Domain Wall Propagation and Pinning Induced by Current Pulses in Cylindrical Modulated Nanowires

The future developments of three-dimensional magnetic nanotechnology require the control of domain wall dynamics by means of current pulses. While this has been extensively studied in planar magnetic strips (planar nanowires), few reports exist in cylindrical geometry, where Bloch point domain walls are expected to have intriguing properties. Here we report this investigation in cylindrical magnetic Ni nanowires with geometrical notches. Experimental work based on synchrotron X-ray magnetic circular dichroism (XMCD) combined with photoemission electron microscopy (PEEM) indicates that large current densities induce domain wall nucleation while smaller currents move domain walls preferably against the current direction. In the region where no pinning centers are present we found domain wall velocity of about 1 km/s. The domain wall motion along current was also detected in the vicinity of the notch region. Pinning of domain walls has been observed not only at geometrical constrictions but also outside of them. Thermal modelling indicates that large current densities temporarily raise the temperature in the nanowire above the Curie temperature leading to nucleation of domain walls during the system cooling. Micromagnetic modelling with spin-torque effect shows that for intermediate current densities Bloch point domain walls with chirality parallel to the Oersted field propagate antiparallel to the current direction. In other cases, domain walls can be bounced from the notches and/or get pinned outside their positions. We thus find that current is not only responsible for the domain wall propagation but is also a source of pinning due to the Oersted field action

p73 is required for appropriate BMP-induced mesenchymal-to-epithelial transition during somatic cell reprogramming

[EN] The generation of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) by somatic cell reprogramming holds great potential for modeling human diseases. However, the reprogramming process remains very inefficient and a better understanding of its basic biology is required. The mesenchymal-to-epithelial transition (MET) has been recognized as a crucial step for the successful reprogramming of fibroblasts into iPSCs. It has been reported that the p53 tumor suppressor gene acts as a barrier of this process, while its homolog p63 acts as an enabling factor. In this regard, the information concerning the role of the third homolog, p73, during cell reprogramming is limited. Here, we derive total Trp73 knockout mouse embryonic fibroblasts, with or without Trp53, and examine their reprogramming capacity. We show that p73 is required for effective reprogramming by the Yamanaka factors, even in the absence of p53. Lack of p73 affects the early stages of reprogramming, impairing the MET and resulting in altered maturation and stabilization phases. Accordingly, the obtained p73-deficient iPSCs have a defective epithelial phenotype and alterations in the expression of pluripotency markers. We demonstrate that p73 deficiency impairs the MET, at least in part, by hindering BMP pathway activation. We report that p73 is a positive modulator of the BMP circuit, enhancing its activation by DNp73 repression of the Smad6 promoter. Collectively, these findings provide mechanistic insight into the MET process, proposing p73 as an enhancer of MET during cellular reprogramming.S

Síntesis del estudio de los suelos de Les Garriges Lleida

[15] Pags.- 3 Fots.La presente publicación trata de dar a conocer de modo sumamente resumido un amplio Estudio de los Suelos de Les Garrigues. Dicho Estudio ha sido dirigido por el Departamento de Edafología y Climatología (x) de la Escuela Técnica Supe­rior de Ingenieros Agrónomos de Lleida, perteneciente a la Universidad Politécnica de Barcelona; en equipo con el Departamento de Geomorfología y Tectónica (xx) de la Universidad de Barcelona y con el Instituto Jaime Almera de Investigaciones Geológicas del Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (xxx) (Barcelona). El trabajo se estructura básicamente en dos partes, la primera se dedica a la FI­SIOGRAFIA y en ella se indica la localización y límites de la zona estudiada. Se ca­racteriza el CLIMA, elaborando los datos meteorológicos suministrados por los ob­servatorios de la comarca y que cuentan con series de como mínimo diez años. Las características climáticas estudiadas son el régimen termométrico, de heladas, el pluviométrico con sus correspondientes análisis estadísticos, la torrencialidad, la evotranspiración potencial, el balance hídrico y los índices y clasificaciones climáti­cas, que permiten sintetizar el clima de Les Garrigues. Se estudia la GEOLOGIA, tanto lo referente a la litología de los materiales, la tectónica, la geomorfología, la dinámica actual, como a la hidrogeología. La segunda parte trata del ESTUDIO DE LOS SUELOS. De cada punto pros­pectado se describen las propiedades del suelo y su caracterización analítica. Todo ello suministra los datos de base para estudiar la génesis, discutir la clasificación, y deducir los factores limitantes y la idoneidad de cada categoría de suelos para deter­minados usos. Un apartado dedicado al «USO DEL SUELO» cierra esta segunda parte. En él se profundiza en aspectos aplicados, destacando el papel de los factores limitantes del uso del suelo; se evalua el estado actual de los niveles de fertilidad de los suelos y se dan algunas orientaciones para mejorar los programas de abonado. Por último, se tratan aspectos relacionados con la ordenación del territorio, a un nivel muy ge­neral.Peer reviewe

Monitorización de la frecuencia cardíaca en las labores de extinción de incendios forestales, para la prevención de riesgos laborales

P. 6-26Ante la previsión de aumento de incendios forestales en la zona meditarránea,TRAGSA y la Fraternidad Muprespa analizan los aspectos derivados de la frecuencia cardiaca en las labores de extinción de incendios forestales. El trabajo físico del personal especialista en extinción de incendios forestales durante la extinción de incendios se realiza a una intensidad de esfuerzo que es lo suficientemente alta como para conllevar un elevado coste energético, y que se corresponde a una carga de trabajo que requiere y exige una buena condición física para afrontarla con las suficientes garantías y con el menor riesgo para la salud.N

Automated synthesis of transmission lines loaded with complementary split ring resonators (CSRRs) and open complementary split ring resonators (OCSRRs) through aggressive space mapping (ASM)

This paper is focused on the application of space mapping optimization to the automated synthesis of transmission lines loaded with complementary split ring resonators (CSRRs) and open complementary split ring resonators (OCSRRs). These structures are of interest for the implementation of resonant-type metamaterial transmission lines and for the design of planar microwave circuits based on such complementary resonators. The paper presents a method to generate the layouts of CSRR- and OCSRR-loaded microstrip lines from the elements of their equivalent circuit models. Using the so-called aggressive space mapping, a specific implementation that uses quasi-Newton type iteration, we have developed synthesis algorithms that are able to provide the topology of these CSRR and OCSRR-loaded lines in few steps. The most relevant aspect, however, is that this synthesis process is completely automatic, i.e., it does not require any action from the designers, other than initiating the algorithm. Moreover, this technique can be translated to other electrically small planar elements described by lumped element equivalent circuit models.This work has been partially supported by MICIIN-Spain (Projects TEC2010-17512 METATRANSFER, TEC2010-21520-C04-01 AVANSAT, CONSOLIDER EMET CSD2008-00066, and Grant AP2008-04707), Generalitat de Catalunya (Project 2009SGR-421), and MITyC-Spain (Project TSI-020100-2010-169 METASINTESIS). Ferran Martin is in debt to ICREA for supporting his work through an ICREA Academia Award (calls 2008 and 2013).Selga, J.; Rodríguez Pérez, AM.; Orellana, M.; Boria Esbert, VE.; Martín, F. (2014). Automated synthesis of transmission lines loaded with complementary split ring resonators (CSRRs) and open complementary split ring resonators (OCSRRs) through aggressive space mapping (ASM). Applied Physics A. 117(2):557-565. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00339-014-8703-xS5575651172G.V. Eleftheriades, K.G. 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Martín, Application of resonant-type metamaterial transmission lines to the design of enhanced bandwidth components with compact dimensions. Microw. Opt. Technol. Lett. 50, 127–134 (2008)I.H. Lin, M. De Vincentis, C. Caloz, T. Itoh, Arbitrary dual-band components using composite right/left handed transmission lines. IEEE Trans. Microw. Theory Tech. 52, 1142–1149 (2004)A.C. Papanastasiou, G.E. Georghiou, G.V. Eleftheriades, A quad-band Wilkinson power divider using generalized NRI transmission lines. IEEE Microw. Wirel. Compon. Lett. 18, 521–523 (2008)M. Durán-Sindreu, G. Sisó, J. Bonache, F. Martín, Planar multi-band microwave components based on the generalized composite right/left handed transmission line concept. IEEE Trans. Microw. Theory Tech. 58(12), 3882–3891 (2010)J. Bonache, I. Gil, J. García-García, F. Martín, Novel microstrip band pass filters based on complementary split ring resonators. IEEE Trans. Microw. Theory Tech. 54, 265–271 (2006)M. Gil, J. Bonache, J. García-García, J. Martel, F. Martín, Composite right/left handed (CRLH) metamaterial transmission lines based on complementary split rings resonators (CSRRs) and their applications to very wide band and compact filter design. IEEE Trans. Microw. Theory Tech. 55, 1296–1304 (2007)S. Lim, C. Caloz, T. Itoh, Metamaterial-based electronically-controlled transmission line structure as a novel leaky-wave antenna with tunable angle and beamwidth. IEEE Trans. Microw. Theory Tech. 52(12), 2678–2690 (2004)G. Zamora, S. Zuffanelli, F. Paredes, F. Javier Herraiz-Martínez, F. Martín, J. Bonache, Fundamental mode leaky-wave-antenna (LWA) using slot line and split-ring-resonator (SRR) based metamaterials. IEEE Antennas Wirel. Propag. Lett. 12, 1424–1427 (2013)A.K. Iyer, G.V. Eleftheriades, Negative refractive index metamaterials supporting 2-D waves. in IEEE-MTT Int’l Microwave Symposium, vol 2, Seattle, WA, pp. 412–415 (2002)A.A. Oliner, A periodic-structure negative-refractive-index medium without resonant elements. In URSI Digest, IEEE-AP-S USNC/URSI National Radio Science Meeting, San Antonio, TX, pp. 41 (2002)C. Caloz, T. Itoh, Application of the transmission line theory of left-handed (LH) materials to the realization of a microstrip LH transmission line. in Proceedings of IEEE-AP-S USNC/URSI National Radio Science Meeting, vol 2, San Antonio, TX, pp. 412–415 (2002)F. Martín, F. Falcone, J. Bonache, R. Marqués, M. Sorolla, Split ring resonator based left handed coplanar waveguide. Appl. Phys. Lett. 83, 4652–4654 (2003)F. Falcone, T. Lopetegi, M.A.G. Laso, J.D. Baena, J. Bonache, R. Marqués, F. Martín, M. Sorolla (2004) Babinet principle applied to the design of metasurfaces and metamaterials. Phys. Rev. Lett. 93, paper 197401M. Durán-Sindreu, A. Vélez, F. Aznar, G. Sisó, J. Bonache, F. Martín, Application of open split ring resonators and open complementary split ring resonators to the synthesis of artificial transmission lines and microwave passive components. IEEE Trans. Microw. Theory Tech. 57, 3395–3403 (2009)A. Vélez, F. Aznar, M. Durán-Sindreu, J. Bonache, F. Martín, Stop-band and band-pass filters in coplanar waveguide technology implemented by means of electrically small metamaterial-inspired open resonators. IET Microw. Antennas Propag. 4, 712–716 (2004)J.D. Baena, J. Bonache, F. Martín, R. Marqués, F. Falcone, T. Lopetegi, M.A.G. Laso, J. García, I. Gil, M. Flores-Portillo, M. Sorolla, Equivalent circuit models for split ring resonators and complementary split rings resonators coupled to planar transmission lines. IEEE Trans. Microw. Theory Tech. 53, 1451–1461 (2005)M. Gil, J. Bonache, J. Selga, J. García-García, F. Martín, Broadband resonant type metamaterial transmission lines. IEEE Microw. Wirel. Compon. Lett. 17, 97–99 (2007)M. Durán-Sindreu, P. 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Relationship between damage and mortality in juvenile-onset systemic lupus erythematosus: Cluster analyses in a large cohort from the Spanish Society of Rheumatology Lupus Registry (RELESSER)

Objectives: To identify patterns (clusters) of damage manifestation within a large cohort of juvenile SLE (jSLE) patients and evaluate their possible association with mortality. Methods: This is a multicentre, descriptive, cross-sectional study of a cohort of 345 jSLE patients from the Spanish Society of Rheumatology Lupus Registry. Organ damage was ascertained using the Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics Damage Index. Using cluster analysis, groups of patients with similar patterns of damage manifestation were identified and compared. Results: Mean age (years) ± S.D. at diagnosis was 14.2 ± 2.89; 88.7% were female and 93.4% were Caucasian. Mean SLICC/ACR DI ± S.D. was 1.27 ± 1.63. A total of 12 (3.5%) patients died. Three damage clusters were identified: Cluster 1 (72.7% of patients) presented a lower number of individuals with damage (22.3% vs. 100% in Clusters 2 and 3, P < 0.001); Cluster 2 (14.5% of patients) was characterized by renal damage in 60% of patients, significantly more than Clusters 1 and 3 (P < 0.001), in addition to increased more ocular, cardiovascular and gonadal damage; Cluster 3 (12.7%) was the only group with musculoskeletal damage (100%), significantly higher than in Clusters 1 and 2 (P < 0.001). The overall mortality rate in Cluster 2 was 2.2 times higher than that in Cluster 3 and 5 times higher than that in Cluster 1 (P < 0.017 for both comparisons). Conclusions: In a large cohort of jSLE patients, renal and musculoskeletal damage manifestations were the two dominant forms of damage by which patients were sorted into clinically meaningful clusters. We found two clusters of jSLE with important clinical damage that were associated with higher rates of mortality, especially for the cluster of patients with predominant renal damage. Physicians should be particularly vigilant to the early prevention of damage in this subset of jSLE patients with kidney involvement

Epidemiology of traumatic spinal cord injury in Galicia, Spain: trends over a 20-year period

[Abstract] Study design: Observational study with prospective and retrospective monitoring. Objective: To describe the epidemiological and demographic characteristics of traumatic spinal cord injury (TSCI), and to analyze its epidemiological changes. Setting: Unidad de Lesionados Medulares, Complejo Hospitalario Universitario A Coruña, in Galicia (Spain). Methods: The study included patients with TSCI who had been hospitalized between January 1995 and December 2014. Relevant data were extracted from the admissions registry and electronic health record. Results: A total of 1195 patients with TSCI were admitted over the specified period of time; 76.4% male and 23.6% female. Mean patient age at injury was 50.20 years. Causes of injury were falls (54.2%), traffic accidents (37%), sports/leisure-related accidents (3.5%) and other traumatic causes (5.3%). Mean patient age increased significantly over time (from 46.40 to 56.54 years), and the number of cases of TSCI related to traffic accidents decreased (from 44.5% to 23.7%), whereas those linked to falls increased (from 46.9% to 65.6%). The most commonly affected neurological level was the cervical level (54.9%), increasing in the case of levels C1–C4 over time, and the most frequent ASIA (American Spinal Injury Association) grade was A (44.3%). The crude annual incidence rate was 2.17/100 000 inhabitants, decreasing significantly over time at an annual percentage rate change of −1.4%. Conclusions: The incidence rate of TSCI tends to decline progressively. Mean patient age has increased over time and cervical levels C1–C4 are currently the most commonly affected ones. These epidemiological changes will eventually result in adjustments in the standard model of care for TSCI

Associated factors to serious infections in a large cohort of juvenile-onset systemic lupus erythematosus from Lupus Registry (RELESSER).

Objective: To assess the incidence of serious infection (SI) and associated factors in a large juvenile-onset systemic lupus erythematosus (jSLE) retrospective cohort. Methods: All patients in the Spanish Rheumatology Society Lupus Registry (RELESSER) who meet =4 ACR-97 SLE criteria and disease onset <18 years old (jSLE), were retrospectively investigated for SI (defined as either the need for hospitalization with antibacterial therapy for a potentially fatal infection or death caused by the infection). Standardized SI rate was calculated per 100 patient years. Patients with and without SI were compared. Bivariate and multivariate logistic and Cox regression models were built to calculate associated factors to SI and relative risks. Results: A total of 353 jSLE patients were included: 88.7% female, 14.3 years (± 2.9) of age at diagnosis, 16.0 years (± 9.3) of disease duration and 31.5 years (±10.5) at end of follow-up. A total of 104 (29.5%) patients suffered 205 SI (1, 55.8%; 2-5, 38.4%; and =6, 5.8%). Incidence rate was 3.7 (95%CI: 3.2–4.2) SI per 100 patient years. Respiratory location and bacterial infections were the most frequent. Higher number of SLE classification criteria, SLICC/ACR DI score and immunosuppressants use were associated to the presence of SI. Associated factors to shorter time to first infection were higher number of SLE criteria, splenectomy and immunosuppressants use. Conclusions: The risk of SI in jSLE patients is significant and higher than aSLE. It is associated to higher number of SLE criteria, damage accrual, some immunosuppressants and splenectomy

Diet quality index as a predictor of treatment efficacy in overweight and obese adolescents: The EVASYON study

Background & aim: A diet quality index (DQI) is a tool that provides an overall score of an individual''s dietary intake when assessing compliance with food-based dietary guidelines. A number of DQIs have emerged, albeit their associations with health-related outcomes are debated. The aim of the present study was to assess whether adherence to dietary intervention, and the overall quality of the diet, can predict body composition changes. Methods: To this purpose, overweight/obese adolescents (n = 117, aged: 13–16 years; 51 males, 66 females) were recruited into a multi-component (diet, physical activity and psychological support) family-based group treatment programme. We measured the adolescents’ compliance and body composition at baseline and after 2 months (intensive phase) and 13 months (extensive phase) of follow-up. Also, at baseline, after 6 months, and at the end of follow-up we calculated the DQI. Results: Global compliance with the dietary intervention was 37.4% during the intensive phase, and 14.3% during the extensive phase. Physical activity compliance was 94.1% at 2-months and 34.7% at 13months and psychological support compliance were growing over the intervention period (10.3% intensive phase and 45.3% during extensive phase). Adolescents complying with the meal frequency criteria at the end of the extensive phase had greater reductions in FMI z-scores than those did not complying (Cohen''s d = 0.53). A statistically significant association was observed with the diet quality index. DQI-A variation explained 98.1% of BMI z-score changes and 95.1% of FMI changes. Conclusions: We conclude that assessment of changes in diet quality could be a useful tool in predicting body composition changes in obese adolescents involved in a diet and physical activity intervention programme backed-up by psychological and family support

Cross-shell states in 15^{15}C: a test for p-sd interactions

The low-lying structure of $^{15}$C has been investigated via the neutron-removal $^{16}$C$(d,t)$ reaction. Along with bound neutron sd-shell hole states, unbound p-shell hole states have been firmly confirmed. The excitation energies and the deduced spectroscopic factors of the cross-shell states are an important measure of the $[(p)^{-1}(sd)^{2}]$ neutron configurations in $^{15}$C. Our results show a very good agreement with shell-model calculations using the SFO-tls interaction for $^{15}$C. However, a modification of the $p$-$sd$ and $sd$-$sd$ monopole terms was applied in order to reproduce the $N=9$ isotone $^{17}$O. In addition, the excitation energies and spectroscopic factors have been compared to the first calculations of $^{15}$C with the $ab~ initio$ self-consistent Green's function method employing the NNLO$_{sat}$ interaction. The results show the sensitivity to the size of the $N=8$ shell gap and highlight the need of going beyond the current truncation scheme in the theory