| 1. |
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| 2. |
- Aad, G., et al.
(author)
-
- 2015
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In: Journal of High Energy Physics. - : Springer-Verlag New York. - 1029-8479 .- 1126-6708. ; :9
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)
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| 3. |
- Diakaki, M., et al.
(author)
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Towards the high-accuracy determination of the 238U fission cross section at the threshold region at CERN -€“ n_TOF
- 2016
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In: EPJ Web of Conferences. - : EDP Sciences. - 2100-014X.
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Conference paper (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The U-238 fission cross section is an international standard beyond 2 MeV where the fission plateau starts. However, due to its importance in fission reactors, this cross-section should be very accurately known also in the threshold region below 2 MeV. The U-238 fission cross section has been measured relative to the U-235 fission cross section at CERN - n_TOF with different detection systems. These datasets have been collected and suitably combined to increase the counting statistics in the threshold region from about 300 keV up to 3 MeV. The results are compared with other experimental data, evaluated libraries, and the IAEA standards.
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| 4. |
- Paradela, C., et al.
(author)
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High-accuracy determination of the 238U/235U fission cross section ratio up to ~1 GeV at n_TOF at CERN
- 2015
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In: Physical Review C. Nuclear Physics. - 0556-2813 .- 1089-490X. ; 91, s. 024602-
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The U238 to U235 fission cross section ratio has been determined at n_TOF up to ≈1 GeV, with two different detection systems, in different geometrical configurations. A total of four datasets has been collected and compared. They are all consistent to each other within the relative systematic uncertainty of 3–4%. The data collected at n_TOF have been suitably combined to yield a unique fission cross section ratio as a function of neutron energy. The result confirms current evaluations up to 200 MeV. Good agreement is also observed with theoretical calculations based on the INCL++/Gemini++ combination up to the highest measured energy. The n_TOF results may help solve a long-standing discrepancy between the two most important experimental datasets available so far above 20 MeV, while extending the neutron energy range for the first time up to ≈1 GeV.
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| 5. |
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| 6. |
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| 7. |
- Leal-Cidoncha, E., et al.
(author)
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Fission Fragment Angular Distribution measurements of 235U and 238U at CERN n_TOF facility
- 2016
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In: EPJ Web of Conferences. - : EDP Sciences. - 2100-014X.
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Conference paper (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Neutron-induced fission cross sections of U-238 and U-235 are used as standards in the fast neutron region up to 200 MeV. A high accuracy of the standards is relevant to experimentally determine other neutron reaction cross sections. Therefore, the detection efficiency should be corrected by using the angular distribution of the fission fragments (FFAD), which are barely known above 20 MeV. In addition, the angular distribution of the fragments produced in the fission of highly excited and deformed nuclei is an important observable to investigate the nuclear fission process. In order to measure the FFAD of neutron-induced reactions, a fission detection setup based on parallel-plate avalanche counters (PPACs) has been developed and successfully used at the CERN-n_TOF facility. In this work, we present the preliminary results on the analysis of new U-235(n,f) and U-238(n,f) data in the extended energy range up to 200 MeV compared to the existing experimental data.
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| 8. |
- Leal-Cidoncha, E., et al.
(author)
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High accuracy 234U(n,f) cross section in the resonance energy region
- 2017
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In: ND 2016. - Les Ulis : EDP Sciences. - 9782759890200
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Conference paper (peer-reviewed)abstract
- New results are presented of the 234U neutron-induced fission cross section, obtained with high accuracy in the resonance region by means of two methods using the 235U(n,f) as reference. The recent evaluation of the 235U(n,f) obtained with SAMMY by L. C. Leal et al. (these Proceedings), based on previous n_TOF data [1], has been used to calculate the 234U(n,f) cross section through the 234U/235U ratio, being here compared with the results obtained by using the n_TOF neutron flux.
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| 9. |
- Praena, J., et al.
(author)
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Preparation and characterization of 33S samples for 33S(n,alpha)30Si cross-section measurements at the n_TOF facility at CERN
- 2018
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In: Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research Section A. - : Elsevier BV. - 0168-9002 .- 1872-9576. ; 890, s. 142-147
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Thin 33S samples for the study of the 33S(n,alpha)30Si cross-section at the n_TOF facility at CERN were made by thermal evaporation of 33S powder onto a dedicated substrate made of kapton covered with thin layers of copper, chromium and titanium. This method has provided for the first time bare sulfur samples a few centimeters in diameter. The samples have shown an excellent adherence with no mass loss after few years and no sublimation in vacuum at room temperature. The determination of the mass thickness of 33S has been performed by means of Rutherford backscattering spectrometry. The samples have been successfully tested under neutron irradiation.
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| 10. |
- Tarrío, Diego, et al.
(author)
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Fission Fragment Angular Distribution of Th-232(n,f) at the CERN n_TOF Facility
- 2014
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In: Nuclear Data Sheets. - Univ Santiago de Compostela, Santiago De Compostela, Spain. [Leong, L. S.; Audouin, L.; Tassan-Got, L.; Lederer, C.] IPN, CNRS, IN2P3, Orsay, France. [Altstadt, S.; Langer, C.; Lederer, C.; Reifarth, R.; Schmidt, S.; Weigand, M.] Goethe Univ Frankfurt, D-60054 Frankfurt, Germany. [Andrzejewski, J.; Marganiec, J.; Perkowski, J.] Univ Lodz, PL-90131 Lodz, Poland. [Barbagallo, M.; Colonna, N.; Mastromarco, M.; Meaze, M.; Tagliente, G.; Variale, V.] Ist Nazl Fis Nucl, I-70126 Bari, Italy. [Becares, V.; Cano-Ott, D.; Garcia, A. R.; Gonzalez-Romero, E.; Martinez, T.; Mendoza, E.] CIEMAT, E-28040 Madrid, Spain. [Becvar, F.; Krticka, M.; Kroll, J.; Valenta, S.] Charles Univ Prague, Prague, Czech Republic. [Belloni, F.; Berthoumieux, E.; Bosnar, D.; Chiaveri, E.; Fraval, K.; Gunsing, F.] CEA Saclay, Irfu, F-91191 Gif Sur Yvette, France. [Berthoumieux, E.; Boccone, V.; Bosnar, D.; Brugger, M.; Calviani, M.; Cerutti, F.; Chiaveri, E.; Chin, M.; Ferrari, A.; Guerrero, C.; Kadi, Y.; Losito, R.; Roman, F.; Rubbia, C.; Tsinganis, A.; Versaci, R.; Vlachoudis, V.] CERN, European Org Nucl Res, CH-1211 Geneva, Switzerland. [Billowes, J.; Ware, T.; Wright, T. J.] Univ Manchester, Manchester, Lancs, England. [Zugec, P.] Univ Zagreb, Fac Sci, Dept Phys, Zagreb 41000, Croatia. [Calvino, F.; Cortes, G.; Gomez-Hornillos, M. B.; Riego, A.] Univ Politecn Cataluna, Barcelona, Spain. [Carrapico, C.; Goncalves, I. F.; Sarmento, R.; Vaz, P.] Univ Tecn Lisboa, Inst Super Tecn, Inst Tecnol Nucl, P-1096 Lisbon, Portugal. [Cortes-Giraldo, M. A.; Praena, J.; Quesada, J. M.] Univ Seville, Seville, Spain. [Diakaki, M.; Karadimos, D.; Kokkoris, M.; Vlastou, R.] Natl Tech Univ Athens, GR-10682 Athens, Greece. [Domingo-Pardo, C.; Giubrone, G.; Tain, J. L.] Univ Valencia, CSIC, Inst Fis Corpuscular, E-46003 Valencia, Spain. [Dzysiuk, N.; Mastinu, P. F.] Ist Nazl Fis Nucl, Lab Nazl Legnaro, Milan, Italy. [Eleftheriadis, C.; Manousos, A.] Aristotle Univ Thessaloniki, GR-54006 Thessaloniki, Greece. [Ganesan, S.; Gurusamy, P.] Bhabha Atom Res Ctr, Bombay 400085, Maharashtra, India. [Griesmayer, E.; Jericha, E.; Leeb, H.; Weiss, C.] Vienna Univ Technol, Inst Atom, Vienna, Austria. [Jenkins, D. G.; Vermeulen, M. J.] Univ York, York YO10 5DD, N Yorkshire, England. [Kaeppeler, F.] Karlsruhe Inst Technol, Inst Kernphys, D-76021 Karlsruhe, Germany. [Koehler, P.] Oak Ridge Natl Lab, Oak Ridge, TN 37831 USA. [Lederer, C.; Pavlik, A.; Wallner, A.] Univ Vienna, Fac Phys, A-1010 Vienna, Austria. [Massimi, C.; Mingrone, F.; Vannini, G.] Univ Bologna, Dipartimento Fis, I-40126 Bologna, Italy. [Massimi, C.; Mingrone, F.; Vannini, G.] Sez INFN Bologna, Bologna, Italy. [Mengoni, A.; Ventura, A.] Agenzia Nazl Nuove Tecnol, Eenergia & Sviluppo Econ Sostenibile ENEA, Bologna, Italy. [Milazzo, P. M.] Ist Nazl Fis Nucl, Trieste, Italy. [Mirea, M.; Roman, F.] Horia Hulubei Natl Inst Phys & Nucl Engn, IFIN HH, Bucharest, Romania. [Mondalaers, W.; Plompen, A.; Schillebeeckx, P.] European Commiss JRC, Inst Reference Mat & Measurements, B-2440 Geel, Belgium. [Rauscher, T.] Univ Basel, Dept Phys & Astron, Basel, Switzerland. [Rubbia, C.] Ist Nazl Fis Nucl, Lab Nazl Gran Sasso, Assergi, AQ, Italy. : Elsevier BV. - 0090-3752 .- 1095-9904. ; 119, s. 35-37
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The angular distribution of fragments emitted in neutron-induced fission of Th-232 was measured in the white spectrum neutron beam at the n_TOF facility at CERN. A reaction chamber based on Parallel Plate Avalanche Counters (PPAC) was used, where the detectors and the targets have been tilted 45 degrees with respect to the neutron beam direction in order to cover the full angular range of the fission fragments. A GEANT4 simulation has been developed to study the setup efficiency. The data analysis and the preliminary results obtained for the Th-232(n,f) between fission threshold and 100 MeV are presented here.
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| 11. |
- Tarrío, Diego, et al.
(author)
-
Measurement of the angular distribution of fission fragments using a PPAC assembly at CERN n_TOF
- 2014
-
In: Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research Section A. - : Elsevier BV. - 0168-9002 .- 1872-9576. ; 743, s. 79-85
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- A fission reaction chamber based on Parallel Plate Avalanche Counters (PPACs) was built for measuring angular distributions of fragments emitted in neutron-induced fission of actinides at the neutron beam available at the Neutron Time-Of-Flight (n_TOF) facility at CERN. The detectors and the samples were tilted 45 degrees with respect to the neutron beam direction to cover all the possible values of the emission angle of the fission fragments. The main features of this setup are discussed and results on the fission fragment angular distribution are provided for the Th-232(n,f) reaction around the fission threshold. The results are compared with the available data in the literature, demonstrating the good capabilities of this setup.
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| 12. |
- Tarrío, Diego, et al.
(author)
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Neutron-induced fission cross sections of Th-232 and U-233 up to 1 GeV using parallel plate avalanche counters at the CERN n_TOF facility
- 2023
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In: Physical Review C. - : American Physical Society. - 2469-9985 .- 2469-9993. ; 107:4
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The neutron-induced fission cross sections of Th-232 and U-233 were measured relative to U-235 in a wide neutron energy range up to 1 GeV (and from fission threshold in the case of Th-232, and from 0.7 eV in case of U-233), using the white-spectrum neutron source at the CERN Neutron Time-of-Flight (n_TOF) facility. Parallel plate avalanche counters (PPACs) were used, installed at the Experimental Area 1 (EAR1), which is located at 185 m from the neutron spallation target. The anisotropic emission of fission fragments were taken into account in the detection efficiency by using, in the case of U-233, previous results available in EXFOR, whereas in the case of Th-232 these data were obtained from our measurement, using PPACs and targets tilted 45 degrees with respect to the neutron beam direction. Finally, the obtained results are compared with past measurements and major evaluated nuclear data libraries. Calculations using the high-energy reaction models INCL++ and ABLA07 were performed and some of their parameters were modified to reproduce the experimental results. At high energies, where no other neutron data exist, our results are compared with experimental data on proton-induced fission. Moreover, the dependence of the fission cross section at 1 GeV with the fissility parameter of the target nucleus is studied by combining those ( p, f) data with our (n, f) data on Th-232 and U-233 and on other isotopes studied earlier at n_TOF using the same experimental setup.
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| 13. |
- Abbondanno, U, et al.
(author)
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The data acquisition system of the neutron time-of-flight facility n_TOF at CERN
- 2005
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In: Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research Section A. - : Elsevier BV. - 0168-9002 .- 1872-9576. ; 538:1-3, s. 692-702
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The n_TOF facility at CERN has been designed for the measurement of neutron capture, fission and (n, xn) cross-sections with high accuracy. This requires a flexible and-due to the high instantaneous neutron flux-almost dead time free data acquisition system. A scalable and versatile data solution has been designed based on 8-bit flash-ADCs with sampling rates up to 2 GHz and 8 Mbyte memory buffer. The software is written in C and C++ and is running on PCs equipped with RedHat Linux.
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| 14. |
- Paradela, C., et al.
(author)
-
High accuracy 235U(n,f) data in the resonance energy region
- 2016
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In: EPJ Web of Conferences. - : EDP Sciences. - 2100-014X.
-
Conference paper (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The U-235 neutron-induced cross section is widely used as reference cross section for measuring other fission cross sections, but in the resonance region it is not considered as an IAEA standard because of the scarce experimental data covering the full region. In this work, we deal with a new analysis of the experimental data obtained with a detection setup based on parallel plate ionization chambers (PPACs) at the CERN n_TOF facility in the range from 1 eV to 10 keV. The relative cross section has been normalised to the IAEA value in the region between 7.8 and 11 eV, which is claimed as well-known. Comparison with the ENDF/B-VII evaluation and the IAEA reference file from 100 eV to 10 keV are provided.
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| 15. |
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| 16. |
- Plompen, A. J. M., et al.
(author)
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The joint evaluated fission and fusion nuclear data library, JEFF-3.3
- 2020
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In: European Physical Journal A. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1434-6001 .- 1434-601X. ; 56:7
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Research review (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The joint evaluated fission and fusion nuclear data library 3.3 is described. New evaluations for neutron-induced interactions with the major actinides 235U, 238U and 239Pu, on 241Am and 23Na, 59Ni, Cr, Cu, Zr, Cd, Hf, W, Au, Pb and Bi are presented. It includes new fission yields, prompt fission neutron spectra and average number of neutrons per fission. In addition, new data for radioactive decay, thermal neutron scattering, gamma-ray emission, neutron activation, delayed neutrons and displacement damage are presented. JEFF-3.3 was complemented by files from the TENDL project. The libraries for photon, proton, deuteron, triton, helion and alpha-particle induced reactions are from TENDL-2017. The demands for uncertainty quantification in modeling led to many new covariance data for the evaluations. A comparison between results from model calculations using the JEFF-3.3 library and those from benchmark experiments for criticality, delayed neutron yields, shielding and decay heat, reveals that JEFF-3.3 performes very well for a wide range of nuclear technology applications, in particular nuclear energy.
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| 17. |
- Pendleton, A., et al.
(author)
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EULAR recommendations for the management of knee osteoarthritis : Report of a task force of the standing committee for international clinical studies including therapeutic trials (ESCISIT)
- 2000
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In: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases. - : BMJ. - 0003-4967. ; 59:12, s. 44-936
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background - Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common joint disease encountered throughout Europe. A task force for the EULAR Standing Committee for Clinical Trials met in 1998 to determine the methodological and logistical approach required for the development of evidence based guidelines for treatment of knee OA. The guidelines were restricted to cover all currently available treatments for knee OA diagnosed either clinically and/or radiographically affecting any compartment of the knee. Methods - The first stage was the selection of treatment modalities to be considered. The second stage comprised a search of the electronic databases Medline and Embase using a combination of subject headings and keywords. All European language publications in the form of systematic reviews, meta-analyses, randomised controlled trials, controlled trials, and observational studies were included. During stage three all the relevant studies were quality scored. The summary statistics for validated outcome measures, when available, were recorded and, where practical, the numbers needed to treat and the effect size for each treatment were calculated. In the fourth stage key clinical propositions were determined by expert consensus employing a Delphi approach. The final stage ranked these propositions according to the available evidence. A second set of propositions relating to a future research agenda was determined by expert consensus using a Delphi approach. Results - Over 2400 English language publications and 400 non-English language publications were identified. Seven hundred and forty four studies presented outcome data of the effects of specific treatments on knee OA. Quantitative analysis of treatment effect was possible in only 61 studies. Recommendations for the management of knee OA based on currently available data and expert opinion are presented. Proposals for a future research agenda are highlighted. Conclusions - These are the first clinical guidelines on knee OA to combine an evidence based approach and a consensus approach across a wide range of treatment modalities. It is apparent that certain clinical propositions are supported by substantial research based evidence, while others are not. There is thus an urgent need for future well designed trials to consider key clinical questions.
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| 18. |
- Pendleton, A., et al.
(author)
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EULAR-Richtlinien für die Behandlung von Kniegelenksarthrose : Bericht der Arbeitsgruppe des Standing Committees for International Clinical Studies Including Therapeutic Trials (ESCISIT)
- 2003
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In: Journal fur Mineralstoffwechsel. - 1023-7763. ; 10:3, s. 23-31
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common joint disease encountered throughout Europe. A task force for the EULAR Standing Committee for Clinical Trials met in 1998 to determine the methodological and logistical approach required for the development of evidence based guidelines for treatment of knee OA. The guidelines were restricted to cover all currently available treatments for knee OA diagnosed either clinically and/or radiographically affecting any compartment of the knee. Methods: The first stage was the selection of treatment modalities to be considered. The second stage comprised a search of the electronic databases Medline and Embase using a combination of subject headings and keywords. All European language publications in the form of systematic reviews, metaanalyses, randomised controlled trials, controlled trials, and observational studies were included. During stage three all the relevant studies were quality scored. The summary statistics for validated outcome measures, when available, were recorded and, where practical, the numbers needed to treat and the effect size for each treatment were calculated. In the fourth stage key clinical propositions were determined by expert consensus employing a Delphi approach. The final stage ranked these propositions according to the available evidence. A second set of propositions relating to a future research agenda was determined by expert consensus using a Delphi approach. Results: Over 2400 English language publications and 400 non-English language publications were identified. Seven hundred and forty four studies presented outcome data of the eVects of specific treatments on knee OA. Quantitative analysis of treatment effect was possible in only 61 studies. Recommendations for the management of knee OA based on currently available data and expert opinion are presented. Proposals for a future research agenda are highlighted. Conclusions: These are the first clinical guidelines on knee OA to combine an evidence based approach and a consensus approach across a wide range of treatment modalities. It is apparent that certain clinical propositions are supported by substantial research based evidence, while others are not. There is thus an urgent need for future well designed trials to consider key clinical questions.
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| 19. |
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| 20. |
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| 21. |
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| 22. |
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| 23. |
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| 24. |
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| 25. |
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| 26. |
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| 27. |
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| 28. |
- Zhang, W., et al.
(author)
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EULAR evidence-based recommendations for the diagnosis of knee osteoarthritis
- 2010
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In: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases. - : BMJ. - 1468-2060 .- 0003-4967. ; 69:3, s. 483-489
-
Research review (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Objective To develop evidence-based recommendations for the diagnosis of knee osteoarthritis (OA). Methods The multidisciplinary guideline development group, representing 12 European countries, generated 10 key propositions regarding diagnosis using a Delphi consensus approach. For each recommendation, research evidence was searched systematically. Whenever possible, the sensitivity, specificity and likelihood ratio were calculated for individual diagnostic indicators and a diagnostic ladder was developed using Bayes' method. Secondary analyses were undertaken to test directly the recommendations using multiple predictive models in two populations from the UK and the Netherlands. Strength of recommendation was assessed by the EULAR visual analogue scale. Results Recommendations covered the definition of knee OA and its risk factors, subsets, typical symptoms and signs, the use of imaging and laboratory tests and differential diagnosis. Three symptoms (persistent knee pain, limited morning stiffness and reduced function) and three signs (crepitus, restricted movement and bony enlargement) appeared to be the most useful. Assuming a 12.5% background prevalence of knee OA in adults aged >= 45 years, the estimated probability of having radiographic knee OA increased with increasing number of positive features, to 99% when all six symptoms and signs were present. The performance of the recommendations in the study populations varied according to the definition of knee OA, background risk and number of tests applied. Conclusion 10 key recommendations for diagnosis of knee OA were developed using both research evidence and expert consensus. Although there is no agreed reference standard, thorough clinical assessment alone can provide a confident rule-in diagnosis.
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| 29. |
- Wade, C. M., et al.
(author)
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Genome Sequence, Comparative Analysis, and Population Genetics of the Domestic Horse
- 2009
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In: Science. - : American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS). - 0036-8075 .- 1095-9203. ; 326:5954, s. 865-867
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- We report a high-quality draft sequence of the genome of the horse ( Equus caballus). The genome is relatively repetitive but has little segmental duplication. Chromosomes appear to have undergone few historical rearrangements: 53% of equine chromosomes show conserved synteny to a single human chromosome. Equine chromosome 11 is shown to have an evolutionary new centromere devoid of centromeric satellite DNA, suggesting that centromeric function may arise before satellite repeat accumulation. Linkage disequilibrium, showing the influences of early domestication of large herds of female horses, is intermediate in length between dog and human, and there is long-range haplotype sharing among breeds.
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| 30. |
- Zhang, W., et al.
(author)
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EULAR evidence-based recommendations for the diagnosis of hand osteoarthritis: report of a task force of ESCISIT
- 2009
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In: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases. - : BMJ. - 1468-2060 .- 0003-4967. ; 68:1, s. 8-17
-
Research review (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Objectives: To develop evidence-based recommendations for the diagnosis of hand osteoarthritis (OA). Methods: The multidisciplinary guideline development group, representing 15 European countries, generated 10 key propositions regarding diagnosis using a Delphi consensus approach. For each recommendation, research evidence was searched for systematically. Whenever possible, the sensitivity, specificity and likelihood ratio (LR) were calculated; relative risk and odds ratios were estimated for risk factors for hand OA. Quality of evidence was categorised using the European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) hierarchy, and strength of recommendation was assessed by the EULAR visual analogue scale. Results: Diagnostic topics included clinical manifestations, radiographic features, subgroups, differential diagnosis, laboratory tests, risk factors and comorbidities. The sensitivity, specificity and LR varied between tests depending upon the cut-off level, gold standard and controls. Overall, no single test could be used to define hand OA on its own (LR,10) but a composite of the tests greatly increased the chance of the diagnosis. The probability of a subject having hand OA was 20% when Heberden nodes alone were present, but this increased to 88% when in addition the subject was over 40 years old, had a family history of nodes and had joint space narrowing in any finger joint. Conclusion: Ten key recommendations for diagnosis of hand OA were developed using research evidence and expert consensus. Diagnosis of hand OA should be based on assessment of a composite of features.
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| 31. |
- Zhang, W., et al.
(author)
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EULAR evidence based recommendations for the management of hand osteoarthritis: report of a task force of the EULAR standing committee for international clinical studies including therapeutics (ESCISIT)
- 2007
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In: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases. - : BMJ. - 1468-2060 .- 0003-4967. ; 66:3, s. 377-388
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Objectives: To develop evidence based recommendations for the management of hand osteoarthritis (OA). Methods: The multidisciplinary guideline development group comprised 16 rheumatologists, one physiatrist, one orthopaedic surgeon, two allied health professionals, and one evidence based medicine expert, representing 15 different European countries. Each participant contributed up to 10 propositions describing key clinical points for management of hand OA. Final recommendations were agreed using a Delphi consensus approach. A systematic search of Medline, Embase, CINAHL, Science Citation Index, AMED, Cochrane Library, HTA, and NICE reports was used to identify the best available research evidence to support each proposition. Where possible, the effect size and number needed to treat were calculated for efficacy. Relative risk or odds ratio was estimated for safety, and incremental cost effectiveness ratio was used for cost effectiveness. The strength of recommendation was provided according to research evidence, clinical expertise, and perceived patient preference. Results: Eleven key propositions involving 17 treatment modalities were generated through three Delphi rounds. Treatment topics included general considerations (for example, clinical features, risk factors, comorbidities), non-pharmacological (for example, education plus exercise, local heat, and splint), pharmacological (for example, paracetamol, NSAIDs, NSAIDs plus gastroprotective agents, COX-2 inhibitors, systemic slow acting disease modifying drugs, intra-articular corticosteroids), and surgery. Of 17 treatment modalities, only six were supported by research evidence (education plus exercise, NSAIDs, COX-2 inhibitors, topical NSAIDs, topical capsaicin, and chondroitin sulphate). Others were supported either by evidence extrapolated from studies of OA affecting other joint sites or by expert opinion. Strength of recommendation varied according to level of evidence, benefits and harms/costs of the treatment, and clinical expertise. Conclusion: Eleven key recommendations for treatment of hand OA were developed using a combination of research based evidence and expert consensus. The evidence was evaluated and the strength of recommendation was provided.
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