Assessing the effect of abiotic variables and zooplankton on picocyanobacterial dominance in two tropical mesotrophic reservoirs by means of evolutionary computation

Evolutionary computation has been applied to predict the occurrence of massive cyanobacteria proliferations; in the present study, this tool was further used to explore the factors responsible for maintaining picocyanobacterial dominance. Aiming to increase the understanding of factors that promote dominance of picocyanobacteria in tropical reservoirs, we chose two reservoirs used for water supplies located in different regions of Brazil and subjected to climate changes such as warmer winters that intensify water column stratification and prolonged dry seasons that cause water level decreases. This study focused on the diagnosis of the relationships among picocyanobacteria (1-2 μm), zooplankton and environmental variables using evolutionary computation. The integrated data analysis performed here was very successful in elucidating the dynamics of picocyanobacterial density variation influenced by both abiotic and biotic factors by the modeling approach. Relative water column stability - RWCS and electrical conductivity were highlighted as the most important environmental drivers for picocyanobacterial peaks. Hybrid Evolutionary Analysis (HEA) models for the two reservoirs indicated for the first time in the literature that rotifers, small-sized cladocerans and copepods (mainly nauplii) can directly or indirectly control picocyanobacteria in tropical mesotrophic reservoirs, depending on RWCS conditions and electrical conductivity. However, this control is modulated by pH, water transparency and water temperature thresholds.

Search for Subsolar-Mass Ultracompact Binaries in Advanced LIGO's First Observing Run

We present the first Advanced LIGO and Advanced Virgo search for ultracompact binary systems with component masses between 0.2  M_{⊙}-1.0  M_{⊙} using data taken between September 12, 2015 and January 19, 2016. We find no viable gravitational wave candidates. Our null result constrains the coalescence rate of monochromatic (delta function) distributions of nonspinning (0.2  M_{⊙}, 0.2  M_{⊙}) ultracompact binaries to be less than 1.0×10^{6}  Gpc^{-3}  yr^{-1} and the coalescence rate of a similar distribution of (1.0  M_{⊙}, 1.0  M_{⊙}) ultracompact binaries to be less than 1.9×10^{4}  Gpc^{-3}  yr^{-1} (at 90% confidence). Neither black holes nor neutron stars are expected to form below ∼1  M_{⊙} through conventional stellar evolution, though it has been proposed that similarly low mass black holes could be formed primordially through density fluctuations in the early Universe and contribute to the dark matter density. The interpretation of our constraints in the primordial black hole dark matter paradigm is highly model dependent; however, under a particular primordial black hole binary formation scenario we constrain monochromatic primordial black hole populations of 0.2  M_{⊙} to be less than 33% of the total dark matter density and monochromatic populations of 1.0  M_{⊙} to be less than 5% of the dark matter density. The latter strengthens the presently placed bounds from microlensing surveys of massive compact halo objects (MACHOs) provided by the MACHO and EROS Collaborations.

[Evaluation of the frontal recess cells with image-guided system]

Objective:To investigate the value of image-guided system in identifying the frontal recess cells.Method:We collected 30 cases that underwent image-guided frontal sinus surgery from November 2014 to December 2015. These frontal recess cells were devided into 2 groups based upon their locations in the frontal sinus ostium. Group A consists of the agger nasi cells, type Ⅰfrontal cells, type Ⅱ frontal cells and suprabullar cells; group B consist of type Ⅲ frontal cells, type Ⅳ frontal cells, frontal bullar cells, interfrontal sinus septal cells and supraorbital ethmoid cells. Visual analogue scale (VAS) was used to evaluate the degree of demand of image guide system on the location of frontal recess cells, and then analyzed the value of image guided system on the frontal recess cells.Result:In all 30 patients the imageguided frontal sinus surgery was successfully completed.The demand degree of image-guided system on frontal recess cells by VAS was slight for the agger nasi cells, type Ⅰfrontal cells, type Ⅱ frontal cells and suprabullar cells; the demand degree was general for the frontal bullar cells and interfrontal sinus septal cells; the demand degree was obvious for type Ⅲ frontal cells, type Ⅳ frontal cells and supraorbital ethmoid cells. Frontal recess cells of group B were more depended on image guided system than those of group A, and the difference was signicant(P <0.01).Conclusion:Imageguided system is valuable in distinguishing for type Ⅲ frontal cells,type Ⅳ frontal cells supraorbital ethmoid cells and interfrontal sinus septal cells.Furthermore,it is significantly helpful for accurate removal of these frontal recess cells in endoscopic frontal sinus surgery.

GW170817: Measurements of Neutron Star Radii and Equation of State

On 17 August 2017, the LIGO and Virgo observatories made the first direct detection of gravitational waves from the coalescence of a neutron star binary system. The detection of this gravitational-wave signal, GW170817, offers a novel opportunity to directly probe the properties of matter at the extreme conditions found in the interior of these stars. The initial, minimal-assumption analysis of the LIGO and Virgo data placed constraints on the tidal effects of the coalescing bodies, which were then translated to constraints on neutron star radii. Here, we expand upon previous analyses by working under the hypothesis that both bodies were neutron stars that are described by the same equation of state and have spins within the range observed in Galactic binary neutron stars. Our analysis employs two methods: the use of equation-of-state-insensitive relations between various macroscopic properties of the neutron stars and the use of an efficient parametrization of the defining function p(ρ) of the equation of state itself. From the LIGO and Virgo data alone and the first method, we measure the two neutron star radii as R_{1}=10.8_{-1.7}^{+2.0}  km for the heavier star and R_{2}=10.7_{-1.5}^{+2.1}  km for the lighter star at the 90% credible level. If we additionally require that the equation of state supports neutron stars with masses larger than 1.97  M_{⊙} as required from electromagnetic observations and employ the equation-of-state parametrization, we further constrain R_{1}=11.9_{-1.4}^{+1.4}  km and R_{2}=11.9_{-1.4}^{+1.4}  km at the 90% credible level. Finally, we obtain constraints on p(ρ) at supranuclear densities, with pressure at twice nuclear saturation density measured at 3.5_{-1.7}^{+2.7}×10^{34}  dyn cm^{-2} at the 90% level.

Recurrent fungal infections in a Chinese patient with CARD9 deficiency and a review of 48 cases

Deficiency of CARD9 (caspase recruitment domain-containing protein 9) has been reported in individuals with recurrent and invasive fungal infections. We report on a patient who first had Trichosporon asahii affecting the skin then Candida albicans infections involving the digestive tract and knee joint, along with elevated serum IgE. After stimulation with C. albicans, peripheral blood mononuclear cells of this patient produced less tumour necrosis factor-α, interferon-γ and interleukin-17 than those of healthy controls. Furthermore, the serum IgE levels of this patient were positively correlated with the severity of fungal infection during the course of treatment. Sanger sequencing identified one homozygous frameshift mutation (p.D274fsX60) in CARD9. We further performed a review including 48 cases with CARD9 deficiency. According to the data published previously, CARD9-deficient patients demonstrated obviously elevated IgE in serum (median 1300 IU mL^-1 ), which could distinguish them from otherwise healthy people with fungal infections (area under the curve 0·94, P < 0·001). Patients carrying the mutations Q289X and Q295X had a higher mortality rate (24% vs. 0%, P < 0·05). Patients with the mutations R18W, R35Q, R70W, G72S or Y91H in the CARD domain, and the nonsense mutation Q295X in the coiled-coil domain, seemed to be more prone to Candida infections (90% vs. 20%, P < 0·005) and central nervous system infections (60% vs. 12%, P < 0·005).

[Association between early pregnancy bisphenol A exposure and sleep problems among preschool children]

Objective: To analyze the association between maternal bisphenol A exposure during early pregnancy and sleep problems among preschool children. Methods: Research subjects were from one of the sub-cohorts(Ma'anshan Cohort) of the China-Anhui Birth Cohort Study (C-ABCS) in Ma'anshan city. The basic situation of pregnant women and sleep information of preschool children were investigated. We selected preschool children whose mother's maternal serum bisphenol A concentrations of the first trimester had been already detected between December 2012 to Januray 2014. 1 259 pairs of mothers and children were included. The concentrations of bisphenol A exposure during early pregnancy were divided into low, medium and high exposure groups according to 25(th) percentile (P(25)) and 75(th) percentile (P(75)) levels. Multivariate multinomial logistic regression model was used to analyze the association between maternal bisphenol A exposure during early pregnancy and sleep-related problems in preschool children. Results: The P(50) (P(25)-P(75)) of serum bisphenol A exposure level during early pregnancy was 0.231 (0.106-0.512) ng/ml. The sleep-related problems scores of 1 259 preschool children were (16.43±3.82) points. The occasional sleep-related problems were detected about 47.8% (602 cases) and frequent sleep-related problems were detected about 18.3% (230 cases). After the adjustment of the confounding factors such as children's gender, age, BMI, sleep position (lying down, sleeping on one's back), the length of time to sleep and the length of sleep at night, in comparison with bisphenol A low exposure group, the OR (95%CI) value of preschool children with occasional sleep-related problems in maternal bisphenol A high exposure group during early pregnancy was 1.44 (1.01-2.06). After the gender stratification, the results showed that in comparison with bisphenol A low exposure group, the OR (95%CI) value of preschool girls with occasional sleep-related problems in maternal bisphenol A medium and high exposure group during early pregnancy were 1.61 (1.05-2.46) and 2.40 (1.42-4.04), respectively. The OR (95%CI) value of preschool girls with frequent sleep-related problems in maternal bisphenol A high exposure group during early pregnancy was 2.64 (1.34-5.17). However, in boys, there was no statistically significant association between maternal bisphenol A exposure during early pregnancy and sleep-related problems (P>0.05). Conclusion: Maternal bisphenol A exposure during early pregnancy might be related to sleep-related problems in preschool children.

Jupiter's atmospheric jet streams extend thousands of kilometres deep

The depth to which Jupiter's observed east-west jet streams extend has been a long-standing question. Resolving this puzzle has been a primary goal for the Juno spacecraft, which has been in orbit around the gas giant since July 2016. Juno's gravitational measurements have revealed that Jupiter's gravitational field is north-south asymmetric, which is a signature of the planet's atmospheric and interior flows. Here we report that the measured odd gravitational harmonics J₃, J₅, J₇ and J₉ indicate that the observed jet streams, as they appear at the cloud level, extend down to depths of thousands of kilometres beneath the cloud level, probably to the region of magnetic dissipation at a depth of about 3,000  kilometres. By inverting the measured gravity values into a wind field, we calculate the most likely vertical profile of the deep atmospheric and interior flow, and the latitudinal dependence of its depth. Furthermore, the even gravity harmonics J₈ and J₁₀ resulting from this flow profile also match the measurements, when taking into account the contribution of the interior structure. These results indicate that the mass of the dynamical atmosphere is about one per cent of Jupiter's total mass.

A review of craniofacial and dental findings of the RASopathies

OBJECTIVES

The RASopathies are a group of syndromes that have in common germline mutations in genes that encode components of the Ras/mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway and have been a focus of study to understand the role of this pathway in development and disease. These syndromes include Noonan syndrome (NS), Noonan syndrome with multiple lentigines (NSML or LEOPARD syndrome), neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1), Costello syndrome (CS), cardio-facio-cutaneous (CFC) syndrome, neurofibromatosis type 1-like syndrome (NFLS or Legius syndrome) and capillary malformation-arteriovenous malformation syndrome (CM-AVM). These disorders affect multiple systems, including the craniofacial complex. Although the craniofacial features have been well described and can aid in clinical diagnosis, the dental phenotypes have not been analysed in detail for each of the RASopathies. In this review, we summarize the clinical features of the RASopathies, highlighting the reported craniofacial and dental findings.

METHODS

Review of the literature.

RESULTS

Each of the RASopathies reviewed, caused by mutations in genes that encode different proteins in the Ras pathway, have unique and overlapping craniofacial and dental characteristics.

CONCLUSIONS

Careful description of craniofacial and dental features of the RASopathies can provide information for dental clinicians treating these individuals and can also give insight into the role of Ras signalling in craniofacial development.

[Epidemiological characteristics and relevant factors on the comorbidity of hyperactivity behavior and allergic diseases in preschool children]

Objective: To understand the epidemiological characteristics and relevant factors on the comorbidity of hyperactivity behavior and allergic disease among preschool children in urban areas of Ma'anshan city. Methods: During April 2014 to April 2015, 91 kindergartens over 3 years old were investigated. In the investigation, 16 439 questionnaires were distributed to parents, and 15 291 valid questionnaires were collected. Conners abbreviated symptom questionnaire (brief symptom questionnaire) was filled out by parents to assess the children's hyperactive behaviors. Information of allergic disease history was reported by parents, including allergic dermatitis/eczema, food/drug allergy, allergic rhinitis and asthma. Multivariate unconditional logistic regression was used to analyze the relevant factors of comorbidity of hyperactivity behavior and allergy diseases. Results: The average age of the 15 291 children were (4.5±1.0) years old, among which 53.7% (8 218/15 291) were boys. The prevalence of hyperactive behaviors was 8.6%(1 317/15 291), and the comorbidity rate of hyperactivity and allergic deseases was 1.7% (258/15 291). After confounding factors including gender, age, delivery mode, father's age and pregnancy complications adjusted, poor sleep quality (OR=4.45, 95%CI: 2.85-6.94), long duration of watching TV at weekend (OR=1.39, 95%CI: 1.00-1.94) and poor eating behavior (OR=1.78, 95%CI: 1.07-2.98) were relevant factors of the comorbidity of hyperactivity and allergic diseases. Conclusion: The prevalence of comorbidity of hyperactivity behavior and allergic disease among preschool children in urban areas of Ma'anshan city was not high. Poor night sleep quality, long duration of watching TV and frequently picky eating were relevant factors of the comorbidity of hyperactive behaviors and allergic diseases.

[Association between pregnancy-related anxiety of pregnant women and autism-like behavior in their offspring at 18 months of age]

Objective: To investigate the relationship of pregnancy-related anxiety of pregnant women in second/third trimesters and autism-like behaviors in their offspring at 18 months of age. Methods: Based on a prospective cohort study design, we evaluated the situation of pregnancy-related anxiety of women during second and third trimesters through a Pregnancy-Related Anxiety Questionnaire. Subjects under study were classified into three groups, 1) those with pregnancy- related anxiety during both trimesters, 2) those with pregnancy-related anxiety at one trimester and 3) those without pregnancy-related anxiety in either trimester. When their children were 18 months, autism-like behaviors (ALB) were evaluated, using the part A of Checklist for Autism in Toddlers-23, and then classified into three groups as non-ALB group, minor ALB group and major ALB group. Multi-nominal logistic Regression was used to analyze the relationship of pregnancy-related anxiety with autism-like behaviors. Results: Compared with non-ALB group, children whose mother with pregnancy-related anxiety during both trimesters presented significant higher risk on ALB than children whose mother without pregnancy-related anxiety in these two periods (relative risk, RR=2.43, 95% CI: 1.21-4.86, P=0.012), major factors as pregnant women's IQ and gestational diabetes mellitus, premature delivery and education levels of fosterers on these pregnant women were under control. Our results from the stratified analysis showed: when in the subgroup that mother was the main fosterer of the child, there was an significant increase of risk in children whose mothers with pregnancy-related anxiety during both trimesters (RR=4.22, 95%CI: 1.73-10.32, P=0.002). Conclusion: The association between pregnancy-related anxiety and autism-like behavior was not strong but influenced by the fosterer of the child.

[The analysis of the curative effect of low-temperature plasma cauterization on the treatment of 146 cases of congenital pyriform sinus fistula]

Objective:To investigate the therapeutic effect of low-temperature plasma cauterization on the treatment of congenital pyriform sinus fistula(CPSF).Method:All the 146 patients with CPSF received imaging examination, and the low-temperature plasma cauterization under laryngoscope was performed in the stage of inflammation control.Result:After 6-59 months of follow-up, all patients did not have pharynx fistula, and no massive hemorrhage occurred during and after operation. Nine cases of hoarseness after operation 2 d-1 months to restore normal. Thirty cases were suspected of recurrence, of which 8 cases were cured after incision and drainage, and 4 cases were cured after two cauterization.Conclusion:Low-temperature plasma cauterization is the preferred treatment for the microinvasive, simple, beautiful and repeatable operation of PSF, which can be sugessted as the first-line choice for the treatment of sinus and fistula.

Search for Tensor, Vector, and Scalar Polarizations in the Stochastic Gravitational-Wave Background

The detection of gravitational waves with Advanced LIGO and Advanced Virgo has enabled novel tests of general relativity, including direct study of the polarization of gravitational waves. While general relativity allows for only two tensor gravitational-wave polarizations, general metric theories can additionally predict two vector and two scalar polarizations. The polarization of gravitational waves is encoded in the spectral shape of the stochastic gravitational-wave background, formed by the superposition of cosmological and individually unresolved astrophysical sources. Using data recorded by Advanced LIGO during its first observing run, we search for a stochastic background of generically polarized gravitational waves. We find no evidence for a background of any polarization, and place the first direct bounds on the contributions of vector and scalar polarizations to the stochastic background. Under log-uniform priors for the energy in each polarization, we limit the energy densities of tensor, vector, and scalar modes at 95% credibility to Ω_{0}^{T}<5.58×10^{-8}, Ω_{0}^{V}<6.35×10^{-8}, and Ω_{0}^{S}<1.08×10^{-7} at a reference frequency f_{0}=25  Hz.

[Potential interaction effect on attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder between mother's educational level and preschoolers' dietary pattern]

Objective: To explore the interaction effect between mother's educational level and preschoolers' dietary pattern on attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Methods: In 2014, there were 16 439 children aged 3-6 years old from 91 kindergartens in Ma'anshan municipality of China. A semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire and the 10-item Chinese version of the Conners' Abbreviated Symptom Questionnaire (C-ASQ) were administered to assess the usual dietary intake and symptoms on ADHD. Social-demographic information was collected through questionnaires. Unconditional logistic regression was used to analyze the multiplication interaction effect between mother's educational level and preschoolers' dietary pattern on ADHD. Excel software was used to analyze the additive interaction effect of mother's educational level and preschoolers'dietary pattern on ADHD. Results: Results showed that factors as: mother's low educational level[aOR=1.31 (1.13-1.52)], scores related to preschoolers in the top quintile of "food processing" [aOR=1.31 (1.16-1.48)] and "snack" [aOR=1.45 (1.29-1.63)]patterns showed greater odds while preschoolers in the top quintile of "vegetarian" [aOR=0.80 (0.71-0.90)]showed less odds for having ADHD symptoms. Both multiplication and additive interactions were observed between mothers with less education. The processed dietary patterns (OR=1.17, 95%CI: 1.11-1.25), relative excess risk of interaction (RERI), attributable proportion (AP) and the interaction index (SI) appeared as 0.21, 0.13 and 1.47, respectively. Multiplication interaction was observed between levels of mother's low education and the snack dietary pattern (OR=1.21, 95%CI: 1.14-1.29), with RERI, AP and SI as 0.49, 0.26 and 2.36, respectively. However, neither multiplication interaction or additive interaction was noticed between levels of mother's low education and the vegetarian dietary pattern (OR=0.97, 95%CI: 0.92-1.03), with RERI, AP and SI as 0.09, 0.05 and 1.15, respectively. Conclusions: Levels of mother's low education presented a risk factor for ADHD symptoms in preschool children. Both multiplication interaction and additive interaction were observed between mother's low education levels and the processed dietary pattern. Multiplication interaction was noticed between mother's education levels and the snack dietary pattern but not with the vegetarian dietary pattern.

Insights into the Rb-Mg-N-H System: an Ordered Mixed Amide/Imide Phase and a Disordered Amide/Hydride Solid Solution

The crystal structure of a mixed amide-imide phase, RbMgND₂ND, has been solved in the orthorhombic space group Pnma ( a = 9.55256(31), b = 3.70772(11) and c = 10.08308(32) Å). A new metal amide-hydride solid solution, Rb(NH₂) _xH_{(1- x)}, has been isolated and characterized in the entire compositional range. The profound analogies, as well as the subtle differences, with the crystal chemistry of KMgND₂ND and K(NH₂) _xH_{1- x} are thoroughly discussed. This approach suggests that the comparable performances obtained using K- and Rb-based additives for the Mg(NH₂)₂- 2LiH and 2LiN H₂-MgH₂ hydrogen storage systems are likely to depend on the structural similarities of possible reaction products and intermediates.

[Association between the internal exposure levels of phthalates and executive function of preschool children]

Objective: To investigate the association between the internal exposure levels of phthalic acid esters (PAEs) and executive function (EF) of preschool children. Methods: Between October 2008 and October 2010, pregnant women who accepted pregnancy health care services in four municipal medical and health institutions in Ma'anshan city, Anhui Province, were recruited as study objects. A total of 5 084 pregnant women and 4 669 singleton live births were enrolled in this cohort. The follow-up study was conducted from April 2014 to April 2015. A total of 3 725 data-completed preschool children aged 3 to 6 years older entered in this study. The method of analysis seven metabolites of phthalates in urine was high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS) and divided objects into low (P(0)-P(24)), medium (P(25)-P(74)) and high (P(75)-P(100)) groups according to their exposure concentrations. To investigate the executive function of preschool children, we used the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function-Preschool Version (BRIEF-P). Univariate and multivariate statistical method was used to analyze the etiology association between the phthalate metabolites levels and preschool children's executive function. Results: In this study, 53.6% (1 997/3 725) of preschoolers were boys, children's age was (51.5±5.6) months. The detection rates of seven phthalate esters were: mono-n-methyl phthalate (MMP) was 99.89% (3 721/3 725); mono-ethyl phthalate (MEP) was 99.97% (3 724/3 725); mono-benzyl phthalate (MBzP) was 69.10% (2 574/3 725); mono-butyl phthalate (MBP), mono-(2-ethyl-5-oxohexyl) phthalate (MEOHP) and mono- (2-ethyl-5-hydroxyhexyl) phthalate (MEHHP) were 100.00% and mono-ethylhexyl phthalate (MEHP) was 99.95% (3 723/3 725). The median concentrations of the seven phthalate metabolites were: 17.71, 15.36, 0.07, 155.24, 10.73, 14.67, 3.59 µg/L, respectively. The median concentrations corrected by urinary creatinine were 29.65, 26.65, 0.12, 257.73, 17.94, 24.80, 6.27 µg/g Cr, respectively. The P(25) and P(7)5 concentration of the total PAEs metabolites corrected by urinary creatinine were 1.20 µmol/g Cr and 3.04 µmol/g Cr. After adjusted the relevant demographic information: children sex, children age in month, maternal age, parental education levels, household exposure to secondhand smoke and whether the child is the only child as confounds, multivariate logistic regression model showed that the risk of inhibitory self-control index (ISCI) dysplasia in MEHHP high concentration group and MEOHP high concentration group were 1.71 and 1.54 times (OR=1.71, 95% CI: 1.11-2.62; OR=1.54, 95% CI: 1.01-2.34) than in low concentration group. The risk of ISCI dysplasia in total PAEs metabolites high concentration group was 1.55 times (OR=1.55, 95% CI: 1.00-2.38) than in low concentration group. Conclusion: Phthalates exposure may damage the executive function of preschool children.

GW170817: Implications for the Stochastic Gravitational-Wave Background from Compact Binary Coalescences

The LIGO Scientific and Virgo Collaborations have announced the event GW170817, the first detection of gravitational waves from the coalescence of two neutron stars. The merger rate of binary neutron stars estimated from this event suggests that distant, unresolvable binary neutron stars create a significant astrophysical stochastic gravitational-wave background. The binary neutron star component will add to the contribution from binary black holes, increasing the amplitude of the total astrophysical background relative to previous expectations. In the Advanced LIGO-Virgo frequency band most sensitive to stochastic backgrounds (near 25 Hz), we predict a total astrophysical background with amplitude Ω_{GW}(f=25  Hz)=1.8_{-1.3}^{+2.7}×10^{-9} with 90% confidence, compared with Ω_{GW}(f=25  Hz)=1.1_{-0.7}^{+1.2}×10^{-9} from binary black holes alone. Assuming the most probable rate for compact binary mergers, we find that the total background may be detectable with a signal-to-noise-ratio of 3 after 40 months of total observation time, based on the expected timeline for Advanced LIGO and Virgo to reach their design sensitivity.

First Search for Nontensorial Gravitational Waves from Known Pulsars

We present results from the first directed search for nontensorial gravitational waves. While general relativity allows for tensorial (plus and cross) modes only, a generic metric theory may, in principle, predict waves with up to six different polarizations. This analysis is sensitive to continuous signals of scalar, vector, or tensor polarizations, and does not rely on any specific theory of gravity. After searching data from the first observation run of the advanced LIGO detectors for signals at twice the rotational frequency of 200 known pulsars, we find no evidence of gravitational waves of any polarization. We report the first upper limits for scalar and vector strains, finding values comparable in magnitude to previously published limits for tensor strain. Our results may be translated into constraints on specific alternative theories of gravity.

Prospects for observing and localizing gravitational-wave transients with Advanced LIGO, Advanced Virgo and KAGRA

We present possible observing scenarios for the Advanced LIGO, Advanced Virgo and KAGRA gravitational-wave detectors over the next decade, with the intention of providing information to the astronomy community to facilitate planning for multi-messenger astronomy with gravitational waves. We estimate the sensitivity of the network to transient gravitational-wave signals, and study the capability of the network to determine the sky location of the source. We report our findings for gravitational-wave transients, with particular focus on gravitational-wave signals from the inspiral of binary neutron star systems, which are the most promising targets for multi-messenger astronomy. The ability to localize the sources of the detected signals depends on the geographical distribution of the detectors and their relative sensitivity, and [Formula: see text] credible regions can be as large as thousands of square degrees when only two sensitive detectors are operational. Determining the sky position of a significant fraction of detected signals to areas of 5-[Formula: see text] requires at least three detectors of sensitivity within a factor of [Formula: see text] of each other and with a broad frequency bandwidth. When all detectors, including KAGRA and the third LIGO detector in India, reach design sensitivity, a significant fraction of gravitational-wave signals will be localized to a few square degrees by gravitational-wave observations alone.

The non-motor symptoms of Parkinson's disease of different motor types in early stage

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to compare the different non-motor symptoms of different motor phenotype Parkinson's disease (PD) at an early stage.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

From January 2013 to November 2016, 120 cases of PD patients who were hospitalized in Neurology Department of the First Hospital of Huai'an in Jiangsu Province and 120 cases of healthy controls with matched age and gender, were included into the research. PD patients were administered with Non-Motor symptom questionnaire (NMSQuest), the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale III (UPDRS-III), the Mini-Mental State Examination score (MMSE), the Hoehn-Yahr classification, the MoCA, and GDS-15. The relationship between NMS burden and PD subtypes, age, gender and disease severity were examined using linear regression models. The prevalence of each NMS among different PD motor subtypes was analyzed using x2 test.

RESULTS

Compared with the healthy controls, PD patients had a higher number of NMS. The prevalence of NMS in postural instability gait difficulty (PIGD) group is higher than that in tremor dominant (TD) group. There is no significant correlation between age, gender, MMSE scores, MoCA scores and the number of NMS. PD patients with higher UPDRS-III scores and a longer course of disease had a higher prevalence of NMS.

CONCLUSIONS

NMS is also common in PD patients at an early stage. The PIGD group who have more axial injuries and more severe motor symptoms, have a higher risk of NMS burden than PD patients in TD group.

Kinetic alteration of the 6Mg(NH2)2-9LiH-LiBH4 system by co-adding YCl3 and Li3N

The 6Mg(NH₂)₂-9LiH-LiBH₄ composite system has a maximum reversible hydrogen content of 4.2 wt% and a predicted dehydrogenation temperature of about 64 °C at 1 bar of H₂. However, the existence of severe kinetic barriers precludes the occurrence of de/re-hydrogenation processes at such a low temperature (H. Cao, G. Wu, Y. Zhang, Z. Xiong, J. Qiu and P. Chen, J. Mater. Chem. A, 2014, 2, 15816-15822). In this work, Li₃N and YCl₃ have been chosen as co-additives for this system. These additives increase the hydrogen storage capacity and hasten the de/re-hydrogenation kinetics: a hydrogen uptake of 4.2 wt% of H₂ was achieved in only 8 min under isothermal conditions at 180 °C and 85 bar of H₂ pressure. The re-hydrogenation temperature, necessary for a complete absorption process, can be lowered below 90 °C by increasing the H₂ pressure above 185 bar. Moreover, the results indicate that the hydrogenation capacity and absorption kinetics can be maintained roughly constant over several cycles. Low operating temperatures, together with fast absorption kinetics and good reversibility, make this system a promising on-board hydrogen storage material. The reasons for the improved de/re-hydrogenation properties are thoroughly investigated and discussed.

Robotic vs laparoscopic rectal surgery in high-risk patients

AIM

Laparoscopic rectal surgery is associated with a steep learning curve and high conversion rate despite progress in equipment design and consistent practice. The robotic system has shown an advantage over the laparoscopic approach due to stable three-dimensional views, improved dexterity and better ergonomics. These factors make the robotic approach more favourable for rectal surgery. The aim of this study was to compare the perioperative outcomes of laparoscopic and robotic rectal cancer surgery in high-risk patients.

METHOD

A prospectively collected dataset for high-risk patients who underwent rectal cancer surgery between May 2013 and November 2015 was analysed. Patients with any of the following characteristics were defined as high risk: a body mass index ≥30, male gender, preoperative chemoradiotherapy, tumour <8 cm from the anal verge and previous abdominal surgery.

RESULTS

In total, 184 high-risk patients were identified: 99 in the robotic group and 85 in the laparoscopic group. Robotic surgery was associated with a significantly higher sphincter preservation rate (86% vs 74%, P = 0.045), shorter operative time (240 vs 270 min, P = 0.013) and hospital stay (7 vs 9 days, P = 0.001), less blood loss (10 vs 100 ml, P < 0.001) and a smaller conversion rate to open surgery (0% vs 5%, P = 0.043) compared with the laparoscopic technique. Reoperation, anastomotic leak rate, 30-day mortality and oncological outcomes were comparable between the two techniques.

CONCLUSION

Robotic surgery in high-risk patients is associated with higher sphincter preservation, reduced blood loss, smaller conversion rates, and shorter operating time and hospital stay. However, further studies are required to evaluate this notion.

GW170817: Observation of Gravitational Waves from a Binary Neutron Star Inspiral

On August 17, 2017 at 12∶41:04 UTC the Advanced LIGO and Advanced Virgo gravitational-wave detectors made their first observation of a binary neutron star inspiral. The signal, GW170817, was detected with a combined signal-to-noise ratio of 32.4 and a false-alarm-rate estimate of less than one per 8.0×10^{4}  years. We infer the component masses of the binary to be between 0.86 and 2.26  M_{⊙}, in agreement with masses of known neutron stars. Restricting the component spins to the range inferred in binary neutron stars, we find the component masses to be in the range 1.17-1.60  M_{⊙}, with the total mass of the system 2.74_{-0.01}^{+0.04}M_{⊙}. The source was localized within a sky region of 28  deg^{2} (90% probability) and had a luminosity distance of 40_{-14}^{+8}  Mpc, the closest and most precisely localized gravitational-wave signal yet. The association with the γ-ray burst GRB 170817A, detected by Fermi-GBM 1.7 s after the coalescence, corroborates the hypothesis of a neutron star merger and provides the first direct evidence of a link between these mergers and short γ-ray bursts. Subsequent identification of transient counterparts across the electromagnetic spectrum in the same location further supports the interpretation of this event as a neutron star merger. This unprecedented joint gravitational and electromagnetic observation provides insight into astrophysics, dense matter, gravitation, and cosmology.

GW170814: A Three-Detector Observation of Gravitational Waves from a Binary Black Hole Coalescence

On August 14, 2017 at 10∶30:43 UTC, the Advanced Virgo detector and the two Advanced LIGO detectors coherently observed a transient gravitational-wave signal produced by the coalescence of two stellar mass black holes, with a false-alarm rate of ≲1 in 27 000 years. The signal was observed with a three-detector network matched-filter signal-to-noise ratio of 18. The inferred masses of the initial black holes are 30.5_{-3.0}^{+5.7}M_{⊙} and 25.3_{-4.2}^{+2.8}M_{⊙} (at the 90% credible level). The luminosity distance of the source is 540_{-210}^{+130}  Mpc, corresponding to a redshift of z=0.11_{-0.04}^{+0.03}. A network of three detectors improves the sky localization of the source, reducing the area of the 90% credible region from 1160   deg^{2} using only the two LIGO detectors to 60  deg^{2} using all three detectors. For the first time, we can test the nature of gravitational-wave polarizations from the antenna response of the LIGO-Virgo network, thus enabling a new class of phenomenological tests of gravity.

Laparoscopic surgery treatment of children with appendiceal abscess

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the feasibility of treatment for children with appendiceal abscess by laparoscopic surgery and investigate its superiorities to conventional treatments.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

45 children with appendiceal abscess who were treated with laparoscopic surgery from January 2011 to July 2011 were reviewed and analyzed. The age of children ranged from 7 months to 5 years. 37 children received emergency operations, among which 8 children additionally received laparoscopic surgery. 40 children received laparotomy for treatment of appendiceal abscess, and 28 children whose condition was ameliorated after the conservative anti-inflammatory treatment received laparoscopic surgery.

RESULTS

Operations of 45 children were successful, and lasted for 35 to 130 minutes with an average time of 75 minutes. There was no obvious difference in comparison of duration of laparotomy between the two groups (p > 0.05). But the laparoscopy resulted in fewer complications than the laparotomy with a statistical significance difference (p < 0.05). Moreover, the operation time for laparoscopy was shorter than that of laparotomy, but the difference in incidence rates of complications after the operation had no statistical significance (p > 0.05). The overall length of stay was apparently prolonged in two groups with a statistically significant difference (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

If the operation and perioperative period are handled properly, treating children with appendiceal abscess by laparoscopic surgery is safe and feasible.

Clinical effects of ascending colon patching ileorectal heart-shaped anastomosis on total colonic aganglionosis

OBJECTIVE

We studied the clinical effects of ascending colon patching ileorectal heart-shaped anastomosis in treating total colonic aganglionosis.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

From June 2006 to June 2013, 15 children with severe abdominal distension, low small intestine obstruction and intestinal perforation in the neonatal period, were enrolled in this study. In phase I, patients received emergency terminal ileum stoma plus multi-site colonic biopsy and 6 to 12 months later, ascending colon patching ileorectal heart-shaped anastomosis was conducted in phase II. The occurrence of postoperative complications was recorded. Patients' defecation and anal manometry during the follow-up period were monitored and recorded. All operations were successful, and the average hospitalization time was 10.5 days, and the average amount of bleeding was 30 mL.

RESULTS

There were 2 cases of enterocolitis, but no intestinal anastomotic leakage, no incision infection, no anal stenosis and no mortality. Postoperative follow-up lasted for 1 to 2 years with an average of 1.2 years. Perianal redness and erosion occurred in an early stage after the operation, but disappeared after 6 months. Postoperative defecation frequency was about 6 to 9 times, but after 2 years this frequency reduced to 2 to 3 times. Feces transformed from watery into soft forms. Normal results were obtained in the detection of serum K+, Na+, Cl-, HCO3-, hemoglobin, albumin and globulin levels in postoperative follow-up. Rectal rest pressure and anal canal rest pressure after a radical operation on megacolon were significantly lower than those of before operation (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Ascending colon patching ileorectal heart-shaped anastomosis preserved right hemicolon with relatively good absorptive capability and complied with the physiology of colon. Meanwhile, the ileorectal heart-shaped anastomosis was conducted. The anastomotic stoma was in an oblique heart shape, and its aperture was wide and in different planes without stenosis, blind bag and gate syndrome. We concluded that ascending colon patching ileorectal heart-shaped anastomosis was an effective and feasible method for the radical operation on total colonic aganglionosis.

[Early adiposity rebound: prevalence and the effect on metabolic risk in children]

The timing of the adiposity rebound (AR) gradually shifted to earlier ages throughout the world; early AR has a great effect on children's health, especially is possible associated with the development of metabolic disease for life, while the special mechanism isn't very clear. Metabolic diseases(MD) are common in adults, and the establishment of MD is the result of pathological chronic processes that can start in early life stages. If the metabolic risk factors and its predictive factors can be found in early childhood, it can bring forward the prevention and control of adult diseases. This paper is a review of the prevalence of early AR around the world, the factors that influence the timing of the AR, the significance of early detection and prevention of MD, the associations between timing of AR and metabolic risk in children and explored the possible mechanism. It aims to raise public awareness about the harm of early AR and provide new perspective to prevent and control of the metabolic syndrome.

[Dietary patterns among preschoolers and its association with education level of the parents]

Objective: To identify the dietary patterns among preschoolers in Ma'anshan, and to investigate its association with the education levels of the parents. Methods: A total of 16 439 children aged 3-6 were recruited from 91 kindergartens in Ma'anshan city to participate in the study. Food frequency and socio-demographic information were collected through questionnaire survey. Dietary data was collected using a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ), and principal-components analysis was used to derive the dietary patterns. Ordinal multinomial logistic regression was employed to explore the association between the education level of parents and the dietary patterns. Results: Five dietary patterns- "processed" , "beverage" , "snack" , "protein" and "vegetarian" were identified. Data showed that the total variance was 48.02% and the cumulative proportion of processed reached 24.78%. Low educational level of the father was positively associated with both "beverage" (OR=1.36, 95%CI: 1.15-1.63) and "snack" dietary pattern (OR=1.21, 95%CI: 1.01-1.43). Low educational level of mother was positively associated with the "processed" (OR=1.31, 95%CI: 1.09-1.57) and "beverage" dietary pattern (OR=1.48, 95%CI: 1.23-1.77), and showed a negative correlation with "protein" (OR=0.62, 95%CI: 0.52-0.74) and "vegetarian" dietary pattern (OR=0.72, 95%CI: 0.60-0.86). Conclusion: Findings from this study showed that preschoolers in Ma'anshan tend to choose unhealthy dietary pattern. Dietary pattern was directly influenced by the parents, and especially the education level of the mothers.

Inhibition of the miR-17-92 Cluster Separates Stages of Palatogenesis

The role that noncoding regions of the genome play in the etiology of cleft palate is not well studied. A novel method of microRNA (miR) inhibition that allows for specific miR knockdown in vivo has been developed by our laboratory. To further understand the role of miRs in palatogenesis, we used a new mouse model to inhibit specific miRs within the miR-17-92 cluster. Transgenic mice expressing inhibitory complexes for miR-17 and miR-18 manifested a clefting phenotype that was distinct from that observed in mice carrying inhibitory complexes for miR-17, miR-18, miR-19, and miR-92. An in silico candidate gene analysis and bioinformatics review led us to identify TGFBR2 as a likely target of miR-17 and miR-19 family members. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) experiments showed that TGFBR1 and TGFBR2 expression levels were elevated in the palates of these miR transgenic embryos at embryonic day 15.5. RT-PCR data also showed that the expression of mature miRs from the miR-17-92 cluster was significantly decreased in the transgenic embryos. Decreased expression of TGFB pathway signaling ligands was also observed. Experiments in cells showed that inhibition of miR-17 and miR-18 was sufficient to induce increases in expression of TGFB receptors, while a concomitant decrease in TGFB signaling ligands was not observed. RT-PCR of mature miR-17-92 in cells demonstrated the selectivity and specificity of inhibitory complexes. While this study builds on previous studies that have implicated miR-17-92 in the regulation of important molecular components of the TGFB signaling pathway, it is likely that interactions remain to be elucidated between miR-17-92 and as-of-yet unidentified molecules important for the control of palatogenesis. The differential regulation of palatogenesis by members of the miR-17-92 cluster indicates that several gene combinations regulate palate elevation and extension during development.

GW170104: Observation of a 50-Solar-Mass Binary Black Hole Coalescence at Redshift 0.2

We describe the observation of GW170104, a gravitational-wave signal produced by the coalescence of a pair of stellar-mass black holes. The signal was measured on January 4, 2017 at 10∶11:58.6 UTC by the twin advanced detectors of the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory during their second observing run, with a network signal-to-noise ratio of 13 and a false alarm rate less than 1 in 70 000 years. The inferred component black hole masses are 31.2_{-6.0}^{+8.4}M_{⊙} and 19.4_{-5.9}^{+5.3}M_{⊙} (at the 90% credible level). The black hole spins are best constrained through measurement of the effective inspiral spin parameter, a mass-weighted combination of the spin components perpendicular to the orbital plane, χ_{eff}=-0.12_{-0.30}^{+0.21}. This result implies that spin configurations with both component spins positively aligned with the orbital angular momentum are disfavored. The source luminosity distance is 880_{-390}^{+450}  Mpc corresponding to a redshift of z=0.18_{-0.07}^{+0.08}. We constrain the magnitude of modifications to the gravitational-wave dispersion relation and perform null tests of general relativity. Assuming that gravitons are dispersed in vacuum like massive particles, we bound the graviton mass to m_{g}≤7.7×10^{-23}  eV/c^{2}. In all cases, we find that GW170104 is consistent with general relativity.

Systolic hypertension related single nucleotide polymorphism is associated with susceptibility of ischemic stroke

OBJECTIVE

Isolated systolic hypertension (ISH) is the most important risk factor for ischemic stroke. Genetic variants influencing hypertension can also be risk factors for ischemic stroke. Here, we examined the how single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with blood pressure impact the risk for ischemic stroke.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We selected 300 ischemic stroke patients and 300 controls. Then, we genotyped three single nucleotide polymorphisms associated with systolic hypertension in both groups.

RESULTS

Logistic regression analysis showed that the rs11099098 genotype was associated with a significantly decreased risk of IS (Dominant model: OR = 0.55, 95% CI = 0.37-0.82, p = 0.003). Two other SNPs, rs880315 and rs11072518, showed a trend towards association with stroke risk, but did not reach statistical significance.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study suggests that genetic variants in systolic pressure-related genotypes may contribute to the etiology of ischemic stroke.