| 1. |
- Franceschini, N., et al.
(författare)
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GWAS and colocalization analyses implicate carotid intima-media thickness and carotid plaque loci in cardiovascular outcomes
- 2018
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Ingår i: Nature Communications. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 2041-1723. ; 9:1
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Carotid artery intima media thickness (cIMT) and carotid plaque are measures of subclinical atherosclerosis associated with ischemic stroke and coronary heart disease (CHD). Here, we undertake meta-analyses of genome-wide association studies (GWAS) in 71,128 individuals for cIMT, and 48,434 individuals for carotid plaque traits. We identify eight novel susceptibility loci for cIMT, one independent association at the previously-identified PINX1 locus, and one novel locus for carotid plaque. Colocalization analysis with nearby vascular expression quantitative loci (cis-eQTLs) derived from arterial wall and metabolic tissues obtained from patients with CHD identifies candidate genes at two potentially additional loci, ADAMTS9 and LOXL4. LD score regression reveals significant genetic correlations between cIMT and plaque traits, and both cIMT and plaque with CHD, any stroke subtype and ischemic stroke. Our study provides insights into genes and tissue-specific regulatory mechanisms linking atherosclerosis both to its functional genomic origins and its clinical consequences in humans. © 2018, The Author(s).
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| 2. |
- Shimwell, T. W., et al.
(författare)
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The LOFAR Two-metre Sky Survey: V. Second data release
- 2022
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Ingår i: Astronomy and Astrophysics. - : EDP Sciences. - 0004-6361 .- 1432-0746. ; 659
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- In this data release from the ongoing LOw-Frequency ARray (LOFAR) Two-metre Sky Survey we present 120a 168 MHz images covering 27% of the northern sky. Our coverage is split into two regions centred at approximately 12h45m +44 30a and 1h00m +28 00a and spanning 4178 and 1457 square degrees respectively. The images were derived from 3451 h (7.6 PB) of LOFAR High Band Antenna data which were corrected for the direction-independent instrumental properties as well as direction-dependent ionospheric distortions during extensive, but fully automated, data processing. A catalogue of 4 396 228 radio sources is derived from our total intensity (Stokes I) maps, where the majority of these have never been detected at radio wavelengths before. At 6a resolution, our full bandwidth Stokes I continuum maps with a central frequency of 144 MHz have: a median rms sensitivity of 83 μJy beama 1; a flux density scale accuracy of approximately 10%; an astrometric accuracy of 0.2a; and we estimate the point-source completeness to be 90% at a peak brightness of 0.8 mJy beama 1. By creating three 16 MHz bandwidth images across the band we are able to measure the in-band spectral index of many sources, albeit with an error on the derived spectral index of > a ±a 0.2 which is a consequence of our flux-density scale accuracy and small fractional bandwidth. Our circular polarisation (Stokes V) 20a resolution 120a168 MHz continuum images have a median rms sensitivity of 95 μJy beama 1, and we estimate a Stokes I to Stokes V leakage of 0.056%. Our linear polarisation (Stokes Q and Stokes U) image cubes consist of 480a A a 97.6 kHz wide planes and have a median rms sensitivity per plane of 10.8 mJy beama 1 at 4a and 2.2 mJy beama 1 at 20a; we estimate the Stokes I to Stokes Q/U leakage to be approximately 0.2%. Here we characterise and publicly release our Stokes I, Q, U and V images in addition to the calibrated uv-data to facilitate the thorough scientific exploitation of this unique dataset.
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| 3. |
- Andreoni, I., et al.
(författare)
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Follow Up of GW170817 and Its Electromagnetic Counterpart by Australian-Led Observing Programmes
- 2017
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Ingår i: Publications Astronomical Society of Australia. - : Cambridge University Press (CUP). - 1323-3580 .- 1448-6083. ; 34
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Forskningsöversikt (refereegranskat)abstract
- The discovery of the first electromagnetic counterpart to a gravitational wave signal has generated follow-up observations by over 50 facilities world-wide, ushering in the new era of multi-messenger astronomy. In this paper, we present follow-up observations of the gravitational wave event GW170817 and its electromagnetic counterpart SSS17a/DLT17ck (IAU label AT2017gfo) by 14 Australian telescopes and partner observatories as part of Australian-based and Australian-led research programs. We report early- to late-time multi-wavelength observations, including optical imaging and spectroscopy, mid-infrared imaging, radio imaging, and searches for fast radio bursts. Our optical spectra reveal that the transient source emission cooled from approximately 6 400 K to 2 100 K over a 7-d period and produced no significant optical emission lines. The spectral profiles, cooling rate, and photometric light curves are consistent with the expected outburst and subsequent processes of a binary neutron star merger. Star formation in the host galaxy probably ceased at least a Gyr ago, although there is evidence for a galaxy merger. Binary pulsars with short (100 Myr) decay times are therefore unlikely progenitors, but pulsars like PSR B1534+12 with its 2.7 Gyr coalescence time could produce such a merger. The displacement (similar to 2.2 kpc) of the binary star system from the centre of the main galaxy is not unusual for stars in the host galaxy or stars originating in the merging galaxy, and therefore any constraints on the kick velocity imparted to the progenitor are poor.
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| 4. |
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| 5. |
- Ma, LJ, et al.
(författare)
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The HDAC9-associated risk locus promotes coronary artery disease by governing TWIST1
- 2022
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Ingår i: PLoS genetics. - : Public Library of Science (PLoS). - 1553-7404. ; 18:6, s. e1010261-
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Genome wide association studies (GWAS) have identified thousands of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with the risk of common disorders. However, since the large majority of these risk SNPs reside outside gene-coding regions, GWAS generally provide no information about causal mechanisms regarding the specific gene(s) that are affected or the tissue(s) in which these candidate gene(s) exert their effect. The ‘gold standard’ method for understanding causal genes and their mechanisms of action are laborious basic science studies often involving sophisticated knockin or knockout mouse lines, however, these types of studies are impractical as a high-throughput means to understand the many risk variants that cause complex diseases like coronary artery disease (CAD). As a solution, we developed a streamlined, data-driven informatics pipeline to gain mechanistic insights on complex genetic loci. The pipeline begins by understanding the SNPs in a given locus in terms of their relative location and linkage disequilibrium relationships, and then identifies nearby expression quantitative trait loci (eQTLs) to determine their relative independence and the likely tissues that mediate their disease-causal effects. The pipeline then seeks to understand associations with other disease-relevant genes, disease sub-phenotypes, potential causality (Mendelian randomization), and the regulatory and functional involvement of these genes in gene regulatory co-expression networks (GRNs). Here, we applied this pipeline to understand a cluster of SNPs associated with CAD within and immediately adjacent to the gene encodingHDAC9. Our pipeline demonstrated, and validated, that this locus is causal for CAD by modulation ofTWIST1expression levels in the arterial wall, and by also governing a GRN related to metabolic function in skeletal muscle. Our results reconciled numerous prior studies, and also provided clear evidence that this locus does not govern HDAC9 expression, structure or function. This pipeline should be considered as a powerful and efficient way to understand GWAS risk loci in a manner that better reflects the highly complex nature of genetic risk associated with common disorders.
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| 6. |
- Franceschini, N, et al.
(författare)
-
GWAS and colocalization analyses implicate carotid intima-media thickness and carotid plaque loci in cardiovascular outcomes
- 2018
-
Ingår i: Nature communications. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 2041-1723. ; 9:1, s. 5141-
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Carotid artery intima media thickness (cIMT) and carotid plaque are measures of subclinical atherosclerosis associated with ischemic stroke and coronary heart disease (CHD). Here, we undertake meta-analyses of genome-wide association studies (GWAS) in 71,128 individuals for cIMT, and 48,434 individuals for carotid plaque traits. We identify eight novel susceptibility loci for cIMT, one independent association at the previously-identified PINX1 locus, and one novel locus for carotid plaque. Colocalization analysis with nearby vascular expression quantitative loci (cis-eQTLs) derived from arterial wall and metabolic tissues obtained from patients with CHD identifies candidate genes at two potentially additional loci, ADAMTS9 and LOXL4. LD score regression reveals significant genetic correlations between cIMT and plaque traits, and both cIMT and plaque with CHD, any stroke subtype and ischemic stroke. Our study provides insights into genes and tissue-specific regulatory mechanisms linking atherosclerosis both to its functional genomic origins and its clinical consequences in humans.
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| 7. |
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| 8. |
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| 9. |
- Akhiani, Aliasghar, 1957, et al.
(författare)
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Helicobacter pylori-Specific Antibodies Impair the Development of Gastritis, Facilitate Bacterial Colonization, and Counteract Resistance against Infection
- 2004
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Ingår i: Journal of Immunology. - 1550-6606. ; 172:8, s. 5024-5033
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- In recent years, Abs have been considered a correlate rather than an effector of resistance against Helicobacter pylori infection. However, it is still poorly understood to what extent Ab production correlates with gastric immunopathology. Here we report that Abs not only are dispensable for protection, but they are detrimental to elimination of the bacteria and appear to impair gastric inflammatory responses. We found that the initial colonization with H. pylori bacteria was normal in the B cell-deficient ( micro MT) mice, whereas at later times (>8 wk) most of the bacteria were cleared, concomitant with the development of severe gastritis. In contrast, wild-type (WT) mice exhibited extensive bacterial colonization and only mild gastric inflammation, even at 16 wk after inoculation. Oral immunizations with H. pylori lysate and cholera toxin adjuvant stimulated comparable levels of protection in micro MT and WT mice. The level of protection in both strains correlated well with the severity of the postimmunization gastritis. Thus, T cells were responsible for the gastritis, whereas Abs, including potentially host cell cross-reactive Abs, were not involved in causing the gastritis. The T cells in micro MT and WT mice produced high and comparable levels of IFN-gamma to recall Ag at 2 and after 8 wk, whereas IL-4 was detected after 8 wk only, indicating that Th1 activity dominated the early phase of protection, whereas later a mixed Th1 and Th2 activity was seen.
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| 10. |
- Akhiani, Aliasghar, 1957, et al.
(författare)
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Protection against Helicobacter pylori infection following immunization is IL-12-dependent and mediated by Th1 cells
- 2002
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Ingår i: J Immunol. ; 169:12, s. 6977-84
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The regulatory roles of Th1 and Th2 cells in immune protection against Helicobacter infection are not clearly understood. In this study, we report that a primary H. pylori infection can be established in the absence of IL-12 or IFN-gamma. However, IFN-gamma, but not IL-12, was involved in the development of gastritis because IFN-gamma(-/-) (GKO) mice exhibited significantly less inflammation as compared with IL-12(-/-) or wild-type (WT) mice. Both IL-12(-/-) and GKO mice failed to develop protection following oral immunization with H. pylori lysate and cholera toxin adjuvant. By contrast, Th2-deficient, IL-4(-/-), and WT mice were equally well protected. Mucosal immunization in the presence of coadministered rIL-12 in WT mice increased Ag-specific IFN-gamma-producing T cells by 5-fold and gave an additional 4-fold reduction in colonizing bacteria, confirming a key role of Th1 cells in protection. Importantly, only protected IL-4(-/-) and WT mice demonstrated substantial influx of CD4(+) T cells in the gastric mucosa. The extent of inflammation in challenged IL-12(-/-) and GKO mice was much reduced compared with that in WT mice, indicating that IFN-gamma/Th1 cells also play a major role in postimmunization gastritis. Of note, postimmunization gastritis in IL-4(-/-) mice was significantly milder than WT mice, despite a similar level of protection, indicating that immune protection is not directly linked to the degree of gastric inflammation. Only protected mice had T cells that produced high levels of IFN-gamma to recall Ag, whereas both protected and unprotected mice produced high levels of IL-13. We conclude that IL-12 and Th1 responses are crucial for H. pylori-specific protective immunity.
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| 11. |
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| 14. |
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| 15. |
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| 16. |
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| 17. |
- Bjorkstrom, K., et al.
(författare)
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Risk Factors for Severe Liver Disease in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes
- 2019
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Ingår i: Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology. - : Elsevier BV. - 1542-3565. ; 17:13, s. 2769-
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- BACKGROUND & AIMS: Type 2 diabetes is a risk factor for development of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. However, risk factors that identify persons with the highest risk for these outcomes are missing from unselected, population-based cohorts. METHODS: The National Diabetes Register contains data on about 90% of persons in Sweden with type 2 diabetes. In this cohort study, persons with type 2 diabetes listed in the National Diabetes Register were compared with 5 individuals from the general population (controls), matched for age, sex, and county. In total, 406 770 persons with type 2 diabetes and 2 033 850 controls were included and followed for 21 596 934 person-years. We used population-based registers to determine the incidence of severe liver disease, defined as a diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma, cirrhosis, decompensation, liver failure and/or death due to liver disease during follow up. Cox regression was performed to estimate the risk of severe liver disease and to examine risk factors in persons with type 2 diabetes. RESULTS: Risk for severe liver disease was increased in patients with type 2 diabetes compared to controls (hazard ratio, 2.28; 95% CI, 2.21-2.36). Risk factors associated with severe liver disease in persons with type 2 diabetes were higher age, male sex, hypertension, higher body mass index, lower glomerular filtration rate, microalbuminuria, and smoking. Statins were associated with a decreased risk of severe liver disease. CONCLUSIONS: Persons with type 2 diabetes have an increased risk for severe liver disease. Knowledge of risk factors can be helpful in identifying persons with type 2 diabetes who have a high risk for severe liver disease.
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| 18. |
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| 19. |
- Erman, P., et al.
(författare)
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Non Franck-Condon effects in photoionization of molecular oxygen
- 2000
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Ingår i: Physica scripta. T. - 0281-1847. ; 62:4, s. 294-300
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- We present a theoretical and experimental analysis of non Franck-Condon effects in photoionization to the b (4)Sigma(g)(-), state of O-2(+). Experimentally, by dispersing the synchrotron radiation induced O-2(+) b (4)Sigma(g)(-) a (IIu)-I-4 fluorescence we derive the b (4)Sigma(g)(-), State vibrational branching ratios in the excitation energy range 21-34 eV. The vibrational branching ratios reveal features in the region 21-28 eV indicating strong non Franck-Condon effects. The experimental results have been analysed by computing ab initio the vibrational population branching ratios using a many-body perturbation method. Additionally the autoionizing neutral states existing in this energy region have been studied. We have computed the energies of the valence states up to an energy of 30 eV their transition moments for excitations from the ground state, and autoionization rates. Our calculations show, that strong non Franck-Condon effects recorded in the branching ratio spectrum (below 25 eV) are actually caused by the narrow 3 sigma(g) --> sigma(u) shape resonance, and its coupling to the 1 pi(u) --> pi(g) channel.
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| 21. |
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| 24. |
- Imamura, K, et al.
(författare)
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Reduced activity in the extrastriate visual cortex of individuals with strabismic amblyopia
- 1997
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Ingår i: NEUROSCIENCE LETTERS. - : ELSEVIER SCI IRELAND LTD. - 0304-3940. ; 225:3, s. 173-176
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Tidskriftsartikel (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- In order to examine the relationship between reduced visual acuity in human strabismic amblyopia and the cortical activation pattern, we studied, by use of positron emission tomography (PET) and the (H2O)-O-15 bolus technique, changes in the regional cer
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| 25. |
- Karawajczyk, A., et al.
(författare)
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Neutral fragmentation of superexcited oxygen molecules
- 2000
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Ingår i: Physical Review A. Atomic, Molecular, and Optical Physics. - 1050-2947 .- 1094-1622. ; 61:3, s. art. no.-32718
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The mechanisms of neutral dissociation of oxygen molecules in the excitation energy range 15-25 eV have been studied in a dispersed fluorescence experiment. By detecting the fluorescence from excited oxygen atoms, we find that neutral superexcited O-2 states below 20 eV dissociate into O(g.s.) + O(3s,3p). At higher excitation energies (h nu = 20-25 eV) the curve-crossing interactions following excitations to members of the Rydberg c (4)Sigma(u)(-) series also yield atoms in Rydberg states (nl,n greater than or equal to 4). The experimental data are analyzed on the ground of many-body perturbation theory, calculations which indicate the structure of the predissociating states converging to the experimentally observed ones.
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| 26. |
- Wang, YQ, et al.
(författare)
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A cell fitness selection model for neuronal survival during development
- 2019
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Ingår i: Nature communications. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 2041-1723. ; 10:1, s. 4137-
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Developmental cell death plays an important role in the construction of functional neural circuits. In vertebrates, the canonical view proposes a selection of the surviving neurons through stochastic competition for target-derived neurotrophic signals, implying an equal potential for neurons to compete. Here we show an alternative cell fitness selection of neurons that is defined by a specific neuronal heterogeneity code. Proprioceptive sensory neurons that will undergo cell death and those that will survive exhibit different molecular signatures that are regulated by retinoic acid and transcription factors, and are independent of the target and neurotrophins. These molecular features are genetically encoded, representing two distinct subgroups of neurons with contrasted functional maturation states and survival outcome. Thus, in this model, a heterogeneous code of intrinsic cell fitness in neighboring neurons provides differential competitive advantage resulting in the selection of cells with higher capacity to survive and functionally integrate into neural networks.
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