Showing papers by "Jagiellonian University published in 2007"

Valley filter and valley valve in graphene

Abstract: The potential of graphene for carbon electronics rests on the possibilities offered by its unusual band structure to create devices that have no analogue in silicon-based electronics1,2. Conduction and valence bands in graphene form conically shaped valleys, touching at a point called the Dirac point. There are two inequivalent Dirac points in the Brillouin zone, related by time-reversal symmetry. Intervalley scattering is suppressed in pure samples3,4,5. The independence and degeneracy of the valley degree of freedom suggests that it might be used to control an electronic device6, in much the same way as the electron spin is used in spintronics7 or quantum computing8. A key ingredient for ‘valleytronics’ would be a controllable way of occupying a single valley in graphene, thereby producing a valley polarization. Here we propose such a valley filter, based on a ballistic point contact with zigzag edges. The polarity can be inverted by local application of a gate voltage to the point contact region. Two valley filters in series may function as an electrostatically controlled valley valve, representing a zero-magnetic-field counterpart to the familiar spin valve.

Radio Loudness of Active Galactic Nuclei: Observational Facts and Theoretical Implications

Abstract: We investigate how the total radio luminosity of AGN-powered radio sources depends on their accretion luminosity and the central black hole mass. Our studies cover about 7 orders of magnitude in accretion luminosity (expressed in Eddington units, i.e., as Eddington ratios) and the full range of AGN black hole masses. We find that AGNs form two distinct and well-separated sequences on the radio-loudness-Eddington-ratio plane. The upper sequence is formed by radio-selected AGNs, and the lower sequence contains mainly optically selected objects. Whereas an apparent gap between the two sequences may be an artifact of selection effects, the sequences themselves mark the real upper bounds of radio loudness of two distinct populations of AGNs: those hosted respectively by elliptical and disk galaxies. Both sequences show the same dependence of the radio loudness on the Eddington ratio (an increase with decreasing Eddington ratio), which suggests that the normalization of this dependence is determined by the black hole spin. This implies that central black holes in giant elliptical galaxies have (on average) much larger spins than black holes in spiral/disk galaxies. This galaxy-morphology-related radio dichotomy breaks down at high accretion rates where the dominant fraction of luminous quasars hosted by elliptical galaxies is radio quiet. This led to speculations in the literature that formation of powerful jets at high accretion rates is intermittent and related to switches between two disk accretion modes, as directly observed in some black hole X-ray binaries. We argue that such intermittency can be reconciled with the spin paradigm, provided that successful formation of relativistic jets by rotating black holes requires collimation by MHD outflows from accretion disks.

Mapping spatial patterns with morphological image processing

Abstract: We use morphological image process- ing for classifying spatial patterns at the pixel le- vel on binary land-cover maps. Land-cover pattern is classified as 'perforated,' 'edge,' 'patch,' and 'core' with higher spatial precision and the- matic accuracy compared to a previous approach based on image convolution, while retaining the capability to label these features at the pixel level for any scale of observation. The implementation of morphological image processing is explained and then demonstrated, with comparisons to results from image convolution, for a forest map of the Val Grande National Park in North Italy.

Natural orbitals for chemical valence as descriptors of chemical bonding in transition metal complexes

Abstract: Natural orbitals for chemical valence (NOCV) are defined as the eigenvectors of the chemical valence operator defined by Nalewajski et al.; they decompose the deformation density (differential density, Deltarho) into diagonal contributions. NOCV were used in a description of the chemical bond between the organometallic fragment and the ligand in example transition-metal complexes: heme-CO ([FeN(5)C(20)H(15)]-CO), [Ni-diimine hydride]-ethylene ([N;N-Ni-H]-C(2)H(4), N;N = -NH-CH-CH-NH-), and [Ni(NH(3))(3)]-CO. DFT calculations were performed using gradient-corrected density functional theory (DFT) in the fragments resolution, using the fragment/ligand Kohn-Sham orbitals as a basis set in calculations for the whole fragment-ligand complex. It has been found that NOCV lead to a very compact description of the fragment-ligand bond, with only a few orbitals exhibiting non-zero eigenvalues. Results of NOCV analysis, compared with Mulliken populations analysis and Zigler-Rauk interaction-energy decomposition, demonstrate that the use of the natural valence orbitals allows for a separation of the sigma-donation and pi-back-donation contributions to the ligand-fragment bond. They can be also useful in comparison of these contributions in different complexes.

EAACI/GA2LEN guideline: aspirin provocation tests for diagnosis of aspirin hypersensitivity

Abstract: Aspirin and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are among the most common causes of adverse drug reactions. Majority of them are of the hypersensitivity type. The two frequent clinical presentations of aspirin hypersensitivity are: aspirin-induced bronchial asthma/rhinosinusitis (AIA/R) and aspirin-induced urticaria/angioedema (AIU). The decisive diagnosis is based on provocation tests with aspirin, as the in vitro test does not hold diagnostic value as yet. Detailed protocols of oral, bronchial and nasal aspirin provocation tests are presented. Indications, contraindications for the tests, the rules of drug withdrawal and equipment are reviewed. Patient supervision and interpretations of the tests are proposed.

Heme oxygenase-1 in tumors: is it a false friend?

Abstract: Heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) catalyzes the oxidation of heme to biologically active products: carbon monoxide (CO), biliverdin, and ferrous iron. It participates in maintaining cellular homeostasis and plays an important protective role in the tissues by reducing oxidative injury, attenuating the inflammatory response, inhibiting cell apoptosis, and regulating cell proliferation. HO-1 is also an important proangiogenic mediator. Most studies have focused on the role of HO-1 in cardiovascular diseases, in which its significant, beneficial activity is well recognized. A growing body of evidence indicates, however, that HO-1 activation may play a role in carcinogenesis and can potently influence the growth and metastasis of tumors. HO-1 is very often upregulated in tumor tissues, and its expression is further increased in response to therapies. Although the exact effect can be tissue specific, HO-1 can be regarded as an enzyme facilitating tumor progression. Accordingly, inhibition of HO-1 can be suggested as a p...

Control of blood cell homeostasis in Drosophila larvae by the posterior signalling centre

Abstract: Drosophila haemocytes (blood cells) originate from a specialized haematopoietic organ-the lymph gland. Larval haematopoietic progenitors (prohaemocytes) give rise to three types of circulating haemocytes: plasmatocytes, crystal cells and lamellocytes. Lamellocytes, which are devoted to encapsulation of large foreign bodies, only differentiate in response to specific immune threats, such as parasitization by wasps. Here we show that a small cluster of signalling cells, termed the PSC (posterior signalling centre), controls the balance between multipotent prohaemocytes and differentiating haemocytes, and is necessary for the massive differentiation of lamellocytes that follows parasitization. Communication between the PSC and haematopoietic progenitors strictly depends on the PSC-restricted expression of Collier, the Drosophila orthologue of mammalian early B-cell factor. PSC cells act, in a non-cell-autonomous manner, to maintain JAK/STAT signalling activity in prohaemocytes, preventing their premature differentiation. Serrate-mediated Notch signalling from the PSC is required to maintain normal levels of col transcription. The key role of the PSC in controlling blood cell homeostasis is reminiscent of interactions between haematopoietic progenitors and their micro-environment in vertebrates, thus further highlighting the interest of Drosophila as a model system for studying the evolution of haematopoiesis and cellular innate immunity.

Discontinuous fragmentation of nuclear DNA during apoptosis revealed by discrete “sub‐G1” peaks on DNA content histograms

Abstract: Background: Internucleosomal DNA fragmentation is one of the hallmarks of apoptosis. Because the low molecular weight DNA fragments are extracted during cell staining in aqueous solutions, apoptotic cells can be identified on DNA content frequency histograms as cells with fractional (“sub-G1”) DNA content. The aim of the present study was to explore whether in situ DNA fragmentation during apoptosis is discontinuous or progresses incessantly and if it is discontinuous, to define the resistant to cleavage fraction of DNA that remains stainable with the fluorochrome. Materials and Methods: The model of activation-induced apoptosis of human lymphocytes was chosen as it provides uniform cell population with identical DNA content (DI = 1.00) that undergo apoptosis. Their apoptosis was induced by multivalent mitogen phytohemagglutinin (PHA) in the absence and presence of geldanamycin (GA), the benzoquinone ansamycin antibiotic which binds to Hsp90 (Heat Shock Protein 90) and alters its function. The cells were stained with acridine orange, the metachromatic fluorochrome that differentially stains cellular DNA and RNA. Results: A sharp, discrete peak representing the subpopulation of “sub-G1” cells with highly reproducible DI = 0.42 ± 0.02 (CV = 5.5 ± 1.2) was observed on DNA content histograms of lymphocytes whose apoptosis was induced by PHA alone. Two distinct peaks, one representing cell subpopulations with DI = 0.42 (as above) and another, with DI = 0.79 ± 0.04 (CV = 5.8 ± 0.4), respectively, were seen in apoptotic cells from cultures stimulated with PHA in the presence of GA. The frequency of cells represented by the sub-G1 peaks varied depending on time of induction of apoptosis and GA concentration. Conclusions: Apoptosis-induced DNA fragmentation is discontinuous; approximately 42% of DNA is relatively stable and remains within the cell. The data suggest that the stable DNA is associated with nuclear matrix while the degradable fraction represents DNA in loop domains. A transient DNA stabilization is apparent in the presence of GA as evidenced by the presence of cell subpopulations with 79% of DNA retained in the cell. The observed discontinuity of DNA fragmentation appears to reflect sequential involvement of different nucleases and may also be modulated by chromatin structure. © 2007 International Society for Analytical Cytology.

Photodynamic therapy with fullerenes

Abstract: Fullerenes are a class of closed-cage nanomaterials made exclusively from carbon atoms. A great deal of attention has been focused on developing medical uses of these unique molecules especially when they are derivatized with functional groups to make them soluble and therefore able to interact with biological systems. Due to their extended π-conjugation they absorb visible light, have a high triplet yield and can generate reactive oxygen species upon illumination, suggesting a possible role of fullerenes in photodynamic therapy. Depending on the functional groups introduced into the molecule, fullerenes can effectively photoinactivate either or both pathogenic microbial cells and malignant cancer cells. The mechanism appears to involve superoxide anion as well as singlet oxygen, and under the right conditions fullerenes may have advantages over clinically applied photosensitizers for mediating photodynamic therapy of certain diseases.

Stromal cell–derived factor 1 promotes angiogenesis via a heme oxygenase 1–dependent mechanism

Abstract: Stromal cell–derived factor 1 (SDF-1) plays a major role in the migration, recruitment, and retention of endothelial progenitor cells to sites of ischemic injury and contributes to neovascularization. We provide direct evidence demonstrating an important role for heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1) in mediating the proangiogenic effects of SDF-1. Nanomolar concentrations of SDF-1 induced HO-1 in endothelial cells through a protein kinase C ζ–dependent and vascular endothelial growth factor–independent mechanism. SDF-1–induced endothelial tube formation and migration was impaired in HO-1–deficient cells. Aortic rings from HO-1−/− mice were unable to form capillary sprouts in response to SDF-1, a defect reversed by CO, a byproduct of the HO-1 reaction. Phosphorylation of vasodilator-stimulated phosphoprotein was impaired in HO-1−/− cells, an event that was restored by CO. The functional significance of HO-1 in the proangiogenic effects of SDF-1 was confirmed in Matrigel plug, wound healing, and retinal ischemia models in vivo. The absence of HO-1 was associated with impaired wound healing. Intravitreal adoptive transfer of HO-1–deficient endothelial precursors showed defective homing and reendothelialization of the retinal vasculature compared with HO-1 wild-type cells following ischemia. These findings demonstrate a mechanistic role for HO-1 in SDF-1–mediated angiogenesis and provide new avenues for therapeutic approaches in vascular repair.

Nuclear symmetry energy and neutron skins derived from pygmy dipole resonances

Abstract: By exploiting Coulomb dissociation of high-energy radioactive beams of the neutron-rich nuclei $^{129\ensuremath{-}132}\mathrm{Sn}$ and $^{133,134}\mathrm{Sb}$, their dipole-strength distributions have been measured. A sizable fraction of ``pygmy'' dipole strength, energetically located below the giant dipole resonance, is observed in all of these nuclei. A comparison with available pygmy resonance data in stable nuclei ($^{208}\mathrm{Pb}$ and $N=82$ isotones) indicates a trend of strength increasing with the proton-to-neutron asymmetry. On theoretical grounds, employing the RQRPA approach, a one-to-one correlation is found between the pygmy strength and parameters describing the density dependence of the nuclear symmetry energy, and in turn with the thicknesses of the neutron skins. On this basis, by using the experimental pygmy strength, parameters of the nuclear symmetry energy (${a}_{4}=32.0\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}1.8$ MeV and ${p}_{o}=2.3\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.8$ MeV/fm${}^{3}$) are deduced as well as neutron-skin thicknesses ${R}_{n}\ensuremath{-}{R}_{p}$ of $0.24\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.04$ fm for $^{132}\mathrm{Sn}$ and of $0.18\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.035$ fm for $^{208}\mathrm{Pb}$, both doubly magic nuclei. Astrophysical implications with regard to neutron stars are briefly addressed.

New constraints on the mid-IR EBL from the HESS discovery of VHE gamma-rays from 1ES 0229+200

Abstract: Aims:To investigate the very high energy (VHE: >100 GeV) γ-ray emission from the high-frequency peaked BL Lac 1ES 0229+200. Methods: Observations of 1ES 0229+200 at energies above 580 GeV were performed with the High Energy Stereoscopic System (HESS) in 2005 and 2006. Results: 1ES 0229+200 is discovered by HESS to be an emitter of VHE photons. A signal is detected at the 6.6σ level in the HESS observations (41.8 h live time). The integral flux above 580 GeV is (9.4±1.5_stat±1.9_syst) × 10-13 cm-2 s-1, corresponding to ~1.8% of the flux observed from the Crab Nebula. The data show no evidence for significant variability on any time scale. The observed spectrum is characterized by a hard power law (Γ = 2.50±0.19_stat±0.10_syst) from 500 GeV to ~15 TeV. Conclusions: The high-energy range and hardness of the observed spectrum, coupled with the object's relatively large redshift (z = 0.1396), enable the strongest constraints so far on the density of the Extragalactic Background Light (EBL) in the mid-infrared band. Assuming that the emitted spectrum is not harder than Γ_int ≈ 1.5, the HESS data support an EBL spectrum ∝λ-1 and density close to the lower limit from source counts measured by Spitzer, confirming the previous indications from the HEGRA data of 1ES 1426+428 (z=0.129). Irrespective of the EBL models used, the intrinsic spectrum of 1ES 0229+200 is hard, thus locating the high-energy peak of its spectral energy distribution above a few TeV.

Risk Criteria and Prognostic Factors for Predicting Recurrences After Resection of Primary Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor

Abstract: Background The introduction of adjuvant imatinib in gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) raised debate over the accuracy of National Institutes of Health risk criteria and the significance of other prognostic factors in GIST

A giant planet orbiting the ‘extreme horizontal branch’ star V 391 Pegasi

Abstract: After the initial discoveries fifteen years ago, over 200 extrasolar planets have now been detected. Most of them orbit main-sequence stars similar to our Sun, although a few planets orbiting red giant stars have been recently found. When the hydrogen in their cores runs out, main-sequence stars undergo an expansion into red-giant stars. This expansion can modify the orbits of planets and can easily reach and engulf the inner planets. The same will happen to the planets of our Solar System in about five billion years and the fate of the Earth is matter of debate. Here we report the discovery of a planetary-mass body (Msini = 3.2M_(Jupiter)) orbiting the star V 391 Pegasi at a distance of about 1.7 astronomical units (au), with a period of 3.2 years. This star is on the extreme horizontal branch of the Hertzsprung–Russell diagram, burning helium in its core and pulsating. The maximum radius of the red-giant precursor of V 391 Pegasi may have reached 0.7 au, while the orbital distance of the planet during the stellar main-sequence phase is estimated to be about 1 au. This detection of a planet orbiting a post-red-giant star demonstrates that planets with orbital distances of less than 2 au can survive the red-giant expansion of their parent stars.

Visible light inactivation of bacteria and fungi by modified titanium dioxide.

Abstract: Visible light induced photocatalytic inactivation of bacteria (Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis) and fungi (Candida albicans, Aspergillus niger) was tested. Carbon-doped titanium dioxide and TiO2 modified with platinum(IV) chloride complexes were used as suspension or immobilised at the surface of plastic plates. A biocidal effect was observed under visible light irradiation in the case of E. coli in the presence of both photocatalysts. The platinum(IV) modified titania exhibited a higher inactivation effect, also in the absence of light. The mechanism of visible light induced photoinactivation is briefly discussed. The observed detrimental effect of photocatalysts on various microorganism groups decreases in the order: E. coli > S. aureus ≈ E. faecalis ≫ C. albicans ≈ A. niger. This sequence results most probably from differences in cell wall or cell membrane structures in these microorganisms and is not related to the ability of catalase production.

On regularization of plurisubharmonic functions on manifolds

Abstract: We study the question of when a γ-plurisubharmonic function on a complex manifold, where γ is a fixed (1, 1)-form, can be approximated by a decreasing sequence of smooth 7-plurisubharmonic functions. We show in particular that it is always possible in the compact Kahler case.

A new method for assessing 24-h blood pressure variability after excluding the contribution of nocturnal blood pressure fall

Abstract: ObjectivesTo assess quantitatively the relationship between nocturnal blood pressure (BP) fall and 24-h BP variability; to propose a new method for computing 24-h BP variability, devoid of the contribution from nocturnal BP fall; and to verify the clinical value of this method.Methods and resultsWe

Badenian evolution of the Central Paratethys Sea: paleogeography, climate and eustatic sea level changes

Abstract: The Miocene Central Paratethys Sea covered wide areas of the Pannonian Basin System, bordered by the mountain chains of the Alps, Carpathians and Dinarides. The epicontinental sea spread not only in the back-arc basin area, but flooded even the Alpine-Carpathian Foredeep, situated along the front of gradually uplifting mountains. The Early Badenian (early Langhian) transgressions from the Mediterranean toward the Central Paratethys realm, via Slovenia and northern Croatia (Transtethyan Trench Corridor or Trans Dinaride Corridor) flooded the Pannonian Basin and continued along straits in the Carpathian Chain into the Carpathian Foredeep. The isolation of eastern parts of the Central Paratethys at the end of this period (late Langhian) resulted in the "Middle Badenian" salinity crisis. Thick evaporite sediments, above all halite and gypsum were deposited in the Transcarpathian Basin, Transylvanian Basin and Carpathian Foredeep. During the Late Badenian (early Serravallian), the latest full marine flooding covered the whole back-arc basin and a great part of the foredeep. The main problem is to create a model of sea connections during that time, because some authors consider the western Transtethyan Trench Corridor (Trans Dinaride Corridor) closed and there is no evidence to prove a supposed strait towards the Eastern Mediterranean. A proposed possibility is a connection towards the Konkian Sea of the Eastern Paratethys. The Badenian climate of the Central Paratethys realm can be characterized as fairly uniform, reflecting the stable subtropical conditions of the Miocene Climatic Optimum. No considerable changes in terrestrial ecosystems were documented. Nevertheless, evolution of steep landscape associated with rapid uplift of the East Alpine and Western Carpathian mountain chains (including high stratovolcanoes) caused development of vertical zonation of dry land and consequently close occurrence of different vegetation zones in a relatively small distance during this time. In the Central Paratethys Sea a slight N-S climatic gradient seems to be expressed already from the Early Badenian, but a biogeographic differentiation between basins in the North and South starts to become more prominent first during the Late Badenian, when a moderate cooling of the seawater can also be documented. The Late Badenian sea-level highstand coincides with the appearance of stress factors such as stratification of the water column and hypoxic conditions at the basin bottom in the whole area. Taking into account all bioevents and changes of paleogeography in the Central Paratethys realm, we can very roughly correlate the Early (and "Middle") Badenian with the eustatic sea-level changes of TB 2.3, TB 2.4 or Bur5/Lan1, Lan2/Ser1 and the Late Badenian with TB 2.5 or Ser2 cycles (sensu Haq et al. 1988; Hardenbol et al. 1998). Generally, we can assign the Early Badenian transgressions to be controlled by both, tectonics (induced mainly by back-arc basin REVIEW

Aharonov-Bohm effect and broken valley degeneracy in graphene rings

Abstract: We analyze theoretically the electronic properties of Aharonov-Bohm rings made of graphene. We show that the combined effect of the ring confinement and applied magnetic flux offers a controllable way to lift the orbital degeneracy originating from the two valleys, even in the absence of intervalley scattering. The phenomenon has observable consequences on the persistent current circulating around the closed graphene ring, as well as on the ring conductance. We explicitly confirm this prediction analytically for a circular ring with a smooth boundary modeled by a space-dependent mass term in the Dirac equation. This model describes rings with zero or weak intervalley scattering so that the valley isospin is a good quantum number. The tunable breaking of the valley degeneracy by the flux allows for the controlled manipulation of valley isospins. We compare our analytical model to another type of ring with strong intervalley scattering. For the latter case, we study a ring of hexagonal form with lattice-terminated zigzag edges numerically. We find for the hexagonal ring that the orbital degeneracy can still be controlled via the flux, similar to the ring with the mass confinement.

Superluminal Radio Features in the M87 Jet and the Site of Flaring TeV Gamma-Ray Emission

Abstract: Superluminal motion is a common feature of radio jets in powerful γ-ray-emitting active galactic nuclei. Conventionally, the variable emission is assumed to originate near the central supermassive black hole where the jet is launched on parsec scales or smaller. Here we report the discovery of superluminal radio features within a distinct flaring X-ray-emitting region in the jet of the nearby radio galaxy M87 with the Very Long Baseline Array. This shows that these two phenomenological hallmarks—superluminal motion and high-energy variability—are associated, and we place this activity much farther (≥120 pc) from the "central engine" in M87 than previously thought in relativistic jet sources. We argue that the recent excess very high energy TeV emission from M87 reported by the H.E.S.S. experiment originates from this variable superluminal structure, thus providing crucial insight into the production region of γ-ray emission in more distant blazars.

Good practice in the management of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis : clinical guidelines. An evidence-based review with good practice points. EALSC Working Group.

Abstract: Good practice in the management of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis : clinical guidelines. An evidence-based review with good practice points. EALSC Working Group.