| 1. |
|
|
| 2. |
- Schael, S, et al.
(author)
-
Precision electroweak measurements on the Z resonance
- 2006
-
In: Physics Reports. - : Elsevier BV. - 0370-1573 .- 1873-6270. ; 427:5-6, s. 257-454
-
Research review (peer-reviewed)abstract
- We report on the final electroweak measurements performed with data taken at the Z resonance by the experiments operating at the electron-positron colliders SLC and LEP. The data consist of 17 million Z decays accumulated by the ALEPH, DELPHI, L3 and OPAL experiments at LEP, and 600 thousand Z decays by the SLID experiment using a polarised beam at SLC. The measurements include cross-sections, forward-backward asymmetries and polarised asymmetries. The mass and width of the Z boson, m(Z) and Gamma(Z), and its couplings to fermions, for example the p parameter and the effective electroweak mixing angle for leptons, are precisely measured: m(Z) = 91.1875 +/- 0.0021 GeV, Gamma(Z) = 2.4952 +/- 0.0023 GeV, rho(l) = 1.0050 +/- 0.0010, sin(2)theta(eff)(lept) = 0.23153 +/- 0.00016. The number of light neutrino species is determined to be 2.9840 +/- 0.0082, in agreement with the three observed generations of fundamental fermions. The results are compared to the predictions of the Standard Model (SM). At the Z-pole, electroweak radiative corrections beyond the running of the QED and QCD coupling constants are observed with a significance of five standard deviations, and in agreement with the Standard Model. Of the many Z-pole measurements, the forward-backward asymmetry in b-quark production shows the largest difference with respect to its SM expectation, at the level of 2.8 standard deviations. Through radiative corrections evaluated in the framework of the Standard Model, the Z-pole data are also used to predict the mass of the top quark, m(t) = 173(+10)(+13) GeV, and the mass of the W boson, m(W) = 80.363 +/- 0.032 GeV. These indirect constraints are compared to the direct measurements, providing a stringent test of the SM. Using in addition the direct measurements of m(t) and m(W), the mass of the as yet unobserved SM Higgs boson is predicted with a relative uncertainty of about 50% and found to be less than 285 GeV at 95% confidence level. (c) 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
|
|
| 3. |
- Osborn, H. P., et al.
(author)
-
Uncovering the true periods of the young sub-Neptunes orbiting TOI-2076
- 2022
-
In: Astronomy and Astrophysics. - : EDP Sciences. - 0004-6361 .- 1432-0746. ; 664
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Context. TOI-2076 is a transiting three-planet system of sub-Neptunes orbiting a bright (G = 8.9 mag), young (340 +/- 80 Myr) K-type star. Although a validated planetary system, the orbits of the two outer planets were unconstrained as only two non-consecutive transits were seen in TESS photometry. This left 11 and 7 possible period aliases for each. Aims. To reveal the true orbits of these two long-period planets, precise photometry targeted on the highest-probability period aliases is required. Long-term monitoring of transits in multi-planet systems can also help constrain planetary masses through TTV measurements. Methods. We used the MonoTools package to determine which aliases to follow, and then performed space-based and ground-based photometric follow-up of TOI-2076 c and d with CHEOPS, SAINT-EX, and LCO telescopes. Results. CHEOPS observations revealed a clear detection for TOI-2076 c at P = 21.01538(-0.00074)(+0.00084) d, and allowed us to rule out three of the most likely period aliases for TOI-2076 d. Ground-based photometry further enabled us to rule out remaining aliases and confirm the P = 35.12537 +/- 0.00067 d alias. These observations also improved the radius precision of all three sub-Neptunes to 2.518 +/- 0.036, 3.497 +/- 0.043, and 3.232 +/- 0.063 R-circle plus. Our observations also revealed a clear anti-correlated TTV signal between planets b and c likely caused by their proximity to the 2:1 resonance, while planets c and d appear close to a 5:3 period commensurability, although model degeneracy meant we were unable to retrieve robust TTV masses. Their inflated radii, likely due to extended H-He atmospheres, combined with low insolation makes all three planets excellent candidates for future comparative transmission spectroscopy with JWST.
|
|
| 4. |
|
|
| 5. |
- Richards, Stephen, et al.
(author)
-
Genome Sequence of the Pea Aphid Acyrthosiphon pisum
- 2010
-
In: PLoS biology. - : Public Library of Science (PLoS). - 1544-9173 .- 1545-7885. ; 8:2, s. e1000313-
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Aphids are important agricultural pests and also biological models for studies of insect-plant interactions, symbiosis, virus vectoring, and the developmental causes of extreme phenotypic plasticity. Here we present the 464 Mb draft genome assembly of the pea aphid Acyrthosiphon pisum. This first published whole genome sequence of a basal hemimetabolous insect provides an outgroup to the multiple published genomes of holometabolous insects. Pea aphids are host-plant specialists, they can reproduce both sexually and asexually, and they have coevolved with an obligate bacterial symbiont. Here we highlight findings from whole genome analysis that may be related to these unusual biological features. These findings include discovery of extensive gene duplication in more than 2000 gene families as well as loss of evolutionarily conserved genes. Gene family expansions relative to other published genomes include genes involved in chromatin modification, miRNA synthesis, and sugar transport. Gene losses include genes central to the IMD immune pathway, selenoprotein utilization, purine salvage, and the entire urea cycle. The pea aphid genome reveals that only a limited number of genes have been acquired from bacteria; thus the reduced gene count of Buchnera does not reflect gene transfer to the host genome. The inventory of metabolic genes in the pea aphid genome suggests that there is extensive metabolite exchange between the aphid and Buchnera, including sharing of amino acid biosynthesis between the aphid and Buchnera. The pea aphid genome provides a foundation for post-genomic studies of fundamental biological questions and applied agricultural problems.
|
|
| 6. |
- Hori, Yasunori, et al.
(author)
-
The Discovery and Follow-up of Four Transiting Short-period Sub-Neptunes Orbiting M Dwarfs
- 2024
-
In: Astronomical Journal. - 1538-3881 .- 0004-6256. ; 167:6
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Sub-Neptunes with radii of 2-3 R ⊕ are intermediate in size between rocky planets and Neptune-sized planets. The orbital properties and bulk compositions of transiting sub-Neptunes provide clues to the formation and evolution of close-in small planets. In this paper, we present the discovery and follow-up of four sub-Neptunes orbiting M dwarfs (TOI-782, TOI-1448, TOI-2120, and TOI-2406), three of which were newly validated by ground-based follow-up observations and statistical analyses. TOI-782 b, TOI-1448 b, TOI-2120 b, and TOI-2406 b have radii of R p = 2.740 − 0.079 + 0.082 R ⊕ , 2.769 − 0.068 + 0.073 R ⊕ , 2.120 ± 0.067 R ⊕, and 2.830 − 0.066 + 0.068 R ⊕ and orbital periods of P = 8.02, 8.11, 5.80, and 3.08 days, respectively. Doppler monitoring with the Subaru/InfraRed Doppler instrument led to 2σ upper limits on the masses of <19.1 M ⊕, <19.5 M ⊕, <6.8 M ⊕, and <15.6 M ⊕ for TOI-782 b, TOI-1448 b, TOI-2120 b, and TOI-2406 b, respectively. The mass-radius relationship of these four sub-Neptunes testifies to the existence of volatile material in their interiors. These four sub-Neptunes, which are located above the so-called “radius valley,” are likely to retain a significant atmosphere and/or an icy mantle on the core, such as a water world. We find that at least three of the four sub-Neptunes (TOI-782 b, TOI-2120 b, and TOI-2406 b), orbiting M dwarfs older than 1 Gyr, are likely to have eccentricities of e ∼ 0.2-0.3. The fact that tidal circularization of their orbits is not achieved over 1 Gyr suggests inefficient tidal dissipation in their interiors.
|
|
| 7. |
- Hedges, S., et al.
(author)
-
Uroepithelial cells are part of a mucosal cytokine network
- 1994
-
In: Infection and Immunity. - 0019-9567. ; 62:6, s. 2315-2321
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- This study compared the cytokine production of uroepithelial cell lines in response to gram-negative bacteria and inflammatory cytokines. Human kidney (A498) and bladder (J82) epithelial cell lines were stimulated with either Escherichia coli Hu734, interleukin 1α (IL-1α), or tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α). Supernatant samples were removed, and the RNA was extracted from cells at 0, 2, 6, and 24 h. The secreted cytokine levels were determined by bioassay or immunoassay; mRNA was examined by reverse transcription-PCR. The two cell lines secreted IL-6 and IL-8 constitutively. IL-6 and IL-8 mRNA were constitutively produced in both cell lines; IL-1β mRNA was detected in J82 cells. IL-1α induced significantly higher levels of IL-6 secretion than did E. coli Hu734 or TNF-α. IL-1α and TNF-α induced significantly higher levels of IL-8 secretion than did E. coli Hu734. Secreted IL-1β was not detected; IL-1α and TNF-α were not detected above the levels used for stimulation. IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-8 mRNAs were detected in both cell lines after exposure to the stimulants. TNF-α mRNA was occasionally detected in the J82 cell line after TNF-α stimulation. Cytokine (IL-6 and IL-8) and control (glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase [G3PDH] and β-actin) mRNA concentrations were quantitated with internal PCR standards. Cytokine mRNA levels relative to β-actin mRNA levels were the highest in E. coli- stimulated cells. In comparison, the cytokine mRNA levels relative to G3PDH mRNA levels were the highest in IL-1α-stimulated cells. β-Actin mRNA levels decreased after bacterial stimulation but not after cytokine stimulation, while G3PDH mRNA levels increased in response to all of the stimulants tested. These results suggested that E. coli Hu734 lowered the β-actin mRNA levels in uroepithelial cells, thus distorting the IL-6 and IL-8 mRNA levels relative to this control. In summary, E. coli IL-1α and TNF-α were found to activate the de novo synthesis and secretion of IL-6 and IL-8 in uroepithelial cells. These results emphasize the role of epithelial cells in cytokine-mediated responses during the early stages of infection.
|
|
| 8. |
- Agace, W., et al.
(author)
-
Selective cytokine production by epithelial cells following exposure to Escherichia coli
- 1993
-
In: Infection and Immunity. - 0019-9567. ; 61:2, s. 602-609
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- This study compared the repertoire of cytokines produced by epithelial cell lines and human peripheral blood monocytes in response to Escherichia coli. The A-498 and J82 urinary tract epithelial cell lines and human peripheral blood monocytes were exposed to E. coli Hu734. The cytokine content of single cells was detected by indirect immunofluorescence using monoclonal antibodies to interleukin-1α (IL-1α), IL-1β, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), TNF-β, IL-6, IL-8, and granulocyte macrophage- colony-stimulating factor, and the number of positive cells was used to quantitate the response. The J82 bladder cell line stained positive for IL- 6, IL-8, and IL-1α. The IL-8 and IL-6 response peaked at 2 h, while the number of IL-1α-positive cells reached a peak 6 h after E. coli stimulation. The A-498 kidney cell line stained for IL-8 with a peak at 2 h and IL-6 with a peak at 6 h after E. coli stimulation. Peripheral blood monocytes stained for the cytokines IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-8, IL-6, and TNF-α but not for TNF-β and granulocyte macrophage-colony-stimulating factor after stimulation with E. coli. The results demonstrated that bacteria activated a cytokine response in the epithelial cell lines and monocytes. The epithelial cell lines had a more limited cytokine response profile than circulating monocytes, which may serve to limit the consequences of microbial exposure at the mucosal surface and help maintain the integrity of other tissue compartments.
|
|
| 9. |
- Agace, W. W., et al.
(author)
-
Interleukin-8 and the neutrophil response to mucosal gram-negative infection
- 1993
-
In: Journal of Clinical Investigation. - 0021-9738. ; 92:2, s. 780-785
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Urinary tract infections activate a mucosal inflammatory response, which includes cytokine secretion and neutrophil influx. The mechanisms involved in the neutrophil influx have not been identified. Interleukin-8, a potent chemoattractant for neutrophils, is produced by urinary tract epithelial cell lines in vitro. This study analyzed the human IL-8 response to deliberate Escherichia coli infection of the urinary tract. Urine and serum samples were obtained before and after intravesical instillation of E. coli. Neutrophil numbers were determined on uncentrifuged urine, and IL-8 levels were measured by ELISA. A urinary IL-8 response was found in all patients after bacterial instillation, but no serum IL-8 was detected. There was a strong correlation between urinary IL-8 levels and urinary neutrophil numbers. The same E. coli strains used to colonize the patients stimulated IL-8 production in urinary tract epithelial cells. The level of IL-8 secreted by epithelial cell lines was influenced by the fimbrial properties of the E. coli. These results demonstrated that E. coli elicit a mucosal IL-8 response in humans, and suggested that IL-8 is involved in the onset of pyuria. Epithelial cells may be an important source of IL-8 during urinary tract infection.
|
|
| 10. |
- HEDGES, S., et al.
(author)
-
Cyclosporin A does not Inhibit IL‐lα‐Induced Epithelial Cell IL‐6 Secretion
- 1993
-
In: Scandinavian Journal of Immunology. - : Wiley. - 0300-9475 .- 1365-3083. ; 37:5, s. 581-586
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Trauma and infection activated a murine mucosal IL‐6 response in different ways: the IL‐6 response to bacteria was sensitive to Cyclosporin A (CsA); the IL‐6 response to trauma was not. The aim of the present study was to identify possible activators of the CsA‐insensitive IL‐6 secretion at the epithelial cell level. Two human epithelial cell lines from the kidney (A498) and bladder (J82) were exposed to Escherichia coli Hu734, interleukin‐lα (IL‐lα) and tumour necrosis factor a (TNF‐α). The E. coli strain had been used for the in vivo experiments which led to this study, and IL‐lα and TNF‐α were likely to be released during infections and trauma. The secretion of IL‐6 into the supernatants was compared between cells stimulated in the presence or absence of CsA. E. coli Hu734, IL‐lα and TNF‐α stimulated an IL‐6 response in the two epithelial cell lines. The IL‐lα‐induced IL‐6 response was rapid, and the secreted IL‐6 levels were significantly higher than those induced by E. coli Hu734 or TNF‐α. The IL‐6 response to IL‐ lα was insensitive to CsA. By contrast, the IL‐6 response to E. coli Hu734 and TNF‐α was inhibited by CsA. These results demonstrated that the inhibitory effect of CsA depends on the stimulus triggering the IL‐6 response. IL‐lα may play a role in the induction of trauma‐associated CsA‐insensitive IL‐6 secretion.
|
|
