How kinetics drives the two- to three-dimensional transition in semiconductor strained heterostructures: the case of InAs/GaAs(001)

The two- to three-dimensional growth transition in the InAs/GaAs(001) heterostructure has been investigated by atomic force microscopy. The kinetics of the density of three dimensional quantum dots evidences two transition thresholds at 1.45 and 1.59 ML of InAs coverage, corresponding to two separate families, small and large. Based on the scaling analysis, such families are characterized by different mechanisms of aggregation, involving the change of the critical nucleus size. Remarkably, the small ones give rise to a wealth of "monomers" through the erosion of the step edges, favoring the explosive nucleation of the large ones.Comment: 10 pages, 3 figures. Submitted to Phys. Rev. Let

Meandering of instantaneous large-scale structures in open-channel flow over longitudinal ridges

The results of large-eddy simulations of open-channel flows over spanwise heterogeneous surface ridges at two representative spanwise spacings are presented. Flows at moderate Froude and Reynolds numbers over smooth channel beds with streamwise-orientated rectangular ridges are considered. The ridge spacing has a profound effect on the flow: at small spacing relatively small secondary cells occur, whilst at large ridge spacing secondary cells occupy the entire flow depth. The instantaneous flow features secondary flow instabilities and the meandering of alternating low- and high-momentum regions. The quasi-periodical nature of the meandering of the instantaneous large-scale motion is visualised and quantified for both ridge spacings. Although time-averaged clockwise and counter-clockwise secondary current cells are symmetrical about the ridge-axis, they exhibit quasi-periodical increase and decrease in size as well as lateral and vertical movement in space over the meandering period

Lattice perturbation theory for the null cusp string

We reconsider the problem of discretizing the worldsheet for the gauge-fixed Green-Schwarz superstring on a null cusp background, and present a setup which fully preserves its global U(1)×SU(4) symmetry. We discuss divergences by power counting on the lattice, and study renormalizability at one loop with the example of one-point functions and one bosonic correlator of the worldsheet excitations. In order to remove UV divergences at one loop, it is necessary to introduce two extra parameters in the action, which need to be either fine-tuned at tree level or renormalized at one loop

Multilobulated popliteal cyst after a failed total knee arthroplasty

Popliteal cyst is a rare finding after total knee arthroplasty (TKA), but when present, it might indicate a malfunction of the TKA related to generation of wear-particles, or loosening. We present a case of a multilobulated popliteal cyst developing in a patient 8 years after primary TKA. The cyst was associated with a mechanical prosthetic loosening. The primary complaint of the patient was pain in the posterior region of the knee. A two-stage procedure consisting of cyst excision at first, followed after 5 months by a revision TKA was performed. Intraoperatively, a darkish, multilobulated cyst with a well-defined thick wall filled with fluid containing polyethylene debris, communicating with the knee joint was found. After 3 years of follow-up, the patient was satisfied and walked without the support of a cane. The patient presented a satisfactory knee range of motion. Clinical, radiological and ultrasound investigations ruled out popliteal cyst recurrence. A dissecting popliteal cyst associated with a failed TKA should be excised because it contains polyethylene debris that constitutes an induced factor for prosthetic loosening. A two-stage procedure with quite a long time in-between, as presented in this paper, can be a useful alternative to manage such a problem, in particular in very old patients associated with other medical problems

Efficacy of dupilumab in atopic comorbidities associated with moderate-to-severe adult atopic dermatitis

Background: Dupilumab is an anti-IL-4Rα antibody used in the treatment of patients with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis (msAD). This study explored the potential benefit of dupilumab in perennial allergic rhinoconjunctivitis (PAR) and perennial allergic asthma (PAA) caused by indoor allergens in adults with msAD. Methods: This multicentric, prospective, observational, real-life study included adult patients with msAD who had been treated with dupilumab in 16 Italian care centres. Efficacy outcomes regarding AD, PAR and PAA were collected at baseline and 16 weeks. Safety was also assessed. Results: We enrolled 123 patients with msAD. Between baseline and 16 weeks of treatment, the following measurements decreased statistically significantly: Eczema Area and Severity Index, SCOring AD, Patient-Oriented Eczema Measure, pruritus score, sleep score, Dermatology Life Quality Index and IgE. Dupilumab treatment in patients with comorbid PAR (n = 41) was associated with significant improvements in PAR disease control (measured using a Rhinitis Control Scoring System) and in PAR Quality of life (QoL) (measured using the Rhinoconjunctivitis QoL Questionnaire scores). In 32 patients with comorbid PAA, dupilumab significantly improved PAA control (measured using the Asthma Control Test and five-item Asthma Control Questionnaire scores) and disease-related QoL (measured using the Asthma QoL Questionnaire scores). Thirty-five patients (28.5%) developed conjunctivitis during the study period. Conclusion: These results support the benefits of dupilumab for adult patients with PAR and/or PAA associated with msAD

Formas de fósforo num planossolo do Rio Grande do Sul e sua disponibilidade para a cultura do arroz irrigado

This eight year study was started in 1960 to determine the influence of sources and rates of phosphorus application on the production of rice. The experiment was conducted on a planosol located in Rio Grande do Sul at the Instituto de Pesquisas e Experimentação Agropecuárias do Sul. Four sources of phosphorus were applied to the soil at the rate of 90 kg/ha of P2O5. Periodically the various fractions of phosphorus were determined. From the data obtained in the laboratory and the production of rice the following suggested studies are made: 1. Transformations that occur in the soil with added phosphorus. 2. Comparison between the forms of phosphorus in the soil and their availability. 3. Relation between the availability of phosphorus and the production of rice.Estudos de formas de fósforo no solo foram efetuados em diversas parcelas de um ensaio. Esse experimento foi instalado em 1960 pela Seção de Solos do Instituto de Pesquisas e Experimentação Agropecuárias do Sul (IPEAS), sobre um Planossolo. O objetivo inicial era o estudo de fontes e doses de fósforo e sua influência na produção do arroz. A análise de fracionamento do fósforo no solo e a determinação do fósforo disponível foram executadas em parcelas adubadas por 8 anos consecutivos, com doses de 90 kg/ha de P2O5 de quatro diferentes fontes. Os dados obtidos no laboratório e as produções da cultura do arroz permitiram os seguintes estados: a) transformações que ocorrem no solo com o fósforo adicionado; b) comparação entre as formas de fósforo no solo e sua disponibilidade; c) relação entre a disponibilidade de fósforo e a produção de arroz

Histamine plasma levels and elimination diet in chronic idiopathic urticaria

Abstract: Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of an oligoantigenic and histamine-free diet on patients affected with chronic idiopathic urticaria (CIU). Design: Ten patients with chronic idiopathic urticaria were prescribed an oligoantigenic and histamine-free diet for 21 days, followed by serial and controlled reintroduction of foods during a further 70 days. Modification in clinical illness as well as histamine plasma levels, post-heparin plasma diamine oxidase (DAO) and intestinal permeability were evaluated. Results: The oligoantigenic and histamine-free diet induced a significant improvement of symptoms (P < 0.05). Moreover, CIU patients on free diet showed higher histamine plasma levels (P < 0.05 vs post-diet and vs controls) that fell to control levels during the oligoantigenic and histamine-free diet. Post-heparin plasma diamine oxidase values were slightly reduced and were unchanged during the diet as well as intestinal permeability, which was always normal in all patients. Conclusions: These data suggest that histamine plays a major role in chronic idiopathic urticaria. The finding of normal intestinal permeability suggests that a morphological damage of intestinal mucosa should be excluded in these patients. However, the presence of low levels of post-heparin plasma diamine oxidase may indicate a subclinical impairment of small bowel enterocyte function that could induce a higher sensitivity to histamine-rich or histamine-producing food

Assessment of the response of hepatocellular carcinoma to interventional radiology treatments

According to Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) guidelines, interventional radiology procedures are valuable treatment options for many hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs) that are not amenable to resection or transplantation. Accurate assessment of the efficacy of therapies at earlier stages enables completion of treatment, optimal follow-up and to prevent potentially unnecessary treatments, side effects and costly failure. The goal of this review is to summarize and describe the radiological strategies that have been proposed to predict survival and to stratify HCC responses after interventional radiology therapies. New techniques currently in development are also described

Extracorporeal shock wave therapy in runners with a symptomatic heel spur

The aim of this paper is to assess the benefit to treat plantar fasciitis with low-dose energy extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) and the efficacy of such treatment to abate the painful symptoms allowing a rapid return to the running activity. Our study included 54 running athletes treated for plantar fasciitis associated with a heel spur who received four sessions (once weekly) of low-dose ESWT, and followed prospectively on average 45 days, 6 and 24 months after their last session. The clinical results were excellent in 59% of cases, good in 12%, satisfactory in 21% and distinctly unsatisfactory in 8%. No patient was observed a significant modification of the heel spur at the follow-up X-ray. The ultrasound examination at 24 months showed a disappearance of the inflammation signs in 61% of cases. A strong correlation between ultrasound improvement and clinical results were found. Low-energy ESWT seems to be a good mean to treat plantar fasciitis in runners with a 71% of good or excellent results and a persistent improvement lasting 24 months. A randomized multicentric study seems to be necessary to define the type of energy that should be used in the future to treat plantar fasciitis, in particular in the athletic patients, to allow a faster return to sports activities