bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Neuronal Encoding of Multisensory Motion Features in the Rat Associative Parietal Cortex
Authors: Caron-Guyon Jeanne , Corbo Julien , Zennou-Azogui Yoh’i , Xerri Christian , Kavounoudias Anne , Catz Nicolas
Published: April 2020

Motion perception is facilitated by the interplay of various sensory channels. In rodents, the cortical areas involved in multisensory motion coding remain to be identified. Using voltage-sensitive-dye imaging, we revealed a visuo–tactile convergent region that anatomically corresponds to the associative parietal cortex (APC). Single unit responses to moving visual gratings or whiskers deflections revealed a specific coding of motion characteristics strikingly found in both sensory modalities. The heteromodality of this region was further supported by a large proportion of bimodal neurons and by a classification procedure revealing that APC carries information about motion features, sensory origin and multisensory direction-congruency. Altogether, the results point to a central role of APC in multisensory integration for motion perception.
Transcriptomic analysis of sea star development through metamorphosis to the highly derived pentameral body plan with a focus on neural transcription factors
Authors: Byrne Maria , Koop Demian , Strbenac Dario , Cisternas Paula , Balogh Regina , Yang Jean Yee Hwa , Davidson Phillip L , Wray Gregory
Published: April 2020

The Echinodermata is characterized by a secondarily evolved pentameral body plan. While the evolutionary origin of this body plan has been the subject of debate, the molecular mechanisms underlying its development are poorly understood. We assembled a de novo developmental transcriptome from the embryo through metamorphosis in the sea star Parvulastra exigua. We use the asteroid model as it represents the basal-type echinoderm body architecture. Global variation in gene expression distinguished the gastrula profile and showed that metamorphic and juvenile stages were more similar to each other than to the pre-metamorphic stages, pointing to the marked changes that occur during metamorphosis. Differential expression and gene ontology (GO) analyses revealed dynamic changes in gene expression throughout development and the transition to pentamery. Many GO terms enriched during late metamorphosis were related to neurogenesis and signalling. Neural transcription factor genes exhibited clusters with distinct expression patterns. A suite of these genes was up-regulated during metamorphosis (e.g. Pax6, Eya, Hey, NeuroD, FoxD, Mbx, and Otp). In situ hybridization showed expression of neural genes in the CNS and sensory structures. Our results provide a foundation to understand the metamorphic transition in echinoderms and the genes involved in development and evolution of pentamery.
Isolation and characterization of Hena1 – a novelErwinia amylovorabacteriophage
Authors: Besarab Natalya V , Akhremchuk Artur E , Zlatohurska Maryna A , Romaniuk Liudmyla V , Valentovich Leonid N , Tovkach Fedor I , Lagonenko Alexander L , Evtushenkov Anatoly N
Published: April 2020

Fire blight, caused by plant pathogenic bacterium Erwinia amylovora, is one of the most important diseases of Rosaceae plants. Due to the lack of effective control measures, fire blight infections pose a recurrent threat on agricultural production worldwide. Recently, bacterial viruses, or bacteriophages, have been proposed as environmentally friendly natural antimicrobial agents for fire blight control. Here, we isolated a novel bacteriophage Hena1 with activity against E. amylovora. Further analysis revealed that Hena1 is a narrow-host-range lytic phage belonging to Myoviridae family. Its genome consists of a linear 148,842 bp dsDNA (48.42% GC content) encoding 240 ORFs and 23 tRNA genes. Based on virion structure and genomic composition, Hena1 was classified as a new species of bacteriophage subfamily Vequintavirinae. The comprehensive analysis of Hena1 genome may provide further insights into evolution of bacteriophages infecting plant pathogenic bacteria.
Insights into the reason of Human-Residential Bifidobacteria (HRB) being the natural inhabitants of the human gut and their potential health-promoting benefits
Authors: Wong Chyn Boon , Odamaki Toshitaka , Xiao Jin-zhong
Published: April 2020

Members of Bifidobacterium are among the first microbes to colonise the human gut, and certain species are recognised as the natural resident of human gut microbiota. Their presence in the human gut has been associated with health-promoting benefits and reduced abundance of this genus is linked with several diseases. Bifidobacterial species are assumed to have coevolved with their hosts and include members that are naturally present in the human gut, thus recognised as Human-Residential Bifidobacteria (HRB). The physiological functions of these bacteria and the reasons why they occur in and how they adapt to the human gut are of immense significance. In this review, we provide an overview of the biology of bifidobacteria as members of the human gut microbiota and address factors that contribute to the preponderance of HRB in the human gut. We highlight some of the important genetic attributes and core physiological traits of these bacteria that may explain their adaptive advantages, ecological fitness, and competitiveness in the human gut. This review will help to widen our understanding of one of the most important human commensal bacteria and shed light on the practical consideration for selecting bifidobacterial strains as human probiotics.
Dendroecological assessment of climate resilience of the rare and scattered forest tree species Tilia cordata Mill. in northwestern Europe
Authors: Latte Nicolas , Taverniers Philippe , de Jaegere Tanguy , Claessens Hugues
Published: April 2020

To increase forest resilience to global change, forest managers are often directing forest stands towards a broader diversity of tree species. The small-leaved lime (Tilia cordata Mill.), a rare and scattered species in northwestern Europe, is a promising candidate for this purpose. Its life traits suggest a high resilience to climate change and a favourable impact on forest ecosystem services. This study used a dendroecological approach to assess how lime tree radial growth had responded to the past climatic change. First, 120 lime trees from nine sites were selected in southern Belgium based on criteria adapted to the rareness of the species. Chronology quality was assessed and resulting tree-ring series were validated at site and region levels. Second, a range of dendrochronological methods was used to analyze the changes over time in the variability and long-term trends of lime tree growth and their relation to climate during the period 1955–2016. Last, behaviour of lime trees was compared with that of beech from the same region and time period. For this purpose, the same methodology was applied to an additional beech tree-ring dataset (149 trees from 13 sites). Beech is the climax tree species of the region, but is known to be drought-sensitive and has shown weaknesses in the current climate. The quality of our tree-ring series attests that dendroecological investigation using rare and scattered species is possible, opening the way to further analysis on other such lesser-known forest tree species. The analysis showed that the small-leaved lime had been resilient to the past climatic change in multiple ways. Lime growth increased during the preceding decades despite an increased frequency and intensity of stressful climatic events. Lime growth quickly recovered in the years following the stresses. The growth–climate relationships were either stable over time or had a positive evolution. The behaviour of lime contrasted strongly with that of beech. Lime performed better than beech in every analysis. Small-leaved lime is thus a serious candidate for addressing climate change challenges in the region. It should be considered by forest managers planning to improve the sustainability and resilience of their forests, in particular in vulnerable beech stands.
The Impact of Cholecystectomy on Long-Term Disease Outcomes and Quality of Life in Patients with Crohn’s Disease
Authors: Koutroumpakis Filippos , Lodhi Maham , Ahsan Maaz , Ramos Rivers Claudia , Schwartz Marc , Hashash Jana G , Babichenko Dmitriy , Tang Gong , Nagpal Tanvi , Dunn Michael , Keshavarzian Ali , Binion David G
Published: April 2020

Background

Cholecystectomy (CCY) is one of the most frequently performed abdominal surgeries. However, the impact of CCY in clinical settings with altered gastrointestinal physiology and anatomy, such as Crohn’s disease (CD), has not been fully characterized. We sought to investigate clinical outcomes, disease severity, and quality of life of CD patients after CCY.

Methods

We utilized a prospective, longitudinal registry of consented CD patients followed at a tertiary center. Crohn’s disease patients that had or had not undergone CCY formed the 2 study groups. The absence or presence of gallbladder was confirmed with abdominal CT scans obtained during routine care. Multiyear clinical, biochemical, and histologic data were collected and analyzed.

Results

Among 834 CD patients, 151 (18%) had undergone CCY. History of CCY was associated with higher disease activity (median Harvey-Bradshaw index; P < 0.001), more years with anemia (P = 0.048), lower albumin (P = 0.001), worse quality of life (mean Short Inflammatory Bowel Disease Questionnaire; P < 0.001), chronic abdominal pain (P < 0.001), higher risk for incident colonic dysplasia (P = 0.011), higher rates of annual hospital admissions (P = 0.004), and opioid use (P < 0.001). In multivariate analysis, CCY remained associated with higher disease activity (P < 0.001), lower albumin (P = 0.008), lower quality of life (P < 0.001), and more hospital admissions (P = 0.008), whereas CD patients with diseased ileum had higher risk for colonic dysplasia (P = 0.031).

Conclusions

CCY in CD patients was associated with multiple markers of disease activity and worse quality of life during multiyear follow up. This data suggests that CCY in CD patients may adversely impact the long-term clinical course.
On a Counting Theorem for Weakly Admissible Lattices
Authors: Fregoli Reynold
Published: April 2020

We give a precise estimate for the number of lattice points in certain bounded subsets of $\mathbb{R}^{n}$ that involve “hyperbolic spikes” and occur naturally in multiplicative Diophantine approximation. We use Wilkie’s o-minimal structure $\mathbb{R}_{\exp }$ and expansions thereof to formulate our counting result in a general setting. We give two different applications of our counting result. The 1st one establishes nearly sharp upper bounds for sums of reciprocals of fractional parts and thereby sheds light on a question raised by Lê and Vaaler, extending previous work of Widmer and of the author. The 2nd application establishes new examples of linear subspaces of Khintchine type thereby refining a theorem by Huang and Liu. For the proof of our counting result, we develop a sophisticated partition method that is crucial for further upcoming work on sums of reciprocals of fractional parts over distorted boxes.
Maternal supplementation of energy and protein, but not methionine hydroxy analog, enhanced postnatal growth and response to vaccination in Bos indicus-influenced beef offspring
Authors: Moriel Philipe , Vedovatto Marcelo , Palmer Elizabeth A , Oliveira Rhaiza A , Silva Hiran Marcelo , Ranches Juliana , Vendramini Joao M B
Published: April 2020

A 2-yr study evaluated the growth and postvaccination immune response of beef calves born from heifers offered no supplementation or pre- and postpartum supplementation of sugarcane molasses + urea with or without methionine hydroxy analog (MHA). On day 0 of each year (57 ± 5 d prepartum), Brangus crossbred beef heifers (n = 36/yr; 20 to 22 mo of age) were stratified by their initial body weight (BW; 396 ± 24.1 kg) and body condition score (BCS; 5.6 ± 0.43) and randomly allocated into 1 of 12 bahiagrass (Paspalum notatum) pastures (3 heifers/pasture). Treatments were randomly assigned to pastures (4 pastures/treatment/yr) and consisted of no supplementation (NOSUP) and supplementation of sugarcane molasses + urea (7.2 kg of DM/heifer/wk) with (MOL+) or without (MOL−) fortification with 105 g/heifer/wk of MHA. Treatments were provided from 57 ± 5 d prepartum until 17 ± 5 d postpartum (day 0 to 74). On day 74, all heifer-calf pairs were combined and managed as a single group until the end of the breeding season (day 237). Calves were early weaned at 89 ± 5 d of age (day 147), limit-fed at 3.5% of BW (DM basis) in drylot until day 201, and vaccinated against respiratory disease pathogens on days 160 and 188. Prepartum BCS on day 44 did not differ (P = 0.26) between MOL+ and MOL− heifers but both groups had greater (P < 0.0001) BCS than NOSUP heifers. Plasma concentrations of l-methionine on day 44 were the greatest (P ≤ 0.04) for MOL+ heifers and did not differ (P = 0.40) between NOSUP vs. MOL− heifers. Calf birth BW did not differ (P = 0.13) among treatments. Calf average daily gain (ADG) from birth to day 201 did not differ (P ≥ 0.17) between MOL+ vs. MOL− calves, but both groups had greater (P ≤ 0.05) ADG from birth to day 201 than NOSUP calves. Calf postvaccination plasma concentrations of glucose, cortisol, and haptoglobin did not differ among treatments (P ≥ 0.13). However, plasma concentrations of IGF-1 on day 167 and the overall positive vaccine seroconversion did not differ (P ≥ 0.18) between MOL− and MOL+ calves, but both were greater (P ≤ 0.04) compared with NOSUP calves. Hence, maternal supplementation of sugarcane molasses + urea increased BCS at calving and offspring BW gain and response to vaccination against respiratory pathogens compared with no maternal supplementation. MHA inclusion into maternal supplements effectively increased maternal plasma l-methionine concentrations but did not enhance maternal BCS at calving and offspring growth and postvaccination immune response.
The Effect of Anthropization on Sarcophagidae (Diptera: Calyptratae) Community Structure: An Assessment on Different Types of Habitats in the Humid Chaco Ecoregion of Argentina
Authors: Dufek Matias I , Larrea Dario D , Damborsky Miryam P , Mulieri Pablo R
Published: April 2020

Sarcophagidae (Diptera) are of great interest from a veterinary, medical, and forensic viewpoint, and are potential bioindicators for environmental impact assessments. In this study, we evaluated changes in abundance, species richness, and diversity of flesh flies in different habitat types in the Humid Chaco ecoregion of South America: 1) anthropized habitats: urban, cattle farm, and alfalfa crop, and 2) natural habitats: savanna and forest. We hypothesized that sarcophagid fly community parameters are affected by the anthropization and that spatial turnover will contribute more to the overall beta diversity than nestedness between habitats. In each habitat, samplings were conducted monthly from March 2015 to February 2016 in 25 sites, 5 per habitat, totaling 300 independent samples at the end of the study. We collected 5,790 Sarcophagidae (55 species). Community parameters of Sarcophagidae were evaluated and compared. The ecological effects of anthropization and habitat type were observed in the present study. As expected, our results showed the highest abundance, species richness, and diversity in the savanna and forest habitats (natural), whereas the lowest values were registered in the urban and alfalfa crop habitats, supporting the hypotheses of anthropization as the main driver of diversity loss. In addition, sarcophagid assemblages differed between all habitats and the overall dissimilarity was structured by spatial turnover. The main conclusion of this research is that flesh fly community structure is greatly affected by anthropization and habitat type, and this would be related to canopy cover and microclimate conditions of each environment.
Using Digital Image Analysis to Quantify Small Arthropod Vectors
Authors: Parker Christine , Meador Morgan , Hoover Jeffrey P
Published: April 2020

Quantifying arthropod vectors can be a time-consuming process. Here, we describe a technique to count large samples of small arthropods using ImageJ. ImageJ is an open source image processing software, produced by the National Institutes of Health, with a straightforward interface that has proven useful in quantifying small organisms (i.e., cells, pollen, eggs). In 2017, we deployed CDC light traps baited with carbon dioxide among seven sites to capture black flies (Diptera: Simuliidae). Samples of the captured specimens were photographed, and then quantified manually and automatically, using ImageJ. We compared the accuracy of three types of automated counts to manual counts of black flies using an information-theoretic approach. We found that changing the particle size produced counts closest to those obtained by manual counts. Even over a large range of values, from tens to thousands of flies, our automated counts were often identical to and almost always within 5% of the manual counts. When different, automated counts were usually slightly less than manual counts, and thus conservative estimates. This automated technique is simple, repeatable, requires minimal training, and can reduce the time needed to quantify small arthropods such as black flies.
Involuntary Movements
Authors: Shibasaki Hiroshi , Hallett Mark , Bhatia Kailash P , Reich Stephen G. , Balint Bettina
Published: April 2020

This book is aimed at describing clinical features of various kinds of involuntary movements by demonstrating a number of cases on video. Most of the video cases presented in this book were directly observed and studied by at least one of the five authors, and a few cases were from the published paper with permission. The authors also discuss the current consensus about the classification, pathophysiology, and current treatment of each involuntary movement. This book adopts a unique way of looking at movement disorders by considering two aspects of the diagnosis: Axis 1, the phenomenology, and Axis 2, the etiology and/or pathophysiology. The visual appearance of the disorder, as seen on video, is a big part of Axis 1 diagnosis.
The mass of our Galaxy from satellite proper motions in the Gaia era
Authors: Fritz T K , Di Cintio A , Battaglia G , Brook C , Taibi S
Published: April 2020

We use Gaia DR2 systemic proper motions of 45 satellite galaxies to constrain the mass of the Milky Way using the scale-free mass estimator of Watkins et al. (2010). We first determine the anisotropy parameter β, and the tracer satellites’ radial density index γ to be β = $-0.67^{+0.45}_{-0.62}$ and γ = 2.11 ± 0.23. When we exclude possible former satellites of the Large Magellanic Cloud, the anisotropy changes to β = $-0.21^{+0.37}_{-0.51}$. We find that the index of the Milky Way’s gravitational potential α, which is dependent on the mass itself, is the parameter with the largest impact on the mass determination. Via comparison with cosmological simulations of Milky Way-like galaxies, we carried out a detailed analysis of the estimation of the observational uncertainties and their impact on the mass estimator. We found that the mass estimator is biased when applied naively to the satellites of simulated Milky Way haloes. Correcting for this bias, we obtain for our Galaxy a mass of $0.58^{+0.15}_{-0.14}\times 10^{12}$ M⊙ within 64 kpc, as computed from the inner half of our observational sample, and $1.43^{+0.35}_{-0.32}\times 10^{12}$ M⊙ within 273 kpc, from the full sample; this latter value extrapolates to a virial mass of $M_\mathrm{vir\, \Delta =97}=1.51^{+0.45}_{-0.40} \times 10^{12}\,{\rm M}_{\odot }$ corresponding to a virial radius of Rvir = 308 ± 29 kpc. This value of the Milky Way mass lies in-between other mass estimates reported in the literature, from various different methods.
Simulations of gas sloshing induced by a newly discovered gas poor substructure in galaxy cluster Abell 1644
Authors: Doubrawa L , Machado R E G , Laganá T F , Lima Neto G B , Monteiro-Oliveira R , Cypriano E S
Published: April 2020

Collision events lead to peculiar morphologies in the intracluster gas of galaxies clusters. That seems to be the case of Abell 1644, a nearby galaxy cluster, composed of three main structures: the southern cluster that exhibits a spiral-like morphology, A1644S; the northern cluster seen in X-ray observations, A1644N1; and the recently discovered substructure, A1644N2. By means of N-body hydrodynamical simulations, we attempt to reconstruct the dynamical history of this system. These simulations resulted in two specific scenarios: (i) The collision between A1644S and A1644N2. Our best model has an inclination between the merger plane and the plane of the sky of 30°, and reaches the best morphology 1.6 Gyr after the pericentric passage. At this instant A1644N2 is gas poor, becoming nearly undetectable in X-ray emission. This model shows a good agreement with observations; (ii) The collision between A1644S and A1644N1. This approach did not give rise to results as satisfactory as the first scenario, due to great disturbances in density and mismatching temperature maps. As a complementary study, we perform a three-cluster simulation using as base the best-fitting model to reproduce the current state of A1644 with the three main structures. This scenario presented a good agreement to the global morphology of the observations. Thus, we find that the more likely scenario is a collision between A1644S and the newly discovered A1644N2, where A1644N1 may be present as long as it does not greatly interfere in the formation of the spiral feature.
Spatial distribution of quasi-biennial oscillations in high-latitude solar activity
Authors: Deng L H , Fei Y , Deng H , Mei Y , Wang F
Published: April 2020

Quasi-biennial oscillations (QBOs) are considered to be a fundamental mode of solar magnetic activity at low latitudes (≤50°). However, the evolutionary aspect and the hemispheric distribution of solar QBOs at high latitudes (≥60°) are rarely studied. Here, we apply a relatively novel time-frequency analysis technique, called the synchrosqueezed wavelet transform, in order to extract the main components of the polar faculae in the Northern and Southern hemispheres for the time interval from 1951 August to 1998 December. We note the following. (i) Apart from the 22-yr Hale cycle, the 17-yr extended activity cycle and the 11-yr Schwabe cycle, QBOs have been estimated as a prominent time-scale of solar magnetic activity at high latitudes. (ii) The QBOs of the polar faculae are coherent in the two hemispheres, but the temporal (phase) and the spatial (amplitude) variations of solar QBOs occur unevenly on both hemispheres. (iii) For the 11-yr period mode, this begins in the Northern hemisphere three months earlier than in the Southern hemisphere. Moreover, the spatial and temporal distributions of the hemispheric QBOs differ from those of the 11-yr Schwabe cycle mode in the two hemispheres. Our findings could be helpful to improve our knowledge of the physical origin of the spatial distribution of solar QBOs at high latitudes, and could also provide more constraints on solar dynamo models introduced to characterize the different components of the solar magnetic activity cycle.
Detection of Na, K, and H2O in the hazy atmosphere of WASP-6b
Authors: Carter Aarynn L , Nikolov Nikolay , Sing David K , Alam Munazza K , Goyal Jayesh M , Mikal-Evans Thomas , Wakeford Hannah R , Henry Gregory W , Morrell Sam , López-Morales Mercedes , Smalley Barry , Lavvas Panayotis , Barstow Joanna K , García Muñoz Antonio , Gibson Neale P , Wilson Paul A
Published: April 2020

We present new observations of the transmission spectrum of the hot Jupiter WASP-6b both from the ground with the Very Large Telescope FOcal Reducer and Spectrograph (FORS2) from 0.45 to 0.83 μm, and space with the Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite from 0.6 to 1.0 μm and the Hubble Space Telescope (HST) Wide Field Camera 3 from 1.12 to 1.65 μm. Archival data from the HST Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph (STIS) and Spitzer are also re-analysed on a common Gaussian process framework, of which the STIS data show a good overall agreement with the overlapping FORS2 data. We also explore the effects of stellar heterogeneity on our observations and its resulting implications towards determining the atmospheric characteristics of WASP-6b. Independent of our assumptions for the level of stellar heterogeneity we detect Na i, K i, and H2O absorption features and constrain the elemental oxygen abundance to a value of [O/H] ≃ −0.9 ± 0.3 relative to solar. In contrast, we find that the stellar heterogeneity correction can have significant effects on the retrieved distributions of the [Na/H] and [K/H] abundances, primarily through its degeneracy with the sloping optical opacity of scattering haze species within the atmosphere. Our results also show that despite this presence of haze, WASP-6b remains a favourable object for future atmospheric characterization with upcoming missions such as the James Webb Space Telescope.
Enhanced mass-loss rate evolution of stars with ≳18 M⊙ and missing optically observed type II core-collapse supernovae
Authors: Gofman Roni Anna , Gluck Naomi , Soker Noam
Published: April 2020

We evolve stellar models with zero-age main-sequence (ZAMS) mass of MZAMS ≳ 18 M⊙ under the assumption that they experience an enhanced mass-loss rate when crossing the instability strip at high luminosities and conclude that most of them end as type Ibc supernovae (SNe Ibc) or dust-obscured SNe II. We explore what level of enhanced mass-loss rate during the instability strip would be necessary to explain the ‘red supergiant problem’. This problem refers to the dearth of observed core-collapse supernovae progenitors with MZAMS ≳ 18 M⊙. Namely, we examine what enhanced mass-loss rate could make it possible for all these stars actually to explode as core-collapse supernovae (CCSNe). We find that the mass-loss rate should increase by a factor of at least about 10. We reach this conclusion by analysing the hydrogen mass in the stellar envelope and the optical depth of the dusty wind at the explosion, and crudely estimate that under our assumptions only about a fifth of these stars explode as unobscured SNe II and SNe IIb. About 10–15 per cent end as obscured SNe II that are infrared-bright but visibly very faint, and the rest, about 65–70 per cent, end as SNe Ibc. However, the statistical uncertainties are still too significant to decide whether many stars with MZAMS ≳ 18 M⊙ do not explode as expected in the neutrino driven explosion mechanism, or whether all of them explode as CCSNe, as expected by the jittering jets explosion mechanism.
Origin of spin–orbit misalignments: the microblazar V4641 Sgr
Authors: Salvesen Greg , Pokawanvit Supavit
Published: April 2020

Of the known microquasars, V4641 Sgr boasts the most severe lower limit (>52°) on the misalignment angle between the relativistic jet axis and the binary orbital angular momentum. Assuming the jet and black hole spin axes coincide, we attempt to explain the origin of this extreme spin–orbit misalignment with a natal kick model, whereby an aligned binary system becomes misaligned by a supernova kick imparted to the newborn black hole. The model inputs are the kick velocity distribution, which we measure customized to V4641 Sgr, and the immediate pre/post-supernova binary system parameters. Using a grid of binary stellar evolution models, we determine post-supernova configurations that evolve to become consistent with V4641 Sgr today and obtain the corresponding pre-supernova configurations by using standard prescriptions for common envelope evolution. Using each of these potential progenitor system parameter sets as inputs, we find that a natal kick struggles to explain the origin of the V4641 Sgr spin–orbit misalignment. Consequently, we conclude that evolutionary pathways involving a standard common envelope phase followed by a supernova kick are highly unlikely for V4641 Sgr. An alternative interpretation is that the jet axis does not reliably trace the black hole spin axis. Our results raise concerns about compact object merger statistics gleaned from binary population synthesis models, which rely on unverified prescriptions for common envelope evolution and natal kicks. We also challenge the spin–orbit alignment assumption routinely invoked to measure black hole spin magnitudes.
WASP-4 transit timing variation from a comprehensive set of 129 transits
Authors: Baluev R V , Sokov E N , Hoyer S , Huitson C , da Silva José A R S , Evans P , Sokova I A , Knight C R , Shaidulin V Sh
Published: April 2020

We homogeneously reanalyse 124 transit light curves for the WASP-4 b hot Jupiter. This set involved new observations secured in 2019 and nearly all observations mentioned in the literature, including high-accuracy GEMINI/GMOS transmission spectroscopy of 2011–2014 and TESS observations of 2018. The analysis confirmed a non-linear transit timing variation (TTV) trend with $P/|\dot{P}|\sim \hbox{17-30}$ Myr (1σ range), implying only half of the initial decay rate estimation. The trend significance is at least 3.4σ in the aggressively conservative treatment. Possible radial acceleration due to unseen companions is not revealed in Doppler data covering seven years 2007–2014, and radial acceleration of −15 m s−1 yr−1 reported in a recent preprint by another team is not confirmed. If present, it is a very non-linear radial velocity variation. Assuming that the entire TTV is tidal in nature, the tidal quality factor $Q_\star ^{\prime }\sim \hbox{(4.5-8.5)}\times 10^4$ does not reveal a convincing disagreement with available theory predictions.
GeneTrail 3: advanced high-throughput enrichment analysis
Authors: Gerstner Nico , Kehl Tim , Lenhof Kerstin , Müller Anne , Mayer Carolin , Eckhart Lea , Grammes Nadja Liddy , Diener Caroline , Hart Martin , Hahn Oliver , Walter Jörn , Wyss-Coray Tony , Meese Eckart , Keller Andreas , Lenhof Hans-Peter
Published: April 2020

We present GeneTrail 3, a major extension of our web service GeneTrail that offers rich functionality for the identification, analysis, and visualization of deregulated biological processes. Our web service provides a comprehensive collection of biological processes and signaling pathways for 12 model organisms that can be analyzed with a powerful framework for enrichment and network analysis of transcriptomic, miRNomic, proteomic, and genomic data sets. Moreover, GeneTrail offers novel workflows for the analysis of epigenetic marks, time series experiments, and single cell data. We demonstrate the capabilities of our web service in two case-studies, which highlight that GeneTrail is well equipped for uncovering complex molecular mechanisms. GeneTrail is freely accessible at: http://genetrail.bioinf.uni-sb.de.
Group II intron as cold sensor for self-preservation and bacterial conjugation
Authors: Dong Xiaolong , Qu Guosheng , Piazza Carol Lyn , Belfort Marlene
Published: April 2020

Group II introns are self-splicing ribozymes and mobile genetic elements. Splicing is required for both expression of the interrupted host gene and intron retromobility. For the pRS01 plasmid-encoded Lactococcus lactis group II intron, Ll.LtrB, splicing enables expression of the intron's host relaxase protein. Relaxase, in turn, initiates horizontal transfer of the conjugative pRS01 plasmid and stimulates retrotransposition of the intron. Little is known about how splicing of bacterial group II introns is influenced by environmental conditions. Here, we show that low temperatures can inhibit Ll.LtrB intron splicing. Whereas autocatalysis is abolished in the cold, splicing is partially restored by the intron-encoded protein (IEP). Structure profiling reveals cold-induced disruptions of key tertiary interactions, suggesting that a kinetic trap prevents the intron RNA from assuming its native state. Interestingly, while reduced levels of transcription and splicing lead to a paucity of excised intron in the cold, levels of relaxase mRNA are maintained, partially due to diminished intron-mediated mRNA targeting, allowing intron spread by conjugal transfer. Taken together, this study demonstrates not only the intrinsic cold sensitivity of group II intron splicing and the role of the IEP for cold-stress adaptation, but also maintenance of horizontal plasmid and intron transfer under cold-shock.
The ribotoxin α-sarcin can cleave the sarcin/ricin loop on late 60S pre-ribosomes
Authors: Olombrada Miriam , Peña Cohue , Rodríguez-Galán Olga , Klingauf-Nerurkar Purnima , Portugal-Calisto Daniela , Oborská-Oplová Michaela , Altvater Martin , Gavilanes José G , Martínez-del-Pozo Álvaro , de la Cruz Jesús , García-Ortega Lucía , Panse Vikram Govind
Published: April 2020

The ribotoxin α-sarcin belongs to a family of ribonucleases that cleave the sarcin/ricin loop (SRL), a critical functional rRNA element within the large ribosomal subunit (60S), thereby abolishing translation. Whether α-sarcin targets the SRL only in mature 60S subunits remains unresolved. Here, we show that, in yeast, α-sarcin can cleave SRLs within late 60S pre-ribosomes containing mature 25S rRNA but not nucleolar/nuclear 60S pre-ribosomes containing 27S pre-rRNA in vivo. Conditional expression of α-sarcin is lethal, but does not impede early pre-rRNA processing, nuclear export and the cytoplasmic maturation of 60S pre-ribosomes. Thus, SRL-cleaved containing late 60S pre-ribosomes seem to escape cytoplasmic proofreading steps. Polysome analyses revealed that SRL-cleaved 60S ribosomal subunits form 80S initiation complexes, but fail to progress to the step of translation elongation. We suggest that the functional integrity of a α-sarcin cleaved SRL might be assessed only during translation.
Glioblastoma in adults: a Society for Neuro-Oncology (SNO) and European Society of Neuro-Oncology (EANO) consensus review on current management and future directions
Authors: Wen Patrick Y , Weller Michael , Lee Eudocia Quant , Alexander Brian M , Barnholtz-Sloan Jill S , Barthel Floris P , Batchelor Tracy T , Bindra Ranjit S , Chang Susan M , Chiocca E Antonio , Cloughesy Timothy F , DeGroot John F , Galanis Evanthia , Gilbert Mark R , Hegi Monika E , Horbinski Craig , Huang Raymond Y , Lassman Andrew B , Le Rhun Emilie , Lim Michael , Mehta Minesh P , Mellinghoff Ingo K , Minniti Giuseppe , Nathanson David , Platten Michael , Preusser Matthias , Roth Patrick , Sanson Marc , Schiff David , Short Susan C , Taphoorn Martin J B , Tonn Joerg-Christian , Tsang Jonathan , Verhaak Roel G W , von Deimling Andreas , Wick Wolfgang , Zadeh Gelareh , Reardon David A , Aldape Kenneth D , van den Bent Martin J
Published: April 2020

Glioblastomas are the most common form of malignant primary brain tumor and an important cause of morbidity and mortality. In recent years there have been important advances in understanding the molecular pathogenesis and biology of these tumors, but this has not translated into significantly improved outcomes for patients. In this consensus review from the Society for Neuro-Oncology (SNO) and the European Association of Neuro-Oncology (EANO), the current management of isocitrate dehydrogenase wildtype (IDHwt) glioblastomas will be discussed. In addition, novel therapies such as targeted molecular therapies, agents targeting DNA damage response and metabolism, immunotherapies, and viral therapies will be reviewed, as well as the current challenges and future directions for research.
Development and Validation of a Multivariate Prediction Model of Perioperative Mortality in Neurosurgery: The New Zealand Neurosurgical Risk Tool (NZRISK-NEURO)
Authors: Clark Stephanie , Boyle Luke , Matthews Phoebe , Schweder Patrick , Deng Carolyn , Campbell Doug
Published: April 2020

BACKGROUND

Multivariate risk prediction models individualize prediction of adverse outcomes, assisting perioperative decision-making. There are currently no models specifically designed for the neurosurgical population.

OBJECTIVE

To develop and validate a neurosurgical risk prediction model, with 30-d, 1-yr, and 2-yr mortality endpoints.

METHODS

We accessed information on all adults in New Zealand who underwent neurosurgery or spinal surgery between July 1, 2011, and June 30, 2016, from an administrative database. Our dataset comprised of 18 375 participants, split randomly into derivation (75%) and validation (25%) datasets. Previously established covariates tested included American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status grade (ASA-PS), surgical acuity, operative severity, cancer status, and age. Exploratory covariates included anatomical site, gender, diabetes, trauma, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status. Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression analysis was used to construct 30-d, 1-yr, and 2-yr mortality models.

RESULTS

Our final models included 8 covariates: age, ASA-PS grade, surgical acuity, cancer status, anatomical site, diabetes, ethnicity, and trauma. The area under the receiver operating curve for the 30-d, 1-yr, and 2-yr mortality models was 0.90, 0.91, and 0.91 indicating excellent discrimination, respectively. Calibration also showed excellent performance with McFadden's pseudo R2 statistics of 0.28, 0.37, and 0.41 and calibration plot slopes of 0.93, 0.95, and 0.94, respectively. The strongest predictors of mortality were ASA-PS 4 and 5 (30 d) and cancer (1 and 2 yr).

CONCLUSION

NZRISK-NEURO is a robust multivariate calculator created specifically for neurosurgery, enabling physicians to generate data-driven individualized risk estimates, assisting shared decision-making and perioperative planning.
Light Activates Brassinosteroid Biosynthesis to Promote Hook Opening and Petiole Development in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Hamasaki Hidefumi , Ayano Madoka , Nakamura Ayako , Fujioka Shozo , Asami Tadao , Takatsuto Suguru , Yoshida Shigeo , Oka Yoshito , Matsui Minami , Shimada Yukihisa
Published: April 2020

Although brassinosteroids (BRs) have been proposed to be negative regulators of photomorphogenesis, their physiological role therein has remained elusive. We studied light-induced photomorphogenic development in the presence of the BR biosynthesis inhibitor, brassinazole (Brz). Hook opening was inhibited in the presence of Brz; this inhibition was reversed in the presence of brassinolide (BL). Hook opening was accompanied by cell expansion on the inner (concave) side of the hook. This cell expansion was inhibited in the presence of Brz but was restored upon the addition of BL. We then evaluated light-induced organ-specific expression of three BR biosynthesis genes, DWF4, BR6ox1 and BR6ox2, and a BR-responsive gene, SAUR-AC1, during the photomorphogenesis of Arabidopsis. Expression of these genes was induced, particularly in the hook region, in response to illumination. The induction peaked after 3 h of light exposure and preceded hook opening. Phytochrome-deficient mutants, hy1, hy2 and phyAphyB, and a light-signaling mutant, hy5, were defective in light-induced expression of BR6ox1, BR6ox2 and SAUR-AC1. Light induced both expression of BR6ox genes and petiole development. Petiole development was inhibited in the presence of Brz. Our results largely contradict the early view that BRs are negative regulators of photomorphogenesis. Our data collectively suggest that light activates the expression of BR biosynthesis genes in the hook region via a phytochrome-signaling pathway and HY5 and that BR biosynthesis is essential for hook opening and petiole development during photomorphogenesis.
Metamaterials mimic the black holes: the effects of charge and rotation on the optical properties
Authors: Hendi S H , Taghadomi Z S , Ardakani A Ghasempour
Published: April 2020

Motivated by the investigation of a black hole’s properties in the lab, some interesting subjects such as analogue gravity and transformation optics are generated. In this paper, we look for analogies between the geometry of a gravitating system and the optical medium. In addition, we recognize that appropriate two-dimensional metamaterials can be used to mimic the propagation of light in the curved spacetimes and behave like black holes which are incident with light rays in the equatorial plane. The resemblance of metamaterials with Kerr and Reissner–Nordström spacetimes is studied. Finally, we compare the results of two-dimensional simulation for light propagation in the corresponding two-dimensional metamaterials with those obtained from the geometrical optical limit.
High-Flow Oxygen Therapy During Exercise Training in Patients With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and Chronic Hypoxemia: A Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Vitacca Michele , Paneroni Mara , Zampogna Elisabetta , Visca Dina , Carlucci Annalisa , Cirio Serena , Banfi Paolo , Pappacoda Gabriele , Trianni Ludovico , Brogneri Antonio , Belli Stefano , Paracchini Elena , Aliani Maria , Spinelli Vito , Gigliotti Francesco , Lanini Barbara , Lazzeri Marta , Clini Enrico M , Malovini Alberto , Ambrosino Nicolino ,   Associazione Italiana Riabilitatori Insufficienza Respiratoria and Associazione Italiana Pneumologi Ospedalieri rehabilitation group
Published: April 2020

Objective

The study aimed to evaluate whether high-flow oxygen therapy (HFOT) during training was more effective than oxygen in improving exercise capacity in hypoxemic chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Methods

A total of 171 patients with COPD and chronic hypoxemia were consecutively recruited in 8 rehabilitation hospitals in a randomized controlled trial. Cycle-ergometer exercise training was used in 20 supervised sessions at iso inspiratory oxygen fraction in both groups. Pre- and post-training endurance time (Tlim), 6-minute walking distance (6MWD), respiratory and limb muscle strength, arterial blood gases, Barthel Index, Barthel Dyspnea Index, COPD Assessment Test, Maugeri Respiratory Failure questionnaire, and patient satisfaction were evaluated.

Results

Due to 15.4% and 24.1% dropout rates, 71 and 66 patients were analyzed in HFOT and Venturi mask (V-mask) groups, respectively. Exercise capacity significantly improved after training in both groups with similar patient satisfaction. Between-group difference in post-training improvement in 6MWD (mean: 17.14 m; 95% CI = 0.87 to 33.43 m) but not in Tlim (mean: 141.85 seconds; 95% CI = −18.72 to 302.42 seconds) was significantly higher in HFOT. The minimal clinically important difference of Tlim was reached by 47% of patients in the V-mask group and 56% of patients in the HFOT group, whereas the minimal clinically important difference of 6MWD was reached by 51% of patients in the V-mask group and 69% of patients in the HFOT group, respectively.

Conclusion

In patients with hypoxemic COPD, exercise training is effective in improving exercise capacity.

Impact Statement

The addition of HFOT during exercise training is not more effective than oxygen through V-mask in improving endurance time, the primary outcome, whereas it is more effective in improving walking distance.
Efficacy of Supporting Play Exploration and Early Development Intervention in the First Months of Life for Infants Born Very Preterm: 3-Arm Randomized Clinical Trial Protocol
Authors: Dusing Stacey C , Burnsed Jennifer C , Brown Shaaron E , Harper Amy D , Hendricks-Munoz Karen D , Stevenson Richard D , Thacker Leroy R , Molinini Rebecca M
Published: April 2020

Objective

The aim of this project is to study the effect of a physical therapist intervention provided in the first months of life on developmental outcomes of infants born very preterm. Secondary aims are to investigate the impact of intervention timing on the efficacy and impact of the intervention on infants with and without cerebral palsy.

Methods

This study is a multisite longitudinal controlled trial comparing developmental outcomes from infants in the Supporting Play, Exploration, and Early Development Intervention (SPEEDI)_Late or SPEEDI_Early group to a usual care group.

Settings are urban

Urban and rural areas surrounding 2 academic medical centers. There will be 90 preterm infants enrolled in this study born at <29 weeks of gestation. SPEEDI is a developmental intervention provided by collaboration between a physical therapist and parent to support a child’s motor and cognitive development. The primary outcome measure is the Bayley Scale of Infant and Toddler Development Cognitive and Gross Motor Scaled Scores. Secondary measures include behavioral coding of early problem solving skills, the Gross Motor Function Measure, and Test of Infant Motor Performance.

Impact

More than 270,000 infants are born very preterm in the United States each year, 50% of whom will have neurological dysfunction that limits their ability to keep pace with peers who are typically developing. This study is a step toward understanding the impact that intensive developmental intervention could have in this population in the first months of life.
EP03 An audit of glucocorticoid prescription in patients with giant cell arteritis
Authors: Ariff Hairul Hadi , Awisat Abid , Arnold Jack , Ani Hudaifa Al , Neill Lorraine O' , Rodriguez Mar Pujades , Luqmani Raashid
Published: April 2020

Background

Giant cell arteritis (GCA) is treated with high dose glucocorticoids and progressively reduced over months to years. We undertook an audit to evaluate self-reported adherence to the original recommended glucocorticoid course and explored reasons for any variation.

Methods

We recruited patients attending a single rheumatology department over 18 months. Respondents were given two self-administered questionnaires to record information regarding their use of glucocorticoids during the last 7 days and during the last 6 months. We retrieved 132 questionnaires (of whom 6 were discarded as incomplete). All data was analysed using SPSS Statistics v22.

Results

Of the 126 patients (mean age 74.9 ± 7.7 years), 59% were female. The mean duration of disease was 22.5 ± 19.1 months in patients with GCA and 32.9 ± 29.9 months in those with GCA and polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR). The mean daily number of medications taken was 9.2 ± 5.2 (range: 1 - 30); the mean number of types of daily tablets taken was 5.0 ± 2.1 (range: 1 - 10). The mean daily number of glucocorticoid tablets taken was 3.2 ± 2.6 (range: 0 - 12), with a mean daily dose of 11.1 ± 10.3 mg (range: 0 - 60 mg). Overall, in the last 7 days, 22% and in last 6 months, 40% of patients were not following their original recommended steroid regimens (Table 1). The total mean glucocorticoid dose in the last 7 days group (n = 81) was 77.8 ± 70.1 mg/week (11.1 ± 10.1 mg/day) whilst the total mean glucocorticoid dose in the last 6 months group (n = 45) was 1782.0 ± 1543.3 mg/6 month (9.9 ± 8.6 mg/day). Most respondents stated their glucocorticoid non-adherence was due to medical advice; other reasons included forgetting, fear of side effects, or confusion about different preparations of prescribed glucocorticoids. The presence of PMR did not influence glucocorticoid adherence.

Conclusion

There is significant variation in the use of glucocorticoids compared to the original starting regimen in patients with GCA, with or without PMR. However, the amount of the discrepancy is small. The commonest reason for non-adherence was medical advice received from either primary or secondary care.

Disclosures

H. Ariff: None. A. Awisat: None. J. Arnold: None. H. Al ani: None. L. O' neill: None. M. Rodriguez: None. R. Luqmani: None.