The Roles of the S3MPC: Monitoring, Validation and Evolution of Sentinel-3 Altimetry Observations

The Sentinel-3 Mission Performance Centre (S3MPC) is tasked by the European Space Agency (ESA) to monitor the health of the Copernicus Sentinel-3 satellites and ensure a high data quality to the users. This paper deals exclusively with the effort devoted to the altimeter and microwave radiometer, both components of the Surface Topography Mission (STM). The altimeters on Sentinel-3A and -3B are the first to operate in delay-Doppler or SAR mode over all Earth surfaces, which enables better spatial resolution of the signal in the along-track direction and improved noise reduction through multi-looking, whilst the radiometer is a two-channel nadir-viewing system. There are regular routine assessments of the instruments through investigation of telemetered housekeeping data, calibrations over selected sites and comparisons of geophysical retrievals with models, in situ data and other satellite systems. These are performed both to monitor the daily production, assessing the uncertainties and errors on the estimates, and also to characterize the long-term performance for climate science applications. This is critical because an undetected drift in performance could be misconstrued as a climate variation. As the data are used by the Copernicus Services (e.g., CMEMS, Global Land Monitoring Services) and by the research community over open ocean, coastal waters, sea ice, land ice, rivers and lakes, the validation activities encompass all these domains, with regular reports openly available. The S3MPC is also in charge of preparing improvements to the processing, and of the development and tuning of algorithms to improve their accuracy. This paper is thus the first refereed publication to bring together the analysis of SAR altimetry across all these different domains to highlight the benefits and existing challenges

Nanoinformatics: developing new computing applications for nanomedicine

Nanoinformatics has recently emerged to address the need of computing applications at the nano level. In this regard, the authors have participated in various initiatives to identify its concepts, foundations and challenges. While nanomaterials open up the possibility for developing new devices in many industrial and scientific areas, they also offer breakthrough perspectives for the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of diseases. In this paper, we analyze the different aspects of nanoinformatics and suggest five research topics to help catalyze new research and development in the area, particularly focused on nanomedicine. We also encompass the use of informatics to further the biological and clinical applications of basic research in nanoscience and nanotechnology, and the related concept of an extended ?nanotype? to coalesce information related to nanoparticles. We suggest how nanoinformatics could accelerate developments in nanomedicine, similarly to what happened with the Human Genome and other -omics projects, on issues like exchanging modeling and simulation methods and tools, linking toxicity information to clinical and personal databases or developing new approaches for scientific ontologies, among many others

Interspecific Proteomic Comparisons Reveal Ash Phloem Genes Potentially Involved in Constitutive Resistance to the Emerald Ash Borer

The emerald ash borer (Agrilus planipennis) is an invasive wood-boring beetle that has killed millions of ash trees since its accidental introduction to North America. All North American ash species (Fraxinus spp.) that emerald ash borer has encountered so far are susceptible, while an Asian species, Manchurian ash (F. mandshurica), which shares an evolutionary history with emerald ash borer, is resistant. Phylogenetic evidence places North American black ash (F. nigra) and Manchurian ash in the same clade and section, yet black ash is highly susceptible to the emerald ash borer. This contrast provides an opportunity to compare the genetic traits of the two species and identify those with a potential role in defense/resistance. We used Difference Gel Electrophoresis (DIGE) to compare the phloem proteomes of resistant Manchurian to susceptible black, green, and white ash. Differentially expressed proteins associated with the resistant Manchurian ash when compared to the susceptible ash species were identified using nano-LC-MS/MS and putative identities assigned. Proteomic differences were strongly associated with the phylogenetic relationships among the four species. Proteins identified in Manchurian ash potentially associated with its resistance to emerald ash borer include a PR-10 protein, an aspartic protease, a phenylcoumaran benzylic ether reductase (PCBER), and a thylakoid-bound ascorbate peroxidase. Discovery of resistance-related proteins in Asian species will inform approaches in which resistance genes can be introgressed into North American ash species. The generation of resistant North American ash genotypes can be used in forest ecosystem restoration and urban plantings following the wake of the emerald ash borer invasion

Multi-messenger observations of a binary neutron star merger

On 2017 August 17 a binary neutron star coalescence candidate (later designated GW170817) with merger time 12:41:04 UTC was observed through gravitational waves by the Advanced LIGO and Advanced Virgo detectors. The Fermi Gamma-ray Burst Monitor independently detected a gamma-ray burst (GRB 170817A) with a time delay of ~1.7 s with respect to the merger time. From the gravitational-wave signal, the source was initially localized to a sky region of 31 deg2 at a luminosity distance of 40+8-8 Mpc and with component masses consistent with neutron stars. The component masses were later measured to be in the range 0.86 to 2.26 Mo. An extensive observing campaign was launched across the electromagnetic spectrum leading to the discovery of a bright optical transient (SSS17a, now with the IAU identification of AT 2017gfo) in NGC 4993 (at ~40 Mpc) less than 11 hours after the merger by the One- Meter, Two Hemisphere (1M2H) team using the 1 m Swope Telescope. The optical transient was independently detected by multiple teams within an hour. Subsequent observations targeted the object and its environment. Early ultraviolet observations revealed a blue transient that faded within 48 hours. Optical and infrared observations showed a redward evolution over ~10 days. Following early non-detections, X-ray and radio emission were discovered at the transient’s position ~9 and ~16 days, respectively, after the merger. Both the X-ray and radio emission likely arise from a physical process that is distinct from the one that generates the UV/optical/near-infrared emission. No ultra-high-energy gamma-rays and no neutrino candidates consistent with the source were found in follow-up searches. These observations support the hypothesis that GW170817 was produced by the merger of two neutron stars in NGC4993 followed by a short gamma-ray burst (GRB 170817A) and a kilonova/macronova powered by the radioactive decay of r-process nuclei synthesized in the ejecta

Genome-wide Analyses Identify KIF5A as a Novel ALS Gene

To identify novel genes associated with ALS, we undertook two lines of investigation. We carried out a genome-wide association study comparing 20,806 ALS cases and 59,804 controls. Independently, we performed a rare variant burden analysis comparing 1,138 index familial ALS cases and 19,494 controls. Through both approaches, we identified kinesin family member 5A (KIF5A) as a novel gene associated with ALS. Interestingly, mutations predominantly in the N-terminal motor domain of KIF5A are causative for two neurodegenerative diseases: hereditary spastic paraplegia (SPG10) and Charcot-Marie-Tooth type 2 (CMT2). In contrast, ALS-associated mutations are primarily located at the C-terminal cargo-binding tail domain and patients harboring loss-of-function mutations displayed an extended survival relative to typical ALS cases. Taken together, these results broaden the phenotype spectrum resulting from mutations in KIF5A and strengthen the role of cytoskeletal defects in the pathogenesis of ALS.Peer reviewe

Intrauterine infection with mumps virus

Made available in DSpace on 2011-11-01T16:37:06Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 2 license.txt: 1648 bytes, checksum: e095249ac7cacefbfe39684dfe45e706 (MD5) 1980 - intrauterine infecion with mumps virus2.pdf: 725931 bytes, checksum: 095aa4a756d48021385ed2ad566884d2 (MD5) Previous issue date: 1980Fundação Oswaldo Cruz. Instituto Fernandes Figueira. Departamento de Patologia. Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil.Fundação Oswaldo Cruz. Instituto Fernandes Figueira. Departamento de Patologia. Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil.Fundação Oswaldo Cruz. Instituto Fernandes Figueira. Departamento de Patologia. Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil.Fundação Oswaldo Cruz. Instituto Fernandes Figueira. Departamento de Patologia. Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil.Fundação Oswaldo Cruz. Instituto Fernandes Figueira. Departamento de Patologia. Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil.Fundação Oswaldo Cruz. Instituto Fernandes Figueira. Departamento de Patologia. Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil.The histopathologic study of 3 cases of gestational mumps is presented. The tissue studied was obtained from a spontaneous abortion (case 1) and from 2 therapeutic abortions (cases 2 and 3). Severe placental and fetal lesions were observed, indicating a probable association with maternal mumps. The main placental lesion was a diffuse proliferative necrotic villitis with severe lesions in the fetal vascular circuit, probably the cause of death. In the fetal viscera, areas of necrosis and mineralization were observed. Viral inclusions identical to those described in mumps infection were observed in the chorionic and fetal tissues

Improved Oceanographic Measurements from SAR Altimetry: Results and Scientific Roadmap from the ESA CryoSat Plus For Oceans Project

Space EngineeringAerospace Engineerin

Observations of the First Electromagnetic Counterpart to a Gravitational-wave Source by the TOROS Collaboration

We present the results of prompt optical follow-up of the electromagnetic counterpart of the gravitational-wave event GW170817 by the Transient Optical Robotic Observatory of the South Collaboration. We detected highly significant dimming in the light curves of the counterpart (Δg = 0.17 ± 0.03 mag, Δr = 0.14 ± 0.02 mag, Δi = 0.10 ± 0.03 mag) over the course of only 80 minutes of observations obtained ∼35 hr after the trigger with the T80-South telescope. A second epoch of observations, obtained ∼59 hr after the event with the EABA 1.5 m telescope, confirms the fast fading nature of the transient. The observed colors of the counterpart suggest that this event was a "blue kilonova" relatively free of lanthanides.Fil: Díaz, Mario Claudio. University of Texas; Estados UnidosFil: Macri, Lucas M.. Texas A&M University; Estados UnidosFil: Garcia Lambas, Diego Rodolfo. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Córdoba. Instituto de Astronomía Teórica y Experimental. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Observatorio Astronómico de Córdoba. Instituto de Astronomía Teórica y Experimental; ArgentinaFil: Mendes de Oliveira, C.. Universidade de Sao Paulo; BrasilFil: Nilo Castellon, Jose Luis Emilio. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Córdoba. Instituto de Astronomía Teórica y Experimental. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Observatorio Astronómico de Córdoba. Instituto de Astronomía Teórica y Experimental; Argentina. Universidad de La Serena; ChileFil: Ribeiro, T.. Universidade Federal de Sergipe; BrasilFil: Sánchez, Bruno Orlando. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Córdoba. Instituto de Astronomía Teórica y Experimental. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Observatorio Astronómico de Córdoba. Instituto de Astronomía Teórica y Experimental; ArgentinaFil: Schoenell, W.. Universidade de Sao Paulo; Brasil. Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina; BrasilFil: Abramo, L. R.. Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina; Brasil. Universidade de Sao Paulo; BrasilFil: Akras, S.. Ministério de Ciencia, Tecnologia e Innovacao. Observatorio Nacional; BrasilFil: Alcaniz, J. S.. Ministério de Ciencia, Tecnologia e Innovacao. Observatorio Nacional; BrasilFil: Artola, R.. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Córdoba. Instituto de Astronomía Teórica y Experimental. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Observatorio Astronómico de Córdoba. Instituto de Astronomía Teórica y Experimental; ArgentinaFil: Beroiz, Martin Isidro Ramon. University of Texas; Estados UnidosFil: Bonoli, S.. Centro de Estudios de Física del Cosmos de Aragón; EspañaFil: Cabral, Juan Bautista. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Córdoba. Instituto de Astronomía Teórica y Experimental. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Observatorio Astronómico de Córdoba. Instituto de Astronomía Teórica y Experimental; ArgentinaFil: Camuccio, R.. University of Texas; Estados UnidosFil: Castillo, M.. University of Texas; Estados UnidosFil: Chavushyan, Vahram. Instituto Nacional de Astrofísica, Óptica y Electrónica; MéxicoFil: Coelho, P.. Universidade de Sao Paulo; BrasilFil: Colazo, Juan Cruz. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Córdoba. Instituto de Astronomía Teórica y Experimental. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Observatorio Astronómico de Córdoba. Instituto de Astronomía Teórica y Experimental; ArgentinaFil: Costa Duarte, M. V.. Universidade de Sao Paulo; BrasilFil: Cuevas Larenas, H.. Universidad de La Serena; ChileFil: DePoy, D. L.. Texas A&M University; Estados UnidosFil: Dominguez Romero, Mariano Javier de Leon. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Córdoba. Instituto de Astronomía Teórica y Experimental. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Observatorio Astronómico de Córdoba. Instituto de Astronomía Teórica y Experimental; ArgentinaFil: Dultzin, Debora. Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico. Instituto de Astronomia; MéxicoFil: Fernández, D.. Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile; ChileFil: García, J.. University of Texas; Estados UnidosFil: Girardini, C.. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Córdoba. Instituto de Astronomía Teórica y Experimental. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Observatorio Astronómico de Córdoba. Instituto de Astronomía Teórica y Experimental; ArgentinaFil: Goncalves Gama, Diana Renata. Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro; BrasilFil: Gonçalves, T. S.. Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro; BrasilFil: Gurovich, Sebastian. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Córdoba. Instituto de Astronomía Teórica y Experimental. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Observatorio Astronómico de Córdoba. Instituto de Astronomía Teórica y Experimental; ArgentinaFil: Jiménez Teja, Y.. Ministério de Ciencia, Tecnologia e Innovacao. Observatorio Nacional; BrasilFil: Kanaan, A.. Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina; BrasilFil: Lares, M.. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Córdoba. Instituto de Astronomía Teórica y Experimental. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Observatorio Astronómico de Córdoba. Instituto de Astronomía Teórica y Experimental; ArgentinaFil: Lopes de Oliveira, R.. Universidade Federal de Sergipe; Brasil. National Aeronautics and Space Administration; Estados UnidosFil: López Cruz, Omar. Instituto Nacional de Astrofísica, Óptica y Electrónica; MéxicoFil: Marshall, J. L.. Texas A&M University; Estados UnidosFil: Melia, R.. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Córdoba. Instituto de Astronomía Teórica y Experimental. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Observatorio Astronómico de Córdoba. Instituto de Astronomía Teórica y Experimental; ArgentinaFil: Molino, A.. Universidade de Sao Paulo; BrasilFil: Padilla, Nelson. Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile; ChileFil: Peñuela, T.. University of Texas; Estados Unidos. Ludwig Maximilian Universität Munich; AlemaniaFil: Placco, V. M.. University of Notre Dame; Estados Unidos. Center for the Evolution of the Elements. Joint Institute for Nuclear Astrophysics; Estados UnidosFil: Quiñones, Cecilia. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Córdoba. Instituto de Astronomía Teórica y Experimental. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Observatorio Astronómico de Córdoba. Instituto de Astronomía Teórica y Experimental; ArgentinaFil: Rivera, A. Ramírez. Universidad de La Serena; ChileFil: Renzi, Victor Alberto. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Córdoba. Instituto de Astronomía Teórica y Experimental. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Observatorio Astronómico de Córdoba. Instituto de Astronomía Teórica y Experimental; ArgentinaFil: Riguccini, L.. Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro; BrasilFil: Ríos López, Emmanuel. Instituto Nacional de Astrofísica, Óptica y Electrónica; MéxicoFil: Rodriguez, Horacio Oscar. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Córdoba. Instituto de Astronomía Teórica y Experimental. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Observatorio Astronómico de Córdoba. Instituto de Astronomía Teórica y Experimental; ArgentinaFil: Sampedro, L.. Universidade de Sao Paulo; BrasilFil: Schneiter, Ernesto Matías. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Córdoba. Instituto de Astronomía Teórica y Experimental. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Observatorio Astronómico de Córdoba. Instituto de Astronomía Teórica y Experimental; ArgentinaFil: Sodré, Laerte. Universidade de Sao Paulo; BrasilFil: Starck Cuffini, Manuel Darío. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Córdoba. Instituto de Astronomía Teórica y Experimental. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Observatorio Astronómico de Córdoba. Instituto de Astronomía Teórica y Experimental; ArgentinaFil: Torres Flores, S.. Universidad de La Serena; ChileFil: Tornatore, M.. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Córdoba. Instituto de Astronomía Teórica y Experimental. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Observatorio Astronómico de Córdoba. Instituto de Astronomía Teórica y Experimental; ArgentinaFil: Zadrożny, A.. University of Texas; Estados Unido