEI/10.13039/501100011033

Study of size effects on the peak and residual strength of intact and artificially fissured granite samples

There are not many studies on jointed rock specimens, which can be considered small scale rock mass analogs. On the other hand, the scale effects in the mechanical properties of such samples have seldom been studied. With the aim of continuing previous research on intact granite rocks, the authors have carried out sets of 25 stress-strain triaxial compressive tests on 1 sub-vertical and 2 sub-horizontal 38 mm, 54 mm and 84 mm diameter jointed granite specimens at various confinements. Peak and residual strength values were obtained and compared to those recovered form intact rock samples. Results suggest that peak strength follows similar trends with scale to those observed on intact rock, even if lower strength values are logically recorded. Regarding residual strength, the obtained results are in line with those observed trends for standard size samples, showing a similar trend for all cases independently of scale, even if we observe larger variability for jointed samples. The authors have also compared the values fitting the generalized Hoek-Brown criterion for rock masses to better understand the behavior in relation to sample size. So scale effects clearly appear on jointed rock peak strength of jointed sample; even if residual strength seems hardly affected by scale.Agencia Estatal de Investigación | Ref. RTI2018-093563-B-I0

The antidepressant effect of hypericum perforatum extract Ze 117 is associated with reduced possibilities of drug interactions than hypericum perforatum extract LI 160.

Hypericum perforatum (HP) is the most extensively investigated medicinal herbs with antidepressant effect. Differences showed by HP extracts in their antidepressant effect and their clinical consequence of HP-drug interactions have been related with HP extract different composition, particularly regarding to their primary ingredients hyperforin and hypericin content. Experimental data and clinical trials have shown that low-hyperforin-content HP has a comparable antidepressant efficacy in the treatment of mild/moderate depression (1) (2). However, hyperforin is responsible for CYP3A4 induction via activation of a nuclear steroid/pregnane and xenobiotic receptor (SXR/PXR) and hypericin is a P-glycoprotein inducing compound (3), which are the main origin of HP-drug interactions. Changes in cytochrome P-450 (CYP-450) activity could modulate the effect of different drugs. Some of the reported interactions are based on findings from in vitro studies but the clinical importance of which remain to be demonstrated. Two different hypericum extracts, Ze 117 and LI 160, which are differently composed, Ze 117 (0.15-0.25% hypericin, 0.5% hyperforin) and LI 160 (0.3% hypericin, 4-6% hyperforin) were checked regarding their antidepressant-like activity vs. classical antidepressants with and without liver CYP 450 enzyme activity modulation by cimetidine. Experimental procedures followed the ECC Directives and were approved by local authorities. Male Wistar rats (n=6 per group, 6 months old, weight 314±25 g, Charles River-Spain) were injected (i.p. once a day) with Ze 117 (20 mg/kg, Zeller AG), LI 160 (20 mg/kg, Lichtwer Pharma AG), imipramine (IMI) (10.9 mg/kg, Novartis SL), fluoxetine (FLU) (5 mg/kg, Lilly and Dista) or saline (SAL), in presence and absence of cimetidine (CIM) (50 mg/kg, Rimsa) during 20 days. The forced swim test (4) was used for the evaluation of the antidepressant-like effect. The opend-field test was used for the evaluation of the motor activity. The total CYP 450 content of the liver was measure using spectrophotometry methods in liver microsomes. Results are expressed as mean±sem and were compared by Student t test and ANOVA test followed by Bonferroni post-test. The drugs antidepressant effect (reduction of the immobility time) ranking order was: i) without cimetidine’s CYP-450 inhibition: IMI 109±33s >Ze 117 163±21s =FLU165±29s >LI 160 201±234s >SAL 224±17s, pLI 160 144±13s >FLU 171±21s >Ze 117 188±10 >SAL 219±20s, pLI 160 >Ze 117 >SAL, p<0.05). LI 160 significantly reduced the liver CYP-450 total content with respect to SAL (-43.3%, p<0.05) while Ze 117 had lower effect (-25.9%, p<0.05). In conclusion, hypericum perforatum extract Ze 117 shows higher antidepressant effect and lower inhibitory effect of the total CYP 450 liver content than hypericum perforatum extract LI 160. Liver CYP 450 inhibition by cimetidine increased the antidepressant of LI 160 but did not modify the antidepressant effect of Ze 117. (1)Fiebich BL, Knörle R, Appel K et al. (2011) Fitoterapia 82(3):474-480. (2)Singer A, Schmidt M, Hauke W et al. (2011) Phytomedicine 18(8-9):739-742. (3)Mannel M. (2004) Drug Saf 27(11):773-797. (4)Castagné V, Moser P, Roux S et al. (2011) Curr Protoc Neurosci 55:8.10A.1-8.10A.14.Universidad de Málaga. Campus de Excelencia Internacional Andalucía Tech

5G Radio Access above 6 GHz

Designing and developing a millimetre-wave(mmWave) based mobile Radio Access Technology (RAT) in the 6-100 GHz frequency range is a fundamental component in the standardization of the new 5G radio interface, recently kicked off by 3GPP. Such component, herein called the new mmWave RAT, will not only enable extreme mobile broadband (eMBB) services,but also support UHD/3D streaming, offer immersive applications and ultra-responsive cloud services to provide an outstanding Quality of Experience (QoE) to the mobile users. The main objective of this paper is to develop the network architectural elements and functions that will enable tight integration of mmWave technology into the overall 5G radio access network (RAN). A broad range of topics addressing mobile architecture and network functionalities will be covered-starting with the architectural facets of network slicing, multiconnectivity and cells clustering, to more functional elements of initial access, mobility, radio resource management (RRM) and self-backhauling. The intention of the concepts presented here is to lay foundation for future studies towards the first commercial implementation of the mmWave RAT above 6 GHz.Comment: 7 pages, 5 figure

South American Expert Roundtable : increasing adaptive governance capacity for coping with unintended side effects of digital transformation

This paper presents the main messages of a South American expert roundtable (ERT) on the unintended side effects (unseens) of digital transformation. The input of the ERT comprised 39 propositions from 20 experts representing 11 different perspectives. The two-day ERT discussed the main drivers and challenges as well as vulnerabilities or unseens and provided suggestions for: (i) the mechanisms underlying major unseens; (ii) understanding possible ways in which rebound effects of digital transformation may become the subject of overarching research in three main categories of impact: development factors, society, and individuals; and (iii) a set of potential action domains for transdisciplinary follow-up processes, including a case study in Brazil. A content analysis of the propositions and related mechanisms provided insights in the genesis of unseens by identifying 15 interrelated causal mechanisms related to critical issues/concerns. Additionally, a cluster analysis (CLA) was applied to structure the challenges and critical developments in South America. The discussion elaborated the genesis, dynamics, and impacts of (groups of) unseens such as the digital divide (that affects most countries that are not included in the development of digital business, management, production, etc. tools) or the challenge of restructuring small- and medium-sized enterprises (whose service is digitally substituted by digital devices). We identify specific issues and effects (for most South American countries) such as lack of governmental structure, challenging geographical structures (e.g., inclusion in high-performance transmission power), or the digital readiness of (wide parts) of society. One scientific contribution of the paper is related to the presented methodology that provides insights into the phenomena, the causal chains underlying “wanted/positive” and “unwanted/negative” effects, and the processes and mechanisms of societal changes caused by digitalization

Label-Free Plasmonic Biosensor for Rapid, Quantitative, and Highly Sensitive COVID-19 Serology: Implementation and Clinical Validation

COVID-19; Biosensor plasmónico; SerologíaCOVID-19; Biosensor plasmònic; SerologiaCOVID-19; Plasmonic biosensor; SerologySerological tests are essential for the control and management of COVID-19 pandemic (diagnostics and surveillance, and epidemiological and immunity studies). We introduce a direct serological biosensor assay employing proprietary technology based on plasmonics, which offers rapid (<15 min) identification and quantification of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) antibodies in clinical samples, without signal amplification. The portable plasmonic device employs a custom-designed multiantigen (RBD peptide and N protein) sensor biochip and reaches detection limits in the low ng mL–1 range employing polyclonal antibodies. It has also been implemented employing the WHO-approved anti-SARS-CoV-2 immunoglobulin standard. A clinical validation with COVID-19 positive and negative samples (n = 120) demonstrates its excellent diagnostic sensitivity (99%) and specificity (100%). This positions our biosensor as an accurate and easy-to-use diagnostics tool for rapid and reliable COVID-19 serology to be employed both at laboratory and decentralized settings for the disease management and for the evaluation of immunological status during vaccination or treatment.ICN2 and UVE acknowledge financial support from H2020 Research and Innovation Programme of the European Commission (H202-SC1-PHE-Coronavirus-2020, CONVAT Project, No. 101003544). The ICN2 is funded by the CERCA program/Generalitat de Catalunya and supported by the Severo Ochoa Centres of Excellence program funded by the Spanish Research Agency (AEI, grant no. SEV-2017-0706). ICN2 group is very grateful to EPI Industries (Barcelona, Spain) for its kind donation supporting our research in COVID-19. O.C.-L. acknowledges the economic support from the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation and the Spanish Research Agency and the European Social Fund (ESF) (ref. BES-2017-080527) linked to the TEC 2016-78515-R project Predict. A part of the work was supported by the European Virus Archive GLOBAL (EVA-GLOBAL) project that has received funding from the EU Horizon 2020 (grant agreement No. 871029). A.T. and L.F.-B. acknowledge financial support from GENCAT-DGRIS COVID. We are indebted to all the patients who accepted to participate contributing to science advancement. We are indebted to the HCB-IDIBAPS Biobank for the human samples and data procurement and to the Fundació Glòria Soler for its support to the COVIDBANK collection. We thank the IDIBAPS Biobank for its valuable contribution to sample processing and storage. The authors acknowledge the EU Horizon 2020 Program under grant agreement no. 644956 (RAIS project) for funding the Hospital Vall d’Hebron Biobank. The VHIR-HUVH is supported by Plan Nacional de I + D + i 2013-2016 and ISCIII-Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación, and Spanish Network for Research in Infectious Diseases (REIPI RD16/0016/0003)─cofinanced by European Development Regional Fund “A way to achieve Europe,” Operative program Intelligent Growth 2014. Part of the samples and data from patients included in this study were provided by the Vall d’Hebron University Hospital Biobank (PT17/0015/0047), integrated in the Spanish National Biobanks Network, and they were processed following standard operating procedures with the appropriate approval of the Ethical and Scientific Committee. The authors kindly appreciate the generous donation of samples and clinical data of the donors of the Sepsis Bank of HUVH Biobank and COVID-19 patients attended at HUVH

Overall survival in malignant glioma is significantly prolonged by neurosurgical delivery of etoposide and temozolomide from a thermo-responsive biodegradable paste

Purpose: High-grade glioma (HGG) treatment is limited by the inability of otherwise potentially efficacious drugs to penetrate the blood brain barrier. We evaluate the unique intra-cavity delivery mode and translational potential of a blend of poly(DL-lactic acid-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) and poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) paste combining temozolomide and etoposide to treat surgically resected HGG. Experimental Design: To prolong stability of temozolomide pro-drug, combined in vitro drug release was quantitatively assessed from low pH-based PLGA/PEG using advanced analytical methods. In vitro cytotoxicity was measured against a panel of HGG cell lines and patient-derived cultures using metabolic assays. In vivo safety and efficacy was evaluated using orthotopic 9L gliosarcoma allografts, previously utilized pre-clinically to develop Gliadel®. Results: Combined etoposide and temozolomide in vitro release (22 and 7 days respectively) was achieved from a lactic acid-based PLGA/PEG paste, used to enhance stability of temozolomide prodrug. HGG cells from central-enhanced regions were more sensitive to each compound relative to primary lines derived from the HGG invasive margin. Both drugs retained cytotoxic capability upon release from PLGA/PEG. In vivo studies revealed a significant overall survival benefit in post-surgery 9L orthotopic gliosarcomas treated with intra-cavity delivered PLGA/PEG/temozolomide/etoposide and enhanced with adjuvant radiotherapy. Long-term survivorship was observed in over half the animals with histological confirmation of disease-free brain. Conclusions: The significant survival benefit of intra-cavity chemotherapy demonstrates clinical applicability of PLGA/PEG paste-mediated delivery of temozolomide and etoposide adjuvant to radiotherapy. PLGA/PEG paste offers a future platform for combination delivery of molecular targeted compounds

Aplicación de los criterios de clasificación de arteritis de células gigantes en un entorno de medicina de urgencias

Se plantea un estudio para determinar la validez de la aplicación de los criterios de clasificación de arteritis de células gigantes en un entorno de medicina de urgencias. El propósito del estudio es determinar la incidencia de cumplimentación de criterios de clasificación y su correlación con el diagnóstico de certeza en población no seleccionada. A lo largo de un periodo de 7 años, desde 2011, 167 personas consultaron por urgencias por cefalea y cumplieron al menos tres criterios de clasificación de arteritis de células gigantes. La densidad de incidencia para el cumplimento de criterios fue 29.11 por 100000 habitantes. Durante el mismo periodo de tiempo, la densidad de incidencia del diagnóstico de certeza de la enfermedad fue 10.42 por 100000 habitantes. El cumplimento de al menos tres criterios de clasificación tuvo una sensibilidad de 97.2%, especificidad 22.7% y VPP 55.2%. Utilizando cuatro criterios de clasificación el VPP fue 56.2% y la especificidad 56.2%. Concluimos que la aplicación de los criterios de clasificación de arteritis de células gigantes sobrestiman su diagnóstico cuando se aplican a población general por lo que su uso en un entorno de urgencias debe hacerse con precaución.Se plantea un estudio para determinar la validez de la aplicación de los criterios de clasificación de arteritis de células gigantes en un entorno de medicina de urgencias. El propósito del estudio es determinar la incidencia de cumplimentación de criterios de clasificación y su correlación con el diagnóstico de certeza en población no seleccionada. A lo largo de un periodo de 7 años, desde 2011, 167 personas consultaron por urgencias por cefalea y cumplieron al menos tres criterios de clasificación de arteritis de células gigantes. La densidad de incidencia para el cumplimento de criterios fue 29.11 por 100000 habitantes. Durante el mismo periodo de tiempo, la densidad de incidencia del diagnóstico de certeza de la enfermedad fue 10.42 por 100000 habitantes. El cumplimento de al menos tres criterios de clasificación tuvo una sensibilidad de 97.2%, especificidad 22.7% y VPP 55.2%. Utilizando cuatro criterios de clasificación el VPP fue 56.2% y la especificidad 56.2%. Concluimos que la aplicación de los criterios de clasificación de arteritis de células gigantes sobrestiman su diagnóstico cuando se aplican a población general por lo que su uso en un entorno de urgencias debe hacerse con precaución

Measurement of the cross-section and charge asymmetry of WW bosons produced in proton-proton collisions at s=8\sqrt{s}=8 TeV with the ATLAS detector

This paper presents measurements of the $W^+ \rightarrow \mu^+\nu$ and $W^- \rightarrow \mu^-\nu$ cross-sections and the associated charge asymmetry as a function of the absolute pseudorapidity of the decay muon. The data were collected in proton--proton collisions at a centre-of-mass energy of 8 TeV with the ATLAS experiment at the LHC and correspond to a total integrated luminosity of 20.2~\mbox{fb^{-1}}. The precision of the cross-section measurements varies between 0.8% to 1.5% as a function of the pseudorapidity, excluding the 1.9% uncertainty on the integrated luminosity. The charge asymmetry is measured with an uncertainty between 0.002 and 0.003. The results are compared with predictions based on next-to-next-to-leading-order calculations with various parton distribution functions and have the sensitivity to discriminate between them.Comment: 38 pages in total, author list starting page 22, 5 figures, 4 tables, submitted to EPJC. All figures including auxiliary figures are available at https://atlas.web.cern.ch/Atlas/GROUPS/PHYSICS/PAPERS/STDM-2017-13