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We show that in spatially resolved reflectance anisotropy (RA) spectrometers, off-axis optical rays introduce a spurious signal component that cannot be addressed by optical alignment. Such a component is associated with the difference between the reflectivities s and p of the sample and depends, in a complex manner, on the incidence position of the incident light on the surface of the sample. We report a data-reduction procedure to easily identify and remove spurious RA signals associated with the off-axis optical rays, based on the singular value decomposition analysis of spatially resolved RA spectra. We validated this approach by developing a spatially resolved RA spectrometer based on an 8 × 8 multi-anode photomultiplier (PMT). The PMT allowed the use of phase-sensitive detection techniques to enhance the signal-to-noise ratio, which is essential for the evaluation of the proposed data reduction procedure.

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In this article, the use of a square Hartmann screen test to measure the radius of curvature of a corneal topography calibration test sphere is presented. The proposed technique is based on the image formation principle by specular reflection on convex reflective surfaces. Applying an inverse Hartmann test, a de-magnified virtual image (Hartmanngram) is obtained; considering their own scaled reference screen plate, a zonal wavefront retrieval approach is used and the radius of curvature obtained. Experimental setup along the obtained results is presented. A simulated spherical wavefront is used as a method to evaluate the error in the wavefront reconstruction. Since the measurements of radius of curvature fits in to ISO 10343, through suitable modifications the proposed method is potentially applicable in small F/# convex specular surfaces, as is the case in keratometry and corneal topography measurements.

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Reflectance anisotropy spectroscopy (RAS) is a highly sensitive optical probe for the real-time study of the epitaxial growth of zincblende semiconductors. Here we report on (1) non-equilibrium RAS spectra acquired in real time during the homoepitaxial growth of GaAs, and (2) RAS spectra for GaAs surfaces under equilibrium with several arsenic overpressures. We show that in both cases RAS spectra can be decomposed into two basic components, each with a characteristic line shape. We further show that both dynamic and equilibrium RAS spectra are described by the same pair of basic components. We conclude that the time evolution of non-equilibrium RAS spectra acquired during the epitaxial growth can be described in terms of RAS spectra for equilibrium surfaces. The results reported here should be useful for the interpretation of the physics underlying the rapid time evolution of dynamic RAS spectra during the first monolayer growth. Thus, we show that RAS constitutes a valuable tool for the study of epitaxial growth mechanisms.

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We demonstrate, theoretically and experimentally, the generation of hexapartite modal entanglement by the optical parametric oscillator (OPO) operating above the oscillation threshold. We show that the OPO generates a rich structure of entanglement among sets of six optical sideband modes interacting through the nonlinear crystal. The class of quantum states thus produced can be controlled by a single parameter, the power of the external laser that pumps the system. Our platform allows for the generation of massive entanglement among many optical modes with well defined but vastly different frequencies, potentially bridging nodes of a multicolor quantum network.

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Superradiance in an ensemble of atoms leads to the collective enhancement of radiation in a particular mode shared by the atoms in their spontaneous decay from an excited state. The quantum aspects of this phenomenon are highlighted when such collective enhancement is observed in the emission of a single quantum of light. Here we report a further step in exploring experimentally the nonclassical features of superradiance by implementing the process not only with single excitations, but also in a two-excitation state. Particularly, we measure and theoretically model the wave packets corresponding to superradiance in both the single-photon and two-photon regimes. Such progress opens the way to the study and future control of the interaction of nonclassical light modes with collective quantum memories at higher photon numbers.

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Photoreflectance-difference (PR/PRD) and reflectance-difference (RD) spectroscopies employ synchronic detection usually with lock-in amplifiers operating at moderate (200-1000 Hz) and high (50-100 KHz) modulation frequencies, respectively. Here, we report a measurement system for these spectroscopies based on a multichannel CCD spectrometer without a lock-in amplifier. In the proposed scheme, a typical PRD or RD spectrum consists of numerical subtractions between a thousand CCD captures recorded, while a photoelastic modulator is either operating or inhibited. This is advantageous and fits the slow response of CCD detectors to high modulation frequencies. The resulting spectra are processed with Savitzky-Golay filtering and compared well with those measured with conventional scanning systems based on lock-in amplifiers.

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The need for upkeep and management of medical technology has fostered the creation of a large number of under graduate programs in the field of biomedical Engineering. In Latin America alone, there are over 85 programs dedicated to this. This contrasts with programs in other regions where most of the undergraduates continue on to pursue graduate degrees or work as research and development engineers in the biomedical industry. In this work we analyze the situation regarding curricular design in the 48 BME programs in Mexico and compare this to suggestions and classifications of programs according to needs and possibilities. We then focus on a particular institution, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana and due to its characteristics and performance we propose that it should redefine its aims from the undergraduate program on, in order to not only generate research but also to provide a nurturing environment for a budding biomedical industry in Mexico.

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In this article, we present a new technique to measure spherical and cylindrical power in ophthalmic lenses. This method is based in the change of lateral amplification produced by an optical system when introducing an ophthalmic lens. Ophthalmic lens power is calculated by considering the change in image size from a reference object and its own image seen through the ophthalmic lens. Mathematical analysis is presented along with the experimental setup and the obtained results. Several algorithms were applied to the obtained results as a method to compensate the error in order to fit into ISO 8598 specifications.

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Recently, there have been many efforts to develop Brain Computer Interface (BCI) systems, allowing identifying and discriminating brain activity, as well as, support the control of external devices, and to understand cognitive behaviors. In this work, a feature relevance analysis approach based on an eigen decomposition method is proposed to support automatic Motor Imagery (MI) discrimination in electroencephalography signals for BCI systems. We select a set of features representing the best as possible the studied process. For such purpose, a variability study is performed based on traditional Principal Component Analysis. EEG signals modelling is carried out by feature estimation of three frequency-based and one time-based. Our approach provides testing over a well-known MI dataset. Attained results show that presented algorithm can be used as tool to support discrimination of MI brain activity, obtaining acceptable results in comparison to state of the art approaches.

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We report on a rapid, 32-channel reflectance-difference (RD) spectrometer with sub-second spectra acquisition times and ΔR/R sensitivity in the upper 10(-4) range. The spectrometer is based on a 50 kHz photo-elastic modulator for light polarization modulation and on a lock-in amplifier for signal harmonic analysis. Multichannel operation is allowed by multiplexing the 32 outputs of the spectrometer into the input of the lock-in amplifier. The spectrometer spans a wavelength range of 230 nm that can be tuned to cover E(1) and E(1) + Δ(1) transitions for a number of III-V semiconductors at epitaxial growth temperatures, including GaAs, InAs, AlAs, and their alloys. We present two examples of real-time measurements to demonstrate the performance of the RD spectrometer, namely, the evolution of the RD spectrum of GaAs (001) annealed at 500 °C and the time-dependent RD spectrum during the first stages of the epitaxial growth of In(0.3)Ga(0.7)As on GaAs (001) substrates.

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Introducing invasive species in new environments through ballast water is a specific problem of contamination and has recently become one of the main concerns of Maritime Organizations. Ultraviolet-C radiation (UV-C) is a technological alternative to prevent this maritime pollution. This study addresses the effect of UV-C on different phytoplankton cultures and also the ability to recover following exposure to damage. A UV-C low-pressure lamp irradiates the cultures. The distance from the source and the thickness of the layer prevent part of the energy from reaching the culture and the disinfective process is diminished. Some cultures such as Chlorella autotrophica and Chaetoceros calcitrans can easily recover from UV-C damage. However, Phaeocystis globosa does not have this ability. C. calcitrans forms cysts and exhibits two different behaviours depending on the dose applied.

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Introducción: Entre un 5 a un 16% de los pacientes resecados por cáncer colorrectal presentarán compromiso de uno o más órganos vecinos. La resección extendida en bloque de estos tumores ofrece mayores probabilidades de supervivencia, aunque con un incremento de la morbilidad. Objetivo: Análisis retrospectivo de los resultados en la cirugia extendida del cáncer colorrectal avanzado. Material y Método: Estudio de 43 pacientes con cirugia extendida con intención curativa por cáncer colorrectal realizadas entre Enero de 1999 a Diciembre de 2007. Según protocolo se incluyeron los pacientes resecados por cáncer colorrectal con compromiso neoplásico de órganos vecinos y se excluyeron los pacientes con metástasis a distancia o adherencias no neoplásicas. Se analizaron morbilidad, supervivencia global y libre de enfermedad utilizando el método de Kaplan Meier. Resultados: Sobre 883 cirugías colorrectales realizadas en dicho periodo, 634 fueron por cáncer. De las mismas, 61 fueron cirugías extendidas, se excluyeron 18 pacientes según protocolo quedando 43 para el estudio. La morbilidad fue del 32,5%, no hubo mortalidad operatoria. 12 pacientes correspondian al estadio IIB y 31 al IlIB. La supervivencia global a 5 años fue del 54,05% y la supervivencia global libre de enfermedad fue del 48,64%. Hubo diferencia significativa en la supervivencia a 5 años por estadio, siendo del 66,6% para el estadio IIB y del 48% para el IIIB. Conclusiones: las resecciones extendidas en carcinomas colorrectales que comprometen órganos vecinos pero sin propagación a distancia, tienen un índice de complicaciones aceptable y una supervivencia que justifican su realización.

Background: Between 5 to 16% of patient undergoing resections for colorectal cancer will submit at least one adjacent organ committed. Although the in bloc resections improves survival rates in colorectal cancer, morbidity may be increased. Objective: A retrospective analysis of extended surgery results for locally advanced colorectal cancer. Patient and Methods: 43 patients undergoing extended resections for colorectal cancer from January 1999 to December 2007 were included. Morbidity, survival rates and disease free survival rate were analyzed, with the Kaplan and Meier method. Results: 883 surgeries were carried out in that period, 634 were for cancer, 61 of thern were extended resections, but were excluded by protocol 18, so we studied 43 patients. The morbidity rate was 32,5 %, there was no operative mortality. 12 patients belong to stage IIB, and 31 to stage IIIB. Five year global survival was 54.05%, and the free disease survival was 48.64%.There were significant difference in the survival rate at five years between stages IIB to IIIB. Conclusions: morbidity and survival rates, justify in bloc resection in patients without distant spread.

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We describe a microreflectance difference (microRD) spectrometer based on a charge coupled device (CCD), in contrast to most common RD spectrometers that are based on a photomultiplier or a photodiode as a light detector. The advantage of our instrument over others is the possibility to isolate the RD spectrum of specific areas of the sample; thus topographic maps of the surface can be obtained. In our setup we have a maximum spatial resolution of approximately 2.50 microm x 2.50 microm and a spectral range from 1.2 to 5.5 eV. To illustrate the performance of the spectrometer, we have measured strains in mechanically polished GaAs (001) single crystals.

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We report photoreflectance-difference and reflectance-difference measurements on reconstructed GaAs (001) surfaces. From these data the linear and quadratic electro-optic coefficient spectra are determined in the important 2.8-3.4 eV spectral region. The surface strain and fields induced by the surface reconstruction are also determined. We show experimentally that between c(4x4) and (2x4) surfaces, there is an inversion of the surface electric field which we attribute to a direct piezo-electric effect related to the surface strain induced by reconstruction.

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Tat activates transcription from the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) long terminal repeat (LTR) by increasing the processivity of RNA polymerase II. Recently, it has been demonstrated that the cellular kinase CDK9 and its binding partner cyclin T1 are involved in regulating transcriptional elongation and tat-activation. Cyclin T1, CDK9 and Tat bind as a complex to elements in TAR RNA that are required for tat-activation. Here, we used cyclin T1 mutants to define domains in this protein that bind to both CDK9 and Tat and are involved in stimulating tat-activation. The region of cyclin T1 extending from amino acid residues 1 to 263 is necessary for complex formation with Tat bound to TAR RNA and for stimulation of tat-activation in murine cells that are normally poorly responsive to the actions of Tat. In contrast, a smaller region of cyclin T1 was required to bind to CDK9 and stimulate its kinase activity. Recombinant cyclin T1 and CDK9 stimulated both basal and tat-induced in vitro transcriptional elongation from the HIV-1 LTR. The effects of Tat on transcriptional elongation may be mediated by its ability to increase CDK9 phosphorylation of the RNA polymerase II C-terminal domain. These results demonstrate that cyclin T1 interactions with Tat and TAR RNA are critical for activation of HIV-1 gene expression.

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Regulation of the IkappaB alpha and IkappaB beta proteins is critical for modulating NF-kappaB-directed gene expression. Both IkappaB alpha and IkappaB beta are substrates for cellular kinases that phosphorylate the amino and carboxy termini of these proteins and regulate their function. In this study, we utilized a biochemical fractionation scheme to purify a kinase activity which phosphorylates residues in the amino and carboxy termini of both IkappaB alpha and IkappaB beta. Peptide microsequence analysis by capillary high-performance liquid chromatography ion trap mass spectroscopy revealed that this kinase was the DNA-dependent protein kinase catalytic subunit (DNA-PKcs). DNA-PK phosphorylates serine residue 36 but not serine residue 32 in the amino terminus of IkappaB alpha and also phosphorylates threonine residue 273 in the carboxy terminus of this protein. To determine the biological relevance of DNA-PK phosphorylation of IkappaB alpha, murine severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) cell lines which lack the DNA-PKcs gene were analyzed. Gel retardation analysis using extract prepared from these cells demonstrated constitutive nuclear NF-kappaB DNA binding activity, which was not detected in extracts prepared from SCID cells complemented with the human DNA-PKcs gene. Furthermore, IkappaB alpha that was phosphorylated by DNA-PK was a more potent inhibitor of NF-kappaB binding than nonphosphorylated IkappaB alpha. These results suggest that DNA-PK phosphorylation of IkappaB alpha increases its interaction with NF-kappaB to reduce NF-kappaB DNA binding properties.

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The Tat protein is a transcriptional activator which is required for efficient human immunodeficiency virus 1 (HIV-1) gene expression Tat stimulates HIV-1 transcriptional elongation by increasing the processivity of RNA polymerase II. To address whether Tat-mediated effects on HIV-1 gene expression are due to modulation in the phosphorylation of the RNA polymerase II C-terminal domain (CTD), we developed a purification protocol to identify cellular kinases that are capable of binding to Tat and hyperphosphorylating the RNA polymerase II CTD. A 600 kDa protein complex with these properties was isolated, and specific components were identified using peptide microsequence analysis. This analysis indicated that proteins comprising the multi-subunit TFIIH complex, in addition to several novel factors, were associated with Tat using both in vitro and in vivo analysis. The Tat-associated kinase bound to the activation domain of Tat, and its ability to hyperphosphorylate RNA polymerase II was markedly stimulated by Tat. Furthermore, the addition of the Tat-associated kinase to in vitro transcription assays stimulated the ability of Tat to activate HIV-1 transcription. These results define a cellular kinase complex whose activity is modulated by Tat to result in activation of HIV-1 trancription.

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We report a patient with intestinal pseudo-obstruction in which both the histopathological findings and the clinical history strongly suggest a visceral myopathy of familial type. Reviewing the clinicopathological descriptions of the different families appearing in the literature, is evident that both the presentation (severity, distribution of lesions, etc) and the inheritance pattern seem not to be clearly delimitated, and it has been recently suggested that it may be related to the mitochondrial myopathies. The useless of conventional biopsy procedures (due to the almost exclusive affectation of the external muscle layer of the intestinal wall); the frequently patchy distribution of the lesions (which might be overlooked in a routine histological handling of a resection specimen) and the extensive range of symptoms of the disease, support the paramount importance of a high index of suspicion (obviously, the clinical history plays a fundamental role). In this setting, it is also interesting to emphasize the utility of manometric studies for the correct diagnosis and management of these patients; as well their possible application to identify asymptomatic heterozygotes.

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The ability of human immunodeficiency virus-1 (HIV-1) to undergo efficient reverse transcription is dependent on a number of parameters. These include the binding of the tRNA(3)(Lys) to the HIV-1 primer binding site and the subsequent interaction with the heterodimeric reverse transcriptase. Recently, we demonstrated that TAR RNA was also necessary for efficient HIV-1 reverse transcription. Given the fact that the Tat protein is involved in the activation of HIV-1 gene expression in conjunction with TAR, we wished to determine whether Tat might also be involved in the control of HIV-1 reverse transcription. HIV-1 virions deleted in the tat gene were unable to initiate reverse transcription efficiently upon infection of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). This defect was not due to decreased amounts of genomic RNA, reverse transcriptase or other HIV-1 proteins which were incorporated into the virion. Following transfection of wild-type but not mutant tat genes into cell lines producing HIV-1 lacking tat, the virions produced could be complemented for defects in reverse transcription upon subsequent infection of PBMCs. In contrast, the defect in reverse transcription seen with HIV-1 lacking the tat gene could not be complemented when the target cells rather than the producer cells contained tat. Viruses lacking tat were also defective in endogenous assays of reverse transcription, although these viruses contained similar levels of reverse transcriptase. These results indicate that the Tat protein, in addition to regulating the level of gene expression, is also important for efficient HIV-1 reverse transcription.

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