The Interface Region Imaging Spectrograph (IRIS) small explorer spacecraft provides simultaneous spectra and images of the photosphere, chromosphere, transition region, and corona with 0.33 -0.4 arcsec spatial resolution, two-second temporal resolution, and 1 km s −1 velocity resolution over a field-of-view of up to 175 arcsec × 175 arcsec. . IRIS is sensitive to emission from plasma at temperatures between 5000 K and 10 MK and will advance our understanding of the flow of mass and energy through an interface region, formed by the chromosphere and transition region, between the photosphere and corona. This highly structured and dynamic region not only acts as the conduit of all mass and energy feeding into the corona and solar wind, it also requires an order of magnitude more energy to heat than the corona and solar wind combined. The IRIS investigation includes a strong numerical modeling component based on advanced radiative-MHD codes to facilitate interpretation of observations of this complex region. Approximately eight Gbytes of data (after compression) are acquired by B. De Pontieu (B) ·Harvard-Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory, 60 Garden Street, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA

Abstract.A far-ultraviolet and extreme-ultraviolet (FUV, EUV) spectral atlas of the Sun between 670Å and 1609Å in the first order of diffraction has been derived from observations obtained with the SUMER (Solar Ultraviolet Measurements of Emitted Radiation) spectrograph on the spacecraft SOHO (Solar and Heliospheric Observatory). The atlas contains spectra of the average quiet Sun, a coronal hole and a sunspot on the disk. Different physical parameters prevalent in the bright network (BN) and in the cell interior (CI) -contributing in a distinct manner to the average quiet-Sun emission -have their imprint on the BN/CI ratio, which is also shown for almost the entire spectral range. With a few exceptions, all major lines are given with their identifications and wavelengths. Lines that appear in second order are superimposed on the first order spectra. These lines are clearly marked in the atlas. The spectra include emissions from atoms and ions in the temperature range 6 × 10 3 K to 2 × 10 6 K, i.e., continua and emission lines emitted from the lower chromosphere to the corona. This spectral atlas, with its broad wavelength coverage, provides a rich source of new diagnostic tools to study the physical parameters in the chromosphere, the transition region and the corona. In particular, the wavelength range below 1100Å as observed by SUMER represents a significant improvement over the spectra produced in the past. In view of the manifold appearance and temporal variation of the solar atmosphere, it is obvious that our atlas can only be a -hopefully typical -snapshot. Brief descriptions of the data reduction and calibration procedures are given. The spectral radiances are determined with a relative uncertainty of 0.15 to 0.30 (1σ) and the wavelength scale is accurate to typically 10 mÅ. The atlas is also available in a machine readable form.

Observations of outflow velocities in coronal holes (regions of open coronal magnetic field) have recently been obtained with the Solar and Heliospheric Observatory (SOHO) spacecraft. Velocity maps of Ne7+ from its bright resonance line at 770 angstroms, formed at the base of the corona, show a relationship between outflow velocity and chromospheric magnetic network structure, suggesting that the solar wind is rooted at its base to this structure, emanating from localized regions along boundaries and boundary intersections of magnetic network cells. This apparent relation to the chromospheric magnetic network and the relatively large outflow velocity signatures will improve understanding of the complex structure and dynamics at the base of the corona and the source region of the solar wind.

Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) have an increased risk of ischaemic heart disease (IHD). Statins reduce mortality and morbidity in IHD. It has been hypothesised that statin treatment is associated with reduced long-term mortality in patients with COPD.Using a retrospective cohort design, 854 consecutive patients (mean age 70.8 yrs; 51.5% female) with a diagnosis of COPD exacerbation were included in the study at discharge from a Norwegian teaching hospital.Median follow-up was 1.9 yrs, during which 333 patients died. The crude mortality rate per 1,000 person-yrs was 110 in patients treated with statins, and 191 in patients not treated with statins. After adjustment for sex, age, smoking, pulmonary function and comorbidities, the hazard ratio (HR) for statin users versus statin nonusers was 0.57 (95% confidence interval 0.38-0.87). When subdividing statin users and statin nonusers into groups according to concomitant treatment with inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) the following HRs were found: 0.75 (0.58-0.98) for ICS only; 0.69 (0.36-1.3) for statins only; and 0.39 (0.22-0.67) for the combined treatment with statin and ICS compared with no such treatment.Treatment with statins was associated with improved survival after chronic obstructive pulmonary disease exacerbation, while inhaled corticosteroids appeared to increase the survival benefit associated with statin use.

AimsLamin A/C (LMNA) mutations cause familial dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) with frequent conduction blocks and arrhythmias. We explored the prevalence, cardiac penetrance, and expressivity of LMNA mutations among familial DCM in Norway. Furthermore, we explored the risk factors and the outcomes in LMNA patients.Methods and resultsDuring 2003–15, genetic testing was performed in patients referred for familial DCM. LMNA genotype-positive subjects were examined by electrocardiography, Holter monitoring, cardiac magnetic resonance imaging, and echocardiography. A positive cardiac phenotype was defined as the presence of atrioventricular (AV) block, atrial fibrillation/flutter (AF), ventricular tachycardia (VT), and/or echocardiographic DCM. Heart transplantation was recorded and compared with non-ischaemic DCM of other origin. Of 561 unrelated familial DCM probands, 35 (6.2%) had an LMNA mutation. Family screening diagnosed an additional 93 LMNA genotype-positive family members. We clinically followed up 79 LMNA genotype-positive [age 42 ± 16 years, ejection fraction (EF) 45 ± 13%], including 44 (56%) with VT. Asymptomatic LMNA genotype-positive family members (age 31 ± 15 years) had a 9% annual incidence of a newly documented cardiac phenotype and 61% (19/31) of cardiac penetrance during 4.4 ± 2.9 years of follow-up. Ten (32%) had AV block, 7 (23%) AF, and 12 (39%) non-sustained VT. Heart transplantation was performed in 15 of 79 (19%) LMNA patients during 7.8 ± 6.3 years of follow-up.ConclusionLMNA mutation prevalence was 6.2% of familial DCM in Norway. Cardiac penetrance was high in young asymptomatic LMNA genotype-positive family members with frequent AV block and VT, highlighting the importance of early family screening and cardiological follow-up. Nearly 20% of the LMNA patients required heart transplantation.

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Background Cardiovascular co-morbidities are common in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Retrospective studies on selected patients have indicated that cardiac troponin elevation is frequent during acute exacerbations of COPD (AECOPD), and that this is associated with poor survival. In the present prospective study the prevalence and prognostic value of elevated cardiac troponin T (cTnT) in unselected patients with AECOPD have been investigated, using a novel high-sensitivity assay (hs-cTnT assay). Methods and results 99 patients hospitalised for AECOPD were included. They were followed until death or study termination. During a median follow-up time of 1.9 years, 57 patients (58%) died. 97 patients (98%) had measurable levels of hs-cTnT and 73 (74%) had hs-cTnT above the normal range ($14.0 ng/l). The crude mortality rates in patients having hs-cTnT <14.0, 14.0e39.9 and $40 ng/l were 4.6, 30.2 and 58.3 per 100 patient-years, respectively. Adjusting for relevant covariables using an extended Cox regression analysis, the HRs (95% CI) for death were 4.5 (1.2 to 16) and 8.9 (2.4 to 32) among patients having hs-cTnT 14.0e39.9 and $40 ng/l, respectively, compared with patients with hs-cTnT <14.0 ng/l. The association between mortality and hs-cTnT was strongly modified by heart rate at admission (p<0.001)dthat is, the association between mortality and hs-cTnT was stronger among patients with tachycardia. Conclusion Elevated hs-cTnT during AECOPD is frequent, and it is associated with increased mortality. The effect is stronger among patients having tachycardia than among patients with normal heart rate. BACKGROUND

The Sun has played a major role in the development of life on Earth. In Western culture, people are warned against Sun exposure because of its adverse effects: erythema, photoimmunosuppression, photoageing, photocarcinogenesis, cataracts and photokeratitis. However, Sun exposure is also beneficial, since moderate doses give beneficial physiological effects: vitamin D synthesis, reduction of blood pressure and mental health. Shortage of Sun exposure may be even more dangerous to human health than excessive exposure. Avoiding Sun exposure leads to vitamin D deficiency which is associated not only with rickets and osteomalacia, but also with increased risk of cardiovascular disease, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, influenza, many types of cancer and adverse pregnancy outcomes. Solar radiation induces nitric oxide release in tissue and immediate pigment darkening which certainly play important roles, although these are still unknown. Action spectra relevant for health are described. We will also review what is known about spectral and intensity variations of terrestrial solar radiation as well as its penetration through the atmosphere and into human skin and tissue.