Attosecond vortex pulse trains

The landscape of ultrafast structured light pulses has recently evolved driven by the capability of high-order harmonic generation (HHG) to up-convert orbital angular momentum (OAM) from the infrared to the extreme-ultraviolet (EUV) spectral regime. Accordingly, HHG has been proven to produce EUV vortex pulses at the femtosecond timescale. Here we demonstrate the generation of attosecond vortex pulse trains, i.e. a succession of attosecond pulses with a helical wavefront, resulting from the synthesis of a comb of EUV high-order harmonics with the same OAM. By driving HHG with a polarization tilt-angle fork grating, two spatially separated circularly polarized high-order harmonic beams with order-independent OAM are created. Our work opens the route towards attosecond-resolved OAM light-matter interactions.Comment: Main text (1-14 pages) and supplemental material (14-16 pages

Light with a self-torque: extreme-ultraviolet beams with time-varying orbital angular momentum

Twisted light fields carrying orbital angular momentum (OAM) provide powerful capabilities for applications in optical communications, microscopy, quantum optics and microparticle rotation. Here we introduce and experimentally validate a new class of light beams, whose unique property is associated with a temporal OAM variation along a pulse: the self-torque of light. Self-torque is a phenomenon that can arise from matter-field interactions in electrodynamics and general relativity, but to date, there has been no optical analog. In particular, the self-torque of light is an inherent property, which is distinguished from the mechanical torque exerted by OAM beams when interacting with physical systems. We demonstrate that self-torqued beams in the extreme-ultraviolet (EUV) naturally arise as a necessary consequence of angular momentum conservation in non-perturbative high-order harmonic generation when driven by time-delayed pulses with different OAM. In addition, the time-dependent OAM naturally induces an azimuthal frequency chirp, which provides a signature for monitoring the self-torque of high-harmonic EUV beams. Such self-torqued EUV beams can serve as unique tools for imaging magnetic and topological excitations, for launching selective excitation of quantum matter, and for manipulating molecules and nanostructures on unprecedented time and length scales.Comment: 24 pages, 4 figure

Generation and Applications of Extreme-Ultraviolet Vortices

Vortex light beams are structures of the electromagnetic field with a spiral phase ramp around a point-phase singularity. These vortices have many applications in the optical regime, ranging from optical trapping and quantum information to spectroscopy and microscopy. The extension of vortices into the extreme-ultraviolet (XUV)/X-ray regime constitutes a significant step forward to bring those applications to the nanometer or even atomic scale. The recent development of a new generation of X-ray sources, and the refinement of other techniques, such as harmonic generation, have boosted the interest of producing vortex beams at short wavelengths. In this manuscript, we review the recent studies in the subject, and we collect the major prospects of this emerging field. We also focus on the unique and promising applications of ultrashort XUV/X-ray vortex pulsesA.P. acknowledges support from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under the Marie Sklodowska-Curie grant agreement No 702565. C.H.-G. acknowledges support from the Marie Curie International Outgoing Fellowship within the EU Seventh Framework Programme for Research and Technological Development (2007-2013), under REA grant Agreement No 328334. We acknowledge support and from Junta de Castilla y León (Project SA046U16) and MINECO (FIS2013-44174-P, FIS2015-71933-REDT, FIS2016-75652-P)

Fecal Microbiota and Hair Glucocorticoid Concentration Show Associations with Growth during Early Life in a Pig Model

Identifying characteristics associated with fast or slow growth during early life in a pig model will help in the design of nutritional strategies or recommendations during infancy. The aim of this study was to identify if a differential growth during lactation and/or the nursery period may be associated with fecal microbiota composition and fermentation capacity, as well as to leave a print of glucocorticoid biomarkers in the hair. Seventy-five commercial male and female pigs showing extreme growth in the lactation and nursery periods were selected, creating four groups (First, lactation growth, d0-d21; second, nursery growth, d21-d62): Slow_Slow, Slow_Fast, Fast_Slow, and Fast_Fast. At d63 of life, hair and fecal samples were collected. Fast-growing pigs during nursery had higher cortisone concentrations in the hair (p < 0.05) and a tendency to have a lower cortisol-to-cortisone ratio (p = 0.061). Both lactation and nursery growth conditioned the fecal microbiota structure (p < 0.05). Additionally, fast-growing pigs during nursery had higher evenness (p < 0.05). Lactation growth influenced the relative abundance of eight bacterial genera, while nursery growth affected only two bacterial genera (p < 0.05). The fecal butyrate concentration was higher with fast growth in lactation and/or nursery (p < 0.05), suggesting it has an important role in growth, while total SCFA and acetate were related to lactation growth (p < 0.05). In conclusion, piglets' growth during nursery and, especially, the lactation period was associated with changes in their microbiota composition and fermentation capacity, evidencing the critical role of early colonization on the establishment of the adult microbiota. Additionally, cortisol conversion to cortisone was increased in animals with fast growth, but further research is necessary to determine its implication

A comparative analysis of SLA-DRB1 genetic diversity in Colombian (creoles and commercial line) and worldwide swine populations

Analysing pig class II mayor histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules is mainly related to antigen presentation. Identifying frequently-occurring alleles in pig populations is an important aspect to be considered when developing peptide-based vaccines. Colombian creole pig populations have had to adapt to local conditions since entering Colombia; a recent census has shown low amounts of pigs which is why they are considered protected by the Colombian government. Commercial hybrids are more attractive regarding production. This research has been aimed at describing the allele distribution of Colombian pigs from diverse genetic backgrounds and comparing Colombian SLA-DRB1 locus diversity to that of internationally reported populations. Twenty SLA-DRB1 alleles were identified in the six populations analysed here using sequence-based typing. The amount of alleles ranged from six (Manta and Casco Mula) to nine (San Pedreño). Only one allele (01:02) having > 5% frequency was shared by all three commercial line populations. Allele 02:01:01 was shared by five populations (around > 5% frequency). Global FST indicated that pig populations were clearly structured, as 20.6% of total allele frequency variation was explained by differences between populations (FST = 0.206). This study’s results confirmed that the greatest diversity occurred in wild boars, thereby contrasting with low diversity in domestic pig populations.This work was supported by the Universidad de Ciencias Aplicadas y Ambientales (U.D.C.A)

Search for Gamma-Ray and Neutrino Coincidences Using HAWC and ANTARES Data

In the quest for high-energy neutrino sources, the Astrophysical Multimessenger Observatory Network has implemented a new search by combining data from the High Altitude Water Cherenkov (HAWC) Observatory and the Astronomy with a Neutrino Telescope and Abyss environmental RESearch (ANTARES) neutrino telescope. Using the same analysis strategy as in a previous detector combination of HAWC and IceCube data, we perform a search for coincidences in HAWC and ANTARES events that are below the threshold for sending public alerts in each individual detector. Data were collected between 2015 July and 2020 February with a live time of 4.39 yr. Over this time period, three coincident events with an estimated false-alarm rate of <1 coincidence per year were found. This number is consistent with background expectations

Urinary C-X-C Motif Chemokine 10 Is Related to Acute Graft Lesions Secondary to T Cell- and Antibody-Mediated Damage

Background: Non-invasive biomarkers of graft rejection are needed to optimize the management and outcomes of kidney transplant recipients. Urinary excretion of IFN-g-related chemokine CXCL10 is clearly associated with clinical and subclinical T cell-mediated graft inflammation, but its relationship with antibody-mediated damage has not been fully addressed. Further, the variables influencing levels of urinary CXCL10 excretion are unknown. Material/Methods: A total of 151 kidney graft biopsies (92 surveillance and 59 indication biopsies) and 151 matched urine samples obtained before biopsy were prospectively analyzed. T cell-mediated rejection (TCMR) and antibody-mediated rejection (AbMR) were defined according to the 2017 Banff classification criteria. Urinary CXCL10 levels were measured by ELISA and corrected by urinary creatinine. Results: Banff scores ?t?, ?i?, ?g?, and ?ptc? were significantly related to urinary CXCL10 levels. Multivariate analysis showed that ?t? (b=0.107, P=0.001) and ?ptc? (b=0.093, P=0.002) were significantly associated with urinary CXCL10. Donor specific antibodies (DSAs) were related to the high excretion of urinary CXCL10 at 1 year after transplantation (odds ratio [OR] 17.817, P=0.003). Urinary CXCL10 showed good discrimination ability for AbMR (AUC-ROC 0.760, P=0.001). The third tertile of urinary CXCL10 remained significantly associated with AbMR (OR 4.577, 95% confidence interval 1.799?11.646, P=0.001) after multivariate regression analysis. Conclusions: DSA was the only variable clearly related to high urinary CXCL10 levels. Urinary CXCL10 is a good non-invasive candidate biomarker of AbMR and TCMR, supplying information independent of renal function and other variables normally used to monitor kidney transplant

Influence of Funneliformis mosseae in the growth and accumulation of dry biomass in Dalia plants

Objetive: in the production of Dahlia spp., only chemical fertilization has been used, and an option that has not yet been explored is the implementation of a microbial inoculant. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of the mycorrhizal fungus Funneliformis mosseae on the growth and development of the dahlia (Dahlia variabilis var. Variegated dwarf). Design/methodology/approach: the seeds were sown in polyethylene bags containing a mixture of black soil, peat moss, and agrolite. A completely randomized design was used, and the treatment structure was 2x3 factorial. The study factors were F. mosseae, chemical fertilization, and substrate sterilization. Results: an analysis of variance was performed, and the mean values of the treatments were compared with Tukey’s test (α = 0.05). Conclusions: with the inoculation of F. mosseae, a significant increase was obtained in the study variables: plant height, stem diameter, number of buds and flowers per plant; leaf + stem, flower, root, and total biomass, compared to non-inoculated plants. A colonization of 89 % in the roots was recorded. A limitation of the study is that the effect of the inoculum on plant growth can vary according to the mycorrhiza species used. In conclusion, inoculation with Funneliformis mosseae increased growth and biomass accumulation in Dahlia plants

SISTEMA DE VALIDACIÓN DE AMPLIFICADORES OPERACIONALES Y DE INSTRUMENTACIÓN UTILIZANDO LabVIEW (OPERATIONAL AND INSTRUMENTATION AMPLIFIERS VALIDATION SYSTEM USING LabVIEW)

Resumen En este trabajó se realizó un sistema para validar el funcionamiento de amplificadores operacionales TLC274, LM358 y TL084 y el amplificador de instrumentación AD620. Se describe el diseño y fabricación de la tarjeta de circuito impreso, así como la etapa para acoplar los componentes necesarios y el desarrollo del software para la interfaz de usuario de manera que facilite su uso. Se desarrolló un programa en LabVIEW que permite verificar el funcionamiento de los dispositivos mencionados de manera semiautomatizada. El sistema ha demostrado ser de gran ayuda para llevar a cabo un mejor control e inventario de estos recursos del laboratorio, permitiendo detectar rápidamente fallas en los componentes puestos a prueba. Asimismo, ha conducido a que en las prácticas de laboratorio los alumnos obtengan los resultados esperados en menor tiempo y que las actividades prácticas se lleven a cabo con mayor seguridad. Palabras Clave: Amplificadores operacionales, LabVIEW, Instrumentación. Abstract In this paper, a system was developed to validate the operation of TLC274, LM358, and TL084 operational amplifiers, and the AD620 instrumentation amplifier. The design and manufacture of the printed circuit board are described, as well as the stage to couple the necessary components and the development of the software for the user interface in a way that facilitates its use. A program was developed in LabVIEW that allows verifying the operation of the aforementioned devices in a semi-automated way. The system has proven to be of great help to carry out a better control and inventory of these laboratory resources, allowing to quickly detection failures in the components under test. Likewise, it has allowed students to obtain the expected results in less time in laboratory sessions and those practical activities are carried out with greater certitude. Keywords: Operational amplifier, LabVIEW, Instrumentation

Measurement of galactosyl-deficient IgA1 by the monoclonal antibody KM55 contributes to predicting patients with IgA nephropathy with high risk of long-term progression

Backgroundandobjective:About25%ofpatientswithIgAnephropathy(IgAN)progresstostage5chronickidneydisease(CKD)afteryearsofevolution.Varioustoolshavebeendevelopedinrecentyearsdesignedtopredictwhichofthepatientswillhadpooreroutcomes.Thevalueofcirculatinggalactosyl-deficientIgA1(Gd-IgA1)hasbeenrelatedtoaworseevolutionofIgANinseveralstudies.TherearealsosomepublicationsthatrelatehigherAPRILvalueswithaworseevolution.Recently,anewmethodhasbeendevelopedthatallowsmeasuringthevalueofcirculatingGd-IgA1inasimplerwaythanthosepreviouslyavailable.TheobjectiveofthisstudyistoanalyzetheinfluenceofcirculatingGd-IgA1,measuredbythismethod,ontheprogressionofIgAN.Materialsandmethods:Forty-ninepatientswithadiagnosisofIgANdemonstratedbyrenalbiopsywereselectedinourcenter,withouthavingreceivedpriorimmunosuppressivetreat-ment,forwhomfrozenserumwasavailable.Themedianfollow-upwas4years.Gd-IgA1wasmeasuredbylectin-independentELISAwiththemonoclonalantibodyKM55(IgA1kitCat.No.30111694.IBLInt.,Hamburg,Germany).Likewise,APRILlevelswerealsomeasuredinthesepatients.Results:19(38.8%)patientsreachedstage5CKD.ThefourthquartileofcirculatingGd-IgA1wasrelatedtoahighercumulativeriskofreachingstage5CKDintheKaplan?Meieranalysis(riskatthe5thyear39.4%vs.24.3%,logrankp=0.019).TheGd-IgA1valuewasrelatedto anincreasedriskofCKDstage5(HR1.147,95%CI1.035?1.270,p=0.009),regardlessofglomerularfiltrationrate,proteinuria,thepercentageofsclerosedglomeruliandthevalueofsegmentalsclerosis.WedidnotfindsignificantdifferencesintheAPRILvalues.Conclusions:ThevalueofcirculatingGd-IgA1measuredbythemonoclonalantibodyKM55isrelatedtoaworseevolutionofpatientswithIgANindependentlyofothervariables,soitcouldbeincludedinthestudyofpatientstoimprovethepredictionoftheriskofdiseaseprogression