The superspace geometry of gravitational Chern-Simons forms and their couplings to linear multiplets : a review

The superspace geometry of Chern-Simons forms is shown to be closely related to that of the 3-form multiplet. This observation allows to simplify considerably the geometric structure of supersymmetric Chern-Simons forms and their coupling to linear multiplets. The analysis is carried through in U_K(1) superspace, relevant at the same time for supergravity-matter couplings and for chirally extended supergravity.Comment: 82 pages, LateX2

Models for Pop I stars: implications for age determinations

Starting from a few topical astrophysical questions which require the knowledge of the age of Pop I stars, we discuss the needed precision on the age in order to make progresses in these areas of research. Then we review the effects of various inputs of the stellar models on the age determination and try to identify those affecting the most the lifetimes of stars.Comment: 10 pages, 6 figures, 2 tables, IAU Symp. 258, D. Soderblom et al. ed

A Class of Topological Actions

We review definitions of generalized parallel transports in terms of Cheeger-Simons differential characters. Integration formulae are given in terms of Deligne-Beilinson cohomology classes. These representations of parallel transport can be extended to situations involving distributions as is appropriate in the context of quantized fields.Comment: 41 pages, no figure

HAYDN: High-precision AsteroseismologY of DeNse stellar fields

In the last decade, the Kepler and CoRoT space-photometry missions have demonstrated the potential of asteroseismology as a novel, versatile and powerful tool to perform exquisite tests of stellar physics, and to enable precise and accurate characterisations of stellar properties, with impact on both exoplanetary and Galactic astrophysics. Based on our improved understanding of the strengths and limitations of such a tool, we argue for a new small/medium space mission dedicated to gathering high-precision, high-cadence, long photometric series in dense stellar fields. Such a mission will lead to breakthroughs in stellar astrophysics, especially in the metal poor regime, will elucidate the evolution and formation of open and globular clusters, and aid our understanding of the assembly history and chemodynamics of the Milky Way’s bulge and a few nearby dwarf galaxies

Implications of Storing Urinary DNA from Different Populations for Molecular Analyses

Molecular diagnosis using urine is established for many sexually transmitted diseases and is increasingly used to diagnose tumours and other infectious diseases. Storage of urine prior to analysis, whether due to home collection or bio-banking, is increasingly advocated yet no best practice has emerged. Here, we examined the stability of DNA in stored urine in two populations over 28 days.Urine from 40 (20 male) healthy volunteers from two populations, Italy and Zambia, was stored at four different temperatures (RT, 4 degrees C, -20 degrees C & -80 degrees C) with and without EDTA preservative solution. Urines were extracted at days 0, 1, 3, 7 and 28 after storage. Human DNA content was measured using multi-copy (ALU J) and single copy (TLR2) targets by quantitative real-time PCR. Zambian and Italian samples contained comparable DNA quantity at time zero. Generally, two trends were observed during storage; no degradation, or rapid degradation from days 0 to 7 followed by little further degradation to 28 days. The biphasic degradation was always observed in Zambia regardless of storage conditions, but only twice in Italy.Site-specific differences in urine composition significantly affect the stability of DNA during storage. Assessing the quality of stored urine for molecular analysis, by using the type of strategy described here, is paramount before these samples are used for molecular prognostic monitoring, genetic analyses and disease diagnosis

Tissue Distribution of Beta-Lactam Antibiotics: Continuous versus Bolus Dosing

Background: In vitro studies suggest that administering betalactam antibiotics by continuous infusion may maximise efficacy. Several pharmacokinetic studies have compared the distribution of beta-lactam antibiotics administered by continuous and bolus dosing in plasma and tissues. Knowledge of pharmacokinetic exposure to tissues is essential, as tissue sites are most commonly the ‘target site’ for antibiotic therapy. Aim: To identify published studies that measure the serum and tissue concentrations of beta-lactam antibiotics administered by continuous and bolus dosing. Data sources: A number of studies in animals, healthy volunteers and hospitalised patients were identified. Results: More prospective clinical trials are required to validate that the continuous infusion of beta-lactam antibiotics attain better tissue distribution at the target site. Conclusion: Beta-lactam antibiotics administered by continuous infusion maintain higher concentrations in serum and tissue. There is also compelling evidence that tissue distribution of antibiotics is impaired with increased sickness severity, therefore, larger doses of beta-lactam antibiotics may be required in severely sick patients to optimise antibiotic exposure at the target site