Evolution of microstructure in advanced ferritic-martensitic steels under irradiation : the origin of low temperature radiation embrittlement

Advanced reduced activation ferritic/martensitic steels and oxide dispersion-strengthened steels exhibit significant radiation embrittlement under low temperature neutron irradiation. In this study we focused on atom probe tomography (APT) of Eurofer97 and ODS Eurofer steels irradiated with neutrons and heavy ions at low temperatures. Previous TEM studies revealed dislocation loops in the neutron-irradiated f\m steels. At the same time, our APT showed early stages of solid solution decomposition. High density (10$^{24}$ m$^{-3}$) of ∼3–5 nm clusters enriched in chromium, manganese, and silicon atoms were found in Eurofer 97 irradiated in BOR-60 reactor to 32 dpa at 332°C. In this steel irradiated with Fe ions up to the dose of 24 dpa, pair correlation functions calculated using APT data showed the presence of Cr-enriched pre-phases. APT study of ODS Eurofer found a significant change in the nanocluster composition after neutron irradiation to 32 dpa at 330 °C and an increase in cluster number density. APT of ODS steels irradiated with Fe ions at low temperatures revealed similar changes in nanoclusters. These results suggest that irradiation-induced nucleation and evolution of very small precipitates may be the origin of low temperature radiation embrittlement of f\m steels

Photoinduced 3D orientational order in side chain liquid crystalline azopolymers

We apply experimental technique based on the combination of methods dealing with principal refractive indices and absorption coefficients to study the photoinduced 3D orientational order in the films of liquid crystalline (LC) azopolymers. The technique is used to identify 3D orientational configurations of trans azobenzene chromophores and to characterize the degree of ordering in terms of order parameters. We study two types of LC azopolymers which form structures with preferred in-plane and out-of-plane alignment of azochromophores, correspondingly. Using irradiation with the polarized light of two different wavelengths we find that the kinetics of photoinduced anisotropy can be dominated by either photo-reorientation or photoselection mechanisms depending on the wavelength. We formulate the phenomenological model describing the kinetics of photoinduced anisotropy in terms of the isomer concentrations and the order parameter tensor. We present the numerical results for absorption coefficients that are found to be in good agreement with the experimental data. The model is also used to interpret the effect of changing the mechanism with the wavelength of the pumping light.Comment: uses revtex4 28 pages, 10 figure

Bulk Electronic structure of Na0.35_{0.35}CoO2_{2}.1.3H2_{2}O

High-energy (h$\nu$ = 5.95 keV) synchrotron Photoemission spectroscopy (PES) is used to study bulk electronic structure of Na$_{0.35}$CoO$_{2}$.1.3H$_{2}$O, the layered superconductor. In contrast to 3-dimensional doped Co oxides, Co $\it{2p}$ core level spectra show well-separated Co$^{3+}$ and Co$^{4+}$ ions. Cluster calculations suggest low spin Co$^{3+}$ and Co$^{4+}$ character, and a moderate on-site Coulomb correlation energy U$_{dd}\sim$3-5.5 eV. Photon dependent valence band PES identifies Co $\it{3d}$ and O $\it{2p}$ derived states, in near agreement with band structure calculations.Comment: 4 pages 4 figures Revised text added referenc

Meeting nutritional targets of critically ill patients by combined enteral and parenteral nutrition: review and rationale for the EFFORTcombo trial.

While medical nutrition therapy is an essential part of the care for critically ill patients, uncertainty exists about the right form, dosage, timing and route in relation to the phases of critical illness. As enteral nutrition (EN) is often withheld or interrupted during the intensive care unit (ICU) stay, combined EN and parenteral nutrition (PN) may represent an effective and safe option to achieve energy and protein goals as recommended by international guidelines. We hypothesise that critically ill patients at high nutritional risk may benefit from such a combined approach during their stay on the ICU. Therefore, we aim to test if an early combination of EN and high-protein PN (EN+PN) is effective in reaching energy and protein goals in patients at high nutritional risk, while avoiding overfeeding. This approach will be tested in the here-presented EFFORTcombo trial. Nutritionally high-risk ICU patients will be randomised to either high (≥2·2 g/kg per d) or low protein (≤1·2 g/kg per d). In the high protein group, the patients will receive EN+PN; in the low protein group, patients will be given EN alone. EN will be started in accordance with international guidelines in both groups. Efforts will be made to reach nutrition goals within 48-96 h. The efficacy of the proposed nutritional strategy will be tested as an innovative approach by functional outcomes at ICU and hospital discharge, as well as at a 6-month follow-up

Circulating adrenomedullin estimates survival and reversibility of organ failure in sepsis: the prospective observational multinational Adrenomedullin and Outcome in Sepsis and Septic Shock-1 (AdrenOSS-1) study

Background: Adrenomedullin (ADM) regulates vascular tone and endothelial permeability during sepsis. Levels of circulating biologically active ADM (bio-ADM) show an inverse relationship with blood pressure and a direct relationship with vasopressor requirement. In the present prospective observational multinational Adrenomedullin and Outcome in Sepsis and Septic Shock 1 (, AdrenOSS-1) study, we assessed relationships between circulating bio-ADM during the initial intensive care unit (ICU) stay and short-term outcome in order to eventually design a biomarker-guided randomized controlled trial. Methods: AdrenOSS-1 was a prospective observational multinational study. The primary outcome was 28-day mortality. Secondary outcomes included organ failure as defined by Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score, organ support with focus on vasopressor/inotropic use, and need for renal replacement therapy. AdrenOSS-1 included 583 patients admitted to the ICU with sepsis or septic shock. Results: Circulating bio-ADM levels were measured upon admission and at day 2. Median bio-ADM concentration upon admission was 80.5 pg/ml [IQR 41.5-148.1 pg/ml]. Initial SOFA score was 7 [IQR 5-10], and 28-day mortality was 22%. We found marked associations between bio-ADM upon admission and 28-day mortality (unadjusted standardized HR 2.3 [CI 1.9-2.9]; adjusted HR 1.6 [CI 1.1-2.5]) and between bio-ADM levels and SOFA score (p < 0.0001). Need of vasopressor/inotrope, renal replacement therapy, and positive fluid balance were more prevalent in patients with a bio-ADM > 70 pg/ml upon admission than in those with bio-ADM ≤ 70 pg/ml. In patients with bio-ADM > 70 pg/ml upon admission, decrease in bio-ADM below 70 pg/ml at day 2 was associated with recovery of organ function at day 7 and better 28-day outcome (9.5% mortality). By contrast, persistently elevated bio-ADM at day 2 was associated with prolonged organ dysfunction and high 28-day mortality (38.1% mortality, HR 4.9, 95% CI 2.5-9.8). Conclusions: AdrenOSS-1 shows that early levels and rapid changes in bio-ADM estimate short-term outcome in sepsis and septic shock. These data are the backbone of the design of the biomarker-guided AdrenOSS-2 trial. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02393781. Registered on March 19, 2015

Pathomechanisms of ulnar ligament lesions of the wrist in a cadaveric distal radius fracture model

Background and purpose: Mechanisms of injury to ulnar sided ligaments, stabilizing the distal radioulnar joint and the ulna to the carpus, associated with dorsally displaced distal radius fractures are poorly described. We investigated the injury patterns in a human cadaver fracture model. Methods: Fresh frozen human cadaver arms were used. A dorsal open wedge osteotomy was made in the distal radius. In 8 specimens pressure was applied to the palm with the wrist in dorsiflexion and ulnar sided stabilizing structures subsequently severed. Dorsal angulation was measured on digitized radiographs. In 8 more specimens the triangular fibrocartilage complex was forced into rupture by axially loading the forearm with the wrist in dorsiflexion. The ulnar side was dissected and injuries were recorded. Results: Intact ulnar soft tissues limited the dorsal angulation of the distal radius fragment to a median of 32o (16-34o). A combination of bending and shearing of the distal radius fragment was needed to create TFCC injuries. Both palmar and dorsal injuries were observed simultaneously in 6/8 specimens. Interpretation: A TFCC injury can be expected when dorsal angulation of a distal radius fracture exceeds 32o. The extensor carpi ulnaris subsheath may be a functionally integral part of the TFCC. Both dorsal and palmar structures can tear simultaneously. These findings may have implications for reconstruction of ulnar sided soft tissue injuries

Natural history of Arabidopsis thaliana and oomycete symbioses

Molecular ecology of plant–microbe interactions has immediate significance for filling a gap in knowledge between the laboratory discipline of molecular biology and the largely theoretical discipline of evolutionary ecology. Somewhere in between lies conservation biology, aimed at protection of habitats and the diversity of species housed within them. A seemingly insignificant wildflower called Arabidopsis thaliana has an important contribution to make in this endeavour. It has already transformed botanical research with deepening understanding of molecular processes within the species and across the Plant Kingdom; and has begun to revolutionize plant breeding by providing an invaluable catalogue of gene sequences that can be used to design the most precise molecular markers attainable for marker-assisted selection of valued traits. This review describes how A. thaliana and two of its natural biotrophic parasites could be seminal as a model for exploring the biogeography and molecular ecology of plant–microbe interactions, and specifically, for testing hypotheses proposed from the geographic mosaic theory of co-evolution