| 1. |
- Abdo, A. A., et al.
(författare)
-
FERMI/LARGE AREA TELESCOPE DISCOVERY OF GAMMA-RAY EMISSION FROM THE FLAT-SPECTRUM RADIO QUASAR PKS 1454-354
- 2009
-
Ingår i: Astrophysical Journal. - 0004-637X .- 1538-4357. ; 697:1, s. 934-941
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- We report the discovery by the Large Area Telescope (LAT) onboard the Fermi Gamma-Ray Space Telescope of high-energy gamma-ray (GeV) emission from the flat-spectrum radio quasar PKS 1454-354 (z = 1.424). On 2008 September 4, the source rose to a peak flux of (3.5 +/- 0.7) x 10(-6) ph cm(-2) s(-1) (E > 100 MeV) on a timescale of hours and then slowly dropped over the following 2 days. No significant spectral changes occurred during the flare. Fermi/LAT observations also showed that PKS 1454-354 is the most probable counterpart of the unidentified EGRET source 3EG J1500-3509. Multiwavelength measurements performed during the following days (7 September with Swift; 6-7 September with the ground-based optical telescope Automated Telescope for Optical Monitoring; 13 September with the Australia Telescope Compact Array) resulted in radio, optical, UV, and X-ray fluxes greater than archival data, confirming the activity of PKS 1454-354.
|
|
| 2. |
- Abdo, A. A., et al.
(författare)
-
SUZAKU OBSERVATIONS OF LUMINOUS QUASARS : REVEALING THE NATURE OF HIGH-ENERGY BLAZAR EMISSION IN LOW-LEVEL ACTIVITY STATES
- 2010
-
Ingår i: Astrophysical Journal. - 0004-637X .- 1538-4357. ; 716:1, s. 835-849
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- We present the results from the Suzaku X-ray observations of five flat-spectrum radio quasars (FSRQs), namely PKS 0208-512, Q 0827+243, PKS 1127-145, PKS 1510-089, and 3C 454.3. All these sources were additionally monitored simultaneously or quasi-simultaneously by the Fermi satellite in gamma rays and the Swift UVOT in the UV and optical bands, respectively. We constructed their broadband spectra covering the frequency range from 10(14) Hz up to 10(25) Hz, and those reveal the nature of high-energy emission of luminous blazars in their low-activity states. The analyzed X-ray spectra are well fitted by a power-law model with photoelectric absorption. In the case of PKS 0208-512, PKS 1127-145, and 3C 454.3, the X-ray continuum showed indication of hardening at low energies. Moreover, when compared with the previous X-ray observations, we see a significantly increasing contribution of low-energy photons to the total X-ray fluxes when the sources are getting fainter. The same behavior can be noted in the Suzaku data alone. A likely explanation involves a variable, flat-spectrum component produced via inverse-Compton emission, plus an additional, possibly steady soft X-ray component prominent when the source gets fainter. This soft X-ray excess is represented either by a steep power-law (photon indices Gamma similar to 3-5) or a blackbody-type emission with temperatures kT similar to 0.1-0.2 keV. We model the broadband spectra of the five observed FSRQs using synchrotron self-Compton and/or external-Compton radiation models. Our modeling suggests that the difference between the low-and high-activity states in luminous blazars is due to the different total kinetic power of the jet, most likely related to varying bulk Lorentz factor of the outflow within the blazar emission zone.
|
|
| 3. |
- McPhearson, Timon, et al.
(författare)
-
A social-ecological-technological systems framework for urban ecosystem services
- 2022
-
Ingår i: One Earth. - : Elsevier BV. - 2590-3330 .- 2590-3322. ; 5:5, s. 505-518
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- As rates of urbanization and climatic change soar, decision-makers are increasingly challenged to provide innovative solutions that simultaneously address climate change impacts and risks and inclusively ensure quality of life for urban residents. Cities have turned to nature-based solutions to help address these challenges. Nature-based solutions, through the provision of ecosystem services, can yield numerous benefits for people and address multiple challenges simultaneously. Yet, efforts to mainstream nature-based solutions are impaired by the complexity of the interacting social, ecological, and technological dimensions of urban systems. This complexity must be understood and managed to ensure ecosystem-service provisioning is effective, equitable, and resilient. Here, we provide a social-ecological-technological system (SETS) framework that builds on decades of urban ecosystem services research to better understand four core challenges associated with urban nature-based solutions: multi-functionality, systemic valuation, scale mismatch of ecosystem services, and inequity and injustice. The framework illustrates the importance of coordinating natural, technological, and socio-economic systems when designing, planning, and managing urban nature-based solutions to enable optimal social-ecological outcomes.
|
|
| 4. |
- Bottai, Matteo, et al.
(författare)
-
EULAR/ACR classification criteria for adult and juvenile idiopathic inflammatory myopathies and their major subgroups : a methodology report
- 2017
-
Ingår i: RMD Open. - : BMJ. - 2056-5933. ; 3:2
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Objective To describe the methodology used to develop new classification criteria for adult and juvenile idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIMs) and their major subgroups.Methods An international, multidisciplinary group of myositis experts produced a set of 93 potentially relevant variables to be tested for inclusion in the criteria. Rheumatology, dermatology, neurology and paediatric clinics worldwide collected data on 976 IIM cases (74% adults, 26% children) and 624 non-IIM comparator cases with mimicking conditions (82% adults, 18% children). The participating clinicians classified each case as IIM or non-IIM. Generally, the classification of any given patient was based on few variables, leaving remaining variables unmeasured. We investigated the strength of the association between all variables and between these and the disease status as determined by the physician. We considered three approaches: (1) a probability-score approach, (2) a sum-of-items approach criteria and (3) a classification-tree approach.Results The approaches yielded several candidate models that were scrutinised with respect to statistical performance and clinical relevance. The probability-score approach showed superior statistical performance and clinical practicability and was therefore preferred over the others. We developed a classification tree for subclassification of patients with IIM. A calculator for electronic devices, such as computers and smartphones, facilitates the use of the European League Against Rheumatism/American College of Rheumatology (EULAR/ACR) classification criteria.Conclusions The new EULAR/ACR classification criteria provide a patient's probability of having IIM for use in clinical and research settings. The probability is based on a score obtained by summing the weights associated with a set of criteria items.
|
|
| 5. |
- Chester, Adrian H, et al.
(författare)
-
5-Hydroxytryptamine receptor profile in healthy and diseased human epicardial coronary arteries
- 1990
-
Ingår i: Cardiovascular Research. - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 1755-3245 .- 0008-6363. ; 24:11, s. 932-937
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- STUDY OBJECTIVE--The aim of the study was to investigate the receptor events that mediate the vascular effects of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) on human coronary arteries, since 5-HT has long been thought to play a role in coronary artery vasospasm. DESIGN--Recently available selective receptor agonists and antagonists were used to examine the 5-HT receptor subtypes present in human epicardial coronary arteries using in vitro organ baths. EXPERIMENTAL MATERIAL--138 segments of coronary arteries were obtained from 21 patients aged 2-66 years undergoing heart transplantation. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS--5-HT produced only concentration dependent contractions of coronary artery segments. No evidence was obtained for 5-HT receptors mediating either endothelium dependent or endothelium independent vasorelaxation. In tissue from patients without ischaemic heart disease, 5-HT effects were mimicked by (+/-)-alpha-methyl-5-HT (alpha-me-5-HT), a selective agonist at 5-HT2 receptors. In addition, the selective 5-HT1-like receptor agonist GR43175 produced contractions which achieved 30% of the maximum response to 5-HT. Responses to alpha-me-5-HT were surmountably antagonised by the non-selective antagonist methiothepin (0.1 mumol.litre-1) as well as the 5-HT2 receptor antagonist ketanserin (0.1 mumol.litre-1). In contrast GR43175 effects were resistant to blockade by ketanserin, but remained sensitive to methiothepin. Responses to the two agonists were not antagonised by the 5-HT3 receptor antagonist MDL72222 (1.0 mumol.litre-1). Vessel segments from ischaemic heart disease patients also contracted to alpha-me-5-HT and GR43175. Diseased arteries contracted with a decrease in the maximal response induced by both alpha-me-5-HT and by 90 mM K+ depolarisation compared to "normal" vessels, but the effect of GR43175 was preserved in the diseased arteries. Vascular rings adjacent to an atheromatous lesion were more reactive to GR43175 than serial segments taken distal to the lesion. CONCLUSIONS--These results show that both 5-HT1-like and 5-HT2 receptors mediate contraction of human epicardial coronary arteries and indicate that effects mediated by 5-HT1-like receptors but not 5-HT2 receptors are preserved in patients with ischaemic heart disease.
|
|
| 6. |
- Chester, Mikhail V., et al.
(författare)
-
Sensemaking for entangled urban social, ecological, and technological systems in the Anthropocene
- 2023
-
Ingår i: npj Urban Sustainability. - 2661-8001. ; 3:1
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Our urban systems and their underlying sub-systems are designed to deliver only a narrow set of human-centered services, with little or no accounting or understanding of how actions undercut the resilience of social-ecological-technological systems (SETS). Embracing a SETS resilience perspective creates opportunities for novel approaches to adaptation and transformation in complex environments. We: i) frame urban systems through a perspective shift from control to entanglement, ii) position SETS thinking as novel sensemaking to create repertoires of responses commensurate with environmental complexity (i.e., requisite complexity), and iii) describe modes of SETS sensemaking for urban system structures and functions as basic tenets to build requisite complexity. SETS sensemaking is an undertaking to reflexively bring sustained adaptation, anticipatory futures, loose-fit design, and co-governance into organizational decision-making and to help reimagine institutional structures and processes as entangled SETS.
|
|
| 7. |
- Guilcher, Sara J.T., et al.
(författare)
-
Medication self-management toolkits for adults with multiple sclerosis : A scoping review
- 2023
-
Ingår i: Exploratory Research in Clinical and Social Pharmacy. - : Elsevier. - 2667-2766. ; 10
-
Forskningsöversikt (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease that is often treated with multiple medications. Managing multiple medications, also known as polypharmacy, can be challenging for persons with MS. Toolkits are instructional resources designed to promote behaviour change. Toolkits may support medication self-management for adults with MS, as they have been useful in other populations with chronic conditions.Objective: The main purpose of this review was to identify and summarize medication self-management toolkits for MS, as related to the design, delivery, components, and measures used to evaluate implementation and/or outcomes.Methods: A scoping review was conducted following guidelines by JBI. Articles were included if they focused on adults (18 years or older) with MS.Results: Six articles reporting on four unique toolkits were included. Most toolkits were technology-based, including mobile or online applications, with only one toolkit being paper-based. The toolkits varied in type, frequency, and duration of medication management support. Varying outcomes were also identified, but there were improvements reported in symptom management, medication adherence, decision-making, and quality of life. The six studies were quantitative in design, with no studies exploring the user experience from a qualitative or mixed-methods design.Conclusions: There is limited research on medication self-management toolkits among adults with MS. Future development, implementation, and evaluation mixed-methods research are needed to explore user experiences and overall design of toolkits.
|
|
| 8. |
- Ikonomovic, Milos D, et al.
(författare)
-
Post-mortem histopathology underlying β-amyloid PET imaging following flutemetamol F 18 injection
- 2016
-
Ingår i: Acta neuropathologica communications. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 2051-5960. ; 4
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- In vivo imaging of fibrillar β-amyloid deposits may assist clinical diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease (AD), aid treatment selection for patients, assist clinical trials of therapeutic drugs through subject selection, and be used as an outcome measure. A recent phase III trial of [(18)F]flutemetamol positron emission tomography (PET) imaging in 106 end-of-life subjects demonstrated the ability to identify fibrillar β-amyloid by comparing in vivo PET to post-mortem histopathology. Post-mortem analyses demonstrated a broad and continuous spectrum of β-amyloid pathology in AD and other dementing and non-dementing disease groups. The GE067-026 trial demonstrated 91% sensitivity and 90% specificity of [(18)F]flutemetamol PET by majority read for the presence of moderate or frequent plaques. The probability of an abnormal [(18)F]flutemetamol scan increased with neocortical plaque density and AD diagnosis. All dementia cases with non-AD neurodegenerative diseases and those without histopathological features of β-amyloid deposits were [(18)F]flutemetamol negative. Majority PET assessments accurately reflected the amyloid plaque burden in 90% of cases. However, ten cases demonstrated a mismatch between PET image interpretations and post-mortem findings. Although tracer retention was best associated with amyloid in neuritic plaques, amyloid in diffuse plaques and cerebral amyloid angiopathy best explain three [(18)F]flutemetamol positive cases with mismatched (sparse) neuritic plaque burden. Advanced cortical atrophy was associated with the seven false negative [(18)F]flutemetamol images. The interpretation of images from pathologically equivocal cases was associated with low reader confidence and inter-reader agreement. Our results support that amyloid in neuritic plaque burden is the primary form of β-amyloid pathology detectable with [(18)F]flutemetamol PET imaging.
|
|
| 9. |
- Ohlson, Sten, et al.
(författare)
-
Direct analysis - no sample preparation - of bioavailable cortisol in human plasma by weak affinity chromatography (WAC)
- 2017
-
Ingår i: Journal of chromatography. B. - : Elsevier. - 1570-0232 .- 1873-376X. ; 1061, s. 438-444
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Pre-analytical treatment of blood plasma is a time consuming and often rate limiting step in the workflow of LC/MS analysis. We present in this pilot study a new approach for quantitative LC/MS based on weak affinity chromatography (WAC) of crude plasma. The steroid hormone cortisol was selected as a clinically relevant biomarker, as it currently requires extensive pre-analytical preparation. A WAC unit with saturating, immobilized albumin as a prototypic weak binder was used in combination with an ion-funnel MS/MS detector to perform zonal affinity chromatography of cortisol directly from a plasma sample, followed by quantitative multiple reaction monitoring (MRM). This procedure also allowed us to determine the amount of bioavailable cortisol in the clinical plasma sample which is of significant therapeutic interest. This WAC-MS approach showed an excellent correlation (R-2 = 0.86 (P < 0.0001 (highly significant); n = 60) with a state-of-the-art, clinical competitive immunoassay procedure for plasma cortisol analysis. With integration of WAC into LC/MS workflow, it may be possible to both accelerate and improve assay performance by eliminating the sample extraction step. Preliminary data with other steroid hormones indicate that WAC-MS can be applied to various biomolecules using a plasma transport protein such as albumin.
|
|
| 10. |
|
|
