Showing papers by "University of Coimbra published in 2017"
Case Western Reserve University1, University of Wisconsin-Madison2, Imperial College London3, South Dakota School of Mines and Technology4, University of Maryland, College Park5, University of California, Berkeley6, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory7, University of Coimbra8, University of South Dakota9, Yale University10, University of California, Santa Barbara11, Brown University12, University of California, Davis13, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory14, University College London15, University of Rochester16, SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory17, Texas A&M University18, State University of New York System19, University of Edinburgh20
TL;DR: This search yields no evidence of WIMP nuclear recoils and constraints on spin-independent weakly interacting massive particle (WIMP)-nucleon scattering using a 3.35×10^{4} kg day exposure of the Large Underground Xenon experiment are reported.
Abstract: We report constraints on spin-independent weakly interacting massive particle (WIMP)-nucleon scattering using a 3.35×10^{4} kg day exposure of the Large Underground Xenon (LUX) experiment. A dual-phase xenon time projection chamber with 250 kg of active mass is operated at the Sanford Underground Research Facility under Lead, South Dakota (USA). With roughly fourfold improvement in sensitivity for high WIMP masses relative to our previous results, this search yields no evidence of WIMP nuclear recoils. At a WIMP mass of 50 GeV c^{-2}, WIMP-nucleon spin-independent cross sections above 2.2×10^{-46} cm^{2} are excluded at the 90% confidence level. When combined with the previously reported LUX exposure, this exclusion strengthens to 1.1×10^{-46} cm^{2} at 50 GeV c^{-2}.
1,844 citations
TL;DR: The number of adults with raised blood pressure increased from 594 million in 1975 to 1·13 billion in 2015, with the increase largely in low-income and middle-income countries, and the contributions of changes in prevalence versus population growth and ageing to the increase.
1,573 citations
Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation1, Jimma University2, University of Alabama at Birmingham3, University of Oxford4, University of Cartagena5, University College London6, Wellcome Trust7, Harvard University8, University of Canterbury9, Madawalabu University10, University of Valencia11, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute12, Auckland University of Technology13, University of Coimbra14, Bielefeld University15, Mekelle University16, University of Massachusetts Boston17, University of Western Australia18, Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research19, Heidelberg University20, New Generation University College21, Southern University College22, Simmons College23, Brown University24, University of Melbourne25, University of São Paulo26, University of Adelaide27, National Institutes of Health28, Columbia University29, Southern Illinois University Carbondale30, Ministry of Health and Social Welfare31, Teikyo University32, University of British Columbia33, Marshall University34, South African Medical Research Council35, Addis Ababa University36, Arba Minch University37, Northumbria University38, University of Edinburgh39, James Cook University40, Monash University41, University of Calgary42, University of Copenhagen43, University of Warwick44, National Research University – Higher School of Economics45, Duke University46, Northwestern University47
TL;DR: In international surveys, although there is uncertainty in some estimates, the rate of elevatedSBP (≥110-115 and ≥140 mm Hg) increased substantially between 1990 and 2015, and DALYs and deaths associated with elevated SBP also increased.
Abstract: Importance Elevated systolic blood (SBP) pressure is a leading global health risk. Quantifying the levels of SBP is important to guide prevention policies and interventions. Objective To estimate the association between SBP of at least 110 to 115 mm Hg and SBP of 140 mm Hg or higher and the burden of different causes of death and disability by age and sex for 195 countries and territories, 1990-2015. Design A comparative risk assessment of health loss related to SBP. Estimated distribution of SBP was based on 844 studies from 154 countries (published 1980-2015) of 8.69 million participants. Spatiotemporal Gaussian process regression was used to generate estimates of mean SBP and adjusted variance for each age, sex, country, and year. Diseases with sufficient evidence for a causal relationship with high SBP (eg, ischemic heart disease, ischemic stroke, and hemorrhagic stroke) were included in the primary analysis. Main Outcomes and Measures Mean SBP level, cause-specific deaths, and health burden related to SBP (≥110-115 mm Hg and also ≥140 mm Hg) by age, sex, country, and year. Results Between 1990-2015, the rate of SBP of at least 110 to 115 mm Hg increased from 73 119 (95% uncertainty interval [UI], 67 949-78 241) to 81 373 (95% UI, 76 814-85 770) per 100 000, and SBP of 140 mm Hg or higher increased from 17 307 (95% UI, 17 117-17 492) to 20 526 (95% UI, 20 283-20 746) per 100 000. The estimated annual death rate per 100 000 associated with SBP of at least 110 to 115 mm Hg increased from 135.6 (95% UI, 122.4-148.1) to 145.2 (95% UI 130.3-159.9) and the rate for SBP of 140 mm Hg or higher increased from 97.9 (95% UI, 87.5-108.1) to 106.3 (95% UI, 94.6-118.1). Loss of disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) associated with SBP of at least 110 to 115 mm Hg increased from 148 million (95% UI, 134-162 million) to 211 million (95% UI, 193-231 million), and for SBP of 140 mm Hg or higher, the loss increased from 95.9 million (95% UI, 87.0-104.9 million) to 143.0 million (95% UI, 130.2-157.0 million). The largest numbers of SBP-related deaths were caused by ischemic heart disease (4.9 million [95% UI, 4.0-5.7 million]; 54.5%), hemorrhagic stroke (2.0 million [95% UI, 1.6-2.3 million]; 58.3%), and ischemic stroke (1.5 million [95% UI, 1.2-1.8 million]; 50.0%). In 2015, China, India, Russia, Indonesia, and the United States accounted for more than half of the global DALYs related to SBP of at least 110 to 115 mm Hg. Conclusions and Relevance In international surveys, although there is uncertainty in some estimates, the rate of elevated SBP (≥110-115 and ≥140 mm Hg) increased substantially between 1990 and 2015, and DALYs and deaths associated with elevated SBP also increased. Projections based on this sample suggest that in 2015, an estimated 3.5 billion adults had SBP of at least 110 to 115 mm Hg and 874 million adults had SBP of 140 mm Hg or higher.
1,494 citations
Columbia University1, University of Amsterdam2, University of Mainz3, University of Coimbra4, New York University Abu Dhabi5, University of Zurich6, Stockholm University7, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute8, Max Planck Society9, Weizmann Institute of Science10, University of Freiburg11, Purdue University12, University of Nantes13, University of Bologna14, University of California, San Diego15, University of Münster16, University of Chicago17, Rice University18, Pierre-and-Marie-Curie University19, University of California, Los Angeles20
TL;DR: The first dark matter search results from XENON1T, a ∼2000-kg-target-mass dual-phase (liquid-gas) xenon time projection chamber in operation at the Laboratori Nazionali del Gran Sasso in Italy, are reported and a profile likelihood analysis shows that the data are consistent with the background-only hypothesis.
Abstract: We report the first dark matter search results from XENON1T, a ∼2000-kg-target-mass dual-phase (liquid-gas) xenon time projection chamber in operation at the Laboratori Nazionali del Gran Sasso in Italy and the first ton-scale detector of this kind The blinded search used 342 live days of data acquired between November 2016 and January 2017 Inside the (1042±12)-kg fiducial mass and in the [5,40] keVnr energy range of interest for weakly interacting massive particle (WIMP) dark matter searches, the electronic recoil background was (193±025)×10-4 events/(kg×day×keVee), the lowest ever achieved in such a dark matter detector A profile likelihood analysis shows that the data are consistent with the background-only hypothesis We derive the most stringent exclusion limits on the spin-independent WIMP-nucleon interaction cross section for WIMP masses above 10 GeV/c2, with a minimum of 77×10-47 cm2 for 35-GeV/c2 WIMPs at 90% CL
1,061 citations
Oklahoma State University–Stillwater1, University of Sydney2, Macquarie University3, University of Utah4, Max Planck Society5, University of Alberta6, University of California, Irvine7, University of New Mexico8, University of Nebraska–Lincoln9, United States Geological Survey10, University of Washington11, University of Arizona12, University of Sheffield13, University of Tasmania14, ETH Zurich15, University of California, Davis16, Los Alamos National Laboratory17, Nanchang Institute of Technology18, University of Wyoming19, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences20, University of Coimbra21, United States Forest Service22, Northern Arizona University23, Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research24, University of São Paulo25, University of Oxford26, University of California, Santa Cruz27, Humboldt State University28, Fordham University29, Centre national de la recherche scientifique30, University of Edinburgh31, Hobart Corporation32, Spanish National Research Council33, University of Chile34, Idaho State University35, University of Basilicata36, Colorado State University37, United States Department of Agriculture38, University of Montana39, University of Delaware40, Duke University41, University of Western Ontario42, Sonora Institute of Technology43, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory44
TL;DR: It is shown that, across multiple tree species, loss of xylem conductivity above 60% is associated with mortality, while carbon starvation is not universal, indicating that evidence supporting carbon starvation was not universal.
Abstract: Widespread tree mortality associated with drought has been observed on all forested continents and global change is expected to exacerbate vegetation vulnerability. Forest mortality has implications for future biosphere-atmosphere interactions of carbon, water and energy balance, and is poorly represented in dynamic vegetation models. Reducing uncertainty requires improved mortality projections founded on robust physiological processes. However, the proposed mechanisms of drought-induced mortality, including hydraulic failure and carbon starvation, are unresolved. A growing number of empirical studies have investigated these mechanisms, but data have not been consistently analysed across species and biomes using a standardized physiological framework. Here, we show that xylem hydraulic failure was ubiquitous across multiple tree taxa at drought-induced mortality. All species assessed had 60% or higher loss of xylem hydraulic conductivity, consistent with proposed theoretical and modelled survival thresholds. We found diverse responses in non-structural carbohydrate reserves at mortality, indicating that evidence supporting carbon starvation was not universal. Reduced non-structural carbohydrates were more common for gymnosperms than angiosperms, associated with xylem hydraulic vulnerability, and may have a role in reducing hydraulic function. Our finding that hydraulic failure at drought-induced mortality was persistent across species indicates that substantial improvement in vegetation modelling can be achieved using thresholds in hydraulic function.
651 citations
University of Coimbra1, University of Brasília2, University of the Basque Country3, University of California, Santa Barbara4, University of Vigo5, Leibniz Association6, Technical University of Berlin7, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences8, National Scientific and Technical Research Council9, University of Tasmania10, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais11, University of Toulouse12, Georgia Southern University13, University of Hong Kong14, Universidad San Francisco de Quito15, University of Concepción16, Cornell University17, Polish Academy of Sciences18, Umeå University19, University of Tromsø20, University of Toronto21, University of Yamanashi22, Egerton University23, University of Georgia24, University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras25, University of Maryland, Baltimore County26, Monash University27, James Cook University28
TL;DR: It is hypothesized that litter quality would increase with latitude (despite variation within regions) and traits would be correlated to produce ‘syndromes’ resulting from phylogeny and environmental variation, and it is found lower litter quality and higher nitrogen:phosphorus ratios in the tropics.
Abstract: Plant litter represents a major basal resource in streams, where its decomposition is partly regulated by litter traits. Litter-trait variation may determine the latitudinal gradient in decomposition in streams, which is mainly microbial in the tropics and detritivore-mediated at high latitudes. However, this hypothesis remains untested, as we lack information on large-scale trait variation for riparian litter. Variation cannot easily be inferred from existing leaf-trait databases, since nutrient resorption can cause traits of litter and green leaves to diverge. Here we present the first global-scale assessment of riparian litter quality by determining latitudinal variation (spanning 107°) in litter traits (nutrient concentrations; physical and chemical defences) of 151 species from 24 regions and their relationships with environmental factors and phylogeny. We hypothesized that litter quality would increase with latitude (despite variation within regions) and traits would be correlated to produce ‘syndromes’ resulting from phylogeny and environmental variation. We found lower litter quality and higher nitrogen:phosphorus ratios in the tropics. Traits were linked but showed no phylogenetic signal, suggesting that syndromes were environmentally determined. Poorer litter quality and greater phosphorus limitation towards the equator may restrict detritivore-mediated decomposition, contributing to the predominance of microbial decomposers in tropical streams.
616 citations
Harvard University1, Massachusetts Institute of Technology2, Wake Forest University3, Izmir Kâtip Çelebi University4, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences5, University of Los Andes6, Zhejiang University7, Eskişehir Osmangazi University8, Fudan University9, Polytechnic University of Turin10, University of Calgary11, Iranian National Institute for Oceanography and Atmospheric Science12, University of Toronto13, University of Coimbra14, Sahand University of Technology15, Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine16
TL;DR: This work reports a fully integrated modular physical, biochemical, and optical sensing platform, interfaced through a fluidics-routing breadboard with a multi–organ-on-a-chip system to achieve in situ, continual, and automated sensing of microenvironment biophysical and biochemical parameters.
Abstract: Organ-on-a-chip systems are miniaturized microfluidic 3D human tissue and organ models designed to recapitulate the important biological and physiological parameters of their in vivo counterparts. They have recently emerged as a viable platform for personalized medicine and drug screening. These in vitro models, featuring biomimetic compositions, architectures, and functions, are expected to replace the conventional planar, static cell cultures and bridge the gap between the currently used preclinical animal models and the human body. Multiple organoid models may be further connected together through the microfluidics in a similar manner in which they are arranged in vivo, providing the capability to analyze multiorgan interactions. Although a wide variety of human organ-on-a-chip models have been created, there are limited efforts on the integration of multisensor systems. However, in situ continual measuring is critical in precise assessment of the microenvironment parameters and the dynamic responses of the organs to pharmaceutical compounds over extended periods of time. In addition, automated and noninvasive capability is strongly desired for long-term monitoring. Here, we report a fully integrated modular physical, biochemical, and optical sensing platform through a fluidics-routing breadboard, which operates organ-on-a-chip units in a continual, dynamic, and automated manner. We believe that this platform technology has paved a potential avenue to promote the performance of current organ-on-a-chip models in drug screening by integrating a multitude of real-time sensors to achieve automated in situ monitoring of biophysical and biochemical parameters.
533 citations
TL;DR: This paper presents a short overview of the changes to the trigger and data acquisition systems during the first long shutdown of the LHC and shows the performance of the trigger system and its components based on the 2015 proton–proton collision data.
Abstract: During 2015 the ATLAS experiment recorded 3.8 fb(-1) of proton-proton collision data at a centre-of-mass energy of 13 TeV. The ATLAS trigger system is a crucial component of the experiment, respons ...
488 citations
TL;DR: A significant genetic correlation with schizophrenia and association of ASD with several neurodevelopmental-related genes such as EXT1, ASTN2, MACROD2, and HDAC4 is identified and identified.
Abstract: Background: Over the past decade genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have been applied to aid in the
understanding of the biology of traits. The success of this approach is governed by the underlying effect sizes carried
by the true risk variants and the corresponding statistical power to observe such effects given the study design and
sample size under investigation. Previous ASD GWAS have identified genome-wide significant (GWS) risk loci; however,
these studies were of only of low statistical power to identify GWS loci at the lower effect sizes (odds ratio (OR) <1.15).
Methods: We conducted a large-scale coordinated international collaboration to combine independent genotyping
data to improve the statistical power and aid in robust discovery of GWS loci. This study uses genome-wide
genotyping data from a discovery sample (7387 ASD cases and 8567 controls) followed by meta-analysis of summary
statistics from two replication sets (7783 ASD cases and 11359 controls; and 1369 ASD cases and 137308 controls).
Results: We observe a GWS locus at 10q24.32 that overlaps several genes including PITX3, which encodes a transcription
factor identified as playing a role in neuronal differentiation and CUEDC2 previously reported to be associated with social
skills in an independent population cohort. We also observe overlap with regions previously implicated in schizophrenia
which was further supported by a strong genetic correlation between these disorders (Rg = 0.23; P=9 ×10−6). We further
combined these Psychiatric Genomics Consortium (PGC) ASD GWAS data with the recent PGC schizophrenia GWAS to
identify additional regions which may be important in a common neurodevelopmental phenotype and identified 12
novel GWS loci. These include loci previously implicated in ASD such as FOXP1 at 3p13, ATP2B2 at 3p25.3, and a
‘neurodevelopmental hub’ on chromosome 8p11.23.
Conclusions: This study is an important step in the ongoing endeavour to identify the loci which underpin the common
variant signal in ASD. In addition to novel GWS loci, we have identified a significant genetic correlation with schizophrenia
and association of ASD with several neurodevelopmental-related genes such as EXT1, ASTN2, MACROD2, and HDAC4.
458 citations
TL;DR: Topological cell clustering is established as a well-performing calorimeter signal definition for jet and missing transverse momentum reconstruction in ATLAS and is exploited to apply a local energy calibration and corrections depending on the nature of the cluster.
Abstract: The reconstruction of the signal from hadrons and jets emerging from the proton–proton collisions at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) and entering the ATLAS calorimeters is based on a three-dimensional topological clustering of individual calorimeter cell signals. The cluster formation follows cell signal-significance patterns generated by electromagnetic and hadronic showers. In this, the clustering algorithm implicitly performs a topological noise suppression by removing cells with insignificant signals which are not in close proximity to cells with significant signals. The resulting topological cell clusters have shape and location information, which is exploited to apply a local energy calibration and corrections depending on the nature of the cluster. Topological cell clustering is established as a well-performing calorimeter signal definition for jet and missing transverse momentum reconstruction in ATLAS.
438 citations
TL;DR: If recent mortality trends continue, 160,000 more people in England and Wales will need palliative care by 2040, and healthcare systems must now start to adapt to the age-related growth in deaths from chronic illness, by focusing on integration and boosting of palliatives care across health and social care disciplines.
Abstract: Current estimates suggest that approximately 75% of people approaching the end-of-life may benefit from palliative care. The growing numbers of older people and increasing prevalence of chronic illness in many countries mean that more people may benefit from palliative care in the future, but this has not been quantified. The present study aims to estimate future population palliative care need in two high-income countries. We used mortality statistics for England and Wales from 2006 to 2014. Building on previous diagnosis-based approaches, we calculated age- and sex-specific proportions of deaths from defined chronic progressive illnesses to estimate the prevalence of palliative care need in the population. We calculated annual change over the 9-year period. Using explicit assumptions about change in disease prevalence over time, and official mortality forecasts, we modelled palliative care need up to 2040. We also undertook separate projections for dementia, cancer and organ failure. By 2040, annual deaths in England and Wales are projected to rise by 25.4% (from 501,424 in 2014 to 628,659). If age- and sex-specific proportions with palliative care needs remain the same as in 2014, the number of people requiring palliative care will grow by 25.0% (from 375,398 to 469,305 people/year). However, if the upward trend observed from 2006 to 2014 continues, the increase will be of 42.4% (161,842 more people/year, total 537,240). In addition, disease-specific projections show that dementia (increase from 59,199 to 219,409 deaths/year by 2040) and cancer (increase from 143,638 to 208,636 deaths by 2040) will be the main drivers of increased need. If recent mortality trends continue, 160,000 more people in England and Wales will need palliative care by 2040. Healthcare systems must now start to adapt to the age-related growth in deaths from chronic illness, by focusing on integration and boosting of palliative care across health and social care disciplines. Countries with similar demographic and disease changes will likely experience comparable rises in need.
ETH Zurich1, University of Ulm2, Vrije Universiteit Brussel3, Royal Museum for Central Africa4, University of Coimbra5, University of Helsinki6, University of Victoria7, University of Innsbruck8, University of Milan9, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague10, Spanish National Research Council11, Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research12, Institut national de la recherche agronomique13, Laval University14, University of Ljubljana15, United States Geological Survey16, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev17, Center for International Forestry Research18, Technical University of Berlin19, Dresden University of Technology20, University of Kansas21, University of Arkansas22, Max Planck Society23, National Museum of Natural History24, Desert Botanical Garden25, Humboldt State University26, Sukachev Institute of Forest27, National University of Comahue28, National Scientific and Technical Research Council29, Agricultural Research Organization, Volcani Center30, Wageningen University and Research Centre31, Naturalis32, Pablo de Olavide University33, Autonomous University of Barcelona34, University of Lisbon35, Mediterranean University36, University of Western Sydney37, Technical University of Madrid38, University of Debrecen39, Natural Resources Canada40, American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute41, University of Cyprus42, Open University of Cyprus43, University of Patras44, University of Colorado Boulder45, Northern Arizona University46, University of Novi Sad47, European Forest Institute48, Estonian University of Life Sciences49, University of Alberta50, University of Minnesota51, University of Forestry, Sofia52
TL;DR: The results imply that growth-based mortality algorithms may be a powerful tool for predicting gymnosperm mortality induced by chronic stress, but not necessarily so for angiosperms and in case of intense drought or bark-beetle outbreaks.
Abstract: Tree mortality is a key factor influencing forest functions and dynamics, but our understanding of the mechanisms
leading to mortality and the associated changes in tree growth rates are still limited. We compiled a new pan-conti-
nental tree-ring width database from sites where both dead and living trees were sampled (2970 dead and 4224 living
trees from 190 sites, including 36 species), and compared early and recent growth rates between trees that died and
those that survived a given mortality event. We observed a decrease in radial growth before death in ca. 84% of the
mortality events. The extent and duration of these reductions were highly variable (1–100 years in 96% of events) due
to the complex interactions among study species and the source(s) of mortality. Strong and long-lasting declines were
found for gymnosperms, shade- and drought-tolerant species, and trees that died from competition. Angiosperms
and trees that died due to biotic attacks (especially bark-beetles) typically showed relatively small and short-term
growth reductions. Our analysis did not highlight any universal trade-off between early growth and tree longevity
within a species, although this result may also reflect high variability in sampling design among sites. The intersite
and interspecific variability in growth patterns before mortality provides valuable information on the nature of the
mortality process, which is consistent with our understanding of the physiological mechanisms leading to mortality.
Abrupt changes in growth immediately before death can be associated with generalized hydraulic failure and/or
bark-beetle attack, while long-term decrease in growth may be associated with a gradual decline in hydraulic performance coupled with depletion in carbon reserves. Our results imply that growth-based mortality algorithms may be
a powerful tool for predicting gymnosperm mortality induced by chronic stress, but not necessarily so for angiosperms and in case of intense drought or bark-beetle outbreaks.
TL;DR: In this article, a search for new resonant and non-resonant high-mass phenomena in dielectron and dimuon fi nal states was conducted using 36 : 1 fb(-1) of proton-proton collision data.
Abstract: A search is conducted for new resonant and non-resonant high-mass phenomena in dielectron and dimuon fi nal states. The search uses 36 : 1 fb(-1) of proton-proton collision data, collected at root ...
TL;DR: This paper aims to review the studies dealing with ozone based processes for water reuse by considering municipal wastewater reclamation as well as natural and drinking water treatment, and identifies the most interesting cost effective methodology for water treatment.
Johanna M. Colijn1, Gabriëlle H.S. Buitendijk1, Elena Prokofyeva, Dalila Alves +148 more•Institutions (14)
TL;DR: A decreasing prevalence of AMD and an improvement in visual acuity in CNV occuring over the past 2 decades in Europe is observed and healthier lifestyles and implementation of anti–vascular endothelial growth factor treatment are the most likely explanations.
TL;DR: It is reported that microglia, unlike most other hematopoietic lineages, renew slowly at a median rate of 28% per year, and some microglial progenitor cells last for more than two decades.
Katholieke Universiteit Leuven1, European Association of Urology2, University of Coimbra3, Harvard University4, Netherlands Cancer Institute5, University of Sheffield6, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University7, University of Bern8, St James's University Hospital9, Erasmus University Rotterdam10, University of Warwick11, McMaster University12, University of Aberdeen13, Aberdeen Royal Infirmary14, University of Lyon15
TL;DR: The results suggest that multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan can be used to reliably predict the absence of prostate cancer in patients suspected of having prostate cancer, thereby avoiding a prostate biopsy, but its accuracy is variable and influenced by the prostate cancer risk.
Rio de Janeiro State University1, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic2, Sewanee: The University of the South3, Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology4, University of Zurich5, Monash University, Clayton campus6, Autonomous University of Madrid7, Rothamsted Research8, University of Burgundy9, Université Paris-Saclay10, Spanish National Research Council11, University of Lisbon12, University of Savoy13, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences14, University of Coimbra15, VU University Amsterdam16, University of Groningen17
TL;DR: This handbook is a crucial first step towards standardizing trait methodology across the most studied terrestrial invertebrate groups, and the protocols are aimed to balance general applicability and requirements for special cases or particular taxa.
Abstract: Summary
1. Trait-based approaches are increasingly being used to test mechanisms underlying species assemblages and biotic interactions across a wide range of organisms including terrestrial arthropods and to investigate consequences for ecosystem processes. Such an approach relies on the standardized measurement of functional traits that can be applied across taxa and regions. Currently, however, unified methods of trait measurements are lacking for terrestrial arthropods and related macroinvertebrates (terrestrial invertebrates hereafter).
2. Here, we present a comprehensive review and detailed protocol for a set of 29 traits known to be sensitive to global stressors and to affect ecosystem processes and services. We give rec- ommendations how to measure these traits under standardized conditions across various ter- restrial invertebrate taxonomic groups.
3. We provide considerations and approaches that apply to almost all traits described, such as the selection of species and individuals needed for the measurements, the importance of intraspecific trait variability, how many populations or communities to sample and over which spatial scales. 4. The approaches outlined here provide a means to improve the reliability and predictive power of functional traits to explain community assembly, species diversity patterns and ecosystem processes and services within and across taxa and trophic levels, allowing compar- ison of studies and running meta-analyses across regions and ecosystems.
5. This handbook is a crucial first step towards standardizing trait methodology across the most studied terrestrial invertebrate groups, and the protocols are aimed to balance general applicability and requirements for special cases or particular taxa. Therefore, we envision this handbook as a common platform to which researchers can further provide methodological input for additional special cases.
TL;DR: The factors that affect the students behaviour towards the use of mobile technologies are analyzed to provide support for the Technology Acceptance Model and the implications are discussed within the context of Innovation in Education.
TL;DR: In this paper, the interplay between materials and microfluidics is examined, with the discussion focused on how recent advances in materials fabrication have expanded the frontiers of micro-fluidic platforms and how the new micro fluididic capabilities are, in turn, furthering materials design.
Abstract: In this Review, the interplay between materials and microfluidics is examined, with the discussion focused on how recent advances in materials fabrication have expanded the frontiers of microfluidic platforms and how the new microfluidic capabilities are, in turn, furthering materials design.
University of Wrocław1, University of Washington2, University of Social Sciences and Humanities3, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences4, King Saud University5, University of Ghana6, University of Milan7, The Chinese University of Hong Kong8, Pontifical Catholic University of Peru9, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro10, Russian State University for the Humanities11, Moscow State University12, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte13, Ankara University14, University of Coimbra15, Babeș-Bolyai University16, Universidad Iberoamericana Ciudad de México17, İzmir University of Economics18, Charles University in Prague19, Saint Mary's University20, Akdeniz University21, Cumhuriyet University22, University of Zagreb23, Lviv University24, Federal Neuro Psychiatric Hospital25, University of Belgrade26, Central University of Finance and Economics27, University of Nairobi28, Norwegian University of Science and Technology29, National University of Entre Ríos30, Philadelphia University31, University of Granada32, University of Pécs33, Razi University34, University of Science and Culture35, University of Vienna36, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio de Janeiro37, Makerere University Business School38, Adekunle Ajasin University39, Universiti Utara Malaysia40, University of Nigeria, Nsukka41, University of Warwick42, University of Tartu43, University of Magdalena44, University of Karachi45, University of Constantine the Philosopher46, Dresden University of Technology47, University of Amsterdam48, South-West University "Neofit Rilski"49, Matej Bel University50, Indonesia University of Education51, Rio de Janeiro State University52, Indian Institute of Management Bangalore53, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati54, Kyung Hee University55
TL;DR: In this paper, an extensive analysis of interpersonal distances over a large data set (N = 8,943 participants from 42 countries) was presented, which attempted to relate the preferred social, personal, and intimate distances observed in each country to a set of individual characteristics of the participants, and some attributes of their cultures.
Abstract: Human spatial behavior has been the focus of hundreds of previous research studies. However, the conclusions and generalizability of previous studies on interpersonal distance preferences were limited by some important methodological and sampling issues. The objective of the present study was to compare preferred interpersonal distances across the world and to overcome the problems observed in previous studies. We present an extensive analysis of interpersonal distances over a large data set (N = 8,943 participants from 42 countries). We attempted to relate the preferred social, personal, and intimate distances observed in each country to a set of individual characteristics of the participants, and some attributes of their cultures. Our study indicates that individual characteristics (age and gender) influence interpersonal space preferences and that some variation in results can be explained by temperature in a given region. We also present objective values of preferred interpersonal distances in different regions, which might be used as a reference data point in future studies.
TL;DR: An updated review of this fast-progressing field of EVs and their role in brain diseases, particularly focusing in their therapeutic applications, and recently-emerged promising derivations are discussed.
Case Western Reserve University1, SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory2, Stanford University3, University of Wisconsin-Madison4, Imperial College London5, South Dakota School of Mines and Technology6, University of Maryland, College Park7, University of Edinburgh8, University of California, Berkeley9, Yale University10, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory11, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory12, University of Coimbra13, University of South Dakota14, Pennsylvania State University15, University of California, Santa Barbara16, Brown University17, University of California, Davis18, University College London19, University of Rochester20, State University of New York System21, University of Massachusetts Amherst22, Texas A&M University23
TL;DR: The spin-dependent WIMP-neutron limit is the most sensitive constraint to date.
Abstract: We present experimental constraints on the spin-dependent WIMP-nucleon elastic cross sections from the total 129.5 kg yr exposure acquired by the Large Underground Xenon experiment (LUX), operating at the Sanford Underground Research Facility in Lead, South Dakota (USA). A profile likelihood ratio analysis allows 90% C.L. upper limits to be set on the WIMP-neutron (WIMP-proton) cross section of σ_{n}=1.6×10^{-41} cm^{2} (σ_{p}=5×10^{-40} cm^{2}) at 35 GeV c^{-2}, almost a sixfold improvement over the previous LUX spin-dependent results. The spin-dependent WIMP-neutron limit is the most sensitive constraint to date.
TL;DR: The evidence pointing to a fundamental role of this neurotrophin in LTP is reviewed, especially within the hippocampus, and the synergy between TrkB and glucocorticoid receptor signaling to determine cellular responses to stress is discussed.
Abstract: Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) belongs to a family of small secreted proteins that also include nerve growth factor, neurotrophin 3, and neurotrophin 4. BDNF stands out among all neurotrophins by its high expression levels in the brain and its potent effects at synapses. Several aspects of BDNF biology such as transcription, processing, and secretion are regulated by synaptic activity. Such observations prompted the suggestion that BDNF may regulate activity-dependent forms of synaptic plasticity such as long-term potentiation (LTP), a sustained enhancement of excitatory synaptic efficacy thought to underlie learning and memory. Here, we will review the evidence pointing to a fundamental role of this neurotrophin in LTP, especially within the hippocampus. Prominent questions in the field, including the release and action sites of BDNF during LTP, as well as the signaling and molecular mechanisms involved, will also be addressed. The diverse effects of BDNF at excitatory synapses are determined by the activation of TrkB receptors and downstream signaling pathways, and the functions, typically opposing in nature, of its immature form (proBDNF). The activation of p75NTR receptors by proBDNF and the implications for long-term depression will also be addressed. Finally, we discuss the synergy between TrkB and glucocorticoid receptor signaling to determine cellular responses to stress.
TL;DR: In this paper, Dijet events are studied in the proton-proton collision dataset recorded at root s = 13 TeV with the ATLAS detector at the Large Hadron Collider in 2015 and 2016.
Abstract: Dijet events are studied in the proton-proton collision dataset recorded at root s = 13 TeV with the ATLAS detector at the Large Hadron Collider in 2015 and 2016, corresponding to integrated lumino ...
TL;DR: In this article, the authors developed three new measures of compassion competencies derived from an evolutionary, motivational approach, i.e., the compassion we experience for others, 2.5 the compassion from others, and 3.
Abstract: Studies of the value of compassion on physical and mental health and social relationships have proliferated in the last 25 years. Although, there are several conceptualisations and measures of compassion, this study develops three new measures of compassion competencies derived from an evolutionary, motivational approach. The scales assess 1. the compassion we experience for others, 2. the compassion we experience from others, and 3. self-compassion based on a standard definition of compassion as a ‘sensitivity to suffering in self and others with a commitment to try to alleviate and prevent it’. We explored these in relationship to other compassion scales, self-criticism, depression, anxiety, stress and well-being. Participants from three different countries (UK, Portugal and USA) completed a range of scales including compassion for others, self-compassion, self-criticism, shame, depression, anxiety and stress with the newly developed ‘The Compassionate Engagement and Actions’ scale. All three scales have good validity. Interestingly, we found that the three orientations of compassion are only moderately correlated to one another (r < .5). We also found that some elements of self-compassion (e.g., being sensitive to, and moved by one’s suffering) have a complex relationship with other attributes of compassion (e.g., empathy), and with depression, anxiety and stress. A path-analysis showed that self-compassion is a significant mediator of the association between self-reassurance and well-being, while self-criticism has a direct effect on depressive symptoms, not mediated by self-compassion. Compassion evolved from caring motivation and in humans is associated with a range of different socially intelligent competencies. Understanding how these competencies can be inhibited and facilitated is an important research endeavour. These new scales were designed to assess these competencies. This is the first study to measure the three orientations of compassion derived from an evolutionary model of caring motivation with specified competencies. Our three new measures of compassion further indicate important complex relationships between different potentiation’s of compassion, well-being, and vulnerability to psychopathologies.
TL;DR: The European Cooperation in Science and Technology (COST) provides an ideal framework to establish multi-disciplinary research networks and EU-ROS represents a consortium of researchers from different disciplines who are dedicated to providing new insights and tools for better understanding redox biology and medicine.
Abstract: The European Cooperation in Science and Technology (COST) provides an ideal framework to establish multi-disciplinary research networks COST Action BM1203 (EU-ROS) represents a consortium of researchers from different disciplines who are dedicated to providing new insights and tools for better understanding redox biology and medicine and, in the long run, to finding new therapeutic strategies to target dysregulated redox processes in various diseases This report highlights the major achievements of EU-ROS as well as research updates and new perspectives arising from its members The EU-ROS consortium comprised more than 140 active members who worked together for four years on the topics briefly described below The formation of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS) is an established hallmark of our aerobic environment and metabolism but RONS also act as messengers via redox regulation of essential cellular processes The fact that many diseases have been found to be associated with oxidative stress established the theory of oxidative stress as a trigger of diseases that can be corrected by antioxidant therapy However, while experimental studies support this thesis, clinical studies still generate controversial results, due to complex pathophysiology of oxidative stress in humans For future improvement of antioxidant therapy and better understanding of redox-associated disease progression detailed knowledge on the sources and targets of RONS formation and discrimination of their detrimental or beneficial roles is required In order to advance this important area of biology and medicine, highly synergistic approaches combining a variety of diverse and contrasting disciplines are needed
TL;DR: The XENON1T experiment at the Laboratori Nazionali del Gran Sasso (LNGS) is the first WIMP dark matter detector operating with a liquid xenon target mass above the ton-scale.
Abstract: The XENON1T experiment at the Laboratori Nazionali del Gran Sasso (LNGS) is the first WIMP dark matter detector operating with a liquid xenon target mass above the ton-scale. Out of its 3.2 t liquid xenon inventory, 2.0 t constitute the active target of the dual-phase time projection chamber. The scintillation and ionization signals from particle interactions are detected with low-background photomultipliers. This article describes the XENON1T instrument and its subsystems as well as strategies to achieve an unprecedented low background level. First results on the detector response and the performance of the subsystems are also presented.
University of Cape Town1, World Health Organization2, University of Sassari3, Barts Health NHS Trust4, Queen Mary University of London5, University Medical Center Groningen6, Karolinska University Hospital7, International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease8, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation9, University of Melbourne10, University of Porto11, Box Hill Hospital12, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki13, University of Insubria14, Université libre de Bruxelles15, University of Coimbra16, University College London17
TL;DR: Bedaquiline-containing regimens achieved high conversion and success rates under different nonexperimental conditions, and is safe and effective in treating MDR- and XDR-TB patients.
Abstract: Large studies on bedaquiline used to treat multidrug-resistant (MDR-) and extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis (XDR-TB) are lacking This study aimed to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of bedaquiline-containing regimens in a large, retrospective, observational study conducted in 25 centres and 15 countries in five continents428 culture-confirmed MDR-TB cases were analysed (615% male; 221% HIV-positive, 456% XDR-TB) MDR-TB cases were admitted to hospital for a median (interquartile range (IQR)) 179 (92-280) days and exposed to bedaquiline for 168 (86-180) days Treatment regimens included, among others, linezolid, moxifloxacin, clofazimine and carbapenems (820%, 584%, 526% and 153% of cases, respectively)Sputum smear and culture conversion rates in MDR-TB cases were 636% and 301%, respectively at 30 days, 811% and 567%, respectively at 60 days; 855% and 805%, respectively at 90 days and 887% and 912%, respectively at the end of treatment The median (IQR) time to smear and culture conversion was 34 (30-60) days and 60 (33-90) days Out of 247 culture-confirmed MDR-TB cases completing treatment, 713% achieved success (624% cured; 89% completed treatment), 134% died, 73% defaulted and 77% failed Bedaquiline was interrupted due to adverse events in 58% of cases A single case died, having electrocardiographic abnormalities that were probably non-bedaquiline relatedBedaquiline-containing regimens achieved high conversion and success rates under different nonexperimental conditions
TL;DR: The most relevant PPDM techniques from the literature and the metrics used to evaluate such techniques are surveyed and typical applications of PPDD methods in relevant fields are presented.
Abstract: The collection and analysis of data are continuously growing due to the pervasiveness of computing devices. The analysis of such information is fostering businesses and contributing beneficially to the society in many different fields. However, this storage and flow of possibly sensitive data poses serious privacy concerns. Methods that allow the knowledge extraction from data, while preserving privacy, are known as privacy-preserving data mining (PPDM) techniques. This paper surveys the most relevant PPDM techniques from the literature and the metrics used to evaluate such techniques and presents typical applications of PPDM methods in relevant fields. Furthermore, the current challenges and open issues in PPDM are discussed.