First-order Raman spectra of double perovskites AB′1/2B'{1/2}B''{1/2}O3

First principles computations of Raman intensities were performed for perovskite-family compound CaAl$_{1/2}$Nb$_{1/2}$O$_3$ (CAN). This compound features 1:1 (NaCl-type) ordering of Al and Nb superimposed onto the $b^-b^-c+$ octahedral tilting. Raman tensor for CAN was computed using the package for first-principles computations ABINIT (URL \underline {http://www.abinit.org}). Computations performed for both untilted cubic ($Fm\bar{3}m$) and tilted monoclinic ($P2_1/n$) CAN structures showed that the strongest Raman lines are associated with the ordering of Al and Nb. The computed spectrum agreed qualitatively with the experimental data measured on powder (CAN is available in polycrystalline form only). The effect of cation disorder on the Raman intensities was considered using phenomenological theory of light scattering in the vicinity of a phase transition. We suggest that, for certain modes, the corresponding Raman intensities depend primarily on the average long range order while, for other modes, the intensities are determined by fluctuations of the order parameter.Comment: 4 figures, submitte

Unusual trivial trauma may end with extrusion of a well-functioning penile prosthesis: a case report

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Diabetes mellitus (DM) is the most common indication for insertion of a penile prosthesis and is a risk factor for infection of such prostheses.</p> <p>Case presentation</p> <p>Two patients presented with infected prostheses following unusual trivial penile trauma. Both patients underwent exploration and removal of the prostheses with uneventful recovery.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Appropriate sizing of the prosthesis should be taken into account to ensure good concealment and avoid easy exposure of the penis to unexpected trauma. Use of the newly designed antibiotic-coated prostheses appears preferable. As soon as signs of prosthesis infection appeared, extrusion of the device should be expedited.</p

Leukemic survival factor SALL4 contributes to defective DNA damage repair

SALL4 is aberrantly expressed in human myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML). We have generated a SALL4 transgenic (SALL4B Tg) mouse model with pre-leukemic MDS-like symptoms that transform to AML over time. This makes our mouse model applicable for studying human MDS/AML diseases. Characterization of the leukemic initiation population in this model leads to the discovery that Fancl (Fanconi anemia, complementation group L) is down-regulated in SALL4B Tg leukemic and pre-leukemic cells. Similar to the reported Fanconi anemia (FA) mouse model, chromosomal instability with radial changes that can be detected in pre-leukemic SALL4B Tg bone marrow (BM) cells after DNA damage challenge. Results from additional studies using DNA damage repair reporter assays support a role of SALL4 in inhibiting the homologous recombination pathway. Intriguingly, unlike the FA mouse model, after DNA damage challenge, SALL4B Tg BM cells can survive and generate hematopoietic colonies. We further elucidated that the mechanism by which SALL4 promotes cell survival is through Bcl2 activation. Overall, our studies demonstrate for the first time that SALL4 has a negative impact in DNA damage repair, and support the model of dual functional properties of SALL4 in leukemogenesis through inhibiting DNA damage repair and promoting cell survival

The Silicon Tracker Readout Electronics of the Gamma-ray Large Area Space Telescope

A unique electronics system has been built and tested for reading signals from the silicon-strip detectors of the Gamma-ray Large Area Space Telescope mission. The system amplifies and processes signals from 884 736 36-cm strips using only 160 W of power, and it achieves close to 100% detection efficiency with noise occupancy sufficiently low to allow it to self trigger. The design of the readout system is described, and results are presented from ground-based testing of the completed detector system