A nearby transiting rocky exoplanet that is suitable for atmospheric investigation

Spectroscopy of transiting exoplanets can be used to investigate their atmospheric properties and habitability. Combining radial velocity (RV) and transit data provides additional information on exoplanet physical properties. We detect a transiting rocky planet with an orbital period of 1.467 days around the nearby red dwarf star Gliese 486. The planet Gliese 486 b is 2.81 Earth masses and 1.31 Earth radii, with uncertainties of 5%, as determined from RV data and photometric light curves. The host star is at a distance of ~8.1 parsecs, has a J-band magnitude of ~7.2, and is observable from both hemispheres of Earth. On the basis of these properties and the planet's short orbital period and high equilibrium temperature, we show that this terrestrial planet is suitable for emission and transit spectroscopy.

High Layer Uniformity of Two-Dimensional Materials Demonstrated Surprisingly from Broad Features in Surface Electron Diffraction

Paradoxically, a very broad diffraction background, named the bell-shaped-component (BSC), has been established as a feature of graphene growth. Recent diffraction studies as a function of electron energy have shown that the BSC is not related to scattering interference. Here, additional experiments are carried out as a function of temperature over the range in which single-layer graphene (SLG) grows. Quantitative fitting of the profiles shows that the BSC follows the increase of the Gr(10) spot, proving directly that the BSC indicates high-quality graphene. Additional metal deposition experiments provide more information about the BSC. The BSC is insensitive to metal deposition, and it increases with metal intercalation, because a more uniform interface forms between graphene and SiC. These experiments support the conclusion that the BSC originates from electron confinement within SLG, and surprisingly, it is an excellent measure of graphene uniformity.

Comparison of mouse, rat and rabbit models for adipose - Derived stem cells (ASC) research

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY

Cellular therapies are becoming more popular and there is a big demand for suitable animal model for research in field of tissue engineering. Both the small (rodents) and large animals have their advantages for cellular therapy experiments. Appropriate animal research model would be a bridge between basic research and clinical medicine. The aim of this study was to compare mouse, rat and rabbit as animal models useful for adipose - derived stem cell research.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Quantity, phenotype, clonogenic and differentiation potential of cells isolated from different localizations of adipose tissue from WAG and LEW/W rat strains, rabbit and mouse were analysed.

RESULTS

The highest number of cells from 1 g of tissue were isolated from cervical white fat of LEW/W rat. ASCs isolated from rat had also the highest clonogenic potential. Phenotype and capability to differentiate into osteogenic, adipogenic and chondrogenic lineages are at the same level for rat and rabbit.

CONCLUSIONS

Rat as a research model can be a rational solution between large animal models and typical laboratory mice because of their size, genetic homogenity, availability of genetically modified stains and possibility to perform research mimicking clinical applications.

A giant exoplanet orbiting a very-low-mass star challenges planet formation models

Surveys have shown that super-Earth and Neptune-mass exoplanets are more frequent than gas giants around low-mass stars, as predicted by the core accretion theory of planet formation. We report the discovery of a giant planet around the very-low-mass star GJ 3512, as determined by optical and near-infrared radial-velocity observations. The planet has a minimum mass of 0.46 Jupiter masses, very high for such a small host star, and an eccentric 204-day orbit. Dynamical models show that the high eccentricity is most likely due to planet-planet interactions. We use simulations to demonstrate that the GJ 3512 planetary system challenges generally accepted formation theories, and that it puts constraints on the planet accretion and migration rates. Disk instabilities may be more efficient in forming planets than previously thought.

Evidence of Incoherent Carriers Associated with Resonant Impurity Levels and Their Influence on Superconductivity in the Anomalous Superconductor Pb_{1-x}Tl_{x}Te

We present a combined experimental and theoretical study of the evolution of the Fermi surface of the anomalous superconductor Pb_{1-x}Tl_{x}Te as a function of thallium concentration, drawing on a combination of magnetotransport measurements (Shubnikov-de Haas oscillations and the Hall coefficient), angle resolved photoemission spectroscopy, and density functional theory calculations of the electronic structure. Our results indicate that for Tl concentrations beyond a critical value, the Fermi energy coincides with resonant impurity states in Pb_{1-x}Tl_{x}Te, and we rule out the presence of an additional valence band maximum at the Fermi energy. A comparison to nonsuperconducting Pb_{1-x}Na_{x}Te implies that the presence of these impurity states at the Fermi energy provides the enhanced pairing interaction and thus also the anomalously high temperature superconductivity in this material.

A Cell Graft or a Drug? Legal and Practical Aspects of Somatic Cells Application in Graft-Versus-Host Disease Experimental Treatment: The Polish Experience

INTRODUCTION

Allogeneic hematopoietic stem and progenitor cell (HSPC) transplantation and organ transplantation are well-established treatments for different conditions. Graft versus host disease (GvHD) is a major complication in both methods. There has been a rapid increase in the application of nonhematopoietic somatic cells, such as mesenchymal stem cells and regulatory T cells in GvHD experimental therapy. According to current European Union (EU) law, human cells intended for human application can be considered either as cell grafts or as advanced therapy medicinal products (ATMPs).

OBJECTIVE, MATERIALS AND METHODS

The aim of the paper is an attempt to answer, based on GvHD experimental treatment data as well as existing EU and Polish law, whether cells cease to be cells (cell grafts) and becomes drugs (ATMPs); if yes, when; and what are the consequences of such situation both for patients as well as for physicians engaged in the treatment process in Poland.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Data analysis confirmed the interest in the experimental GvHD cell therapy. In the vast majority of analyzed cases the in vitro culture step in the cell preparation protocols has been foreseen. Therefore, the answer to title question was unambiguous-expanded cells are recognized in EU as ATMPs. In borderline cases, a scientific recommendation by the Committee for Advanced Therapies (CAT) of the European Medicines Agency (EMA) can play an important auxiliary role; however, it is currently neither required by Polish law nor legally binding in Poland.

Autologous osteoblast transplantation, an innovative method of bone defect treatment: role of a tissue and cell bank in the process

BACKGROUND

The idea of cell treatment of various diseases and medical conditions has become very popular. Some procedures are well established, as is autologous chondrocyte implantation, whereas others are still in the process of early development, laboratory experiments, and some clinical trials.

METHODS

This report is devoted to an example of an emerging cell treatment: bone augmentation with the use of autologous cells and its legal and technical background. Various requirements set by law must be met by tissue banks performing cell seeding of grafts. In Europe, the requirements are described in directives 2004/23/EC, 2006/17/EC, 2006/86/EC, and in the regulation 2007/1394/EC.

RESULTS

Revitalization of biostatic allografts gives new, promising tools for creation of functional parts of organs; brings the methodology used in tissue banks closer to tissue engineering; places the enterprise in the mainstream of advanced biotechnology; allows the full potential of tissue allografts; and opens a new, large area for clinical and laboratory research. Cell and tissue processing also have a financial impact on the treatment: it produces additional expenditures.

CONCLUSIONS

Clinical effectiveness will be the most decisive factor of whether this innovative treatment will be applied in a particular type of medical condition. From a tissue establishment perspective, the most important issue is to develop a procedure that ensures safety for the patient in graft quality terms.

Ba(1-x)K(x)Mn2As2: an antiferromagnetic local-moment metal

The compound BaMn2As2 with the tetragonal ThCr2Si2 structure is a local-moment antiferromagnetic insulator with a Néel temperature T(N)=625 K and a large ordered moment μ=3.9μ(B)/Mn. We demonstrate that this compound can be driven metallic by partial substitution of Ba by K while retaining the same crystal and antiferromagnetic structures together with nearly the same high T(N) and large μ. Ba(1-x)K(x)Mn2As2 is thus the first metallic ThCr2Si2-type MAs-based system containing local 3d transition metal M magnetic moments, with consequences for the ongoing debate about the local-moment versus itinerant pictures of the FeAs-based superconductors and parent compounds. The Ba(1-x)K(x)Mn2As2 class of compounds also forms a bridge between the layered iron pnictides and cuprates and may be useful to test theories of high T(c) superconductivity.

Children and adolescents with major depressive disorders: are some second generation antidepressants better than others?

Introduction

Since the black box warning of the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) regarding an increased risk of suicidality in children and adolescents treated with antidepressants, cautious prescription of antidepressant drugs in young patients became even more important. In the light of potentially severe side effects the comparative effectiveness and harms of antidepressants should be known to clinicians to provide optimal treatment.

Objectives

To compare the benefits and harms of second-generation antidepressants for the treatment of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) in children and adolescents.

Aims

To provide an evidence base for clinicians and policymakers when making informed decisions regarding the prescription of Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors and other newer antidepressants.

Methods

We updated a comparative effectiveness report of the Oregon Drug Effectiveness Review Project searching MEDLINE, Embase, The Cochrane Library, and the International Pharmaceutical Abstracts up to August 2010. Two persons independently reviewed the literature, abstracted data, and rated the risk of bias.

Results

We could not identify any head-to-head trials. There is insufficient evidence to compare one second-generation antidepressant to another in pediatric outpatients with MDD. Evidence from a systematic review of published and unpublished data indicates, that in children and adolescents only fluoxetine shows a good risk-benefit ratio.

Conclusions

To date, the evidence is insufficient to make any clear inferences about the comparative benefits and harms of second-generation antidepressants for the treatment of MDD in children. Clinicians must be aware of the small benefits and the high potential risks when prescribing antidepressant medications to children and adolescents.

Anomalies in the Fermi surface and band dispersion of quasi-one-dimensional CuO chains in the high-temperature superconductor YBa2Cu4O8

We have investigated the electronic states in quasi-one-dimensional CuO chains by microprobe angle resolved photoemission spectroscopy. We find that the quasiparticle Fermi surface consists of six disconnected segments, consistent with recent theoretical calculations that predict the formation of narrow, elongated Fermi surface pockets for coupled CuO chains. In addition, we find a strong renormalization effect with a significant kink structure in the band dispersion. The properties of this latter effect [energy scale (∼40 meV), temperature dependence, and behavior with Zn-doping] are identical to those of the bosonic mode observed in CuO2 planes of high-temperature superconductors, indicating they have a common origin.

European quality system for tissue banking

AIM

The aims of this project were to analyze the factors that influence quality and safety of tissues for transplantation and to develop the method to ensure standards of quality and safety in relation to tissue banking as demanded by European Directive 2004/23/EC and its technical annexes. It is organized in 4 Working Groups, the objectives of each one being focused in a specific area.

STANDARDS

The Guide of Recommendations for Tissue Banking is structured into 4 parts: (1) quality systems that apply to tissue banking and general quality system requirements, (2) regulatory framework in Europe, (3) standards available, and (4) recommendations of the fundamental quality and safety keypoints.

REGISTRY

This Working Group handled design of a multinational musculoskeletal tissue registry prototype.

TRAINING

This Working Group handled design and validation of a specialized training model structured into online and face-to-face courses. The model was improved with suggestions from students, and 100% certification was obtained.

AUDIT

The Guide for Auditing Tissue Establishments provides guidance for auditors, a self-assessment questionnaire, and an audit report form. The effectiveness and sustainability of the outputs were assessed. Both guides are useful for experienced tissue establishments and auditors and also for professionals that are starting in the field. The registry prototype proves it is possible to exchange tissues between establishments throughout Europe. The training model has been effective in educating staff and means having professionals with excellent expertise. Member states could adapt/adopt it. The guides should be updated periodically and perhaps a European organization should take responsibility for this and even create a body of auditors.

Three- to two-dimensional transition of the electronic structure in CaFe2As2: a parent compound for an iron arsenic high-temperature superconductor

We use angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy (ARPES) to study the electronic properties of CaFe2As2-parent compound of a pnictide superconductor. We find that the structural and magnetic transition is accompanied by a three- to two-dimensional (3D-2D) crossover in the electronic structure. Above the transition temperature (T_{s}) Fermi surfaces around Gamma and X points are cylindrical and quasi 2D. Below T_{s}, the Gamma pocket forms a 3D ellipsoid, while the X pocket remains quasi 2D. This finding strongly suggests that low dimensionality plays an important role in understanding the superconducting mechanism in pnictides.

Evidence for a competition between the superconducting state and the pseudogap state of (BiPb)2(SrLa)2CuO6+delta from muon spin rotation experiments

The in-plane magnetic penetration depth lambda ab in optimally doped (BiPb)2(SrLa)2CuO6+delta (OP Bi2201) was studied by means of muon-spin rotation. The measurements of lambda ab(-2)(T) are inconsistent with a simple model of a d-wave order parameter and a uniform quasiparticle weight around the Fermi surface. The data are well described assuming the angular gap symmetry obtained in ARPES experiments [Phys. Rev. Lett. 98, 267004 (2007)], which suggest that the superconducting gap in OP Bi2201 exists only in segments of the Fermi surface near the nodes. The remaining parts of the Fermi surface, which are strongly affected by the pseudogap state, do not contribute significantly to the superconducting condensate.

K-doping dependence of the Fermi surface of the iron-arsenic Ba1-xKxFe2As2 superconductor using angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy

We use angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy to investigate the electronic properties of the newly discovered iron-arsenic superconductor Ba_(1-x)K_(x)Fe_(2)As_(2) and nonsuperconducting BaFe_(2)As_(2). Our study indicates that the Fermi surface of the undoped, parent compound BaFe_(2)As_(2) consists of hole pocket(s) at Gamma (0,0) and larger electron pocket(s) at X (1,0), in general agreement with full-potential linearized plane wave calculations. Upon doping with potassium, the hole pocket expands and the electron pocket becomes smaller with its bottom approaching the chemical potential. Such an evolution of the Fermi surface is consistent with hole doping within a rigid-band shift model. Our results also indicate that the full-potential linearized plane wave calculation is a reasonable approach for modeling the electronic properties of both undoped and K-doped iron arsenites.

Momentum dependence of the superconducting gap in NdFeAsO0.9F0.1 single crystals measured by angle resolved photoemission spectroscopy

We use angle resolved photoemission spectroscopy to study the momentum dependence of the superconducting gap in NdFeAsO0.9F0.1 single crystals. We find that the Gamma hole pocket is fully gapped below the superconducting transition temperature. The value of the superconducting gap is 15+/-1.5 meV and its anisotropy around the hole pocket is smaller than 20% of this value-consistent with an isotropic or anisotropic s-wave symmetry of the order parameter. This is a significant departure from the situation in the cuprates, pointing to the possibility that the superconductivity in the iron arsenic based system arises from a different mechanism.