bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
RETRACTED: Previous Syphilis Alters the Course of Subsequent Episodes of Syphilis
Authors: Marra Christina M , Maxwell Clare L , Sahi Sharon K , Tantalo Lauren C , Dunaway Shelia B , Lukehart Sheila A
Published: September 2019

Background

The influence of previous syphilis on the course of a subsequent episode is unknown.

Methods

Individuals enrolled in a study of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) abnormalities in syphilis were allowed to enroll in the study again with subsequent syphilis. For each participant, the index episode was defined as the most recent syphilis episode for which the study entry visit was performed within 30 days of the syphilis diagnosis date. Venipuncture and lumbar puncture (LP) were performed. Total number of syphilis episodes was determined by review of medical and public health records. T. pallidum DNA in blood and rRNA in CSF were detected by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and reverse transcriptase PCR. Odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were determined by logistic regression.

Results

651 individuals had one (n = 482), two (n = 121) or three or more (n = 48) episodes of syphilis. The proportion of individuals whose index episode was early latent stage was significantly higher in those with ≥3 syphilis episodes; this relationship was reduced to a trend when rate of testing was taken into account. Adjusted odds (aOR) of detection of T. pallidum DNA in blood or rRNA in CSF at the index episode were significantly lower in those with previous syphilis (0.17 [95% CI, 0.09–0.31] and 0.15 [95% CI, 0.07–0.35]). The aOR for neurosyphilis at the index episode was also significantly lower in individuals with previous syphilis (0.54 [95% CI, 0.34–0.87]).

Conclusions

Previous syphilis attenuates the manifestations of subsequent infection with T. pallidum.
Natural hazards and wildlife health: The effects of a volcanic eruption on the Andean Condor
Authors: Plaza Pablo I , Wiemeyer Guillermo , Blanco Guillermo , Alarcón Pablo , Hornero-Méndez Dámaso , Donázar José Antonio , Sánchez-Zapata José Antonio , Hiraldo Fernando , de la Rosa Jesús , Lambertucci Sergio A
Published: September 2019

Volcanic eruptions produce health changes in animals that may be associated with emitted gases and deposited ashes. We evaluated whether the Puyehue–Cordón Caulle volcanic eruption in 2011 produced health changes in the threatened Andean Condor (Vultur gryphus) living in the area most affected by the eruption, northwestern Patagonia. We studied clinical and biochemical parameters of condors examined before and after the eruption. We also examined concentrations of different metals and metalloids in the blood of individuals sampled after the eruption. The most common clinical abnormality associated with the eruptive process was irritating pharyngitis. In condors sampled after the eruption, blood concentrations of albumin, calcium, carotenoids, and total proteins decreased to levels under the reference values reported for this species. We found different chemical elements in the blood of these condors after the eruption, such as arsenic and cadmium, with the potential to produce health impacts. Thus, the health of Andean Condors was affected in different ways by the eruption; remaining in the affected area appears to have been costly. However, in comparison to other animal species, the health impacts were not as strong and were mainly related to food shortages due to the decrease in availability of livestock carcasses linked to the eruption. This suggests that condors dealt relatively well with this massive event. Future research is needed to evaluate if the health changes we found reduce the survival of this species, and if the cost of inhabiting volcanic areas has any ecological or evolutionary influence on the condor’s life history.
Bionitio: demonstrating and facilitating best practices for bioinformatics command-line software
Authors: Georgeson Peter , Syme Anna , Sloggett Clare , Chung Jessica , Dashnow Harriet , Milton Michael , Lonsdale Andrew , Powell David , Seemann Torsten , Pope Bernard
Published: September 2019

Background

Bioinformatics software tools are often created ad hoc, frequently by people without extensive training in software development. In particular, for beginners, the barrier to entry in bioinformatics software development is high, especially if they want to adopt good programming practices. Even experienced developers do not always follow best practices. This results in the proliferation of poorer-quality bioinformatics software, leading to limited scalability and inefficient use of resources; lack of reproducibility, usability, adaptability, and interoperability; and erroneous or inaccurate results.

Findings

We have developed Bionitio, a tool that automates the process of starting new bioinformatics software projects following recommended best practices. With a single command, the user can create a new well-structured project in 1 of 12 programming languages. The resulting software is functional, carrying out a prototypical bioinformatics task, and thus serves as both a working example and a template for building new tools. Key features include command-line argument parsing, error handling, progress logging, defined exit status values, a test suite, a version number, standardized building and packaging, user documentation, code documentation, a standard open source software license, software revision control, and containerization.

Conclusions

Bionitio serves as a learning aid for beginner-to-intermediate bioinformatics programmers and provides an excellent starting point for new projects. This helps developers adopt good programming practices from the beginning of a project and encourages high-quality tools to be developed more rapidly. This also benefits users because tools are more easily installed and consistent in their usage. Bionitio is released as open source software under the MIT License and is available at https://github.com/bionitio-team/bionitio.
A physics-based approach of deep interseismic creep for viscoelastic strike-slip earthquake cycle models
Authors: Bruhat Lucile
Published: September 2019

Most geodetic inversions of surface deformation rates consider the depth distribution of interseismic fault slip-rate to be time invariant. However, some numerical simulations show downdip penetration of dynamic rupture into regions with velocity-strengthening friction, with subsequent updip propagation of the locked-to-creeping transition. Recently, Bruhat and Segall developed a new method to characterize interseismic slip rates, that allows slip to penetrate up dip into the locked region. This simple model considered deep interseismic slip as a crack loaded at its downdip end, and provided analytical expressions for stress drop within the crack, slip and slip rate along the fault. This study extends this approach to strike-slip fault environments, and includes coupling of creep to viscoelastic flow in the lower crust and upper mantle. I use this model to investigate interseismic deformation rates along the Carrizo Plain section of the San Andreas fault. This study reviews possible models, elastic and viscoelastic, for fitting horizontal surface rates. Using this updated approach, I develop a physics-based solution for deep interseismic creep which accounts for possible slow vertical propagation, and investigate how it improves the fit of the horizontal deformation rates in the Carrizo Plain region. I found solutions for fitting the surface deformation rates that allow for reasonable estimates for earthquake rupture depth and coseismic displacement and improves the overall fit to the data. Best-fitting solutions present half-space relaxation time around 70 yr, and very low propagation speeds, less than a metre per year, suggesting a lack of creep propagation.
Social enterprises’ impact on older people’s health and wellbeing: exploring Scottish experiences
Authors: Henderson Fiona , Steiner Artur , Mazzei Micaela , Docherty Catherine
Published: September 2019

The global aging demographic is putting pressure on state-delivered health and social care services. As the austerity agenda in the UK cuts state-funded service provision for older people despite increasing demand, social enterprise has become a politically and economically attractive model for the sustainable delivery of some public services. Yet little is known about the impact of social enterprise on the health and wellbeing of older people. In this paper we address this gap in understanding and consider social enterprise activities as complex public health-promoting interventions. Our study aimed to understand what impact social enterprise activities had on the health and wellbeing of participants aged over 50, and also how that impact was created. To achieve this, we conducted qualitative semi-structured interviews with a sample (n = 43) of staff, volunteers, clients and carers aged over 50 who were involved in activities delivered by three social enterprises. Using a thematic analysis to explore manifest and latent themes, two antecedents of subjective younger age emerged explaining how benefit was created, namely downward social comparison and identity. The social enterprise activities we studied benefited participants' health and wellbeing, impacting positively on participants' sense of purpose, social support, connectedness and inclusion. These health and wellbeing benefits can be considered as outcomes of complex public health interventions for older people, and we relate these outcomes to beneficial conditions within the intermediary social determinants of health. We conclude by discussing the future impact of social enterprise activities and current UK policy on the structural determinants of health.
Pulmonary artery cannulation to enhance extracorporeal membrane oxygenation management in acute cardiac failure
Authors: Lorusso Roberto , Raffa Giuseppe Maria , Heuts Samuel , Lo Coco Valeria , Meani Paolo , Natour Ehsan , Bidar Elham , Delnoij Thijs , Loforte Antonio
Published: September 2019

OBJECTIVES

Pulmonary artery (PA) cannulation during peripheral venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) has been shown to be effective either for indirect left ventricular (LV) unloading or to allow right ventricular (RV) bypass with associated gas-exchange support in case of acute RV with respiratory failure. This case series reports the results of such peculiar ECMO configurations with PA cannulation in different clinical conditions.

METHODS

All consecutive patients receiving PA cannulation (direct or percutaneous) from January 2015 to September 2018 in 3 institutions were retrospectively reviewed. Isolated LV unloading or RV support, as well as dynamic support including initial drainage followed by perfusion through the PA cannula, was used as part of the ECMO configuration according to the type of patient and the patient’s haemodynamic/functional needs.

RESULTS

Fifteen patients (8 men, age range 45–73 years, EuroSCORE log range 14.45–91.60%) affected by acute LV, RV or biventricular failure of various aetiologies, were supported by this ECMO mode. Percutaneous PA cannulation was performed in 10 patients and direct PA cannulation, in 5 cases. Dynamic ECMO management (initially draining and then perfusing through the PA cannula) was carried out in 6 patients. Mean ECMO duration was 9.1 days (range 6–17 days). One patient exhibited pericardial fluid during the implant of a PA cannula (no lesion found when the chest was opened), and weaning from temporary circulatory support was achieved in 14 patients (1 who received a transplant). Three patients (20%) died in-hospital, and 12 patients were successfully discharged without major complications.

CONCLUSIONS

Effective indirect LV unloading in peripheral venoarterial ECMO as well as isolated RV support can be achieved by PA cannulation. Such an ECMO configuration may allow the counteraction of common venoarterial ECMO shortcomings or allow dynamic/adjustable management of ECMO according to specific ventricular dysfunction and haemodynamic needs. Percutaneous PA cannulation was shown to be safe and feasible without major complications. Additional investigation is needed to confirm the safety and efficacy of such an ECMO configuration and management in a larger patient population.
Investigating associations between rural-to-urban migration and cardiometabolic disease in Malawi: a population-level study
Authors: Chilunga Felix P , Musicha Crispin , Tafatatha Terence , Geis Steffen , Nyirenda Moffat J , Crampin Amelia C , Price Alison J
Published: September 2019

Background

The extent to which rural-to-urban migration affects risk for cardiometabolic diseases (CMD) in Africa is not well understood. We investigated prevalence and risk for obesity, diabetes, hypertension and precursor conditions by migration status.

Methods

In a cross-sectional survey in Malawi (February 2013–March 2017), 13 903 rural, 9929 rural-to-urban migrant and 6741 urban residents (≥18 years old) participated. We interviewed participants, measured blood pressure and collected anthropometric data and fasting blood samples to estimate population prevalences and odds ratios, using negative binomial regression, for CMD, by migration status. In a sub-cohort of 131 rural–urban siblings-sets, migration-associated CMD risk was explored using conditional Poisson regression.

Results

In rural, rural-to-urban migrant and urban residents, prevalence estimates were; 8.9, 20.9 and 15.2% in men and 25.4, 43.9 and 39.3% in women for overweight/obesity; 1.4, 2.9 and 1.9% in men and 1.5, 2.8 and 1.7% in women for diabetes; and 13.4, 18.8 and 12.2% in men and 13.7, 15.8 and 10.2% in women for hypertension. Rural-to-urban migrants had the greatest risk for hypertension (adjusted relative risk for men 1.18; 95% confidence interval 1.04–1.34 and women 1.17: 95% confidence interval 1.05–1.29) and were the most screened, diagnosed and treated for CMD, compared with urban residents. Within sibling sets, rural-to-urban migrant siblings had a higher risk for overweight and pre-hypertension, with no evidence for differences by duration of stay.

Conclusions

Rural-to-urban migration is associated with increased CMD risk in Malawi. In a poor country experiencing rapid urbanization, interventions for the prevention and management of CMD, which reach migrant populations, are needed.
Association between ambient and household air pollution with carotid intima-media thickness in peri-urban South India: CHAI-Project
Authors: Ranzani Otavio T , Milà Carles , Sanchez Margaux , Bhogadi Santhi , Kulkarni Bharati , Balakrishnan Kalpana , Sambandam Sankar , Sunyer Jordi , Marshall Julian D , Kinra Sanjay , Tonne Cathryn
Published: September 2019

Background

Evidence linking ambient air pollution with atherosclerosis is lacking from low- and middle-income countries. Additionally, evidence regarding the association between household air pollution and atherosclerosis is limited. We evaluated the association between ambient fine particulate matter [particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter of ≤2.5 µm (PM2.5)] and biomass fuel use on carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT), a surrogate of atherosclerosis, in India.

Methods

We analysed the third follow-up of the Andhra Pradesh Children and Parent Study cohort (2010–2012), which recruited participants from 28 peri-urban villages. Our primary outcome was mean CIMT, measured using a standardized protocol. We estimated annual average PM2.5 outdoors at residence using land-use regression. Biomass cooking fuel was self-reported. We fitted a within-between linear-mixed model adjusting for potential confounders.

Results

Among 3278 participants (48% women, mean age 38 years), mean PM2.5 was 32.7 [range 24.4–38.2] µg/m3, and 60% used biomass. After confounder adjustment, we observed positive associations between within-village variation in PM2.5 and CIMT in all participants [1.79%, 95% confidence interval (CI), −0.31 to 3.90 per 1  µg/m3 of PM2.5] and in men (2.98%, 95% CI, 0.23–5.72, per 1  µg/m3 of PM2.5). Use of biomass cooking fuel was associated with CIMT in all participants (1.60%, 95% CI, −0.46 to 3.65), especially in women with an unvented stove (6.14%, 95% CI, 1.40–10.89). The point-estimate for the PM2.5 association was larger in sub-groups with higher cardiometabolic risk profile.

Conclusions

Ambient and household air pollution were positively associated with CIMT in a peri-urban population of India, although with limited precision for some estimates. We observed differences in the association between ambient and household air pollution and CIMT by gender.
Internal Politics and the Fragmentation of Armed Groups
Authors: Perkoski Evan
Published: September 2019

Armed groups are prone to instability and fragmentation, but what explains variation among the new groups that emerge? I argue that the internal politics preceding organizational splits is critical. When it comes to the survival of breakaway groups, those forming around single issue areas gain an advantage by attracting more homogeneous, preference-aligned recruits. On the other hand, those forming over a variety of grievances attract a more heterogeneous population whose divergent views undermine cohesion and cooperation, necessitate hierarchy, and diminish the odds of organizational survival. I test this argument with a case study of two Republican groups from Northern Ireland—the Real Irish Republican Army and the Irish National Liberation Army. The findings confirm my argument and underscore the limited utility of studying organizational fractures from the sole perspective of contemporaneous external events like conciliation and repression. Rather, I show how internal political dynamics influence the composition, identity, and overall trajectory of breakaway groups. This has implications for designing effective counterinsurgent policies, for understanding the formation of armed groups, and for anticipating whether breakaway groups are likely to escalate, moderate, or adopt spoiling behavior.
Safety concerns with consumer-facing mobile health applications and their consequences: a scoping review
Authors: Akbar Saba , Coiera, Enrico , Magrabi Farah
Published: September 2019

Objective

To summarize the research literature about safety concerns with consumer-facing health apps and their consequences.

Materials and Methods

We searched bibliographic databases including PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Cochrane libraries from January 2013 to May 2019 for articles about health apps. Descriptive information about safety concerns and consequences were extracted and classified into natural categories. The review was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA-ScR (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews) statement.

Results

Of the 74 studies identified, the majority were reviews of a single or a group of similar apps (n = 66, 89%), nearly half related to disease management (n = 34, 46%). A total of 80 safety concerns were identified, 67 related to the quality of information presented including incorrect or incomplete information, variation in content, and incorrect or inappropriate response to consumer needs. The remaining 13 related to app functionality including gaps in features, lack of validation for user input, delayed processing, failure to respond to health dangers, and faulty alarms. Of the 52 reports of actual or potential consequences, 5 had potential for patient harm. We also identified 66 reports about gaps in app development, including the lack of expert involvement, poor evidence base, and poor validation.

Conclusions

Safety of apps is an emerging public health issue. The available evidence shows that apps pose clinical risks to consumers. Involvement of consumers, regulators, and healthcare professionals in development and testing can improve quality. Additionally, mandatory reporting of safety concerns is needed to improve outcomes.
Effect of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (n-3 PUFA) supplementation to lactating sows on growth and indicators of stress in the postweaned pig12
Authors: McAfee John M , Kattesh Henry G , Lindemann Merlin D , Voy Brynn H , Kojima Cheryl J , Burdick Sanchez Nicole C , Carroll Jeff A , Gillespie Barbara E , Saxton Arnold M
Published: September 2019

Dietary omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFA) are precursors for lipid metabolites that reduce inflammation. Two experiments were conducted to test the hypothesis that enriching the sow diet in n-3 PUFA during late gestation and throughout lactation reduces stress and inflammation and promotes growth in weaned pigs. A protected fish oil product (PFO; Gromega) was used to enrich the diet in n-3 PUFA. In the initial experiment, time-bred gilts were fed a gestation and lactation diet supplemented with 0% (control; n = 5), 0.25% (n = 4), 0.5% (n = 4), or 1% (n = 5) PFO from 101 ± 2 d of gestation to day 16 of lactation. Adding 1% PFO to the diet increased the n-3:n-6 PUFA ratio in colostrum and milk compared with controls (P = 0.05). A subsequent experiment was performed to determine whether supplementing the sow diet with 1% PFO improved growth and reduced circulating markers of acute inflammation and stress in the offspring. Plasma was harvested from piglets (16 per treatment group) on day 0 (d of weaning) and days 1 and 3 postweaning. Pigs from the 1% PFO treatment group weighed more (P = 0.03) on day 3 postweaning and had a greater (P ˂ 0.05) n-3:n-6 PUFA ratio in plasma on each day sampled compared with 0% PFO controls. There was an overall treatment effect on plasma total cortisol (P = 0.03) and haptoglobin (P = 0.04), with lesser concentrations in pigs on the 1% PFO diet. Plasma corticosteroid-binding globulin (CBG) concentrations were not different between treatment groups but were less (P ˂ 0.001) on days 1 and 3 when compared with day 0. The resultant free cortisol index [FCI (cortisol/CBG)] was less (P = 0.02) on days 1 and 3 for pigs from the 1% treatment group compared with the controls. An ex vivo lipopolysaccharide (LPS) challenge of whole blood collected on days 0 and 1 was used to determine whether 1% PFO attenuated release of inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α). Blood from pigs within the 1% PFO treatment group tended (P = 0.098) to have a lesser mean concentration of TNF-α in response to LPS compared with blood from controls. These results suggest that providing a PFO supplement as 1% of the diet to sows beginning in late gestation and during lactation can increase the n-3:n-6 PUFA ratio in their offspring, which may improve growth and reduce the acute physiological stress response in the pigs postweaning.
Chemical toolbox for ‘live’ biochemistry to understand enzymatic functions in living systems
Authors: Komatsu Toru , Urano Yasuteru
Published: September 2019

In this review, we present an overview of the recent advances in chemical toolboxes that are used to provide insights into ‘live’ protein functions in living systems. Protein functions are mediated by various factors inside of cells, such as protein−protein interactions, posttranslational modifications, and they are also subject to environmental factors such as pH, redox states and crowding conditions. Obtaining a true understanding of protein functions in living systems is therefore a considerably difficult task. Recent advances in research tools have allowed us to consider ‘live’ biochemistry as a valid approach to precisely understand how proteins function in a live cell context.
Resistance of rice genotypes to Tibraca limbativentris (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae)
Authors: De S Almeida André Cirilo , Dierings Cássio A , Borella Júnior Celio , Jesus Flávio G , Barrigossi Jose A F
Published: September 2019

The Tibraca limbativentris is a pest that causes rice crop damage and may lead to grain yield reductions of up to 90%. The most commonly used tactic for T. limbativentris control is chemical, which causes adverse effects on the environment. This study was conducted to identify sources of antixenosis and antibiosis resistance to T. limbativentris mediated by the hardness and diameter of the stem of the rice plant. Antibiosis and antixenosis tests were carried out with 22 rice genotypes of Brazilian and Asian origin. The Canela de Ferro, BRS Esmeralda, and Desconhecido Branco genotypes had the lowest proportions of stems showing symptoms of the damage caused by T. limbativentris. Canela de Ferro, Primavera, and IR 22 genotypes had the lowest nymphs survivorship and the genotypes Marabá Branco, Marabá, Skirivimankoti, Pepita, BR IRGA 409, Curinga, IR 40, Bonança, Desconhecido Branco, Bico Ganga, Primavera, and BRS Esmeralda were the least attractive to the insects. The genotypes BRS Esmeralda, Primavera, Desconhecido Branco, and Canela de Ferro were resistant to the rice stalk stink bug by antibiosis and/or antixenosis. These genotypes can be used directly by rice farmers for T. limbativentris management. Molecular biology studies should be conducted to identify and characterize resistance genes in these genotypes so that they can be used in breeding programs.
Isolation and Characterization of Microsatellite Markers for Soybean Looper (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)
Authors: Silva C S , Cordeiro E M G , Corrêa A S
Published: September 2019

We constructed 13 microsatellite markers for Chrysodeixis includens (Walker), a serious crop pest in the Americas. All SSR (Simple Sequence Repeat) markers were polymorphic, with no evidence of linkage disequilibrium between any loci in any population. The total number of alleles per locus ranged from 5 for L3, L9, and L11 to 26 for L6; the mean number of alleles per locus in three populations of C. includens ranged from 2.33 for L3 to 14.67 for L6. Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium (HWE) deviation was not observed in four loci for at least one population (L3, L5, L9, L10). Markers L6, L7, L8, L10, L11, L12, and L13 showed a frequency of null alleles > 0.2 for at least one population. STRUCTURE and F-statistics revealed low population structure among the populations (FST = 0.013) and a high degree of inbreeding (FIS = 0.658). The SSR markers developed here will be useful in future studies on the ecology, demography, host dynamics, and gene flow of C. includens. This information is essential to understand the recent status of C. includens as a key pest in South America.
Male and female bats differ in their use of a large urban park
Authors: Patriquin Krista J , Guy Cylita , Hinds Joshua , Ratcliffe John M
Published: September 2019

Understanding how wildlife respond to ever-encroaching urbanization is of great concern. Bats are the second-most speciose mammalian order and while many appear to be urban adapted, we currently have a limited understanding of their demography and habitat use within urban environments. Using a combination of captures to obtain demographic data, radio-telemetry to examine foraging and roosting behaviour, and data on diet and prey availability, we examined how big brown bats (Eptesicus fuscus), a synurbic species, use an urban green space (High Park) in Canada’s largest city centre, Toronto. We found that adult males outnumbered adult females more than two to one and that males were found throughout the park, while females were concentrated in an area with greater access to water, but lower prey availability. We also found that bats of both sexes were in poorer body condition than reported for other non-urban areas, including a site within southern Ontario. Our data suggest that High Park may not provide adequate resources for reproductive females as they were never found roosting in the park and beetles, their preferred prey, were limited. Although previous studies suggest urban green spaces may offer refuge to bats, most have not considered sex-specific responses to urbanization as they have largely been based on acoustic surveys. Our study therefore highlights the importance of considering demographic differences in response to urbanization to better inform urban management plans and green space development.
STAT5: From Pathogenesis Mechanism to Therapeutic Approach in Acute Leukemia
Authors: Shahjahani Mohammad , Abroun Amirreza , Saki Najmaldin , Bagher Mohammadi Seyed Mohammad , Rezaeeyan Hadi
Published: September 2019

Background

Based on the results of multiple studies, multiple signaling pathways is a major cause of resistence to chemotherapy in leukemia cells. Signal transducer and activator of transcription 5 (STAT5) is among these factors; it plays an essential role in proliferation of leukemic cells.

Methods

We obtained the materials used in our study via PubMed search from 1996 through 2019. The key search terms included “STAT5,” “acute leukemia,” “leukemogenesis,” and “mutation.”

Results

On activation, STAT5 not only inhibits apoptosis of leukemic cells via activating the B-cell lymphoma 2 (BCL-2) gene but also inhibits resistance to chemotherapy by enhancing human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) expression and maintaining telomere length in cells. It has also been shown that a number of mutations in the STAT5 gene and in related genes alter the expression of STAT5.

Conclusion

The identification of STAT5 and the factors activated in its up- or downstream expression, affecting its function, contribute to better treatments such as targeted therapy rather than chemotherapy, improving the quality of life patients.
Anti-M–Induced Delayed Hemolytic Transfusion Reaction
Authors: Fadeyi Emmanuel A , Naal Tawfeq , Green Mary , Simmons Julie H , Jones Mary Rose , Pomper Gregory J
Published: September 2019

Background

Anti-M is most often assumed to be naturally occurring and can be comprised of a mixture of predominantly immunoglobulin(Ig)M with a lesser IgG component. Anti-M-antibodies usually do not react at 37°C and therefore are considered to be of little clinical significance.

Methods

A 28-year-old man presented with hemorrhagic shock from numerous injuries sustained in a motor vehicle collision. The patient received several units of red blood cells (RBCs). The antibody screen, the direct antiglobulin test (DAT), and the RBC genotype were sent for laboratory evaluation.

Results

A total of 12 days after the first antibody screening result was negative (7 days after transfusion), the lowest hemoglobin value was 5.5 g per dL, and we observed a positive antibody screening result and DAT with immunoglobulin (Ig)G anti-M identified. After transfusion of 4 units of M antigen–negative RBC, the post-transfusion hemoglobin level increased to 8.9 g per dL.

Conclusion

Obtaining M antigen–negative compatible RBCs is necessary in patients demonstrating IgG anti-M in plasma.
The SLUGGS survey: measuring globular cluster ages using both photometry and spectroscopy
Authors: Usher Christopher , Brodie Jean P , Forbes Duncan A , Romanowsky Aaron J , Strader Jay , Pfeffer Joel , Bastian Nate
Published: September 2019

Globular cluster ages provide both an important test of models of globular cluster formation and a powerful method to constrain the assembly history of galaxies. Unfortunately, measuring the ages of unresolved old stellar populations has proven challenging. Here, we present a novel technique that combines optical photometry with metallicity constraints from near-infrared spectroscopy in order to measure ages. After testing the method on globular clusters in the Milky Way and its satellite galaxies, we apply our technique to three massive early-type galaxies using data from the SAGES Legacy Unifying Globulars and GalaxieS (SLUGGS) survey. The three SLUGGS galaxies and the Milky Way show dramatically different globular cluster age and metallicity distributions, with NGC 1407 and the Milky Way showing mostly old globular clusters, while NGC 3115 and NGC 3377 show a range of globular ages. This diversity implies different galaxy formation histories and that the globular cluster optical colour–metallicity relation is not universal as is commonly assumed in globular cluster studies. We find a correlation between the median age of the metal-rich globular cluster populations and the age of the field star populations, in line with models where globular cluster formation is a natural outcome of high-intensity star formation.
Upgraded Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope timing of NGC 1851A: a possible millisecond pulsar − neutron star system
Authors: Ridolfi A , Freire P C C , Gupta Y , Ransom S M
Published: September 2019

In this work, we present the results of 1 yr of upgraded Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope timing measurements of PSR J0514−4002A, a 4.99-ms pulsar in a 18.8-d eccentric ($e = 0.89$) orbit with a massive companion located in the globular cluster NGC 1851. Combining these data with earlier Green Bank Telescope data, we greatly improve the precision of the rate of advance of periastron, $\dot{\omega} = 0.0129592(16)\, \deg \, \rm yr^{-1}$ which, assuming the validity of general relativity, results in a much refined measurement of the total mass of the binary, $M_{\rm tot} = 2.4730(6) \, \mathrm{M}_{\odot }$. Additionally, we measure the Einstein delay parameter, γ, something that has never been done for any binary system with an orbital period larger than ${\sim}$10 h. The measured value, $\gamma = 0.0216(9) \, \rm s$, is by far the largest for any binary pulsar. Furthermore, we measure the proper motion of the system ($\mu _{\alpha } = 5.19(22)$ and $\mu _{\delta } = -0.56(25)\rm ~mas ~ yr^{-1}$), which is not only important for analysing its motion in the cluster, but is also essential for a proper interpretation of γ, given the latter parameter’s correlation with the variation of the projected semimajor axis. The measurements of γ and the proper motion enable a separation of the system component masses: we obtain a pulsar mass of $M_{\rm p} = 1.25^{+0.05}_{-0.06} \, \mathrm{M}_{\odot }$ and a companion mass of $M_{\rm c} = 1.22^{+0.06}_{-0.05} \, \mathrm{M}_{\odot }$. This raises the possibility that the companion is also a neutron star. Searches for radio pulsations from the companion have thus far been unsuccessful; hence, we cannot confirm the latter hypothesis. The low mass of this millisecond pulsar – one of the lowest ever measured for such objects – clearly indicates that the recycling process can be achieved with a relatively small amount of mass transfer.
Characterization of the planetary nebula Tc 1 based on VLT X-shooter observations
Authors: Aleman Isabel , Leal-Ferreira Marcelo L , Cami Jan , Akras Stavros , Ochsendorf Bram , Wesson Roger , Morisset Christophe , Cox Nick L J , Bernard-Salas Jeronimo , Paladini Carlos E , Peeters Els , Stock David J , Monteiro Hektor , Tielens Alexander G G M
Published: September 2019

We present a detailed analysis of deep VLT/X-Shooter observations of the planetary nebula Tc 1. We calculate gas temperature, density, extinction, and abundances for several species from the empirical analysis of the total line fluxes. In addition, a spatially resolved analysis of the most intense lines provides the distribution of such quantities across the nebula. The new data reveal that several lines exhibit a double peak spectral profile consistent with the blue and redshifted components of an expanding spherical shell. The study of such components allowed us to construct for the first time a three-dimensional morphological model, which reveals that Tc 1 is a slightly elongated spheroid with an equatorial density enhancement seen almost pole on. A few bright lines present extended wings (with velocities up to a few hundred km s−1), but the mechanism producing them is not clear. We constructed photoionization models for the main shell of Tc 1. The models predict the central star temperature and luminosity, as well as the nebular density and abundances similar to previous studies. Our models indicate that Tc 1 is located at a distance of approximately 2 kpc. We report the first detection of the [Kr iii] 6825 Å emission line, from which we determine the Krypton abundance. Our model indicates that the main shell of Tc 1 is matter bounded; leaking H ionizing photons may explain the ionization of its faint AGB-remnant halo.
Persistence of the colour–density relation and efficient environmental quenching to z ∼ 1.4
Authors: Lemaux B C , Tomczak A R , Lubin L M , Gal R R , Shen L , Pelliccia D , Wu P-F , Hung D , Mei S , Le Fèvre O , Rumbaugh N , Kocevski D D , Squires G K
Published: September 2019

Using ∼5000 spectroscopically confirmed galaxies drawn from the Observations of Redshift Evolution in Large Scale Environments (ORELSE) survey we investigate the relationship between colour and galaxy density for galaxy populations of various stellar masses in the redshift range 0.55 ≤ z ≤ 1.4. The fraction of galaxies with colours consistent with no ongoing star formation (fq) is broadly observed to increase with increasing stellar mass, increasing galaxy density, and decreasing redshift, with clear differences observed in fq between field and group/cluster galaxies at the highest redshifts studied. We use a semi-empirical model to generate a suite of mock group/cluster galaxies unaffected by environmentally specific processes and compare these galaxies at fixed stellar mass and redshift to observed populations to constrain the efficiency of environmentally driven quenching (Ψconvert). High-density environments from 0.55 ≤ z ≤ 1.4 appear capable of efficiently quenching galaxies with $\log (\mathcal {M}_{\ast }/\mathcal {M}_{\odot })\gt 10.45$. Lower stellar mass galaxies also appear efficiently quenched at the lowest redshifts studied here, but this quenching efficiency is seen to drop precipitously with increasing redshift. Quenching efficiencies, combined with simulated group/cluster accretion histories and results on the star formation rate-density relation from a companion ORELSE study, are used to constrain the average time from group/cluster accretion to quiescence and the elapsed time between accretion and the inception of the quenching event. These time-scales were constrained to be 〈tconvert〉 = 2.4 ± 0.3 and 〈tdelay〉 = 1.3 ± 0.4 Gyr, respectively, for galaxies with $\log (\mathcal {M}_{\ast }/\mathcal {M}_{\odot })\gt 10.45$ and 〈tconvert〉 = 3.3 ± 0.3 and 〈tdelay〉 = 2.2 ± 0.4 Gyr for lower stellar mass galaxies. These quenching efficiencies and associated time-scales are used to rule out certain environmental mechanisms as being the primary processes responsible for transforming the star formation properties of galaxies over this 4 Gyr window in cosmic time.
Cosmological Evidence Modelling: a new simulation-based approach to constrain cosmology on non-linear scales
Authors: Lange Johannes U , van den Bosch Frank C , Zentner Andrew R , Wang Kuan , Hearin Andrew P , Guo Hong
Published: September 2019

Extracting accurate cosmological information from galaxy–galaxy and galaxy–matter correlation functions on non-linear scales (${\lesssim } 10 \, h^{-1}{\rm {Mpc}}$) requires cosmological simulations. Additionally, one has to marginalize over several nuisance parameters of the galaxy–halo connection. However, the computational cost of such simulations prohibits naive implementations of stochastic posterior sampling methods like Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) that would require of order $\mathcal {O}(10^6)$ samples in cosmological parameter space. Several groups have proposed surrogate models as a solution: a so-called emulator is trained to reproduce observables for a limited number of realizations in parameter space. Afterwards, this emulator is used as a surrogate model in an MCMC analysis. Here, we demonstrate a different method called Cosmological Evidence Modelling (CEM). First, for each simulation, we calculate the Bayesian evidence marginalized over the galaxy–halo connection by repeatedly populating the simulation with galaxies. We show that this Bayesian evidence is directly related to the posterior probability of cosmological parameters. Finally, we build a physically motivated model for how the evidence depends on cosmological parameters as sampled by the simulations. We demonstrate the feasibility of CEM by using simulations from the Aemulus simulation suite and forecasting cosmological constraints from BOSS CMASS measurements of redshift-space distortions. Our analysis includes exploration of how galaxy assembly bias affects cosmological inference. Overall, CEM has several potential advantages over the more common approach of emulating summary statistics, including the ability to easily marginalize over highly complex models of the galaxy–halo connection and greater accuracy, thereby reducing the number of simulations required.
Impact of the mean pressure profile of galaxy clusters on the cosmological constraints from the Planck tSZ power spectrum
Authors: Ruppin F , Mayet F , Macías-Pérez J F , Perotto L
Published: September 2019

Cosmological analyses based on surveys of galaxy clusters observed through the Sunyaev–Zel’dovich (SZ) effect strongly rely on the mean pressure profile of the cluster population. A tension is currently observed between the cosmological constraints obtained from the analyses of the CMB primary anisotropies and those from cluster abundance in SZ surveys. This discrepancy may be explained by a wrong estimate of the hydrostatic bias parameter that links the hydrostatic mass to the true mass of galaxy clusters. However, a variation of both the amplitude and the shape of the mean pressure profile could also explain part of this tension. We analyse the effects of a modification of this profile on the constraints of the σ8 and Ωm parameters through the analysis of the SZ power spectrum measured by the Planck collaboration. We choose two mean pressure profiles that are respectively lower and higher than the one obtained from the observation of nearby clusters by Planck. The selection of the parameters of these two profiles is based on the current estimates of the pressure and gas mass fraction profile distributions at low redshift. The cosmological parameters found for these two profiles are significantly different from the ones obtained with the Planck pressure profile. We conclude that an ${\sim }15{{\ \rm per\ cent}}$ decrease of the amplitude of the mean normalized pressure profile would alleviate the tension observed between the constraints of σ8 and Ωm from the CMB and cluster analyses without requiring extreme values of the mass bias parameter.
Constraining spatial pattern of early activity of comet 67P/C–G with 3D modelling of the MIRO observations
Authors: Zhao Y , Rezac L , Hartogh P , Ji J , Marschall R , Keller H U
Published: September 2019

Our aim is to investigate early activity (2014 July) of 67P/C–G with 3D coma and radiative transfer modeling of Microwave Instrument on the Rosetta Orbiter (MIRO) measurements, accounting for nucleus shape, illumination, and orientation of the comet. We investigate MIRO line shape information for spatial distribution of water activity on the nucleus during the onset of activity. During this period we show that MIRO line shape have enough information to clearly isolate contribution from ‘neck’ (Hapi) and bottom of large lobe (Imhotep), and compare it to the nominal case of activity from the entire illuminated surface. We also demonstrate that spectral line shapes differ from the 1D model for different viewing geometries and coma conditions relevant to this study. Specifically, line shapes are sensitive to the location of the terminator in the coma. At last, fitting the MIRO observations we show that the Imhotep region (possible distributed source of H2O sublimating from the icy grains in the coma lifted due to CO2 activities) contributes negligible fraction of the total number of water molecules into MIRO beam in the early activity. On the other hand, a strong enhancement of water activity from the ‘neck’ region seems required to fit the MIRO line shapes. This is consistent with earlier analysis of Rosetta results. Nevertheless, within the assumption of our coma and surface boundary conditions we cannot get a reasonable fit to all MIRO mapping observations in 2014 July. We provide discussion on how to enhance these results and resolve the found issues in the future.
Patterns of Genomic Differentiation in the Drosophila nasuta Species Complex
Authors: Mai Dat , Nalley Matthew J , Bachtrog Doris
Published: September 2019

The Drosophila nasuta species complex contains over a dozen recently diverged species that are distributed widely across South-East Asia, and which shows varying degrees of pre- and postzygotic isolation. Here, we assemble a high-quality genome for D. albomicans using single-molecule sequencing and chromatin conformation capture, and draft genomes for 11 additional species and 67 individuals across the clade, to infer the species phylogeny and patterns of genetic diversity in this group. Our assembly recovers entire chromosomes, and we date the origin of this radiation ∼2 Ma. Despite low levels of overall differentiation, most species or subspecies show clear clustering into their designated taxonomic groups using population genetics and phylogenetic methods. Local evolutionary history is heterogeneous across the genome, and differs between the autosomes and the X chromosome for species in the sulfurigaster subgroup, likely due to autosomal introgression. Our study establishes the nasuta species complex as a promising model system to further characterize the evolution of pre- and postzygotic isolation in this clade.
Stress-Driven Transposable Element De-repression Dynamics and Virulence Evolution in a Fungal Pathogen
Authors: Fouché Simone , Badet Thomas , Oggenfuss Ursula , Plissonneau Clémence , Francisco Carolina Sardinha , Croll Daniel
Published: September 2019

Transposable elements (TEs) are drivers of genome evolution and affect the expression landscape of the host genome. Stress is a major factor inducing TE activity; however, the regulatory mechanisms underlying de-repression are poorly understood. Plant pathogens are excellent models to dissect the impact of stress on TEs. The process of plant infection induces stress for the pathogen, and virulence factors (i.e., effectors) located in TE-rich regions become expressed. To dissect TE de-repression dynamics and contributions to virulence, we analyzed the TE expression landscape of four strains of the major wheat pathogen Zymoseptoria tritici. We experimentally exposed strains to nutrient starvation and host infection stress. Contrary to expectations, we show that the two distinct conditions induce the expression of different sets of TEs. In particular, the most highly expressed TEs, including miniature inverted-repeat transposable element and long terminal repeat-Gypsy element, show highly distinct de-repression across stress conditions. Both the genomic context of TEs and the genetic background stress (i.e., different strains harboring the same TEs) were major predictors of de-repression under stress. Gene expression profiles under stress varied significantly depending on the proximity to the closest TEs and genomic defenses against TEs were largely ineffective to prevent de-repression. Next, we analyzed the locus encoding the Avr3D1 effector. We show that the insertion and subsequent silencing of TEs in close proximity likely contributed to reduced expression and virulence on a specific wheat cultivar. The complexity of TE responsiveness to stress across genetic backgrounds and genomic locations demonstrates substantial intraspecific genetic variation to control TEs with consequences for virulence.