1,288 research outputs found
From an extremophilic community to an electroautotrophic production strain: identifying a novel Knallgas bacterium as cathodic biofilm biocatalyst
Multiwavelength Monitoring of the BL Lacertae Object PKS 2155-304 in May 1994. II. The IUE Campaign
PKS 2155-304, the brightest BL Lac object in the ultraviolet sky, was
monitored with the IUE satellite at ~1 hour time-resolution for ten nearly
uninterrupted days in May 1994. The campaign, which was coordinated with EUVE,
ROSAT, and ASCA monitoring, along with optical and radio observations from the
ground, yielded the largest set of spectra and the richest short time scale
variability information ever gathered for a blazar at UV wavelengths. The
source flared dramatically during the first day, with an increase by a factor
~2.2 in an hour and a half. In subsequent days, the flux maintained a nearly
constant level for ~5 days, then flared with ~35% amplitude for two days. The
same variability was seen in both short- and long-wavelength IUE light curves,
with zero formal lag (~<2 hr), except during the rapid initial flare, when the
variations were not resolved. Spectral index variations were small and not
clearly correlated with flux. The flux variability observed in the present
monitoring is so rapid that for the first time, based on the UV emission alone,
the traditional Delta L/Delta t limit indicating relativistic beaming is
exceeded. The most rapid variations, under the likely assumption of synchrotron
radiation, lead to a lower limit of 1 G on the magnetic field strength in the
UV emitting region. These results are compared with earlier intensive
monitoring of PKS 2155-304 with IUE in November 1991, when the UV flux
variations had completely different characteristics.Comment: 45 pages, Latex, 11 PostScript figures, to appear in The
Astrophysical Journa
Medication Holds in CKD During Acute Volume-Depleting Illnesses: A Randomized Controlled Trial of a "Sick-Day" Protocol.
RATIONALE & OBJECTIVE: Some drugs prescribed for chronic kidney disease (CKD) may become hazardous on sick days with volume depletion by increasing the risk of acute kidney injury (AKI) and kidney function loss; however, the risks and benefits of their use during intercurrent illness is unknown. STUDY DESIGN: 6-month pragmatic trial examining a sick-day protocol to determine if withholding prespecified drugs during a volume-depleting illness reduces the incidence AKI or kidney function loss in CKD. SETTING & PARTICIPANTS: 315 veterans with stage 3-5 CKD, treated with a renin-angiotensin-aldosterone inhibitor blocker, diuretic, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, or metformin were randomized into the study with n = 159 and n = 156 in sick-day protocol and usual care groups, respectively. INTERVENTION: Sick-day protocol administered via interactive voice response system (IVRS) or usual care with 6-month follow-up. OUTCOMES: The outcomes of the study are as follows: (1) Change in kidney function, (2) incidence of AKI based on International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision codes and ambulatory laboratory testing, (3) urgent service utilizations, and (4) sick days. RESULTS: The mean age was 70.1 ± 7.4 and 69.2 ± 8.1 years, with a mean baseline glomerular filtration rate (GFR) of 43.1 ± 13.1 and 43.8 ± 13.0 mL/min/1.73 m2, and 112 (70%) and 100 (64%) of participants with diabetes in the sick-day protocol and usual care groups, respectively. The mean change in GFR in the sick-day protocol and usual care groups from baseline to 6-month follow-up, adjusting for baseline GFR, was -0.71 (95% CI, -2.11 to 0.69) and -0.72 (95% CI, -2.12 to 0.68), respectively, with no significant difference, P = 0.99. Hospitalizations in the sick-day protocol and usual care groups were 11.5/100 and 8.4/100 events per person-months, respectively, with the adjusted rate ratio not significantly increased (prevalence ratio, 1.30; 95% CI, 0.96-1.76). Participants interacted with the IVRS in 81% of expected weeks and 19 had one or more qualifying events. In 33 true sick days, participants correctly followed the protocol in only 14. LIMITATIONS: Low incidence of sick days over the 6-month period of the study. CONCLUSIONS: The sick-day protocol was not associated with a significant reduction in AKI episodes or kidney function loss in a high-risk CKD population. Engagement with the IVRS was high, but successful implementation of the sick-day protocol was not optimal. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov; NCT03141905
Theory of the NO+CO surface reaction model
We derive a pair approximation (PA) for the NO+CO model with instantaneous
reactions. For both the triangular and square lattices, the PA, derived here
using a simpler approach, yields a phase diagram with an active state for
CO-fractions y in the interval y_1 < y < y_2, with a continuous (discontinuous)
phase transition to a poisoned state at y_1 (y_2). This is in qualitative
agreement with simulation for the triangular lattice, where our theory gives a
rather accurate prediction for y_2. To obtain the correct phase diagram for the
square lattice, i.e., no active state, we reformulate the PA using sublattices.
The (formerly) active regime is then replaced by a poisoned state with broken
symmetry (unequal sub- lattice coverages), as observed recently by Kortluke et
al. [Chem. Phys. Lett. 275, 85 (1997)]. In contrast with their approach, in
which the active state persists, although reduced in extent, we report here the
first qualitatively correct theory of the NO+CO model on the square lattice.
Surface diffusion of nitrogen can lead to an active state in this case. In one
dimension, the PA predicts that diffusion is required for the existence of an
active state.Comment: 15 pages, 9 figure
A patient presenting with a perivascular epithelioid cell tumor in the broad ligament: a case report
<p>Abstract</p> <p>Introduction</p> <p>Perivascular epithelioid cell tumors are a family of rare mesenchymal tumors composed of histologically and immunohistochemically distinctive perivascular epithelioid cells. They can originate in any visceral organ or soft tissue and include a range of lesions such as angiomyolipoma, clear cell 'sugar' tumor of the lung, lymphangioleiomyomatosis and clear cell myomelanocytic tumors of the falciparum ligament/ligament teres. Due to their rarity and varied sites and presentation, management of these tumors remains highly challenging.</p> <p>Case Presentation</p> <p>A 46-year-old para 2 Caucasian woman initially presented to the general surgeons at our hospital in North West London with abdominal pain. Laparoscopy revealed a right broad ligament hematoma, which was thought to be iatrogenic in origin, from insertion of the Veress needle at the time of surgery, and was managed conservatively. Upon her re-presentation two months later with severe pain, ultrasound scanning revealed the hematoma had increased in size and she underwent a total abdominal hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy. Histology results from necrotic tissue from the hematoma led to a diagnosis of perivascular epithelioid cell tumor. She was then referred to a tertiary oncology center, where she underwent several further operations in an attempt to debulk the tumor for symptomatic relief of her pain, with limited success. She is now taking the immunosuppressive drug sirolimus, which has produced a modest reduction in tumor size. She is now 47 months on from initial presentation.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>A literature search has revealed only six other case reports of broad ligament perivascular epithelioid cell tumors, with varied presentations and management. The longest duration of follow-up was 21 months. Only five other cases of perivascular epithelioid cell tumor managed with sirolimus have been reported. We therefore feel that this report highlights some of the difficulties in diagnosing perivascular epithelioid cell tumors, and sheds light on management strategies for a very rare gynecological tumor in addition to sharing our experience in the use of sirolimus in its treatment.</p
The Cherenkov Telescope Array Large Size Telescope
The two arrays of the Very High Energy gamma-ray observatory Cherenkov
Telescope Array (CTA) will include four Large Size Telescopes (LSTs) each with
a 23 m diameter dish and 28 m focal distance. These telescopes will enable CTA
to achieve a low-energy threshold of 20 GeV, which is critical for important
studies in astrophysics, astroparticle physics and cosmology. This work
presents the key specifications and performance of the current LST design in
the light of the CTA scientific objectives.Comment: 4 pages, 5 figures, In Proceedings of the 33rd International Cosmic
Ray Conference (ICRC2013), Rio de Janeiro (Brazil). All CTA contributions at
arXiv:1307.223
Feasibility studies of the time-like proton electromagnetic form factor measurements with PANDA at FAIR
The possibility of measuring the proton electromagnetic form factors in the
time-like region at FAIR with the \PANDA detector is discussed. Detailed
simulations on signal efficiency for the annihilation of into a
lepton pair as well as for the most important background channels have been
performed. It is shown that precision measurements of the differential cross
section of the reaction can be obtained in a wide
angular and kinematical range. The individual determination of the moduli of
the electric and magnetic proton form factors will be possible up to a value of
momentum transfer squared of (GeV/c). The total cross section will be measured up to (GeV/c).
The results obtained from simulated events are compared to the existing data.
Sensitivity to the two photons exchange mechanism is also investigated.Comment: 12 pages, 4 tables, 8 figures Revised, added details on simulations,
4 tables, 9 figure
MRI of the lung (3/3)-current applications and future perspectives
BACKGROUND: MRI of the lung is recommended in a number of clinical indications. Having a non-radiation alternative is particularly attractive in children and young subjects, or pregnant women. METHODS: Provided there is sufficient expertise, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may be considered as the preferential modality in specific clinical conditions such as cystic fibrosis and acute pulmonary embolism, since additional functional information on respiratory mechanics and regional lung perfusion is provided. In other cases, such as tumours and pneumonia in children, lung MRI may be considered an alternative or adjunct to other modalities with at least similar diagnostic value. RESULTS: In interstitial lung disease, the clinical utility of MRI remains to be proven, but it could provide additional information that will be beneficial in research, or at some stage in clinical practice. Customised protocols for chest imaging combine fast breath-hold acquisitions from a "buffet" of sequences. Having introduced details of imaging protocols in previous articles, the aim of this manuscript is to discuss the advantages and limitations of lung MRI in current clinical practice. CONCLUSION: New developments and future perspectives such as motion-compensated imaging with self-navigated sequences or fast Fourier decomposition MRI for non-contrast enhanced ventilation- and perfusion-weighted imaging of the lung are discussed. Main Messages âą MRI evolves as a third lung imaging modality, combining morphological and functional information. âą It may be considered first choice in cystic fibrosis and pulmonary embolism of young and pregnant patients. âą In other cases (tumours, pneumonia in children), it is an alternative or adjunct to X-ray and CT. âą In interstitial lung disease, it serves for research, but the clinical value remains to be proven. âą New users are advised to make themselves familiar with the particular advantages and limitations
Multiwavelength Monitoring of the BL Lac Object PKS 2155-304 I. The IUE Campaign
Daily monitoring of PKS 2155-304 with the IUE satellite throughout November
1991 has revealed dramatic, large-amplitude, rapid variations in the
ultraviolet flux of this BL Lac object. Many smaller, rapid flares are
superimposed on a general doubling of the intensity. During the five-day period
when sampling was roughly continuous, the rapid flaring had an apparent
quasi-periodic nature, with peaks repeating every ~0.7 days. The short- and
long-wavelength ultraviolet light curves are well correlated with each other,
and with the optical light curve deduced from the Fine Error Sensor (FES) on
IUE. The formal lag is zero but the cross-correlation if asymmetric in the
sense that the shorter wavelength emission leads the longer. The ultraviolet
spectral shape varies a small but significant amount. The correlation between
spectral shape and intensity is complicated; an increase in intensity is
associated with spectral hardening, but lags behind the spectral change by ~1
day. The sign of the correlation is consistent with the nonthermal acceleration
processes expected in relativistic plasmas, so that the present results are
consistent with relativistic jet models, which can also account for
quasi-periodic flaring. In contrast, currently proposed accretion disk models
are stronly ruled out by the simultaneous optical and ultraviolet variability.Comment: 27 pages, plain TeX, STScI Preprint 71
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