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| 2. |
- Abdesselam, A., et al.
(author)
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The ATLAS semiconductor tracker end-cap module
- 2007
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In: Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research Section A. - : Elsevier BV. - 0168-9002 .- 1872-9576. ; 575:3, s. 353-389
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The challenges for the tracking detector systems at the LHC are unprecedented in terms of the number of channels, the required read-out speed and the expected radiation levels. The ATLAS Semiconductor Tracker. (SCT) end-caps have a total of about 3 million electronics channels each reading out every 25 ns into its own on-chip 3.3 mu s buffer. The highest anticipated dose after 10 years operation is 1.4x10(14) cm(-2) in units of 1 MeV neutron equivalent (assuming the damage factors scale with the non-ionising energy loss). The forward tracker has 1976 double-sided modules, mostly of area similar to 70 cm(2), each having 2 x 768 strips read out by six ASICs per side. The requirement to achieve an average perpendicular radiation length of 1.5% X-0, while coping with up to 7 W dissipation per module (after irradiation), leads to stringent constraints on the thermal design. The additional requirement of 1500e(-) equivalent noise charge (ENC) rising to only 1800e(-) ENC after irradiation, provides stringent design constraints on both the high-density Cu/Polyimide flex read-out circuit and the ABCD3TA read-out ASICs. Finally, the accuracy of module assembly must not compromise the 16 mu m (r phi) resolution perpendicular to the strip directions or 580 mu m radial resolution coming from the 40 mrad front-back stereo angle. A total of 2210 modules were built to the tight tolerances and specifications required for the SCT. This was 234 more than the 1976 required and represents a yield of 93%. The component flow was at times tight, but the module production rate of 40-50 per week was maintained despite this. The distributed production was not found to be a major logistical problem and it allowed additional flexibility to take advantage of where the effort was available, including any spare capacity, for building the end-cap modules. The collaboration that produced the ATLAS SCT end-cap modules kept in close contact at all times so that the effects of shortages or stoppages at different sites could be rapidly resolved.
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| 3. |
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| 4. |
- Abdesselam, A., et al.
(author)
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The barrel modules of the ATLAS semiconductor tracker
- 2006
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In: Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research Section A. - : Elsevier BV. - 0168-9002 .- 1872-9576. ; 568:2, s. 642-671
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- This paper describes the silicon microstrip modules in the barrel section of the SemiConductor Tracker (SCT) of the ATLAS experiment at the CERN Large Hadron Collider (LHC). The module requirements, components and assembly techniques are given, as well as first results of the module performance on the fully assembled barrels that make up the detector being installed in the ATLAS experiment.
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| 5. |
- Liu, Kui, et al.
(author)
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Kallikrein genes are associated with lupus and glomerular basement membrane-specific antibody-induced nephritis in mice and humans
- 2009
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In: Journal of Clinical Investigation. - 0021-9738 .- 1558-8238. ; 119:4, s. 911-923
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Immune-mediated nephritis contributes to disease in systemic lupus erythematosus, Goodpasture syndrome (caused by antibodies specific for glomerular basement membrane [anti-GBM antibodies]), and spontaneous lupus nephritis. Inbred mouse strains differ in susceptibility to anti-GBM antibody-induced and spontaneous lupus nephritis. This study sought to clarify the genetic and molecular factors that maybe responsible for enhanced immune-mediated renal disease in these models. When the kidneys of 3 mouse strains sensitive to anti-GBM antibody-induced nephritis were compared with those of 2 control strains using microarray analysis, one-fifth of the underexpressed genes belonged to the kallikrein gene family,which encodes serine esterases. Mouse strains that upregulated renal and urinary kallikreins exhibited less evidence of disease. Antagonizing the kallikrein pathway augmented disease, while agonists dampened the severity of anti-GBM antibody-induced nephritis. In addition, nephritis-sensitive mouse strains had kallikrein haplotypes that were distinct from those of control strains, including several regulatory polymorphisms,some of which were associated with functional consequences. Indeed, increased susceptibility to anti-GBM antibody-induced nephritis and spontaneous lupus nephritis was achieved by breeding mice with a genetic interval harboring the kallikrein genes onto a disease-resistant background. Finally, both human SLE and spontaneous lupus nephritis were found to be associated with kallikrein genes, particularly KLK1 and the KLK3 promoter, when DNA SNPs from independent cohorts of SLE patients and controls were compared. Collectively, these studies suggest that kallikreins are protective disease-associated genes in anti-GBM antibody-induced nephritis and lupus.
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| 6. |
- Aad, G., et al.
(author)
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The ATLAS Experiment at the CERN Large Hadron Collider
- 2008
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In: Journal of Instrumentation. - 1748-0221. ; 3:S08003
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Research review (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The ATLAS detector as installed in its experimental cavern at point 1 at CERN is described in this paper. A brief overview of the expected performance of the detector when the Large Hadron Collider begins operation is also presented.
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| 7. |
- Campoy-Quiles, M., et al.
(author)
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On the determination of anistropy in polymer thin films : A comparative study of optical techniques
- 2008
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In: Physica Status Solidi. C: Current Topics in Solid State Physics. - Weinheim, Germany : Wiley-VCH Verlagsgesellschaft. - 1862-6351. ; 5:5, s. 1270-1273
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- We have used seven different techniques to measure the anisotropic refractive index of poly(vinylcarbazole) films. These techniques are: two types of variable angle spectroscopic ellipsometry (VASE) with multiple sample analysis, Interference enhanced VASE, Transmittance combined with VASE, Polarised Reflectance, beta-scan VASE, and prism coupling. We have found the average ordinary and extraordinary indices at 633 nm to be no = nTE = 1.675 ± 0.008, and ne = nTM = 1.722 ± 0.018, respectively, consistent amongst methods and conclusive on the magnitude of Δn in polymer films.
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| 8. |
- Quétel, C. R., et al.
(author)
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Methylmercury in tuna: demonstrating measurement capabilities and evaluating comparability of results worldwide from the CCQM P-39 comparison
- 2005
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In: Journal of Analytical Atomic Spectrometry. - : Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC). - 0267-9477 .- 1364-5544. ; 20, s. 1058-66
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Six metrology institutes (NMIs) representing at the Comité International des Poids et Mesures (CIPM) 4 Member States of the Metre Convention and 2 international organisations, and 8 expert laboratories selected outside CIPM have compared their capabilities to quantitatively measure methylmercury (MeHg) in a prepared tuna material containing approximately 4.3 mg kg–1 Hg. This comparison was the object of the CIPM–Comité Consultatif pour la Quantité de Matière (CCQM) Pilot Study 39, organised by the Institute for Reference Materials and Measurements (IRMM), from the European Commission—Joint Research Centre. Beside the test material itself, a bottle of the BCR-464 tuna Certified Reference Material (CRM) and an ampoule of IRMM-670, a 202Hg isotope enriched MeHg candidate isotopic CRM, were distributed to all participants, who were free to apply the measurement strategy of their choice. Four, including 1 NMI, relied on external calibration or the method of standard additions, whereas the other 10 implemented an isotope dilution mass spectrometry (IDMS) approach and chose to use the IRMM-670 for their measurements. Alkaline digestion at room temperature (with manual shaking) or high temperature (under sonication, oven or hot plate conditions) was employed by most participants, with hydrochloric acid leaching the second most popular choice. Alkylation (4 phenylations, 4 ethylations and 3 propylations) in the aqueous phase was preferred by a large majority over butylation by the Grignard reaction. All participants were requested to estimate the uncertainty associated with their results and 9 out of 14 stated relative combined uncertainties below 6%(k= 2). Despite this apparent consensus, the perception of which factor caused the largest contribution to this estimation differed among participants because of the differences in the analytical methodologies deployed but also because of wide differences of the concepts of uncertainty estimation. The mixture mode(MM) median, calculated also from the measurement uncertainties stated by the participants, was 1.967 ± 0.204 × 10–5 mol kg–1(95% confidence). Twelve of the results were re-grouped within a range of less than 0.3 × 10–5 mol kg–1(MM median = 1.967 ± 0.162 × 10–5 mol kg–1, 95% confidence): they nearly all (1 exception) overlapped with each other within k= 2 stated uncertainties. For the other 2 results the uncertainty seemed to have been particularly underestimated as they lay, respectively, at more than 20% above and less than –40% below the overall average. The relative standard deviation of the results of 9 laboratories out of the 10 that applied IDMS was about 2.6%. It can be assumed from the degree of equivalence shown by 12 out of 14 study participants that, at present, laboratories worldwide are potentially able to supply accurate results for MeHg in fish-type matrices (containing about 2 × 10–5 mol kg–1) within ±10% uncertainty. This encouraging outcome permitted scheduling of a follow-up CCQM-K43 key comparison for a lower MeHg content level in salmon tissues.
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| 15. |
- Garcia-Salicetti, S., et al.
(author)
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Biosecure reference systems for on-line signature verification : A study of complementarity
- 2007
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In: Annales des télécommunications. - : Springer. - 0003-4347 .- 1958-9395. ; 62:1-2, s. 36-61
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- In this paper, we present an integrated research study in On-line Signature Verification undertaken by several teams that participate in the BioSecure Network of Excellence. This integrated work, started during the First BioSecure Residential Workshop, has as main objective the development of an On-line Signature Verification evaluation platform. As a first step, four On-line Signature Verification Systems based on different approaches are evaluated and compared following the same experimental protocol on MCYT signature database, which is the largest existing on-line western signature database publicly available with 16 500 signatures from 330 clients. A particular focus of work documented in this paper is multi-algorithmic fusion in order to study the complementarity of the approaches involved. To this end, a simple fusion method based on the Mean Rule is used after a normalization phase.
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| 16. |
- Garcia-Salicetti, S., et al.
(author)
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Online Handwritten Signature Verification
- 2009
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In: Guide to Biometric Reference Systems and Performance Evaluation. - London : Springer London. - 9781848002913 ; , s. 125-165
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Book chapter (other academic/artistic)abstract
- In this chapter, we first provide an overview of the existing main approaches, databases, evaluation campaigns and the remaining challenges in online handwritten signature verification. We then propose a new benchmarking framework for online signature verification by introducing the concepts of “Reference Systems”, “Reference Databases” and associated “Reference Protocols.” Finally, we present the results of several approaches within the proposed evaluation framework. Among them are also present the best approaches within the first international Signature Verification Competition held in 2004 (SVC’2004), Dynamic Time Warping and Hidden Markov Models. All these systems are evaluated first within the benchmarking framework and also with other relevant protocols. Experiments are also reported on two different databases (BIOMET and MCYT) showing the impact of time variability for online signature verification. The two reference systems presented in this chapter are also used and evaluated in the BMEC’2007 evaluation campaign, presented in Chap11. ©Springer 2009
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| 17. |
- Gonzalez, J. M., et al.
(author)
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Genome analysis of the proteorhodopsin-containing marine bacterium Polaribacter sp. MED152 (Flavobacteria)
- 2008
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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. ; 105:25, s. 8724-8729
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Analysis of marine cyanobacteria and proteobacteria genomes has provided a profound understanding of the life strategies of these organisms and their ecotype differentiation and metabolisms. However, a comparable analysis of the Bacteroidetes, the third major bacterioplankton group, is still lacking. In the present paper, we report on the genome of Polaribacter sp. strain MED152. On the one hand, MED152 contains a substantial number of genes for attachment to surfaces or particles, gliding motility, and polymer degradation. This agrees with the currently assumed life strategy of marine Bacteroidetes. On the other hand, it contains the proteorhoclopsin gene, together with a remarkable suite of genes to sense and respond to light, which may provide a survival advantage in the nutrient-poor sun-lit ocean surface when in search of fresh particles to colonize. Furthermore, an increase in CO2 fixation in the light suggests that the limited central metabolism is complemented by anaplerotic inorganic carbon fixation. This is mediated by a unique combination of membrane transporters and carboxylases. This suggests a dual life strategy that, if confirmed experimentally, would be notably different from what is known of the two other main bacterial groups (the autotrophic cyanobacteria and the heterotrophic proteobacteria) in the surface oceans. The Polaribacter genome provides insights into the physiological capabilities of proteorhodopsin-containing bacteria. The genome will serve as a model to study the cellular and molecular processes in bacteria that express proteorhoclopsin, their adaptation to the oceanic environment, and their role in carbon-cycling.
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| 18. |
- Ortega-Ferrusola, C., et al.
(author)
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Does the Microbial Flora in the Ejaculate Affect the Freezeability of Stallion Sperm?
- 2009
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In: Reproduction in domestic animals. - : Wiley-Blackwell. - 0936-6768 .- 1439-0531. ; 44:3, s. 518-522
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- In an attempt to evaluate the possible relationship between the microbial flora in the stallion ejaculate and its ability to freeze, three ejaculates from five stallions were frozen using a standard protocol. Before freezing, an aliquot was removed for bacteriological analysis. Bacterial growth was observed in all the ejaculates studied. The isolated microorganisms were: Staphylococcus spp. and Micrococcus spp. (in all the stallions), beta-haemolytic Streptococcus (in stallions 3 and 4), Corynebacterium spp. (in stallions 1, 3-5), Rhodococcus spp. (in stallion number 2), Pseudomonas spp. (in stallion number 1) and Klebsiella spp. (in stallions 1, 3 and 5). The presence and richness of Klebsiella and beta-haemolytic Streptococcus in the ejaculate were related to two sperm variables post-thaw, namely the proportion of dead spermatozoa (ethidium+ cells; r = 0.55, p less than 0.05) and the amplitude of lateral displacement of the sperm head (ALH, mu m; r = -0.56, p less than 0.05), respectively. The degree of growth of Corynebacterium spp. in the ejaculate was positively correlated with the percentage of spermatozoa showing high caspase activity post-thaw (r = 0.62, p less than 0.05). The presence and number of colonies of beta-haemolytic Streptococcus were negatively correlated (r = -0.55, p less than 0.05) with low sperm caspase activity. It is concluded that the microbial flora of the equine ejaculate may be responsible for some of the sublethal damage experimented by the spermatozoa during cryopreservation.
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| 22. |
- Soriano, S, et al.
(author)
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Rapid regulation of K(ATP) channel activity by 17{beta}-estradiol in pancreatic {beta}-cells involves the estrogen receptor {beta} and the atrial natriuretic peptide receptor
- 2009
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In: Molecular endocrinology (Baltimore, Md.). - : The Endocrine Society. - 1944-9917 .- 0888-8809. ; 23:12, s. 1973-1982
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The ATP-sensitive potassium (KATP) channel is a key molecule involved in glucose-stimulated insulin secretion. The activity of this channel regulates β-cell membrane potential, glucose- induced [Ca2+]i signals, and insulin release. In this study, the rapid effect of physiological concentrations of 17β-estradiol (E2) on KATP channel activity was studied in intact β-cells by use of the patch-clamp technique. When cells from wild-type (WT) mice were used, 1 nm E2 rapidly reduced KATP channel activity by 60%. The action of E2 on KATP channel was not modified in β-cells from ERα−/− mice, yet it was significantly reduced in cells from ERβ−/− mice. The effect of E2 was mimicked by the ERβ agonist 2,3-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)-propionitrile (DPN). Activation of ERβ by DPN enhanced glucose-induced Ca2+ signals and insulin release. Previous evidence indicated that the acute inhibitory effects of E2 on KATP channel activity involve cyclic GMP and cyclic GMP-dependent protein kinase. In this study, we used β-cells from mice with genetic ablation of the membrane guanylate cyclase A receptor for atrial natriuretic peptide (also called the atrial natriuretic peptide receptor) (GC-A KO mice) to demonstrate the involvement of this membrane receptor in the rapid E2 actions triggered in β-cells. E2 rapidly inhibited KATP channel activity and enhanced insulin release in islets from WT mice but not in islets from GC-A KO mice. In addition, DPN reduced KATP channel activity in β-cells from WT mice, but not in β-cells from GC-A KO mice. This work unveils a new role for ERβ as an insulinotropic molecule that may have important physiological and pharmacological implications.
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| 23. |
- Swedberg, Karl, 1944, et al.
(author)
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Successful treatment of heart failure with devices requires collaboration
- 2008
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In: European Journal of Heart Failure. - : Wiley. - 1388-9842. ; 10:12, s. 1229-35
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Implanted biventricular pacemakers (cardiac resynchronisation therapy, CRT) with or without implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICD) improve survival and morbidity in some patients with chronic heart failure (CHF) who are optimally treated with pharmacologic agents according to current guidelines. Correspondingly, ICDs improve survival. However, there is only limited evidence for device treatment in certain patient subgroups, such as the impact of ICD on outcomes in patients with reduced ejection fraction in New York Heart Association (NYHA) Class I or IV heart failure. Similarly, limited evidence exists for CRT in patients with only modest QRS prolongation or only modestly reduced ejection fraction. Despite evidence for a beneficial effect of device therapy in CHF, only a minority of eligible patients are currently offered these options. Multiple reasons contribute to the underuse of these potentially life-saving therapies. A lack of adherence to guidelines by health care professionals is an important barrier. Clearly, efforts should be made to improve the standard of care and to familiarise all physicians involved in managing CHF patients with the indications and potential efficacy of these devices. Increased collaboration between structured heart failure care and pacemaker clinics as well as between electrophysiologists, heart failure clinicians, and primary care physicians is required. Such team collaborations should lead to improved care with reduced mortality and morbidity and increased cost effectiveness. Treatment strategy should be based on a structured approach tailored to local practice and national priorities.
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| 24. |
- Taha, Muhamed-Kheir, et al.
(author)
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Interlaboratory Comparison of PCR-Based Identification and Genogrouping of Neisseria meningitidis
- 2005
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In: Journal of Clinical Microbiology. - 0095-1137 .- 1098-660X. ; 43:1, s. 144-149
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Twenty clinical samples (18 cerebrospinal fluid samples and 2 articular fluid samples) were sent to 11 meningococcus reference centers located in 11 different countries. Ten of these laboratories are participating in the EU-MenNet program (a European Union-funded program) and are members of the European Monitoring Group on Meningococci. The remaining laboratory was located in Burkina Faso. Neisseria meningitidis was sought by detecting several meningococcus-specific genes (crgA, ctrA, 16S rRNA, and porA). The PCR-based nonculture method for the detection of N. meningitidis gave similar results between participants with a mean sensitivity and specificity of 89.7 and 92.7%, respectively. Most of the laboratories also performed genogrouping assays (siaD and mynB/sacC). The performance of genogrouping was more variable between laboratories, with a mean sensitivity of 72.7%. Genogroup B gave the best correlation between participants, as all laboratories routinely perform this PCR. The results for genogroups A and W135 were less similar between the eight participating laboratories that performed these PCRs.
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