| 1. |
- Acharya, B. S., et al.
(author)
-
Introducing the CTA concept
- 2013
-
In: Astroparticle physics. - : Elsevier BV. - 0927-6505 .- 1873-2852. ; 43, s. 3-18
-
Journal article (other academic/artistic)abstract
- The Cherenkov Telescope Array (CTA) is a new observatory for very high-energy (VHE) gamma rays. CTA has ambitions science goals, for which it is necessary to achieve full-sky coverage, to improve the sensitivity by about an order of magnitude, to span about four decades of energy, from a few tens of GeV to above 100 TeV with enhanced angular and energy resolutions over existing VHE gamma-ray observatories. An international collaboration has formed with more than 1000 members from 27 countries in Europe, Asia, Africa and North and South America. In 2010 the CTA Consortium completed a Design Study and started a three-year Preparatory Phase which leads to production readiness of CTA in 2014. In this paper we introduce the science goals and the concept of CTA, and provide an overview of the project. (C) 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
|
|
| 2. |
- Actis, M., et al.
(author)
-
Design concepts for the Cherenkov Telescope Array CTA : an advanced facility for ground-based high-energy gamma-ray astronomy
- 2011
-
In: Experimental astronomy. - : Springer. - 0922-6435 .- 1572-9508. ; 32:3, s. 193-316
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Ground-based gamma-ray astronomy has had a major breakthrough with the impressive results obtained using systems of imaging atmospheric Cherenkov telescopes. Ground-based gamma-ray astronomy has a huge potential in astrophysics, particle physics and cosmology. CTA is an international initiative to build the next generation instrument, with a factor of 5-10 improvement in sensitivity in the 100 GeV-10 TeV range and the extension to energies well below 100 GeV and above 100 TeV. CTA will consist of two arrays (one in the north, one in the south) for full sky coverage and will be operated as open observatory. The design of CTA is based on currently available technology. This document reports on the status and presents the major design concepts of CTA.
|
|
| 3. |
- Achberger, Christine, 1968, et al.
(author)
-
State of the Climate in 2011
- 2012
-
In: Bulletin of the American Meteorological Society. - 0003-0007. ; 93:7
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Large-scale climate patterns influenced temperature and weather patterns around the globe in 2011. In particular, a moderate-to-strong La Nina at the beginning of the year dissipated during boreal spring but reemerged during fall. The phenomenon contributed to historical droughts in East Africa, the southern United States, and northern Mexico, as well the wettest two-year period (2010-11) on record for Australia, particularly remarkable as this follows a decade-long dry period. Precipitation patterns in South America were also influenced by La Nina. Heavy rain in Rio de Janeiro in January triggered the country's worst floods and landslides in Brazil's history. The 2011 combined average temperature across global land and ocean surfaces was the coolest since 2008, but was also among the 15 warmest years on record and above the 1981-2010 average. The global sea surface temperature cooled by 0.1 degrees C from 2010 to 2011, associated with cooling influences of La Nina. Global integrals of upper ocean heat content for 2011 were higher than for all prior years, demonstrating the Earth's dominant role of the oceans in the Earth's energy budget. In the upper atmosphere, tropical stratospheric temperatures were anomalously warm, while polar temperatures were anomalously cold. This led to large springtime stratospheric ozone reductions in polar latitudes in both hemispheres. Ozone concentrations in the Arctic stratosphere during March were the lowest for that period since satellite records began in 1979. An extensive, deep, and persistent ozone hole over the Antarctic in September indicates that the recovery to pre-1980 conditions is proceeding very slowly. Atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations increased by 2.10 ppm in 2011, and exceeded 390 ppm for the first time since instrumental records began. Other greenhouse gases also continued to rise in concentration and the combined effect now represents a 30% increase in radiative forcing over a 1990 baseline. Most ozone depleting substances continued to fall. The global net ocean carbon dioxide uptake for the 2010 transition period from El Nino to La Nina, the most recent period for which analyzed data are available, was estimated to be 1.30 Pg C yr(-1), almost 12% below the 29-year long-term average. Relative to the long-term trend, global sea level dropped noticeably in mid-2010 and reached a local minimum in 2011. The drop has been linked to the La Nina conditions that prevailed throughout much of 2010-11. Global sea level increased sharply during the second half of 2011. Global tropical cyclone activity during 2011 was well-below average, with a total of 74 storms compared with the 1981-2010 average of 89. Similar to 2010, the North Atlantic was the only basin that experienced above-normal activity. For the first year since the widespread introduction of the Dvorak intensity-estimation method in the 1980s, only three tropical cyclones reached Category 5 intensity level-all in the Northwest Pacific basin. The Arctic continued to warm at about twice the rate compared with lower latitudes. Below-normal summer snowfall, a decreasing trend in surface albedo, and above-average surface and upper air temperatures resulted in a continued pattern of extreme surface melting, and net snow and ice loss on the Greenland ice sheet. Warmer-than-normal temperatures over the Eurasian Arctic in spring resulted in a new record-low June snow cover extent and spring snow cover duration in this region. In the Canadian Arctic, the mass loss from glaciers and ice caps was the greatest since GRACE measurements began in 2002, continuing a negative trend that began in 1987. New record high temperatures occurred at 20 m below the land surface at all permafrost observatories on the North Slope of Alaska, where measurements began in the late 1970s. Arctic sea ice extent in September 2011 was the second-lowest on record, while the extent of old ice (four and five years) reached a new record minimum that was just 19% of normal. On the opposite pole, austral winter and spring temperatures were more than 3 degrees C above normal over much of the Antarctic continent. However, winter temperatures were below normal in the northern Antarctic Peninsula, which continued the downward trend there during the last 15 years. In summer, an all-time record high temperature of -12.3 degrees C was set at the South Pole station on 25 December, exceeding the previous record by more than a full degree. Antarctic sea ice extent anomalies increased steadily through much of the year, from briefly setting a record low in April, to well above average in December. The latter trend reflects the dispersive effects of low pressure on sea ice and the generally cool conditions around the Antarctic perimeter.
|
|
| 4. |
|
|
| 5. |
- Rauer, H., et al.
(author)
-
The PLATO 2.0 mission
- 2014
-
In: Experimental astronomy. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 0922-6435 .- 1572-9508. ; 38:1-2, s. 249-330
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- PLATO 2.0 has recently been selected for ESA's M3 launch opportunity (2022/24). Providing accurate key planet parameters (radius, mass, density and age) in statistical numbers, it addresses fundamental questions such as: How do planetary systems form and evolve? Are there other systems with planets like ours, including potentially habitable planets? The PLATO 2.0 instrument consists of 34 small aperture telescopes (32 with 25 s readout cadence and 2 with 2.5 s cadence) providing a wide field-of-view (2232 deg(2)) and a large photometric magnitude range (4-16 mag). It focuses on bright (4-11 mag) stars in wide fields to detect and characterize planets down to Earth-size by photometric transits, whose masses can then be determined by ground-based radial-velocity follow-up measurements. Asteroseismology will be performed for these bright stars to obtain highly accurate stellar parameters, including masses and ages. The combination of bright targets and asteroseismology results in high accuracy for the bulk planet parameters: 2 %, 4-10 % and 10 % for planet radii, masses and ages, respectively. The planned baseline observing strategy includes two long pointings (2-3 years) to detect and bulk characterize planets reaching into the habitable zone (HZ) of solar-like stars and an additional step-and-stare phase to cover in total about 50 % of the sky. PLATO 2.0 will observe up to 1,000,000 stars and detect and characterize hundreds of small planets, and thousands of planets in the Neptune to gas giant regime out to the HZ. It will therefore provide the first large-scale catalogue of bulk characterized planets with accurate radii, masses, mean densities and ages. This catalogue will include terrestrial planets at intermediate orbital distances, where surface temperatures are moderate. Coverage of this parameter range with statistical numbers of bulk characterized planets is unique to PLATO 2.0. The PLATO 2.0 catalogue allows us to e. g.: - complete our knowledge of planet diversity for low-mass objects, - correlate the planet mean density-orbital distance distribution with predictions from planet formation theories,- constrain the influence of planet migration and scattering on the architecture of multiple systems, and - specify how planet and system parameters change with host star characteristics, such as type, metallicity and age. The catalogue will allow us to study planets and planetary systems at different evolutionary phases. It will further provide a census for small, low-mass planets. This will serve to identify objects which retained their primordial hydrogen atmosphere and in general the typical characteristics of planets in such a low-mass, low-density range. Planets detected by PLATO 2.0 will orbit bright stars and many of them will be targets for future atmosphere spectroscopy exploring their atmospheres. Furthermore, the mission has the potential to detect exomoons, planetary rings, binary and Trojan planets. The planetary science possible with PLATO 2.0 is complemented by its impact on stellar and galactic science via asteroseismology as well as light curves of all kinds of variable stars, together with observations of stellar clusters of different ages. This will allow us to improve stellar models and study stellar activity. A large number of well-known ages from red giant stars will probe the structure and evolution of our Galaxy. Asteroseismic ages of bright stars for different phases of stellar evolution allow calibrating stellar age-rotation relationships. Together with the results of ESA's Gaia mission, the results of PLATO 2.0 will provide a huge legacy to planetary, stellar and galactic science.
|
|
| 6. |
- Roelfsema, P. R., et al.
(author)
-
In-orbit performance of Herschel-HIFI
- 2012
-
In: Astronomy and Astrophysics. - : EDP Sciences. - 0004-6361 .- 1432-0746. ; 537
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Aims: In this paper the calibration and in-orbit performance of the Heterodyne Instrument for the Far-Infrared (HIFI) is described.Methods: The calibration of HIFI is based on a combination of ground and in-flight tests. Dedicated ground tests to determine those instrument parameters that can only be measured accurately using controlled laboratory stimuli were carried out in the instrument level test (ILT) campaign. Special in-flight tests during the commissioning phase (CoP) and performance verification (PV) allowed the determination of the remaining instrument parameters. The various instrument observing modes, as specified in astronomical observation templates (AOTs), were validated in parallel during PV by observing selected celestial sources.Results: The initial calibration and in-orbit performance of HIFI has been established. A first estimate of the calibration budget is given. The overall in-flight instrument performance agrees with the original specification. Issues remain at only a few frequencies. Herschel is an ESA space observatory with science instruments provided by European-led Principal Investigator consortia and with important participation from NASA.
|
|
| 7. |
- Russo, M. J., et al.
(author)
-
Creation of the Argentina-Alzheimer's disease neuroimaging initiative
- 2014
-
In: Alzheimer's & Dementia. - : Wiley. - 1552-5260 .- 1552-5279. ; 10:1 SUPPL.
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI) is a multisite, longitudinal study that assesses clinical, imaging, genetic, and biospecimen biomarkers through the process of normal aging to mild cognitive impairment and dementia. We present the creation of the Argentina-ADNI - the first South American ADNI - and its effort to acquire data comparable with those gathered in other worldwide ADNI centers. © 2014 The Alzheimers Association. All rights reserved.
|
|
| 8. |
|
|
| 9. |
- Basu, Neil, et al.
(author)
-
EULAR points to consider in the development of classification and diagnostic criteria in systemic vasculitis
- 2010
-
In: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases. - London, UK : BMJ. - 1468-2060 .- 0003-4967. ; 69:10, s. 1744-1750
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Objectives The systemic vasculitides are multiorgan diseases where early diagnosis and treatment can significantly improve outcomes. Robust nomenclature reduces diagnostic delay. However, key aspects of current nomenclature are widely perceived to be out of date, these include disease definitions, classification and diagnostic criteria. Therefore, the aim of the present work was to identify deficiencies and provide contemporary points to consider for the development of future definitions and criteria in systemic vasculitis. Methods The expert panel identified areas of concern within existing definitions/criteria. Consequently, a systematic literature review was undertaken looking to address these deficiencies and produce 'points to consider' in accordance with standardised European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) operating procedures. In the absence of evidence, expert consensus was used. Results There was unanimous consensus for re-evaluating existing definitions and developing new criteria. A total of 17 points to consider were proposed, covering 6 main areas: biopsy, laboratory testing, diagnostic radiology, nosology, definitions and research agenda. Suggestions to improve and expand current definitions were described including the incorporation of anti-neutrophil cytoplasm antibody and aetiological factors, where known. The importance of biopsy in diagnosis and exclusion of mimics was highlighted, while equally emphasising its problems. Thus, the role of alternative diagnostic tools such as MRI, ultrasound and surrogate markers were also discussed. Finally, structures to develop future criteria were considered. Conclusions Limitations in current classification criteria and definitions for vasculitis have been identified and suggestions provided for improvement. Additionally it is proposed that, in combination with the updated evidence, these should form the basis of future attempts to develop and validate revised criteria and definitions of vasculitis.
|
|
| 10. |
- Danese, E., et al.
(author)
-
Impact of the CYP4F2 p.V433M Polymorphism on Coumarin Dose Requirement: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
- 2012
-
In: Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1532-6535 .- 0009-9236. ; 92:6, s. 746-756
-
Research review (peer-reviewed)abstract
- A systematic review and a meta-analysis were performed to quantify the accumulated information from genetic association studies investigating the impact of the CYP4F2 rs2108622 (p.V433M) polymorphism on coumarin dose requirement. An additional aim was to explore the contribution of the CYP4F2 variant in comparison with, as well as after stratification for, the VKORC1 and CYP2C9 variants. Thirty studies involving 9,470 participants met prespecified inclusion criteria. As compared with CC-homozygotes, T-allele carriers required an 8.3% (95% confidence interval (CI): 5.6-11.1%; P < 0.0001) higher mean daily coumarin dose than CC homozygotes to reach a stable international normalized ratio (INR). There was no evidence of publication bias. Heterogeneity among studies was present (I-2 = 43%). Our results show that the CYP4F2 p.V433M polymorphism is associated with interindividual variability in response to coumarin drugs, but with a low effect size that is confirmed to be lower than those contributed by VKORC1 and CYP2C9 polymorphisms.
|
|
| 11. |
- Field, Christopher B., et al.
(author)
-
Summary for Policymakers
- 2014
-
In: Climate Change 2014: Impacts, Adaptation, and Vulnerability. Part A: Global and SectoralAspects.. - 9781107415379 ; , s. 1-32
-
Book chapter (peer-reviewed)
|
|
| 12. |
- Gossec, L., et al.
(author)
-
The role of pain and functional impairment in the decision to recommend total joint replacement in hip and knee osteoarthritis: an international cross-sectional study of 1909 patients. Report of the OARSI-OMERACT Task Force on total joint replacement
- 2011
-
In: Osteoarthritis and Cartilage. - : Elsevier BV. - 1063-4584. ; 19:2, s. 147-154
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Objective: To assess the pain and functional disability levels corresponding to an indication for total joint replacement (TJR) in hip and knee osteoarthritis (OA). Methods: Design: International cross-sectional study in 10 countries. Patients: Consecutive outpatients with definite hip or knee OA attending an orthopaedic outpatient clinic. Gold standard measure for recommendation for TJR: Surgeon's decision that TJR is justified. Outcome measures: Pain (ICOAP: intermittent and constant osteoarthritis pain, 0-100) and functional impairment (HOOS-PS/KOOS-PS: Hip/Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score Physical function Short-form, 0-100). Analyses: Comparison of patients with vs without surgeons' indication for TJR. Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve analyses and logistic regression were applied to determine cut points of pain and disability defining recommendation for TJR. Results: In all, 1909 patients were included (1130 knee/779 hip OA). Mean age was 66.4 [standard deviation (SD) 10.9] years, 58.1% were women; 628/1130 (55.6%) knee OA and 574/779 (73.7%) hip OA patients were recommended for TJR. Although patients recommended for TJR (yes vs no) had worse symptom levels [pain, 55.5 (95% confidence interval 54.2, 56.8) vs. 44.9 (43.2, 46.6), and functional impairment, 59.8 (58.7, 60.9) vs. 50.9 (49.3, 52.4), respectively, both P < 0.0001]. there was substantial overlap in symptom levels between groups, even when adjusting for radiographic joint status. Thus, it was not possible to determine cut points for pain and function defining 'requirement for TJR'. Conclusion: Although symptom levels were higher in patients recommended for TJR, pain and functional disability alone did not discriminate between those who were and were not considered to need TJR by the orthopaedic surgeon. (C) 2010 Osteoarthritis Research Society International. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
|
|
| 13. |
- Suarez-Sipmann, Fernando, et al.
(author)
-
Pulmonary artery pulsatility is the main cause of cardiogenic oscillations
- 2013
-
In: Journal of clinical monitoring and computing. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1387-1307 .- 1573-2614. ; 27:1, s. 47-53
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The genesis of cardiogenic oscillations, i.e. The small waves in airway pressure (COSpaw) and flow (COSflow) signals recorded at the airway opening is under debate. We hypothesized that these waves are originated from cyclic changes in pulmonary artery (PA) pressure and flow but not from the physical transmission of heartbeats onto the lungs. The aim of this study was to test this hypothesis. In 10 anesthetized pigs, COS were evaluated during expiratory breath-holds at baseline with intact chest and during open chest conditions at: (1) close contact between heart and lungs; (2) no heart-lungs contact by lifting the heart apex outside the thoracic cavity; (3) PA clamping at the main trunk during 10 s; and (4) during manual massage after cardiac arrest maintaining the heart apex outside the thorax, with and without PA clamping. Baseline COSpaw and COSflow amplitude were 0.70 ± 0.08 cmH2O and 0.51 ± 0.06 L/min, respectively. Both COS amplitude decreased during open chest conditions in step 1 and 2 (p < 0.05). However, COSpaw and COSflow amplitude did not depend on whether the heart was in contact or isolated from the surrounding lung parenchyma. COSpaw and COSflow disappeared when pulmonary blood flow was stopped after clamping PA in all animals. Manual heart massages reproduced COS but they disappeared when PA was clamped during this maneuver. The transmission of PA pulsatilty across the lungs generates COSpaw and COSflow measured at the airway opening. This information has potential applications for respiratory monitoring.
|
|
| 14. |
- Aguar-Bartolome, P., et al.
(author)
-
Measurement of the gamma p -> K-0 Sigma(+) reaction with the Crystal Ball/TAPS detectors at the Mainz Microtron
- 2013
-
In: Physical Review C (Nuclear Physics). - 0556-2813. ; 88:4
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The gamma p -> K-0 Sigma(+) reaction has been measured from threshold to E-gamma = 1.45 GeV (W-CM = 1.9 GeV) using the Crystal Ball and TAPS multiphoton spectrometers together with the photon tagging facility at the Mainz Microtron MAMI. In the present experiment, this reaction was searched for in the 3 pi(0)p final state, by assuming K-S(0) -> pi(0)pi(0) and Sigma(+) -> pi(0)p. The experimental results include total and differential cross sections as well as the polarization of the recoil hyperon. The new data significantly improve empirical knowledge about the gamma p -> K-0 Sigma(+) reaction in the measured energy range. The results are compared to previous measurements and model predictions. It is demonstrated that adding the present gamma p -> K-0 Sigma(+) results to existing data allowed a better description of this reaction with various models.
|
|
| 15. |
- Aguar-Bartolome, P., et al.
(author)
-
New determination of the eta transition form factor in the Dalitz decay eta -> e(+) e(-) gamma with the Crystal Ball/TAPS detectors at the Mainz Microtron
- 2014
-
In: Physical Review C (Nuclear Physics). - 0556-2813. ; 89:4
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The Dalitz decay eta -> e(+) e(-) gamma has been measured in the gamma p -> eta p reaction with the Crystal Ball and TAPS multiphoton spectrometers, together with the photon-tagging facility at the Mainz Microtron MAMI. The experimental statistic used in this work is one order of magnitude greater than in any previous measurement of eta -> e(+) e(-) gamma. The value obtained for the slope parameter Lambda(-2) of the eta transition form factor, Lambda(-2) = (1.95 +/- 0.15(stat) +/- 0.10(syst)) GeV-2, is in good agreement with recent measurements conducted in eta -> e(+) e(-) gamma and eta -> mu(+) mu(-) gamma decays, as well as with recent form-factor calculations. The uncertainty obtained in the value of Lambda(-2) is lower compared to results from previous measurements of the eta -> e(+) e(-) gamma decay.
|
|
| 16. |
- Alcantara, K. Suarez, et al.
(author)
-
3CaH(2)+4MgB(2) + CaF2 Reactive Hydride Composite as a Potential Hydrogen Storage Material: Hydrogenation and Dehydrogenation Pathway
- 2012
-
In: Journal of Physical Chemistry C. - : American Chemical Society (ACS). - 1932-7447 .- 1932-7455. ; 116:12, s. 7207-7212
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- A reactive hydride composite (RHC) with initial composition 3CaH(2) + 4MgB(2) + CaF2 was studied by in situ synchrotron radiation powder X-ray diffraction (SR-PXD) and X-ray absorption near edge structure (XANES) at the B K-edge and at the Ca K-edge. The hydrogenation reaction proceeds by an unknown intermediate. No evidence of intermediates was observed during the dehydrogenation reaction. B and Ca K-edge XANES results hint to a closed interaction of CaF2 and Ca(BH4)(2). The main function of CaF2 in the 3CaH(2) + 4MgB(2) + CaF2 RHC is as a dopant for the hydrogenation and dehydrogenation reactions.
|
|
| 17. |
- Chernov, Alexander I, et al.
(author)
-
Optical properties of graphene nanoribbons encapsulated in single-walled carbon nanotubes
- 2013
-
In: ACS Nano. - : American Chemical Society (ACS). - 1936-0851 .- 1936-086X. ; 7:7, s. 6346-6353
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- We report the photoluminescence (PL) from graphene nanoribbons (GNRs) encapsulated in single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs). New PL spectral features originating from GNRs have been detected in the visible spectral range. PL peaks from GNRs have resonant character, and their positions depend on the ribbon geometrical structure in accordance with the theoretical predictions. GNRs were synthesized using confined polymerization and fusion of coronene molecules. GNR@SWCNTs material demonstrates a bright photoluminescence both in infrared (IR) and visible regions. The photoluminescence excitation mapping in the near-IR spectral range has revealed the geometry-dependent shifts of the SWCNT peaks (up to 11 meV in excitation and emission) after the process of polymerization of coronene molecules inside the nanotubes. This behavior has been attributed to the strain of SWCNTs induced by insertion of the coronene molecules.
|
|
| 18. |
- Cortes-Escobedo, Claudia A., et al.
(author)
-
Mechanically activated Pt-Ni and Pt-Co alloys as electrocatalysts in the oxygen reduction reaction
- 2014
-
In: International Journal of Hydrogen Energy. - : Elsevier BV. - 1879-3487 .- 0360-3199. ; 39:29, s. 16722-16730
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Mixtures of powders of platinum with nickel or cobalt to obtain Ni0.75Pt0.25 or Co0.75Pt0.25 were mechanical alloyed by high energy ball milling. The results of crystal structure, morphology and electrocatalytic performance are presented for mechanically activated powders after 3 and 9 h of ball milling. Total solid solutions of Ni and Co with platinum were analyzed by X-ray diffraction after 3 h of ball milling. After 9 h of ball milling, in both cases, the total solid solution was accompanied by the appearance of NiO or CoO and ZrO associated with a redox reaction with the milling media. The presence of zirconium monoxide was confirmed by energy dispersive spectroscopy analysis. In both cases, an amorphization was detected. X ray absorption spectroscopy measurements showed changes in atomic and electronic environment of platinum, a reduction of the distance to the first coordination sphere and increased d-band vacancy vs pure Pt and Pt nanoparticles were observed for both studied systems. The electrocatalytic activity was determined using cyclic and linear voltammetry. The Co0.75Pt0.25 alloy milled for 9 h showed a higher electrochemical activity for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) compared with the other samples, including Pt-Etek. The degree of the ORR electrochemical activity was correlated with the presence of ZrO, which could affect the oxygen adsorption and improve the catalytic activity for the oxygen reduction reaction. Copyright (C) 2014, Hydrogen Energy Publications, LLC. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
|
|
| 19. |
- Gossec, Laure, et al.
(author)
-
OARSI/OMERACT Initiative to Define States of Severity and Indication for Joint Replacement in Hip and Knee Osteoarthritis. An OMERACT 10 Special Interest Group
- 2011
-
In: Journal of Rheumatology. - : The Journal of Rheumatology. - 0315-162X .- 1499-2752. ; 38:8, s. 1765-1769
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Objective. To define pain and physical function cutpoints that would, coupled with structural severity, define a surrogate measure of "need for joint replacement surgery," for use as an outcome measure for potential structure-modifying interventions for osteoarthritis (OA). Methods. New scores were developed for pain and physical function in knee and hip OA. A cross-sectional international study in 1909 patients was conducted to define data-driven cutpoints corresponding to the orthopedic surgeons' indication for joint replacement. A post hoc analysis of 8 randomized clinical trials (1379 patients) evaluated the prevalence and validity of cutpoints, among patients with symptomatic hip/knee OA. Results. In the international cross-sectional study, there was substantial overlap in symptom levels between patients with and patients without indication for joint replacement; indeed, it was not possible to determine cutpoints for pain and function defining this indication. The post hoc analysis of trial data showed that the prevalence of cases that combined radiological progression, high level of pain, and high degree of function impairment was low (2%-12%). The most discriminatory cutpoint to define an indication for joint replacement was found to be [pain (0-100) + physical function (0-100) > 80]. Conclusion. These results do not support a specific level of pain or function that defines an indication for joint replacement. However, a tentative cutpoint for pain and physical function levels is proposed for further evaluation. Potentially, this symptom level, coupled with radiographic progression, could be used to define "nonresponders" to disease-modifying drugs in OA clinical trials. (J Rheumatol 2011;38:1765-9; doi:10.3899/jrheum.110403)
|
|
| 20. |
- Kashevarov, V. L., et al.
(author)
-
Experimental study of the gamma p -> pi (0)pi(0) p reaction with the Crystal Ball/TAPS detector system at the Mainz Microtron
- 2012
-
In: Physical Review C (Nuclear Physics). - 0556-2813. ; 85:6
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The gamma p -> pi(0)pi(0) p reaction has been measured from threshold to 1.4 GeV using the Crystal Ball and TAPS photon spectrometers together with the photon tagging facility at the Mainz Microtron. The experimental results include total and differential cross sections as well as specific angular distributions, which were used to extract partial-wave amplitudes. In particular, the energy region below the D-13(1520) resonance was studied.
|
|
| 21. |
- Kleinberger, G., et al.
(author)
-
TREM2 mutations implicated in neurodegeneration impair cell surface transport and phagocytosis
- 2014
-
In: Science Translational Medicine. - : American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS). - 1946-6234 .- 1946-6242. ; 6:243
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Genetic variants in the triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 2 (TREM2) have been linked to Nasu-Hakola disease, Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, frontotemporal dementia (FTD), and FTD-like syndrome without bone involvement. TREM2 is an innate immune receptor preferentially expressed by microglia and is involved in inflammation and phagocytosis. Whether and how TREM2 missense mutations affect TREM2 function is unclear. We report that missense mutations associated with FTD and FTD-like syndrome reduce TREM2 maturation, abolish shedding by ADAM proteases, and impair the phagocytic activity of TREM2-expressing cells. As a consequence of reduced shedding, TREM2 is virtually absent in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and plasma of a patient with FTD-like syndrome. A decrease in soluble TREM2 was also observed in the CSF of patients with AD and FTD, further suggesting that reduced TREM2 function may contribute to increased risk for two neurodegenerative disorders.
|
|
| 22. |
- Langenberg, C., et al.
(author)
-
Design and cohort description of the InterAct Project : an examination of the interaction of genetic and lifestyle factors on the incidence of type 2 diabetes in the EPIC Study
- 2011
-
In: Diabetologia. - : Springer. - 0012-186X .- 1432-0428. ; 54:9, s. 2272-2282
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Studying gene-lifestyle interaction may help to identify lifestyle factors that modify genetic susceptibility and uncover genetic loci exerting important subgroup effects. Adequately powered studies with prospective, unbiased, standardised assessment of key behavioural factors for gene-lifestyle studies are lacking. This case-cohort study aims to investigate how genetic and potentially modifiable lifestyle and behavioural factors, particularly diet and physical activity, interact in their influence on the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Incident cases of type 2 diabetes occurring in European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC) cohorts between 1991 and 2007 from eight of the ten EPIC countries were ascertained and verified. Prentice-weighted Cox regression and random-effects meta-analyses were used to investigate differences in diabetes incidence by age and sex. A total of 12,403 verified incident cases of type 2 diabetes occurred during 3.99 million person-years of follow-up of 340,234 EPIC participants eligible for InterAct. We defined a centre-stratified subcohort of 16,154 individuals for comparative analyses. Individuals with incident diabetes who were randomly selected into the subcohort (n = 778) were included as cases in the analyses. All prevalent diabetes cases were excluded from the study. InterAct cases were followed-up for an average of 6.9 years; 49.7% were men. Mean baseline age and age at diagnosis were 55.6 and 62.5 years, mean BMI and waist circumference values were 29.4 kg/m(2) and 102.7 cm in men, and 30.1 kg/m(2) and 92.8 cm in women, respectively. Risk of type 2 diabetes increased linearly with age, with an overall HR of 1.56 (95% CI 1.48-1.64) for a 10 year age difference, adjusted for sex. A male excess in the risk of incident diabetes was consistently observed across all countries, with a pooled HR of 1.51 (95% CI 1.39-1.64), adjusted for age. InterAct is a large, well-powered, prospective study that will inform our understanding of the interplay between genes and lifestyle factors on the risk of type 2 diabetes development.
|
|
| 23. |
|
|
| 24. |
- Ruiz-Camacho, B., et al.
(author)
-
Electrochemical and XAS investigation of oxygen reduction reaction on Pt-TiO2-C catalysts
- 2013
-
In: International Journal of Hydrogen Energy. - : Elsevier BV. - 1879-3487 .- 0360-3199. ; 38:28, s. 12648-12656
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Pt-TiO2-C composites with different titanium oxide loading were synthesized by photo-deposition and chemical vapor deposition methods. The changes in their electronic properties improve the electrochemical activity toward the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) compared to the Pt-C catalyst synthesized at the same conditions. The platinum samples were physically characterized by means of Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Small Angle X-ray Scattering (SAXS), X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy (XAS) and X-ray Photo-electron Spectroscopy (XPS). Their electrochemical activity was also investigated by cyclic and linear voltammetry techniques. TEM analysis shows homogeneously dispersed platinum nanoparticles with an average particle size of 2 nm in all the synthesized samples. Form factor (morphology model) and particle size were determined by SAXS, the data adjusted to spherical Pt nanoparticles in both synthesis methods. XAS studies at the Pt L-3-edge shows a close interaction of Pt with the support material, i.e. C or TiO2. XPS analysis reveals surface modifications that induce electronic changes on Pt-TiO2-C. Significant differences in the ORR electrochemical activity were correlated to the TiO2 loading and the synthesis procedure. Copyright (C) 2013, Hydrogen Energy Publications, LLC. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
|
|
| 25. |
- Scott, R. A., et al.
(author)
-
The link between family history and risk of type 2 diabetes is not explained by anthropometric, lifestyle or genetic risk factors : the EPIC-InterAct study
- 2013
-
In: Diabetologia. - : Springer. - 0012-186X .- 1432-0428. ; 56:1, s. 60-69
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Aims/hypothesis: Although a family history of type 2 diabetes is a strong risk factor for the disease, the factors mediating this excess risk are poorly understood. In the InterAct case-cohort study, we investigated the association between a family history of diabetes among different family members and the incidence of type 2 diabetes, as well as the extent to which genetic, anthropometric and lifestyle risk factors mediated this association.Methods: A total of 13,869 individuals (including 6,168 incident cases of type 2 diabetes) had family history data available, and 6,887 individuals had complete data on all mediators. Country-specific Prentice-weighted Cox models were fitted within country, and HRs were combined using random effects meta-analysis. Lifestyle and anthropometric measurements were performed at baseline, and a genetic risk score comprising 35 polymorphisms associated with type 2 diabetes was created.Results: A family history of type 2 diabetes was associated with a higher incidence of the condition (HR 2.72, 95% CI 2.48, 2.99). Adjustment for established risk factors including BMI and waist circumference only modestly attenuated this association (HR 2.44, 95% CI 2.03, 2.95); the genetic score alone explained only 2% of the family history-associated risk of type 2 diabetes. The greatest risk of type 2 diabetes was observed in those with a biparental history of type 2 diabetes (HR 5.14, 95% CI 3.74, 7.07) and those whose parents had been diagnosed with diabetes at a younger age (<50 years; HR 4.69, 95% CI 3.35, 6.58), an effect largely confined to a maternal family history.Conclusions/interpretation: Prominent lifestyle, anthropometric and genetic risk factors explained only a marginal proportion of the excess risk associated with family history, highlighting the fact that family history remains a strong, independent and easily assessed risk factor for type 2 diabetes. Discovering factors that will explain the association of family history with type 2 diabetes risk will provide important insight into the aetiology of type 2 diabetes.
|
|
| 26. |
- Suarez Alcantara, Karina, et al.
(author)
-
Synchrotron-based structural and spectroscopic studies of ball milled RuSeMo and RuSnMo particles as oxygen reduction electrocatalyst for PEM fuel cells
- 2014
-
In: International Journal of Hydrogen Energy. - : Elsevier BV. - 1879-3487 .- 0360-3199. ; 39:29, s. 16715-16721
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Particles of RuSeMo and RuSnMo have been produced by ball milling; they present catalytic activity towards the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in acid media. A Tafel slope close to 120 mV/dec was found for both materials. Their morphology was first characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). SEM and TEM images reveal particles in the sub-micrometer range. The structure of the materials was further probed with synchrotron radiation powder X-ray diffraction (SR-PXD) and X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS). SR-PXD reveals the existence of metallic Ru as the main phase and the formation of phases such as RuSe2 in RuSeMo and Ru3Sn7 in RuSnMo. Mo was found to form solid solution into the RuSe2 phase in ball milled RuSeMo. Finally, The Ru L-3-edge and Mo L-3-edge XAS fingerprints were correlated with the catalytic activity towards ORR. Copyright (C) 2014, Hydrogen Energy Publications, LLC. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
|
|
| 27. |
- Tusman, G., et al.
(author)
-
Capnography reflects ventilation/perfusion distribution in a model of acute lung injury
- 2011
-
In: Acta Anaesthesiologica Scandinavica. - : Wiley. - 0001-5172 .- 1399-6576. ; 55:5, s. 597-606
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: Changes in the shape of the capnogram may reflect changes in lung physiology. We studied the effect of different ventilation/perfusion ratios (V/Q) induced by positive end-expiratory pressures (PEEP) and lung recruitment on phase III slope (S(III) ) of volumetric capnograms. Methods: Seven lung-lavaged pigs received volume control ventilation at tidal volumes of 6 ml/kg. After a lung recruitment maneuver, open-lung PEEP (OL-PEEP) was defined at 2 cmH(2) O above the PEEP at the onset of lung collapse as identified by the maximum respiratory compliance during a decremental PEEP trial. Thereafter, six distinct PEEP levels either at OL-PEEP, 4 cmH(2) O above or below this level were applied in a random order, either with or without a prior lung recruitment maneuver. Ventilation-perfusion distribution (using multiple inert gas elimination technique), hemodynamics, blood gases and volumetric capnography data were recorded at the end of each condition (minute 40). Results: S (III) showed the lowest value whenever lung recruitment and OL-PEEP were jointly applied and was associated with the lowest dispersion of ventilation and perfusion (Disp(R-E) ), the lowest ratio of alveolar dead space to alveolar tidal volume (VD(alv) /VT(alv) ) and the lowest difference between arterial and end-tidal pCO(2) (Pa-ETCO(2) ). Spearman's rank correlations between S(III) and Disp(R-E) showed a ρ=0.85 with 95% CI for ρ (Fisher's Z-transformation) of 0.74-0.91, P<0.0001. Conclusion: In this experimental model of lung injury, changes in the phase III slope of the capnograms were directly correlated with the degree of ventilation/perfusion dispersion.
|
|
| 28. |
- Unzueta, C, et al.
(author)
-
Alveolar recruitment improves ventilation during thoracic surgery : a randomized controlled trial
- 2012
-
In: British Journal of Anaesthesia. - : Elsevier BV. - 0007-0912 .- 1471-6771. ; 108:3, s. 517-524
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background This study was conducted to determine whether an alveolar recruitment strategy (ARS) applied during two-lung ventilation (TLV) just before starting one-lung ventilation (OLV) improves ventilatory efficiency. Methods Subjects were randomly allocated to two groups: (i) control group: ventilation with tidal volume (VT) of 8 or 6 ml kg−1 for TLV and OLV, respectively, and (ii) ARS group: same ventilatory pattern with ARS consisting of 10 consecutive breaths at a plateau pressure of 40 and 20 cm H2O PEEP applied immediately before and after OLV. Volumetric capnography and arterial blood samples were recorded 5 min (baseline) and 20 min into TLV, at 20 and 40 min during OLV, and finally 10 min after re-establishing TLV. Results Twenty subjects were included in each group. In all subjects, the airway component of dead space remained constant during the study. Compared with baseline, the alveolar dead space ratio (VDalv/VTalv) increased throughout the protocol in the control but decreased in the ARS group. Differences in VDalv/VTalv between groups were significant (P<0.001). Except for baseline, all PaO2 values in kPa (sd) were higher in the ARS than in the control group (P<0.001), respectively [70 (7) and 55 (9); 33 (9) and 24 (10); 33 (8) and 22 (10); 70 (7) and 55 (10)]. Conclusions Recruitment of both lungs before instituting OLV not only decreased alveolar dead space but also improved arterial oxygenation and the efficiency of ventilation.
|
|
