Closing up the cluster tension? Blanchard, A.; Ilić, S.
Astronomy and astrophysics (Berlin),
12/2021, Letnik:
656
Journal Article
Recenzirano
Odprti dostop
The excellent measurements of the cosmic microwave background (CMB) fluctuations by
Planck
allow us to tightly constrain the amplitude of matter fluctuations at redshift ∼1100 in the Λ-cold dark ...matter (ΛCDM) model. This amplitude can be extrapolated to the present epoch, yielding constraints on the value of the
σ
8
parameter. On the other hand, the abundance of Sunyaev-Zeldovich (SZ) clusters detected by
Planck
, with masses inferred using a hydrostatic equilibrium assumption, leads to a significantly lower value of the same parameter. This discrepancy is often dubbed the
σ
8
tension in the literature and is sometimes regarded as a possible sign of new physics. Here, we examine a direct determination of
σ
8
at the present epoch in ΛCDM, and thereby the cluster mass calibrations using cosmological data at low redshift, namely the measurements of
f
σ
8
from the analysis of the completed Sloan Digital Sky Survey. We combined redshift-space distortion measurements with
Planck
CMB constraints, X-ray, and SZ cluster counts within the ΛCDM framework, but leaving the present-day amplitude of matter fluctuations as an independent parameter (i.e. no extrapolation is made from high-redshift CMB constraints). The calibration of X-ray and SZ masses are left as free parameters throughout the whole analysis. Our study yields tight constraints on the aforementioned calibrations, with values entirely consistent with results obtained from the full combination of CMB and cluster data only. Such an agreement suggests an absence of tension in the ΛCDM model between CMB-based estimates of
σ
8
and constraints from low-redshift on
f
σ
8
; however, it also indicates tension with the standard calibration of clusters masses.
The historical and technological development of the ubiquitous trench power MOSFET (or vertical trench VDMOS) is described. Overcoming the deficiencies of VMOS and planar VDMOS, trench VDMOS ...innovations include pioneering efforts in reactive ion etching and oxidation of the silicon trench gate, polysilicon fill and recessed etchback, unit cell and distributed voltage clamping to protect the trench gate, and scaling active cells to high densities using deep submicron fabrication. Thereafter, gate-drain engineered trench VDMOS improved high-frequency switching capability with lower gate charge utilizing nonuniform gate oxides, field shaping, and charge balancing (superjunction, RSO) methods. The recent adaptation of trench gates in wide bandgap unipolar devices is also described.
Context. The cosmological concordance model (ΛCDM) matches the cosmological observations exceedingly well. This model has become the standard cosmological model with the evidence for an accelerated ...expansion provided by the type Ia supernovae (SNIa) Hubble diagram. However, the robustness of this evidence has been addressed recently with somewhat diverging conclusions. Aims. The purpose of this paper is to assess the robustness of the conclusion that the Universe is indeed accelerating if we rely only on low-redshift (z ≲ 2) observations, that is to say with SNIa, baryonic acoustic oscillations, measurements of the Hubble parameter at different redshifts, and measurements of the growth of matter perturbations. Methods. We used the standard statistical procedure of minimizing the χ2 function for the different probes to quantify the goodness of fit of a model for both ΛCDM and a simple nonaccelerated low-redshift power law model. In this analysis, we do not assume that supernovae intrinsic luminosity is independent of the redshift, which has been a fundamental assumption in most previous studies that cannot be tested. Results. We have found that, when SNIa intrinsic luminosity is not assumed to be redshift independent, a nonaccelerated low-redshift power law model is able to fit the low-redshift background data as well as, or even slightly better, than ΛCDM. When measurements of the growth of structures are added, a nonaccelerated low-redshift power law model still provides an excellent fit to the data for all the luminosity evolution models considered. Conclusions. Without the standard assumption that supernovae intrinsic luminosity is independent of the redshift, low-redshift probes are consistent with a nonaccelerated universe.
The technological development of application specific VDMOS and lateral trench power MOSFETs is described. Unlike general-purpose trench vertical DMOS, application specific trench DMOS comprise ...devices merged or optimized for a specific function or characteristic. Examples include the bidirectional lithium ion battery disconnect switch, the airbag squib driver with safety redundancy, the antilock breaking systems solenoid driver with repeated avalanche operation, and various forms of synchronous rectifiers (including integrated Schottky and pseudo-Schottky operation). Trench lateral DMOS include all implant quasi-vertical, lateral trench, and lateral trench charge balanced devices. Trench power MOSFET packaging addresses multichip surface mount, DrMOS, low inductance, and clip lead packages.
Immune checkpoint inhibitors are now a standard of care for the management of many metastatic cancers, including non-small-cell lung cancer. Pembrolizumab, a selective anti-PD-1 monoclonal antibody, ...augments the host antitumoural response. This hyperactivation of the immune system has side effects, the so-called immune-related adverse effects. The objective of this case report was to review and point out a new pattern of immune checkpoint inhibitor-associated pneumonitis.
A 69-year-old woman with stage iv non-small-cell lung cancer receiving pembrolizumab presented for increased dyspnea. Pembrolizumab-related obstructive bronchiolitis was diagnosed based on a new severe obstructive disorder, without bronchodilator reversibility, and mosaic attenuation on angiography, without other identifiable causes.
To our knowledge, this is the first description of a case of pembrolizumab-induced obstructive bronchiolitis. Various patterns of immune checkpoint inhibitor-associated lung disease have been described, and bronchiolitis should be included in the differential diagnosis.
Prolactin-inducible protein (PIP) is a multifunctional glycoprotein that is highly expressed and found in the secretions of apocrine glands such as salivary, lacrimal, and sweat glands including the ...mammary glands. PIP has been implicated in various diseases, including breast cancer, gross cystic disease of the breast, keratoconus of the eye, and the autoimmune Sjögren’s syndrome. Here we have generated a Pip knockout (KO) mouse using the Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR)/CRSPR-associated (Cas)9 system. The Cas9 protein and two single guide RNAs targeting specific regions for both exons 1 and 2 of the Pip gene were microinjected into mouse embryos. The deletions and insertions promoted by CRISPR/Cas9 system on the Pip gene successfully disrupted Pip protein coding, as confirmed by PCR genotyping, sequencing, and ultimately Western blot analysis. This mouse model was generated in the inbred C57Bl/6J mouse, which exhibits lower genetic variation. This novel CRISPR Pip KO mouse model will not only be useful for future studies to interrogate the multifunctional role of PIP in physiological processes but will facilitate a broader understanding of the function of PIP in vivo while providing unprecedented insight into its role in a spectrum of diseases attributed to the deregulation of the PIP gene.
We show high resolution measurements of a surface plasmon resonance (SPR) sensor based on a rectangular nanohole array in a metal film. This SPR setup uses balanced intensity detection between two ...orthogonal polarizations of a He-Ne laser beam, which allows for sensitivity improvement, noise reduction and rejection of any uncorrelated variation in the intensity signal. A bulk sensitivity resolution of 6.4 x 10(-6) RIU is demonstrated. The proposed methodology is promising for applications in portable nanoplasmonic multisensing and imaging.
Essentials
Rivaroxaban and dabigatran are substrates of the P‐glycoprotein (P‐gp) encoded by the ABCB1 gene.
We tested the effect of ABCB1 polymorphisms and of a P‐gp inhibitor on both drugs' ...pharmacokinetics.
The ABCB1 genotype was not a clinically relevant determinant of both drugs' pharmacokinetics.
Administration of P‐gp inhibitors with dabigatran or rivaroxaban should be exercised with caution.
Summary
Background
The direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) dabigatran and rivaroxaban are both substrates of the P‐glycoprotein (P‐gp) transporter, encoded by the ABCB1 gene. Rivaroxaban is metabolized by cytochrome P450 A4 (CYP3A4). Interindividual variability in DOAC exposure and frequent P‐gp‐associated drug–drug interactions have been described in patients.
Objective
To assess the influence of ABCB1 polymorphisms on the pharmacokinetics of dabigatran and rivaroxaban, associated or not with clarithromycin, a P‐gp and CYP3A4 inhibitor.
Methods
Sixty healthy male volunteers, selected according to ABCB1 genotype (20 homozygous mutated, 20 heterozygous mutated, and 20 wild‐type for haplotype 2677‐3435), were included in this randomized, two‐center, crossover study. All received sequentially a single dose of dabigatran etexilate (300 mg) and rivaroxaban (40 mg) associated or not with clarithromycin. Peak plasma concentration and area under the curve (AUC) were compared across the three ABCB1 genotypes. The effect of clarithromycin on dabigatran or rivaroxaban pharmacokinetics was assessed.
Results
Interindividual coefficients of variation for AUC were 77% for dabigatran and 51% for rivaroxaban. ABCB1 genotype did not significantly affect drug pharmacokinetics: AUC ratios between mutant‐allele carriers and wild‐type volunteers were 1.27 (95% confidence interval CI 0.84–1.92) and 1.20 (95% CI 0.96–1.51) for dabigatran and rivaroxaban, respectively. Clarithromycin coadministration led to a two‐fold increase in both drugs’ AUC, irrespective of ABCB1 genotype: ratios of geometric means were 2.0 (95% CI 1.15–3.60) and 1.94 (95% CI 1.42–2.63) for dabigatran and rivaroxaban, respectively.
Conclusions
ABCB1 genotype is not a significant determinant of interindividual variability in dabigatran and rivaroxaban pharmacokinetics. The levels of one drug did not predict the levels of the other. Coadministration of a P‐gp/CYP3A4 inhibitor with dabigatran or rivaroxaban may warrant caution in patients at risk of overexposure.
We present an automated control system for micro scale positioning, based on single pixel imaging and fluorescence. By projecting a chequerboard array of CMOS controllable μ‐LEDs at a suitable ...wavelength, we are able to spatially locate, track and automatically align to fluorescent markers. Positioning is demonstrated with accuracy on the order of 20 μm. We present a maskless photo‐lithography system using the automated control capability and a second μ‐LED array to photo‐cure customisable structures in photoresist with alignment referenced to the fluorescent markers.
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