29 research outputs found
GEMS X-ray Polarimeter Performance Simulations
The Gravity and Extreme Magnetism Small explorer (GEMS) is an X-ray polarization telescope selected as a NASA small explorer satellite mission. The X-ray Polarimeter on GEMS uses a Time Projection Chamber gas proportional counter to measure the polarization of astrophysical X-rays in the 2-10 keV band by sensing the direction of the track of the primary photoelectron excited by the incident X-ray. We have simulated the expected sensitivity of the polarimeter to polarized X-rays. We use the simulation package Penelope to model the physics of the interaction of the initial photoelectron with the detector gas and to determine the distribution of charge deposited in the detector volume. We then model the charge diffusion in the detector,and produce simulated track images. Within the track reconstruction algorithm we apply cuts on the track shape and focus on the initial photoelectron direction in order to maximize the overall sensitivity of the instrument, using this technique we have predicted instrument modulation factors nu(sub 100) for 100% polarized X-rays ranging from 10% to over 60% across the 2-10 keV X-ray band. We also discuss the simulation program used to develop and model some of the algorithms used for triggering, and energy measurement of events in the polarimeter
Induction of fibroblast senescence generates a non-fibrogenic myofibroblast phenotype that differentially impacts on cancer prognosis
Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAF) remain a poorly characterized, heterogeneous cell population. Here we characterized two previously described tumor-promoting CAF sub-types, smooth muscle actin (SMA)-positive myofibroblasts and senescent fibroblasts, identifying a novel link between the two. Analysis of CAF cultured ex vivo, showed that senescent CAF are predominantly SMA-positive; this was confirmed by immunochemistry in head & neck (HNSCC) and esophageal (EAC) cancers. In vitro, we found that fibroblasts induced to senesce develop molecular, ultrastructural and contractile features typical of myofibroblasts and this is dependent on canonical TGF-? signaling. Similar to TGF-?1-generated myofibroblasts, these cells secrete soluble factors that promote tumor cell motility. However, RNA-sequencing revealed significant transcriptomic differences between the two SMA-positive CAF groups, particularly in genes associated with extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition and organization, which differentially promote tumor cell invasion. Notably, second harmonic generation imaging and bioinformatic analysis of SMA-positive human HNSCC and EAC showed that collagen fiber organization correlates with poor prognosis, indicating that heterogeneity within the SMA-positive CAF population differentially impacts on survival. These results show that non-fibrogenic, SMA-positive myofibroblasts can be directly generated through induction of fibroblast senescence and suggest that senescence and myofibroblast differentiation are closely linked processes
The X-ray Polarization Probe mission concept
The X-ray Polarization Probe (XPP) is a second generation X-ray polarimeter
following up on the Imaging X-ray Polarimetry Explorer (IXPE). The XPP will
offer true broadband polarimetery over the wide 0.2-60 keV bandpass in addition
to imaging polarimetry from 2-8 keV. The extended energy bandpass and
improvements in sensitivity will enable the simultaneous measurement of the
polarization of several emission components. These measurements will give
qualitatively new information about how compact objects work, and will probe
fundamental physics, i.e. strong-field quantum electrodynamics and strong
gravity.Comment: submitted to Astrophysics Decadal Survey as a State of the Profession
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Joanne Tod
Tod briefly characterizes her work, refering to the artist's responsability to critically analyse society. Biographical notes
Sport Psychology
Whether it's understanding how a player copes with the pressures of taking a penalty, or how a coach motivates their team, sport psychology helps us to get into the athlete's mind. In this enlightening overview, the authors integrate biological, social and cognitive approaches to investigate the impact of behaviour, thoughts and feelings on performance and help us comprehend the psychological effects of playing sports. Whatever your level of study, this wide-ranging introduction will give you a deeper understanding of the effect of key psychological principles on the experience and performance of sports. [Book Synopsis