| 1. |
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| 2. |
- Aaltonen, T., et al.
(author)
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Combination of Tevatron Searches for the Standard Model Higgs Boson in the W+W- Decay Mode
- 2010
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In: Physical Review Letters. - 0031-9007 .- 1079-7114. ; 104:6, s. 061802-
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- We combine searches by the CDF and D0 Collaborations for a Higgs boson decaying to W+W-. The data correspond to an integrated total luminosity of 4.8 (CDF) and 5.4 (D0) fb(-1) of p (p) over bar collisions at root s = 1.96 TeV at the Fermilab Tevatron collider. No excess is observed above background expectation, and resulting limits on Higgs boson production exclude a standard model Higgs boson in the mass range 162-166 GeV at the 95% C.L.
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| 3. |
- Aaltonen, T., et al.
(author)
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Evidence for a Particle Produced in Association with Weak Bosons and Decaying to a Bottom-Antibottom Quark Pair in Higgs Boson Searches at the Tevatron
- 2012
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In: Physical Review Letters. - 0031-9007 .- 1079-7114. ; 109:7, s. 071804-
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- We combine searches by the CDF and D0 Collaborations for the associated production of a Higgs boson with a W or Z boson and subsequent decay of the Higgs boson to a bottom-antibottom quark pair. The data, originating from Fermilab Tevatron p (p) over bar collisions at root s = 1.96 TeV, correspond to integrated luminosities of up to 9.7 fb(-1). The searches are conducted for a Higgs boson with mass in the range 100-150 GeV/c(2). We observe an excess of events in the data compared with the background predictions, which is most significant in the mass range between 120 and 135 GeV/c(2). The largest local significance is 3.3 standard deviations, corresponding to a global significance of 3.1 standard deviations. We interpret this as evidence for the presence of a new particle consistent with the standard model Higgs boson, which is produced in association with a weak vector boson and decays to a bottom-antibottom quark pair.
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| 4. |
- Aaltonen, T., et al.
(author)
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Combination of CDF and D0 measurements of the W boson helicity in top quark decays
- 2012
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In: Physical Review D. - 1550-7998 .- 1550-2368. ; 85:7, s. 071106-
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- We report the combination of recent measurements of the helicity of the W boson from top quark decay by the CDF and D0 collaborations, based on data samples corresponding to integrated luminosities of 2.7-5.4 fb(-1) of p (p) over bar collisions collected during Run II of the Fermilab Tevatron collider. Combining measurements that simultaneously determine the fractions of W bosons with longitudinal (f(0)) and right-handed (f(+)) helicities, we find f(0) = 0.722 +/- 0.081[+/- 0.062(stat) +/- 0.052(syst)] and f(+) = -0.033 +/- 0.046[+/- 0.034(stat) +/- 0.031(syst)]. Combining measurements where one of the helicity fractions is fixed to the value expected in the standard model, we find f(0) = 0.682 +/- 0.057[+/- 0.035(stat) +/- 0.046(syst)] for fixed f(+) and f(+) = -0.015 +/- 0.035[+/- 0.018(stat) +/- 0.030(syst)] for fixed f(0). The results are consistent with standard model expectations.
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| 5. |
- Ederle, Joerg, et al.
(author)
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Carotid artery stenting compared with endarterectomy in patients with symptomatic carotid stenosis (International Carotid Stenting Study): an interim analysis of a randomised controlled trial
- 2010
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In: The Lancet. - 1474-547X. ; 375:9719, s. 985-997
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background Stents are an alternative treatment to carotid endarterectomy for symptomatic carotid stenosis, but previous trials have not established equivalent safety and efficacy. We compared the safety of carotid artery stenting with that of carotid endarterectomy. Methods The International Carotid Stenting Study (ICSS) is a multicentre, international, randomised controlled trial with blinded adjudication of outcomes. Patients with recently symptomatic carotid artery stenosis were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to receive carotid artery stenting or carotid endarterectomy. Randomisation was by telephone call or fax to a central computerised service and was stratified by centre with minimisation for sex, age, contralateral occlusion, and side of the randomised artery. Patients and investigators were not masked to treatment assignment. Patients were followed up by independent clinicians not directly involved in delivering the randomised treatment. The primary outcome measure of the trial is the 3-year rate of fatal or disabling stroke in any territory, which has not been analysed yet. The main outcome measure for the interim safety analysis was the 120-day rate of stroke, death, or procedural myocardial infarction. Analysis was by intention to treat (ITT). This study is registered, number ISRCTN25337470. Findings The trial enrolled 1713 patients (stenting group, n=855; endarterectomy group, n=858). Two patients in the stenting group and one in the endarterectomy group withdrew immediately after randomisation, and were not included in the ITT analysis. Between randomisation and 120 days, there were 34 (Kaplan-Meier estimate 4.0%) events of disabling stroke or death in the stenting group compared with 27 (3.2%) events in the endarterectomy group (hazard ratio [HR] 1.28, 95% CI 0.77-2.11). The incidence of stroke, death, or procedural myocardial infarction was 8.5% in the stenting group compared with 5.2% in the endarterectomy group (72 vs 44 events; HR 1.69, 1.16-2.45, p=0.006), Risks of any stroke (65 vs 35 events; HR 1.92, 1.27-2.89) and all-cause death (19 vs seven events; HR 2.76, 1.16-6.56) were higher in the stenting group than in the endarterectomy group. Three procedural myocardial infarctions were recorded in the stenting group, all of which were fatal, compared with four, all non-fatal, in the endarterectomy group. There was one event of cranial nerve palsy in the stenting group compared with 45 in the endarterectomy group. There were also fewer haematomas of any severity in the stenting group than in the endarterectomy group (31 vs 50 events; p=0.0197). Interpretation Completion of long-term follow-up is needed to establish the efficacy of carotid artery stenting compared with endarterectomy. In the meantime, carotid endarterectomy should remain the treatment of choice for patients suitable for surgery.
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| 6. |
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| 7. |
- Groenen, M. A., et al.
(author)
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Analyses of pig genomes provide insight into porcine demography and evolution
- 2012
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In: Nature. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 0028-0836 .- 1476-4687. ; 491:7424, s. 393-398
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- For 10,000 years pigs and humans have shared a close and complex relationship. From domestication to modern breeding practices, humans have shaped the genomes of domestic pigs. Here we present the assembly and analysis of the genome sequence of a female domestic Duroc pig (Sus scrofa) and a comparison with the genomes of wild and domestic pigs from Europe and Asia. Wild pigs emerged in South East Asia and subsequently spread across Eurasia. Our results reveal a deep phylogenetic split between European and Asian wild boars approximately 1 million years ago, and a selective sweep analysis indicates selection on genes involved in RNA processing and regulation. Genes associated with immune response and olfaction exhibit fast evolution. Pigs have the largest repertoire of functional olfactory receptor genes, reflecting the importance of smell in this scavenging animal. The pig genome sequence provides an important resource for further improvements of this important livestock species, and our identification of many putative disease-causing variants extends the potential of the pig as a biomedical model.
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| 8. |
- Edgecock, T. R., et al.
(author)
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High intensity neutrino oscillation facilities in Europe
- 2013
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In: Physical Review Special Topics - Accelerators and Beams. - : American Physical Society. - 1098-4402. ; 16:2, s. 021002-
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The EUROnu project has studied three possible options for future, high intensity neutrino oscillation facilities in Europe. The first is a Super Beam, in which the neutrinos come from the decay of pions created by bombarding targets with a 4 MW proton beam from the CERN High Power Superconducting Proton Linac. The far detector for this facility is the 500 kt MEMPHYS water Cherenkov, located in the Frejus tunnel. The second facility is the Neutrino Factory, in which the neutrinos come from the decay of mu(+) and mu(-) beams in a storage ring. The far detector in this case is a 100 kt magnetized iron neutrino detector at a baseline of 2000 km. The third option is a Beta Beam, in which the neutrinos come from the decay of beta emitting isotopes, in particular He-6 and Ne-18, also stored in a ring. The far detector is also the MEMPHYS detector in the Frejus tunnel. EUROnu has undertaken conceptual designs of these facilities and studied the performance of the detectors. Based on this, it has determined the physics reach of each facility, in particular for the measurement of CP violation in the lepton sector, and estimated the cost of construction. These have demonstrated that the best facility to build is the Neutrino Factory. However, if a powerful proton driver is constructed for another purpose or if the MEMPHYS detector is built for astroparticle physics, the Super Beam also becomes very attractive.
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| 9. |
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| 10. |
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| 11. |
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| 12. |
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| 13. |
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| 14. |
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| 15. |
- Lambert, J-C, et al.
(author)
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Genome-wide haplotype association study identifies the FRMD4A gene as a risk locus for Alzheimer's disease
- 2013
-
In: Molecular Psychiatry. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1359-4184 .- 1476-5578. ; 18:4, s. 461-470
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Recently, several genome-wide association studies (GWASs) have led to the discovery of nine new loci of genetic susceptibility in Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, the landscape of the AD genetic susceptibility is far away to be complete and in addition to single-SNP (single-nucleotide polymorphism) analyses as performed in conventional GWAS, complementary strategies need to be applied to overcome limitations inherent to this type of approaches. We performed a genome-wide haplotype association (GWHA) study in the EADI1 study (n = 2025 AD cases and 5328 controls) by applying a sliding-windows approach. After exclusion of loci already known to be involved in AD (APOE, BIN1 and CR1), 91 regions with suggestive haplotype effects were identified. In a second step, we attempted to replicate the best suggestive haplotype associations in the GERAD1 consortium (2820 AD cases and 6356 controls) and observed that 9 of them showed nominal association. In a third step, we tested relevant haplotype associations in a combined analysis of five additional case-control studies (5093 AD cases and 4061 controls). We consistently replicated the association of a haplotype within FRMD4A on Chr.10p13 in all the data set analyzed (OR: 1.68; 95% CI: (1.43-1.96); P=1.1 x 10(-10)). We finally searched for association between SNPs within the FRMD4A locus and A beta plasma concentrations in three independent non-demented populations (n = 2579). We reported that polymorphisms were associated with plasma A beta 42/A beta 40 ratio (best signal, P=5.4 x 10(-7)). In conclusion, combining both GWHA study and a conservative three-stage replication approach, we characterised FRMD4A as a new genetic risk factor of AD.
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| 16. |
- Albers, M., et al.
(author)
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Single-particle and collective excitations in Ni-63
- 2013
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In: Physical Review C (Nuclear Physics). - 0556-2813. ; 88:5
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- A study of excited states in Ni-63 up to an excitation energy of 28 MeV and a probable spin of 57/2 was carried out with the Mg-26(Ca-48,2 alpha 3n gamma)Ni-63 reaction at beam energies between 275 and 320 MeV. Three collective bands, built upon states of single-particle character, were identified. For two of the three bands, the transition quadrupole moments were extracted, herewith quantifying the deformation at high spin. The results have been compared with shell-model and cranked Nilsson-Strutinsky calculations. Despite the Z = 28 shell closure and the approach to the purported N = 40 subshell, the Ni-63 isotope is able to sustain collective excitations at moderate and high spin.
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| 17. |
- Barr, R, et al.
(author)
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Association between vitamin D receptor gene polymorphisms, falls, balance and muscle power : results from two independent studies (APOSS and OPUS)
- 2010
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In: Osteoporosis International. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1433-2965 .- 0937-941X. ; 21:3, s. 66-457
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- SUMMARY: Fall prevention is a key strategy for reducing osteoporotic fractures. We investigated the association between vitamin D receptor (VDR) polymorphisms and reported falls in postmenopausal women. Bsm1 polymorphisms were associated with falls, balance and muscle power measurements. These results may explain some of the excess fracture risk associated with VDR in some studies.INTRODUCTION: Fall prevention is a key strategy for reducing osteoporotic fractures. It has been suggested that vitamin D supplementation may reduce the incidence of falls by reducing body sway and increasing muscle power. The vitamin D receptor gene is a well-studied candidate gene for osteoporosis. We investigated the association between VDR polymorphisms and reported falls in postmenopausal women.METHODS: Falls data were collected in two separate population cohorts. Five polymorphisms of the VDR gene were analysed (Cdx-2, Fok-1, BsmI, Taq1 and Apa1) in the Aberdeen Prospective Osteoporosis Screening Study (APOSS) cohort. Results found in APOSS were then validated in an independent cohort--the Osteoporosis and Ultrasound (OPUS) study (Bsm1 and Fok1 only), where muscle power and balance were also measured.RESULTS: Carriers of the 'B' allele (Bsm1) showed an increased risk for falls. In APOSS, this was statistically significant for visit 3 multiple falls (p = 0.047) and for recurrent falls (p = 0.043). Similar results were found in OPUS for visit 1 falls (p = 0.025) and visit 1 multiple falls (p = 0.015). Bsm1 polymorphisms were also associated with balance and muscle power measurements.CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, these results demonstrate an association between the Bsm1 polymorphism and risk of falling that may explain some of the excess fracture risk associated with VDR in some studies.
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| 18. |
- Beyer, Bruce K., et al.
(author)
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ILSI/HESI maternal toxicity workshop summary : maternal toxicity and its impact on study design and data interpretation
- 2011
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In: Birth defects research. Part B. Developmental and reproductice toxicology. - : Wiley. - 1542-9733 .- 1542-9741. ; 92:1, s. 36-51
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Workshops on maternal toxicity were held at the annual Society of Toxicology, Teratology Society, and European Teratology Society meetings in 2009. Speakers presented background information prior to a general discussion on this topic. The following recommendations/options are based on the outcome of the discussions at the workshops: 1. A comprehensive evaluation of all available data from general toxicity studies, range-finding Developmental and Reproductive Toxicology (DART) studies, class effects, structure-activity relationships, exposure studies, etc. is essential for appropriate dose selection for definitive DART studies. The intent is to avoid marked maternal toxicity leading to mortality or decreased body weight gains of greater than 20% for prolonged periods. (a) Evaluate alternative endpoints for dose selection and data interpretation (e.g., target tissue effects and pharmacology) for biotherapeutics. (B) Evaluate additional maternal parameters based on effects and/or target organs observed in short-term (e.g., 2- or 4-week) general toxicity studies. 2. Evaluate all available data to determine a cause-effect relationship for developmental toxicity. (a) Conduct a pair-feeding/pair-watering study as a follow-up. (b) Evaluate individual data demonstrating maternal toxicity in the mother with adverse embryo-fetal outcomes in the litter associated with the affected mother. (c) Conduct single-dose studies at increasing doses as a complement to conventional embryo-fetal toxicity studies for certain classes of compounds that affect the hERG channel. 3. Support statements that embryo-fetal effects are caused by maternal toxicity and/or exaggerated pharmacology, especially for malformations. (a) Provide mechanistic or other supporting data. (b) Establish the relevance of the DART findings in animals for human exposures.
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| 19. |
- Calfapietra, Carlo, et al.
(author)
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Challenges in elevated CO2 experiments on forests
- 2010
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In: Trends in Plant Science. - : Elsevier BV. - 1360-1385. ; 15:1, s. 5-10
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Research review (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Current forest Free Air CO2 Enrichment (FACE) experiments are reaching completion. Therefore, it is time to define the scientific goals and priorities of future experimental facilities. In this opinion article, we discuss the following three overarching issues (i) What are the most urgent scientific questions and how can they be addressed? (ii) What forest ecosystems should be investigated? (iii) Which other climate change factors should be coupled with elevated CO2 concentrations in future experiments to better predict the effects of climate change? Plantations and natural forests can have conflicting purposes for high productivity and environmental protection. However, in both cases the assessment of carbon balance and how this will be affected by elevated CO2 concentrations and the interacting climate change factors is the most pressing priority for future experiments.
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| 20. |
- Hasan, Saad A, et al.
(author)
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Transferable Graphene Oxide Films with Tunable Microstructures.
- 2010
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In: ACS Nano. - : American Chemical Society (ACS). - 1936-0851 .- 1936-086X. ; 4:12, s. 7367-7372
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- This report describes methods to produce large-area films of graphene oxide from aqueous suspensions using electrophoretic deposition. By selecting the appropriate suspension pH and deposition voltage, films of the negatively charged graphene oxide sheets can be produced with either a smooth "rug" microstructure on the anode or a porous "brick" microstructure on the cathode. Cathodic deposition occurs in the low pH suspension with the application of a relatively high voltage, which facilitates a gradual change in the colloids' charge from negative to positive as they adsorb protons released by the electrolysis of water. The shift in the colloids' charge also gives rise to the brick microstructure, as the concurrent decrease in electrostatic repulsion between graphene oxide sheets results in the formation of multilayered aggregates (the "bricks"). Measurements of water contact angle revealed the brick films (79°) to be more hydrophobic than the rug films (41°), a difference we attribute primarily to the distinct microstructures. Finally, we describe a sacrificial layer technique to make these graphene oxide films free-standing, which would enable them to be placed on arbitrary substrates.
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| 21. |
- Henning, G., et al.
(author)
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Exploring the stability of super heavy elements: First measurement of the fission barrier of 254No
- 2014
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In: EPJ Web of Conferences. - : EDP Sciences. - 2101-6275 .- 2100-014X. ; 66
-
Conference paper (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The gamma-ray multiplicity and total energy emitted by the heavy nucleus 254No have been measured at 2 different beam energies. From these measurements, the initial distributions of spin I and excitation energy E * of 254No were constructed. The distributions display a saturation in excitation energy, which allows a direct determination of the fission barrier. 254No is the heaviest shell-stabilized nucleus with a measured fission barrier. © Owned by the authors, published by EDP Sciences, 2014.
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| 22. |
- Henning, G., et al.
(author)
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Fission Barrier of Superheavy Nuclei and Persistence of Shell Effects at High Spin: Cases of No-254 and Th-220
- 2014
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In: Physical Review Letters. - 1079-7114 .- 0031-9007. ; 113:26
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- We report on the first measurement of the fission barrier height in a heavy shell-stabilized nucleus. The fission barrier height of No-254 is measured to be B-f = 6.0 +/- 0.5 MeV at spin 15 (h) over bar and, by extrapolation, B-f = 6.6 +/- 0.9 MeV at spin 0 (h) over bar. This information is deduced from the measured distribution of entry points in the excitation energy versus spin plane. The same measurement is performed for Th-220 and only a lower limit of the fission barrier height can be determined: B-f (I) > 8 MeV. Comparisons with theoretical fission barriers test theories that predict properties of superheavy elements.
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| 23. |
- Malmevik, J., et al.
(author)
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Selective transfection of microglia in the brain using an antibody-based non-viral vector
- 2014
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In: Brain Research. - : Elsevier BV. - 0006-8993. ; 1586, s. 12-22
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- There are currently few approaches to transiently manipulate the expression of specific proteins in microglia of the brain. An antibody directed against an extracellular epitope of scavenger receptor class B, type I (SR-BI) was found to be selectively taken up by these cells in the brain. Other antibodies tested were not internalised by microglia. A vector was produced by linking the SR-BI antibody to polyethyleneimine and binding a DNA plasmid encoding green fluorescent protein. Infusions of this vector into the hippocampus produced a widespread transfection of cells, more than 80% of which were immunoreactive for microglial/macrophage markers. Transfection was not detected in cells expressing markers for astrocytes or neurons. Reporter gene expression was most prominent near the infusion site but was seen in tissue up to 4 mm away. DNA bound to polyethyleneimine alone or to a vector containing a different antibody did not produce transfection in the brain. Single injections of the vector containing the SR-BI antibody into the brain also resulted in transfection of microglia, albeit with lower efficiency. Vector modifications to promote lysis of endosomes or entry of DNA into the nucleus did not increase efficiency. The findings clearly demonstrate the capacity of the SR-BI antibody to selectively target brain microglia. This approach offers considerable potential to deliver DNA and other molecules capable of modifying the function of these cells in vivo. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
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| 24. |
- Shapiro, M, et al.
(author)
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An Earth-system prediction initiative for the twenty-first century: An international interdisciplinary initiative to accelerate advances in knowledge, prediction, use and value of weather, climate and Earth-system information
- 2010
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In: BULLETIN OF THE AMERICAN METEOROLOGICAL SOCIETY. - 0003-0007. ; 91:10, s. 1377-1388
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The necessity and benefits for establishing the international Earth-system Prediction Initiative (EPI) are discussed by scientists associated with the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) World Weather Research Programme (WWRP), World Climate Research Programme (WCRP), International Geosphere–Biosphere Programme (IGBP), Global Climate Observing System (GCOS), and natural-hazards and socioeconomic communities. The proposed initiative will provide research and services to accelerate advances in weather, climate, and Earth system prediction and the use of this information by global societies. It will build upon the WMO, the Group on Earth Observations (GEO), the Global Earth Observation System of Systems (GEOSS) and the International Council for Science (ICSU) to coordinate the effort across the weather, climate, Earth system, natural-hazards, and socioeconomic disciplines. It will require (i) advanced high-performance computing facilities, supporting a worldwide network of research and operational modeling centers, and early warning systems; (ii) science, technology, and education projects to enhance knowledge, awareness, and utilization of weather, climate, environmental, and socioeconomic information; (iii) investments in maintaining existing and developing new observational capabilities; and (iv) infrastructure to transition achievements into operational products and services.
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| 25. |
- Crosbie, J. C., et al.
(author)
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Reference dosimetry at the Australian Synchrotron's imaging and medical beamline using free-air ionization chamber measurements and theoretical predictions of air kerma rate and half value layer
- 2013
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In: Medical physics (Lancaster). - : Wiley. - 0094-2405. ; 40:6, s. 062103-
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Purpose: Novel, preclinical radiotherapy modalities are being developed at synchrotrons around the world, most notably stereotactic synchrotron radiation therapy and microbeam radiotherapy at the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility in Grenoble, France. The imaging and medical beamline (IMBL) at the Australian Synchrotron has recently become available for preclinical radiotherapy and imaging research with clinical trials, a distinct possibility in the coming years. The aim of this present study was to accurately characterize the synchrotron-generated x-ray beam for the purposes of air kerma-based absolute dosimetry. Methods: The authors used a theoretical model of the energy spectrum from the wiggler source and validated this model by comparing the transmission through copper absorbers (0.1-3.0 mm) against real measurements conducted at the beamline. The authors used a low energy free air ionization chamber (LEFAC) from the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency and a commercially available free air chamber (ADC-105) for the measurements. The dimensions of these two chambers are different from one another requiring careful consideration of correction factors. Results: Measured and calculated half value layer (HVL) and air kerma rates differed by less than 3% for the LEFAC when the ion chamber readings were corrected for electron energy loss and ion recombination. The agreement between measured and predicted air kerma rates was less satisfactory for the ADC-105 chamber, however. The LEFAC and ADC measurements produced a first half value layer of 0.405 ± 0.015 and 0.412 ± 0.016 mm Cu, respectively, compared to the theoretical prediction of 0.427 ± 0.012 mm Cu. The theoretical model based upon a spectrum calculator derived a mean beam energy of 61.4 keV with a first half value layer of approximately 30 mm in water. Conclusions: The authors showed in this study their ability to verify the predicted air kerma rate and x-ray attenuation curve on the IMBL using a simple experimental method, namely, HVL measurements. The HVL measurements strongly supports the x-ray beam spectrum, which in turn has a profound effect on x-ray dosimetry.
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| 26. |
- De Wit, Pierre, 1978, et al.
(author)
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Forensic genomics as a novel tool for identifying the causes of mass mortality events : Forensic genomics
- 2014
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In: Nature Communications. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 2041-1723. ; 5:artikel nr 3652, s. 1-8
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Toxic spills, hypoxia, disease outbreaks and toxin-producing algal blooms are all possible causes of mass mortality events, but in many cases it can be difficult to pinpoint the cause of death. Here we present a new approach that we name ‘forensic genomics’, combining field surveys, toxin testing and genomic scans. Forensic genomics queries allele frequencies of surviving animals for signatures of agents causing mass mortality and, where genetic diversity is high, is uniquely suited to identify natural selection in action. As a proof of concept, we use this approach to investigate the causes of an invertebrate mass mortality event, and its genetic effects on an abalone population. Our results support that a harmful algal bloom producing a yessotoxin was a major causative agent to the event.
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| 27. |
- Hellsing, Maja S., et al.
(author)
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Structure of a large colloidal crystal : controlling orientation and three-dimensional order
- 2012
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In: RSC Advances. - : Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC). - 2046-2069. ; 2:18, s. 7091-7098
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The three-dimensional crystal structure of charge stabilised polystyrene latex in deionised water was investigated by small-angle neutron diffraction. Crystallisation with a grain size of approximately 1 x 1 cm(2) was observed when the sample was flowed gently in to a 2 mm path cell. Bragg scattering peaks arising from the structure were observed under rotation about three perpendicular axes of the sample. The diffraction patterns indicate clearly that there is a cubic close packed structure with a 110 axis perpendicular to the cell wall. Rotations in small steps show large changes and indicate that the crystal is well oriented and has three-dimensional order. The crystal orientation was controlled by the meniscus and direction of flow when filling the cell.
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| 28. |
- Holtgrieve, Gordon W., et al.
(author)
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A Coherent Signature of Anthropogenic Nitrogen Deposition to Remote Watersheds of the Northern Hemisphere
- 2011
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In: Science. - : American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS). - 1095-9203 .- 0036-8075. ; 334:6062, s. 1545-1548
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Humans have more than doubled the amount of reactive nitrogen (Nr) added to the biosphere, yet most of what is known about its accumulation and ecological effects is derived from studies of heavily populated regions. Nitrogen (N) stable isotope ratios (N-15:N-14) in dated sediments from 25 remote Northern Hemisphere lakes show a coherent signal of an isotopically distinct source of N to ecosystems beginning in 1895 +/- 10 years (+/- 1 standard deviation). Initial shifts in N isotope composition recorded in lake sediments coincide with anthropogenic CO2 emissions but accelerate with widespread industrial Nr production during the past half century. Although current atmospheric Nr deposition rates in remote regions are relatively low, anthropogenic N has probably influenced watershed N budgets across the Northern Hemisphere for over a century.
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| 29. |
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| 30. |
- Larsbrink, Johan, et al.
(author)
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A discrete genetic locus confers xyloglucan metabolism in select human gut Bacteroidetes
- 2014
-
In: Nature. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 0028-0836 .- 1476-4687. ; 506:7489, s. 498-502
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- A well-balanced human diet includes a significant intake of non-starch polysaccharides, collectively termed 'dietary fibre', from the cell walls of diverse fruits and vegetables(1). Owing to the paucity of alimentary enzymes encoded by the human genome(2), our ability to derive energy from dietary fibre depends on the saccharification and fermentation of complex carbohydrates by the massive microbial community residing in our distal gut(3,4). The xyloglucans (XyGs) are a ubiquitous family of highly branched plant cell wall polysaccharides(5,6) whose mechanism(s) of degradation in the human gut and consequent importance in nutrition have been unclear(1,7,8). Here we demonstrate that a single, complex gene locus in Bacteroides ovatus confers XyG catabolism in this common colonic symbiont. Through targeted gene disruption, biochemical analysis of all predicted glycoside hydrolases and carbohydrate-binding proteins, and three-dimensional structural determination of the vanguard endo-xyloglucanase, we reveal the molecular mechanisms through which XyGs are hydrolysed to component monosaccharides for further metabolism. We also observe that orthologous XyG utilization loci (XyGULs) serve as genetic markers of XyG catabolism in Bacteroidetes, that XyGULs are restricted to a limited number of phylogenetically diverse strains, and that XyGULs are ubiquitous in surveyed human metagenomes. Our findings reveal that the metabolism of even highly abundant components of dietary fibre may be mediated by niche species, which has immediate fundamental and practical implications for gut symbiont population ecology in the context of human diet, nutrition and health(9-12).
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| 31. |
- Locy, Morgan L, et al.
(author)
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Thioredoxin reductase inhibition elicits Nrf2-mediated responses in Clara cells : implications for oxidant-induced lung injury
- 2012
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In: Antioxidants and Redox Signaling. - Stockholm : Karolinska Institutet, Dept of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics. - 1557-7716 .- 1523-0864.
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Aims: Pulmonary oxygen toxicity contributes to lung injury in newborn and adult humans.We previously reported that thioredoxin reductase (TrxR1) inhibition with aurothioglucose (ATG) attenuates hyperoxic lung injury in adult mice. The present studies tested the hypothesis that TrxR1 inhibition protects against the effects of hyperoxia via nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)-dependent mechanisms. Results: Both pharmacologic and siRNA-mediated TrxR1 inhibition induced robust Nrf2 responses in murine-transformed Clara cells (mtCC). While TrxR1 inhibition did not alter the susceptibility of cells to the effects of hyperoxia, glutathione (GSH) depletion after TrxR1 inhibition markedly enhanced the hyperoxic susceptibility of cultured mtCCs. Finally, in vivo data revealed dose-dependent increases in the expression of the Nrf2 target gene NADPH:quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1) in the lungs of ATGtreated adult mice. Innovation: TrxR1 inhibition activates Nrf2-dependent antioxidant responses in mtCCs in vitro and in adult murine lungs in vivo, providing a plausible mechanism for the protective effects of TrxR1 inhibition in vivo. Conclusion: GSH-dependent enzyme systems in mtCCs may be of greater importance for protection against hyperoxic exposure than are TrxR-dependent systems. The induction of Nrf2 activation via TrxR1 inhibition represents a novel therapeutic strategy that attenuates oxidant-mediated lung injury. Similar expression levels of TrxR1 in newborn and adult mouse or human lungs broaden the potential clinical applicability of the present findings to both neonatal and adult oxidant lung injury.
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| 32. |
- López-Dekker, P., et al.
(author)
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BIOMASS end-to-end mission performance assessment
- 2012
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In: Proc. IGARSS 2012, IEEE International Geoscience and Remote Sensing Symposium, Munich, Germany, 22-27 July 2012. - 2153-6996. - 9781467311588 ; , s. 1602-1605
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Conference paper (peer-reviewed)abstract
- This paper provides an overview of the BIOMASS Mission End-to-End simulator (BEES) and of the mission performance analysis performed with it. The end-to-end performance, in terms of biomass estimates error, is close to the 20% error goal set for the mission. The main sources of errors are temporal decorrelation and the limited available bandwidth, while system induced errors have a negligible impact on the final performance.
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| 33. |
- López-Dekker, P., et al.
(author)
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BIOMASS End-to-End performance Simulator
- 2011
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In: IEEE International Geoscience and Remote Sensing Symposium, IGARSS 2011. Vancouver, 24-29 July 2011. - 9781457710049 ; , s. 4249-4252
-
Conference paper (peer-reviewed)abstract
- This paper discusses the implementation of an end-to-end simulator for the BIOMASS mission. An overview of the system architecture is provided along with a functional description of the modules that comprise the simulator.
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| 34. |
- Nag, Somnath, et al.
(author)
-
Collective and noncollective states in (120)Te
- 2012
-
In: Physical Review C (Nuclear Physics). - 0556-2813. ; 85:1
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- High-spin states in (120)Te were populated in the reaction (80)Se((48)Ca, alpha 4n)(120)Te at a beam energy of 207 MeV and gamma-ray coincidences were measured using the Gammasphere spectrometer. The previously known level scheme is extended to higher spin and new interband transitions and side-feeding branches are established. Five highly deformed rotational bands, extending up to almost I = 50, are observed for the first time. The bands are compared with similar structures found recently in neighboring nuclei. The experimental results are interpreted within the framework of the cranked Nilsson-Strutinsky model. Configuration assignments to several terminating states and to the high-spin bands are discussed.
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| 35. |
- Nag, Somnath, et al.
(author)
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Revised level structure of Te-120
- 2014
-
In: Physical Review C (Nuclear Physics). - 0556-2813. ; 90:3
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The level scheme of the nucleus Te-120, populated in the reaction Se-80(Ca-48, alpha 4n), was reinvestigated using gamma-ray coincidence data measured with the Gammasphere spectrometer. Previously, five high-spin rotational bands were discovered in this nucleus. The present reinvestigation revealed that the decay of band b1 is more complex than suggested in the earlier work and that it cannot be uniquely determined. Furthermore, a number of new transitions are added to the level scheme. The implications for the spin assignments and excitation energies of the five bands and for comparisons with cranked Nilsson-Strutinsky calculations are discussed.
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| 36. |
- Rennie, Adrian R., et al.
(author)
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Learning about SANS instruments and data reduction from round robin measurements on samples of polystyrene latex
- 2013
-
In: Journal of applied crystallography. - 0021-8898 .- 1600-5767. ; 46:5, s. 1289-1297
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Measurements of a well-characterized `standard' sample can verify the performance of an instrument. Typically, small-angle neutron scattering instruments are used to investigate a wide range of samples and may often be used in a number of configurations. Appropriate `standard' samples are useful to test different aspects of the performance of hardware as well as that of the data reduction and analysis software. Measurements on a number of instruments with different intrinsic characteristics and designs in a round robin can not only better characterize the performance for a wider range of conditions but also, perhaps more importantly, reveal the limits of the current state of the art of small-angle scattering. The exercise, followed by detailed analysis, tests the limits of current understanding as well as uncovering often forgotten assumptions, simplifications and approximations that underpin the current practice of the technique. This paper describes measurements of polystyrene latex, radius 720 Å, with a number of instruments. Scattering from monodisperse, uniform spherical particles is simple to calculate and displays sharp minima. Such data test the calibrations of intensity, wavelength and resolution as well as the detector response. Smoothing due to resolution, multiple scattering and polydispersity has been determined. Sources of uncertainty are often related to systematic deviations and calibrations rather than random counting errors. The study has prompted development of software to treat modest multiple scattering and to better model the instrument resolution. These measurements also allow checks of data reduction algorithms and have identified how they can be improved. The reproducibility and the reliability of instruments and the accuracy of parameters derived from the data are described.
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| 37. |
- Rogers, Kathleen E., et al.
(author)
-
Novel Cruzain Inhibitors for the Treatment of Chagas' Disease
- 2012
-
In: Chemical Biology and Drug Design. - : Wiley. - 1747-0277 .- 1747-0285. ; 80:3, s. 398-405
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, the etiological agent of Chagas disease, affects millions of individuals and continues to be an important global health concern. The poor efficacy and unfavorable side effects of current treatments necessitate novel therapeutics. Cruzain, the major cysteine protease of T.similar to cruzi, is one potential novel target. Recent advances in a class of vinyl sulfone inhibitors are encouraging; however, as most potential therapeutics fail in clinical trials and both disease progression and resistance call for combination therapy with several drugs, the identification of additional classes of inhibitory molecules is essential. Using an exhaustive virtual-screening and experimental validation approach, we identify several additional small-molecule cruzain inhibitors. Further optimization of these chemical scaffolds could lead to the development of novel drugs useful in the treatment of Chagas disease.
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| 38. |
- Shin, Eunju, et al.
(author)
-
Noradrenaline neuron degeneration contributes to motor impairments and development of L-DOPA-induced dyskinesia in a rat model of Parkinson's disease.
- 2014
-
In: Experimental Neurology. - : Elsevier BV. - 0014-4886. ; 257:Apr 18, s. 25-38
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Parkinson's disease (PD) is characterized by progressive loss of dopaminergic (DA) neurons in the substantia nigra. However, studies of post-mortem PD brains have shown that not only DA neurons but also the noradrenergic (NA) neurons in the locus coeruleus degenerate, and that the NA neurodegeneration may be as profound, and also precede degeneration of the midbrain DA neurons. Previous studies in animal models of PD have suggested that loss of forebrain NA will add to the development of motor symptoms in animals with lesions of the nigrostriatal DA neurons, but the results obtained in rodents have been inconclusive due to the shortcomings of the toxin, DSP-4, used to lesion the NA projections. Here, we have developed an alternative double-lesion paradigm using injections of 6-OHDA into striatum in combination with intraventricular injections of a powerful NA immunotoxin, anti-DBH-Saporin, to eliminate the NA neurons in the locus coeruleus, and associated pontine nuclei. Animals with combined DA and NA lesions were more prone to develop L-DOPA-induced dyskinesia, even at low L-DOPA doses, and they performed significantly worse in tests of reflexive and skilled paw use, the stepping and staircase tests, compared to DA-only lesioned rats. Post-mortem analysis revealed that NA depletion did not affect the degree of DA depletion, or the loss of tyrosine hydroxylase-positive innervation in the striatum. Cell loss in the substantia nigra was similar in both single and double lesioned animals, showing that the worsening effect was not due to increased loss of nigral DA neurons. The results show that damage to brainstem NA neurons, contributes to the development of motor impairments and the appearance of L-DOPA-induced dyskinesia in 6-OHDA lesioned rats, and provide support for the view that the development of motor symptoms and dyskinetic side effects in PD patients reflects the combined loss of midbrain DA neurons and NA neurons.
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| 39. |
- Singh, Purnima, et al.
(author)
-
Core excitations beyond maximally aligned configurations in I-123
- 2012
-
In: Physical Review C (Nuclear Physics). - 0556-2813. ; 85:3
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- High-spin states in I-123 have been populated in the Se-80(Ca-48, p4n) I-123 reaction at 207 MeV and gamma-ray coincidence events have been recorded with the Gammasphere spectrometer. The level scheme of I-123 has been extended up to spin I = 63/2. The nucleus undergoes a shape transition from moderately deformed states with collective rotation at low spins to noncollective oblate configurations at higher spins. Maximally aligned terminating states involving all nine particles outside the Sn-114 core and states with one particle antialigned are identified. A large number of weak transitions feed the terminating states. Cranked Nilsson-Strutinsky calculations have been performed to determine possible configurations for the observed energy levels.
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| 40. |
- Singh, Purnima, et al.
(author)
-
High-spin rotational bands in I-123
- 2012
-
In: Physical Review C (Nuclear Physics). - 0556-2813. ; 86:6
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- High-spin states in I-123 were populated in the reaction Se-80(Ca-48,p4n)I-123 at a beam energy of 207 MeV and gamma-ray coincidence events were measured using the Gammasphere spectrometer. Three weakly populated, high-spin rotational bands have been discovered with characteristics similar to those of the long collective bands recently observed in other nuclei of this mass region. Configuration assignments are proposed based on calculations within the framework of the cranked Nilsson-Strutinsky approach. DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevC.86.067305
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