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Tumour heterogeneity is increasingly recognized as a major obstacle to therapeutic success across neuro-oncology. Gliomas are characterized by distinct combinations of genetic and epigenetic alterations, resulting in complex interactions across multiple molecular pathways. Predicting disease evolution and prescribing individually optimal treatment requires statistical models complex enough to capture the intricate (epi)genetic structure underpinning oncogenesis. Here, we formalize this task as the inference of distinct patterns of connectivity within hierarchical latent representations of genetic networks. Evaluating multi-institutional clinical, genetic and outcome data from 4023 glioma patients over 14 years, across 12 countries, we employ Bayesian generative stochastic block modelling to reveal a hierarchical network structure of tumour genetics spanning molecularly confirmed glioblastoma, IDH-wildtype; oligodendroglioma, IDH-mutant and 1p/19q codeleted; and astrocytoma, IDH-mutant. Our findings illuminate the complex dependence between features across the genetic landscape of brain tumours and show that generative network models reveal distinct signatures of survival with better prognostic fidelity than current gold standard diagnostic categories. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction Following graduate medical education duty hour reform, many programs have migrated to a night float model to achieve duty hour compliance. This has led to increased focus on optimizing nighttime education. A 2018 internal program evaluation of the newborn night rotation revealed that most pediatric residents received no feedback and perceived little didactic education during their four-week, night float rotation. One hundred percent of resident respondents were interested in increased feedback, didactics, and procedural opportunities. Our objective was to develop a newborn night curriculum to ensure timely formative feedback, enhance trainee didactic experience, and guide formal education. Materials and Methods A multimodal curriculum was designed to include senior resident-led, case-based scenarios, a pre- and post-test, a pre- and post-confidence assessment, a focused procedure "passport," weekly feedback sessions, and simulation cases. The San Antonio Uniformed Services Health Education Consortium implemented the curriculum starting from July 2019. Results Thirty-one trainees completed the curriculum in over 15 months. There was a 100% pre- and post-test completion rate. Test scores rose from an average of 69% to 94% (25% increase, P  < .0001) for interns and an average of 84% to 97% (13% increase, P  < .0001) for third-year residents (PGY-3s). When averaged across domains assessed, intern confidence rose by 1.2 points and PGY-3 confidence rose by 0.7 points on a 5-point Likert scale. One hundred percent of trainees utilized the on-the-spot feedback form to initiate at least one in-person feedback session. Conclusions As resident schedules evolve, there is an increased need for focused didactics during the night shift. The results and feedback from this resident-led and multimodal curriculum suggest that it is a valuable tool to improve knowledge and confidence for future pediatricians. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Radio transient searches using traditional variability metrics struggle to recover sources whose evolution time-scale is significantly longer than the survey cadence. Motivated by the recent observations of slowly evolving radio afterglows at gigahertz frequency, we present the results of a search for radio variables and transients using an alternative matched-filter approach. We designed our matched-filter to recover sources with radio light curves that have a high-significance fit to power-law and smoothly broken power-law functions; light curves following these functions are characteristic of synchrotron transients, including 'orphan' gamma-ray burst afterglows, which were the primary targets of our search. Applying this matched-filter approach to data from Variables and Slow Transients Pilot Survey conducted using the Australian SKA Pathfinder, we produced five candidates in our search. Subsequent Australia Telescope Compact Array observations and analysis revealed that: one is likely a synchrotron transient; one is likely a flaring active galactic nucleus, exhibiting a flat-to-steep spectral transition over 4 months; one is associated with a starburst galaxy, with the radio emission originating from either star formation or an underlying slowly evolving transient; and the remaining two are likely extrinsic variables caused by interstellar scintillation. The synchrotron transient, VAST J175036.1–181454, has a multifrequency light curve, peak spectral luminosity, and volumetric rate that is consistent with both an off-axis afterglow and an off-axis tidal disruption event; interpreted as an off-axis afterglow would imply an average inverse beaming factor |$\langle f^{-1}_{\text{b}} \rangle = 860^{+1980}_{-710}$|⁠ , or equivalently, an average jet opening angle of |$\langle \theta _{\textrm {j}} \rangle = 3^{+4}_{-1}\,$| deg. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accurately determining the black hole mass (M BH) in active galactic nuclei (AGNs) is crucial to constraining their properties and to studying their evolution. While direct methods yield reliable measurements of M BH in unobscured type 1 AGNs, where the dynamics of stellar or gas components can be directly observed, only indirect methods can be applied to the vast majority of heavily absorbed type 2 AGNs, which represent most of the AGN population. Since it is difficult to evaluate the accuracy and precision of these indirect methods, we utilize the nearby X-ray bright Seyfert galaxy NGC 4151, whose M BH has been tightly constrained with several independent direct methods, as a laboratory to assess the reliability of three indirect methods that have been applied to obscured AGNs. All three, the X-ray scaling method, the Fundamental Plane of BH activity, and the M –σ correlation, yield M BH values consistent with those inferred from direct methods and can therefore be considered accurate. However, only the X-ray scaling method and the M –σ correlation are precise because the substantial scatter in the Fundamental Plane of BH activity allows only for crude estimates. Of the four M –σ correlations we used, only the one from Kormendy and Ho yields a value consistent with the dynamical estimates. This study suggests that the best approach to estimating the BH mass in systems where direct dynamical methods cannot be applied is to utilize a combination of indirect methods, taking into account their different ranges of applicability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Data on antibody kinetics are limited among individuals previously infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). From a cohort of healthcare personnel and other frontline workers in 6 US states, we assessed antibody waning after messenger RNA (mRNA) dose 2 and response to dose 3 according to SARS-CoV-2 infection history. Methods Participants submitted sera every 3 months, after SARS-CoV-2 infection, and after each mRNA vaccine dose. Sera were tested for antibodies and reported as area under the serial dilution curve (AUC). Changes in AUC values over time were compared using a linear mixed model. Results Analysis included 388 participants who received dose 3 by November 2021. There were 3 comparison groups: vaccine only with no known prior SARS-CoV-2 infection (n = 224); infection prior to dose 1 (n = 123); and infection after dose 2 and before dose 3 (n = 41). The interval from dose 2 and dose 3 was approximately 8 months. After dose 3, antibody levels rose 2.5-fold (95% confidence interval [CI] = 2.2–3.0) in group 2 and 2.9-fold (95% CI = 2.6–3.3) in group 1. Those infected within 90 days before dose 3 (and median 233 days [interquartile range, 213–246] after dose 2) did not increase significantly after dose 3. Conclusions A third dose of mRNA vaccine typically elicited a robust humoral immune response among those with primary vaccination regardless of SARS-CoV-2 infection >3 months prior to boosting. Those with infection <3 months prior to boosting did not have a significant increase in antibody concentrations in response to a booster. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction U.S. military pilots are required to meet certain medical standards in order to maintain an active flying status. Military pilots face potential temporary or permanent loss of flying privileges in the setting of a new condition or symptom that does not meet required standards, which could result in negative social and occupational repercussions for the pilot. For this reason, it has been proposed that U.S. military pilots participate in health care avoidance behavior, but little evidence exists to characterize such a trend in this population. Materials and Methods We conducted a non-probabilistic Internet survey of the general population of U.S. pilots from November 1, 2019 through August 1, 2021. The current study is a sub-analysis of military pilots. Results A total of 4,320 pilots answered the informed consent question, and 264 selected one military pilot type and were included in this sub-analysis. There were 72% of military pilots who reported a history of health care avoidance behavior (n  = 190), and no statistical difference was found between age groups, gender, and military pilot types. There were 55.5% of pilots who reported a history of seeking informal medical care (n  = 147), 33.7% of pilots who have flown despite a new symptom they felt required medical evaluation, 42.5% of pilots who reported withholding information on aeromedical screening (n  = 111), and 11.4% of pilots who reported a history of undisclosed prescription medication use (n  = 30). Conclusions U.S. military pilots may participate in health care avoidance behavior because of fear for loss of flying status. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fluid intelligence is arguably the defining feature of human cognition. Yet the nature of its relationship with the brain remains a contentious topic. Influential proposals drawing primarily on functional imaging data have implicated 'multiple demand' frontoparietal and more widely distributed cortical networks, but extant lesion-deficit studies with greater causal power are almost all small, methodologically constrained, and inconclusive. The task demands large samples of patients, comprehensive investigation of performance, fine-grained anatomical mapping, and robust lesion-deficit inference, yet to be brought to bear on it. We assessed 165 healthy controls and 227 frontal or non-frontal patients with unilateral brain lesions on the best-established test of fluid intelligence, Raven's Advanced Progressive Matrices, employing an array of lesion-deficit inferential models responsive to the potentially distributed nature of fluid intelligence. Non-parametric Bayesian stochastic block models were used to reveal the community structure of lesion deficit networks, disentangling functional from confounding pathological distributed effects. Impaired performance was confined to patients with frontal lesions [ F (2,387) = 18.491; P < 0.001; frontal worse than non-frontal and healthy participants P < 0.01, P <0.001], more marked on the right than left [ F (4,385) = 12.237; P < 0.001; right worse than left and healthy participants P < 0.01, P < 0.001]. Patients with non-frontal lesions were indistinguishable from controls and showed no modulation by laterality. Neither the presence nor the extent of multiple demand network involvement affected performance. Both conventional network-based statistics and non-parametric Bayesian stochastic block modelling heavily implicated the right frontal lobe. Crucially, this localization was confirmed on explicitly disentangling functional from pathology-driven effects within a layered stochastic block model, prominently highlighting a right frontal network involving middle and inferior frontal gyrus, pre- and post-central gyri, with a weak contribution from right superior parietal lobule. Similar results were obtained with standard lesion-deficit analyses. Our study represents the first large-scale investigation of the distributed neural substrates of fluid intelligence in the focally injured brain. Combining novel graph-based lesion-deficit mapping with detailed investigation of cognitive performance in a large sample of patients provides crucial information about the neural basis of intelligence. Our findings indicate that a set of predominantly right frontal regions, rather than a more widely distributed network, is critical to the high-level functions involved in fluid intelligence. Further they suggest that Raven's Advanced Progressive Matrices is a useful clinical index of fluid intelligence and a sensitive marker of right frontal lobe dysfunction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Motivation CRAM has established itself as a high compression alternative to the BAM file format for DNA sequencing data. We describe updates to further improve this on modern sequencing instruments. Results With Illumina data CRAM 3.1 is 7–15% smaller than the equivalent CRAM 3.0 file, and 50–70% smaller than the corresponding BAM file. Long-read technology shows more modest compression due to the presence of high-entropy signals. Availability and implementation The CRAM 3.0 specification is freely available from https://samtools.github.io/hts-specs/CRAMv3.pdf. The CRAM 3.1 improvements are available in a separate OpenSource HTScodecs library from https://github.com/samtools/htscodecs , and have been incorporated into HTSlib. Supplementary information Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present Champagne, a whole-genome method for generating character matrices for phylogenomic analysis using large genomic indel events. By rigorously picking orthologous genes and locating large insertion and deletion events, Champagne delivers a character matrix that considerably reduces homoplasy compared with morphological and nucleotide-based matrices, on both established phylogenies and difficult-to-resolve nodes in the mammalian tree. Champagne provides ample evidence in the form of genomic structural variation to support incomplete lineage sorting and possible introgression in Paenungulata and human–chimp–gorilla which were previously inferred primarily through matrices composed of aligned single-nucleotide characters. Champagne also offers further evidence for Myomorpha as sister to Sciuridae and Hystricomorpha in the rodent tree. Champagne harbors distinct theoretical advantages as an automated method that produces nearly homoplasy-free character matrices on the whole-genome scale. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phylogenetic diversity analyses were used to interpret the timing and assembly of vegetation communities in temperate New Zealand. A data set comprising 1638 permanent vegetation plots provided plant-distributional data, and a plastid rbcL phylogenetic tree provided phylogenetic metrics. Mean crown age, standardized effect size of mean pairwise distance and standardized effect size of mean nearest taxon distance were analysed in relation to taxonomic groups (angiosperms, gymnosperms and pteridophytes), life form (woody angiosperms, non-woody angiosperms) and temperature and precipitation using generalized additive models. Angiosperms in South Island have a younger crown age than those in most North Island sites, and phylogenetic clustering is prevalent throughout. Angiosperms and pteridophytes from drier and cooler open-habitat communities in central and eastern South Island have younger crown ages and phylogenetic clustering compared to wetter and warmer closed-habitat communities of western South Island and North Island, with older crown ages and phylogenetic over-dispersion. Phylogenetic clustering is consistent with species-rich radiations that have diversified into newly available niches during the late Miocene to Plio-Pleistocene. Pteridophytes displayed less phylogenetic relatedness than angiosperms, reflecting their older crown ages. These findings are consistent with a view that northern New Zealand retained older lineages of subtropical origin during glaciations, whereas novel habitats in cool, dry climates in southern New Zealand facilitated more recent radiations. These results emphasize the strong legacy of history in the modern-day composition of plant communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over the past four decades, no class of drugs has had more impact on cardiovascular health than the 3-hydroxy-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase inhibitors or statins. Developed as potent lipid-lowering agents, statins were later shown to reduce morbidity and mortality of patients who are at risk for cardiovascular disease. However, retrospective analyses of some of these clinical trials have uncovered some aspects of their clinical benefits that may be additional to their lipid-lowering effects. Such 'pleiotropic' effects of statins garnered intense interest and debate over its contribution to cardiovascular risk reduction. This review will provide a brief background of statin pleiotropy, assess the available clinical evidence for and against their non-lipid-lowering benefits, and propose future research directions in this field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents case study of 49-year-old male with a remote history of alcohol use disorder presented with a 5-day history of subjective fever, nausea, vomiting, watery diarrhea, and right upper quadrant abdominal pain. It mentions diagnosis of Amoebic liver abscess and associated amoebic colitis.

Objective To determine if universal access to care for military beneficiaries improves timing of presentation to prenatal care (PNC) in adolescent and young adult (AYA) pregnancies, improving maternal and neonatal outcomes. Study Design Retrospective descriptive cohort study, which assessed PNC initiation in eligible military beneficiaries: dependent daughters, active-duty women, and active-duty spouses aged 13 to 26 between January 2015 and December 2019, and subsequent adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes. Results The cohort included 4,557 eligible pregnancies and 4,044 mothers aged 13 to 26. Late entry to PNC was not associated with gestational diabetes, prolonged rupture of membranes, pregnancy loss, elective abortion, substance use, or premature labor. Younger age was significantly associated with substance use, elective abortion, and sexually transmitted infection. There were 2,107 eligible newborns. There was no significant difference in gestational age at birth, incidence of prematurity, birthweight percentile, or occurrence of a neonatal intensive care unit admission based on maternal age. In comparison to published national outcomes, there was a significantly smaller occurrence of preterm (5.3% vs. 9.57-10.23%, 95% CI, 4.4-6.4%), small for gestational age (5.2% vs. 10-13%, 95% CI, 4.3-6.2%), and large for gestational age (4.8% vs. 9%, 95% CI, 4.0-5.8%) births, but a higher occurrence of neonatal intensive care unit admissions (16.9% vs. 7.8-14.4%, 95% CI, 15.4-18.6%) in infants born to military beneficiaries. Conclusions Our findings suggest that expanded universal access to health care may improve AYA pregnancy and delivery outcomes. Infants born to AYA military beneficiaries have improved neonatal outcomes compared to nationally published data. These results may correlate to improved maternal access within a free or low-cost healthcare system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present a search for radio afterglows from long gamma-ray bursts using the Australian Square Kilometre Array Pathfinder (ASKAP). Our search used the Rapid ASKAP Continuum Survey, covering the entire celestial sphere south of declination +41○, and three epochs of the Variables and Slow Transients Pilot Survey (Phase 1), covering ∼5000 square degrees per epoch. The observations we used from these surveys spanned a nine-month period from 2019 April 21 to 2020 January 11. We cross-matched radio sources found in these surveys with 779 well-localized (to ≤15 arcsec) long gamma-ray bursts occurring after 2004 and determined whether the associations were more likely afterglow- or host-related through the analysis of optical images. In our search, we detected one radio afterglow candidate associated with GRB 171205A, a local low-luminosity gamma-ray burst with a supernova counterpart SN 2017iuk, in an ASKAP observation 511 d post-burst. We confirmed this detection with further observations of the radio afterglow using the Australia Telescope Compact Array at 859 and 884 d post-burst. Combining this data with archival data from early-time radio observations, we showed the evolution of the radio spectral energy distribution alone could reveal clear signatures of a wind-like circumburst medium for the burst. Finally, we derived semi-analytical estimates for the microphysical shock parameters of the burst: electron power-law index p = 2.84, normalized wind-density parameter A * = 3, fractional energy in electrons ϵe = 0.3, and fractional energy in magnetic fields ϵ B = 0.0002. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Determining the black hole masses in active galactic nuclei (AGN) is of crucial importance to constrain the basic characteristics of their central engines and shed light on their growth and co-evolution with their host galaxies. While the black hole mass (M BH) can be robustly measured with dynamical methods in bright type 1 AGN, where the variable primary emission and the broad-line region are directly observed, a direct measurement is considerably more challenging if not impossible for the vast majority of heavily obscured type 2 AGN. In this work, we tested the validity of an X-ray-based scaling method to constrain the M BH in heavily absorbed AGN. To this end, we utilized a sample of type 2 AGN with good-quality hard X-ray data obtained by the Nuclear Spectroscopic Telescope Array satellite and with M BH dynamically constrained from megamaser measurements. Our results indicate that, when the X-ray broad-band spectra are fitted with physically motivated self-consistent models that properly account for absorption, scattering, and emission-line contributions from the putative torus and constrain the primary X-ray emission, then the X-ray scaling method yields M BH values that are consistent with those determined from megamaser measurements within their respective uncertainties. With this method, we can therefore systematically determine the M BH in any type 2 AGN, provided that they possess good-quality X-ray data and accrete at a moderate to high rate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Graduate medical education (GME) faculty and trainees have required scholarly activities to meet accreditation requirements. The impact of this contribution to the Military Health System, especially regarding innovations in military medicine, has not been previously examined. This study measured the contribution of GME in published manuscripts from a tertiary military medical center.Materials and Methods: Utilizing the Scopus database, published manuscripts from the primary military GME institutions for the San Antonio Uniformed Services Health Education Consortium were identified from 2008 to 2018. Manuscripts were sorted based on the number of citations in Scopus and analyzed for their overall impact in medicine to include military unique topics.Results: A total of 3,700 manuscripts were identified through Scopus and based on a 10 citation minimum, 1,365 manuscripts were further analyzed; 1,152 (84.4%) included authors with GME affiliation and 554 (40.6%) had direct applicability to unique aspects of military medicine. The mean number of citations per manuscript was 39.2 ± 63.6; Mean Cite Score was 2.97 ± 2.14 and Field Weighted Citation Index of 2.22 ± 3.27. Analysis of number of citations (10-19; 20-39; or >40) did not show any significant differences in Cite Score or military relevance, whereas the percentage of military relevant articles remained consistent yearly.Conclusions: These findings highlight the importance of military medical research and addressing specific medical needs of the warfighter. Graduate medical education in a tertiary Military Health System facility has enormous impact in scholarly activity, in particular the importance related to military medicine topics that emphasize combat casualty care and military readiness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Since the original publication of the VCF and SAM formats, an explosion of software tools have been created to process these data files. To facilitate this a library was produced out of the original SAMtools implementation, with a focus on performance and robustness. The file formats themselves have become international standards under the jurisdiction of the Global Alliance for Genomics and Health. Findings We present a software library for providing programmatic access to sequencing alignment and variant formats. It was born out of the widely used SAMtools and BCFtools applications. Considerable improvements have been made to the original code plus many new features including newer access protocols, the addition of the CRAM file format, better indexing and iterators, and better use of threading. Conclusion Since the original Samtools release, performance has been considerably improved, with a BAM read-write loop running 5 times faster and BAM to SAM conversion 13 times faster (both using 16 threads, compared to Samtools 0.1.19). Widespread adoption has seen HTSlib downloaded >1 million times from GitHub and conda. The C library has been used directly by an estimated 900 GitHub projects and has been incorporated into Perl, Python, Rust, and R, significantly expanding the number of uses via other languages. HTSlib is open source and is freely available from htslib.org under MIT/BSD license. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background SAMtools and BCFtools are widely used programs for processing and analysing high-throughput sequencing data. They include tools for file format conversion and manipulation, sorting, querying, statistics, variant calling, and effect analysis amongst other methods. Findings The first version appeared online 12 years ago and has been maintained and further developed ever since, with many new features and improvements added over the years. The SAMtools and BCFtools packages represent a unique collection of tools that have been used in numerous other software projects and countless genomic pipelines. Conclusion Both SAMtools and BCFtools are freely available on GitHub under the permissive MIT licence, free for both non-commercial and commercial use. Both packages have been installed >1 million times via Bioconda. The source code and documentation are available from https://www.htslib.org. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Fever and leukocytosis are 2 parameters commonly cited in clinical practice as indications to perform an infectious workup in patients receiving extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), but their utility is unknown. Methods All patients who received ECMO between December 2014 and December 2020 with influenza or COVID-19 were included in this retrospective cohort study. Cultures were included if they were drawn from patients without signs of decompensation. Maximum temperature and white blood cell count were recorded on the day of culture collection. Workups with infections were compared with those that were negative. Results Of the 137 infectious workups in this 45-patient cohort, 86 (63%) were performed in patients with no signs of decompensation, totaling 165 cultures. These workups yielded 10 (12%) true infections. There were no differences in median (IQR) temperature (100.4 °F [100.2–100.8] vs 100.4 °F [99.3–100.9], P =.90) or white blood cell count (18.6 cells/mL [16.8–20.1] vs 16.7 cells/mL [12.8–22.3], P =.90) between those with and without infections. Conclusions In patients with influenza or COVID-19 who require ECMO, fever and leukocytosis were common indications for infectious workups, yet results were frequently negative. Despite their use in clinical practice, fever and leukocytosis are not reliable indicators of infection in patients who are hemodynamically stable and receiving ECMO. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Non-nutritive sweeteners are thought to be useful replacements for caloric sweeteners in sweet food and beverages, since the reduction in energy and carbohydrate intake may lead to health benefits stemming from weight management and glycemic control. However, the potential effects of non-nutritive sweeteners on glucose metabolism and gut hormones have not been determined definitively. Here, the available evidence of the effects of aspartame and sucralose consumption on glucose metabolism and gut hormones is reviewed. A majority of studies have found that consumption of aspartame or sucralose has no effect on concentrations of blood glucose, insulin, or gut hormones; however, 2 trials have shown that aspartame consumption affects glucose, insulin, and glucagon-like peptide 1 concentrations, while only a few trials have shown that sucralose consumption affects glucose, insulin, and glucagon-like peptide 1 concentrations. One study found higher glucose concentrations after sucralose consumption, while 3 studies found lower concentrations and 33 studies found no change in glucose concentrations. Moreover, only 4 studies reported increased concentrations of glucagon-like peptide 1. Three studies reported decreased insulin sensitivity following sucralose consumption, while 1 trial reported an increase in insulin sensitivity. In summary, the evidence from the clinical trials conducted to date is contradictory because of the different protocols used. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aims The success of invasive plants can be attributed to many traits including the ability to adapt to variable environmental conditions. Whether by adaptation, acclimation or phenotypic plasticity, these plants often increase their resource-use efficiency and, consequently, their fitness. The goal of this study was to examine the hydraulic and eco-physiological attributes of sun and shade populations of Pteridium aquilinum , a weedy fern, to determine whether the presence of vessels and other hydraulic attributes affects its success under a variety of light conditions. Methods Hydraulic traits such as cavitation resistance, hydraulic conductivity, photosynthesis and water potential at turgor loss point were measured on fronds from sun and shade populations. Anatomical and structural traits such as conduit diameter and length, stomatal density and vein density were also recorded. Diurnal measures of leaf water potential and stomatal conductance complement these data. Key Results Gas exchange was nearly double in the sun plants, as was water-use efficiency, leaf-specific conductivity, and stomatal and vein density. This was largely achieved by a decrease in leaf area, coupled with higher xylem content. There was no significant difference in petiole cavitation resistance between the sun and shade leaves, nor in xylem-specific conductivity. Hydraulic conduit diameters were nearly equivalent in the two leaf types. Conclusions Shifts in leaf area and xylem content allow P. aquilinum to occupy habitats with full sun, and to adjust its physiology accordingly. High rates of photosynthesis explain in part the success of this fern in disturbed habitats, although no change was observed in intrinsic xylem qualities such as cavitation resistance or conduit length. This suggests that P. aquilinum is constrained by its fundamental body plan, in contrast to seed plants, which show greater capacity for hydraulic adjustment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The soft X-ray excess – the excess of X-rays below 2 keV with respect to the extrapolation of the hard X-ray spectral continuum model – is a very common feature among type 1 active galactic nuclei (AGNs); yet the nature of the soft X-ray excess is still poorly understood and hotly debated. To shed some light on this issue, we have measured in a model-independent way the soft excess strength in a flux-limited sample of broad- and narrow-line Seyfert 1 galaxies (BLS1s and NLS1s) that are matched in X-ray luminosity but different in terms of the black hole mass and the accretion rate values, with NLS1s being characterized by smaller M BH and larger |$\dot{m}$| values. Our analysis, in agreement with previous studies carried out with different AGN samples, indicates that: (1) a soft excess is ubiquitously detected in both BLS1s and NLS1s; (2) the strength of the soft excess is significantly larger in the NLS1 sample, compared to the BLS1 sample; and (3) combining the two samples, the strength of the soft excess appears to positively correlate with the photon index as well as with the accretion rate, whereas there is no correlation with the black hole mass. Importantly, our work also reveals the lack of an anticorrelation between the soft excess strength and the luminosity of the primary X-ray component, predicted by the absorption and reflection scenarios. Our findings suggest that the soft excess is consistent with being produced by a warm Comptonization component. Larger, more complete samples of NLS1s and BLS1s are needed to confirm these conclusions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In at least some unicellular organisms, mutation rates are temporarily raised upon exposure to environmental stress, potentially contributing to the evolutionary response to stress. Whether this is true for multicellular organisms, however, has received little attention. This study investigated the effects of chronic mild stress, in the form of low-level copper and nickel exposure, on mutational processes in Daphnia pulex using a combination of mutation accumulation, whole genome sequencing and life-history assays. After over 100 generations of mutation accumulation, we found no effects of metal exposure on the rates of single nucleotide mutations and of loss of heterozygosity events, the two mutation classes that occurred in sufficient numbers to allow statistical analysis. Similarly, rates of decline in fitness, as measured by intrinsic rate of population increase and of body size at first reproduction, were negligibly affected by metal exposure. We can reject the possibility that Daphnia were insufficiently stressed to invoke genetic responses as we have previously shown rates of large-scale deletions and duplications are elevated under metal exposure in this experiment. Overall, the mutation accumulation lines did not significantly depart from initial values for phenotypic traits measured, indicating the lineage used was broadly mutationally robust. Taken together, these results indicate that the mutagenic effects of chronic low-level exposure to these metals are restricted to certain mutation classes and that fitness consequences are likely minor and therefore unlikely to be relevant in determining the evolutionary responses of populations exposed to these stressors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Background and Aims Ramularia collo-cygni is an ascomycete fungus that colonizes barley primarily as a benign endophyte, although this interaction can become pathogenic, causing the disease Ramularia leaf spot (RLS). Factors, particularly reactive oxygen species, that resulted in the transition of the fungus from endophyte to necrotrophic parasite and the development of disease symptoms were investigated. • Methods Disease development in artificially inoculated seedlings of barley varieties varying in partial resistance to RLS was related to exposure to abiotic stress prior to inoculation. Histochemical and molecular analysis determined the effect of R. collo-cygni colonization on accumulation of reactive oxygen species and antioxidant gene expression. Development of RLS on barley lines defective in antioxidant enzymes and with altered redox status or non-functional chloroplasts was compared with the accumulation of fungal biomass to determine how these factors affect disease symptom expression. • Key Results Exposure to abiotic stress increased symptom development in all susceptible and most partially resistant barley varieties, in association with greater hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) levels in leaves. Decreased activity of the antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase and catalase in transgenic and mutant plants had no effect on the disease transition, whereas manipulation of H2O2 levels during asymptomatic growth of the fungus increased disease symptoms in most susceptible varieties but not in partially resistant plants. Barley mutants that undergo rapid loss of green leaf area when infected by R. collo-cygni or albino mutants with non-functional chloroplasts showed reduced development of RLS symptoms. • Conclusions These results imply that in seedlings the pathogenic transition of the normally endophytic fungus R. collo-cygni does not result from senescence as such, but rather is promoted by factors that result in changes to host reactive oxygen species. Barley varieties vary in the extent to which these factors promote RLS disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ecological prominence of diatoms in the ocean environment largely results from their superior competitive ability for dissolved nitrate (NO3  −). To investigate the cellular and genetic basis of diatom NO3  − assimilation, we generated a knockout in the nitrate reductase gene (NR -KO) of the model pennate diatom Phaeodactylum tricornutum. In NR -KO cells, N-assimilation was abolished although NO3  − transport remained intact. Unassimilated NO3  − accumulated in NR -KO cells, resulting in swelling and associated changes in biochemical composition and physiology. Elevated expression of genes encoding putative vacuolar NO3  − chloride channel transporters plus electron micrographs indicating enlarged vacuoles suggested vacuolar storage of NO3  −. Triacylglycerol concentrations in the NR -KO cells increased immediately following the addition of NO3  −, and these increases coincided with elevated gene expression of key triacylglycerol biosynthesis components. Simultaneously, induction of transcripts encoding proteins involved in thylakoid membrane lipid recycling suggested more abrupt repartitioning of carbon resources in NR -KO cells compared with the wild type. Conversely, ribosomal structure and photosystem genes were immediately deactivated in NR -KO cells following NO3  − addition, followed within hours by deactivation of genes encoding enzymes for chlorophyll biosynthesis and carbon fixation and metabolism. N-assimilation pathway genes respond uniquely, apparently induced simultaneously by both NO3  − replete and deplete conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bioerosion of calcium carbonate is the natural counterpart of biogenic calcification. Both are affected by ocean acidification (OA). We summarize definitions and concepts in bioerosion research and knowledge in the context of OA, providing case examples and meta-analyses. Chemically mediated bioerosion relies on energy demanding, biologically controlled undersaturation or acid regulation and increases with simulated OA, as does passive dissolution. Through substrate weakening both processes can indirectly enhance mechanical bioerosion, which is not directly affected by OA. The low attention and expert knowledge on bioerosion produced some ambiguous views and approaches, and limitations to experimental studies restricted opportunities to generalize. Comparability of various bioerosion and calcification rates remains difficult. Physiological responses of bioeroders or interactions of environmental factors are insufficiently studied. We stress the importance to foster and advance high quality bioerosion research as global trends suggest the following: (i) growing environmental change (eutrophication, coral mortality, OA) is expected to elevate bioerosion in the near future; (ii) changes harmful to calcifiers may not be as severe for bioeroders (e.g. warming); and (iii) factors facilitating bioerosion often reduce calcification rates (e.g. OA). The combined result means that the natural process bioerosion has itself become a "stress factor" for reef health and resilience. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The purpose of this article is to examine the Army service of Dr. William H. Welch during World War I.Materials and Methods: Archival research utilizing prime source documents in the William H. Welch Collection of the Alan M. Chesney Medical Archives for the Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions.Results: Welch joined the Army at the age of 67 after serving as one of the principal transformational forces for reforming medical education in the United States and founding the first academic institution for educating public health professionals in the United States, the Johns Hopkins School of Public Health and Hygiene. His longstanding relationship with Army Surgeon General William Gorgas served as the backdrop for Welch's service. Welch served as both a staff officer and as a traveling medical inspector general, assessing the medical care of troops preparing for overseas duty. He did not adapt particularly well to military dress and decorum but his status as one of the icons of American medicine rendered these shortcomings insignificant. Welch was joined in Army service by a number of American medical luminaries-both Mayo brothers, George Crile, and Harvey Cushing among them. Although Welch remained on active duty for only 13 months, he maintained a nominal relationship with Army medicine through appointment to the Medical Officer Reserve Corps until the time of his death.Conclusion: 2016 marks the centennial of the establishment of the first independent academic institution in America dedicated to education and training of professionals focused on public health and hygiene issues. 2017 marks the centennial of U.S. entry into World War I. Dr. William H. Welch played an important role in both of these historic events and, although his active service was brief, the impact of his example was substantial. Analysis of his military career in its full historical context provides insight into the relationship between academic medicine and military medicine during periods of armed conflict. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Persistent infections of biofilmforming bacteria, such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa, are common among human populations, due to the bacterial resistance to antibiotics and other adaptation strategies, including release of cytotoxic virulent factors such as pigment pyocyanin (PCN). Urinary tract infections harbor P. aeruginosa strains characterized by the highest PCNproducing capacity, yet no information is available on PCN cytotoxicity mechanismin kidney. We report here that renal tubular epithelial cell (RTEC) line NRK-52E responds to PCN treatments with paraptosis-like activity features. Specifically, PCN-treated cells experienced dilation of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and an extensive development of ER-derived vacuoles after about 8h. This process was accompanied with hyper-activation of proteotoxic stress-inducible transcription factors Nrf2, ATF6, and HSF-1. The cells could be rescued by withdrawal of PCN from the culturemedia before the vacuoles burst and cells die of non-programmed necrosis after about 24-30h. The paraptosis-like activity was abrogated by co-treatment of the cells withmetal-chelating antioxidants. A microscopic examination of cells co-treated with PCN and agents aiming at a variety of the cellular stressmediators and pathways have identified iron as a single most significant co-factor of the PCN cytotoxicity in the RTECs. Among biologically relevantmetal ions, low micromolar Fe2+ specifically mediated anaerobic oxidation of glutathione by PCN, but catechol derivatives and other strong iron complexing agents could inhibit the reaction. Our data suggest that iron chelation could be considered as a supplementary treatment in the PCN-positive infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Most work on religious charismatic leadership is concentrated in the study of new religious movements to the neglect of more institutional forms. Whether findings from those extreme religious cases apply in the context of institutionalized religion is an empirical question. Drawing on charismatic leadership research in organizational studies, we propose that in institutionalized religion there is less conflict between the extraordinary and ordinary qualities of the charismatic leader and that, in fact, both can attract followers and solidify the charismatic bond. Allowing followers to see their human side makes charismatic leaders more relatable, authentic, and trustworthy. We explore these propositions in the context of American megachurches using interviews and a large-N survey of attendees in 12 megachurches. We show how the senior pastors of these churches are able to establish a charismatic bond with attendees based on perceptions of their extraordinary and ordinary qualities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Motivation The bulk of space taken up by NGS sequencing CRAM files consists of per-base quality values. Most of these are unnecessary for variant calling, offering an opportunity for space saving. Results On the Syndip test set, a 17 fold reduction in the quality storage portion of a CRAM file can be achieved while maintaining variant calling accuracy. The size reduction of an entire CRAM file varied from 2.2 to 7.4 fold, depending on the non-quality content of the original file (see Supplementary Material S6 for details). Availability and implementation Crumble is OpenSource and can be obtained from https://github.com/jkbonfield/crumble. Supplementary information Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Throughout human history, Indigenous and local communities have stewarded nature. In the present article, we revisit the ancestral principle of reciprocity between people and nature and consider it as a conceptual intervention to the current notion of ecosystem services commonly used to inform sustainability transformation. We propose the concept of reciprocal contributions to encompass actions, interactions, and experiences between people and other components of nature that result in positive contributions and feedback loops that accrue to both, directly or indirectly, across different dimensions and levels. We identify reciprocal contributions and showcase examples that denote the importance of reciprocity for our ecological legacy and its relevance for biocultural continuity. We suggest that the concept of reciprocal contribution can support transformation pathways by resituating people as active components of nature and restructuring institutions so that ethical principles and practices from Indigenous and local communities can redirect policy approaches and interventions worldwide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Large widefield surveys make possible the serendipitous discovery of rare subclasses of pulsars. One such class are 'spider'-type pulsar binaries, comprised of a pulsar in a compact orbit with a low-mass (sub)stellar companion. In a search for circularly polarized radio sources in Australian Square Kilometre Array Pathfinder (ASKAP) Pilot Survey observations, we discovered highly variable and circularly polarized emission from a radio source within the error region of the γ-ray source 4FGL J1646.5−4406. The variability is consistent with the eclipse of a compact, steep-spectrum source behind ablated material from a companion in an ∼5.3 h binary orbit. Based on the eclipse properties and spatial coincidence with 4FGL J1646.5−4406, we argue that the source is likely a recycled pulsar in a 'redback' binary system. Using properties of the eclipses from ASKAP and Murchison Widefield Array observations, we provide broad constraints on the properties of the eclipse medium. We identified a potential optical/infrared counterpart in archival data consistent with a variable low-mass star. Using the Parkes radio telescope 'Murriyang' and the Meer Karoo Array Telescope (MeerKAT) , we searched extensively for radio pulsations but yielded no viable detections of pulsed emission. We suggest that the non-detection of pulses is due to scattering in the intra-binary material, but scattering from the interstellar medium can also plausibly explain the pulse non-detections if the interstellar dispersion measure exceeds ∼600 pc cm−3. Orbital constraints derived from optical observations of the counterpart would be highly valuable for future γ-ray pulsation searches, which may confirm the source nature as a pulsar. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Complete dosage compensation refers to hyperexpression of the entire X or Z chromosome in organisms with heterogametic sex chromosomes (XY male or ZW female) in order to compensate for having only one copy of the X or Z chromosome. Recent analyses suggest that complete dosage compensation, as in Drosophila melanogaster, may not be the norm. There has been no systematic study focusing on dosage compensation in mosquitoes. However, analysis of dosage compensation in Anopheles mosquitoes provides opportunities for evolutionary insights, as the X chromosome of Anopheles and that of its Dipteran relative, D. melanogaster formed independently from the same ancestral chromosome. Furthermore, Culicinae mosquitoes, including the Aedes genus, have homomorphic sex-determining chromosomes, negating the need for dosage compensation. Thus, Culicinae genes provide a rare phylogenetic context to investigate dosage compensation in Anopheles mosquitoes. Here, we performed RNA-seq analysis of male and female samples of the Asian malaria mosquito Anopheles stephensi and the yellowfever mosquitoAedes aegypti. Autosomal and X-linked genes in An. stephensi showed very similar levels of expression in both males and females, indicating complete dosage compensation. The uniformity of average expression levels of autosomal and X-linked genes remained when An. stephensi gene expression was normalized by that of their Ae. aegypti orthologs, strengthening the finding of complete dosage compensation in Anopheles. In addition, we comparatively analyzed the differentially expressed genes between adult males and adult females in both species, investigated sex-biased gene chromosomal distribution patterns inAn. stephensi and provided three examples where gene duplications may have enabled the acquisition of sex-specific expression during mosquito evolution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nearly all physician specialties currently utilize bedside ultrasound, and its applications continue to expand. Bedside ultrasound is becoming a core skill for physicians; as such, it should be taught during undergraduate medical education. When ultrasound is integrated in a longitudinal manner beginning in the preclerkship phase of medical school, it not only enhances teaching the basic science topics of anatomy, physiology, and pathology but also ties those skills and knowledge to the clerkship phase and medical decision-making. Bedside ultrasound is a natural bridge from basic science to clinical science. The Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, F. Edward Hébert School of Medicine is currently in its fourth year of implementing an integrated ultrasound curriculum in the school of medicine. In our experience, successful integration of a bedside ultrasound curriculum should: align with unique focuses of a medical schools' mission, simplify complex anatomy through multimodal teaching, correlate to teaching of the physical examination, solidify understanding of physiology and pathology, directly link to other concurrent content, narrow differential diagnoses, enhance medical decision-making, improve procedural skills, match to year-group skillsets, develop teaching and leadership abilities, and have elective experiences for advanced topics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lower body negative pressure (LBNP) simulates hemorrhage, and tolerance to LBNP (time to presyncope [TTP]) is indicative of tolerance to blood loss. The purpose of this study was to predict TTP based on demographic characteristics (sex, age, height, and body mass index) and physiological variables (heart rate [HR], systolic arterial pressure, diastolic arterial pressure [DAP], pulse pressure, stroke volume, total peripheral resistance [TPR], and baroreflex sensitivity [BRS]) at baseline, and during 2 levels of LBNP (-15, -30 mm Hg). Multiple linear regression analysis was used to create a model to predict TTP (range: 670 to 2516 seconds, n=187) based on demographic characteristics and physiological variables changes (Δ) from baseline to -30 mm Hg LBNP. The prediction model revealed that TTP (seconds)=1667.5+(5.1×Age)+(61.1×Sex)-(21.5×ΔHR)+(55.3×ΔDAP)-(88.2×ΔTPR)-(4.9×ΔBRS). Most significantly, our analysis demonstrated a lesser survival trajectory for females given the same rate and magnitude of hemorrhage compared to males. Young age and female sex are predictors of low tolerance to blood loss, and should be considered for early triage in the prehospital setting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To describe the application of a data-mining statistical algorithm for calculation of clinical laboratory tests reference intervals. Methods: Reference intervals for eight different analytes and different age and sex groups (a total of 11 separate reference intervals) for tests that are unlikely to be ordered during routine screening of disease-free populations were calculated using the modified algorithm for data mining of test results stored in the laboratory database and compared with published peer-reviewed studies that used direct sampling. The selection of analytes was based on the predefined criteria that include comparability of analytical methods with a statistically significant number of observations. Results: Of the 11 calculated reference intervals, having upper and lower limits for each, 21 of 22 reference interval limits were not statistically different from the reference studies. Conclusions: The presented statistical algorithm is shown to be an accurate and practical tool for reference interval calculations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cavitation has long been recognized as a key constraint on the structure and functional integrity of the xylem. Yet, recent results call into question how well we understand cavitation in plants. Here, we consider embolism formation in angiosperms at two scales. The first focuses on how air-seeding occurs at the level of pit membranes, raising the question of whether capillary failure is an appropriate physical model. The second addresses methodological uncertainties that affect our ability to infer the formation of embolism and its reversal in plant stems. Overall, our goal is to open up fresh perspectives on the structure-function relationships of xylem. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Genetic studies have revealed a large degree of previously unappreciated diversity in morphologically conserved taxa. To understand the implications of this phenomenon, studies investigating the processes responsible for generating and maintaining functional and neutral diversity within such taxa are needed. With this aim, patterns of differentiation across a contact zone between two catchment-specific, and genetically and subtly morphologically distinguishable, races of the onychophoran Euperipatoides rowelli Reid, 1996 at the Tallaganda State Forest study system, Australia, were quantified using diagnostic body-pattern differences, microsatellite markers, and the cytochrome c oxidase subunit I ( COI) mitochondrial gene. These data were used to test whether hybridization occurred, and whether the reduced survival of hybrids compared with non-hybrids and/or assortative mating were potentially important factors in retaining the divergence between these races, which probably arose during isolation in Pleistocene glacial refuges. It was found that hybrids at the focal contact zone do not have reduced embryo-to-adult survival compared with non-hybrids, and that races apparently freely interbreed without substantial assortative mating, consistent with little or no cost to hybridization. Nonetheless, at their respective transect ends the races remain distinct. This phenomenon was attributed to the elevated location of the contact zone, which is likely to make it poor habitat for E. rowelli, and thus may restrict dispersal and gene flow. There was also tentative evidence for a relaxed selection against hybridization in the hybrid zone, and the relative importance of these two explanations will require separate investigation. © 2014 The Linnean Society of London, Biological Journal of the Linnean Society, 2014, 111, 589-602. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, there has been a call for social scientific studies of religion to start taking “place” seriously. This paper adds to this growing literature by embedding religious commitment within place. We propose that the tension religious groups experience with their surroundings partly depends on local contexts and that certain types of local contexts may generate more tension. These contexts include regions in which the nonreligiously affiliated constitute the majority of the population, such as the American Pacific Northwest (PNW) region. Analysis of qualitative data on evangelical and liberal Protestants from western Oregon and western Washington suggests that they are aware of and experience tension with the regional PNW culture, which shapes their religious experience. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Brief periods of unconscious thought (UT) have been shown to improve decision making compared with making an immediate decision (ID). We reveal a neural mechanism for UT in decision making using blood oxygen level-dependent (BOLD) functional magnetic resonance imaging. Participants (N = 33) encoded information on a set of consumer products (e.g. 48 attributes describing four different cars), and we manipulated whether participants (i) consciously thought about this information (conscious thought), (ii) completed a difficult 2-back working memory task (UT) or (iii) made an immediate decision about the consumer products (ID) in a within-subjects blocked design. To differentiate UT neural activity from 2-back working memory neural activity, participants completed an independent 2-back task and this neural activity was subtracted from neural activity occurring during the UT 2-back task. Consistent with a neural reactivation account, we found that the same regions activated during the encoding of complex decision information (right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and left intermediate visual cortex) continued to be activated during a subsequent 2-min UT period. Moreover, neural reactivation in these regions was predictive of subsequent behavioral decision-making performance after the UT period. These results provide initial evidence for post-encoding unconscious neural reactivation in facilitating decision making. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Trunks of large trees play an important role in whole-plant water balance but technical difficulties have limited most hydraulic research to small stems, leaves, and roots. To investigate the dynamics of water-related processes in tree trunks, such as winter embolism refilling, xylem hydraulic vulnerability, and water storage, volumetric water content (VWC) in the main stem was monitored continuously using frequency domain moisture sensors in adult Betula papyrifera trees from early spring through the beginning of winter. An air injection technique was developed to estimate hydraulic vulnerability of the trunk xylem. Trunk VWC increased in early spring and again in autumn, concurrently with root pressure during both seasons. Diurnal fluctuations and a gradual decrease in trunk VWC through the growing season were observed, which, in combination with VWC increase after significant rainfall events and depletion during periods of high water demand, indicate the importance of stem water storage in both short- and long-term water balance. Comparisons between the trunk air injection results and conventional branch hydraulic vulnerability curves showed no evidence of ‘vulnerability segmentation’ between the main stem and small branches in B. papyrifera. Measurements of VWC following air injection, together with evidence from air injection and xylem dye perfusion, indicate that embolized vessels can be refilled by active root pressure but not in the absence of root pressure. The precise, continuous, and non-destructive measurement of wood water content using frequency domain sensors provides an ideal way to probe many hydraulic processes in large tree trunks that are otherwise difficult to investigate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ability to accurately infer others’ mental states from facial expressions is important for optimal social functioning and is fundamentally impaired in social cognitive disorders such as autism. While pharmacologic interventions have shown promise for enhancing empathic accuracy, little is known about the effects of behavioral interventions on empathic accuracy and related brain activity. This study employed a randomized, controlled and longitudinal design to investigate the effect of a secularized analytical compassion meditation program, cognitive-based compassion training (CBCT), on empathic accuracy. Twenty-one healthy participants received functional MRI scans while completing an empathic accuracy task, the Reading the Mind in the Eyes Test (RMET), both prior to and after completion of either CBCT or a health discussion control group. Upon completion of the study interventions, participants randomized to CBCT and were significantly more likely than control subjects to have increased scores on the RMET and increased neural activity in the inferior frontal gyrus (IFG) and dorsomedial prefrontal cortex (dmPFC). Moreover, changes in dmPFC and IFG activity from baseline to the post-intervention assessment were associated with changes in empathic accuracy. These findings suggest that CBCT may hold promise as a behavioral intervention for enhancing empathic accuracy and the neurobiology supporting it. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Tidal Disruption Event (TDE) AT 2018hyz exhibited a delayed radio flare almost three years after the stellar disruption. Here, we report new radio observations of the TDE AT 2018hyz with the AMI-LA and ATCA spanning from a month to more than four years after the optical discovery and 200 d since the last reported radio observation. We detected no radio emission from 30–220 d after the optical discovery in our observations at 15.5 GHz down to a 3σ level of <0.14 mJy. The fast-rising, delayed radio flare is observed in our radio data set and continues to rise almost ∼1580 d after the optical discovery. We find that the delayed radio emission, first detected 972 d after optical discovery, evolves as t 4.2 ± 0.9, at 15.5 GHz. Here, we present an off-axis jet model that can explain the full set of radio observations. In the context of this model, we require a powerful narrow jet with an isotropic equivalent kinetic energy E k, iso ∼ 1055 erg, an opening angle of ∼7°, and a relatively large viewing angle of ∼42°, launched at the time of the stellar disruption. Within our framework, we find that the minimal collimated energy possible for an off-axis jet from AT 2018hyz is Ek ≥ 3 × 1052 erg. Finally, we provide predictions based on our model for the light curve turnover time, and for the proper motion of the radio emitting source. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Our two closest living primate relatives, chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes) and bonobos (Pan paniscus), exhibit significant behavioral differences despite belonging to the same genus and sharing a very recent common ancestor. Differences have been reported in multiple aspects of social behavior, including aggression, sex, play and cooperation. However, the neurobiological basis of these differences has only been minimally investigated and remains uncertain. Here, we present the first ever comparison of chimpanzee and bonobo brains using diffusion tensor imaging, supplemented with a voxel-wise analysis of T1-weighted images to specifically compare neural circuitry implicated in social cognition. We find that bonobos have more gray matter in brain regions involved in perceiving distress in both oneself and others, including the right dorsal amygdala and right anterior insula. Bonobos also have a larger pathway linking the amygdala with the ventral anterior cingulate cortex, a pathway implicated in both top–down control of aggressive impulses as well as bottom–up biases against harming others. We suggest that this neural system not only supports increased empathic sensitivity in bonobos, but also behaviors like sex and play that serve to dissipate tension, thereby limiting distress and anxiety to levels conducive with prosocial behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

We contend that there is a continuing culture of hopelessness among conservation biologists, one that will affect whom we recruit to academic halls of conservation science, and that will influence our ability to mobilize conservation action among the general public. We explore the repercussions of hopelessness for the field of conservation biology and challenge conservation scientists to better balance realism with hope. People must believe that their actions make a difference. Although others have suggested a need for hope, conservation biologists have not yet found an effective way to address this continuing problem. We advocate for the establishment of professional rituals that force us to regularly confront despair and seek out the positive, even when things take a turn for the worse. These measures may seem drastic, but history proves this wrong: Unless we are reminded. we conservationists are stingy with our hope. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Enteroaggregative Escherichia coli is emerging as an increasingly recognized cause of persistent, mildly inflammatory diarrhea in the United States, especially among patients with AIDS, as well as among children, for whom it is accompanied by growth shortfalls. Methods. We describe a novel model of disease induced in neonatal and weaned C57BL/6 mice by pathogenic strains of enteroaggregative E. coli 042 and JM22 1. Results. Enteroaggregative E. coli caused growth impairment (up to 47%), persistent stool shedding (for >3 weeks), and a substantial tissue burden of organisms (150,000 organisms per milligram of tissue), as well as histopathological changes in the colonic epithelium (days 4 and 6 of infection) using the model. Undernutrition in neonatal mice, as well as in weaned mice, intensified infection by 1-4 logs, as assessed by quantitative polymerase chain reaction for fecal shedding of organisms. Growth impairment was dependent on both microorganism burden and challenge dose. Conclusions. Both neonatal and weaned mice provide models for a vicious cycle of enteroaggregative E. coli infection that causes growth shortfalls and undernutrition, thus worsening infection. Hence, these neonatal and weaned mice provide the opportunity to dissect mechanisms of this cycle in childhood malnutrition, as well as to define the role played by innate and acquired host defenses in this important infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Motivation: Existing sequence assembly editors struggle with the volumes of data now readily available from the latest generation of DNA sequencing instruments. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Background. Respiratory cryptosporidiosis is recognized as a late-stage complication in persons with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and AIDS. However, respiratory signs and symptoms are common in otherwise healthy children with intestinal cryptosporidiosis, which suggests that respiratory infection may occur in immunocompetent hosts.Methods. We recruited children 9–36 months of age who presented with diarrhea to Mulago Hospital in Kampala, Uganda, from November 2007 through January 2009. Children with stool samples positive or negative for Cryptosporidium species were selected for further evaluation, including sputum induction in those with cough or unexplained respiratory signs and collection of saliva and blood specimens. Sputum samples were subjected to comprehensive bacteriologic testing, and both sputum and saliva specimens were tested for Cryptosporidium species by nested polymerase chain reaction.Results. Of 926 fecal samples screened, 116 (12.5%) were positive for Cryptosporidium. Seventeen (35.4%) of 48 sputum samples tested from children with positive stool samples were positive for Cryptosporidium. Sixteen (94.1%) of the 17 children with confirmed respiratory cryptosporidiosis were HIV seronegative, and 10 (58.8%) of 17 children were not malnourished. None of the 12 sputum specimens from children with negative stool samples tested positive for Cryptosporidium (P=.013, compared with children who tested positive for Cryptosporidium in the stool). Parasite DNA was detected in only 2 (1.9%) of 103 saliva samples (P<.001, compared with sputum samples).Conclusions. Respiratory cryptosporidiosis was documented in one-third of HIV-seronegative children who were tested. These novel findings suggest the potential for respiratory transmission of cryptosporidiosis.Trial registration. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT00507871. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The distribution of the neurotropic alphaherpesviruses—herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and type 2 (HSV-2) and varicella zoster virus (VZV)—was determined in autonomic and sensory ganglia of the head and neck obtained from formalin-fixed human cadavers. HSV-1 and VZV DNA were found in 18 of 58 and 16 of 58 trigeminal, 23 of 58 and 11 of 58 pterygopalatine, 25 of 60 and 14 of 60 ciliary, 25 of 48 and 11 of 48 geniculate, 15 of 50 and 8 of 50 otic, 14 of 47 and 4 of 47 submandibular, 18 of 58 and 10 of 58 superior cervical, and 12 of 36 and 1 of 36 nodose ganglia, respectively. HSV-2 was not detected at any site. Viral DNA positivity and location were independently distributed among autonomic and sensory ganglia of the human head and neck. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]