Linear response subordination to intermittent energy release in off-equilibrium aging dynamics

The interpretation of experimental and numerical data describing off-equilibrium aging dynamics crucially depends on the connection between spontaneous and induced fluctuations. The hypothesis that linear response fluctuations are statistically subordinated to irreversible outbursts of energy, so-called quakes, leads to predictions for averages and fluctuations spectra of physical observables in reasonable agreement with experimental results [see e.g. Sibani et al., Phys. Rev. B74:224407, 2006]. Using simulational data from a simple but representative Ising model with plaquette interactions, direct statistical evidence supporting the hypothesis is presented and discussed in this work. A strict temporal correlation between quakes and intermittent magnetization fluctuations is demonstrated. The external magnetic field is shown to bias the pre-existent intermittent tails of the magnetic fluctuation distribution, with little or no effect on the Gaussian part of the latter. Its impact on energy fluctuations is shown to be negligible. Linear response is thus controlled by the quakes and inherits their temporal statistics. These findings provide a theoretical basis for analyzing intermittent linear response data from aging system in the same way as thermal energy fluctuations, which are far more difficult to measure.Comment: 9 pages, 10 figures. Text improve

Designing CIGS solar cells with front-side point contacts

In this work we show how 2D numerical simulations can be used to design and optimize front-side point contacts in surface-passivated CIGS cells. Detailed analysis of the combinations of passivation thickness, point contact size and pitch can help identifying solutions able to boost the performance of otherwise surface-limited cells: efficiencies close to those of cells with ideal (i.e., trap-free) CdS/CIGS interface can be achieved by the optimization of point contact features in the low nm range. The effect of varying the CIGS and CdS doping densities on the cell performance has also been analyzed

NEW EVIDENCES ABOUT THE MIOCENIC MAGMATISM IN THE VETASCALIFORNIAMINING DISTRICT (SANTANDER MASSIF, EASTERNCORDILLERA, COLOMBIA)

En el distrito Minero de Vetas-California (DMVC) afloran rocas ígneas tanto de textura porfirítica-afanítica, como de textura porfirítica-fanerítica, relacionadas con el evento magmático más reciente conocido hasta el momento para el Macizo de Santander, de edad Mioceno. Estas rocas, al parecer se confinan hacia las zonas de influencia de fallas NNW (similares en su dirección a la Falla Bucaramanga-Santa Marta) y un sistema de fallas NE. Las rocas con textura porfirítica-fanerítica y de composiciones entre cuarzo monzodioritas y granodioritas, por ahora solo han sido observadas al Éste del área de estudio, mientras que las rocas de textura porfirítica afanítica, de composiciones entre andesitas porfiríticas y riodacitas porfiríticas, son más frecuentes al Oeste. Dos tipos de rocas datadas en el presente estudio; una de variedad andesita porfirítica, localizada en el lado Oeste del área de estudio y otra de una granodiorita de textura porfirítica-fanerítica, localizada al Éste del área; arrojaron edades de 10.1±0.2 y 10.9±0.2 Ma, respectivamente (utilizando el método U-Pb en circones, mediante la técnicaLA-MC-ICPMS: laser ablation multicollector inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry). En este sentido, y apoyados en las aún limitadas edades conocidas, se infiere que este sector del Macizo de Santander fue afectado por un pulso ígneo de por lo menos 2.5 Ma de duración. La presencia de rocas ígneas de edad Mioceno afectadas por procesos de alteración hidrotermal y con estilos de mineralización epitermal y porfirítica, y la falta de evidencias de rocas ígneas más jóvenes que 8.4 Ma, permiten sugerir que en algún(os) momento(s) de la evolución del magmatismo Miocenico, pudieron tener lugar procesos magmático-hidrotermales asociados a eventos mineralizantes en el DMVC. Palabras clave: Distrito Minero Vetas-California (DMVC), Mioceno, Fallas, Edades U-Pb, Macizo de Santander.      In The Vetas-California Mining District (DMVC), igneous rocks with porphyritic-aphanitic and porphyriticphaneritic textures crop out, which are related to the Miocene and most recent magmatic event known for the Santander Massif. The emplacement of these rocks is apparently controlled by the intersections of NNW faults(similar in direction to the Bucaramanga-Santa Marta fault) and the NE fault systems. Porphyritic-phaneriticquartz’ monzodiorites and granodiorite rocks are confined to the eastern part of the studied area; mean while the porphyritic-aphanitic andesite and rhyodacitic rocks are confined to the western part. The two types ofigneous rocks dated in this study; a porphyritic andesite variety (located to the western part of the studied area)and a granodiorite with prophyritic-phaneritic texture (located to the eastern part); yielded ages of 10.1 ± 0.2and 10.9 ± 0.2 Ma, respectively (U-Pb method on zircons, using the LA-MC-ICPMS technique: laser ablation inductively coupled plasma multicollector mass spectrometry). These ages, together with previously published data, indicate that magmatic pulse lasted up to 2.5 Ma. The presence of Miocene igneous rocks affected by hydrothermal alteration and with epithermal and porphyry style mineralization, and the absence of igneous rocks younger than 8.4 m.y. (at least currently not known), allow to propose that during some time(s) of the Miocenic magmatic pulse,could take place magmatic-hydrothermal processes related to mineralizing events inthe DMVC. Keywords: Vetas-California Mining District, Miocene, Faults, U-Pb ages, Santander Massif

NEW EVIDENCES ABOUT THE MIOCENIC MAGMATISM IN THE VETASCALIFORNIAMINING DISTRICT (SANTANDER MASSIF, EASTERNCORDILLERA, COLOMBIA)

En el distrito Minero de Vetas-California (DMVC) afloran rocas ígneas tanto de textura porfirítica-afanítica, como de textura porfirítica-fanerítica, relacionadas con el evento magmático más reciente conocido hasta el momento para el Macizo de Santander, de edad Mioceno. Estas rocas, al parecer se confinan hacia las zonas de influencia de fallas NNW (similares en su dirección a la Falla Bucaramanga-Santa Marta) y un sistema de fallas NE. Las rocas con textura porfirítica-fanerítica y de composiciones entre cuarzo monzodioritas y granodioritas, por ahora solo han sido observadas al Éste del área de estudio, mientras que las rocas de textura porfirítica afanítica, de composiciones entre andesitas porfiríticas y riodacitas porfiríticas, son más frecuentes al Oeste. Dos tipos de rocas datadas en el presente estudio; una de variedad andesita porfirítica, localizada en el lado Oeste del área de estudio y otra de una granodiorita de textura porfirítica-fanerítica, localizada al Éste del área; arrojaron edades de 10.1±0.2 y 10.9±0.2 Ma, respectivamente (utilizando el método U-Pb en circones, mediante la técnicaLA-MC-ICPMS: laser ablation multicollector inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry). En este sentido, y apoyados en las aún limitadas edades conocidas, se infiere que este sector del Macizo de Santander fue afectado por un pulso ígneo de por lo menos 2.5 Ma de duración. La presencia de rocas ígneas de edad Mioceno afectadas por procesos de alteración hidrotermal y con estilos de mineralización epitermal y porfirítica, y la falta de evidencias de rocas ígneas más jóvenes que 8.4 Ma, permiten sugerir que en algún(os) momento(s) de la evolución del magmatismo Miocenico, pudieron tener lugar procesos magmático-hidrotermales asociados a eventos mineralizantes en el DMVC. Palabras clave: Distrito Minero Vetas-California (DMVC), Mioceno, Fallas, Edades U-Pb, Macizo de Santander.      In The Vetas-California Mining District (DMVC), igneous rocks with porphyritic-aphanitic and porphyriticphaneritic textures crop out, which are related to the Miocene and most recent magmatic event known for the Santander Massif. The emplacement of these rocks is apparently controlled by the intersections of NNW faults(similar in direction to the Bucaramanga-Santa Marta fault) and the NE fault systems. Porphyritic-phaneriticquartz’ monzodiorites and granodiorite rocks are confined to the eastern part of the studied area; mean while the porphyritic-aphanitic andesite and rhyodacitic rocks are confined to the western part. The two types ofigneous rocks dated in this study; a porphyritic andesite variety (located to the western part of the studied area)and a granodiorite with prophyritic-phaneritic texture (located to the eastern part); yielded ages of 10.1 ± 0.2and 10.9 ± 0.2 Ma, respectively (U-Pb method on zircons, using the LA-MC-ICPMS technique: laser ablation inductively coupled plasma multicollector mass spectrometry). These ages, together with previously published data, indicate that magmatic pulse lasted up to 2.5 Ma. The presence of Miocene igneous rocks affected by hydrothermal alteration and with epithermal and porphyry style mineralization, and the absence of igneous rocks younger than 8.4 m.y. (at least currently not known), allow to propose that during some time(s) of the Miocenic magmatic pulse,could take place magmatic-hydrothermal processes related to mineralizing events inthe DMVC. Keywords: Vetas-California Mining District, Miocene, Faults, U-Pb ages, Santander Massif

Band gap widening at random CIGS grain boundary detected by valence electron energy loss spectroscopy

Cu(In,Ga) Se₂ (CIGS) thin film solar cells have demonstrated very high efficiencies, but still the role of nanoscale inhomogeneities in CIGS and their impact on the solar cell performance are not yet clearly understood. Due to the polycrystalline structure of CIGS, grain boundaries are very common structural defects that are also accompanied by compositional variations. In this work, we apply valence electron energy loss spectroscopy in scanning transmission electron microscopy to study the local band gap energy at a grain boundary in the CIGS absorber layer. Based on this example, we demonstrate the capabilities of a 2nd generation monochromator that provides a very high energy resolution and allows for directly relating the chemical composition and the band gap energy across the grain boundary. A band gap widening of about 20 meV is observed at the grain boundary. Furthermore, the compositional analysis by core-loss EELS reveals an enrichment of In together with a Cu, Ga and Se depletion at the same area. The experimentally obtained results can therefore be well explained by the presence of a valence band barrier at the grain boundary

Cortical depth dependent functional responses in humans at 7T: improved specificity with 3D GRASE

Ultra high fields (7T and above) allow functional imaging with high contrast-to-noise ratios and improved spatial resolution. This, along with improved hardware and imaging techniques, allow investigating columnar and laminar functional responses. Using gradient-echo (GE) (T2* weighted) based sequences, layer specific responses have been recorded from human (and animal) primary visual areas. However, their increased sensitivity to large surface veins potentially clouds detecting and interpreting layer specific responses. Conversely, spin-echo (SE) (T2 weighted) sequences are less sensitive to large veins and have been used to map cortical columns in humans. T2 weighted 3D GRASE with inner volume selection provides high isotropic resolution over extended volumes, overcoming some of the many technical limitations of conventional 2D SE-EPI, whereby making layer specific investigations feasible. Further, the demonstration of columnar level specificity with 3D GRASE, despite contributions from both stimulated echoes and conventional T2 contrast, has made it an attractive alternative over 2D SE-EPI. Here, we assess the spatial specificity of cortical depth dependent 3D GRASE functional responses in human V1 and hMT by comparing it to GE responses. In doing so we demonstrate that 3D GRASE is less sensitive to contributions from large veins in superficial layers, while showing increased specificity (functional tuning) throughout the cortex compared to GE

Fluctuations in the coarsening dynamics of the O(N) model: are they similar to those in glassy systems?

We study spatio-temporal fluctuations in the non-equilibrium dynamics of the d dimensional O(N) in the large N limit. We analyse the invariance of the dynamic equations for the global correlation and response in the slow ageing regime under transformations of time. We find that these equations are invariant under scale transformations. We extend this study to the action in the dynamic generating functional finding similar results. This model therefore falls into a different category from glassy problems in which full time-reparametrisation invariance, a larger symmetry that emcompasses time scale invariance, is expected to be realised asymptotically. Consequently, the spatio-temporal fluctuations of the large N O(N) model should follow a different pattern from that of glassy systems. We compute the fluctuations of local, as well as spatially separated, two-field composite operators and responses, and we confront our results with the ones found numerically for the 3d Edwards-Anderson model and kinetically constrained lattice gases. We analyse the dependence of the fluctuations of the composite operators on the growing domain length and we compare to what has been found in super-cooled liquids and glasses. Finally, we show that the development of time-reparametrisation invariance in glassy systems is intimately related to a well-defined and finite effective temperature, specified from the modification of the fluctuation-dissipation theorem out of equilibrium. We then conjecture that the global asymptotic time-reparametrisation invariance is broken down to time scale invariance in all coarsening systems.Comment: 57 pages, 5 figure

Somatic genome editing with CRISPR/Cas9 generates and corrects a metabolic disease

Germline manipulation using CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing has dramatically accelerated the generation of new mouse models. Nonetheless, many metabolic disease models still depend upon laborious germline targeting, and are further complicated by the need to avoid developmental phenotypes. We sought to address these experimental limitations by generating somatic mutations in the adult liver using CRISPR/Cas9, as a new strategy to model metabolic disorders. As proof-of-principle, we targeted the low-density lipoprotein receptor (Ldlr), which when deleted, leads to severe hypercholesterolemia and atherosclerosis. Here we show that hepatic disruption of Ldlr with AAV-CRISPR results in severe hypercholesterolemia and atherosclerosis. We further demonstrate that co-disruption of Apob, whose germline loss is embryonically lethal, completely prevented disease through compensatory inhibition of hepatic LDL production. This new concept of metabolic disease modeling by somatic genome editing could be applied to many other systemic as well as liver-restricted disorders which are difficult to study by germline manipulation

Seronegative Herpes simplex Associated Esophagogastric Ulcer after Liver Transplantation

Herpes simplex infection is characterized by acute or subacute infection, often followed by a chronic carrier state. Consecutive recurrences may flare up if immunocompromise occurs. Herpes simplex associated esophagitis or duodenal ulcer have been reported in immunocompromised patients due to neoplasm, HIV/AIDS or therapeutically induced immune deficiency. Here we report the case of an HSV-DNA seronegative patient who developed grade III dysphagia 13 days after allogeneic liver transplantation. Endoscopy revealed an esophageal-gastric ulcer, and biopsy histopathology showed a distinct fibroplastic and capillary ulcer pattern highly suspicious for viral infection. Immunohistochemistry staining revealed a distinct nuclear positive anti-HSV reaction. Antiviral therapy with acyclovir and high-dose PPI led to a complete revision of clinical symptoms within 48 h. Repeat control endoscopy after 7 days showed complete healing of the former ulcer site at the gastroesophageal junction. Although the incidence of post-transplantation Herpes simplex induced gastroesophageal disease is low, the viral HSV ulcer may be included into a differential diagnosis if dysphagia occurs after transplantation even if HSV-DNA PCR is negative

Evidence for a common progenitor of epithelial and mesenchymal components of the liver

Tissues of the adult organism maintain the homeostasis and respond to injury by means of progenitor/stem cell compartments capable to give rise to appropriate progeny. In organs composed by histotypes of different embryological origins (e.g. The liver), the tissue turnover may in theory involve different stem/precursor cells able to respond coordinately to physiological or pathological stimuli. In the liver, a progenitor cell compartment, giving rise to hepatocytes and cholangiocytes, can be activated by chronic injury inhibiting hepatocyte proliferation. The precursor compartment guaranteeing turnover of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) (perisinusoidal cells implicated with the origin of the liver fibrosis) in adult organ is yet unveiled. We show here that epithelial and mesenchymal liver cells (hepatocytes and HSCs) may arise from a common progenitor. Sca+ murine progenitor cells were found to coexpress markers of epithelial and mesenchymal lineages and to give rise, within few generations, to cells that segregate the lineage-specific markers into two distinct subpopulations. Notably, these progenitor cells, clonally derived, when transplanted in healthy livers, were found to generate epithelial and mesenchymal liver-specific derivatives (i.e. hepatocytes and HSCs) properly integrated in the liver architecture. These evidences suggest the existence of a 'bona fide' organ-specific meso-endodermal precursor cell, thus profoundly modifying current models of adult progenitor commitment believed, so far, to be lineage-restricted. Heterotopic transplantations, which confirm the dual differentiation potentiality of those cells, indicates as tissue local cues are necessary to drive a full hepatic differentiation. These data provide first evidences for an adult stem/precursor cell capable to differentiate in both parenchymal and non-parenchymal organ-specific components and candidate the liver as the instructive site for the reservoir compartment of HSC precursors as yet non-localized in the adult. © 2013 Macmillan Publishers Limited All rights reserved