Haemodynamic response to pre-hospital emergency anaesthesia in trauma patients within an urban helicopter emergency medical service

PURPOSE

Pre-hospital emergency anaesthesia is routinely used in the care of severely injured patients by pre-hospital critical care services. Anaesthesia, intubation, and positive pressure ventilation may lead to haemodynamic instability. The aim of this study was to identify the frequency of new-onset haemodynamic instability after induction in trauma patients with a standardised drug regime.

METHODS

A retrospective database analysis was undertaken of all adult patients treated by a physician-led urban pre-hospital care service over a 6-year period. The primary outcome measure was the frequency of new haemodynamic instability following pre-hospital emergency anaesthesia. The association of patient characteristics and drug regimes with new haemodynamic instability was also analysed.

RESULTS

A total of 1624 patients were included. New haemodynamic instability occurred in 231 patients (17.4%). Patients where a full-dose regime was administered were less likely to experience new haemodynamic instability than those who received a modified dose regime (9.7% vs 24.8%, p < 0.001). The use of modified drug regimes became more common over the study period (p < 0.001) but there was no change in the rates of pre-existing (p = 0.22), peri-/post-anaesthetic (p = 0.36), or new haemodynamic instability (p = 0.32).

CONCLUSION

New haemodynamic instability within the first 30 min following pre-hospital emergency anaesthesia in trauma patients is common despite reduction of sedative drug doses to minimise their haemodynamic impact. It is important to identify non-drug factors that may improve cardiovascular stability in this group to optimise the care received by these patients.

Oesophageal carcinosarcoma: a rare neoplasm of the oesophagus

Oesophageal carcinosarcoma (OCS) is a rare oesophageal cancer, expressing both carcinomatous and sarcomatous elements. Although believed to have a better prognosis, no standard guidelines exist for its diagnosis and management. We report a case of a 60-year male presenting with progressive dysphagia and weight loss. Endoscopy and contrast-enhanced computed tomography of the chest revealed a large polypoidal intraluminal growth at the mid-oesophagus. Endoscopic biopsy revealed a sarcoma of the oesophagus. The patient underwent McKeown minimally invasive oesophagectomy. Final histopathology was suggestive of OCS. Postoperatively, the patient received adjuvant chemoradiation. At 20-month follow-up, he was asymptomatic with no radiological evidence of recurrence.

Mitochondrial Epigenetics Regulating Inflammation in Cancer and Aging

Inflammation is a defining factor in disease progression; epigenetic modifications of this first line of defence pathway can affect many physiological and pathological conditions, like aging and tumorigenesis. Inflammageing, one of the hallmarks of aging, represents a chronic, low key but a persistent inflammatory state. Oxidative stress, alterations in mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) copy number and mis-localized extra-mitochondrial mtDNA are suggested to directly induce various immune response pathways. This could ultimately perturb cellular homeostasis and lead to pathological consequences. Epigenetic remodelling of mtDNA by DNA methylation, post-translational modifications of mtDNA binding proteins and regulation of mitochondrial gene expression by nuclear DNA or mtDNA encoded non-coding RNAs, are suggested to directly correlate with the onset and progression of various types of cancer. Mitochondria are also capable of regulating immune response to various infections and tissue damage by producing pro- or anti-inflammatory signals. This occurs by altering the levels of mitochondrial metabolites and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels. Since mitochondria are known as the guardians of the inflammatory response, it is plausible that mitochondrial epigenetics might play a pivotal role in inflammation. Hence, this review focuses on the intricate dynamics of epigenetic alterations of inflammation, with emphasis on mitochondria in cancer and aging.

Clustered papulonodular lesions in an infant

Non-Langerhans cell histiocytosis is a collective term encompassing a vast group of benign proliferative disorders of histiocytes, macrophages and dendritic cells that do not meet the criteria of Langerhans cell histiocytosis. We describe a case of juvenile xanthogranuloma with an unusual clustered distribution.

Role of stress granules in modulating senescence and promoting cancer progression: Special emphasis on glioma

Stress granules (SGs) contain mRNAs and proteins stalled in translation during stress; these are increasingly being implicated in diseases, including neurological disorders and cancer. The dysregulated assembly, persistence, disassembly and clearance of SGs contribute to the process of senescence. Senescence has long been a mysterious player in cellular physiology and associated diseases. The systemic process of aging has been pivotal in the development of various neurological disorders like age-related neuropathy, Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease. Glioma is a cancer of neurological origin with a very poor prognosis and high rate of recurrence, SGs have only recently been implicated in its pathogenesis. Senescence has long been established to play an antitumorigenic role, however, relatively less studied is its protumorigenic importance. Here, we have evaluated the existing literature to assess the crosstalk of the two biological phenomena of senescence and SG formation in the context of tumorigenesis. In this review, we have attempted to analyze the contribution of senescence in regulating diverse cellular processes, like, senescence associated secretory phenotype (SASP), microtubular reorganization, telomeric alteration, autophagic clearance and how intricately these phenomena are tied with the formation of SGs. Finally, we propose that interplay between senescence, its contributing factors and the genesis of SGs can drive tumorigenicity of gliomas, which can potentially be utilized for therapeutic intervention.

Constraints on Cosmic Strings Using Data from the Third Advanced LIGO-Virgo Observing Run

We search for gravitational-wave signals produced by cosmic strings in the Advanced LIGO and Virgo full O3 dataset. Search results are presented for gravitational waves produced by cosmic string loop features such as cusps, kinks, and, for the first time, kink-kink collisions. A template-based search for short-duration transient signals does not yield a detection. We also use the stochastic gravitational-wave background energy density upper limits derived from the O3 data to constrain the cosmic string tension Gμ as a function of the number of kinks, or the number of cusps, for two cosmic string loop distribution models. Additionally, we develop and test a third model that interpolates between these two models. Our results improve upon the previous LIGO-Virgo constraints on Gμ by 1 to 2 orders of magnitude depending on the model that is tested. In particular, for the one-loop distribution model, we set the most competitive constraints to date: Gμ≲4×10^{-15}. In the case of cosmic strings formed at the end of inflation in the context of grand unified theories, these results challenge simple inflationary models.

Constraints on Cosmic Strings Using Data from the Third Advanced LIGO-Virgo Observing Run

We search for gravitational-wave signals produced by cosmic strings in the Advanced LIGO and Virgo full O3 dataset. Search results are presented for gravitational waves produced by cosmic string loop features such as cusps, kinks, and, for the first time, kink-kink collisions. A template-based search for short-duration transient signals does not yield a detection. We also use the stochastic gravitational-wave background energy density upper limits derived from the O3 data to constrain the cosmic string tension Gμ as a function of the number of kinks, or the number of cusps, for two cosmic string loop distribution models. Additionally, we develop and test a third model that interpolates between these two models. Our results improve upon the previous LIGO-Virgo constraints on Gμ by 1 to 2 orders of magnitude depending on the model that is tested. In particular, for the one-loop distribution model, we set the most competitive constraints to date: Gμ≲4×10^{-15}. In the case of cosmic strings formed at the end of inflation in the context of grand unified theories, these results challenge simple inflationary models.

Anti-desmoglein2 autoantibodies are present in patients with cardiac sarcoidosis and correlate with cardiac inflammation

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: Foundation. Main funding source(s): The Zurich ACM Program is supported by generous grants from the Georg and Bertha Schwyzer-Winniker Foundation, the Baugarten Foundation, Swiss National Science Foundation, Swiss Heart Foundation and Wild Foundation. This work is also supported by a Canadian Institutes of Health Research grant (FRN: 162402) and the Labatt Heart Centre and Waugh Family Innovation Funds, Caitlin Elizabeth Morris Memorial Fund, Alex Corrance Memorial Foundation and Meredith Cartwright.

BACKGROUND Arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC) has several phenocopies such as cardiac sarcoidosis (CS), idiopathic outflow tract ventricular tachycardia (OT-VT) and myocarditis. Differentiation between these entities can be challenging. Recently, we have identified diagnostic anti-desmoglein-2 autoantibodies (anti-DSG2 Abs) in patients with ARVC.

PURPOSE We sought to examine whether anti-DSG2 Abs are also present in clinical phenocopies of ARVC.

METHODS Anti-DSG2 Abs in sera of 25, 19 and 22 patients with sarcoidosis, OT-VT and myocarditis, respectively, were assessed by western blots and ELISA. Clinical and imaging parameters, as well as conventional biomarkers were correlated to detected anti-DSG2 Ab intensity levels.

RESULTS Anti-DSG2 Abs, at various intensities, were identified in 6/25 (24%) patients with sarcoidosis, all presenting with CS, but were absent in patients with OT-VT and myocarditis. Cardiac 18F- fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (18F-FDG PET) was positive in all sarcoidosis patients with positive anti-DSG2 Abs, corresponding to a median PET maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax) of 5.65 [IQR: 5.15 – 10.9]. In sarcoidosis patients without anti-DSG2 Abs, the SUVmax values were significantly lower with a median of 0 [IQR: 0 – 4] (p = 0.011). The Pearson correlation coefficient (R) was 0.188 (p = 0.039) indicating a positive correlation between cardiac 18F-FDG uptake and anti-DSG2 Abs. No significant correlation was detected for any of the other clinical parameters and biomarkers.

CONCLUSIONS In addition to being present in ARVC, anti-DSG2 Abs are also found in CS, a common phenocopy of ARVC; conversely, anti-DSG2 Abs are absent in idiopathic OT-VT and myocarditis. Anti-DSG2 Ab levels positively correlate with myocardial disease activity in CS as indicated by cardiac 18F-FDG PET scanning. Abstract Figure. Central illustration

Severe epidermolysis bullosa/Kindler syndrome-like phenotype of an autoinflammatory syndrome in a child

A 5-year-old boy presented with generalized cutaneous erosions, severe scarring, depigmentation and contractures affecting major joints. The lesions had initially affected his ears, nose, feet, and the genital and ocular mucosa, leading to significant depigmentation, scarring, contractures and mutilation. The whole of the trunk and limbs were involved at the time of presentation, with the exception of some islands of spared skin on the proximal thighs, legs, nipples and external genitalia. Electron microscopy revealed a split in the sublamina densa with the absence of anchoring fibrils, suggestive of dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (EB). Immunofluorescence antigen mapping demonstrated a broad reticulate pattern of staining with collagen IV, VII, and laminin 332 in the floor of the blister, suggestive of Kindler syndrome. Next-generation sequencing revealed a de novo heterozygous missense mutation (a variant of unknown significance) in exon 22 of the phospholipase-C gamma 2 gene (PLCG2), which resulted in a substitution of serine by asparagine at codon 798 (p.Asp798Ser), a result that was validated using Sanger sequencing. The child was diagnosed with PLCG2-associated antibody deficiency and immune dysregulation (PLAID)/autoinflammation and PLCG2-associated antibody deficiency and immune dysregulation (APLAID) syndrome. The cutaneous and corneal erosions, inflammation and scarring of this magnitude, and the eventual result of death have not been described previously for the PLAID/APLAID spectrum previously. In conclusion, this was an unusual acquired autoinflammatory severe EB-like disease that may be associated with de novo PLCG2 mutation.

Embryonal tumors with multilayered rosettes: A tertiary care centre experience

BACKGROUND

Embryonal tumors with multilayered rosettes (ETMR) is an extremely rare and highly aggressive tumor. It includes three distinct entities i.e, embryonal tumor with abundant neuropil and true rosettes (ETANTR), ependymoblastoma (EBL) and medulloepithelioma (MEPL). Here, we present our institutional experience of seven ETMR cases treated over a period of five years.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Patients' records from 2015 to 2019 were reviewed manually and electronically to retrieve the data. Clinicopathological and outcome details of ETMR cases were entered in a predesigned proforma.

RESULTS

A total of seven cases of ETMR were registered from 2015 to 2019 with a median age at presentation of four years (range 3-7 years). All patients underwent surgery. However, only three patients completed the planned adjuvant treatment, comprising of focal radiotherapy (RT) alone, craniospinal irradiation (CSI) alone and CSI followed by six cycles of chemotherapy in one patient each respectively. Two patients commenced CSI but deteriorated during RT and thereafter needed best supportive care. Two patients could not be started on any adjuvant treatment. Unfortunately, six patients succumbed to their disease within one year of their diagnosis. Only one patient who received both CSI and adjuvant chemotherapy is alive at 15 months of diagnosis.

CONCLUSION

ETMR is a rare and aggressive entity. Majority of the patients die within one year of the diagnosis despite multimodality treatment.

ARVC specific autoantibody identifies cardiac sarcoidosis and correlates with inflammation activity

Introduction

Cardiac sarcoidosis (CS) is an inflammatory granulomatous disease of unknown origin. CS and arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC) are overlapping syndromes. With both, patients are at increased risk of ventricular arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death. However, the diagnosis of CS is challenging, especially in patients with no extracardiac involvement, but correct diagnosis has large therapeutic impact. Recently, a novel diagnostic autoantibody (anti-DSG2 Ab) was identified in ARVC. We sought to identify this antibody in CS patients and correlate its levels with inflammation activity using cardiac positron-emission-tomography (18-FDG-PET).

Methods

Recombinant human desmoglein-2 (DSG2) proteins on western blots were exposed to sera as well as purified IgG of 14 patients with sarcoidosis (all confirmed by histology) and 6 controls (1 ARVC patient (positive control) and 5 healthy control subjects (negative control)). Clinical patient characteristics were correlated to detected antibody intensity levels.

Results

The sarcoidosis cohort comprised 43% (6/14) male patients and the average age was 50±12 years. Anti-DSG2 Abs were identified in 43% (6/14) and were detected faintly (below cut off level) in 21% (3/14) of all sarcoidosis patients. Antibody was also present in the ARVC patient (1/1) and was absent in all control subjects (5/5). Myocardial inflammation was present in 18-FDG PET imaging in all CS patients with positive anti-DSG2 Abs, corresponding to an average SUV (standardized uptake value) of 8.1±4.2. In patients with faint or no antibody, the SUV values were significantly lower with 1.2±2.1 and 3.2±4.0, respectively (P=0.044, one-way ANOVA). The Pearson correlation coefficient (R) was 0.6 (P=0.037) for SUV vs. higher antibody levels assessed by pixel count of the western blot bands for purified IgG.

Conclusions

Anti-DSG2 Abs are not only a specific biomarker for ARVC, but are also found in CS, suggesting a similar pathophysiological mechanism in these overlapping syndromes, both involving cardiac inflammation and myocyte cell death. Moreover, antibody levels correlate with disease activity on cardiac PET imaging. Larger cohorts are necessary to confirm these findings.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: None

Regional leptomeningeal collateral score by computed tomographic angiography correlates with 3-month clinical outcome in acute ischemic stroke

PURPOSE:

The aim of the study is to assess the correlation between regional leptomeningeal collateral (rLMC) Scores calculated on computed tomography (CT) angiography following acute anterior circulation ischemic stroke, with 3-month clinical outcome measured as modified Rankin Scale (mRS) and Barthel Index (BI).

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

A total of thirty patients were studied as per the exclusion and inclusion criteria and after informed consent. Multi-phase CT angiography was carried out within 24 h of stroke onset, and collateral scoring was done using rLMC score along with Alberta stroke programme early CT (ASPECT) scoring. At 3 months, patients were followed up to evaluate the clinical outcome using mRS and BI. Statistical analysis was performed to find out the correlation between rLMC score, ASPECT score, and clinical outcome and for association with demographic parameters and stroke risk factors.

RESULTS:

A strong correlation was noted between ASPECT and rLMC scores (P < 0.001) and between rLMC scores and clinical outcome at 3 months (mRS and BI). Correlation with mRS (P < 0.001) was nearly as strong as that of BI on follow-up (P < 0.001). The ASPECT score also was a predictor of clinical outcome and showed correlation with mRS (P < 0.001) and BI (P < 0.001). No significant association was found between various stroke risk factors and demographic parameters with rLMC scores. The rLMC scoring system showed substantial inter-rater reliability with Kappa = 0.7.

CONCLUSIONS:

rLMC score in CT angiography correlates with ASPECT Score and clinical outcome at 3 months. Hence, this scoring system can be used for collateral quantification as may be of use in predicting short-term clinical outcomes.

Intraepithelial tumour infiltrating lymphocytes are associated with absence of tumour budding and immature/myxoid desmoplastic reaction, and with better recurrence-free survival in stages I-III colorectal cancer

AIMS

Tumour budding (TB), desmoplastic reaction (DR) and intraepithelial tumour infiltrating lymphocytes (iTILs) are recently recognised prognostic factors in colorectal cancer (CRC). In this study, we evaluated their significance and relationship to each other and their cumulative effect on survival.

METHODS AND RESULTS

A total of 372 stages I-III CRC cases from 2013 to 2016 were included. Low TB was identified in 302 (81%) cases, immature/myxoid DR in 67 (18%) cases and iTILs in 130 (35.0%) cases. iTILs was associated with low budding (P = 0.0247), non-myxoid DR (P = 0.0004), poorly differentiated histology (P = 0.0015), absence of perineural invasion (P = 0.0367) and loss of mismatch repair proteins (P = 0.0002). Absence of iTILs and presence of immature/myxoid DR were associated with a worse recurrence-free survival (RFS) [hazard ratio (HR) = 2.191, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.232-3.895; and HR = 5.706, 95% CI = 3.632-8.964, respectively]. A competing risk analysis showed statistically significant prognostic groups combining iTILs and TB (P < 0.0001). Cases with iTILs and low TB were associated with better RFS compared to cases without iTILs and with intermediate/high TB (HR = 0.214, 95% CI = 0.109-0.421). Similarly, combining iTILs and DR revealed statistically significant prognostic groups (P < 0.0001). Cases with iTILs and a non-myxoid DR had better RFS compared to cases without iTILs and immature/myxoid DR (HR = 0.113, 95% CI = 0.056-0.230). On multivariate cause-specific analysis, patients' age (P = 0.0045), iTILs (P = 0.0345), DR (P < 0.0001) and pTNM prognostic groups (P < 0.0001) were associated with RFS.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study validates the association of iTILs and DR as independent prognostic finding in CRC, and propose a prognostic model using the combinations of iTILs with TB and stromal reaction in CRC.

GW190521: A Binary Black Hole Merger with a Total Mass of 150 M_{⊙}

On May 21, 2019 at 03:02:29 UTC Advanced LIGO and Advanced Virgo observed a short duration gravitational-wave signal, GW190521, with a three-detector network signal-to-noise ratio of 14.7, and an estimated false-alarm rate of 1 in 4900 yr using a search sensitive to generic transients. If GW190521 is from a quasicircular binary inspiral, then the detected signal is consistent with the merger of two black holes with masses of 85_{-14}^{+21}  M_{⊙} and 66_{-18}^{+17}  M_{⊙} (90% credible intervals). We infer that the primary black hole mass lies within the gap produced by (pulsational) pair-instability supernova processes, with only a 0.32% probability of being below 65  M_{⊙}. We calculate the mass of the remnant to be 142_{-16}^{+28}  M_{⊙}, which can be considered an intermediate mass black hole (IMBH). The luminosity distance of the source is 5.3_{-2.6}^{+2.4}  Gpc, corresponding to a redshift of 0.82_{-0.34}^{+0.28}. The inferred rate of mergers similar to GW190521 is 0.13_{-0.11}^{+0.30}  Gpc^{-3} yr^{-1}.

Cardiological society of India document on safety measure during echo evaluation of cardiovascular disease in the time of COVID-19

An echocardiographic investigation is one of the key modalities of diagnosis in cardiology. There has been a rising presence of cardiological comorbidities in patients positive for COVID-19. Hence, it is becoming extremely essential to look into the correct safety precautions, healthcare professionals must take while conducting an echo investigation. The decision matrix formulated for conducting an echocardiographic evaluation is based on presence or absence of cardiological comorbidity vis-à-vis positive, suspected or negative for COVID-19. The safety measures have been constructed keeping in mind the current safety precautions by WHO, CDC and MoHFW, India.

Loss of tumor susceptibility gene 101 (TSG101) perturbs endoplasmic reticulum structure and function

Tumor susceptibility gene 101 (TSG101), an ESCRT-I protein, is implicated in multiple cellular processes and its functional depletion can lead to blocked lysosomal degradation, cell cycle arrest, demyelination and neurodegeneration. Here, we show that loss of TSG101 results in endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and this causes ER membrane remodelling (EMR). This correlates with an expansion of ER, increased vacuolation, altered relative distribution of the rough and smooth ER and disruption of three-way junctions. Blocked lysosomal degradation due to TSG101 depletion leads to ER stress and Ca²⁺ leakage from ER stores, causing destabilization of actin cytoskeleton. Inhibiting Ca²⁺ release from the ER by blocking ryanodine receptors (RYRs) with Dantrolene partially rescues the ER stress phenotypes. Hence, in this study we have identified the involvement of TSG101 in modulating ER stress mediated remodelling by engaging the actin cytoskeleton. This is significant because functional depletion of TSG101 effectuates ER-stress, perturbs the structure, mobility and function of the ER, all aspects closely associated with neurodegenerative diseases. SUMMARY STATEMENT: We show that tumor susceptibility gene (TSG) 101 regulates endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and its membrane remodelling. Loss of TSG101 perturbs structure, mobility and function of the ER as a consequence of actin destabilization.

Primary papillary epithelial tumour of the sella: expanding the spectrum of TTF-1-positive sellar lesions

AIM

To describe four novel primary epithelial tumours of the sella with papillary architecture and Thyroid Transcription Factor 1 (TTF-1) expression.

METHODS

Paraffin-embedded tissue from the four cases and recurrence of patient 1 was investigated with haematoxylin-eosin, special histochemical stains, immunohistochemistry with a broad panel of antibodies and next-generation sequencing. The ultrastructure of one tumour was studied in tissue retrieved from paraffin.

RESULTS

The lesions occurred in three females aged 20, 26 and 42 years and a male aged 49 years. They presented with signs and symptoms secondary to pituitary stalk compression. Preoperative neuroimaging documented mixed solid and cystic, enhancing sellar masses with suprasellar extension. Histologically, the tumours showed thin papillae lined by a single layer of cytokeratin and TTF-1-positive cuboidal and cylindrical cells with mildly atypical nucleus. Next-generation sequencing performed in three cases did not identify any mutations. The main differential diagnosis included metastasis from lung or thyroid carcinoma, extraventricular choroid plexus papilloma and sellar ependymoma.

CONCLUSION

We suggest the descriptive term of primary papillary epithelial tumour of the sella (PPETS) for this entity and propose that it could represent the intracranial equivalent of thyroid-like low-grade nasopharyngeal papillary adenocarcinoma. The cell of origin of PPETS remains undetermined although the intense and ubiquitous expression of TTF-1 may suggest a derivation from the infundibulum or ventricular recess. Our study expands the spectrum of sellar TTF-1-positive tumour and challenges the view that they all derive from pituicytes.

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

We present our current best estimate of the plausible observing scenarios for the Advanced LIGO, Advanced Virgo and KAGRA gravitational-wave detectors over the next several years, with the intention of providing information to facilitate planning for multi-messenger astronomy with gravitational waves. We estimate the sensitivity of the network to transient gravitational-wave signals for the third (O3), fourth (O4) and fifth observing (O5) runs, including the planned upgrades of the Advanced LIGO and Advanced Virgo detectors. We study the capability of the network to determine the sky location of the source for gravitational-wave signals from the inspiral of binary systems of compact objects, that is binary neutron star, neutron star-black hole, and binary black hole systems. The ability to localize the sources is given as a sky-area probability, luminosity distance, and comoving volume. The median sky localization area (90% credible region) is expected to be a few hundreds of square degrees for all types of binary systems during O3 with the Advanced LIGO and Virgo (HLV) network. The median sky localization area will improve to a few tens of square degrees during O4 with the Advanced LIGO, Virgo, and KAGRA (HLVK) network. During O3, the median localization volume (90% credible region) is expected to be on the order of 10 5 , 10 6 , 10 7 Mpc 3 for binary neutron star, neutron star-black hole, and binary black hole systems, respectively. The localization volume in O4 is expected to be about a factor two smaller than in O3. We predict a detection count of 1 - 1 + 12 ( 10 - 10 + 52 ) for binary neutron star mergers, of 0 - 0 + 19 ( 1 - 1 + 91 ) for neutron star-black hole mergers, and 17 - 11 + 22 ( 79 - 44 + 89 ) for binary black hole mergers in a one-calendar-year observing run of the HLV network during O3 (HLVK network during O4). We evaluate sensitivity and localization expectations for unmodeled signal searches, including the search for intermediate mass black hole binary mergers.

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

We present a search for subsolar mass ultracompact objects in data obtained during Advanced LIGO's second observing run. In contrast to a previous search of Advanced LIGO data from the first observing run, this search includes the effects of component spin on the gravitational waveform. We identify no viable gravitational-wave candidates consistent with subsolar mass ultracompact binaries with at least one component between 0.2  M_{⊙}-1.0  M_{⊙}. We use the null result to constrain the binary merger rate of (0.2  M_{⊙}, 0.2  M_{⊙}) binaries to be less than 3.7×10^{5}  Gpc^{-3} yr^{-1} and the binary merger rate of (1.0  M_{⊙}, 1.0  M_{⊙}) binaries to be less than 5.2×10^{3}  Gpc^{-3} yr^{-1}. Subsolar mass ultracompact objects are not expected to form via known stellar evolution channels, though it has been suggested that primordial density fluctuations or particle dark matter with cooling mechanisms and/or nuclear interactions could form black holes with subsolar masses. Assuming a particular primordial black hole (PBH) formation model, we constrain a population of merging 0.2  M_{⊙} black holes to account for less than 16% of the dark matter density and a population of merging 1.0  M_{⊙} black holes to account for less than 2% of the dark matter density. We discuss how constraints on the merger rate and dark matter fraction may be extended to arbitrary black hole population models that predict subsolar mass binaries.

Tests of General Relativity with GW170817

The recent discovery by Advanced LIGO and Advanced Virgo of a gravitational wave signal from a binary neutron star inspiral has enabled tests of general relativity (GR) with this new type of source. This source, for the first time, permits tests of strong-field dynamics of compact binaries in the presence of matter. In this Letter, we place constraints on the dipole radiation and possible deviations from GR in the post-Newtonian coefficients that govern the inspiral regime. Bounds on modified dispersion of gravitational waves are obtained; in combination with information from the observed electromagnetic counterpart we can also constrain effects due to large extra dimensions. Finally, the polarization content of the gravitational wave signal is studied. The results of all tests performed here show good agreement with GR.

Inter-relationship between intercepted radiation and rice yield influenced by transplanting time, method, and variety

Photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) is one of the most important environmental factors that determine the productivity and grain quality of the crops. Continuous rainy days or cloudy weather throughout crop growth especially at critical stages often resulted in great loss of grain quality and yield in rice. Low light stress has rigorously constrained the rice production in various rice-growing regions, especially in Southeast Asia. Method and time of planting are the major management factors contributing to the higher yield potential of rice by influencing light harvesting and use efficiency. Present study was executed consecutively for 5 years (kharif seasons of 2012-2016) to determine whether planting time improves the radiation absorption and use efficiency in different duration rice cultivars. We evaluated the difference in plant growth and development leading to yield formation under different planting time which related to radiation incidence and interception. The results of the study revealed that PAR interception depends on morphological characters of cultivars and also with agronomic management such as transplanting time and method. Long duration cultivar intercepted more PAR but interception decreased due to late planting (3rd week of July), whereas short duration cultivars (Naveen) when planted earlier (1st week of June) could not effectively utilize intercepted PAR constraining the biomass accumulation and yield formation. Effect of planting density and crop architecture on PAR absorption was apparent among establishment methods as light interception at crop canopy was highest in the system of rice intensification and lowest in that of wet direct seeding. In general, Pooja as a long duration cultivar intercepted more PAR per day but when compared on same date of planting, the comparative absorption of radiation was 30.6% higher in Naveen. The lower yields in the wet season are attributed mostly to reduction in grain number per panicle or per unit land area, which is a consequence of high spikelet sterility. Grain yield of rice planted in July third week was reduced by 3.8, 12.3, and 6.9% over June first and third week and July first week, respectively, mainly due to spikelet sterility (26%) and lower grains per panicle (18%). Our results indicated that agronomic management like optimum time of sowing, cultivar duration, and establishment methods should be followed for yield improvement in tropical lowlands where light intensity is limiting due to prevailing weather situations.

Constraining the p-Mode-g-Mode Tidal Instability with GW170817

We analyze the impact of a proposed tidal instability coupling p modes and g modes within neutron stars on GW170817. This nonresonant instability transfers energy from the orbit of the binary to internal modes of the stars, accelerating the gravitational-wave driven inspiral. We model the impact of this instability on the phasing of the gravitational wave signal using three parameters per star: an overall amplitude, a saturation frequency, and a spectral index. Incorporating these additional parameters, we compute the Bayes factor (lnB_{!pg}^{pg}) comparing our p-g model to a standard one. We find that the observed signal is consistent with waveform models that neglect p-g effects, with lnB_{!pg}^{pg}=0.03_{-0.58}^{+0.70} (maximum a posteriori and 90% credible region). By injecting simulated signals that do not include p-g effects and recovering them with the p-g model, we show that there is a ≃50% probability of obtaining similar lnB_{!pg}^{pg} even when p-g effects are absent. We find that the p-g amplitude for 1.4  M_{⊙} neutron stars is constrained to less than a few tenths of the theoretical maximum, with maxima a posteriori near one-tenth this maximum and p-g saturation frequency ∼70  Hz. This suggests that there are less than a few hundred excited modes, assuming they all saturate by wave breaking. For comparison, theoretical upper bounds suggest ≲10^{3} modes saturate by wave breaking. Thus, the measured constraints only rule out extreme values of the p-g parameters. They also imply that the instability dissipates ≲10^{51}  erg over the entire inspiral, i.e., less than a few percent of the energy radiated as gravitational waves.

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.

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.

Descriptive sensory analysis of marinated and non-marinated wooden breast fillet portions

The wooden breast (WB) myopathy influences muscle composition and texture characteristics in broiler breast meat. It is unknown if marination reduces the negative influence of WB on meat sensory quality or if WB effects are uniform throughout the Pectoralis major. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of marination on the sensory attributes and instrumental shear force measurements of the ventral (skin-side) and dorsal (bone-side) portions of normal and severe WB meat. Sixty butterfly fillets (30 normal and 30 severe WB) were selected from the deboning line of a commercial processing plant. Individual fillets were portioned into ventral and dorsal halves. Portions from one side of each butterfly were used as non-marinated controls, and portions from the other side were vacuum-tumble marinated (16 rpm, -0.6 atm, 4°C, 20 min) with 20% (wt/wt) marinade to meat ratio. Marinade was formulated to target a concentration of 0.75% (w/v) salt and 0.45% (w/v) sodium tripolyphosphate in the final product. Descriptive sensory analysis (9 trained panelists) was conducted to evaluate visual, texture, and flavor attributes (0-15 point scale) of breast portions along with Warner-Bratzler shear force. Significant interaction effects between WB and marination were not observed for the sensory attributes. Greater springiness, cohesiveness, hardness, fibrousness, and chewiness scores were observed in WB samples (P < 0.001). Marination decreased cohesiveness, hardness, and chewiness (P < 0.05) and increased juiciness (P = 0.002). The effects of WB on sensory texture attributes were more apparent in the ventral portions of the breast fillets. Flavor attributes (salty and brothy) increased (P < 0.001) with marination. In non-marinated samples, shear force was similar between normal and WB samples. In marinated samples, however, shear force was greater (P < 0.001) in WB samples. Data suggest that the WB effect on meat sensory quality is not uniform throughout the Pectoralis major and that WB-related differences in cooked meat sensory texture attributes are lessened but not eliminated by vacuum-tumbling marination.

Substantial Evidences Indicate That Inorganic Arsenic Is a Genotoxic Carcinogen: a Review

Arsenic is one of the most toxic environmental toxicants. More than 150 million people worldwide are exposed to arsenic through ground water contamination. It is an exclusive human carcinogen. Although the hallmarks of arsenic toxicity are skin lesions and skin cancers, arsenic can also induce cancers in the lung, liver, kidney, urinary bladder, and other internal organs. Arsenic is a non-mutagenic compound but can induce significant cytogenetic damage as measured by chromosomal aberrations, sister chromatid exchanges, and micronuclei formation in human systems. These genotoxic end points are extensively used to predict genotoxic potentials of different environmental chemicals, drugs, pesticides, and insecticides. These cytogenetic end points are also used for evaluating cancer risk. Here, by critically reviewing and analyzing the existing literature, we conclude that inorganic arsenic is a genotoxic carcinogen.