| 1. |
- Aamodt, K., et al.
(författare)
-
The ALICE experiment at the CERN LHC
- 2008
-
Ingår i: Journal of Instrumentation. - 1748-0221. ; 3:S08002
-
Forskningsöversikt (refereegranskat)abstract
- ALICE (A Large Ion Collider Experiment) is a general-purpose, heavy-ion detector at the CERN LHC which focuses on QCD, the strong-interaction sector of the Standard Model. It is designed to address the physics of strongly interacting matter and the quark-gluon plasma at extreme values of energy density and temperature in nucleus-nucleus collisions. Besides running with Pb ions, the physics programme includes collisions with lighter ions, lower energy running and dedicated proton-nucleus runs. ALICE will also take data with proton beams at the top LHC energy to collect reference data for the heavy-ion programme and to address several QCD topics for which ALICE is complementary to the other LHC detectors. The ALICE detector has been built by a collaboration including currently over 1000 physicists and engineers from 105 Institutes in 30 countries, Its overall dimensions are 16 x 16 x 26 m(3) with a total weight of approximately 10 000 t. The experiment consists of 18 different detector systems each with its own specific technology choice and design constraints, driven both by the physics requirements and the experimental conditions expected at LHC. The most stringent design constraint is to cope with the extreme particle multiplicity anticipated in central Pb-Pb collisions. The different subsystems were optimized to provide high-momentum resolution as well as excellent Particle Identification (PID) over a broad range in momentum, up to the highest multiplicities predicted for LHC. This will allow for comprehensive studies of hadrons, electrons, muons, and photons produced in the collision of heavy nuclei. Most detector systems are scheduled to be installed and ready for data taking by mid-2008 when the LHC is scheduled to start operation, with the exception of parts of the Photon Spectrometer (PHOS), Transition Radiation Detector (TRD) and Electro Magnetic Calorimeter (EMCal). These detectors will be completed for the high-luminosity ion run expected in 2010. This paper describes in detail the detector components as installed for the first data taking in the summer of 2008.
|
|
| 2. |
|
|
| 3. |
|
|
| 4. |
|
|
| 5. |
- Glodzik-Sobanska, Lidia, et al.
(författare)
-
The effects of normal aging and ApoE genotype on the levels of CSF biomarkers for Alzheimer's disease.
- 2009
-
Ingår i: Neurobiology of aging. - : Elsevier BV. - 1558-1497 .- 0197-4580. ; 30:5, s. 672-81
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- While cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarkers are of use in the prediction and diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease our understanding of the background effects of age and the ApoE genotype is limited. Seventy-eight community-based normal volunteers (mean age 60+/-10 years, range 36-86) were examined to determine the relationships between CSF measures of total tau (T-tau), hyperphosphorylated tau (P-tau 231), amyloid beta (Abeta42/Abeta40 ratio), and isoprostane (IP) with age and ApoE genotype. The results showed that age by epsilon4 genotype interactions were found for P-tau231 (beta=1.82; p<0.05) and IP (beta=1.6; p<0.05). T-tau CSF concentration increased with age. The increasing CSF concentrations of P-tau and IP in epsilon4 carriers suggest that early tauopathy and oxidative stress may be related to the increased risk for AD. The data also suggest that T-tau changes are more age dependent than Abeta changes. The evidence that P-tau231 and IP are the earliest markers for the neuronal damage related to AD awaits longitudinal study.
|
|
| 6. |
- Brys, Miroslaw, et al.
(författare)
-
Magnetic resonance imaging improves cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers in the early detection of Alzheimer's disease.
- 2009
-
Ingår i: Journal of Alzheimer's disease : JAD. - 1387-2877. ; 16:2, s. 351-62
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Little is known of combined utility of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarkers for prediction of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and longitudinal data is scarce. We examined these biomarkers at baseline and longitudinally in incipient AD. Forty-five subjects [21 controls (NL-NL), 16 stable MCI (MCI-MCI), 8 MCI who declined to AD (MCI-AD)] received MRI and lumbar puncture at baseline and after 2 years. CSF measures included total and phosphorylated tau (T-tau, P-tau(231)), amyloid-beta (Abeta(42)/Abeta(40)) and isoprostane. Voxel-based morphometry identified gray matter concentration (GMC) differences best distinguishing study groups and individual GMC values were calculated. Rate of medial temporal lobe (MTL) atrophy was examined using regional boundary shift (rBS) method. At baseline, for MRI, MCI-AD showed reduced GMC-MTL, and for CSF higher CSF T-tau, P-tau(231), IP and lower Abeta(42)/Abeta(40) as compared with MCI-MCI or NL-NL. Longitudinally, rBS-MTL atrophy was higher in MCI-AD than in either MCI-MCI or NL-NL, particularly in the left hemisphere. CSF data showed longitudinally greater increases of isoprostane in MCI-AD as compared with NL-NL. Combining baseline CSF-P-tau(231) and GMC-MTL significantly increased overall prediction of AD from 74% to 84% (p(step)<0.05). These results provide support for including multiple modalities of biomarkers in the identification of memory clinic patients at increased risk for dementia.
|
|
| 7. |
- Brys, Miroslaw, et al.
(författare)
-
Prediction and longitudinal study of CSF biomarkers in mild cognitive impairment.
- 2009
-
Ingår i: Neurobiology of aging. - : Elsevier BV. - 1558-1497 .- 0197-4580. ; 30:5, s. 682-90
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- OBJECTIVES: To longitudinally evaluate five cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarkers in the transition from mild cognitive impairment (MCI) to Alzheimer's disease (AD). METHODS: A baseline and 2-year follow-up clinical and CSF study of 86 subjects, including 22 MCI patients that declined to AD (MCI-AD), 43 MCI that did not deteriorate (MCI-MCI) and 21 controls (NL-NL). All subjects were studied for total and phosphorylated tau (T-tau, P-tau(231)), amyloid beta (Abeta) Abeta(42)/Abeta(40) ratio, isoprostane (IP) as well as P-tau(231)/Abeta(42/40) and T-tau/Abeta(42/40) ratios. RESULTS: At baseline and at follow-up MCI-AD showed higher levels P-tau(231), T-tau, IP, P-tau(231)/Abeta(42/40) and T-tau/Abeta(42/40) ratios and lower Abeta(42)/Abeta(40) than MCI-MCI or NL-NL. Baseline P-tau(231) best predicted MCI-AD (80%, p<0.001) followed in accuracy by P-tau(231)/Abeta(42/40) and T-tau/Abeta(42/40) ratios (both 75%, p's<0.001), T-tau (74%, p<0.001), Abeta(42)/Abeta(40) (69%, p<0.01), and IP (68%, p<0.01). Only IP showed longitudinal effects (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: P-tau(231) is the strongest predictor of the decline from MCI to AD. IP levels uniquely show longitudinal progression effects. These results suggest the use of CSF biomarkers in secondary prevention trials.
|
|
| 8. |
|
|
| 9. |
- Mosconi, L., et al.
(författare)
-
Hypometabolism and Altered Cerebrospinal Fluid Markers in Normal Apolipoprotein E E4 Carriers with Subjective Memory Complaints
- 2007
-
Ingår i: Biological Psychiatry. - : Elsevier BV. - 0006-3223. ; 63:6, s. 609-618
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- BACKGROUND: We examined whether cerebral metabolic rates for glucose (CMRglc) on 2-[(18)F]fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose (FDG)-positron emission tomography (PET) and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) markers of Alzheimer's disease (AD) are altered in cognitively normal apolipoprotein E (ApoE) E4 carriers with subjective memory complaints (SMC). METHODS: Twenty-eight middle-aged normal subjects (NL) were examined, including 13 E4 carriers (E4+; 6 with SMC [SMC+] and 7 without SMC [SMC-]) and 15 noncarriers (E4-; 7 SMC+ and 8 SMC-). Subjects received an FDG-PET scan and a lumbar puncture to measure CSF total (T-Tau) and hyperphosphorylated tau(231) (P-Tau), 40 and 42 amino acid forms of beta-amyloid (Abeta40 and Abeta42), and F(2)-isoprostane (IP). RESULTS: As compared with E4-, E4+ subjects showed decreased CMRglc in AD-related brain regions and associated higher CSF IP, P-Tau, T-Tau, and P-Tau/Abeta42 levels (p's < .05). As compared with SMC-, SMC+ subjects showed reduced parietotemporal and parahippocampal gyrus (PHG) CMRglc. A significant ApoE by SMC status interaction was found, with the E4+/SMC+ showing the lowest PHG CMRglc and the highest CSF IP, P-Tau, and P-Tau/Abeta42 levels as compared with all other subgroups (p's
|
|
| 10. |
|
|
| 11. |
|
|
| 12. |
|
|
| 13. |
- Blennow, Kaj, 1958, et al.
(författare)
-
Alzheimer's disease.
- 2006
-
Ingår i: Lancet. - 1474-547X. ; 368:9533, s. 387-403
-
Forskningsöversikt (refereegranskat)abstract
- Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause of dementia. Research advances have enabled detailed understanding of the molecular pathogenesis of the hallmarks of the disease--ie, plaques, composed of amyloid beta (Abeta), and tangles, composed of hyperphosphorylated tau. However, as our knowledge increases so does our appreciation for the pathogenic complexity of the disorder. Familial Alzheimer's disease is a very rare autosomal dominant disease with early onset, caused by mutations in the amyloid precursor protein and presenilin genes, both linked to Abeta metabolism. By contrast with familial disease, sporadic Alzheimer's disease is very common with more than 15 million people affected worldwide. The cause of the sporadic form of the disease is unknown, probably because the disease is heterogeneous, caused by ageing in concert with a complex interaction of both genetic and environmental risk factors. This seminar reviews the key aspects of the disease, including epidemiology, genetics, pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment, as well as recent developments and controversies.
|
|
| 14. |
- Cruz, Paulo J. S., et al.
(författare)
-
Crack sensor with embedded optical fibre : Sustainable Bridges. Background document 5.3
- 2007
-
Rapport (refereegranskat)abstract
- This document reports the development of a distributed optical fibre crack sensor. This sensor can be employed for detection of cracks and measurement of crack widths in concrete structures. The basic principle of operation for the crack sensor is based on intensity variation of the optical power within the optical fibre due to the initiation and opening of cracks.The present report summarizes the improvements introduced in the sensor to make it appropriate for crack monitoring in bridges, performed by researchers of the University of Minho, in Portugal. The primary objectives of the work were:1) To select the proper polymeric material for making the plate;2) To optimize the manufacture process;3) To assure the bonding between the plate sensor and concrete members;4) To determine the corresponding calibration curves of intensity losses versus the crack aperture;5) The application of the plate sensor to the monitoring of single crack RC beams and masonry slabs and the monitoring of multiple cracks on RC beams;6) The field implementation of the plate sensor.The field implementation of the plate sensor in the destructive test carried out in the ÖvikBridge, in the north of Sweden, is also included. The main purpose of this test was to demonstratethe capability of the sensor plate to detect cracks and measure the crack opening in concrete railway bridges. This report provides the description of the bridge and gives an overview of the procedures for wiring and installing the sensor plate.
|
|
| 15. |
|
|
| 16. |
- Dieperink, Willem, et al.
(författare)
-
Implementation of Boussignac continuous positive airway pressure in the coronary care unit : experiences and attitudes.
- 2008
-
Ingår i: Heart & Lung. - : Elsevier BV. - 0147-9563 .- 1527-3288. ; 37:6, s. 449-54
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- OBJECTIVE: Boussignac continuous positive airway pressure (BCPAP) delivered by face mask is useful for patients with acute cardiogenic pulmonary edema (ACPE). Although BCPAP is medically effective, we observed that not all suitable patients received it. In this descriptive, prospective, cohort study, we explored the experiences and attitudes of both patients and staff with BCPAP. METHODS: Patients were interviewed 12 to 48 hours after treatment with BCPAP. Nurses on the coronary care unit were interviewed on their knowledge, skills, experiences, and opinions concerning BCPAP. RESULTS: Of 117 patients with ACPE, 87 patients (74%) received BCPAP treatment. It was decided not to administer BCPAP in 30 patients with ACPE (26%). Patients who received BCPAP found that the reduction of dyspnea outweighed any discomfort. Barriers for the use of BCPAP were not related to nurses' skills but to the following: the nurses' belief that BCPAP created major discomfort, the lack of guidelines, the ultimate improvement of oxygenation without BCPAP, and the more labor-intensive treatment. CONCLUSION: Overestimation of patient discomfort by nurses and system-related factors impeded the use of BCPAP for all patients with ACPE.
|
|
| 17. |
- Farah, Mohamed, et al.
(författare)
-
Botanical Nomenclature in Pharmacovigilance and a Recommendation for Standardisation
- 2006
-
Ingår i: Drug Safety. - 0114-5916. ; 29, s. 1023-1029
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Nomenclature of plants in pharmacology can be presented by pharmaceutical names or scientific names in the form of Linnaean binomials. In this paper, positive and negative aspects of both systems are discussed in the context of the scientific nomenclatural framework and the systems’ practical applicability. The Uppsala Monitoring Centre (UMC) runs the WHO Programme for International Drug Monitoring and is responsible for the WHO Adverse Drug Reaction (ADR) database that currently contains 3.6 million records WHO Adverse Drug Reaction database. In order for the UMC to monitor pharmacovigilance through ADRs to herbal medicine products the following species nomenclatural criteria are important: (i) the name should indicate only one species of plant; (ii) the source for this name must be authoritative; (iii) the name should indicate which part of the plant is used. Based on these criteria, the UMC investigated four options: (i) adopt main names used in recognised (inter-) national pharmacopoeias or authoritative publications; (ii) adopt option 1, but cite the publication for all names in abbreviated form; (iii) three-part pharmaceutical names consisting of Latinised part name plus Latinised genus name, plus Latinised specific epithet; (iv) scientific binomial names, optionally with author and plant part used. The UMC has selectedchosen for the latter option and willas its adoption utilizes the scientific botanical nomenclature as defined by the International Code of Botanical Nomenclature.
|
|
| 18. |
- Farah, Mohamed, et al.
(författare)
-
Botanical Nomenclature in Pharmacovigilance and a Recommendation for Standardisation
- 2006
-
Ingår i: Drug Safety. - 0114-5916 .- 1179-1942. ; 29:11, s. 1023-1029
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Nomenclature of plants in pharmacology can be presented by pharmaceutical names or scientific names in the form of Linnaean binomials. In this paper, positive and negative aspects of both systems are discussed in the context of the scientific nomenclatural framework and the systems' practical applicability. The Uppsala Monitoring Centre (UMC) runs the WHO Programme for International Drug Monitoring and is responsible for the WHO Adverse Drug Reaction (ADR) database that currently contains 3.6 million records. In order for the UMC to monitor pharmacovigilance through ADRs to herbal medicine products the following nomenclatural criteria are important: (i) the name should indicate only one species of plant; (ii) the source for this name must be authoritative; (iii) the name should indicate which part of the plant is used. Based on these criteria, the UMC investigated four options: (i) adopt main names used in recognised (inter-) national pharmacopoeias or authoritative publications; (ii) adopt option 1, but cite the publication for all names in abbreviated form; (iii) three-part pharmaceutical names consisting of Latinised part name plus Latinised genus name, plus Latinised specific epithet; (iv) scientific binomial names, optionally with author and plant part used. The UMC has chosen the latter option and will at its adoption utilise the scientific botanical nomenclature as defined by the International Code of Botanical Nomenclature. This decision satisfies all criteria set by the UMC and renders the necessity of creating a new system or upgrading an old inconsistent system obsolete. The UMC has also issued an extensive synonymy checklist of vernacular, pharmaceutical and scientific names for the herbals in the WHO ADR database. We strongly recommend the adoption of scientific names to denote plant ingredients in medicine.
|
|
| 19. |
- Harker, Geraint J. A., et al.
(författare)
-
Detection and extraction of signals from the epoch of reionization using higher-order one-point statistics
- 2009
-
Ingår i: Monthly notices of the Royal Astronomical Society. - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 0035-8711 .- 1365-2966. ; 393, s. 1449-1458
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Detecting redshifted 21-cm emission from neutral hydrogen in the early Universe promises to give direct constraints on the epoch of reionization (EoR). It will, though, be very challenging to extract the cosmological signal (CS) from foregrounds and noise which are orders of magnitude larger. Fortunately, the signal has some characteristics which differentiate it from the foregrounds and noise, and we suggest that using the correct statistics may tease out signatures of reionization. We generate mock data cubes simulating the output of the Low Frequency Array (LOFAR) EoR experiment. These cubes combine realistic models for Galactic and extragalactic foregrounds and the noise with three different simulations of the CS. We fit out the foregrounds, which are smooth in the frequency direction, to produce residual images in each frequency band. We denoise these images and study the skewness of the one-point distribution in the images as a function of frequency. We find that, under sufficiently optimistic assumptions, we can recover the main features of the redshift evolution of the skewness in the 21-cm signal. We argue that some of these features - such as a dip at the onset of reionization, followed by a rise towards its later stages - may be generic, and give us a promising route to a statistical detection of reionization.
|
|
| 20. |
|
|
| 21. |
|
|
| 22. |
|
|
| 23. |
|
|
| 24. |
- Thomas, Rajat M., et al.
(författare)
-
Fast large-scale reionization simulations
- 2009
-
Ingår i: Monthly notices of the Royal Astronomical Society. - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 0035-8711 .- 1365-2966. ; 393, s. 32-48
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- We present an efficient method to generate large simulations of the epoch of reionization without the need for a full three-dimensional radiative transfer code. Large dark-matter-only simulations are post-processed to produce maps of the redshifted 21-cm emission from neutral hydrogen. Dark matter haloes are embedded with sources of radiation whose properties are either based on semi-analytical prescriptions or derived from hydrodynamical simulations. These sources could either be stars or power-law sources with varying spectral indices. Assuming spherical symmetry, ionized bubbles are created around these sources, whose radial ionized fraction and temperature profiles are derived from a catalogue of one-dimensional radiative transfer experiments. In case of overlap of these spheres, photons are conserved by redistributing them around the connected ionized regions corresponding to the spheres. The efficiency with which these maps are created allows us to span the large parameter space typically encountered in reionization simulations. We compare our results with other, more accurate, three-dimensional radiative transfer simulations and find excellent agreement for the redshifts and the spatial scales of interest to upcoming 21-cm experiments. We generate a contiguous observational cube spanning redshift 6 to 12 and use these simulations to study the differences in the reionization histories between stars and quasars. Finally, the signal is convolved with the Low Frequency Array (LOFAR) beam response and its effects are analysed and quantified. Statistics performed on this mock data set shed light on possible observational strategies for LOFAR.
|
|
