A flexible apparatus for attosecond photoelectron spectroscopy of solids and surfaces

We describe an apparatus for attosecond photoelectron spectroscopy of solids and surfaces, which combines the generation of isolated attosecond extreme-ultraviolet (XUV) laser pulses by high harmonic generation in gases with time-resolved photoelectron detection and surface science techniques in an ultrahigh vacuum environment. This versatile setup provides isolated attosecond pulses with photon energies of up to 140 eV and few-cycle near infrared pulses for studying ultrafast electron dynamics in a large variety of surfaces and interfaces. The samples can be prepared and characterized on an atomic scale in a dedicated flexible surface science end station. The extensive possibilities offered by this apparatus are demonstrated by applying attosecond XUV pulses with a central photon energy of ～125 eV in an attosecond streaking experiment of a xenon multilayer grown on a Re(0001) substrate.     

Culture supernatant of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli strains provoke fluid accumulation in rabbit ileal loops

In the present study, in order to get a better insight into the mechanism of action of cyclophosphamide (CY) in rheumatoid arthritis (RA), we monitored the changes in lymphocytes' expression of leukocyte function associated antigen 1 (LFA-1). A group of 28 patients with refractory severe RA were treated with CY and methylprednisolone (MO) intravenously. Using flow cytometry we evaluated the changes in LFA-1 molecule expression on peripheral lymphocytes. In the analyzed group of patients the proportion of LFA-1 "dim" cells was reduced. After the treatment the ratio was partly normalized. Twelve months after cessation of the therapy high proportion of LFA-1 "dim" was observed only among CY/MP treated patients. The changes were related to clinical improvement. Based on the obtained data, it seems, that the treatment affecting the expression of LFA-1 may slow down lymphocyte migration and by that limit chronic inflammation within the synovium.     

Fluconazole sensitivities of Candida species isolated from the mouths of terminally ill cancer patients

BACKGROUND: It has been suggested that tumors respond differently after irradiation with 10 or more fractions than with less fractionated regimens and that extrapolation from experiments with only a few fractions to "curative" regimens may be invalid. To test this hypothesis, we compared hypofractionated-accelerated treatments with "curative" fractionation schedules in human squamous cell carcinoma in nude mice. MATERIAL AND METHODS: FaDu tumors were transplanted subcutaneously into the hindleg of NMRI nu/nu mice. TCD50 values, i.e., the dose necessary to control 50% of the tumors locally, were determined after irradiation under ambient blood flow conditions with 5 and 10 fractions in 5 days, 10 fractions in 10 days, and 30 fractions in 15 days, 6 weeks or 10 weeks. RESULTS: TCD50 values of the hypofractionated regimens were not significantly different and varied from 41 to 46 Gy. The number of fractions given in the same overall time had no measurable effect on local tumor control. The TCD50 after 30 fractions in 6 weeks was 30 Gy higher than after the hypofractionated regimens. This effect was caused by a substantial increase of TCD50 with overall treatment time, the dose recovered per day was 0.82 Gy (95% CI 0.66; 0.96). alpha/beta eff determined from all data was 58 Gy (13; infinite). CONCLUSIONS: The results of the present study compare well with our previous findings after different "curative" fractionation schedules in the same tumor. Thus, our study does not support that tumors respond differently after application of 10 or more fractions compared to less fractionated regimens. The biological mechanisms that govern the radiation response of FaDu tumors appear to be the same for hypofractionated-accelerated and "curative" regimens. Since only one tumor was investigated, these results cannot be generalized at the present time.     

A 77-GHz FM/CW radar front-end with a low-profile low-loss printedantenna

Design and results of a 77-GHz frequency-modulation/continuous-wave radar sensor based on a simple waveguide circuitry and a novel type of printed, low-profile, and low-loss antenna are presented. A Gunn voltage-controlled oscillator and a finline mixer act as transmitter and receiver, respectively, connected by two E-plane couplers. The folded reflector-type antenna consists of a printed slot array and another planar substrate, which, at the same time, provides twisting of the polarization and focusing of the incident wave. The performance of the radar is described, together with the initial results of a scanning of the antenna beam     

ICRU 95号报告:外照射实用量及其对剂量学的影响（英文）

国际放射防护委员会(ICRP)提出了“防护量”这一概念。最常用的防护量,即有效剂量E,用于设定照射限值,并在实用辐射防护中使用,以实现最优化原则。然而,有效剂量不是一个可测量的量,基于此国际辐射单位与测量委员会(ICRU)为外照射的剂量测定提出了一个可测量的量,即实用量,用于估计有效剂量。目前使用的实用量定义于20世纪80年代,当时核工业是职业辐射防护的主要关注点。当前,在其他辐射领域,特别是高能辐射,实用量的不足之处变得很明显：可能高估或低估有效剂量。因此,ICRU和ICRP在全面研究的基础上,为外照射的剂量测定提出了新的实用量,以克服上述缺点。实用量的新定义与防护量(包括有效剂量)的定义更具相关性,特别是使用了相同的仿真体模。当前提出的实用量通过缩小防护量与实用量之间的定义差异简化了辐射防护量体系,并从整体上改进了对有效剂量的估计。本文讨论了提出的新实用量对实际剂量测定的影响。