230 research outputs found
Grid infrastructures for secure access to and use of bioinformatics data: experiences from the BRIDGES project
The BRIDGES project was funded by the UK Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to address the needs of cardiovascular research scientists investigating the genetic causes of hypertension as part of the Wellcome Trust funded (£4.34M) cardiovascular functional genomics (CFG) project. Security was at the heart of the BRIDGES project and an advanced data and compute grid infrastructure incorporating latest grid authorisation technologies was developed and delivered to the scientists. We outline these grid infrastructures and describe the perceived security requirements at the project start including data classifications and how these evolved throughout the lifetime of the project. The uptake and adoption of the project results are also presented along with the challenges that must be overcome to support the secure exchange of life science data sets. We also present how we will use the BRIDGES experiences in future projects at the National e-Science Centre
BEC-BCS crossover in an optical lattice
We present the microscopic theory for the BEC-BCS crossover of an atomic
Fermi gas in an optical lattice, showing that the Feshbach resonance underlying
the crossover in principle induces strong multiband effects. Nevertheless, the
BEC-BCS crossover itself can be described by a single-band model since it
occurs at magnetic fields that are relatively far away from the Feshbach
resonance. A criterion is proposed for the latter, which is obeyed by most
known Feshbach resonances in ultracold atomic gases.Comment: 4 pages, 3 figure
A strongly interacting Bose gas: Nozi\`eres and Schmitt-Rink theory and beyond
We calculate the critical temperature for Bose-Einstein condensation in a gas
of bosonic atoms across a Feshbach resonance, and show how medium effects at
negative scattering lengths give rise to pairs reminiscent of the ones
responsible for fermionic superfluidity. We find that the formation of pairs
leads to a large suppression of the critical temperature. Within the formalism
developed by Nozieres and Schmitt-Rink the gas appears mechanically stable
throughout the entire crossover region, but when interactions between pairs are
taken into account we show that the gas becomes unstable close to the critical
temperature. We discuss prospects of observing these effects in a gas of
ultracold Cs133 atoms where recent measurements indicate that the gas may be
sufficiently long-lived to explore the many-body physics around a Feshbach
resonance.Comment: 8 pages, 8 figures, RevTeX. Significantly expanded to include effects
beyond NS
Integrating water, waste, energy, transport and ICT aspects into the smart city concept
Open Access articleThe paper presents the partial results of the EU BlueSCities project [1]. The project is developing the methodology for the integration of the water and waste sectors within the ’Smart Cities and Communities’ concept to compliment other priority areas such as energy, transport and Information and mmunication Technologies (ICT). The project has developed the City Blueprint Framework or water and waste and the City Amberprint Framework for energy, transport and ICT
Minimally Invasive Stent Screw-Assisted Internal Fixation Technique Corrects Kyphosis in Osteoporotic Vertebral Fractures with Severe Collapse: A Pilot "Vertebra Plana" Series.
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE
Fractures with "vertebra plana" morphology are characterized by severe vertebral body collapse and segmental kyphosis; there is no established treatment standard for these fractures. Vertebroplasty and balloon kyphoplasty might represent an undertreatment, but surgical stabilization is challenging in an often elderly osteoporotic population. This study assessed the feasibility, clinical outcome, and radiologic outcome of the stent screw-assisted internal fixation technique using a percutaneous implant of vertebral body stents and cement-augmented pedicle screws in patients with non-neoplastic vertebra plana fractures.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Thirty-seven consecutive patients with vertebra plana fractures were treated with the stent screw-assisted internal fixation technique. Vertebral body height, local and vertebral kyphotic angles, outcome scales (numeric rating scale and the Patient's Global Impression of Change), and complications were assessed. Imaging and clinical follow-up were obtained at 1 and 6 months postprocedure.
RESULTS
Median vertebral body height restoration was 7 mm (+74%), 9 mm (+150%), and 3 mm (+17%) at the anterior wall, middle body, and posterior wall, respectively. Median local and vertebral kyphotic angles correction was 8° and 10° and was maintained through the 6-month follow-up. The median numeric rating scale score improved from 8/10 preprocedure to 3/10 at 1 and 6 months (P < .001). No procedural complications occurred.
CONCLUSIONS
The stent screw-assisted internal fixation technique was effective in obtaining height restoration, kyphosis correction, and pain relief in patients with severe vertebral collapse
Achieving the Neel state in an optical lattice
We theoretically study the possibility of reaching the antiferromagnetic
phase of the Hubbard model by starting from a normal gas of trapped fermionic
atoms and adiabatically ramping up an optical lattice. Requirements on the
initial temperature and the number of atoms are determined for a three
dimensional square lattice by evaluating the Neel state entropy, taking into
account fluctuations around the mean-field solution. We find that these
fluctuations place important limitations on adiabatically reaching the Neel
state.Comment: 4 pages, 2 figures, RevTeX. Revised version incorporates minor
corrections. Journal reference adde
Scoping literature review and focus groups with healthcare professionals on psychosocial and lifestyle assessments for childhood obesity care
Background: Childhood obesity is a complex disease resulting from the interaction of multiple factors. The effective management of childhood obesity requires assessing the psychosocial and lifestyle factors that may play a role in the development and maintenance of obesity. This study centers on available scientific literature on psychosocial and lifestyle assessments for childhood obesity, and experiences and views of healthcare professionals with regard to assessing psychosocial and lifestyle factors within Dutch integrated care. Methods: Two methods were used. First, a scoping review (in PubMed, Embase, PsycInfo, IBSS, Scopus and Web of Science) was performed by systematically searching for scientific literature on psychosocial and lifestyle assessments for childhood obesity. Data were analysed by extracting data in Microsoft Excel. Second, focus group discussions were held with healthcare professionals from a variety of disciplines and domains to explore their experiences and views about assessing psychosocial and lifestyle factors within Dutch integrated care. Data were analysed using template analysis, complemented with open coding in MAXQDA. Results: The results provide an overview of relevant psychosocial and lifestyle factors that should be assessed and were classified as child, family, parental and lifestyle (e.g. nutrition, physical activity and sleep factors) and structured into psychological and social aspects. Insights into how to assess psychosocial and lifestyle factors were identified as well, including talking about psychosocial factors, lifestyle and weight; the professional-patient relationship; and attitudes of healthcare professionals. Conclusions: This study provides an overview of psychosocial and lifestyle factors that should be identified within the context of childhood obesity care, as they may contribute to the development and maintenance of obesity. The results highlight the importance of both what is assessed and how it is assessed. The results of this study can be used to develop practical tools for facilitating healthcare professionals in conducting a psychosocial and lifestyle assessment.</p
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