A 1D imaging soft X-ray spectrometer for the small quantum systems instrument at the European XFEL.

A 1D imaging soft X-ray spectrometer installed on the small quantum systems (SQS) scientific instrument of the European XFEL is described. It uses movable cylindrical constant-line-spacing gratings in the Rowland configuration for energy dispersion in the vertical plane, and Wolter optics for simultaneous 1D imaging of the source in the horizontal plane. The soft X-ray fluorescence spectro-imaging capability will be exploited in pump-probe measurements and in investigations of propagation effects and other nonlinear phenomena.

Expression of the chemokine receptor CCR1 decreases sensitivity to bortezomib in multiple myeloma cell lines.

Background: The proteasome inhibitor bortezomib is one of the primary therapies used for the haematological malignancy multiple myeloma (MM). However, intrinsic or acquired resistance to bortezomib, via mechanisms that are not fully elucidated, is a barrier to successful treatment in many patients. Our previous studies have shown that elevated expression of the chemokine receptor CCR1 in MM plasma cells in newly diagnosed MM patients is associated with poor prognosis.

Step by Step: Evaluation of Cardiorespiratory Fitness in Healthy Children, Young Adults, and Patients with Congenital Heart Disease Using a Simple Standardized Stair Climbing Test.

(1) Background: Cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) is known to be a prognostic factor regarding long-term morbidity and mortality. This study aimed to develop a standardized Stair Climbing Test (SCT) with a reliable correlation to spiroergometry and the 6MWT which can be used in healthy children as well as patients with congenital heart disease (CHD) and a restricted exercise capacity. (2) Methods: A total of 28 healthy participants aged 10-18 years were included.

Alternative Pathway to Double-Core-Hole States.

Excited double-core-hole states of isolated water molecules resulting from the sequential absorption of two x-ray photons have been investigated. These states are formed through an alternative pathway, where the initial step of core ionization is accompanied by the shake-up of a valence electron, leading to the same final states as in the core-ionization followed by core-excitation pathway. The capability of the x-ray free-electron laser to deliver very intense, very short, and tunable light pulses is fully exploited to identify the two different pathways.