1. |
- Schael, S, et al.
(author)
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Precision electroweak measurements on the Z resonance
- 2006
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In: Physics Reports. - : Elsevier BV. - 0370-1573 .- 1873-6270. ; 427:5-6, s. 257-454
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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.
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2. |
- Schael, S., et al.
(author)
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Electroweak measurements in electron positron collisions at W-boson-pair energies at LEP
- 2013
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In: Physics Reports. - : Elsevier BV. - 0370-1573 .- 1873-6270. ; 532:4, s. 119-244
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Research review (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Electroweak measurements performed with data taken at the electron positron collider LEP at CERN from 1995 to 2000 are reported. The combined data set considered in this report corresponds to a total luminosity of about 3 fb(-1) collected by the four LEP experiments ALEPH, DELPHI, 13 and OPAL, at centre-of-mass energies ranging from 130 GeV to 209 GeV. Combining the published results of the four LEP experiments, the measurements include total and differential cross-sections in photon-pair, fermion-pair and four-fermion production, the latter resulting from both double-resonant WW and ZZ production as well as singly resonant production. Total and differential cross-sections are measured precisely, providing a stringent test of the Standard Model at centre-of-mass energies never explored before in electron positron collisions. Final-state interaction effects in four-fermion production, such as those arising from colour reconnection and Bose Einstein correlations between the two W decay systems arising in WW production, are searched for and upper limits on the strength of possible effects are obtained. The data are used to determine fundamental properties of the W boson and the electroweak theory. Among others, the mass and width of the W boson, m(w) and Gamma(w), the branching fraction of W decays to hadrons, B(W -> had), and the trilinear gauge-boson self-couplings g(1)(Z), K-gamma and lambda(gamma), are determined to be: m(w) = 80.376 +/- 0.033 GeV Gamma(w) = 2.195 +/- 0.083 GeV B(W -> had) = 67.41 +/- 0.27% g(1)(Z) = 0.984(-0.020)(+0.018) K-gamma - 0.982 +/- 0.042 lambda(gamma) = 0.022 +/- 0.019. (C) 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
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3. |
- Akkoyun, S., et al.
(author)
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AGATA - Advanced GAmma Tracking Array
- 2012
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In: Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research, Section A: Accelerators, Spectrometers, Detectors and Associated Equipment. - : Elsevier BV. - 0168-9002 .- 0167-5087 .- 1872-9576. ; 668, s. 26-58
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The Advanced GAmma Tracking Array (AGATA) is a European project to develop and operate the next generation γ-ray spectrometer. AGATA is based on the technique of γ-ray energy tracking in electrically segmented high-purity germanium crystals. This technique requires the accurate determination of the energy, time and position of every interaction as a γ ray deposits its energy within the detector volume. Reconstruction of the full interaction path results in a detector with very high efficiency and excellent spectral response. The realisation of γ-ray tracking and AGATA is a result of many technical advances. These include the development of encapsulated highly segmented germanium detectors assembled in a triple cluster detector cryostat, an electronics system with fast digital sampling and a data acquisition system to process the data at a high rate. The full characterisation of the crystals was measured and compared with detector- response simulations. This enabled pulse-shape analysis algorithms, to extract energy, time and position, to be employed. In addition, tracking algorithms for event reconstruction were developed. The first phase of AGATA is now complete and operational in its first physics campaign. In the future AGATA will be moved between laboratories in Europe and operated in a series of campaigns to take advantage of the different beams and facilities available to maximise its science output. The paper reviews all the achievements made in the AGATA project including all the necessary infrastructure to operate and support the spectrometer. © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
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4. |
- Schuller, F., et al.
(author)
-
The SEDIGISM survey: First Data Release and overview of the Galactic structure
- 2021
-
In: Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society. - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 0035-8711 .- 1365-2966. ; 500:3, s. 3064-3082
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The SEDIGISM (Structure, Excitation and Dynamics of the Inner Galactic InterstellarMedium) survey used the APEX telescope to map 84 deg(2) of the Galactic plane between l = -60 degrees and +31 degrees in several molecular transitions, including (CO)-C-13(2 - 1) and (CO)-O-18(2 - 1), thus probing the moderately dense (similar to 10(3) cm(-3)) component of the interstellar medium. With an angular resolution of 30 arcsec and a typical 1 sigma sensitivity of 0.8-1.0K at 0.25 km s(-1) velocity resolution, it gives access to a wide range of structures, from individual star-forming clumps to giant molecular clouds and complexes. The coverage includes a good fraction of the first and fourth Galactic quadrants, allowing us to constrain the large-scale distribution of cold molecular gas in the inner Galaxy. In this paper, we provide an updated overview of the full survey and the data reduction procedures used. We also assess the quality of these data and describe the data products that are being made publicly available as part of this First Data Release (DR1). We present integrated maps and position-velocity maps of the molecular gas and use these to investigate the correlation between the molecular gas and the large-scale structural features of the Milky Way such as the spiral arms, Galactic bar and Galactic Centre. We find that approximately 60 per cent of the molecular gas is associated with the spiral arms and these appear as strong intensity peaks in the derived Galactocentric distribution. We also find strong peaks in intensity at specific longitudes that correspond to the Galactic Centre and well-known star-forming complexes, revealing that the 13CO emission is concentrated in a small number of complexes rather than evenly distributed along spiral arms.
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5. |
- Duarte-Cabral, A., et al.
(author)
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The SEDIGISM survey: Molecular clouds in the inner Galaxy
- 2021
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In: Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society. - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 0035-8711 .- 1365-2966. ; 500:3, s. 3027-3049
-
Research review (peer-reviewed)abstract
- We use the 13CO(2-1) emission from the SEDIGISM (Structure, Excitation, and Dynamics of the Inner Galactic InterStellar Medium) high-resolution spectral-line survey of the inner Galaxy, to extract the molecular cloud population with a large dynamic range in spatial scales, using the Spectral Clustering for Interstellar Molecular Emission Segmentation (SCIMES) algorithm. This work compiles a cloud catalogue with a total of 10 663 molecular clouds, 10 300 of which we were able to assign distances and compute physical properties. We study some of the global properties of clouds using a science sample, consisting of 6664 well-resolved sources and for which the distance estimates are reliable. In particular, we compare the scaling relations retrieved from SEDIGISM to those of other surveys, and we explore the properties of clouds with and without high-mass star formation. Our results suggest that there is no single global property of a cloud that determines its ability to form massive stars, although we find combined trends of increasing mass, size, surface density, and velocity dispersion for the sub-sample of clouds with ongoing high-mass star formation. We then isolate the most extreme clouds in the SEDIGISM sample (i.e. clouds in the tails of the distributions) to look at their overall Galactic distribution, in search for hints of environmental effects. We find that, for most properties, the Galactic distribution of the most extreme clouds is only marginally different to that of the global cloud population. The Galactic distribution of the largest clouds, the turbulent clouds and the high-mass star-forming clouds are those that deviate most significantly from the global cloud population. We also find that the least dynamically active clouds (with low velocity dispersion or low virial parameter) are situated further afield, mostly in the least populated areas. However, we suspect that part of these trends may be affected by some observational biases (such as completeness and survey limitations), and thus require further follow up work in order to be confirmed.
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6. |
- Adam, R. M., et al.
(author)
-
The XXL Survey: LI. Pressure profile and Y SZ -M scaling relation in three low-mass galaxy clusters at z∼1 observed with NIKA2
- 2024
-
In: Astronomy and Astrophysics. - 0004-6361 .- 1432-0746. ; 684
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Context. The thermodynamical properties of the intracluster medium (ICM) are driven by scale-free gravitational collapse, but they also reflect the rich astrophysical processes at play in galaxy clusters. At low masses (∼1014M) and high redshift (z≳1), these properties remain poorly constrained, observationally speaking, due to the difficulty in obtaining resolved and sensitive data. Aims. We aim to investigate the inner structure of the ICM as seen through the Sunyaev-Zel’dovich (SZ) effect in this regime of mass and redshift. We focused on the thermal pressure profile and the scaling relation between SZ flux and mass, namely the YSZ-M scaling relation. Methods. The three galaxy clusters XLSSC 072 (z=1.002), XLSSC 100 (z=0.915), and XLSSC 102 (z=0.969), with M500∼2×1014M, were selected from the XXL X-ray survey and observed with the NIKA2 millimeter camera to image their SZ signal. XMM-Newton X-ray data were used as a complement to the NIKA2 data to derive masses based on the YX-M relation and the hydrostatic equilibrium. Results. The SZ images of the three clusters, along with the X-ray and optical data, indicate dynamical activity related to merging events. The pressure profile is consistent with that expected for morphologically disturbed systems, with a relatively flat core and a shallow outer slope. Despite significant disturbances in the ICM, the three high-redshift low-mass clusters follow the YSZ-M relation expected from standard evolution remarkably well. Conclusions. These results indicate that the dominant physics that drives cluster evolution is already in place by z∼1, at least for systems with masses above M500∼1014M.
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7. |
- Simpson, J., et al.
(author)
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Evolution of structure and shapes in Er 158 to ultrahigh spin
- 2023
-
In: Physical Review C. - 2469-9985. ; 107:5
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The level structure of Er158 has been studied using the Gammasphere spectrometer via the Cd114(Ca48,4n) reaction at 215 MeV with both thin (self-supporting) and thick (backed) targets. The level scheme has been considerably extended with more than 200 new transitions and six new rotational structures, including two strongly coupled high-K bands. Configuration assignments for the new structures are based on their observed alignments, B(M1)/B(E2) ratios of reduced transition probabilities, excitation energies, and comparisons with neighboring nuclei and theoretical calculations. With increasing angular momentum, this nucleus exhibits Coriolis-induced alignments of both neutrons and protons before it then undergoes a rotation-induced transition from near-prolate collective rotation to a noncollective oblate configuration. This transition occurs via the mechanism of band termination around spin 45ħ in three rotational structures. Two distinct lifetime branches, consistent with the crossing of a collective "fast"rotational structure by an energetically favored "slow"terminating sequence, are confirmed for the positive-parity states, and similar behavior is established in the negative-parity states. Weak-intensity, high-energy transitions are observed to feed into the terminating states. At the highest spins, three collective bands with high dynamic moments of inertia and large quadrupole moments were identified. These bands are interpreted as triaxial strongly deformed structures and mark a return to collectivity at ultrahigh spin.
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8. |
- Wang, F., et al.
(author)
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Reinvestigation of the excited states in the proton emitter Lu-151 : Particle-hole excitations across the N = Z=64 subshell
- 2017
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In: Physical Review C. - : American Physical Society. - 2469-9985 .- 2469-9993. ; 96:6
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The excited states of the proton emitter Lu-151 were reinvestigated in a recoil-decay tagging experiment at the Accelerator Laboratory of the University of Jyvaskyla (JYFL). The level scheme built on the ground state of 151Lu was updated with five new y-ray transitions. Large-scale shell model calculations were carried out in the model space consisting of the neutron and proton orbitals 0g(7/2), Id(5/2), Id(3/2), 2s(1/2), and Oh(1/2) with the optimized monopole interaction in order to interpret the experimental level scheme of Lu-151. It is found that the excitation energies of states above the 27/2(-) and 23/2(+) isomeric levels in Lu-151 can be sensitive to excitations from g(7/2) and d(5/2) to single-particle orbitals above N = Z = 64.
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9. |
- Wang, F., et al.
(author)
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Spectroscopic factor and proton formation probability for the d3/2 proton emitter 151mLu
- 2017
-
In: Physics Letters B. - : Elsevier. - 0370-2693 .- 1873-2445. ; 770, s. 83-87
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The quenching of the experimental spectroscopic factor for proton emission from the short-lived d3/2 isomeric state in 151mLu was a long-standing problem. In the present work, proton emission from this isomer has been reinvestigated in an experiment at the Accelerator Laboratory of the University of Jyväskylä. The proton-decay energy and half-life of this isomer were measured to be 1295(5) keV and 15.4(8) μs, respectively, in agreement with another recent study. These new experimental data can resolve the discrepancy in the spectroscopic factor calculated using the spherical WKB approximation. Using the R-matrix approach it is found that the proton formation probability indicates no significant hindrance for the proton decay of 151mLu.
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10. |
- Doi, Yasuo, et al.
(author)
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The JCMT BISTRO Survey: Magnetic Fields Associated with a Network of Filaments in NGC 1333
- 2020
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In: Astrophysical Journal. - : American Astronomical Society. - 1538-4357 .- 0004-637X. ; 899:1
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- We present new observations of the active star formation region NGC 1333 in the Perseus molecular cloud complex from the James Clerk Maxwell Telescope B-Fields In Star-forming Region Observations (BISTRO) survey with the POL-2 instrument. The BISTRO data cover the entire NGC 1333 complex (∼1.5 pc ? 2 pc) at 0.02 pc resolution and spatially resolve the polarized emission from individual filamentary structures for the first time. The inferred magnetic field structure is complex as a whole, with each individual filament aligned at different position angles relative to the local field orientation. We combine the BISTRO data with low- and high- resolution data derived from Planck and interferometers to study the multiscale magnetic field structure in this region. The magnetic field morphology drastically changes below a scale of ∼1 pc and remains continuous from the scales of filaments (∼0.1 pc) to that of protostellar envelopes (∼0.005 pc or ∼1000 au). Finally, we construct simple models in which we assume that the magnetic field is always perpendicular to the long axis of the filaments. We demonstrate that the observed variation of the relative orientation between the filament axes and the magnetic field angles are well reproduced by this model, taking into account the projection effects of the magnetic field and filaments relative to the plane of the sky. These projection effects may explain the apparent complexity of the magnetic field structure observed at the resolution of BISTRO data toward the filament network.
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11. |
- Urquhart, J. S., et al.
(author)
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SEDIGISM-ATLASGAL: Dense gas fraction and star formation efficiency across the Galactic disc
- 2021
-
In: Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society. - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 0035-8711 .- 1365-2966. ; 500:3, s. 3050-3063
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- By combining two surveys covering a large fraction of the molecular material in the Galactic disc, we investigate the role spiral arms play in the star formation process. We have matched clumps identified by APEX Telescope Large Area Survey of the Galaxy (ATLASGAL) with their parental giant molecular clouds (GMCs) as identified by SEDIGISM, and use these GMC masses, the bolometric luminosities, and integrated clump masses obtained in a concurrent paper to estimate the dense gas fractions (DGFgmc = ΣMclump/Mgmc) and the instantaneous star formation efficiencies (i.e. SFEgmc = ΣLclump/Mgmc). We find that the molecular material associated with ATLASGAL clumps is concentrated in the spiral arms (∼60 per cent found within ±10 km s-1 of an arm).We have searched for variations in the values of these physical parameters with respect to their proximity to the spiral arms, but find no evidence for any enhancement that might be attributable to the spiral arms. The combined results from a number of similar studies based on different surveys indicate that, while spiral-arm location plays a role in cloud formation and HI to H2 conversion, the subsequent star formation processes appear to depend more on local environment effects. This leads us to conclude that the enhanced star formation activity seen towards the spiral arms is the result of source crowding rather than the consequence of any physical process.
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12. |
- Arzoumanian, Doris, et al.
(author)
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Dust polarized emission observations of NGC 6334: BISTRO reveals the details of the complex but organized magnetic field structure of the high-mass star-forming hub-filament network
- 2021
-
In: Astronomy and Astrophysics. - : EDP Sciences. - 0004-6361 .- 1432-0746. ; 647
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Context. Molecular filaments and hubs have received special attention recently thanks to new studies showing their key role in star formation. While the (column) density and velocity structures of both filaments and hubs have been carefully studied, their magnetic field (B-field) properties have yet to be characterized. Consequently, the role of B-fields in the formation and evolution of hub-filament systems is not well constrained. Aims. We aim to understand the role of the B-field and its interplay with turbulence and gravity in the dynamical evolution of the NGC 6334 filament network that harbours cluster-forming hubs and high-mass star formation. Methods. We present new observations of the dust polarized emission at 850 μm toward the 2 pc × 10 pc map of NGC 6334 at a spatial resolution of 0.09 pc obtained with the James Clerk Maxwell Telescope (JCMT) as part of the B-field In STar-forming Region Observations (BISTRO) survey. We study the distribution and dispersion of the polarized intensity (PI), the polarization fraction (PF), and the plane-of-The-sky B-field angle (χB_POS) toward the whole region, along the 10 pc-long ridge and along the sub-filaments connected to the ridge and the hubs. We derived the power spectra of the intensity and χBPOS along the ridge crest and compared them with the results obtained from simulated filaments. Results. The observations span 3 orders of magnitude in Stokes I and PI and 2 orders of magnitude in PF (from 0.2 to 20%). A large scatter in PI and PF is observed for a given value of I. Our analyses show a complex B-field structure when observed over the whole region ( 10 pc); however, at smaller scales (1 pc), χBPOS varies coherently along the crests of the filament network. The observed power spectrum of χBPOS can be well represented with a power law function with a slope of-1.33 ± 0.23, which is 20% shallower than that of I. We find that this result is compatible with the properties of simulated filaments and may indicate the physical processes at play in the formation and evolution of star-forming filaments. Along the sub-filaments, χBPOS rotates frombeing mostly perpendicular or randomly oriented with respect to the crests to mostly parallel as the sub-filaments merge with the ridge and hubs. This variation of the B-field structure along the sub-filaments may be tracing local velocity flows of infalling matter in the ridge and hubs. Our analysis also suggests a variation in the energy balance along the crests of these sub-filaments, from magnetically critical or supercritical at their far ends to magnetically subcritical near the ridge and hubs. We also detect an increase in PF toward the high-column density (NH2 â 1023 cm-2) star cluster-forming hubs. These latter large PF values may be explained by the increase in grain alignment efficiency due to stellar radiation from the newborn stars, combined with an ordered B-field structure. Conclusions. These observational results reveal for the first time the characteristics of the small-scale (down to 0.1 pc) B-field structure of a 10 pc-long hub-filament system. Our analyses show variations in the polarization properties along the sub-filaments that may be tracing the evolution of their physical properties during their interaction with the ridge and hubs. We also detect an impact of feedback from young high-mass stars on the local B-field structure and the polarization properties, which could put constraints on possible models for dust grain alignment and provide important hints as to the interplay between the star formation activity and interstellar B-fields.
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13. |
- Eswaraiah, Chakali, et al.
(author)
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The JCMT BISTRO Survey: Revealing the Diverse Magnetic Field Morphologies in Taurus Dense Cores with Sensitive Submillimeter Polarimetry
- 2021
-
In: Astrophysical Journal Letters. - : American Astronomical Society. - 2041-8213 .- 2041-8205. ; 912:2
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- We have obtained sensitive dust continuum polarization observations at 850 μm in the B213 region of Taurus using POL-2 on SCUBA-2 at the James Clerk Maxwell Telescope as part of the B-fields in STar-forming Region Observations (BISTRO) survey. These observations allow us to probe magnetic field (B-field) at high spatial resolution (∼2000 au or ∼0.01 pc at 140 pc) in two protostellar cores (K04166 and K04169) and one prestellar core (Miz-8b) that lie within the B213 filament. Using the Davis-Chandrasekhar-Fermi method, we estimate the B-field strengths in K04166, K04169, and Miz-8b to be 38 ± 14, 44 ± 16, and 12 ± 5 μG, respectively. These cores show distinct mean B-field orientations. The B-field in K04166 is well ordered and aligned parallel to the orientations of the core minor axis, outflows, core rotation axis, and large-scale uniform B-field, in accordance with magnetically regulated star formation via ambipolar diffusion taking place in K04166. The B-field in K04169 is found to be ordered but oriented nearly perpendicular to the core minor axis and large-scale B-field and not well correlated with other axes. In contrast, Miz-8b exhibits a disordered B-field that shows no preferred alignment with the core minor axis or large-scale field. We found that only one core, K04166, retains a memory of the large-scale uniform B-field. The other two cores, K04169 and Miz-8b, are decoupled from the large-scale field. Such a complex B-field configuration could be caused by gas inflow onto the filament, even in the presence of a substantial magnetic flux.
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14. |
- Riley, M. A., et al.
(author)
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Strongly Deformed Nuclear Shapes at Ultra-High Spin and Shape Coexistence in N\sim 90 Nuclei
- 2009
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In: Acta Physica Polonica B. - 0587-4254. ; 40:3, s. 513-522
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The N similar to 90 region of the nuclear chart has featured prominently as the spectroscopy of nuclei at extreme spin has progressed. This talk will present recent discoveries from investigations of high spin behavior in the N similar to 90 Er, Tm and Yb nuclei utilizing the Gammasphere gamma-ray spectrometer. In particular it will include discussion of the beautiful shape evolution and coexistence observed in these nuclei along with the identification of a remarkable new family of band structures. The latter are very weakly populated rotational sequences with high moment of inertia that bypass the classic terminating configurations near spin 40-50 (h) over bar, marking a return to collectivity that extends discrete gamma-ray spectroscopy to well over 60 (h) over bar. Establishing the nature of the yrast states in these nuclei beyond the oblate band-termination states has been a major goal for the past two decades. Cranking calculations suggest that these new structures most likely represent stable triaxial strongly deformed bands that lie in a valley of favored shell energy in deformation and particle-number space.
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15. |
- Gaffney, L. P., et al.
(author)
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Studies of pear-shaped nuclei using accelerated radioactive beams
- 2013
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In: Nature. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 0028-0836 .- 1476-4687. ; 497:7448, s. 199-204
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- There is strong circumstantial evidence that certain heavy, unstable atomic nuclei are 'octupole deformed', that is, distorted into a pear shape. This contrasts with the more prevalent rugby-ball shape of nuclei with reflection-symmetric, quadrupole deformations. The elusive octupole deformed nuclei are of importance for nuclear structure theory, and also in searches for physics beyond the standard model; any measurable electric-dipole moment (a signature of the latter) is expected to be amplified in such nuclei. Here we determine electric octupole transition strengths (a direct measure of octupole correlations) for short-lived isotopes of radon and radium. Coulomb excitation experiments were performed using accelerated beams of heavy, radioactive ions. Our data on Rn-220 and Ra-224 show clear evidence for stronger octupole deformation in the latter. The results enable discrimination between differing theoretical approaches to octupole correlations, and help to constrain suitable candidates for experimental studies of atomic electric-dipole moments that might reveal extensions to the standard model.
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16. |
- Paul, E. S., et al.
(author)
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Loss of collectivity in the transitional Er-156 nucleus at high spin
- 2009
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In: Physical Review C (Nuclear Physics). - 0556-2813. ; 79:4
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The Cd-114(Ca-48, 6n gamma) reaction at 215 MeV has been investigated using the Gammasphere spectrometer to study the high-spin structure of the nucleus Er-156(68)88. Many new transitions have been established along with 68 definitive spin-parity level assignments from a high-fold angular-distribution analysis. In addition, absolute B(M 1) and B(E 1) strengths have been inferred from measured gamma-ray branching ratios. Strong B(E 1) strength (10(-3) W.u.) is discussed in terms of possible octupole collectivity at low spin. At high spin, this nucleus undergoes a Coriolis-induced shape transition from a prolate state of collective rotation to a noncollective, triaxial-oblate configuration. The yrast positive-parity structure ultimately terminates in an energetically favored oblate state at I-pi = 42(+). Several weak high-energy gamma-ray transitions have been discovered that feed this favored state. State-of-the-art cranked Nilsson-Strutinsky calculations are used to interpret the high-spin behavior of Er-156 and comparisons are made with other N = 88 isotones.
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17. |
- Scheck, M., et al.
(author)
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Do nuclei go pear-shaped? Coulomb excitation of Rn-220 and Ra-224 at REX-ISOLDE (CERN)
- 2015
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In: Cgs15 - Capture Gamma-ray Spectroscopy and Related Topics. - : EDP Sciences. - 2101-6275 .- 2100-014X. ; 93, s. 01038-01038
-
Conference paper (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The IS475 collaboration conducted Coulomb-excitation experiments with post-accelerated radioactive Rn-220 and Ra-224 beams at the REX-ISOLDE facility. The beam particles (E-beam: 2.83 MeV/u) were Coulomb excited using Ni-60, Cd-14, and Sn-120 scattering targets. De-excitation gamma-rays were detected employing the Miniball array and scattered particles were detected in a silicon detector. Exploiting the Coulomb-excitation code GOSIA for each nucleus several matrix elements could be obtained from the measured gamma-ray yields. The extracted < 3 parallel to E3 parallel to 0(+)> matrix element allows for the conclusion that, while Rn-220 represents an octupole vibrational system, Ra-224 has already substantial octupole correlations in its ground state. This finding has i(m)plications for the search of CP-violating Schiff moments in the atomic systems of the adjacent odd-mass nuclei.
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18. |
- Wang, X., et al.
(author)
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Collective structures up to spin ∼ 65h in the N 90 isotones 158Er and 157Ho
- 2012
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In: Journal of Physics: Conference Series. - : IOP Publishing. - 1742-6588 .- 1742-6596. ; 381:1
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- A new collective band with high dynamic moment of inertia in 158Er at spins beyond band termination has been found in addition to the two previously reported ones. The measured transition quadrupole moments (Qt) of these three bands are very similar. These three bands have been suggested to possess a triaxial strongly deformed shape, based on comparisons with calculations using the cranked Nilsson-Strutinsky model and with tilted axis cranking calculations using the Skyrme-Hartree-Fock model. In addition, three collective bands with similar high dynamic moments of inertia, tentatively assigned to 157Ho, have been observed. Thus, it is suggested that all these structures share a common underlying character and that they are most likely associated with triaxial strongly deformed minima which are predicted to be close to the yrast line at spin 50 - 70h.
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19. |
- Ollier, J., et al.
(author)
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Structure changes in Er-160 from low to ultrahigh spin
- 2011
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In: Physical Review C (Nuclear Physics). - 0556-2813. ; 83:4
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- A spectroscopic investigation of the gamma decays from excited states in Er-160 has been performed in order to study the changing structural properties exhibited from low spin up toward ultrahigh spin (I similar to 60 h). The nucleus Er-160 was populated by the reaction Cd-116(Ca-48,4n gamma) at a beam energy of 215 MeV, and resulting gamma decays were studied using the Gammasphere spectrometer. New rotational structures and extensions to existing bands were observed, revealing a diverse range of quasiparticle configurations, which are discussed in terms of the cranked shell model. At spins around 50h there is evidence for oblate states close to the yrast line. Three rotational bands that have the characteristics of strongly deformed triaxial structures are observed, marking a return to collectivity at even higher spin. The high-spin data are interpreted within the framework of cranked Nilsson-Strutinsky calculations.
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20. |
- Tahani, Mehrnoosh, et al.
(author)
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JCMT BISTRO Observations: Magnetic Field Morphology of Bubbles Associated with NGC 6334
- 2023
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In: Astrophysical Journal. - : American Astronomical Society. - 1538-4357 .- 0004-637X. ; 944:2
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- We study the Hii regions associated with the NGC 6334 molecular cloud observed in the submillimeter and taken as part of the B-fields In STar-forming Region Observations Survey. In particular, we investigate the polarization patterns and magnetic field morphologies associated with these Hii regions. Through polarization pattern and pressure calculation analyses, several of these bubbles indicate that the gas and magnetic field lines have been pushed away from the bubble, toward an almost tangential (to the bubble) magnetic field morphology. In the densest part of NGC 6334, where the magnetic field morphology is similar to an hourglass, the polarization observations do not exhibit observable impact from Hii regions. We detect two nested radial polarization patterns in a bubble to the south of NGC 6334 that correspond to the previously observed bipolar structure in this bubble. Finally, using the results of this study, we present steps (incorporating computer vision; circular Hough transform) that can be used in future studies to identify bubbles that have physically impacted magnetic field lines.
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21. |
- Wang, X., et al.
(author)
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Quadrupole moments of collective structures up to spin similar to 65(h)over-bar in Er-157 and Er-158: A challenge for understanding triaxiality in nuclei
- 2011
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In: Physics Letters. Section B: Nuclear, Elementary Particle and High-Energy Physics. - : Elsevier BV. - 0370-2693. ; 702:2-3, s. 127-130
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The transition quadrupole moments. Q(t), of four weakly populated collective bands up to spin similar to 65h in Er-157,Er-158 have been measured to be similar to II eb demonstrating that these sequences are associated with large deformations. However, the data are inconsistent with calculated values from cranked Nilsson-Strutinsky calculations that predict the lowest energy triaxial shape to be associated with rotation about the short principal axis. The data appear to favor either a stable triaxial shape rotating about the intermediate axis or, alternatively, a triaxial shape with larger deformation rotating about the short axis. These new results challenge the present understanding of triaxiality in nuclei. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
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22. |
- Hsiao, Tiger Yu-Yang, et al.
(author)
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JWST Reveals a Possible z similar to 11 Galaxy Merger in Triply Lensed MACS0647-JD
- 2023
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In: Astrophysical Journal Letters. - : American Astronomical Society. - 2041-8205 .- 2041-8213. ; 949:2
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- MACS0647-JD is a triply lensed z similar to 11 galaxy originally discovered with the Hubble Space Telescope. The three lensed images are magnified by factors of similar to 8, 5, and 2 to AB mag 25.1, 25.6, and 26.6 at 3.5 mu m. The brightest is over a magnitude brighter than other galaxies recently discovered at similar redshifts z > 10 with JWST. Here, we report new JWST imaging that clearly resolves MACS0647-JD as having two components that are either merging galaxies or stellar complexes within a single galaxy. The brighter larger component "A" is intrinsically very blue (ss similar to-2.6 +/- 0.1), likely due to very recent star formation and no dust, and is spatially extended with an effective radius similar to 70 +/- 24 pc. The smaller component "B" (r similar to 20-+ 58 pc) appears redder (ss similar to-2 +/- 0.2), likely because it is older (100-200 Myr) with mild dust extinction (AV similar to 0.1 mag). With an estimated stellar mass ratio of roughly 2:1 and physical projected separation similar to 400 pc, we may be witnessing a galaxy merger 430 million years after the Big Bang. We identify galaxies with similar colors in a high-redshift simulation, finding their star formation histories to be dissimilar, which is also suggested by the spectral energy distribution fitting, suggesting they formed further apart. We also identify a candidate companion galaxy "C" similar to 3 kpc away, likely destined to merge with A and B. Upcoming JWST Near Infrared Spectrograph observations planned for 2023 January will deliver spectroscopic redshifts and more physical properties for these tiny magnified distant galaxies observed in the early universe.
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23. |
- Kotecha, D., et al.
(author)
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Heart Rate and Rhythm and the Benefit of Beta-Blockers in Patients With Heart Failure
- 2017
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In: Journal of the American College of Cardiology. - : Elsevier BV. - 0735-1097. ; 69:24, s. 2885-2896
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- BACKGROUND The relationship between mortality and heart rate remains unclear for patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction in either sinus rhythm or atrial fibrillation (AF). OBJECTIVES This analysis explored the prognostic importance of heart rate in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction in randomized controlled trials comparing beta-blockers and placebo. METHODS The Beta-Blockers in Heart Failure Collaborative Group performed a meta-analysis of harmonized individual patient data from 11 double-blind randomized controlled trials. The primary outcome was all-cause mortality, analyzed with Cox proportional hazard ratios (HR) modeling heart rate measured at baseline and approximately 6 months post-randomization. RESULTS A higher heart rate at baseline was associated with greater all-cause mortality for patients in sinus rhythm (n = 14,166; adjusted HR: 1.11 per 10 beats/min; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.07 to 1.15; p < 0.0001) but not in AF (n = 3,034; HR: 1.03 per 10 beats/min; 95% CI: 0.97 to 1.08; p = 0.38). Beta-blockers reduced ventricular rate by 12 beats/min in both sinus rhythm and AF. Mortality was lower for patients in sinus rhythm randomized to beta-blockers (HR: 0.73 vs. placebo; 95% CI: 0.67 to 0.79; p < 0.001), regardless of baseline heart rate (interaction p = 0.35). Beta-blockers had no effect on mortality in patients with AF (HR: 0.96, 95% CI: 0.81 to 1.12; p = 0.58) at any heart rate (interaction p = 0.48). A lower achieved resting heart rate, irrespective of treatment, was associated with better prognosis only for patients in sinus rhythm (HR: 1.16 per 10 beats/min increase, 95% CI: 1.11 to 1.22; p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS Regardless of pre-treatment heart rate, beta-blockers reduce mortality in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction in sinus rhythm. Achieving a lower heart rate is associated with better prognosis, but only for those in sinus rhythm. (C) 2017 by the American College of Cardiology Foundation.
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24. |
- Mustafa, M., et al.
(author)
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Diverse collective excitations in Er-159 up to high spin
- 2011
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In: Physical Review C (Nuclear Physics). - 0556-2813. ; 84:5
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- A spectroscopic investigation of the gamma decays from excited states in Er-159 has been performed to study the changing structural properties exhibited as ultrahigh spins (I > 60 (h) over bar) are approached. The nucleus of Er-159 was populated by the reaction Cd-116(Ca-48, 5n gamma) at a beam energy of 215 MeV, and the resulting gamma decays were studied using the Gammasphere spectrometer. New rotational bands and extensions to existing sequences were observed, which are discussed in terms of the cranked shell model, revealing a diverse range of quasiparticle configurations. At spins around 50 (h) over bar, there is evidence for a change from dominant prolate collective motion at the yrast line to oblate non-collective structures via the mechanism of band termination. A possible strongly deformed triaxial band occurs at these high spins, which indicates collectivity beyond 50 (h) over bar. The high-spin data are interpreted within the framework of cranked Nilsson-Strutinsky calculations.
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25. |
- Ollier, J., et al.
(author)
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Ultrahigh-spin spectroscopy of Er-159,Er-160: Observation of triaxial strongly deformed structures
- 2009
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In: Physical Review C (Nuclear Physics). - 0556-2813. ; 80:6
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Three weakly populated high-spin rotational bands associated with the gamma decay of Er-159 and Er-160 were observed in fusion-evaporation reactions involving a beam of Ca-48 at an energy of 215 MeV incident on a Cd-116 target. The gamma decays were detected using the highly efficient Gammasphere spectrometer. The discovery of these bands, which extend discrete-line spectroscopy in these nuclei to ultrahigh spin of similar to 60h, is consistent with recent observations of high-spin collective structures in isotopes of Er, Yb, and Tm around N=90. Cranked Nilsson-Strutinsky calculations suggest that these bands may arise from well-deformed triaxial configurations with either positive or negative gamma deformation.
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26. |
- Revill, J. P., et al.
(author)
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Quadrupole moments of coexisting collective shapes at high spin in Er-154
- 2013
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In: Physical Review C (Nuclear Physics). - 0556-2813. ; 88:3
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Four high-spin collective bands have been populated in Er-154(68)86 via the Pd-110(Ti-48, (4)n gamma)Er-154 reaction. Average transition quadrupole moments Q(t) have been measured for three of the bands by using the Doppler-shift attenuation method. The strongest band has a value of Q(t) = 11.0 +/- 1.0 e b, similar to values found recently for four triaxial strongly deformed (TSD) bands in Er-157,Er-158. The second band has a value of Q(t) = 19.5 +/- 3.2 e b, consistent with a predicted axially symmetric superdeformed (SD) shape, similar in deformation to the Dy-152 isotone, and is used as a calibration point. The third, new band has a value of Q(t) = 9.9 +/- 2.2 e b. The results confirm the unexpectedly large Q(t) moments for the favored TSD bands in light erbium isotopes.
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27. |
- Revill, J. P., et al.
(author)
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Relative quadrupole moments of exotic shapes at ultrahigh spin in 154Er : Calibrating the TSD/SD puzzle
- 2012
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In: Journal of Physics: Conference Series. - : IOP Publishing. - 1742-6588 .- 1742-6596.
-
Conference paper (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Transition quadrupole moments, Qt, of two ultrahigh-spin, collective structures in 154Er have been measured for the first time using the Doppler Shift Attenuation Method (DSAM). Data were acquired at the ATLAS accelerator facility of Argonne National Laboratory, using the Gammasphere detector array. A thick, gold-backed 110Pd foil was bombarded by a beam of 48Ti ions at 215 MeV. The Qt for each band was determined from the Doppler shift of gamma rays emitted by the resulting recoil nuclei. The extracted transition quadrupole moments are significantly different in magnitude, suggesting the two structures in 154Er represent distinct exotic nuclear shapes, namely axial superdeformed (SD) with Q t 20 eb, and triaxial strongly deformed (TSD) with Qt ≈ 11 eb. Indeed, the results calibrate the quadrupole moments of TSD bands recently measured in light erbium nuclei, 157,158Er.
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28. |
- Seale, A N, et al.
(author)
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Pulmonary vein stenosis: the UK, Ireland and Sweden collaborative study.
- 2009
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In: Heart (British Cardiac Society). - : BMJ. - 1468-201X .- 1355-6037. ; 95:23, s. 1944-9
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- OBJECTIVE: To describe clinical features, morphology, management and outcome of pulmonary vein stenosis (PVS) in childhood. DESIGN AND SETTING: Retrospective international collaborative study involving 19 paediatric cardiology centres in the UK, Ireland and Sweden. PATIENTS: Cases of PVS presenting between 1 January 1995 and 31 December 2004 were identified. Cases where pulmonary veins connected to a morphological left atrium were included. Functionally univentricular hearts and total anomalous pulmonary venous connection were excluded. All available data and imaging were reviewed. RESULTS: 58 cases were identified. In 22 cases (38%) there was premature delivery. 46 (79%) had associated cardiac lesions; 16 (28%) had undergone previous cardiac surgery before PVS diagnosis. 16 children (28%) had a syndrome or significant extracardiac abnormality. 36 presented with unilateral disease of which 86% was on the left. Where there was adequate sequential imaging, disease progression was shown with discrete stenosis leading to diffusely small pulmonary veins. Collateral vessels often developed. 13 patients had no intervention. Initial intervention was by catheter in 17 and surgery in 28. Overall 3-year survival was 49% (95% CI 35% to 63%) with patients undergoing initial surgical intervention having greater freedom from death or re-intervention (hazard ratio 0.44, 95% CI 0.2 to 0.99, p = 0.023). CONCLUSIONS: PVS is a complex disease of uncertain cause and frequently associated with prematurity. Early intervention may be indicated to deter irreversible secondary changes.
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29. |
- Aparicio, S, et al.
(author)
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Detecting conserved regulatory elements with the model genome of the Japanese puffer fish, Fugu rubripes.
- 1995
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In: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America. - : Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. - 0027-8424 .- 1091-6490. ; 92:5, s. 1684-1688
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Comparative vertebrate genome sequencing offers a powerful method for detecting conserved regulatory sequences. We propose that the compact genome of the teleost Fugu rubripes is well suited for this purpose. The evolutionary distance of teleosts from other vertebrates offers the maximum stringency for such evolutionary comparisons. To illustrate the comparative genome approach for F. rubripes, we use sequence comparisons between mouse and Fugu Hoxb-4 noncoding regions to identify conserved sequence blocks. We have used two approaches to test the function of these conserved blocks. In the first, homologous sequences were deleted from a mouse enhancer, resulting in a tissue-specific loss of activity when assayed in transgenic mice. In the second approach, Fugu DNA sequences showing homology to mouse sequences were tested for enhancer activity in transgenic mice. This strategy identified a neural element that mediates a subset of Hoxb-4 expression that is conserved between mammals and teleosts. The comparison of noncoding vertebrate sequences with those of Fugu, coupled to a transgenic bioassay, represents a general approach suitable for many genome projects.
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30. |
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31. |
- Cleland, J. G. F., et al.
(author)
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Beta-blockers for heart failure with reduced, mid-range, and preserved ejection fraction: an individual patient-level analysis of double-blind randomized trials
- 2018
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In: European Heart Journal. - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 0195-668X .- 1522-9645. ; 39:1, s. 26-35
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Aims Recent guidelines recommend that patients with heart failure and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) 40-49% should be managed similar to LVEF >= 50%. We investigated the effect of beta-blockers according to LVEF in double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trials. Methods and results Individual patient data meta-analysis of 11 trials, stratified by baseline LVEF and heart rhythm (Clinicaltrials.gov: NCT0083244; PROSPERO: CRD42014010012). Primary outcomes were all-cause mortality and cardiovascular death over 1.3 years median follow-up, with an intention-to-treat analysis. For 14 262 patients in sinus rhythm, median LVEF was 27% (interquartile range 21-33%), including 575 patients with LVEF 40-49% and 244 >= 50%. Beta-blockers reduced all-cause and cardiovascular mortality compared to placebo in sinus rhythm, an effect that was consistent across LVEF strata, except for those in the small subgroup with LVEF >= 50%. For LVEF 40-49%, death occurred in 21/292 [7.2%] randomized to beta-blockers compared to 35/283 [12.4%] with placebo; adjusted hazard ratio (HR) 0.59 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.34-1.03]. Cardiovascular death occurred in 13/292 [4.5%] with beta-blockers and 26/283 [9.2%] with placebo; adjusted HR 0.48 (95% CI 0.24-0.97). Over a median of 1.0 years following randomization (n = 4601), LVEF increased with beta-blockers in all groups in sinus rhythm except LVEF >= 50%. For patients in atrial fibrillation at baseline (n = 3050), beta-blockers increased LVEF when < 50% at baseline, but did not improve prognosis. Conculations Beta-blockers improve LVEF and prognosis for patients with heart failure in sinus rhythm with a reduced LVEF. The data are most robust for LVEF < 40%, but similar benefit was observed in the subgroup of patients with LVEF 40-49%.
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32. |
- Kotecha, D., et al.
(author)
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Effect of age and sex on efficacy and tolerability of beta blockers in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction: individual patient data meta-analysis
- 2016
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In: Bmj-British Medical Journal. - : BMJ. - 1756-1833. ; 353
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- OBJECTIVES To determine the efficacy and tolerability of beta blockers in a broad age range of women and men with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) by pooling individual patient data from placebo controlled randomised trials. Prospectively designed meta-analysis of individual patient data from patients aged 40-85 in sinus rhythm at baseline, with left ventricular ejection fraction < 0.45. The primary outcome was all cause mortality; the major secondary outcome was admission to hospital for heart failure. Analysis was by intention to treat with an adjusted one stage Cox proportional hazards model. Compared with placebo, beta blockers were effective in reducing mortality across all ages: hazard ratios were 0.66 (95% confidence interval 0.53 to 0.83) for the first quarter of age distribution (median age 50); 0.71 (0.58 to 0.87) for the second quarter (median age 60); 0.65 (0.53 to 0.78) for the third quarter (median age 68); and 0.77 (0.64 to 0.92) for the fourth quarter (median age 75). There was no significant interaction when age was modelled continuously (P=0.1), and the absolute reduction in mortality was 4.3% over a median follow-up of 1.3 years (number needed to treat 23). Admission to hospital for heart failure was significantly reduced by beta blockers, although this effect was attenuated at older ages (interaction P=0.05). There was no evidence of an interaction between treatment effect and sex in any age group. Drug discontinuation was similar regardless of treatment allocation, age, or sex (14.4% in those give beta blockers, 15.6% in those receiving placebo). Irrespective of age or sex, patients with HFrEF in sinus rhythm should receive beta blockers to reduce the risk of death and admission to hospital.
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33. |
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34. |
- Procter, M. G., et al.
(author)
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Anomalous transition strength in the proton-unbound nucleus (109)(53)I56
- 2011
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In: Physics Letters B. - : Elsevier BV. - 0370-2693 .- 1873-2445. ; 704:3, s. 118-122
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- A lifetime measurement has been made for the first excited 11/2(+) state in the proton-unbound nucleus (109)(53)I56 using the recoil-distance Doppler-shift method in conjunction with recoil-proton tagging. The experimental reduced transition probability is considerably smaller than the prediction of theoretical shell-model calculations using the CD-Bonn nucleon-nucleon potential. The discrepancy between the theoretical and experimental reduced transition strengths in this work most likely arises from the inability of the current shell-model calculations to accurately account for the behavior of the unbound nuclear states.
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35. |
- Procter, M. G., et al.
(author)
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Lifetime measurement in the proton-unbound nucleus 109I
- 2011
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In: AIP Conf. Proc.. - : AIP. - 9780735409835 ; , s. 105-110
-
Conference paper (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The Recoil-Distance Doppler-shift method has been combined with Recoil-Decay Tagging for the first time to measure a lifetime in the proton-unbound nucleus 109I. The lifetime value was determined using the Differential Decay-Curve method in singles mode. The result has been compared to theoretical shell-model calculations in order to better understand the nature of unbound valence nucleons at the proton drip line.
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36. |
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37. |
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38. |
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39. |
- Burmester, GR, et al.
(author)
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Tocilizumab in early progressive rheumatoid arthritis: FUNCTION, a randomised controlled trial
- 2016
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In: Annals of the rheumatic diseases. - : BMJ. - 1468-2060 .- 0003-4967. ; 75:6, s. 1081-1091
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The efficacy of tocilizumab (TCZ), an anti-interleukin-6 receptor antibody, has not previously been evaluated in a population consisting exclusively of patients with early rheumatoid arthritis (RA).MethodsIn a double-blind randomised controlled trial (FUNCTION), 1162 methotrexate (MTX)-naive patients with early progressive RA were randomly assigned (1:1:1:1) to one of four treatment groups: 4 mg/kg TCZ+MTX, 8 mg/kg TCZ+MTX, 8 mg/kg TCZ+placebo and placebo+MTX (comparator group). The primary outcome was remission according to Disease Activity Score using 28 joints (DAS28–erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) <2.6) at week 24. Radiographic and physical function outcomes were also evaluated. We report results through week 52.ResultsThe intent-to-treat population included 1157 patients. Significantly more patients receiving 8 mg/kg TCZ+MTX and 8 mg/kg TCZ+placebo than receiving placebo+MTX achieved DAS28-ESR remission at week 24 (45% and 39% vs 15%; p<0.0001). The 8 mg/kg TCZ+MTX group also achieved significantly greater improvement in radiographic disease progression and physical function at week 52 than did patients treated with placebo+MTX (mean change from baseline in van der Heijde–modified total Sharp score, 0.08 vs 1.14 (p=0.0001); mean reduction in Health Assessment Disability Index, −0.81 vs −0.64 (p=0.0024)). In addition, the 8 mg/kg TCZ+placebo and 4 mg/kg TCZ+MTX groups demonstrated clinical efficacy that was at least as effective as MTX for these key secondary endpoints. Serious adverse events were similar among treatment groups. Adverse events resulting in premature withdrawal occurred in 20% of patients in the 8 mg/kg TCZ+MTX group.ConclusionsTCZ is effective in combination with MTX and as monotherapy for the treatment of patients with early RA.Trial registration numberClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT01007435
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40. |
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41. |
- Khan, N. K., et al.
(author)
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Prevalence of ECG abnormalities in an international survey of patients with suspected or confirmed heart failure at death or discharge
- 2007
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In: European journal of heart failure. - : Wiley. - 1388-9842. ; 9:5, s. 491-501
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- BACKGROUND: Most patients suspected of having heart failure (HF) will get a 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) but its utility for excluding HF or assisting in its management has rarely been investigated. METHODS: The EuroHeart Failure survey identified 11,327 patients hospitalised with a suspected diagnosis of HF from 115 hospitals in 24 countries. ECGs were obtained from 9315 patients, of whom 5934 had cardiac imaging tests. The utility of the ECG was assessed for excluding or diagnosing major structural heart disease (MSHD) or major left ventricular systolic dysfunction (MLVSD) and for therapeutic decision making. FINDINGS: MSHD was present in 70% and MLVSD in 54% of patients overall but in only 21% and 5%, respectively, if the ECG was entirely normal. However, <2% of patients had a normal ECG. No single ECG characteristic identified a probability <25% of MSHD or <20% of MLVSD. Patients with QRS width >/=120 ms or anterior pathological Q-waves had a probability >80% of MSHD and >70% of MLVSD. Diagnostic models suggested that electrocardiographic criteria alone were not accurate for the diagnosis or exclusion of important heart disease in this population. However, 2468 patients (42%) had an electrocardiographic finding that should be used to guide the choice of therapy. CONCLUSIONS: A normal ECG is rare in patients with suspected HF but has limited diagnostic value in this setting. The ECG has an important role in guiding therapy.
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42. |
- Taylor, Peter N, et al.
(author)
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C-peptide and metabolic outcomes in trials of disease modifying therapy in new-onset type 1 diabetes: an individual participant meta-analysis
- 2023
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In: The Lancet Diabetes and Endocrinology. - : Elsevier. - 2213-8587 .- 2213-8595. ; 11:12, s. 915-925
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: Metabolic outcomes in type 1 diabetes remain suboptimal. Disease modifying therapy to prevent β-cell loss presents an alternative treatment framework but the effect on metabolic outcomes is unclear. We, therefore, aimed to define the relationship between insulin C-peptide as a marker of β-cell function and metabolic outcomes in new-onset type 1 diabetes.Methods: 21 trials of disease-modifying interventions within 100 days of type 1 diabetes diagnosis comprising 1315 adults (ie, those 18 years and older) and 1396 children (ie, those younger than 18 years) were combined. Endpoints assessed were stimulated area under the curve C-peptide, HbA1c, insulin use, hypoglycaemic events, and composite scores (such as insulin dose adjusted A1c, total daily insulin, U/kg per day, and BETA-2 score). Positive studies were defined as those meeting their primary endpoint. Differences in outcomes between active and control groups were assessed using the Wilcoxon rank test.Findings: 6 months after treatment, a 24·8% greater C-peptide preservation in positive studies was associated with a 0·55% lower HbA1c (p<0·0001), with differences being detectable as early as 3 months. Cross-sectional analysis, combining positive and negative studies, was consistent with this proportionality: a 55% improvement in C-peptide preservation was associated with 0·64% lower HbA1c (p<0·0001). Higher initial C-peptide levels and greater preservation were associated with greater improvement in HbA1c. For HbA1c, IDAAC, and BETA-2 score, sample size predictions indicated that 2-3 times as many participants per group would be required to show a difference at 6 months as compared with C-peptide. Detecting a reduction in hypoglycaemia was affected by reporting methods.Interpretation: Interventions that preserve β-cell function are effective at improving metabolic outcomes in new-onset type 1 diabetes, confirming their potential as adjuncts to insulin. We have shown that improvements in HbA1c are directly proportional to the degree of C-peptide preservation, quantifying this relationship, and supporting the use of C-peptides as a surrogate endpoint in clinical trials.
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43. |
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44. |
- Welch, Brian, et al.
(author)
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JWST Imaging of Earendel, the Extremely Magnified Star at Redshift z=6.2
- 2022
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In: Astrophysical Journal Letters. - : Institute of Physics (IOP). - 2041-8205 .- 2041-8213. ; 940
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The gravitationally lensed star WHL 0137-LS, nicknamed Earendel, was identified with a photometric redshift z (phot) = 6.2 +/- 0.1 based on images taken with the Hubble Space Telescope. Here we present James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) Near Infrared Camera images of Earendel in eight filters spanning 0.8-5.0 mu m. In these higher-resolution images, Earendel remains a single unresolved point source on the lensing critical curve, increasing the lower limit on the lensing magnification to mu > 4000 and restricting the source plane radius further to r < 0.02 pc, or similar to 4000 au. These new observations strengthen the conclusion that Earendel is best explained by an individual star or multiple star system and support the previous photometric redshift estimate. Fitting grids of stellar spectra to our photometry yields a stellar temperature of T (eff) similar to 13,000-16,000 K, assuming the light is dominated by a single star. The delensed bolometric luminosity in this case ranges from log(L)=5.8 L-theta, which is in the range where one expects luminous blue variable stars. Follow-up observations, including JWST NIRSpec scheduled for late 2022, are needed to further unravel the nature of this object, which presents a unique opportunity to study massive stars in the first billion years of the universe.
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45. |
- You, S. W., et al.
(author)
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Large-scale reconstitution of a retina-to-brain pathway in adult rats using gene therapy and bridging grafts: An anatomical and behavioral analysis
- 2016
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In: Experimental Neurology. - : Elsevier BV. - 0014-4886. ; 279, s. 197-211
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Peripheral nerve (PN) grafts can be used to bridge tissue defects in the CNS. Using a PN-to-optic nerve (ON) graft model, we combined gene therapy with pharmacotherapy to promote the long-distance regeneration of injured adult retinal ganglion cells (RGCs). Autologous sciatic nerve was sutured onto the transected ON and the distal end immediately inserted into contralateral superior colliculus (SC). Control rats received intraocular injections of saline or adeno-associated virus (AAV) encoding GFP. In experimental groups, three bi-cistronic AAV vectors encoding ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) were injected into different regions of the grafted eye. Each vector encoded a different fluorescent reporter to assess retinotopic order in the regenerate projection. To encourage sprouting/synaptogenesis, after 6 weeks some AAV-CNTF injected rats received an intravitreal injection of recombinant brain-derived neurotrophic factor (rBDNF) or AAV-BDNF. Four months after surgery, cholera toxin B was used to visualize regenerate RGC axons. RGC viability and axonal regrowth into SC were significantly greater in AAV-CNTF groups. In some cases, near the insertion site, regenerate axonal density resembled retinal terminal densities seen in normal SC. Complex arbors were seen in superficial but not deep SC layers and many terminals were immunopositive for presynaptic proteins vGlut2 and SV2. There was improvement in visual function via the grafted eye with significantly greater pupillary constriction in both AAV-CNTF + BDNF groups. In both control and AAV-CNTF + rBDNF groups the extent of light avoidance correlated with the maximal distance of axonal penetration into superficial SC. Despite the robust regrowth of RGC axons back into the SC, axons originating from different parts of the retina were intermixed at the PN graft/host SC interface, indicating that there remained a lack of order in this extensive regenerate projection. (C) 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
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46. |
- Larsson, Erik, et al.
(author)
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Tissue and differentiation specific expression of the endogenous retrovirus ERV3 (HERV-R) in normal human tissues and during induced monocytic differentiation in the U-937 cell line
- 1997
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In: Leukemia. - 0887-6924 .- 1476-5551. ; 11:Suppl. 3, s. 142-4
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- ERV3 (HERV-R) is a complete, single copy human endogenous retrovirus located on the long arm of chromosome 7. The open reading frame in its envelope gene has been conserved during evolution but the gag and pol genes contain in-frame termination codons. To find a suitable experimental model system for analysis of the functions of the ERV3 genome, an extensive screening study of different normal and neoplastic human tissues was performed. Most tissues express low levels of the ERV3 env mRNA although high expression levels are observed in placenta, sebaceous glands, adrenals, testis, bronchial, epithelium and the monocytic cell line U-937. In U-937 cells the ERV3 env expression varied in a manner related to the differentiation status of the cells; being highest in the terminally differentiated non proliferating cells. U-937 cells can be induced to differentiate from the monoblastic to the mature monocyte/macrophage stage upon stimulation by several substances such as phorbolesters (TPA), Vitamin D3, Retinoic Acid (RA) and combinations of some cytokines. We conclude that the ERV3 locus is expressed in a tissue and differentiation specific way and that the U-937 cell line is a suitable model system to further analyze the proposed functions of ERVs such as immunomodulation, cell fusion and protection against exogenous retroviral infections.
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