Showing papers by "University of Bologna published in 2013"
Paris Diderot University1, University of Barcelona2, University of Padua3, Autonomous University of Barcelona4, Université libre de Bruxelles5, University of Paris6, University of Bologna7, University of Cambridge8, University of Turin9, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven10, Goethe University Frankfurt11, University of Bonn12
TL;DR: Diagnostic criteria for ACLF was established and showed that it is distinct from AD, based not only on the presence of organ failure(s) and high mortality rate but also on age, precipitating events, and systemic inflammation.
2,110 citations
TL;DR: Empirical evidence of shared genetic etiology for psychiatric disorders can inform nosology and encourages the investigation of common pathophysiologies for related disorders.
Abstract: Most psychiatric disorders are moderately to highly heritable. The degree to which genetic variation is unique to individual disorders or shared across disorders is unclear. To examine shared genetic etiology, we use genome-wide genotype data from the Psychiatric Genomics Consortium (PGC) for cases and controls in schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder, autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). We apply univariate and bivariate methods for the estimation of genetic variation within and covariation between disorders. SNPs explained 17-29% of the variance in liability. The genetic correlation calculated using common SNPs was high between schizophrenia and bipolar disorder (0.68 ± 0.04 s.e.), moderate between schizophrenia and major depressive disorder (0.43 ± 0.06 s.e.), bipolar disorder and major depressive disorder (0.47 ± 0.06 s.e.), and ADHD and major depressive disorder (0.32 ± 0.07 s.e.), low between schizophrenia and ASD (0.16 ± 0.06 s.e.) and non-significant for other pairs of disorders as well as between psychiatric disorders and the negative control of Crohn's disease. This empirical evidence of shared genetic etiology for psychiatric disorders can inform nosology and encourages the investigation of common pathophysiologies for related disorders.
2,058 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the surface of inorganic nanoparticles is modified to improve the interfacial interactions between the inorganic particles and the polymer matrix, which improves the properties of polymeric composites.
1,709 citations
University of Bologna1, University of Utah2, University of Jena3, Imperial College London4, University of Barcelona5, Royal Liverpool and Broadgreen University Hospital NHS Trust6, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center7, University of Poitiers8, Norwegian University of Science and Technology9, University of Adelaide10, Catholic University of Korea11, University of Chicago12, University of Toronto13, University of Bordeaux14, Masaryk University15, Heidelberg University16, Leipzig University17, University of Naples Federico II18, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center19, University of Turin20, Wayne State University21, Cornell University22, Uppsala University23
TL;DR: Optimal responders to chronic myeloid leukemia treatment should continue therapy indefinitely, with careful surveillance, or they can be enrolled in controlled studies of treatment discontinuation once a deeper molecular response is achieved.
1,679 citations
Imperial College London1, Copenhagen Business School2, University of Gothenburg3, Royal Institute of Technology4, Polytechnic University of Valencia5, University of Bologna6, University of Turin7, Collegio Carlo Alberto8, University of Cambridge9, University of Kassel10, University of Strasbourg11, University of Bordeaux12
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors present a systematic review of research on academic scientists' involvement in collaborative research, contract research, consulting and informal relationships for university-industry knowledge transfer, which they refer as academic engagement.
1,470 citations
TL;DR: Early diagnosis of PAH remains difficult, and screening programs in asymptomatic patients are feasible only in high-risk populations, particularly in patients with systemic sclerosis, for whom recent data suggest that a combination of clinical assessment and pulmonary function testing has a higher predictive value than echocardiography alone.
1,372 citations
Heidelberg University1, Korea Institute for Advanced Study2, University of Nottingham3, Institute of Cosmology and Gravitation, University of Portsmouth4, University of Oxford5, Istituto Nazionale di Fisica Nucleare6, INAF7, University of Bologna8, University of Padua9, University of Toulouse10, University of Geneva11, University of Trieste12, Roma Tre University13, University of Milan14, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte15, University of Oslo16, University College London17, Imperial College London18, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich19, Autonomous University of Madrid20, ETH Zurich21, University of Edinburgh22, Leiden University23, Sun Yat-sen University24, Max Planck Society25, Royal Institute of Technology26, University of Milano-Bicocca27, University of California, Berkeley28, University of Pennsylvania29, Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo30, University of Porto31, University of Portsmouth32, King's College London33, Durham University34, Institut d'Astrophysique de Paris35, Helsinki Institute of Physics36, University of Lisbon37, Paris Diderot University38, Université Paris-Saclay39, University of Surrey40, University of Trento41, University of Chile42, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic43, University of Cyprus44, University of Barcelona45, California Institute of Technology46, Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics47
TL;DR: Euclid is a European Space Agency medium-class mission selected for launch in 2020 within the cosmic vision 2015-2025 program as discussed by the authors, which will explore the expansion history of the universe and the evolution of cosmic structures by measuring shapes and red-shift of galaxies as well as the distribution of clusters of galaxies over a large fraction of the sky.
Abstract: Euclid is a European Space Agency medium-class mission selected for launch in 2020 within the cosmic vision 2015–2025 program. The main goal of Euclid is to understand the origin of the accelerated expansion of the universe. Euclid will explore the expansion history of the universe and the evolution of cosmic structures by measuring shapes and red-shifts of galaxies as well as the distribution of clusters of galaxies over a large fraction of the sky. Although the main driver for Euclid is the nature of dark energy, Euclid science covers a vast range of topics, from cosmology to galaxy evolution to planetary research. In this review we focus on cosmology and fundamental physics, with a strong emphasis on science beyond the current standard models. We discuss five broad topics: dark energy and modified gravity, dark matter, initial conditions, basic assumptions and questions of methodology in the data analysis. This review has been planned and carried out within Euclid’s Theory Working Group and is meant to provide a guide to the scientific themes that will underlie the activity of the group during the preparation of the Euclid mission.
1,211 citations
TL;DR: Among the new strategies, the use of phages or of antisense peptide nucleic acids are discussed, as well as the possibility to modulate the local immune response by active cytokines, to contrast the establishment of an implant infection.
1,118 citations
TL;DR: The very accurate data show that the positron fraction is steadily increasing from 10 to ∼ 250 GeV, but, from 20 to 250 GeV, the slope decreases by an order of magnitude, showing the existence of new physical phenomena.
Abstract: A precision measurement by the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer on the International Space Station of the positron fraction in primary cosmic rays in the energy range from 0.5 to 350 GeV based on 6.8 × 10(6) positron and electron events is presented. The very accurate data show that the positron fraction is steadily increasing from 10 to ∼ 250 GeV, but, from 20 to 250 GeV, the slope decreases by an order of magnitude. The positron fraction spectrum shows no fine structure, and the positron to electron ratio shows no observable anisotropy. Together, these features show the existence of new physical phenomena.
1,100 citations
01 Jan 2013
TL;DR: The World Health Organization classification of the lymphoid neoplasms updated in 2008 represents a worldwide consensus on lymphoma diagnosis and is based in two major principles: the stratification of neoplasm according to their cell lineage and their derivation of precursor or mature cells and the definition of non-overlapping distinct diseases that are clinically relevant.
Abstract: The World Health Organization (WHO) classification of the lymphoid neoplasms updated in 2008 represents a worldwide consensus on lymphoma diagnosis and is based in two major principles: the stratification of neoplasms according to their cell lineage and their derivation of precursor or mature cells and the definition of non-overlapping distinct diseases that are clinically relevant. The identification of these diseases is based on a combination of morphology, immunophenotype, genetic, molecular, and clinical features. In addition to well-defined entities, the classification addresses open issues, such as provisional entities that correspond to categories for which there were insufficient evidence to support its recognition as distinct diseases at the time of publication and borderline categories with overlapping features between large B-cell lymphomas and Burkitt or Hodgkin lymphoma.
1,072 citations
Seoul National University1, Hammersmith Hospital2, Kindai University3, University of Copenhagen4, University of Bologna5, University of Calgary6, Northeast Ohio Medical University7, University of São Paulo8, Jaslok Hospital9, Peking Union Medical College10, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich11, University of Paris12, Fudan University13, Thomas Jefferson University14, University of Michigan15, University of Melbourne16, Institut Gustave Roussy17, Imperial College London18, University of California, San Diego19, Tokyo Medical University20, Tongji University21
TL;DR: These liver CEUS guidelines and recommendations are intended to create standard protocols for the use and administration of UCA in liver applications on an international basis and improve the management of patients worldwide.
Abstract: Initially, a set of guidelines for the use of ultrasound contrast agents was published in 2004 dealing only with liver applications. A second edition of the guidelines in 2008 reflected changes in the available contrast agents and updated the guidelines for the liver, as well as implementing some non-liver applications. Time has moved on, and the need for international guidelines on the use of CEUS in the liver has become apparent. The present document describes the third iteration of recommendations for the hepatic use of contrast enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) using contrast specific imaging techniques. This joint WFUMB-EFSUMB initiative has implicated experts from major leading ultrasound societies worldwide. These liver CEUS guidelines are simultaneously published in the official journals of both organizing federations (i.e., Ultrasound in Medicine and Biology for WFUMB and Ultraschall in der Medizin/European Journal of Ultrasound for EFSUMB). These guidelines and recommendations provide general advice on the use of all currently clinically available ultrasound contrast agents (UCA). They are intended to create standard protocols for the use and administration of UCA in liver applications on an international basis and improve the management of patients worldwide.
Goethe University Frankfurt1, University of Pavia2, Policlinico Umberto I3, Paris Descartes University4, University of Verona5, École Normale Supérieure6, University of Bergen7, Haukeland University Hospital8, Innsbruck Medical University9, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova10, University of Bologna11
TL;DR: The technical part of these Guidelines and Recommendations provides an introduction to the physical principles and technology on which all forms of current commercially available ultrasound elastography are based.
Abstract: The technical part of these Guidelines and Recommendations, produced under the auspices of EFSUMB, provides an introduction to the physical principles and technology on which all forms of current commercially available ultrasound elastography are based. A difference in shear modulus is the common underlying physical mechanism that provides tissue contrast in all elastograms. The relationship between the alternative technologies is considered in terms of the method used to take advantage of this. The practical advantages and disadvantages associated with each of the techniques are described, and guidance is provided on optimisation of scanning technique, image display, image interpretation and some of the known image artefacts.
Centra1, Clemson University2, Washington State University3, United States Department of Energy4, Parco Tecnologico Padano5, University of Chile6, North Carolina State University7, University of California, Berkeley8, University of Bologna9, Andrés Bello National University10, University of Milan11, University of Udine12, University of Barcelona13
TL;DR: Comparisons showed that peach has not undergone recent whole-genome duplication, and even though the ancestral triplicated blocks in peach are fragmentary compared to those in grape, all seven paleosets of paralogs from the putative paleoancestor are detectable.
Abstract: Rosaceae is the most important fruit-producing clade, and its key commercially relevant genera (Fragaria, Rosa, Rubus and Prunus) show broadly diverse growth habits, fruit types and compact diploid genomes. Peach, a diploid Prunus species, is one of the best genetically characterized deciduous trees. Here we describe the high-quality genome sequence of peach obtained from a completely homozygous genotype. We obtained a complete chromosome-scale assembly using Sanger whole-genome shotgun methods. We predicted 27,852 protein-coding genes, as well as noncoding RNAs. We investigated the path of peach domestication through whole-genome resequencing of 14 Prunus accessions. The analyses suggest major genetic bottlenecks that have substantially shaped peach genome diversity. Furthermore, comparative analyses showed that peach has not undergone recent whole-genome duplication, and even though the ancestral triplicated blocks in peach are fragmentary compared to those in grape, all seven paleosets of paralogs from the putative paleoancestor are detectable.
University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center1, Catholic University of Korea2, University of South Florida3, Charité4, University of California, Los Angeles5, Singapore General Hospital6, Claude Bernard University Lyon 17, Imperial College London8, Emory University9, University of Michigan10, Washington University in St. Louis11, Harvard University12, University of Rome Tor Vergata13, University of Paris14, University of Bologna15, Heidelberg University16, University of Milano-Bicocca17, ARIAD Pharmaceuticals, Inc.18, University of Poitiers19, University of Utah20, University of Jena21, University of California, San Francisco22
TL;DR: Ponatinib had significant antileukemic activity across categories of disease stage and mutation status and were durable; the estimated rate of a sustained major cytogenetic response of at least 12 months was 91%.
Abstract: Background Ponatinib is a potent oral tyrosine kinase inhibitor of unmutated and mutated BCR-ABL, including BCR-ABL with the tyrosine kinase inhibitor–refractory threonineto-isoleucine mutation at position 315 (T315I). We conducted a phase 2 trial of ponatinib in patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) or Philadelphia chromosome– positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia (Ph-positive ALL). Methods We enrolled 449 heavily pretreated patients who had CML or Ph-positive ALL with resistance to or unacceptable side effects from dasatinib or nilotinib or who had the BCR-ABL T315I mutation. Ponatinib was administered at an initial dose of 45 mg once daily. The median follow-up was 15 months. Results Among 267 patients with chronic-phase CML, 56% had a major cytogenetic response (51% of patients with resistance to or unacceptable side effects from dasatinib or nilotinib and 70% of patients with the T315I mutation), 46% had a complete cytogenetic response (40% and 66% in the two subgroups, respectively), and 34% had a major molecular response (27% and 56% in the two subgroups, respectively). Responses were observed regardless of the baseline BCR-ABL kinase domain mutation status and were durable; the estimated rate of a sustained major cytogenetic response of at least 12 months was 91%. No single BCR-ABL mutation conferring resistance to ponatinib was detected. Among 83 patients with accelerated-phase CML, 55% had a major hematologic response and 39% had a major cytogenetic response. Among 62 patients with blast-phase CML, 31% had a major hematologic response and 23% had a major cytogenetic response. Among 32 patients with Ph-positive ALL, 41% had a major hematologic response and 47% had a major cytogenetic response. Common adverse events were thrombocytopenia (in 37% of patients), rash (in 34%), dry skin (in 32%), and abdominal pain (in 22%). Serious arterial thrombotic events were observed in 9% of patients; these events were considered to be treatment-related in 3%. A total of 12% of patients discontinued treatment because of an adverse event.
Indiana University1, Buck Institute for Research on Aging2, University of California, San Francisco3, Colorado State University4, University of California, Santa Cruz5, University of Colorado Denver6, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai7, University of California, Berkeley8, European Bioinformatics Institute9, University of Bologna10, University of Missouri11, University of Bristol12, University of Helsinki13, University College London14, Centre for Development of Advanced Computing15, Purdue University16, Baylor College of Medicine17, Royal Holloway, University of London18, Technische Universität München19, University of Turku20, Queen's University21, University UCINF22, Max Planck Society23, Imperial College London24, Wageningen University and Research Centre25, Nestlé26, Fudan University27, University of Padua28, Temple University29, University of Geneva30, Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics31, Hebrew University of Jerusalem32, Miami University33
TL;DR: Today's best protein function prediction algorithms substantially outperform widely used first-generation methods, with large gains on all types of targets, and there is considerable need for improvement of currently available tools.
Abstract: Automated annotation of protein function is challenging. As the number of sequenced genomes rapidly grows, the overwhelming majority of protein products can only be annotated computationally. If computational predictions are to be relied upon, it is crucial that the accuracy of these methods be high. Here we report the results from the first large-scale community-based critical assessment of protein function annotation (CAFA) experiment. Fifty-four methods representing the state of the art for protein function prediction were evaluated on a target set of 866 proteins from 11 organisms. Two findings stand out: (i) today's best protein function prediction algorithms substantially outperform widely used first-generation methods, with large gains on all types of targets; and (ii) although the top methods perform well enough to guide experiments, there is considerable need for improvement of currently available tools.
TL;DR: Using proteomic analysis, SOD1, constitutively produced and released by microglia through a lysosomal secretory pathway, is identified here for the first time as an essential component of neuroprotection mediated bymicroglia.
Abstract: Microglial-neuronal interactions are essential for brain physiopathology. In this framework, recent data have changed the concept of microglia from essentially macrophagic cells to crucial elements in maintaining neuronal homeostasis and function through the release of neuroprotective molecules. Using proteomic analysis, here we identify copper-zinc superoxide dismutase (SOD1) as a protein produced and released by cultured rat primary microglia. Evidence for a neuroprotective role of microglia-derived SOD1 resulted from experiments in which primary cerebellar granule neurons (CGNs) were exposed to the dopaminergic toxin 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA). Microglial conditioned medium, in which SOD1 had accumulated, protected CGNs from degeneration, and neuroprotection was abrogated by SOD1 inhibitors. These effects were replicated when exogenous SOD1 was added to a nonconditioned medium. SOD1 neuroprotective action was mediated by increased cell calcium from an external source. Further experiments demonstrated the specificity of SOD1 neuroprotection against 6-OHDA compared to other types of neurotoxic challenges. SOD1, constitutively produced and released by microglia through a lysosomal secretory pathway, is identified here for the first time as an essential component of neuroprotection mediated by microglia. This novel information is relevant to stimulating further studies of microglia-mediated neuroprotection in in vivo models of neurodegenerative diseases.
TL;DR: Knowing the total cell number of the human body as well as of individual organs is important from a cultural, biological, medical and comparative modelling point of view.
Abstract: Background: All living organisms are made of individual and identifiable cells, whose number, together with their size and type, ultimately defines the structure and functions of an organism. While...
Delft University of Technology1, UNESCO-IHE Institute for Water Education2, Vienna University of Technology3, University of Saskatchewan4, University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign5, Swedish Meteorological and Hydrological Institute6, National Center for Atmospheric Research7, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology8, University of Bristol9, Russian Academy of Sciences10, University of Arizona11, Rhodes University12, University of Bologna13, University of Aberdeen14, Agrocampus Ouest15
TL;DR: The Prediction in Ungauged Basins (PUB) initiative of the International Association of Hydrological Sciences (IAHS) launched in 2003 and concluded by the PUB Symposium 2012 held in Delft (23-25 October 2012), set out to shift the scientific culture of hydrology towards improved scientific understanding of hydrological processes, as well as associated uncertainties and the development of models with increasing realism and predictive power as discussed by the authors.
Abstract: The Prediction in Ungauged Basins (PUB) initiative of the International Association of Hydrological Sciences (IAHS), launched in 2003 and concluded by the PUB Symposium 2012 held in Delft (23–25 October 2012), set out to shift the scientific culture of hydrology towards improved scientific understanding of hydrological processes, as well as associated uncertainties and the development of models with increasing realism and predictive power. This paper reviews the work that has been done under the six science themes of the PUB Decade and outlines the challenges ahead for the hydrological sciences community.Editor D. KoutsoyiannisCitation Hrachowitz, M., Savenije, H.H.G., Bloschl, G., McDonnell, J.J., Sivapalan, M., Pomeroy, J.W., Arheimer, B., Blume, T., Clark, M.P., Ehret, U., Fenicia, F., Freer, J.E., Gelfan, A., Gupta, H.V., Hughes, D.A., Hut, R.W., Montanari, A., Pande, S., Tetzlaff, D., Troch, P.A., Uhlenbrook, S., Wagener, T., Winsemius, H.C., Woods, R.A., Zehe, E., and Cudennec, C., 2013. A d...
University of Bologna1, The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust2, Goethe University Frankfurt3, Paris Descartes University4, University of Bergen5, Innsbruck Medical University6, University of Pavia7, Policlinico Umberto I8, University of Verona9, École Normale Supérieure10, Haukeland University Hospital11, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova12
TL;DR: The clinical part of these Guidelines and Recommendations produced under the auspices of the European Federation of Societies for Ultrasound in Medicine and Biology EFSUMB assesses the clinically used applications of all forms of elastography, stressing the evidence from meta-analyses and giving practical advice for their uses and interpretation.
Abstract: The clinical part of these Guidelines and Recommendations produced under the auspices of the European Federation of Societies for Ultrasound in Medicine and Biology EFSUMB assesses the clinically used applications of all forms of elastography, stressing the evidence from meta-analyses and giving practical advice for their uses and interpretation. Diffuse liver disease forms the largest section, reflecting the wide experience with transient and shear wave elastography . Then follow the breast, thyroid, gastro-intestinal tract, endoscopic elastography, the prostate and the musculo-skeletal system using strain and shear wave elastography as appropriate. The document is intended to form a reference and to guide clinical users in a practical way.
Journal Article•
TL;DR: The PATENT-1 trial as discussed by the authors showed that riociguat significantly improved 6-min walking distance (6MWD) and a range of secondary endpoints, including hemodynamics, NT-proBNP, and WHO functional class (FC), in patients with PAH.
Abstract: Background
In PATENT-1, riociguat significantly improved 6-min walking distance (6MWD) and a range of secondary endpoints, including hemodynamics, NT-proBNP, and WHO functional class (FC), in patients (pts) with PAH. For several of these endpoints, threshold criteria have been defined that correlate with favorable clinical outcome.
Aims
To investigate the proportion of pts who fulfilled these criteria in PATENT-1.
Methods
PATENT-1 was a double-blind randomized trial in which pts with PAH received 12 wks’ oral treatment with placebo, an individual titration of riociguat (up to 2.5 mg tid), or a capped titration of riociguat (up to 1.5 mg tid). Increase in 6MWD ≥40 m, 6MWD ≥380 m, cardiac index (CI) ≥2.5 L/min/m2, PVR <500 dyn·s·cm-5, mixed venous oxygen saturation (SvO2) ≥65%, FC I/II, and NT-proBNP <1800 pg/mL were chosen as criteria of a positive response based on studies showing their prognostic relevance at baseline (BL) and after targeted therapy.
Results
Similar proportions of pts met the selected criteria in the riociguat and placebo groups at baseline. The proportion of pts who met these criteria at Wk 12 was increased in the riociguat group, while it remained unchanged or decreased in the placebo group.
View this table:
Conclusions
Riociguat increased the proportion of pts who fulfilled criteria defining a positive response to therapy.
TL;DR: A critical review of current hypotheses regarding the pathogenetic involvement of microbiota in FGID is provided and the results of microbiota-directed interventions are evaluated and clinical guidance on modulation of gut microbiota in IBS is provided.
Abstract: It is increasingly perceived that gut host–microbial interactions are important elements in the pathogenesis of functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGID) The most convincing evidence to date is the finding that functional dyspepsia and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) may develop in predisposed individuals following a bout of infectious gastroenteritis There has been a great deal of interest in the potential clinical and therapeutic implications of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth in IBS However, this theory has generated much debate because the evidence is largely based on breath tests which have not been validated The introduction of culture-independent molecular techniques provides a major advancement in our understanding of the microbial community in FGID Results from 16S rRNA-based microbiota profiling approaches demonstrate both quantitative and qualitative changes of mucosal and faecal gut microbiota, particularly in IBS Investigators are also starting to measure host–microbial interactions in IBS The current working hypothesis is that abnormal microbiota activate mucosal innate immune responses which increase epithelial permeability, activate nociceptive sensory pathways and dysregulate the enteric nervous system While we await important insights in this field, the microbiota is already a therapeutic target Existing controlled trials of dietary manipulation, prebiotics, probiotics, synbiotics and non-absorbable antibiotics are promising, although most are limited by suboptimal design and small sample size In this article, the authors provide a critical review of current hypotheses regarding the pathogenetic involvement of microbiota in FGID and evaluate the results of microbiota-directed interventions The authors also provide clinical guidance on modulation of gut microbiota in IBS
TL;DR: The global epidemiology of congenital CMV and the implications of growing knowledge in areas of prevention, diagnosis, prognosis, and management for both low (50 to 70%)- and high (>70%)-seroprevalence settings are highlighted.
Abstract: Human cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a leading cause of congenital infections worldwide. In the developed world, following the virtual elimination of circulating rubella, it is the commonest nongenetic cause of childhood hearing loss and an important cause of neurodevelopmental delay. The seroprevalence of CMV in adults and the incidence of congenital CMV infection are highest in developing countries (1 to 5% of births) and are most likely driven by nonprimary maternal infections. However, reliable estimates of prevalence and outcome from developing countries are not available. This is largely due to the dogma that maternal preexisting seroimmunity virtually eliminates the risk for sequelae. However, recent data demonstrating similar rates of sequelae, especially hearing loss, following primary and nonprimary maternal infection have underscored the importance of congenital CMV infection in resource-poor settings. Although a significant proportion of congenital CMV infections are attributable to maternal primary infection in well-resourced settings, the absence of specific interventions for seronegative mothers and uncertainty about fetal prognosis have discouraged routine maternal antibody screening. Despite these challenges, encouraging results from prototype vaccines have been reported, and the first randomized phase III trials of prenatal interventions and prolonged postnatal antiviral therapy are under way. Successful implementation of strategies to prevent or reduce the burden of congenital CMV infection will require heightened global awareness among clinicians and the general population. In this review, we highlight the global epidemiology of congenital CMV and the implications of growing knowledge in areas of prevention, diagnosis, prognosis, and management for both low (50 to 70%)- and high (>70%)-seroprevalence settings.
TL;DR: In this paper, the structural properties of iodide/chloride mixed-halide perovskites and correlating them with their photovoltaic performances were investigated, and they found that, independent of the components ratio in the precursor solution, Cl incorporation in an iodide-based structure, is possible only at relatively low concentration levels (below 3-4%).
Abstract: Hybrid halide perovskites represent one of the most promising solutions toward the fabrication of all solid nanostructured solar cells, with improved efficiency and long-term stability. This article aims at investigating the structural properties of iodide/chloride mixed-halide perovskites and correlating them with their photovoltaic performances. We found out that, independent of the components ratio in the precursor solution, Cl incorporation in an iodide-based structure, is possible only at relatively low concentration levels (below 3–4%). However, even if the material band gap remains substantially unchanged, the Cl doping dramatically improves the charge transport within the perovskite layer, explaining the outstanding performances of meso-superstructured solar cells based on this material.
TL;DR: In this paper, the results of the four LEP experiments were combined to determine fundamental properties of the W boson and the electroweak theory, including the branching fraction of W and the trilinear gauge-boson self-couplings.
TL;DR: In this article, a detailed description of the analysis used by the CMS Collaboration in the search for the standard model Higgs boson in pp collisions at the LHC, which led to the observation of a new boson.
Abstract: A detailed description is reported of the analysis used by the CMS Collaboration in the search for the standard model Higgs boson in pp collisions at the LHC, which led to the observation of a new boson. The data sample corresponds to integrated luminosities up to 5.1 inverse femtobarns at sqrt(s) = 7 TeV, and up to 5.3 inverse femtobarns at sqrt(s) = 8 TeV. The results for five Higgs boson decay modes gamma gamma, ZZ, WW, tau tau, and bb, which show a combined local significance of 5 standard deviations near 125 GeV, are reviewed. A fit to the invariant mass of the two high resolution channels, gamma gamma and ZZ to 4 ell, gives a mass estimate of 125.3 +/- 0.4 (stat) +/- 0.5 (syst) GeV. The measurements are interpreted in the context of the standard model Lagrangian for the scalar Higgs field interacting with fermions and vector bosons. The measured values of the corresponding couplings are compared to the standard model predictions. The hypothesis of custodial symmetry is tested through the measurement of the ratio of the couplings to the W and Z bosons. All the results are consistent, within their uncertainties, with the expectations for a standard model Higgs boson.
TL;DR: If the gut microbiota differences among AD and PDD-NOS and HC children are one of the concomitant causes or the consequence of autism, they may have implications regarding specific diagnostic test, and/or for treatment and prevention.
Abstract: This study aimed at investigating the fecal microbiota and metabolome of children with Pervasive Developmental Disorder Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS) and autism (AD) in comparison to healthy children (HC). Bacterial tag-encoded FLX-titanium amplicon pyrosequencing (bTEFAP) of the 16S rDNA and 16S rRNA analyses were carried out to determine total bacteria (16S rDNA) and metabolically active bacteria (16S rRNA), respectively. The main bacterial phyla (Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, Fusobacteria and Verrucomicrobia) significantly (P<0.05) changed among the three groups of children. As estimated by rarefaction, Chao and Shannon diversity index, the highest microbial diversity was found in AD children. Based on 16S-rRNA and culture-dependent data, Faecalibacterium and Ruminococcus were present at the highest level in fecal samples of PDD-NOS and HC children. Caloramator, Sarcina and Clostridium genera were the highest in AD children. Compared to HC, the composition of Lachnospiraceae family also differed in PDD-NOS and, especially, AD children. Except for Eubacterium siraeum, the lowest level of Eubacteriaceae was found on fecal samples of AD children. The level of Bacteroidetes genera and some Alistipes and Akkermansia species were almost the highest in PDD-NOS or AD children as well as almost all the identified Sutterellaceae and Enterobacteriaceae were the highest in AD. Compared to HC children, Bifidobacterium species decreased in AD. As shown by Canonical Discriminant Analysis of Principal Coordinates, the levels of free amino acids and volatile organic compounds of fecal samples were markedly affected in PDD-NOS and, especially, AD children. If the gut microbiota differences among AD and PDD-NOS and HC children are one of the concomitant causes or the consequence of autism, they may have implications regarding specific diagnostic test, and/or for treatment and prevention.
TL;DR: In this paper, the spin and parity quantum numbers of the Higgs boson were studied based on the collision data collected by the ATLAS experiment at the LHC, and the results showed that the standard model spin-parity J(...
University of California, Davis1, University of Cambridge2, Arizona State University3, Georgia Institute of Technology4, Delft University of Technology5, University of Maryland, College Park6, South Dakota School of Mines and Technology7, University of Idaho8, Lafayette College9, Tsinghua University10, Iowa State University11, University of Bologna12, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne13, University of Oxford14, Newcastle University15, North Carolina State University16, University of Tennessee17, Michigan Technological University18, George Mason University19, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev20, Nuclear Regulatory Commission21
TL;DR: In this article, the authors assess the progress, opportunities, and challenges in this emerging field, which consists of a geochemical reaction regulated by subsurface microbiology, including mineral precipitation, gas generation, biofilm formation and biopolymer generation.
Abstract: Consideration of soil as a living ecosystem offers the potential for innovative and sustainable solutions to geotechnical problems. This is a new paradigm for many in geotechnical engineering. Realising the potential of this paradigm requires a multidisciplinary approach that embraces biology and geochemistry to develop techniques for beneficial ground modification. This paper assesses the progress, opportunities, and challenges in this emerging field. Biomediated geochemical processes, which consist of a geochemical reaction regulated by subsurface microbiology, currently being explored include mineral precipitation, gas generation, biofilm formation and biopolymer generation. For each of these processes, subsurface microbial processes are employed to create an environment conducive to the desired geochemical reactions among the minerals, organic matter, pore fluids, and gases that constitute soil. Geotechnical applications currently being explored include cementation of sands to enhance bearing capacity and liquefaction resistance, sequestration of carbon, soil erosion control, groundwater flow control, and remediation of soil and groundwater impacted by metals and radionuclides. Challenges in biomediated ground modification include upscaling processes from the laboratory to the field, in situ monitoring of reactions, reaction products and properties, developing integrated biogeochemical and geotechnical models, management of treatment by-products, establishing the durability and longevity/reversibility of the process, and education of engineers and researchers.
TL;DR: In this paper, two-particle angular correlations for charged particles emitted in pPb collisions at a nucleon-nucleon center-of-mass energy of 5.02 TeV are presented.
TL;DR: A new measure to approach the accessibility of places in the frame of the digital economy is introduced – embedding different types of impedance distance functions – which reveals a core-periphery pattern in Europe owing to digital accessibility.