IRAS04325+2402C: A very low mass object with an edge-on disk

IRAS04325+2402C is a low luminosity object located near a protostar in Taurus. We present new spatially-resolved mm observations, near-infrared spectroscopy, and Spitzer photometry that improve the constraints on the nature of this source. The object is clearly detected in our 1.3 mm interferometry map, allowing us to estimate the mass in a localized disk+envelope around it to be in the range of 0.001 to 0.01Ms. Thus IRAS04325C is unlikely to accrete significantly more mass. The near-infrared spectrum cannot be explained with an extincted photosphere alone, but is consistent with a 0.03-0.1Ms central source plus moderate veiling, seen in scattered light, confirming the edge-on nature of the disk. Based on K-band flux and spectral slope we conclude that a central object mass >~0.1Ms is unlikely. Our comparison of the full spectral energy distribution, including new Spitzer photometry, with radiative transfer models confirms the high inclination of the disk (>~80deg), the very low mass of the central source, and the small amount of circumstellar material. IRAS04325C is one of the lowest mass objects with a resolved edge-on disk known to date, possibly a young brown dwarf, and a likely wide companion to a more massive star. With these combined properties, it represents a unique case to study the formation and early evolution of very low mass objects.Comment: 5 pages, 3 figures, Astrophysical Journal Letters, in pres

Characterization of an embedded RF-MEMS switch

An RF-MEMS capacitive switch for mm-wave integrated circuits, embedded in the BEOL of 0.25μm BiCMOS process, has been characterized. First, a mechanical model based on Finite-Element-Method (FEM) was developed by taking the residual stress of the thin film membrane into account. The pull-in voltage and the capacitance values obtained with the mechanical model agree very well with the measured values. Moreover, S-parameters were extracted using Electromagnetic (EM) solver. The data observed in this way also agree well with the experimental ones measured up to 110GHz. The developed RF model was applied to a transmit/receive (T/R) antenna switch design. The results proved the feasibility of using the FEM model in circuit simulations for the development of RF-MEMS switch embedded, single-chip multi-band RF ICs

A new lab-on-chip transmitter for the detection of proteins using RNA aptamers

A new RNA aptamer based affinity biosensor for CReactive Protein (CRP), a risk marker for cardiovascular disease was developed using interdigitated capacitor (IDC), integrated in Voltage Controlled Oscillator (VCO) and output signal is amplified using Single Stage Power Amplifier (PA) for transmitting signal to receiver at Industrial, Scientific and Medical (ISM) band. The Lab-on-Chip transmitter design includes IDC, VCO and PA. The design was implemented in IHP 0.25μm SiGe BiCMOS process; post-CMOS process was utilized to increase the sensitivity of biosensor. The CRP was incubated between or on interdigitated electrodes and the changes in capacitance of IDC occurred. In blank measurements, the oscillation frequency was 2.464GHz whereas after RNA aptamers were immobilized on open aluminum areas of IDC and followed by binding reaction processed with 500pg/ml CRP solution, the capacitance shifted to 2.428GHz. Phase noise is changed from -114.3dBc/Hz to -116.5dBc/Hz

The Solar Neighborhood. XXII. Parallax Results from the CTIOPI 0.9m Program: Trigonometric Parallaxes of 64 Nearby Systems with 0\farcs5 ≤μ≤\leq \mu \leq 1\farcs0 yr−1^{-1} (SLOWMO sample)

We present trigonometric parallaxes of 64 stellar systems with proper motions between 0\farcs5 yr$^{-1}$ and 1\farcs0 yr$^{-1}$ from the ongoing RECONS (Research Consortium On Nearby Stars) parallax program at CTIO (the Cerro Tololo Interamerican Observatory). All of the systems are south of DEC $= +30$, and 58 had no previous trigonometric parallaxes. In addition to parallaxes for the systems, we present proper motions, Johnson-Kron-Cousins $VRI$ photometry, variability measurements, and spectral types. Nine of the systems are multiple; we present results for their components, three of which are new astrometric detections. Of the 64 systems, 56 are within 25 parsecs of the Sun and 52 of those are in the southern hemisphere, comprising 5.7\% of the total number of known southern 25 parsec systems.Comment: Figures not inline. Accepted by A

A prospective randomised, open-labeled, trial comparing sirolimus-containing versus mTOR-inhibitor-free immunosuppression in patients undergoing liver transplantation for hepatocellular carcinoma

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>The potential anti-cancer effects of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitors are being intensively studied. To date, however, few randomised clinical trials (RCT) have been performed to demonstrate anti-neoplastic effects in the pure oncology setting, and at present, no oncology endpoint-directed RCT has been reported in the high-malignancy risk population of immunosuppressed transplant recipients. Interestingly, since mTOR inhibitors have both immunosuppressive and anti-cancer effects, they have the potential to simultaneously protect against immunologic graft loss and tumour development. Therefore, we designed a prospective RCT to determine if the mTOR inhibitor sirolimus can improve hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC)-free patient survival in liver transplant (LT) recipients with a pre-transplant diagnosis of HCC.</p> <p>Methods/Design</p> <p>The study is an open-labelled, randomised, RCT comparing sirolimus-containing versus mTOR-inhibitor-free immunosuppression in patients undergoing LT for HCC. Patients with a histologically confirmed HCC diagnosis are randomised into 2 groups within 4-6 weeks after LT; one arm is maintained on a centre-specific mTOR-inhibitor-free immunosuppressive protocol and the second arm is maintained on a centre-specific mTOR-inhibitor-free immunosuppressive protocol for the first 4-6 weeks, at which time sirolimus is initiated. A 2^1/2 -year recruitment phase is planned with a 5-year follow-up, testing HCC-free survival as the primary endpoint. Our hypothesis is that sirolimus use in the second arm of the study will improve HCC-free survival. The study is a non-commercial investigator-initiated trial (IIT) sponsored by the University Hospital Regensburg and is endorsed by the European Liver and Intestine Transplant Association; 13 countries within Europe, Canada and Australia are participating.</p> <p>Discussion</p> <p>If our hypothesis is correct that mTOR inhibition can reduce HCC tumour growth while simultaneously providing immunosuppression to protect the liver allograft from rejection, patients should experience less post-transplant problems with HCC recurrence, and therefore could expect a longer and better quality of life. A positive outcome will likely change the standard of posttransplant immunosuppressive care for LT patients with HCC.</p> <p>Trial Register</p> <p>Trial registered at <url>http://www.clinicaltrials.gov</url>: NCT00355862</p> <p>(EudraCT Number: 2005-005362-36)</p

FOSS CAD for the compact Verilog-A model standardization in Open Access PDKs

The semiconductor industry continues to grow and innovate; however, companies are facing challenges in growing their workforce with skilled technicians and engineers. To meet the demand for well-trained workers worldwide, innovative ways to attract skilled talent and strengthen the local semiconductor workforce ecosystem are of utmost importance. FOSS CAD/EDA tools combined with free and open-access PDKs can serve as a new platform for bringing together IC design newbies, enthusiasts, and experienced mentors

Mendelian randomization integrating GWAS and eQTL data reveals genetic determinants of complex and clinical traits

Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have identified thousands of variants associated with complex traits, but their biological interpretation often remains unclear. Most of these variants overlap with expression QTLs, indicating their potential involvement in regulation of gene expression. Here, we propose a transcriptome-wide summary statistics-based Mendelian Randomization approach (TWMR) that uses multiple SNPs as instruments and multiple gene expression traits as exposures, simultaneously. Applied to 43 human phenotypes, it uncovers 3,913 putatively causal gene-trait associations, 36% of which have no genome-wide significant SNP nearby in previous GWAS. Using independent association summary statistics, we find that the majority of these loci were missed by GWAS due to power issues. Noteworthy among these links is educational attainment-associated BSCL2, known to carry mutations leading to a Mendelian form of encephalopathy. We also find pleiotropic causal effects suggestive of mechanistic connections. TWMR better accounts for pleiotropy and has the potential to identify biological mechanisms underlying complex traits

A summary of new findings on the biological effects of selenium in selected animal species: a critical review.

Selenium is an essential trace element important for many physiological processes, especially for the functions of immune and reproductive systems, metabolism of thyroid hormones, as well as antioxidant defense. Selenium deficiency is usually manifested by an increased incidence of retention of placenta, metritis, mastitis, aborts, lowering fertility and increased susceptibility to infections. In calves, lambs and kids, the selenium deficiency demonstrates by WMD (white muscle disease), in foals and donkey foals, it is associated with incidence of WMD and yellow fat disease, and in pigs it causes VESD (vitamin E/selenium deficiency) syndrome. The prevention of these health disorders can be achieved by an adequate selenium supplementation to the diet. The review summarizes the survey of knowledge on selenium, its biological significance in the organism, the impact of its deficiency in mammalian livestock (comparison of ruminants vs. non-ruminants, herbivore vs. omnivore) and possibilities of its peroral administration. The databases employed were as follows: Web of Science, PubMed, MEDLINE and Google Scholar

ARTEFACTS: How do we want to deal with the future of our one and only planet?

The European Commission’s Science and Knowledge Service, the Joint Research Centre (JRC), decided to try working hand-in-hand with leading European science centres and museums. Behind this decision was the idea that the JRC could better support EU Institutions in engaging with the European public. The fact that European Union policies are firmly based on scientific evidence is a strong message which the JRC is uniquely able to illustrate. Such a collaboration would not only provide a platform to explain the benefits of EU policies to our daily lives but also provide an opportunity for European citizens to engage by taking a more active part in the EU policy making process for the future. A PILOT PROGRAMME To test the idea, the JRC launched an experimental programme to work with science museums: a perfect partner for three compelling reasons. Firstly, they attract a large and growing number of visitors. Leading science museums in Europe have typically 500 000 visitors per year. Furthermore, they are based in large European cities and attract local visitors as well as tourists from across Europe and beyond. The second reason for working with museums is that they have mastered the art of how to communicate key elements of sophisticated arguments across to the public and making complex topics of public interest readily accessible. That is a high-value added skill and a crucial part of the valorisation of public-funded research, never to be underestimated. Finally museums are, at present, undergoing something of a renaissance. Museums today are vibrant environments offering new techniques and technologies to both inform and entertain, and attract visitors of all demographics.JRC.H.2-Knowledge Management Methodologies, Communities and Disseminatio