Post-Prior discrepancies in CDW-EIS calculations for ion impact ionization fully differential cross sections

In this work we present fully differential cross sections (FDCSs) calculations using post and prior version of CDW--EIS theory for helium single ionization by 100 MeV C$^{6+}$ amu$^{-1}$ and 3.6 MeV amu$^{-1}$ Au$^{24+}$ and Au$^{53+}$ ions. We performed our calculations for different momentum transfer and ejected electron energies. The influence of internuclear potential on the ejected electron spectra is taken into account in all cases. We compare our calculations with absolute experimental measurements. It is shown that prior version calculations give better agreement with experiments in almost all studied cases.Comment: 9 pages, 7 figure

Exposure-age constraints on the extent, timing and rate of retreat of the last Irish Sea ice stream

We report 23 cosmogenic isotope exposure ages (10Be and 36Cl) relating to the maximum extent and deglaciation chronology of the Irish Sea Ice Stream (ISIS), which drained the SW sector of the last British-Irish Ice Sheet. These show that the ISIS failed to reach the Preseli Hills of North Pembrokeshire yet extended southwards to impinge on northern Isles of Scilly (50°N) during the last glacial maximum. Four samples from western Anglesey demonstrate deglaciation of the southern Irish Sea Basin by c. 20-18 ka, and two from the Llŷn Peninsula in northwest Wales, if valid, suggest deglaciation by c. 23-22 ka followed by gradual oscillatory northwards retreat of the ice margin for over 3000 years. An alternative interpretation of our data suggests that ice reached Scilly as late as 22-21 ka then retreated 450 km northwards within the following three millennia, possibly in response to sea level rise and/or intrinsic reorganisation within the last British-Irish Ice Sheet. Samples from upland source areas of the ISIS in NW England and SW Scotland produced exposure ages ≤14.3 ka, suggesting possible persistence of ice in such areas into the Lateglacial Interstade of 14.7-12.9 ka

Atom probe tomography and correlative microscopy: Key techniques for future planetary science studies

Our Galaxy is vast and awe-inspiring. The stars, planets, and our sun capture our imagination as children. For many of us, that wonder never ceases. It continues to inspire us throughout our careers and prompts us to question the evolution of our Solar System, to question what our place is within it, and how we may maintain longevity in a relatively volatile environment. To answer these questions planetary scientists turn to the study of extraterrestrial material. They analyze meteorites, impact craters, and materials returned by sample return missions for the evidence of events that are known to induce crystallographic and/or elemental changes, or for evidence of extraterrestrial isotopic abundances that point to the age and the original source of the material. Through these studies, we can constrain timelines of events that have occurred throughout the Solar System’s extensive history. Recently, atom probe tomography (APT) has been applied to the study of these materials. APT in correlation with larger-scale analysis techniques has provided insights into isotopic ratios or nanoscale distribution of elements, enriching our knowledge, and minimizing uncertainties in the time frame of critical cosmic events. The continued use of correlative microscopy with APT for the study of planetary science, including studies of small amounts of pristine materials delivered to the Earth by exciting sample return missions, promises to provide key information into the history of our Solar System. Here, we highlight the implications of correlative microscopy with APT for the future pursuits of planetary science, we reflect on the groundbreaking research already achieved, the challenges that have been overcome to achieve these outcomes and the challenges yet to come

The climate sensitivity of Norway spruce [Picea abies (L.) Karst.] in the southeastern European Alps

Tree ring chronologies were developed from trees growing at two sites in Slovenia which differed in their ecological and climatological characteristics. Ring width, maximum latewood density, annual height increment and latewood cellulose carbon isotope composition were developed at both sites and time-series verified against instrumental climate data over the period (AD 1960–AD 2002). Ring width sensitivity to summer temperature is site-dependent, with contrasting responses at alpine and lowland sites. Maximum density responds to September temperatures, suggesting lignification after cell division has ended for the season. Stable carbon isotopes have great potential, responding to summer temperature at oth alpine and lowland stands. Height increment appears relatively insensitive to climate, and is likely to be dominated by local stand dynamics

Long‐term anticholinergic, benzodiazepine and Z‐drug use in community‐dwelling older adults: What is the impact on cognitive and neuropsychological performance?

BACKGROUND Long-term use of anticholinergics, benzodiazepines and related drugs (or "Z-drugs") have been associated with cognitive impairment and dementia. However, the relationship of these medications with cognitive function and domain-specific neuropsychological performance in older adults without dementia, is unclear. METHODS 5135 older adults (74.0 ± 8.3 years; 67.4% female) without a diagnosis of dementia were recruited in Ireland to the Trinity-Ulster-Department of Agriculture (TUDA) study. Detailed cognitive and neuropsychological assessment was conducted using the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), Frontal Assessment Battery (FAB) and Repeatable Battery for Assessment of Neuropsychological Status (RBANS). RESULTS A total of 44% (2259 of 5153) used either a potential or definite anticholinergic medication. Overall, 9.7% (n = 500) used a definite anticholinergic medication. Regular benzodiazepine use was reported by 7% (n = 363), whilst 7.5% (n = 387) used a "Z-drug". Use of definite, but not potential anticholinergic medication was associated with poorer performance on all three assessments (β: -0.09; 95% CI: -0.14, -0.03, p = 0.002 for MMSE; β: -0.04; 95% CI: -0.06, -0.02; p < 0.001 for FAB; β: -4.15; 95% CI: -5.64, -2.66; p < 0.001 for RBANS) in addition to all domains of the RBANS. Regular benzodiazepine use was also associated with poorer neuropsychological test performance, especially in Immediate Memory (β: -4.98; 95% CI: -6.81, -3.15; p < 0.001) and Attention (β: -6.81; 95% CI: -8.60, -5.03; p < 0.001) RBANS domains. CONCLUSIONS Regular use of definite anticholinergic medications and benzodiazepines, but not potential anticholinergics or "Z-drugs", was associated with poorer overall and domain-specific neuropsychological performance in older adults

Reduced Kidney Function is Associated with Poorer Domain‐Specific Cognitive Performance in Community‐Dwelling Older Adults

OBJECTIVES: Whilst chronic kidney disease has been associated with cognitive impairment, the association between reduced estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR) and domain‐specific cognitive performance is less clear and may represent an important target for the promotion of optimal brain health in older adults. METHODS: Participants aged >60 years from the Trinity‐Ulster‐Department of Agriculture study underwent detailed cognitive assessment using the Mini‐Mental State Examination (Mini‐Mental State Examination (MMSE)), Frontal Assessment Battery (FAB) and Repeatable Battery for Assessment of Neuropsychological Status (RBANS). Poisson and linear regression models assessed the relationship between eGFR strata and cognitive performance. RESULTS: In 4887 older adults (73.9 ± 8.3 years; 67.7% female), declining eGFR strata was associated with greater likelihood of error on the MMSE/FAB and poorer overall performance on the RBANS. Following robust covariate adjustment, findings were greatest for GFR 80 years. CONCLUSIONS: Reduced kidney function was associated with poorer global and domain‐specific neuropsychological performance. Associations were strongest with eGFR <45 ml/min/1.73 m(2) and in those aged 60–70 years, suggesting that this population may potentially benefit from potential multi‐domain interventions aimed at promoting optimal brain health in older adults

βIII-tubulin: a novel mediator of chemoresistance and metastases in pancreatic cancer

Pancreatic cancer is a leading cause of cancer-related deaths in Western societies. This poor prognosis is due to chemotherapeutic drug resistance and metastatic spread. Evidence suggests that microtubule proteins namely, β-tubulins are dysregulated in tumor cells and are involved in regulating chemosensitivity. However, the role of β-tubulins in pancreatic cancer are unknown. We measured the expression of different β-tubulin isotypes in pancreatic adenocarcinoma tissue and pancreatic cancer cells. Next, we used RNAi to silence βIII-tubulin expression in pancreatic cancer cells, and measured cell growth in the absence and presence of chemotherapeutic drugs. Finally, we assessed the role of βIII-tubulin in regulating tumor growth and metastases using an orthotopic pancreatic cancer mouse model. We found that βIII-tubulin is highly expressed in pancreatic adenocarcinoma tissue and pancreatic cancer cells. Further, we demonstrated that silencing βIII-tubulin expression reduced pancreatic cancer cell growth and tumorigenic potential in the absence and presence of chemotherapeutic drugs. Finally, we demonstrated that suppression of βIII-tubulin reduced tumor growth and metastases in vivo. Our novel data demonstrate that βIII-tubulin is a key player in promoting pancreatic cancer growth and survival, and silencing its expression may be a potential therapeutic strategy to increase the long-term survival of pancreatic cancer patients