Piezo-modulated active grating for selecting X-ray pulses separated by one nanosecond.

We present a novel method of temporal modulation of X-ray radiation for time resolved experiments. To control the intensity of the X-ray beam, the Bragg reflection of a piezoelectric crystal is modified using comb-shaped electrodes deposited on the crystal surface. Voltage applied to the electrodes induces a periodic deformation of the crystal that acts as a diffraction grating, splitting the original Bragg reflection into several satellites. A pulse of X-rays can be created by rapidly switching the voltage on and off. In our prototype device the duty cycle was limited to ∼1 ns by the driving electronics. The prototype can be used to generate X-ray pulses from a continuous source. It can also be electrically correlated to a synchrotron light source and be activated to transmit only selected synchrotron pulses. Since the device operates in a non-resonant mode, different activation patterns and pulse durations can be achieved.

Coupling of GHz phonons to ferroelastic domain walls in SrTiO3.

We study the linear and nonlinear acoustic response of SrTiO3 across its ferroelastic transition at Ta=105 K by time domain Brillouin scattering. Above Ta we observe that for a strain amplitude of ∼0.18% the sound velocity for compressive strain exceeds the tensile strain velocity by 3%. Below Ta we find a giant slowing down of the sound velocity by 12% and attribute this to the coupling of GHz phonons to ferroelastic twin domain walls. We propose a new mechanism for this coupling on the ultrafast time scale, providing an important new test ground for theories used to simulate atomic motion in domain forming crystals.

Electric-field-induced polar order and localization of the confined electrons in LaAlO3/SrTiO3 heterostructures.

With ellipsometry, x-ray diffraction, and resistance measurements we investigated the electric-field effect on the confined electrons at the LaAlO3/SrTiO3 interface. We obtained evidence that the localization of the electrons at negative gate voltage is induced, or at least enhanced, by a polar phase transition in SrTiO3 which strongly reduces the lattice polarizability and the subsequent screening. In particular, we show that the charge localization and the polar order of SrTiO3 both develop below ∼50 K and exhibit similar, unipolar hysteresis loops as a function of the gate voltage.

Osteopathology associated with bone resorption inhibitors - which role does Actinomyces play? A presentation of 51 cases with systematic review of the literature.

BACKGROUND: Bone resorption inhibitor-related osteopathology of the jaw (BRIOJ) is a severe complication in patients treated with bisphosphonates or denosumab. However, the precise pathogenesis of BRIOJ is not yet fully understood. Recent studies discovered the presence of Actinomyces colonies in biopsy material from BRIOJ patients. The aim of this study was to analyze current knowledge concerning the impact of Actinomyces on the pathogenesis of this condition and to present data from our own patients. METHODS: Data from 51 patients with histopathological diagnoses of BRIOJ were retrospectively analyzed. In addition, a systematic literature search for studies describing the presence of Actinomyces was performed. RESULTS: Actinomyces was present in 86% of our cases and 63.3% of 371 cases presented in the literature. All of our patients and 85% of patients described in the literature had a clearly defined local focus in association with osteopathology. A clear picture of whether Actinomyces colonizes the previously necrotic bone or contributes to inflammation causing subsequent bone necrosis is lacking in the literature. CONCLUSION: The pathogenesis of BRIOJ remains unknown; however, there seems to be a role for Actinomyces, and possibly other pathogens, in the development of osteopathology of the jaws, which is not exclusive to bisphosphonate therapy. This study supports the hypothesis that an infectious component is of utmost importance for the pathogenesis of BRIOJ.

Evidence of a precursor superconducting phase at temperatures as high as 180 K in RBa2Cu3O(7-δ) (R=Y, Gd, Eu) superconducting crystals from infrared spectroscopy.

We show that a multilayer analysis of the infrared c-axis response of RBa2Cu3O(7-δ) (R=Y, Gd, Eu) provides important new information about the anomalous normal-state properties of underdoped cuprate high temperature superconductors. In addition to competing correlations which give rise to a pseudogap that depletes the low-energy electronic states below T*≫T(c), it enables us to identify the onset of a precursor superconducting state below T(ons)>T(c). We map out the doping phase diagram of T(ons) which reaches a maximum of 180 K at strong underdoping and present magnetic field dependent data which confirm our conclusions.

Reciprocal space slicing: A time-efficient approach to femtosecond x-ray diffraction.

An experimental technique that allows faster assessment of out-of-plane strain dynamics of thin film heterostructures via x-ray diffraction is presented. In contrast to conventional high-speed reciprocal space-mapping setups, our approach reduces the measurement time drastically due to a fixed measurement geometry with a position-sensitive detector. This means that neither the incident (ω) nor the exit ( 2 θ ) diffraction angle is scanned during the strain assessment via x-ray diffraction. Shifts of diffraction peaks on the fixed x-ray area detector originate from an out-of-plane strain within the sample. Quantitative strain assessment requires the determination of a factor relating the observed shift to the change in the reciprocal lattice vector. The factor depends only on the widths of the peak along certain directions in reciprocal space, the diffraction angle of the studied reflection, and the resolution of the instrumental setup. We provide a full theoretical explanation and exemplify the concept with picosecond strain dynamics of a thin layer of NbO2.

Giant superconductivity-induced modulation of the ferromagnetic magnetization in a cuprate-manganite superlattice.

Artificial multilayers offer unique opportunities for combining materials with antagonistic orders such as superconductivity and ferromagnetism and thus to realize novel quantum states. In particular, oxide multilayers enable the utilization of the high superconducting transition temperature of the cuprates and the versatile magnetic properties of the colossal-magnetoresistance manganites. However, apart from exploratory work, the in-depth investigation of their unusual properties has only just begun. Here we present neutron reflectometry measurements of a [Y(0.6)Pr(0.4)Ba(2)Cu(3)O(7) (10 nm)/La(2/3)Ca(1/3)MnO(3) (10 nm)](10) superlattice, which reveal a surprisingly large superconductivity-induced modulation of the vertical ferromagnetic magnetization profile. Most surprisingly, this modulation seems to involve the density rather than the orientation of the magnetization and is highly susceptible to the strain, which is transmitted from the SrTiO(3) substrate. We outline a possible explanation of this unusual superconductivity-induced phenomenon in terms of a phase separation between ferromagnetic and non-ferromagnetic nanodomains in the La(2/3)Ca(1/3)MnO(3) layers.

Coexistence of static magnetism and superconductivity in SmFeAsO(1-x)F(x) as revealed by muon spin rotation.

The recent observation of superconductivity with critical temperatures (Tc) up to 55 K in the pnictide RFeAsO(1-x)F(x), where R is a lanthanide, marks the first discovery of a non-copper-oxide-based layered high-Tc superconductor. It has raised the suspicion that these new materials share a similar pairing mechanism to the cuprate superconductors, as both families exhibit superconductivity following charge doping of a magnetic parent material. In this context, it is important to follow the evolution of the microscopic magnetic properties of the pnictides with doping and hence to determine whether magnetic correlations coexist with superconductivity. Here, we present a muon spin rotation study on SmFeAsO(1-x)F(x), with x=0-0.30 that shows that, as in the cuprates, static magnetism persists well into the superconducting regime. This analogy is quite surprising as the parent compounds of the two families have rather different magnetic ground states: itinerant spin density wave for the pnictides contrasted with the Mott-Hubbard insulator in the cuprates. Our findings therefore suggest that the proximity to magnetic order and associated soft magnetic fluctuations, rather than strong electronic correlations in the vicinity of a Mott-Hubbard transition, may be the key ingredients of high-Tc superconductors.

Dynamical response and confinement of the electrons at the LaAlO3/SrTiO3 interface.

With infrared ellipsometry and transport measurements we investigated the electrons at the interface between LaAlO3 and SrTiO3. We obtained a sheet carrier concentration of N(s) approximately = 5-9x10(13) cm(-2), an effective mass of m*=3.2+/-0.4m(e), and a strongly frequency dependent mobility. The latter are similar as in bulk SrTi(1-x)Nb(x)O3 and therefore suggestive of polaronic correlations. We also determined the vertical concentration profile which has a strongly asymmetric shape with a rapid initial decay over the first 2 nm and a pronounced tail that extends to about 11 nm.

Coexistence and competition of magnetism and superconductivity on the nanometer scale in underdoped BaFe1.89Co0.11As2.

We report muon spin rotation (µSR) and infrared spectroscopy experiments on underdoped BaFe1.89Co0.11As2 which show that bulk magnetism and superconductivity (SC) coexist and compete on the nanometer length scale. Our combined data reveal a bulk magnetic order, likely due to an incommensurate spin density wave (SDW), which develops below T(mag)≈32 K and becomes reduced in magnitude (but not in volume) below Tc=21.7 K. A slowly fluctuating precursor of the SDW seems to develop already below the structural transition at T(s)≈50 K. The bulk nature of SC is established by the µSR data which show a bulk SC vortex lattice and the IR data which reveal that the majority of low-energy states is gapped and participates in the condensate at T≪T(c).

Tracking picosecond strain pulses in heterostructures that exhibit giant magnetostriction.

We combine ultrafast X-ray diffraction (UXRD) and time-resolved Magneto-Optical Kerr Effect (MOKE) measurements to monitor the strain pulses in laser-excited TbFe2/Nb heterostructures. Spatial separation of the Nb detection layer from the laser excitation region allows for a background-free characterization of the laser-generated strain pulses. We clearly observe symmetric bipolar strain pulses if the excited TbFe2 surface terminates the sample and a decomposition of the strain wavepacket into an asymmetric bipolar and a unipolar pulse, if a SiO2 glass capping layer covers the excited TbFe2 layer. The inverse magnetostriction of the temporally separated unipolar strain pulses in this sample leads to a MOKE signal that linearly depends on the strain pulse amplitude measured through UXRD. Linear chain model simulations accurately predict the timing and shape of UXRD and MOKE signals that are caused by the strain reflections from multiple interfaces in the heterostructure.

Conformational rearrangements of an archaeal chaperonin upon ATPase cycling.

Chaperonins are double-ring protein assemblies with a central cavity that provides a sequestered environment for in vivo protein folding. Their reaction cycle is thought to consist of a nucleotide-regulated alternation between an open substrate-acceptor state and a closed folding-active state. The cavity of ATP-charged group I chaperonins, typified by Escherichia coli GroEL [1], is sealed off by a co-chaperonin, whereas group II chaperonins--the archaeal thermosome and eukaryotic TRiC/CCT [2]--possess a built-in lid [3-5]. The mechanism of the lid's rearrangements requires clarification, as even in the absence of nucleotides, thermosomes of Thermoplama acidophilum appear open in vitrified ice [6] and closed in crystals [4]. Here we analyze the conformation of the thermosome at each step of the ATPase cycle by small-angle neutron scattering. The apo-chaperonin is open in solution, and ATP binding induces its further expansion. Closure seems to occur during ATP hydrolysis and before phosphate release, and represents the rate-limiting step of the cycle. The same closure can be triggered by the crystallization buffer. Thus, the allosteric regulation of group II chaperonins appears different from that of their group I counterparts.

Transgenic animals in experimental xenotransplantation models: orthotopic heart transplantation in the pig-to-baboon model.

Pig organs are at risk for hyperacute and acute vascular rejection mediated by anti-pig antibodies, mainly binding to the Galalpha(1,3)Gal epitope. Acute cellular rejection is characterized by progressive infiltration of mononuclear cells. There is an ongoing search for immunosuppressive regimens that provide adequate protection against all patterns of xenograft rejection, but have no severe impact on the condition of xenograft recipients. Herein orthotopic heart transplantations were performed from hDAF or hCD46 piglets to nonsplenectomized baboons. Basic immunosuppression consisted of tacrolimus, sirolimus, GAS914, steroids, and ATG. Group 1 received basic immunosuppression. Group 2 was additionally treated with rituximab and group 3 with half-dose cyclophosphamide. Group 4 received cyclophosphamide and an anti-HLA-DR antibody. Three baboons received GAS914 and TPC. Monitoring included the regular assessment of anti-porcine antibodies, blood counts, therapeutic drug monitoring, and graft histology. Two grafts failed due to technical mistakes. In group 1, baboons died after 1 and 9 days. In group 2, maximum survival was 30 hours. In group 3, baboons lived 20 hours, 25 days, and 14 days. Group 4 survival times were 9.5 hours, 5.5 hours, 4 days, 34 hours, and 3 days. An increase of non-Galalpha(1,3)Gal antibodies was observed. Depositions of immunoglobulins and complement revealed a humoral rejection process. No cellular infiltration could be observed. In conclusion, suppressing cellular rejection with half-dose cyclophosphamide together with tacrolimus and sirolimus produced longer graft survival with a good general condition. Prevention of acute xenograft rejection further needs inhibition of non-Galalpha(1,3)Gal cytotoxicity by sufficient depression of B-cell activation.

Grueneisen-approach for the experimental determination of transient spin and phonon energies from ultrafast x-ray diffraction data: gadolinium.

We study gadolinium thin films as a model system for ferromagnets with negative thermal expansion. Ultrashort laser pulses heat up the electronic subsystem and we follow the transient strain via ultrafast x-ray diffraction. In terms of a simple Grueneisen approach, the strain is decomposed into two contributions proportional to the thermal energy of spin and phonon subsystems. Our analysis reveals that upon femtosecond laser excitation, phonons and spins can be driven out of thermal equilibrium for several nanoseconds.

Effect of vardenafil, an inhibitor of phosphodiesterase-5, on portal haemodynamics in normal and cirrhotic liver -- results of a pilot study.

BACKGROUND: Dysregulation of the cyclic guanosine 3',5' monophosphate-nitric oxide system is in part responsible for portal hypertension in cirrhosis. AIM: To test the effects of inhibitors of phosphodiesterase-5 on portal haemodynamics. METHODS: To 18 healthy subjects and 18 patients with Child A liver cirrhosis, 10 mg of vardenafil, an inhibitor of phosphodiesterase-5, were administered orally. Doppler sonographic measurements of hepatic and splanchnic blood flow, systemic blood pressure and heart rate were recorded before, 1 h after, and 48 h after the application. Vardenafil plasma levels were determined after 1 h. In five patients, invasive registration of free and wedged hepatic vein pressure was performed. RESULTS: Portal venous flow increased in patients from 0.82 +/- 0.30 L/min (mean +/- s.d.) by 26% (CI: 16-37%, P = 0.0004) and in healthy subjects from 0.75 +/- 0.20 L/min (mean +/- s.d.) by 19% (CI: 9-28%; P = 0.0010). Celiac and hepatic artery resistivity indices rose significantly. Systemic blood pressure decreased slightly in patients. The wedged hepatic venous pressure gradient decreased in four of five patients with liver cirrhosis. Vardenafil plasma levels were higher in patients (14 +/- 10 microg/L) than in healthy subjects (9 +/- 6 microg/L; n.s.). CONCLUSIONS: Inhibition of phosphodiesterase-5 increases portal flow and lowers portal pressure by a decrease in sinusoidal resistance and may be a novel therapeutic strategy for portal hypertension.

Procedural and shunt-related complications and mortality of the transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPSS).

BACKGROUND: The implantation of a transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPSS) is a complex angiographic procedure performed in patients with end-stage liver disease. Numerous case reports and narrative reviews have been published so far; however, studies systematically investigating procedural and shunt-related complications are lacking. AIM: To systematically investigate complications and mortality occurring during the index hospital stay and the early (4-week) period after TIPSS implantation. METHODS: The study includes 389 patients who received a TIPSS implantation between 2004 and 2014. Data were obtained from the clinical records and technical reports of the TIPSS implantation. RESULTS: During the index hospital stay, procedure-related complications occurred in 42 patients (10.8%) with intraperitoneal bleeding in 8 patients (2.1%) and infections in 14 patients (3.6%). Shunt- and disease-related complications consisted of hepatic encephalopathy (1-year incidence 29%), non-procedural infections (8.7%) and acute hepatic decompensation (4.1%). Nine patients (2.3%) died during the index hospital stay from procedure-related (two patients, 0.5%), shunt-related (four patients, 1%) or disease-related causes (three patients, 0.8%). 23 patients (5.9%) died during 4 weeks after TIPSS implantation. The 1-year probability of survival was 67.7% and was negatively associated with severe hepatic encephalopathy and acute hepatic decompensation. CONCLUSIONS: Except hepatic encephalopathy, severe procedure- and shunt-related complications are rare and early mortality is low.

Azobenzene - functionalized polyelectrolyte nanolayers as ultrafast optoacoustic transducers.

We introduce azobenzene-functionalized polyelectrolyte multilayers as efficient, inexpensive optoacoustic transducers for hyper-sound strain waves in the GHz range. By picosecond transient reflectivity measurements we study the creation of nanoscale strain waves, their reflection from interfaces, damping by scattering from nanoparticles and propagation in soft and hard adjacent materials like polymer layers, quartz and mica. The amplitude of the generated strain ε∼ 5 × 10(-4) is calibrated by ultrafast X-ray diffraction.

Efficacy and safety of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPSS) in 40 patients with hepatocellular carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Portal hypertension and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are major complications of advanced liver cirrhosis. Thus, patients are often affected by both complications. Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPSS) is an effective treatment for portal hypertension and its complications. However, no established guidelines for the treatment of symptomatic portal hypertension in HCC patients are currently available. In addition, only limited information exists about the consequence of TIPSS implantation in patients with HCC. AIM: To evaluate the efficacy, safety and overall survival in HCC patients who underwent TIPSS implantation. METHODS: Forty HCC patients with portal hypertension who were treated with TIPSS between 1995 and 2012 were included in the analysis. Medical records and imaging studies were analysed. The indication for TIPSS implantation, procedure-related complications, treatment success and overall survival were assessed. RESULTS: TIPSS implantation was performed in 23 patients (57.5%) due to treatment refractory ascites, in 14 patients (35.0%) due to recurrent variceal bleeding and in three patients (7.5%) due to ascites and variceal bleeding. Primary technical success was assessed in all patients. After TIPSS implantation, no variceal bleeding reoccurred and ascites was controlled in 74.1%. No severe procedure-related complications and no deterioration of liver function were observed. Post-TIPSS hepatic encephalopathy occurred in 40.0% of all patients. 30-day, 90-day-, 1-year- and 5-year survival rates were 97.5%, 75.0%, 42.5% and 7.5%, respectively. Median overall survival after TIPSS implantation was 180 days. CONCLUSION: Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt implantation is an effective and safe treatment for portal hypertension in patients with HCC.

Prevention of rebleeding from oesophageal-gastric varices.

Endoscopic sclerotherapy or ligation and/or drugs are the standard treatments for the prevention of variceal rebleeding. Failure of this treatment indicates the need for rescue transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) implantation. The current practice to use endoscopic treatment as first-line and TIPS as second-line treatment is, however, not based on evidence since, in unselected patients, both treatments have a comparable survival. In addition, the timing for a change from endoscopic treatment to TIPS is not exactly defined. According to the randomized studies available a change may be recommended when uncontrolled rebleeding or more than two rebleedings within a time interval of 6-12 months indicate failure of the endoscopic treatment. This regimen may be reconsidered when future developments improve outcome of one or the other treatment. In this regard the TIPS treatment has a potential of improvement if further reduction of the rate of rebleeding can be achieved with less stenosis, and/or reduced encephalopathy.