University of Luxembourg

About: University of Luxembourg is a education organization based out in Luxembourg, Luxembourg. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Context (language use) & Computer science. The organization has 4744 authors who have published 22175 publications receiving 381824 citations.

Stability comparison of two absolute gravimeters: optical versus atomic interferometers

Abstract: We report the direct comparison between the stabilities of two mobile absolute gravimeters of different technology: the LNE-SYRTE Cold Atom Gravimeter and FG5X#216 of the Universite du Luxembourg. These instruments rely on two different principles of operation: atomic and optical interferometry. The comparison took place in the Walferdange Underground Laboratory for Geodynamics in Luxembourg, at the beginning of the last International Comparison of Absolute Gravimeters, ICAG-2013. We analyse a 2h10 duration common measurement, and find that the CAG shows better immunity with respect to changes in the level of vibration noise, as well as a slightly better short term stability.

A Novel Network Integrating a miRNA-203/SNAI1 Feedback Loop which Regulates Epithelial to Mesenchymal Transition

Abstract: Background The majority of human cancer deaths are caused by metastasis The metastatic dissemination is initiated by the breakdown of epithelial cell homeostasis During this phenomenon, referred to as epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT), cells change their genetic and trancriptomic program leading to phenotypic and functional alterations The challenge of understanding this dynamic process resides in unraveling regulatory networks involving master transcription factors (eg SNAI1/2, ZEB1/2 and TWIST1) and microRNAs Here we investigated microRNAs regulated by SNAI1 and their potential role in the regulatory networks underlying epithelial plasticity Results By a large-scale analysis on epithelial plasticity, we highlighted miR-203 and its molecular link with SNAI1 and the miR-200 family, key regulators of epithelial homeostasis During SNAI1-induced EMT in MCF7 breast cancer cells, miR-203 and miR-200 family members were repressed in a timely correlated manner Importantly, miR-203 repressed endogenous SNAI1, forming a double negative miR203/SNAI1 feedback loop We integrated this novel miR203/SNAI1 with the known miR200/ZEB feedback loops to construct an a priori EMT core network Dynamic simulations revealed stable epithelial and mesenchymal states, and underscored the crucial role of the miR203/SNAI1 feedback loop in state transitions underlying epithelial plasticity Conclusion By combining computational biology and experimental approaches, we propose a novel EMT core network integrating two fundamental negative feedback loops, miR203/SNAI1 and miR200/ZEB Altogether our analysis implies that this novel EMT core network could function as a switch controlling epithelial cell plasticity during differentiation and cancer progression

Variation in GP decisions on antihypertensive treatment in oldest-old and frail individuals across 29 countries

Abstract: In oldest-old patients (>80), few trials showed efficacy of treating hypertension and they included mostly the healthiest elderly. The resulting lack of knowledge has led to inconsistent guidelines, mainly based on systolic blood pressure (SBP), cardiovascular disease (CVD) but not on frailty despite the high prevalence in oldest-old. This may lead to variation how General Practitioners (GPs) treat hypertension. Our aim was to investigate treatment variation of GPs in oldest-olds across countries and to identify the role of frailty in that decision. Using a survey, we compared treatment decisions in cases of oldest-old varying in SBP, CVD, and frailty. GPs were asked if they would start antihypertensive treatment in each case. In 2016, we invited GPs in Europe, Brazil, Israel, and New Zealand. We compared the percentage of cases that would be treated per countries. A logistic mixed-effects model was used to derive odds ratio (OR) for frailty with 95% confidence intervals (CI), adjusted for SBP, CVD, and GP characteristics (sex, location and prevalence of oldest-old per GP office, and years of experience). The mixed-effects model was used to account for the multiple assessments per GP. The 29 countries yielded 2543 participating GPs: 52% were female, 51% located in a city, 71% reported a high prevalence of oldest-old in their offices, 38% and had >20 years of experience. Across countries, considerable variation was found in the decision to start antihypertensive treatment in the oldest-old ranging from 34 to 88%. In 24/29 (83%) countries, frailty was associated with GPs’ decision not to start treatment even after adjustment for SBP, CVD, and GP characteristics (OR 0.53, 95%CI 0.48–0.59; ORs per country 0.11–1.78). Across countries, we found considerable variation in starting antihypertensive medication in oldest-old. The frail oldest-old had an odds ratio of 0.53 of receiving antihypertensive treatment. Future hypertension trials should also include frail patients to acquire evidence on the efficacy of antihypertensive treatment in oldest-old patients with frailty, with the aim to get evidence-based data for clinical decision-making.

Transitions in the lifecourse: the role of identity, agency and structure

Abstract: This book has its origins in a seminar series on transitions through the lifecourse which was part of the UK Teaching and Learning Research Programme (TLRP; see www.tlrp.org). It aims to bring together and evaluate insights about educational, life and work transitions from different elds of research and a range of theoretical orientations. The book responds to the injunction that researchers need to chart ‘what individuals actually do and how this is changing’ as a ‘rst step to understanding what it means’ (Bynner quoted by Hayward et al. 2005: 115). In different ways, the chapters that follow explore the concept of transitions and its contemporary importance in policy and educational practices. In doing so they enable the book to address the following questions:What are the main characteristics of transitions depicted in policy, practice • and research? How do different ideas and perspectives about transition, people’s agency, • identity and the effects of structural conditions help us to understand transitions better in research, policy and practice? Why are transitions a problem for some individuals and groups and, • conversely, for whom are transitions not a problem? What interventions, activities or practices are seen as useful in dealing with • transitions? What aspects of transitions are contested from different perspectives?•This book arose from a recognition that the research eld around transitions is fragmented both historically and between disciplines and theoretical orientations. The book does not claim to represent a unitary view about transitions in the lifecourse. Rather, it brings together policy, professional and academic concerns about transitions in the lifecourse through the conceptual lenses of identity, agency and structure. The theorising and ndings about transition, and the questions they raise about new forms of support, management and pedagogy, offered in the book, are meant to provide a basis for further thinking and empirical study.