Multi-strange baryon production in pp collisions at root s=7 TeV with ALICE

A measurement of the multi-strange Xi(-) and Omega(-) baryons and their antiparticles by the ALICE experiment at the CERN Large Hadron Collider (LHC) is presented for inelastic proton-proton collisions at a centre-of-mass energy of 7 TeV. The transverse momentum (p(T)) distributions were studied at mid-rapidity (vertical bar y vertical bar < 0.5) in the range of 0.6 < p(T) < 8.5 GeV/c Xi(-) for and Xi(+) baryons, and in the range of 0.8 < P-T < 5 GeV/c for Omega(-) and&lt;(Omega)over bar>(+). Baryons and antibaryons were measured as separate particles and we find that the baryon to antibaryon ratio of both particle species is consistent with unity over the entire range of the measurement. The statistical precision of the current data has allowed us to measure a difference between the mean p(T) of Xi(-) ((Xi) over bar)(+) and Omega(-) ((Omega) over bar (+)). Particle yields, mean pi, and the spectra in the intermediate pi range are not well described by the PYTHIA Perugia 2011 tune Monte Carlo event generator, which has been tuned to reproduce the early LHC data. The discrepancy is largest for Omega(-)((Omega) over bar (+)). This PYTHIA tune approaches the pi spectra of Xi(-) and Xi(+) baryons below p(T) <0.85 GeV/c and describes the Xi(-) and Xi(+) spectra above p(T) > 6.0 GeV/c. We also illustrate the difference between the experimental data and model by comparing the corresponding ratios of (Omega(-) +(Omega) over bar (+))/(Xi(-) + Xi(+)) as a function of transverse mass. (C) 2012 CERN. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Measurement of the proton-air cross section at root s=57 TeV with the Pierre Auger Observatory

We report a measurement of the proton-air cross section for particle production at the center-of-mass energy per nucleon of 57 TeV. This is derived from the distribution of the depths of shower maxima observed with the Pierre Auger Observatory: systematic uncertainties are studied in detail. Analyzing the tail of the distribution of the shower maxima, a proton-air cross section of [505 +/- 22(stat)(-36)(+28)(syst)] mb is found.

J/psi production as a function of charged particle multiplicity in pp collisions at root s=7 TeV

The ALICE Collaboration reports the measurement of the relative J/psi yield as a function of charged particle pseudorapidity density dN(ch)/d eta in pp collisions at root s = 7 TeV at the LHC. J/psi particles are detected for p(t) > 0, in the rapidity interval vertical bar y vertical bar < 0.9 via decay into e(+)e(-), and in the interval 2.5 < y < 4.0 via decay into mu(+)/mu(-) pairs. An approximately linear increase of the J/psi yields normalized to their event average (dN(J/psi)/dy)/(dN(J/psi)/dy) with (dN(ch)/c eta)/(dN(ch)/d eta) is observed in both rapidity ranges, where dN(ch)/d eta is measured within vertical bar eta vertical bar < 1 and p(t) > 0. In the highest multiplicity interval with (dN(ch)/d eta)(bin)) = 24.1, corresponding to four times the minimum bias multiplicity density, an enhancement relative to the minimum bias J/psi yield by a factor of about 5 at 2.5 < y <4 (8 at vertical bar y vertical bar < 0.9) is observed. (C) 2012 CERN. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Light vector meson production in pp collisions at root s=7 TeV ALICE Collaboration

The ALICE experiment has measured low-mass dimuon production in pp collisions at root s = 7 TeV in the dimuon rapidity region 2.5 < y < 4. The observed dimuon mass spectrum is described as a superposition of resonance decays (eta, rho, omega, eta', phi) into muons and semi-leptonic decays of charmed mesons. The measured production cross sections for omega and phi are sigma(omega)(1 < p(t) < 5 GeV/c. 2.5 < y < 4) = 5.28 +/- 0.54(stat) +/- 0.49(syst) mb and sigma(phi)(1 < p(t) < 5 GeV/c. 2.5 < y < 4) = 0.940 +/- 0.084(stat) +/- 0.076(syst) mb. The differential cross sections d(2)sigma/dy dp(t) are extracted as a function of p(t) for omega and phi. The ratio between the rho and omega cross section is obtained. Results for the phi are compared with other measurements at the same energy and with predictions by models. (C) 2012 CERN. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Mutation Spectrum in the Large GTPase Dynamin 2, and Genotype-Phenotype Correlation in Autosomal Dominant Centronuclear Myopathy

Centronuclear myopathy (CNM) is a genetically heterogeneous disorder associated with general skeletal muscle weakness, type I fiber predominance and atrophy, and abnormally centralized nuclei. Autosomal dominant CNM is due to mutations in the large GTPase dynamin 2 (DNM2), a mechanochemical enzyme regulating cytoskeleton and membrane trafficking in cells. To date, 40 families with CNM-related DNM2 mutations have been described, and here we report 60 additional families encompassing a broad genotypic and phenotypic spectrum. In total, 18 different mutations are reported in 100 families and our cohort harbors nine known and four new mutations, including the first splice-site mutation. Genotype-phenotype correlation hypotheses are drawn from the published and new data, and allow an efficient screening strategy for molecular diagnosis. In addition to CNM, dissimilar DNM2 mutations are associated with Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) peripheral neuropathy (CMTD1B and CMT2M), suggesting a tissue-specific impact of the mutations. In this study, we discuss the possible clinical overlap of CNM and CMT, and the biological significance of the respective mutations based on the known functions of dynamin 2 and its protein structure. Defects in membrane trafficking due to DNM2 mutations potentially represent a common pathological mechanism in CNM and CMT. Hum Mutat 33: 949-959, 2012. (C) 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Design of multifunctional magnetic nanomaterials for biomedical applications

Diese Arbeit ist ein Beitrag zu den schnell wachsenden Forschungsgebieten der Nano-Biotechnologie und Nanomedizin. Sie behandelt die spezifische Gestaltung magnetischer Nanomaterialien für verschiedene biomedizinische Anwendungsgebiete, wie beispielsweise Kontrastmittel für die magnetische Resonanztomographie (MRT) oder "theragnostische" Agenzien für simultane optische/MR Detektion und Behandlung mittels photodynamischer Therapie (PDT).rnEine Vielzahl magnetischer Nanopartikel (NP) mit unterschiedlichsten magnetischen Eigenschaften wurden im Rahmen dieser Arbeit synthetisiert und erschöpfend charakterisiert. Darüber hinaus wurde eine ganze Reihe von Oberflächenmodifizierungsstrategien entwickelt, um sowohl die kolloidale als auch die chemische Stabilität der Partikel zu verbessern, und dadurch den hohen Anforderungen der in vitro und in vivo Applikation gerecht zu werden. Diese Strategien beinhalteten nicht nur die Verwendung bi-funktionaler und multifunktioneller Polymerliganden, sondern auch die Kondensation geeigneter Silanverbindungen, um eine robuste, chemisch inerte und hydrophile Siliziumdioxid- (SiO2) Schale um die magnetischen NP auszubilden.rnGenauer gesagt, der Bildungsmechanismus und die magnetischen Eigenschaften monodisperser MnO NPs wurden ausgiebig untersucht. Aufgrund ihres einzigartigen magnetischen Verhaltens eignen sich diese NPs besonders als (positive) Kontrastmittel zur Verkürzung der longitudinalen Relaxationszeit T1, was zu einer Aufhellung im entsprechenden MRT-Bild führt. Tatsächlich wurde dieses kontrastverbessernde Potential in mehreren Studien mit unterschiedlichen Oberflächenliganden bestätigt. Au@MnO „Nanoblumen“, auf der anderen Seite, sind Vertreter einer weiteren Klasse von Nanomaterialien, die in den vergangenen Jahren erhebliches Interesse in der wissenschaftlichen Welt geweckt hat und oft „Nano-hetero-Materialien“ genannt wird. Solche Nano-hetero-partikel vereinen die individuellen physikalischen und chemischen Eigenschaften der jeweiligen Komponenten in einem nanopartikulärem System und erhöhen dadurch die Vielseitigkeit der möglichen Anwendungen. Sowohl die magnetischen Merkmale von MnO, als auch die optischen Eigenschaften von Au bieten die Möglichkeit, diese „Nanoblumen“ für die kombinierte MRT und optische Bildgebung zu verwenden. Darüber hinaus erlaubt das Vorliegen zweier chemisch unterschiedlicher Oberflächen die gleichzeitige selektive Anbindung von Katecholliganden (auf MnO) und Thiolliganden (auf Au). Außerdem wurde das therapeutische Potential von magnetischen NPs anhand von MnO NPs demonstriert, die mit dem Photosensibilisator Protoporhyrin IX (PP) funktionalisiert waren. Bei Bestrahlung mit sichtbarem Licht initiiert PP die Produktion von zytotoxisch-reaktivem Sauerstoff. Wir zeigen, dass Nierenkrebszellen, die mit PP-funktionalisierten MnO NPs inkubiert wurden nach Bestrahlung mit Laserlicht verenden, während sie ohne Bestrahlung unverändert bleiben. In einem ähnlichen Experiment untersuchten wir die Eigenschaften von SiO2 beschichteten MnO NPs. Dafür wurde eigens eine neuartige SiO2-Beschichtungsmethode entwickelt, die einer nachfolgende weitere Anbindung verschiedenster Liganden und die Einlagerung von Fluoreszenzfarbstoffen durch herkömmliche Silan- Sol-Gel Chemie erlaubt. Die Partikel zeigten eine ausgezeichnete Stabilität in einer ganzen Reihe wässriger Lösungen, darunter auch physiologische Kochsalzlösung, Pufferlösungen und humanes Blutserum, und waren weniger anfällig gegenüber Mn-Ionenauswaschung als einfache PEGylierte MnO NPs. Des Weiteren konnte bewiesen werden, dass die dünne SiO2 Schicht nur einen geringen Einfluss auf das magnetische Verhalten der NPs hatte, so dass sie weiterhin als T1-Kontrastmittel verwendet werden können. Schließlich konnten zusätzlich FePt@MnO NPs hergestellt werden, welche die individuellen magnetischen Merkmale eines ferromagnetischen (FePt) und eines antiferromagnetischen (MnO) Materials vereinen. Wir zeigen, dass wir die jeweiligen Partikelgrößen, und damit das resultierende magnetische Verhalten, durch Veränderung der experimentellen Parameter variieren können. Die magnetische Wechselwirkung zwischen beiden Materialien kann dabei auf Spinkommunikation an der Grenzfläche zwischen beiden NP-Sorten zurückgeführt werden.rn

Bone images from dual-energy subtraction chest radiography in the detection of rib fractures

To assess the sensitivity and image quality of chest radiography (CXR) with or without dual-energy subtracted (ES) bone images in the detection of rib fractures.

Detection of chest trauma with whole-body low-dose linear slit digital radiography: a multireader study

The objective of our study was to compare the performance of low-dose linear slit digital radiography (DR) with computed radiography (CR) for the detection of trauma sequelae in the chest including rib fractures, pneumothorax, and lung contusion.

Minimally invasive post-mortem CT-angiography in a case involving a gunshot wound

Non-contrast post-mortem computed tomography (pm-CT) is useful in the evaluation of bony pathologies, whereas minimally invasive pm-CT-angiography allows for the detection of subtle vascular lesions. We present a case of an accidentally self-inflicted fatal bullet wound to the chest where pm-CT-angiography revealed a small laceration of the anterior interventricular branch of the left coronary artery and a tiny disruption of the right ventricle with pericardial and pleural effusion. Subsequent autopsy confirmed our radiological findings. Post-mortem CT-angiography has a great potential for the detection of vascular lesions and can be considered equivalent to autopsy for selected cases in forensic medicine.

Virtopsy: CT and MR imaging of a fatal head injury caused by a hatchet: A case report

Hatchet blows to the human skull often cause fatal injuries. We present a case of homicide by hatchet blow that underwent CT, MRI, and autopsy examination. Skull fragmentation, fracture lines, and brain injuries were demonstrated prior to autopsy. Many of the hatchet-specific characteristics (flaking, crushing, shattering, and fracture lines) described in literature were observed in the post-mortem imaging of this case.

Fatal lower extremity varicose vein rupture

Varicose vein rupture is a rare cause of death, although varicosities are a common pathology. We present three cases of sudden death due to varicose vein rupture. After a review of the literature, the case circumstances and the findings of imaging examination, performed in two cases, are presented. One of them had undergone a post-mortem computed tomography angiography (PMCTA), and one a PMCTA as well as a post-mortem magnetic resonance (PMMR) imaging prior to conventional autopsy. One of the cases presented herein is, to our knowledge, the youngest known fatality due to varicose vein rupture.

Incidental findings in post-mortem CT: Calcified ligamentum arteriosum

This case report describes the incidental finding of a calcified ligamentum arteriosum during post-mortem CT examination. The calcification of the ligament was confirmed at autopsy. Subsequent histological examination revealed the presence of cartilage-like and bone-like tissue as well as extended calcification areas. The importance of not confusing this normal post-mortem CT finding with vessel pathology is being emphasized.

Suicidal knife wound to the heart: challenges in reconstructing wound channels with post mortem CT and CT-angiography

We present a case of an individual who stabbed himself through the heart with a large knife. Post mortem computed tomography (CT) and CT-angiography were used to assess the stab channel and to reconstruct the sequence of events. After penetrating injuries to the chest, both the intra-thoracic organs and the injury causing instrument may shift (e.g. from pnemothorax) and render forensic reconstructions more challenging. This case report illustrates the potentials and the pitfalls of CT for the reconstruction of penetrating injures to the chest.

A new approach in virtopsy: Postmortem ventilation in multislice computed tomography

Although postmortem imaging has gained prominence in the field of forensic medicine, evaluation of the postmortem lung remains problematic. Specifically, differentiation of normal postmortem changes and pathological pulmonary changes is challenging and at times impossible. In this study, five corpses were ventilated using a mechanical ventilator with a pressure of 40 mbar (40.8 cm H(2)O). The ventilation was performed via an endotracheal tube, a larynx mask or a continuous positive airway pressure mask. Postmortem computed tomographic images of the lungs before and with a ventilation of 40 mbar (40.8 cm H(2)O) were evaluated and the lung volumes were measured with segmentation software. Postmortem ventilation led to a clearly visible decrease of both the density in the dependant parts of the lungs and ground glass attenuation, whereas consolidated areas remained unchanged. Furthermore, a mean increase in the lung volume of 2.10 l was seen. Pathological changes such as septal thickening or pulmonary nodules in the lung parenchyma became more detectable with postmortem ventilation. Intracorporal postmortem mechanical ventilation of the lungs appears to be an effective method for enhancing detection of small pathologies of the lung parenchyma as well as for discriminating between consolidation, ground glass attenuation and position-dependent density.