87 research outputs found
Wideband 67-116 GHz cryogenic receiver development for ALMA Band 2
The Atacama Large Millimeter/sub-millimeter Array (ALMA) is already
revolutionising our understanding of the Universe. However, ALMA is not yet
equipped with all of its originally planned receiver bands, which will allow it
to observe over the full range of frequencies from 35-950 GHz accessible
through the Earth's atmosphere. In particular Band 2 (67-90 GHz) has not yet
been approved for construction. Recent technological developments in cryogenic
monolithic microwave integrated circuit (MMIC) high electron mobility
transistor (HEMT) amplifier and orthomode transducer (OMT) design provide an
opportunity to extend the originally planned on-sky bandwidth, combining ALMA
Bands 2 and 3 into one receiver cartridge covering 67-116 GHz.
The IF band definition for the ALMA project took place two decades ago, when
8 GHz of on-sky bandwidth per polarisation channel was an ambitious goal. The
new receiver design we present here allows the opportunity to expand ALMA's
wideband capabilities, anticipating future upgrades across the entire
observatory. Expanding ALMA's instantaneous bandwidth is a high priority, and
provides a number of observational advantages, including lower noise in
continuum observations, the ability to probe larger portions of an astronomical
spectrum for, e.g., widely spaced molecular transitions, and the ability to
scan efficiently in frequency space to perform surveys where the redshift or
chemical complexity of the object is not known a priori. Wider IF bandwidth
also reduces uncertainties in calibration and continuum subtraction that might
otherwise compromise science objectives.
Here we provide an overview of the component development and overall design
for this wideband 67-116 GHz cryogenic receiver cartridge, designed to operate
from the Band 2 receiver cartridge slot in the current ALMA front end receiver
cryostat.Comment: 8 pages, proceedings from the 8th ESA Workshop on Millimetre-Wave
Technology and Applications
(https://atpi.eventsair.com/QuickEventWebsitePortal/millimetre-wave/mm-wave
Re-emergence of enterovirus D68 in Europe after easing the COVID-19 lockdown, September 2021
We report a rapid increase in enterovirus D68 (EV-D68) infections, with 139 cases reported from eight European countries between 31 July and 14 October 2021. This upsurge is in line with the seasonality of EV-D68 and was presumably stimulated by the widespread reopening after COVID-19 lockdown. Most cases were identified in September, but more are to be expected in the coming months. Reinforcement of clinical awareness, diagnostic capacities and surveillance of EV-D68 is urgently needed in Europe.Peer Reviewe
Toward visualization of nanomachines in their native cellular environment
The cellular nanocosm is made up of numerous types of macromolecular complexes or biological nanomachines. These form functional modules that are organized into complex subcellular networks. Information on the ultra-structure of these nanomachines has mainly been obtained by analyzing isolated structures, using imaging techniques such as X-ray crystallography, NMR, or single particle electron microscopy (EM). Yet there is a strong need to image biological complexes in a native state and within a cellular environment, in order to gain a better understanding of their functions. Emerging methods in EM are now making this goal reachable. Cryo-electron tomography bypasses the need for conventional fixatives, dehydration and stains, so that a close-to-native environment is retained. As this technique is approaching macromolecular resolution, it is possible to create maps of individual macromolecular complexes. X-ray and NMR data can be âdockedâ or fitted into the lower resolution particle density maps to create a macromolecular atlas of the cell under normal and pathological conditions. The majority of cells, however, are too thick to be imaged in an intact state and therefore methods such as âhigh pressure freezingâ with âfreeze-substitution followed by room temperature plastic sectioningâ or âcryo-sectioning of unperturbed vitreous fully hydrated samplesâ have been introduced for electron tomography. Here, we review methodological considerations for visualizing nanomachines in a close-to-physiological, cellular context. EM is in a renaissance, and further innovations and training in this field should be fully supported
Electron microscopy of high pressure frozen samples: bridging the gap between cellular ultrastructure and atomic resolution
Penetration of CdSe/ZnS quantum dots into differentiated vs undifferentiated Caco-2 cells
Molecular epidemiology and evolutionary trajectory of emerging echovirus 30, Europe
In 2018, an upsurge in echovirus 30 (E30) infections was reported in Europe. We conducted a large-scale epidemiologic and evolutionary study of 1,329 E30 strains collected in 22 countries in Europe during 2016-2018. Most E30 cases affected persons 0-4 years of age (29%) and 25-34 years of age (27%). Sequences were divided into 6 genetic clades (G1-G6). Most (53%) sequences belonged to G1, followed by G6 (23%), G2 (17%), G4 (4%), G3 (0.3%), and G5 (0.2%). Each clade encompassed unique individual recombinant forms; G1 and G4 displayed >= 2 unique recombinant forms. Rapid turnover of new clades and recombinant forms occurred over time. Clades G1 and G6 dominated in 2018, suggesting the E30 upsurge was caused by emergence of 2 distinct clades circulating in Europe. Investigation into the mechanisms behind the rapid turnover of E30 is crucial for clarifying the epidemiology and evolution of these enterovirus infections.Molecular basis of virus replication, viral pathogenesis and antiviral strategie
High cumulative JC virus seroconversion rate during long-term use of natalizumab
Background and purpose John Cunningham virus (JCV) seropositivity is a risk factor for the development of natalizumabâassociated progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. When JCV seronegative patients seroconvert, their risk of developing PML increases. Limited longitudinal data exist about the seroconversion rate amongst natalizumabâtreated relapsingâremitting MS (RRMS) patients. Our objective was to evaluate the seroconversion rate in a large Dutch cohort of natalizumabâtreated RRMS patients. Seroconversion was defined as at least two consecutive seropositive serum samples (or cessation of therapy after a single seropositive sample because of seropositivity) after initial seronegative testing. Methods and results In our study of 179 patients for whom longitudinal blood samples were available over a long period (median 4.2 years), antiâJCV antibody indices were measured in 933 available samples. Eightyâsix patients (48.0%) tested seronegative initially. Of these 86 seronegative patients, 23 patients (26.7%) seroconverted during followâup. The annualized seroconversion rate was 7.1%. Seroconversion occurred between 9 and 90 months (median 43 months) of treatment. The rate of seroconversion was independent of followâup duration. No significant increase was seen in the antiâJCV antibody index in the nonâconverting patients during the followâup. Conclusion The annualized seroconversion rate of 7.1% in patients using natalizumab, cumulatively leading to more than 25% of seronegative patients becoming seropositive in 4 years, is of clinical relevance and should be taken into account in the risk assessment when considering the start of natalizumab therapy
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