Detectable clonal mosaicism and its relationship to aging and cancer

In an analysis of 31,717 cancer cases and 26,136 cancer-free controls from 13 genome-wide association studies, we observed large chromosomal abnormalities in a subset of clones in DNA obtained from blood or buccal samples. We observed mosaic abnormalities, either aneuploidy or copy-neutral loss of heterozygosity, of >2 Mb in size in autosomes of 517 individuals (0.89%), with abnormal cell proportions of between 7% and 95%. In cancer-free individuals, frequency increased with age, from 0.23% under 50 years to 1.91% between 75 and 79 years (P = 4.8 × 10(-8)). Mosaic abnormalities were more frequent in individuals with solid tumors (0.97% versus 0.74% in cancer-free individuals; odds ratio (OR) = 1.25; P = 0.016), with stronger association with cases who had DNA collected before diagnosis or treatment (OR = 1.45; P = 0.0005). Detectable mosaicism was also more common in individuals for whom DNA was collected at least 1 year before diagnosis with leukemia compared to cancer-free individuals (OR = 35.4; P = 3.8 × 10(-11)). These findings underscore the time-dependent nature of somatic events in the etiology of cancer and potentially other late-onset diseases

Precision cosmology with a wide area XMM cluster survey

Published in MNRAS. (minor changes with respect to the initial version)International audienceWe explore the cosmological constraints expected from wide area XMM-type cluster surveys covering 50-200 deg2, under realistic observing conditions. We perform a Fisher matrix analysis based on cluster number counts in combination with estimates of the 2-point cluster correlation function. The effect of the survey design is implemented through an observationally well tested cluster selection function. Special attention is given to the modelling of the shot noise and sample variance, which we estimate by applying our selection function to numerically simulated surveys. We then infer the constraints on the equation of state of the dark energy considering various survey configurations. We quantitatively investigate the respective impact of the cluster mass measurements, of the correlation function and of the 1<z<2 cluster population. We show that, with some 20 Ms XMM observing time, it is possible to constrain the dark energy parameters at a level which is comparable to that expected from the next generation of cosmic probes. Such a survey has also the power to provide unique insights into the physics of high redshift clusters and AGN properties

Solid-state NMR of the family of positive electrode materials Li₂Ru_1-ySn_yO₃ for lithium-ion batteries

The possibilities offered by ex situ and in situ operando 7Li solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) are explored for the Li2Ru1-ySnyO3 family (0 < y < 1), shown previously to display cationic and anionic redox activity when used as a positive electrode for Li ion batteries. Ex situ NMR spectroscopic studies indicate a nonrandom Sn/Ru substitution in the family. In the first charge, an increased metallicity at 4 V is deduced from the NMR spectra. Surprisingly, no striking difference is observed at 4.6 V compared to the pristine electrode, although the electronic structure is expected to be very different and the local cation environment to be distorted. For in situ operando measurements, we designed a new electrochemical cell that is compatible with NMR spectroscopy and one-dimensional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). These operando measurements validate the ex situ observations and indicate that the environment formed at 4 V is specific of the initial charge and that there is little, if no, electrolyte decomposition, even at 4.6 V. This is another attractive feature of these compounds

Technological Innovation and Organisational Culture: An Exploratory Comparison of Larger and Smaller Firms

The relationship between organisation size, technology implementation, and organisational culture is examined. Thirty-five American and Canadian manufacturing organisations were surveyed concerning their approach to implementing statistical process control (SPC) technology. Organisations were classified as either large or small and hierarchic or non-hierarchic. Approaches to implementing SPC were measured and compared among the four groups (large hierarchic, small hierarchic, large non-hierarchic and small non-hierarchic). Results indicated that both the size of the organisation and its culture determine how that organisation goes about implementing technological change. Larger organisations use interdepartmental liaisons, temporary task forces, and permanent implementation teams more than smaller organisations in implementing new technology. Non-hierarchic organisations appear to use goal and direct contact mechanisms at higher levels than hierarchical organisations when it comes to innovation and change. Results also indicate that there is more in common in the area of technological implementation between large and small businesses, and hierarchical and non-hierarchical organisations than is often suggested