Rare

Potassium-40 is a widespread, naturally occurring isotope whose radioactivity impacts subatomic rare-event searches, nuclear structure theory, and estimated geological ages. A predicted electron-capture decay directly to the ground state of argon-40 has never been observed. The KDK (potassium decay) collaboration reports strong evidence of this rare decay mode. A blinded analysis reveals a nonzero ratio of intensities of ground-state electron-captures (I_{EC^{0}}) over excited-state ones (I_{EC^{*}}) of I_{EC^{0}}/I_{EC^{*}}=0.0095±[over stat]0.0022±[over sys]0.0010 (68% C.L.), with the null hypothesis rejected at 4σ. In terms of branching ratio, this signal yields I_{EC^{0}}=0.098%±[over stat]0.023%±[over sys]0.010%, roughly half of the commonly used prediction, with consequences for various fields [27L. Hariasz et al., companion paper, Phys. Rev. C 108, 014327 (2023)PRVCAN2469-998510.1103/PhysRevC.108.014327].

Dynamic Scaling and Island Growth Kinetics in Pulsed Laser Deposition of SrTiO_{3}.

We use real-time diffuse surface x-ray diffraction to probe the evolution of island size distributions and its effects on surface smoothing in pulsed laser deposition (PLD) of SrTiO_{3}. We show that the island size evolution obeys dynamic scaling and two distinct regimes of island growth kinetics. Our data show that PLD film growth can persist without roughening despite thermally driven Ostwald ripening, the main mechanism for surface smoothing, being shut down. The absence of roughening is concomitant with decreasing island density, contradicting the prevailing view that increasing island density is the key to surface smoothing in PLD. We also report a previously unobserved crossover from diffusion-limited to attachment-limited island growth that reveals the influence of nonequilibrium atomic level surface transport processes on the growth modes in PLD. We show by direct measurements that attachment-limited island growth is the dominant process in PLD that creates step flowlike behavior or quasistep flow as PLD "self-organizes" local step flow on a length scale consistent with the substrate temperature and PLD parameters.

Full Electroresistance Modulation in a Mixed-Phase Metallic Alloy.

We report a giant, ∼22%, electroresistance modulation for a metallic alloy above room temperature. It is achieved by a small electric field of 2 kV/cm via piezoelectric strain-mediated magnetoelectric coupling and the resulting magnetic phase transition in epitaxial FeRh/BaTiO_{3} heterostructures. This work presents detailed experimental evidence for an isothermal magnetic phase transition driven by tetragonality modulation in FeRh thin films, which is in contrast to the large volume expansion in the conventional temperature-driven magnetic phase transition in FeRh. Moreover, all the experimental results in this work illustrate FeRh as a mixed-phase model system well similar to phase-separated colossal magnetoresistance systems with phase instability therein.

An integrated portable Raman sensor with nanofabricated gold bowtie array substrates for energetics detection.

An integrated field-portable surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) sensing system has been developed and evaluated for quantitative analysis of energetics such as perchlorate (ClO(4)(-)) and trinitrotoluene (TNT) at environmentally relevant concentrations and conditions. The detection system consists of a portable Raman spectrometer equipped with an optical fiber probe that is coupled with novel elevated gold bowtie nanostructural arrays as a sensitive and reproducible SERS substrate. Using the standard addition technique, we show that ClO(4)(-) and TNT can be quantified at concentrations as low as 0.66 mg L(-1) (or ~6.6 µM) and 0.20 mg L(-1) (~0.9 µM), respectively, in groundwater samples collected from selected military sites. This research represents the first step toward the development of a field SERS sensor which may permit rapid, in situ screening and analysis for various applications including national security, chemical, biological and environmental detection.

Tissue distribution and depuration kinetics of waterborne 14C-labeled light PAHs in mummichog (Fundulus heteroclitus).

Light polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) of petrogenic origin are commonly found in estuaries and coastal areas. Though they are known to be toxic to fish, little is known about their uptake and tissue distribution. This paper reports on the results of a study on uptake, elimination, and tissue distribution of three waterborne 14C-labeled PAHs in the mummichog, Fundulus heteroclitus, using whole-body autoradiography. After a 24 h exposure to 1 µCi·L(-1) of 14C-naphthalene, 14C-1-naphthol, and 14C-phenanthrene, fish were transferred to clean water and tissue distribution examined after 0, 1, 3, 7, 14, and 21 days of depuration. All compounds were readily accumulated by fish and were also rapidly eliminated (t0.5 range=1.1 to 3.0 days). Most of the radioactivity in naphthalene- and phenanthrene-treated fish was found in gall bladder≫liver>intestinal lumen. In naphthol-exposed fish, an important labeling of some brain areas was observed. Brain of naphthalene-exposed fish was also labeled after 24 h depuration, indicating that exposure to naphthalene may result in metabolite accumulation in the brain. This is the first study showing that naphthalene, naphthol, and/or unidentified metabolite(s) can accumulate in brain tissues, which may impair normal brain function.

[Partial uterine wall necrosis following Cho hemostatic sutures for the treatment of postpartum hemorrhage]. / Nécrose pariétale utérine partielle après capitonnage hémostatique selon la technique de Cho au cours d'une hémorragie du post-partum.

A 38-year-old woman, gravida 2, para 2, underwent caesarean section at 41 weeks' gestation and suffered postpartum hemorrhage due to uterine atony. Four Cho sutures were used to control hemorrhage. A systematic postpartum hysteroscopy showed a heterogenous whitish area of the fundus and MRI advocated placental retention. However, hysteroscopically guided biopsies confirmed the diagnosis of partial uterine necrosis. We emphasize the need to undergo postoperative follow-up to confirm uterine wall integrity after placement of compression sutures in order to document the complications of this procedure, which remain under evaluated.

Phase transitions in few-monolayer spin ice films.

Vertex models are an important class of statistical mechanical system that admit exact solutions and exotic physics. Applications include water ice, ferro- and antiferro-electrics, spin ice and artificial spin ice. Here we show that it is possible to engineer spin ice films with atomic-layer precision down to the monolayer limit. Specific heat measurements show that these films, which have a fundamentally different symmetry to bulk spin ice, realise systems close to the two-dimensional F-model, with exotic phase transitions on topologically-constrained configurational manifolds. Our results show how spin ice thin films can release the celebrated Pauling entropy of spin ice without an anomaly in the specific heat. They also significantly expand the class of vertex models available to experiment.

Experimental setup combining in situ hard X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and real-time surface X-ray diffraction for characterizing atomic and electronic structure evolution during complex oxide heterostructure growth.

We describe the next-generation system for in situ characterization of a complex oxide thin film and heterostructure growth by pulsed laser deposition (PLD) using synchrotron hard X-rays. The system consists of a PLD chamber mounted on a diffractometer allowing both real-time surface X-ray diffraction (SXRD) and in situ hard X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (HAXPES). HAXPES is performed in the incident X-ray energy range from 4 to 12 keV using a Scienta EW4000 electron energy analyzer mounted on the PLD chamber fixed parallel with the surface normal. In addition to the standard application mode of HAXPES for disentangling surface from bulk properties, the increased penetration depth of high energy photoelectrons is used for investigation of the electronic structure changes through thin films grown deliberately as variable thickness capping layers. Such heterostructures represent model systems for investigating a variety of critical thickness and dead layer phenomena observed at complex oxide interfaces. In this new mode of operation, in situ HAXPES is used to determine the electronic structure associated with unique structural features identified by real-time SXRD during thin film growth. The system is configured for using both laboratory excitation sources off-line and on-line operation at beamline 33-ID-D at the Advanced Photon Source. We illustrate the performance of the system by preliminary scattering and spectroscopic data on oxygen vacancy ordering induced perovskite-to-brownmillerite reversible phase transformation in La2/3Sr1/3MnO3 films capped with oxygen deficient SrTiO3-δ (100) layers of varying thickness.

Physiological effects of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons on soft-shell clam Mya arenaria.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) on the physiological status of the bivalve Mya arenaria. Specimens were exposed to four different sources of PAHs: aluminium smelter soot, sediment from an industrial discharge pound, charcoal fine particles and dietary PAHs assessed by feeding clams with phytoplankton freshly impregnated with dissolved PAHs. The exposure period lasted 30 days and bivalves were let to recover for an additional 20 days. At days 8, 15, 30 and 50, immune parameters (phagocytic activity and efficiency) were monitored in haemocytes. Oxidative stress measures such as catalase and lipid peroxidation were quantified in digestive gland as well as concentrations of bioaccumulated PAHs. In a second experiment, clams were exposed to [(14)C]-pyrene via the phytoplankton, and the tissue distribution of radiolabelled compound was studied. Glycogen levels in gonad and digestive gland were also measured and gametogenesis stages were investigated. Results showed a high bioaccumulation in clams exposed to dietary PAHs and contaminated sediments. Tissue distribution of [(14)C]-pyrene revealed that the radiolabelled compound persisted mainly in the gonad during 14 days. A decrease of phagocytosis was observed in contaminated male clams. The lipid peroxidation (malondialdehyde) was found to increase in the digestive gland tissues of clams exposed to dietary PAHs, smelter soot and discharge, but no differences were observed in the catalase activity. A delay in gametogenesis occurred in all exposed males and in females contaminated with coke dust and dietary PAHs. Males were more sensitive than females to PAH exposure. A dysfunction in steroid synthesis is suspected to occur due to the exposure to all sources of PAHs.

Preclotting of knitted Dacron prosthesis. A scanning electron microscope study.

A scanning electron microscope study of preclotting on knitted Dacron prosthesis is reported. Five steps of the interaction are well identified: (1) before any blood contact (virgin Dacron), (2) during the first 3 minutes (fibrin and platelet aggregates), (3) fifth minute of contact (clotting), (4) 15 minutes of contact with heparinized blood (thin fibrin network), and (5) the following minutes (invasion of fibrin, which enmeshes blood cells).

[Polyethylene terephtalate (Dacron) prostheses as arterial substitutes. Value of commercial grafts as abdominal aorta substitutes in the dog (author's transl)]. / Les prothèses en polyéthylène téréphtalate (Dacron) comme substituts artériels. Evaluation des greffes commerciales comme substitutes de l'aorte abdominale de chiens.

Most of the presently available Dacron fabric grafts are either woven or knitted; some are velours. Whereas the various configurations and textures can be easily recognized and classified with respect to morphology, structure, porosity and fabric tenacity, it is also necessary to establish their post-implantation healing characteristics. Canine models have been used to investigate the healing characteristics of 18 types of prostheses over implantation periods from one to six months using techniques of scanning electron microscopy and conventional light microscopy. Velours exhibit superiar tissue ingrowth but the internal tissue lining does seldom embeds all of the fibres. Complete neoendothelialization is not achieved; the process appears more closely linked to haemodynamic factors such as shear forces acting postfacto on blood deposits as opposed to graft porosity facilitating ingrowth. More meaningful criteria of performance must be found to allow a closer matching between the available products and the individual clinical needs of each situation.

Radioguided occult lesion localization plus sentinel node biopsy (SNOLL) versus wire-guided localization plus sentinel node detection: a case control study of 129 unifocal pure invasive non-palpable breast cancers.

AIMS: We compared histological patterns after lumpectomy for non-palpable breast cancers preoperatively localized by radioguided occult lesion localization plus sentinel node localization (SNOLL) versus wire-guided localization. METHODS: To ensure a homogeneously treated cohort and rigorous comparisons, only patients with invasive cancer and measurable opacity by imaging were included. Exclusion criteria were one or more parameters that could interfere with localization and/or the surgical procedure. Forty-three SNOLL were compared with 86 WGL plus sentinel node (SN) localization. Cancer localization effectiveness was based on careful assessment of histological data from only the first resected glandular specimen, as any additional resection specimens were guided by intraoperative histological examination. RESULTS: Reexcisions to ensure free tissue margins were performed during the same procedure in 13.9% of SNOLL versus 31.3% of WGL; p = 0.02. Significantly more women in SNOLL (53.4%) also had free nearest margins of >9 mm after the first procedure compared with WGL (33.7%); p = 0.03. The median centricity ratio after the first procedure was better in SNOLL (2.8, range 1.3-14) than WGL (5, range 1-50); p = 0.008. The median number of SN detected by lymphoscintigraphy was the same in SNOLL and WGL (1, range 0-9, vs. 1, range 0-8). Intraoperative SN detection by blue dye and/or gamma probe was successful for 97.6% of SNOLL versus 93% of WGL. CONCLUSION: In this study, SNOLL was effective and safe, and this procedure significantly improved the rate of negative margins in the first specimen and the rate of reexcision for positive margins compared with WGL.

False positive lymph node activity on positron emission tomography (PET/CT) due to hemostatic compresses.

Combined positron emission tomography and computerized tomography (PET/CT) using 18-fluorodeoxyglucose (18-FDG) is the most effective study to identify invasion of pelvic and/or para-aortic lymph node chains in cancers of the uterine cervix. We report the case of a patient who underwent laparoscopic hysterectomy and cytoreductive surgery for endometrial cancer; postoperative PET/CT identified an intense localization of 18-FDG in the region of the right common iliac chain. This finding led to an open re-exploration at which the only finding was a granuloma arising in reaction to a hemostatic sponge.

[Bronchopulmonary squamous cell carcinoma associated with HPV 11 in a 15-year-old girl with a history of severe recurrent respiratory papillomatosis: a case report]. / Papillomatose laryngée sévère évoluant vers un carcinome bronchopulmonaire associé à HPV 11 chez une enfant de 15 ans : à propos d'un cas.

Malignant transformation of juvenile-onset recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (RRP) is a rare event and the cases reported have been mainly observed in adults. We report the case of a 15-year-old girl with a history of severe RRP who died of a HPV 11-associated bronchopulmonary squamous cell carcinoma with pericardial invasion. HPV 11 was identified in nasopharyngeal and tracheal papillomas, as well as in the pericardial fluid. HPV 11 isolate was further analyzed by amplification and sequencing of the E1, E2, E4, E6, and E7 genes. Only one amino acid substitution in E4 due to natural polymorphism was observed. Exons 5-9 of the patient's tumor protein 53 (TP53) gene were sequenced and no mutations were identified. This observation confirms that malignant conversion of juvenile-onset RRP associated with HPV 11 to squamous cell carcinoma may arise in children. HPV 11-induced carcinogenesis needs to be further investigated.

Surgical treatment of recurring subareolar abscess using oncoplastic techniques.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the clinical and cosmetic results of our treatment of recurrent periareolar abscess. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Our technique was applied to 27 patients with recurrent periareolar abscess who had been previously surgically treated three or more times between January 2001 and December 2008. Our treatment combined resection of the fistula, the terminal milk ducts, and mammary gland involved in the inflammatory process. This was associated with glandular remodeling and a lift of the periareolar skin. Long-term clinical results and evaluation of cosmetic result are analyzed. RESULTS: The median age of patients was 36 years and the median course of disease was 5 years (2-11 years). The duration of follow-up was 37 months. Before being treated in our service, patients had a median of four prior surgeries for this condition (3-12). The average hospital stay was 3.2±0.6 days after surgery. One recurrence occurred among the 24 patients reviewed. She was treated by excision of the nipple and areola. Six patients (25%) rated their outcome excellent and 13 patients (54%) considered their results good. Five patients assessed their overall result as fair (21%), and no patients judged their results as poor. CONCLUSIONS: Our technique is simple and feasible and the results are encouraging. It can be used regardless of the location of the fistula around the periphery of the nipple-areola complex and it is perfectly suited to the management of chronic fistulous abscess.

Activation of MAP kinase (ERK1/2) in human neonatal colonic enteric nervous system.

The aim of this study was to examine mitogen-activated protein kinase (ERK1/2) activation in the human neonatal colonic enteric nervous system. For this, we investigated by immunocytochemistry the cellular localization of phosphorylated ERK1/2 (P-ERK) in a series of normal human colon samples removed from newborns and in patients with intestinal obstruction such as Hirschsprung's disease (HSCR), stenosis and atresia. We checked the presence of P-ERK in the three distinct histological layers of normal colon. Phosphorylated ERK was detected in the colonic mucosa, in the enteric nervous system and in endothelial cells. In the mucosa from normal colon, P-ERK was detected at the upper part of the crypt, while P-ERK activation in epithelial cells is altered in HSCR, stenosis and atresia. In the normal colon, strong P-ERK staining was detected in myenteric and submucosal enteric plexuses. Using confocal microscopy analyses, we observed that P-ERK staining was localized in enteric glial cells and not in enteric neurons. Strong P-ERK staining was also observed in plexuses from stenosis and atresia whereas in HSCR, hypertrophic nerve fibres were not stained.

Biokinetics of Hg and Pb accumulation in the encapsulated egg of the common cuttlefish Sepia officinalis: radiotracer experiments.

Uptake and depuration kinetics of dissolved (203)Hg and (210)Pb were determined during the entire embryonic development of the eggs of the cuttlefish, Sepia officinalis (50d at 17 degrees C). (203)Hg and (210)Pb were accumulated continuously by the eggs all along the development time reaching load/concentration ratio (LCR) of 467+/-43 and 1301+/-126g, respectively. During the first month, most of the (203)Hg and (210)Pb remained associated with the eggshell indicating that the latter acted as an efficient shield against metal penetration. From this time onwards, (203)Hg accumulated in the embryo, indicating that it passed through the eggshell, whereas (210)Pb did not cross the chorion during the whole exposure time. It also demonstrated that translocation of Hg associated with the inner layers of the eggshell is a significant source of exposure for the embryo. This study highlighted that the maturing embryo could be subjected to the toxic effects of Hg in the coastal waters where the embryonic development is taking place.

Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS): characteristics of deaths since the fall in SIDS in the French region of Languedoc-Roussillon.

The characteristics of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) in the French region of Languedoc-Roussillon from 2003-2008 were examined in a retrospective study of two groups classified as unexplained sudden unexpected death in infancy (SUDI) (SIDS, n = 27) or explained SUDI (n = 22). The interval between the time the baby was last observed alive (time of last feed) and the discovery of death was evaluated. In SIDS, 67% (18/27) of deaths were discovered during the day (09:00-21:00 h) mostly within 4 h after feeding (66%). In explained SUDI, 68.2% of deaths were discovered at night and time intervals between the last feed and discovery of death were longer (mean 7.1 h, p<0.01). Most SIDS deaths were discovered during the day and explained SUDI discovered at night. Variations in time between the last feed and discovery of death in the two groups may result from differences in parental attentiveness during the day and at night.