Development of liquid xenon detectors for medical imaging

In the present paper, we report on our developments of liquid xenon detectors for medical imaging, positron emission tomography and single photon imaging, in particular. The results of the studies of several photon detectors (photomultiplier tubes and large area avalanche photodiode) suitable for detection of xenon scintillation are also briefly described.Comment: 13 pages, 5 figures, presented on the International Workshop on Techniques and Applications of Xenon Detectors (Xenon01), ICRR, Univ. of Tokyo, Kashiwa, Japan, December 3-4, 2001 (submitted to proceedings

From Junk to Function: LncRNAs in CNS Health and Disease

Recent advances in RNA sequencing technologies helped to uncover the existence of tens of thousands of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) that arise from the dark matter of the genome. These lncRNAs were originally thought to be transcriptional noise but an increasing number of studies demonstrate that these transcripts can modulate protein-coding gene expression by a wide variety of transcriptional and post-transcriptional mechanisms. The spatiotemporal regulation of lncRNA expression is particularly evident in the central nervous system, suggesting that they may directly contribute to specific brain processes, including neurogenesis and cellular homeostasis. Not surprisingly, lncRNAs are therefore gaining attention as putative novel therapeutic targets for disorders of the brain. In this review, we summarize the recent insights into the functions of lncRNAs in the brain, their role in neuronal maintenance, and their potential contribution to disease. We conclude this review by postulating how these RNA molecules can be targeted for the treatment of yet incurable neurological disorders

A ABERTURA COMERCIAL, REBATIMENTOS REGIONAIS E O PLANEJAMENTO: O NORDESTE EM REALCE

Neste trabalho, estuda-se a evolução setorial das mudanças nas tarifas de importação, para melhor evidenciar a manutenção de um maior grau de proteção aos setores industriais predominantemente localizados no Sudeste do País, procurando-se juntar análises e prognósticos pessimistas quanto ao desempenho regional diferenciado do setor industrial, após a abertura comercial do Brasil. Defende-se, ainda, o revigoramento da política regional e esboça-se uma estratégia complementar de linhas de política que poderiam contribuir para a convergência dos níveis de renda entre regiões.The paper attempts to follow the sectorial evolution and changes of import taxes to provide evidence of the maintenance of a higher degree of protection for industrial sectors which are mainly located In the Southeast. It also reffers to pessimistc views about the performance of industry in Northeast after the reduction of imports control and taxes. Finally, it defends two lines of regional policies which could help rising income levels in Northeast

Exploring young artists’ digital performance: the impact of online community engagement and co-creation on brand love

New music artists have been emerging in recent years through new digital platforms and streaming services. These platforms allow artists to build a community and interact with members who share the same tastes and ideas. Hence, new artists find success through their communities’ support and engagement. The current paper explores the everexpanding connection between digital media and music – allowing fans and/or consumers to naturally build a sense of belonging to a community of a single artist and/or band (Brodie et al., 2013). Brand communities are also a place where artists and fans can develop a long-term relationship (Baldus et al., 2015) and in turn create valuable personalised experiences together (Prahalad and Ramaswamy, 2004) that will result in higher levels of engagement, or brand love (Carroll and Ahuvia, 2006; Vernuccio et al., 2015).info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Resistive plate chambers for time-of-flight measurements

The applications of Resistive Plate Chambers (RPCs) have recently been extended by the development of counters with time resolution below 100 ps sigma for minimum ionising particles. Applications to HEP experiments have already taken place and many further applications are under study. In this work we address the operating principles of such counters along with some present challenges, with emphasis on counter aging.Comment: Presented at "PSD6 - 6th International Conference on Position Sensitive Detectors", 9-13 September 2002, Leicester, UK. Submitted to Nuclear Instruments and Methods

A Simplified and Accurate Front-End Electronics Chain for Timing RPCs

Recent advances in electronics and construction techniques have pushed the timing resolution of Resistive Plate Chambers below 50 ps sigma with detection efficienciesclose to 99% for MIPs. In this paper we describe a new front-end electronics chain for accurate time and charge measurement in these devices, having in view a possibleapplication in ALICE's T0 counter.(Abstract only available, full text to follow)

Nutritional Risk Assessment and Cultural Validation of the Modified NUTRIC Score in Critically Ill Patients-A Multicenter Prospective Cohort Study

PURPOSE: Characterize the nutritional risk of critically ill patients with the modified NUTrition Risk in the Critically ill (NUTRIC) score. MATERIALS: National, multicenter, prospective, observational study conducted in 15 polyvalent Portuguese intensive care unit (ICU), during 6 months. Adult patients were eligible. Those transferred from another ICU or readmitted, brain dead at admission, and with length of ICU stay (LOS) of 72 hours or less were excluded. NUTRIC score was calculated at admission; scores ≥5 represent a high nutritional risk. Main outcome was mortality from all causes at 28 days after admission to the ICU; LOS and days without mechanical ventilation (days free of MV) were secondary outcomes. RESULTS: From 2061 admissions, 1143 patients were considered, mostly males (n = 744, 64.7%) with median (P25-P75) age of 64 (51-75). Patients at high nutritional risk were 555 (48.6%). High NUTRIC score was associated with longer LOS (P < .001), less days free of MV (P = .002) and higher 28-day mortality (P < .001). The area under the curve of NUTRIC score ≥5 for predicting 28-day mortality was 0.658 (95% CI, 0.620-0.696). NUTRIC score ≥5 had a positive predictive value 32.7% and a negative predictive value 88.8% for 28-day mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Almost half of the patients in Portuguese ICUs are at high nutritional risk. NUTRIC score was strongly associated with main clinical outcomes.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Development of high-rate timing RPCs

For many applications of RPCs to time-of-flight counters in heavy ion experiments the expansion to much higher values of the counting rate capability, so far limited to around 2 kHz/cm2 is of fundamental importance. To address this issue we developed single-gap timing RPCs with resistive electrodes made from a commercially available plastic material. Tests performed in photon beams yielded a time resolution around 90 ps [sigma], essentially unchanged from 2 kHz/cm2 to 27 kHz/cm2. This result establishes the basic feasibility of timing measurements with RPCs at rates of tens of kHz/cm2, keeping a time resolution below 100 ps [sigma] and using plastic electrode materials.http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/B6TJM-4CXHH16-1/1/294a04bd430f914a4663436357d765d