| 1. |
- de Graauw, Th., et al.
(författare)
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The Herschel-Heterodyne Instrument for the Far-Infrared (HIFI)
- 2010
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Ingår i: Astronomy and Astrophysics. - : EDP Sciences. - 0004-6361 .- 1432-0746. ; 518, s. L6-
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Aims: This paper describes the Heterodyne Instrument for the Far-Infrared (HIFI) that was launched onboard ESA's Herschel Space Observatory in May 2009. Methods: The instrument is a set of 7 heterodyne receivers that are electronically tuneable, covering 480-1250 GHz with SIS mixers and the 1410-1910 GHz range with hot electron bolometer (HEB) mixers. The local oscillator (LO) subsystem comprises a Ka-band synthesizer followed by 14 chains of frequency multipliers and 2 chains for each frequency band. A pair of auto-correlators and a pair of acousto-optical spectrometers process the two IF signals from the dual-polarization, single-pixel front-ends to provide instantaneous frequency coverage of 2 × 4 GHz, with a set of resolutions (125 kHz to 1 MHz) that are better than 0.1 km s-1. Results: After a successful qualification and a pre-launch TB/TV test program, the flight instrument is now in-orbit and completed successfully the commissioning and performance verification phase. The in-orbit performance of the receivers matches the pre-launch sensitivities. We also report on the in-orbit performance of the receivers and some first results of HIFI's operations. Herschel is an ESA space observatory with science instruments provided by European-led Principal Investigator consortia and with important participation from NASA.
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| 2. |
- Van Hoof, J., et al.
(författare)
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Light therapy : Methodological issues from an engineering perspective
- 2012
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Ingår i: Technology and Health Care. - 0928-7329 .- 1878-7401. ; 20:1, s. 11-23
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Light therapy is increasingly administered and studied as a non-pharmacologic treatment for a variety of health-related problems, including treatment of people with dementia. Light therapy comes in a variety of ways, ranging from being exposed to daylight, to being exposed to light emitted by light boxes and ambient bright light. Light therapy is an area in medicine where medical sciences meet the realms of physics, engineering and technology. Therefore, it is paramount that attention is paid in the methodology of studies to the technical aspects in their full breadth. This paper provides an extensive introduction for non-technical researchers on how to describe and adjust their methodology when involved in lighting therapy research. A specific focus in this manuscript is on ambient bright light, as it is an emerging field within the domain of light therapy. The paper deals with how to (i) describe the lighting equipment, (ii) describe the light measurements, (iii) describe the building and interaction with daylight. Moreover, attention is paid to the uncertainty in standards and guidelines regarding light and lighting for older adults.
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| 3. |
- Bosmans, Laura A., et al.
(författare)
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Myeloid CD40 deficiency reduces atherosclerosis by impairing macrophages’ transition into a pro-inflammatory state
- 2023
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Ingår i: Cardiovascular Research. - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 0008-6363 .- 1755-3245. ; 119:5, s. 1146-1160
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Aims CD40 and its ligand, CD40L, play a critical role in driving atherosclerotic plaque development. Disrupted CD40-signalling reduces experimental atherosclerosis and induces a favourable stable plaque phenotype. We recently showed that small molecule-based inhibition of CD40-tumour necrosis factor receptor associated factor-6 interactions attenuates atherosclerosis in hyperlipidaemic mice via macrophage-driven mechanisms. The present study aims to detail the function of myeloid CD40 in atherosclerosis using myeloid-specific CD40-deficient mice. Method and Cd40flox/flox and LysM-cre Cd40flox/flox mice on an Apoe−/− background were generated (CD40wt and CD40mac−/− , respect-Results ively). Atherosclerotic lesion size, as well as plaque macrophage content, was reduced in CD40mac−/− compared to CD40wt mice, and their plaques displayed a reduction in necrotic core size. Transcriptomics analysis of the CD40mac−/− atherosclerotic aorta revealed downregulated pathways of immune pathways and inflammatory responses. Loss of CD40 in macrophages changed the representation of aortic macrophage subsets. Mass cytometry analysis revealed a higher content of a subset of alternative or resident-like CD206+CD209b− macrophages in the atherosclerotic aorta of CD40mac−/− compared to CD40wt mice. RNA-sequencing of bone marrow-derived macrophages of CD40mac−/− mice demonstrated upregulation of genes associated with alternatively activated macrophages (including Folr2, Thbs1, Sdc1, and Tns1). Conclusions We here show that absence of CD40 signalling in myeloid cells reduces atherosclerosis and limits systemic inflammation by preventing a shift in macrophage polarization towards pro-inflammatory states. Our study confirms the merit of macrophage-targeted inhibition of CD40 as a valuable therapeutic strategy to combat atherosclerosis.
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| 4. |
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| 5. |
- Pin, C., et al.
(författare)
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The Transcriptional Heat Shock Response of Salmonella Typhimurium Shows Hysteresis and Heated Cells Show Increased Resistance to Heat and Acid Stress
- 2012
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Ingår i: PLOS ONE. - : Public Library of Science (PLoS). - 1932-6203. ; 7:12
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- We investigated if the transcriptional response of Salmonella Typhimurium to temperature and acid variations was hysteretic, i.e. whether the transcriptional regulation caused by environmental stimuli showed memory and remained after the stimuli ceased. The transcriptional activity of non-replicating stationary phase cells of S. Typhimurium caused by the exposure to 45°C and to pH 5 for 30 min was monitored by microarray hybridizations at the end of the treatment period as well as immediately and 30 minutes after conditions were set back to their initial values, 25°C and pH 7. One hundred and two out of 120 up-regulated genes during the heat shock remained up-regulated 30 minutes after the temperature was set back to 25°C, while only 86 out of 293 down regulated genes remained down regulated 30 minutes after the heat shock ceased. Thus, the majority of the induced genes exhibited hysteresis, i.e., they remained up-regulated after the environmental stress ceased. At 25°C the transcriptional regulation of genes encoding for heat shock proteins was determined by the previous environment. Gene networks constructed with up-regulated genes were significantly more modular than those of down-regulated genes, implying that down-regulation was significantly less synchronized than up-regulation. The hysteretic transcriptional response to heat shock was accompanied by higher resistance to inactivation at 50°C as well as cross-resistance to inactivation at pH 3; however, growth rates and lag times at 43°C and at pH 4.5 were not affected. The exposure to pH 5 only caused up-regulation of 12 genes and this response was neither hysteretic nor accompanied of increased resistance to inactivation conditions. Cellular memory at the transcriptional level may represent a mechanism of adaptation to the environment and a deterministic source of variability in gene regulation. © 2012 Pin et al.
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| 6. |
- Reiche, Myrthe E., et al.
(författare)
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Adipocytes control hematopoiesis and inflammation through CD40 signaling
- 2023
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Ingår i: Haematologica. - : Ferrata Storti Foundation. - 0390-6078 .- 1592-8721. ; 108:7, s. 1873-1885
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The co-stimulatory CD40-CD40L dyad plays an important role in chronic inflammatory diseases associated with aging. Although CD40 is mainly expressed by immune cells, CD40 is also present on adipocytes. We aimed to delineate the role of adipocyte CD40 in the aging hematopoietic system and evaluated the effects of adipocyte CD40 deficiency on cardiometabolic diseases. Adult adipocyte CD40-deficient mice (AdiCD40KO) mice had a decrease in bone marrow hematopoietic stem cells (Lin-Sca+cKit+, LSK) and common lymphoid progenitors, which was associated with increased bone marrow adiposity and T-cell activation, along with elevated plasma corticosterone levels, a phenotype that became more pronounced with age. Atherosclerotic AdiCD40koApoE-/- (CD40AKO) mice also displayed changes in the LSK population, showing increased myeloid and lymphoid multipotent progenitors, and augmented corticosterone levels. Increased T-cell activation could be observed in bone marrow, spleen, and adipose tissue, while the numbers of B cells were decreased. Although atherosclerosis was reduced in CD40AKO mice, plaques contained more activated T cells and larger necrotic cores. Analysis of peripheral adipose tissue in a diet-induced model of obesity revealed that obese AdiCD40KO mice had increased T-cell activation in adipose tissue and lymphoid organs, but decreased weight gain and improved insulin sensitivity, along with increased fat oxidation. In conclusion, adipocyte CD40 plays an important role in maintaining immune cell homeostasis in bone marrow during aging and chronic inflammatory diseases, particularly of the lymphoid populations. Although adipocyte CD40 deficiency reduces atherosclerosis burden and ameliorates diet-induced obesity, the accompanying T-cell activation may eventually aggravate cardiometabolic diseases.
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| 7. |
- Rudisch, J., et al.
(författare)
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Kinematic parameters of hand movement during a disparate bimanual movement task in children with unilateral Cerebral Palsy
- 2016
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Ingår i: Human Movement Science. - : Elsevier. - 0167-9457 .- 1872-7646. ; 46, s. 239-250
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Children with unilateral Cerebral Palsy (uCP) experience problems performing tasks requiring the coordinated use of both hands (bimanual coordination; BC). Additionally, some children with uCP display involuntary symmetrical activation of the opposing hand (mirrored movements). Measures, used to investigate therapy-related improvements focus on the functionality of the affected hand during unimanual or bimanual tasks. None however specifically address spatiotemporal integration of both hands. We explored the kinematics of hand movements during a bimanual task to identify parameters of BC. Thirty-seven children (aged 10.9. ±. 2.6. years, 20 male) diagnosed with uCP participated. 3D kinematic motion analysis was performed during the task requiring opening of a box with their affected- (AH) or less-affected hand (LAH), and pressing a button inside with the opposite hand. Temporal and spatial components of data were extracted and related to measures of hand function and level of impairment. Total task duration was correlated with the Jebsen-Taylor Test of Hand Function in both conditions (either hand leading with the lid-opening). Spatial accuracy of the LAH when the box was opened with their AH was correlated with outcomes on the Children's Hand Use Experience Questionnaire. Additionally, we found a subgroup of children displaying non-symmetrical movement interference associated with greater movement overlap when their affected hand opened the box. This subgroup also demonstrated decreased use of the affected hand during bimanual tasks. Further investigation of bimanual interference, which goes beyond small scaled symmetrical mirrored movements, is needed to consider its impact on bimanual task performance following early unilateral brain injury.
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| 8. |
- Schurink, G W, et al.
(författare)
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Pulsatile wall motion and blood pressure in aneurysms with open and thrombosed endoleaks--comparison of a wall track system and M-mode ultrasound scanning: an in vitro and animal study
- 2000
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Ingår i: Journal of Vascular Surgery. - : Elsevier BV. - 1097-6809 .- 0741-5214. ; 32:4, s. 795-803
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- OBJECTIVE: Pulsatile wall motion has been suggested as a means by which to evaluate abdominal aortic aneurysms after exclusion from the circulation to determine whether the treatment has been effective. The objective of this study was to investigate the relations between pulsatile wall motion and both the mean and pulse pressures within the aneurysmal sac for both patent and thrombosed endoleaks. Furthermore, we compared the measurements of pulsatile wall motion by means of M-mode ultrasound scanning and a wall track system to determine the most reliable technique. METHODS: First, interobserver and intraobserver variability of M-mode ultrasound scan measurements was determined at different pressure levels in a cow iliac artery placed in an in vitro circulation. M-mode ultrasound scanning and a wall track system were compared in the same model. Second, in an animal experiment, an aneurysm and endoleak model with both patent and thrombosed endoleaks was created. Systemic and aneurysmal mean and pulse pressures were recorded synchronically with pulsatile wall motion by means of M-mode ultrasound scanning and a wall track system. RESULTS: The intraobserver and interobserver variability values for M-mode ultrasound scan measurement in vitro were 0.11 mm (SD = 0.10 mm) and 0.15 mm (SD = 0.13 mm), respectively. In the animal study, a significant difference existed with respect to the level of pulse pressure within the aneurysmal sac between the group with pulsatile wall motion and the group without such motion (P <.0001). The presence of pulsatile wall motion was not correlated with the level of aneurysmal mean pressure. The level of pulsatile wall motion determined by means of M-mode ultrasound scanning correlated well with the level determined by means of the wall track system (r = 0. 74; P =.01). For the level of pulsatile wall motion determined by means of M-mode ultrasound scanning, a significant difference between patent and thrombosed endoleaks existed (P =.04). For detecting endoleaks, the sensitivity and specificity of pulsatile wall motion as determined by means of the wall track system were 52% and 100%, respectively, and the sensitivity and specificity of pulsatile wall motion as determined by means of M-mode ultrasound scanning were 64% and 67%, respectively. For the detection of pulse pressure in the aneurysmal sac, the sensitivity and specificity of pulsatile wall motion as determined by means of the wall track system were 76% and 100%, respectively, and the sensitivity and specificity of pulsatile wall motion as determined by means of M-mode ultrasound scanning were 90% and 71%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: We found that pulsatile wall motion is correlated with aneurysmal pulse pressure but not with the mean level of pressure inside the aneurysm. Although measurements of pulsatile wall motion are of great theoretic value when groups of patients who have undergone endovascular aneurysm repair are being compared, this method appears to be unreliable in a clinical setting with respect to determining whether the aneurysmal sac is still pressurized in individual patients.
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| 9. |
- Van Duijnhoven, J., et al.
(författare)
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Systematic review on the interaction between office light conditions and occupational health : Elucidating gaps and methodological issues
- 2019
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Ingår i: Indoor + Built Environment. - : Sage Publications. - 1420-326X .- 1423-0070. ; 28:2, s. 152-174
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Forskningsöversikt (refereegranskat)abstract
- Purpose: The International Commission on Illumination (CIE) recommends researchers to investigate a wide variety of behavioural and health outcomes. However, researchers often investigate only a part of occupational health (OH) in relation to light. A literature study (2002–2017) regarding the relationship between office lighting conditions and OH was performed to identify gaps and methodological issues.Method: The OH outcomes investigated in this paper were grouped according to the International Classification of Diseases and analysed per category: physical and physiological health, mental health, eye health, sleep parameters and visual comfort.Results: Findings from the literature study (20 eligible papers) showed that all OH aspects were mostly but not exclusively measured subjectively. Furthermore, most studies investigated only a fraction of office lighting parameters and OH aspects.Conclusions: It seems that Correlated Colour Temperature (CCT) and illuminance mainly correlate with OH. However, this may also be explained by gaps and methodological issues in studies described in eligible papers. Based on the literature study, an overview was composed elucidating gaps and methodological issues of office lighting and OH studies. It can be used to design and target the purpose of light and health research.
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| 10. |
- van Hoek, A. H. A. M., et al.
(författare)
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A quantitative approach towards a better understanding of the dynamics of Salmonella spp. in a pork slaughter-line
- 2012
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Ingår i: International Journal of Food Microbiology. - : Elsevier BV. - 0168-1605 .- 1879-3460. ; 153:1-2, s. 45-52
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Pork contributes significantly to the public health disease burden caused by Salmonella infections. During the slaughter process pig carcasses can become contaminated with Salmonella. Contamination at the slaughter-line is initiated by pigs carrying Salmonella on their skin or in their faeces. Another contamination route could be resident flora present on the slaughter equipment. To unravel the contribution of these two potential sources of Salmonella a quantitative study was conducted. Process equipment (belly openers and carcass splitters), faeces and carcasses (skin and cutting surfaces) along the slaughter-line were sampled at 11 sampling days spanning a period of 4. months.Most samples taken directly after killing were positive for Salmonella. On 96.6% of the skin samples Salmonella was identified, whereas a lower number of animals tested positive in their rectum (62.5%). The prevalence of Salmonella clearly declined on the carcasses at the re-work station, either on the cut section or on the skin of the carcass or both (35.9%). Throughout the sampling period of the slaughter-line the total number of Salmonella per animal was almost 2log lower at the re-work station in comparison to directly after slaughter.Seven different serovars were identified during the study with S. Derby (41%) and S. Typhimurium (29%) as the most prominent types. A recurring S. Rissen contamination of one of the carcass splitters indicated the presence of an endemic 'house flora' in the slaughterhouse studied. On many instances several serotypes per individual sample were found.The enumeration of Salmonella and the genotyping data gave unique insight in the dynamics of transmission of this pathogen in a slaughter-line. The data of the presented study support the hypothesis that resident flora on slaughter equipment was a relevant source for contamination of pork. © 2011 Elsevier B.V.
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