Removing Barriers, Integrating Research, Spreading Excellence: The European Satellite Communications Network of Excellence "SatNEx"

Within the recently launched 6th Research Framework Programme of the European Commission, 21 major players in satellite communications research have joined forces to implement the European Satellite Communications Network of Excellence (SatNEx). The primary goal of SatNEx is to achieve long-lasting integration of the European research in satellite communication and to develop a common base of knowledge, thus contributing to the realization of the European Research Area. This paper discusses the background and motivation for implementation of the network and highlights the SatNEx mission and key objectives. A top-level overview is then provided including a description of the consortium, the Joint Programme of Activities (JPA) and the time schedule with deliverables and milestones. Finally, an update of ongoing work is presented

Clinical use of HIV integrase inhibitors : a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background: Optimal regimen choice of antiretroviral therapy is essential to achieve long-term clinical success. Integrase inhibitors have swiftly been adopted as part of current antiretroviral regimens. The purpose of this study was to review the evidence for integrase inhibitor use in clinical settings. Methods: MEDLINE and Web-of-Science were screened from April 2006 until November 2012, as were hand-searched scientific meeting proceedings. Multiple reviewers independently screened 1323 citations in duplicate to identify randomized controlled trials, nonrandomized controlled trials and cohort studies on integrase inhibitor use in clinical practice. Independent, duplicate data extraction and quality assessment were conducted. Results: 48 unique studies were included on the use of integrase inhibitors in antiretroviral therapy-naive patients and treatment-experienced patients with either virological failure or switching to integrase inhibitors while virologically suppressed. On the selected studies with comparable outcome measures and indication (n = 16), a meta-analysis was performed based on modified intention-to-treat (mITT), on-treatment (OT) and as-treated (AT) virological outcome data. In therapy-naive patients, favorable odds ratios (OR) for integrase inhibitor-based regimens were observed, (mITT OR 0.71, 95% CI 0.59-0.86). However, integrase inhibitors combined with protease inhibitors only did not result in a significant better virological outcome. Evidence further supported integrase inhibitor use following virological failure (mITT OR 0.27; 95% CI 0.11-0.66), but switching to integrase inhibitors from a high genetic barrier drug during successful treatment was not supported (mITT OR 1.43; 95% CI 0.89-2.31). Integrase inhibitor-based regimens result in similar immunological responses compared to other regimens. A low genetic barrier to drug-resistance development was observed for raltegravir and elvitegravir, but not for dolutegravir. Conclusion: In first-line therapy, integrase inhibitors are superior to other regimens. Integrase inhibitor use after virological failure is supported as well by the meta-analysis. Careful use is however warranted when replacing a high genetic barrier drug in treatment-experienced patients switching successful treatment

trans-Tetra­carbonyl­bis­[tris­(3-fluoro­phen­yl)phosphane]chromium(0)

In the title compound, [Cr(C18H12F3P)2(CO)4], the Cr atom is octa­hedrally coordinated by four carbonyl ligands and the two tertiary phosphanes, which are trans to each other. The three benzene rings in one phosphane ligand make dihedral angles of 53.50 (9), 75.51 (10) and 80.63 (10)° with each other, while in the other ligand these angles are 51.92 (10), 78.56 (11) and 86.80 (10)°. C—H⋯O and C—H⋯F inter­actions link the mol­ecules into a three-dimensional network. Each of the F atoms is disordered over two positions with refined occupancies of 0.944 (3):0.056 (3), 0.702 (4):0.298 (4), 0.829 (4):0.171 (4), 0.567 (4):0.433 (4), 0.545 (4):0.455 (4) and 0.920 (4):0.080 (4)

MOA-2010-BLG-523: "Failed Planet" = RS CVn Star

peer reviewedThe Galactic bulge source MOA-2010-BLG-523S exhibited short-term deviations from a standard microlensing light curve near the peak of an A [SUB]max[/SUB] ~ 265 high-magnification microlensing event. The deviations originally seemed consistent with expectations for a planetary companion to the principal lens. We combine long-term photometric monitoring with a previously published high-resolution spectrum taken near peak to demonstrate that this is an RS CVn variable, so that planetary microlensing is not required to explain the light-curve deviations. This is the first spectroscopically confirmed RS CVn star discovered in the Galactic bulge. Based on observations made with the European Southern Observatory telescopes, Program ID 85.B-0399(I)

Effects of advance care planning on knowledge, behavior and well being of older people: A systematic review protocol

Session presented on Saturday, July 26, 2014: Background: Advance Care Planning is a process of discussion about an individual\u27s preferences for care in their anticipation of future deterioration. There are different formats and inconsistent approach in implementing Advance Care Planning to older people. The effectiveness of Advance Care Planning intervention will influence on the knowledge, behavior and well- being in older people. Method of review: Inclusion Criteria Types of participants: Older people who are age 60 or over, with or without chronic illness, no restriction on any disease groups and health status of participants. Types of interventions: Advance Care Planning (ACP) refers to a process of discussing on end of life care/determining/executing treatment directives/appointing a proxy decision maker, or a combination of both. Formats: Self-administered computerized program, self-administered form, video, individual or group interview, information\u27 sharing sessions, decision making meeting, counseling, single or multiple sessions. Types of studies: Studies designed in randomized control trial (RCT) to evaluate the outcomes of ACP In absence of RCT, quasi-experimental studies will be included. Types of comparison: Comparison between usual care or practice (no ACP program) with the ACP intervention Comparison between two or more types of ACP-related interventions Comparison between different combinations of format of ACP-related interventions. Types of outcomes: 1. Knowledge: refer to the knowledge, understanding & awareness related to ACP & end of life care. Outcome measures client\u27s knowledge in: ACP, advance directives, appoint proxy, knowledge of current & future health state, associated management 2. Behavior: Refers to client\u27s action taken after ACP Outcome measures: identify preference of care or proxy, documentation on their preferences for CPR, artificial nutrition, intravenous antibiotic etc.; appointment of proxy, health services utilization e.g. hospitalization, length of stay, clinic attendance, A & E attendance 3. Well-being: Focus on client\u27s psychological state after the intervention. Outcome measures: client\u27s satisfaction, level of stress/anxiety, quality of life, communication or relationship with others (relatives & health care providers). Studies published in English and Chinese will be searched by three steps approach. Selected eligible articles will be managed by RevMan. The result will be pooled in statistical meta-analysis. Subgroup analysis will be conduct when there are heterogeneity in terms of study design, participants etc. For findings which are statistically analysis inappropriate, narrative summary will be provided

trans-Tetra­carbonyl­bis­[tris­(4-fluoro­phen­yl)phosphane-κP]chromium(0)

In the title compound, [Cr(C18H12F3P)2(CO)4], the Cr atom is octa­hedrally coordinated by four carbonyl ligands and the two tertiary phosphanes that are trans to each other. The Cr atom and two carbonyl groups are on a twofold axis. The benzene rings attached to the phospho­rus atom make dihedral angles of 80.32 (5), 52.91 (5) and 83.80 (5)° with each other. In the crystal, C—H⋯O and C—H⋯F inter­molecular inter­actions form an infinite three-dimensional network

Di-l-methacrylato-j4O:O0-bis[aquabis(1,10-phenanthroline-j2N,N0)-copper(II)] dinitrate dihydrate

The title complex, [Cu2(C4H5O2)2(C12H8N2)2(H2O)2](NO3)2- 2H2O, contains a dimeric [Cu2(C4H5O2)2(C12H8N2)2- (H2O)2]2+ dication with two five-coordinated CuII ions linked by two methacrylate ions in a syn–syn bridging arrangement.The dication possesses pseudo-twofold rotational symmetry.The pentacoordination of each CuII ion has a distorted squarepyramidal geometry, with two N donors from a phenanthroline ligand and two carboxylate O atoms occupying basal sites and the apical position being occupied by a water molecule. In the crystal packing, molecules are linked to form a threedimensional framework by O—H O and C—H O hydrogen bonds and – interactions [centroid–centroid distances of 3.6039 (15), 3.5301 (15), 3.6015 (15),3.6496 (15) and 3.6858 (15) A ° ]

Synthesis and Characterization of Single Phase ZnO Nanostructures Via Solvothermal Method : Influence of Alkaline Source

Single phase ZnO nanostructures were synthesized by a simple and low temperature solvothennal process from two different alkaline sources; Potassium hydroxide (KOH) and Sodium hydroxide (NaOH) with zinc acetate dihydrate (Zn(CH3COO)2·2H20) as precursor. This facile and rapid synthesis technique achieve high purity of Zinc oxide (ZnO) nanostructures in large scale negating the use of complex and high temperature routes. The synthesized particles were characterized by X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FE-SEM), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), Fourier Transfonn Infrared (FT-IR) Spectroscopy, and Ultraviolet Visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy. ZnO synthesized using KOH and NaOH exhibit wurtzite hexagonal and flake-like nanostructures with average crystallite size of 11.0 nm and 14.9 nm respectively. The optical absorption spectra of the two samples showed absorption bands of 367.70 and 365.30 nm. The results showed the effect of alkaline sources on the surface morphology, structural and optical properties of ZnO

Dietary nutrition, gut microbiota, and health status across geographically diverse populations in Mongolia: A cross‐sectional study

Until recently, nomadic nomadism has been the dominant culture in Mongolia. Dietary patterns have evolved to fit this culture and ensure the health of people. This cross-sectional study was conducted to investigate the key role of dietary nutrition in maintaining the health of the Mongolian population and its impact on gut microbiota. Meanwhile, the correlations between the gut microbiota, dietary nutrition, and health status of the Mongolian population were explored. This study revealed distinct patterns in the dietary structures of urban and nomadic populations. During winter, urban populations consume more fruits, vegetables, and egg products, whereas nomads consume more dairy products. The intake of nutrients such as energy, protein, and carbohydrates, and blood indices such as blood glucose and total cholesterol (TC) of nomadic populations were found to be significantly higher than those of urban residents (p region and season on the gut microbiota of the Mongolian population with regional disparities was greater than that of seasonal variations. In winter, the gut microbiota composition of nomadic populations differed significantly from that of urban populations, as evidenced by a decrease in Bacteroides, Phocaeicola, Phocaeicola vulgatus, Bacteroides uniformis, and Lachnospira eligens and an increase in Firmicutes, Alistipes, Dorea, Ruminococcus torques, and Dorea formicigenerans (p and Bifidobacterium sp. were abundant in the gut of the Mongolian population, which present promising opportunities for developing and utilizing unique probiotic resources in Mongolia. The study also found correlations between microbial species and blood indices, as well as nutrients, providing novel evidence to support the complex relationships between gut microbiota, nutrition, and health sta-tus in the Mongolian population. Overall, this study revealed significant differences in dietary nutrition, gut microbiota, and healt