Determining the structure of a large tilted block between two major boundary faults in a continental rift (central Lake Baikal): a reflection seismic study

Between the major boundary faults of the central part of Lake Baikal (ie. the Ol’khon fault and the Primorsky fault), a structurally complex tilted area exists that is strongly influenced by the interaction between these two faults. This area, that is about 30 kilometer wide and a 100 kilometers long, consists of three main parts: Pri-Ol’khon, Ol’khon-island and the submerged Maloe More depression. It is believed that the area formed by the gradual propagation of the Primorsky fault in a southeast direction towards the Ol’khon fault.During the summer of 2001 a large amount of high resolution reflection seismic profiles were shot in Maloe More (>600 km), that could be used to get a better insight in the structural development of the area, and in the geometry of its different sub-blocks and basins. In a first stage we have investigated the morphology of the basement underneath the sedimentary cover, and we determined which structures were fault related and which not. Age constraints on the subsequent evolution came from the correlation of the sedimentary units in Maloe More with deposits on Ol’khon-island, and with data from the long BDP-cores in a nearby area (Academician Ridge).The depth of the basement gradually increases from the southwest towards the northeast, and its morphology is characterised by several ridge structures and faults that strike at high-angle to the main faults. Several of these ridges border basins that contain relatively old sediments (Miocene age; Unit A) later overlain by younger units. Therefore the main basement structures of the Maloe More area should be older than the general believed age for the southward propagation of the Primorsky fault (1 Ma according to earlier models). Moreover the occurrence of relatively thick deposits of unit A in the southwestern extremity of Maloe More and in Ol’khon-gate contradicts the idea that these parts of the area are the youngest, being submerged only recently.Instead, older (isolated) sedimentary traps and lacustrine environments must have existed in this area. Faulting in the younger sediments however shows that the presentday activity of the major boundary faults, still has a pronounced effect on the local structure between them. Some of the formed basins are still determined by displacements on the older structures.For this study we have tried to determine the evolution of the Maloe More area, based on its interpreted structure and the relation with overlying sedimentary deposits, and we have tried to link our observations with existing models for the development of the Primorsky and Ol’khon faults

Propagation of the Primorsky Fault in the central part of Lake Baikal and the evolution of Maloe More

The Primorsky Fault is one of the two major western boundary faults in the central part of Lake Baikal. According to the existing fault growth model (e.g. Agar and Klitgord, 1995), this fault has propagated gradually in a southward direction. During this propagation, the Primorsky Fault has cut through the footwall of the Ol’khon Fault, which is the other major boundary fault 35–40km to the south-east. This propagation has controlled the submergence of the Ol’khon Region which forms a large tilted block between both faults.Based on the interpretation of high-resolution reflection seismic profiles of the submerged part of the Ol’khon Region (ie. Maloe More), different depocentres have been identified in the hanging-wall region of the Primorsky Fault. These depocentres correspond to small basins that are separated from each other by distinct basement ridges, with an orientation that strikes almost perpendicularly to the Primorsky Fault. The occurrence of the oldest sedimentary deposits (Unit A, Miocene age) in depocentres in the southern part of Maloe More, indicates that old sedimentary traps and lacustrine environments must have existed in the area. This finding contradicts the existing growth model for the Primorsky Fault, which assumes that only a recent (ca. 1Ma) and gradual propagation of the fault is responsible for the increasing subsidence in Maloe More. In the different sub-basins, younger sediments (Unit B, Upper Pliocene) overlie the deposits of Unit A. Nevertheless, the upper parts of Unit B are also present on the different basement ridges. The thickness of Unit B is on the northeastern ridges in Maloe More considerably greater than on those more to the south-west, indicating that they have been submerged for a longer time. Careful investigation of a RESURS satellite image of the area has revealed a possible segmentation of the Primorsky Fault, with segment boundaries occurring at the location of the different basement ridges in Maloe More.We believe that the growth of the Primorsky Fault can therefore be described in two different stages. A first stage, during the deposition of Unit A, was characterised by the evolution of 5 different (isolated) segments that defined small basins in Maloe More. The observed basement ridges corresponded at that time to intrabasin highs that resulted from the displacement deficit between the different fault segments. Increasing extension lead to the further growth of the segments, causing a final linkage between them. This linkage marks the onset of a second stage, which was achieved during the deposition of Unit B. Linkage between fault segments caused a displacement increase (mainly at the former location of the segment boundaries), resulting in the submergence of the basement ridge. Seen the thicker deposits of Unit B on the northeastern ridges in Maloe More, we believe that the segment linkage was first established between the northernmost fault segments of the Primorsky Fault. Subsequent linkages between other segments more to the south, and the associated post-linkage displacement increases, caused the further submergence of Maloe More towards the southwest in later stages

The genomes of two key bumblebee species with primitive eusocial organization

Background: The shift from solitary to social behavior is one of the major evolutionary transitions. Primitively eusocial bumblebees are uniquely placed to illuminate the evolution of highly eusocial insect societies. Bumblebees are also invaluable natural and agricultural pollinators, and there is widespread concern over recent population declines in some species. High-quality genomic data will inform key aspects of bumblebee biology, including susceptibility to implicated population viability threats. Results: We report the high quality draft genome sequences of Bombus terrestris and Bombus impatiens, two ecologically dominant bumblebees and widely utilized study species. Comparing these new genomes to those of the highly eusocial honeybee Apis mellifera and other Hymenoptera, we identify deeply conserved similarities, as well as novelties key to the biology of these organisms. Some honeybee genome features thought to underpin advanced eusociality are also present in bumblebees, indicating an earlier evolution in the bee lineage. Xenobiotic detoxification and immune genes are similarly depauperate in bumblebees and honeybees, and multiple categories of genes linked to social organization, including development and behavior, show high conservation. Key differences identified include a bias in bumblebee chemoreception towards gustation from olfaction, and striking differences in microRNAs, potentially responsible for gene regulation underlying social and other traits. Conclusions: These two bumblebee genomes provide a foundation for post-genomic research on these key pollinators and insect societies. Overall, gene repertoires suggest that the route to advanced eusociality in bees was mediated by many small changes in many genes and processes, and not by notable expansion or depauperation

Outcomes of Patients with Asymptomatic Aortic Stenosis Followed Up in Heart Valve Clinics

Importance: The natural history and the management of patients with asymptomatic aortic stenosis (AS) have not been fully examined in the current era. Objective: To determine the clinical outcomes of patients with asymptomatic AS using data from the Heart Valve Clinic International Database. Design, Setting, and Participants: This registry was assembled by merging data from prospectively gathered institutional databases from 10 heart valve clinics in Europe, Canada, and the United States. Asymptomatic patients with an aortic valve area of 1.5 cm2 or less and preserved left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) greater than 50% at entry were considered for the present analysis. Data were collected from January 2001 to December 2014, and data were analyzed from January 2017 to July 2018. Main Outcomes and Measures: Natural history, need for aortic valve replacement (AVR), and survival of asymptomatic patients with moderate or severe AS at entry followed up in a heart valve clinic. Indications for AVR were based on current guideline recommendations. Results: Of the 1375 patients included in this analysis, 834 (60.7%) were male, and the mean (SD) age was 71 (13) years. A total of 861 patients (62.6%) had severe AS (aortic valve area less than 1.0 cm2). The mean (SD) overall survival during medical management (mean [SD] follow up, 27 [24] months) was 93% (1%), 86% (2%), and 75% (4%) at 2, 4, and 8 years, respectively. A total of 104 patients (7.6%) died under observation, including 57 patients (54.8%) from cardiovascular causes. The crude rate of sudden death was 0.65% over the duration of the study. A total of 542 patients (39.4%) underwent AVR, including 388 patients (71.6%) with severe AS at study entry and 154 (28.4%) with moderate AS at entry who progressed to severe AS. Those with severe AS at entry who underwent AVR did so at a mean (SD) of 14.4 (16.6) months and a median of 8.7 months. The mean (SD) 2-year and 4-year AVR-free survival rates for asymptomatic patients with severe AS at baseline were 54% (2%) and 32% (3%), respectively. In those undergoing AVR, the 30-day postprocedural mortality was 0.9%. In patients with severe AS at entry, peak aortic jet velocity (greater than 5 m/s) and LVEF (less than 60%) were associated with all-cause and cardiovascular mortality without AVR; these factors were also associated with postprocedural mortality in those patients with severe AS at baseline who underwent AVR (surgical AVR in 310 patients; transcatheter AVR in 78 patients). Conclusions and Relevance: In patients with asymptomatic AS followed up in heart valve centers, the risk of sudden death is low, and rates of overall survival are similar to those reported from previous series. Patients with severe AS at baseline and peak aortic jet velocity of 5.0 m/s or greater or LVEF less than 60% have increased risks of all-cause and cardiovascular mortality even after AVR. The potential benefit of early intervention should be considered in these high-risk patients

Amyloid-b peptide on sialyl-LewisX-selectin-mediated membrane tether mechanics at the cerebral endothelial cell surface

Increased deposition of amyloid-b peptide (Ab) at the cerebral endothelial cell (CEC) surface has been implicated in enhancement of transmigration of monocytes across the brain blood barrier (BBB) in Alzheimer’s disease (AD). In this study, quantitative immunofluorescence microscopy (QIM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) with cantilevers biofunctionalized by sialyl-Lewisx (sLex) were employed to investigate Ab-altered mechanics of membrane tethers formed by bonding between sLex and p-selectin at the CEC surface, the initial mechanical step governing the transmigration of monocytes. QIM results indicated the ability for Ab to increase p-selectin expression at the cell surface and promote actin polymerization in both bEND3 cells (immortalized mouse CECs) and human primary CECs. AFM data also showed the ability for Ab to increase cell stiffness and adhesion probability in bEND3 cells. On the contrary, Ab lowered the overall force of membrane tether formation (Fmtf), and produced a bimodal population of Fmtf, suggesting subcellular mechanical alterations in membrane tethering. The lower Fmtf population was similar to the results obtained from cells treated with an F-actin-disrupting drug, latrunculin A. Indeed, AFM results also showed that both Ab and latrunculin A decreased membrane stiffness, suggesting a lower membrane-cytoskeleton adhesion, a factor resulting in lower Fmtf. In addition, these cerebral endothelial alterations induced by Ab were abrogated by lovastatin, consistent with its anti-inflammatory effects. In sum, these results demonstrated the ability for Ab to enhance p-selectin expression at the CEC surface and induce cytoskeleton reorganization, which in turn, resulted in changes in membrane-cytoskeleton adhesion and membrane tethering, mechanical factors important in transmigration of monocytes through the BBB.This work was supported by Alzheimer Association Grant NIRG-06-24448; NIH Grant 1P01 AG18357, R21NS052385, 5R21AG032579 and in part by 1P01HL095486 and AHA 0835676N; ‘‘Bolashak’’ scholarship and Ministry of Education and Science of the Republic of Kazakhstan 1029/GF2. The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript

Transcriptome profiling of chemosensory appendages in the malaria vector Anopheles gambiae reveals tissue- and sex-specific signatures of odor coding

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Chemosensory signal transduction guides the behavior of many insects, including <it>Anopheles gambiae</it>, the major vector for human malaria in sub-Saharan Africa. To better understand the molecular basis of mosquito chemosensation we have used whole transcriptome RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) to compare transcript expression profiles between the two major chemosensory tissues, the antennae and maxillary palps, of adult female and male <it>An. gambiae</it>.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>We compared chemosensory tissue transcriptomes to whole body transcriptomes of each sex to identify chemosensory enhanced genes. In the six data sets analyzed, we detected expression of nearly all known chemosensory genes and found them to be highly enriched in both olfactory tissues of males and females. While the maxillary palps of both sexes demonstrated strict chemosensory gene expression overlap, we observed acute differences in sensory specialization between male and female antennae. The relatively high expression levels of chemosensory genes in the female antennae reveal its role as an organ predominately assigned to chemosensation. Remarkably, the expression of these genes was highly conserved in the male antennae, but at much lower relative levels. Alternatively, consistent with a role in mating, the male antennae displayed significant enhancement of genes involved in audition, while the female enhancement of these genes was observed, but to a lesser degree.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>These findings suggest that the chemoreceptive spectrum, as defined by gene expression profiles, is largely similar in female and male <it>An. gambiae</it>. However, assuming sensory receptor expression levels are correlated with sensitivity in each case, we posit that male and female antennae are perceptive to the same stimuli, but possess inverse receptive prioritizations and sensitivities. Here we have demonstrated the use of RNA-seq to characterize the sensory specializations of an important disease vector and grounded future studies investigating chemosensory processes.</p

Cause of Death and Predictors of All-Cause Mortality in Anticoagulated Patients With Nonvalvular Atrial Fibrillation : Data From ROCKET AF

M. Kaste on työryhmän ROCKET AF Steering Comm jäsen.Background-Atrial fibrillation is associated with higher mortality. Identification of causes of death and contemporary risk factors for all-cause mortality may guide interventions. Methods and Results-In the Rivaroxaban Once Daily Oral Direct Factor Xa Inhibition Compared with Vitamin K Antagonism for Prevention of Stroke and Embolism Trial in Atrial Fibrillation (ROCKET AF) study, patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation were randomized to rivaroxaban or dose-adjusted warfarin. Cox proportional hazards regression with backward elimination identified factors at randomization that were independently associated with all-cause mortality in the 14 171 participants in the intention-to-treat population. The median age was 73 years, and the mean CHADS(2) score was 3.5. Over 1.9 years of median follow-up, 1214 (8.6%) patients died. Kaplan-Meier mortality rates were 4.2% at 1 year and 8.9% at 2 years. The majority of classified deaths (1081) were cardiovascular (72%), whereas only 6% were nonhemorrhagic stroke or systemic embolism. No significant difference in all-cause mortality was observed between the rivaroxaban and warfarin arms (P=0.15). Heart failure (hazard ratio 1.51, 95% CI 1.33-1.70, P= 75 years (hazard ratio 1.69, 95% CI 1.51-1.90, P Conclusions-In a large population of patients anticoagulated for nonvalvular atrial fibrillation, approximate to 7 in 10 deaths were cardiovascular, whereasPeer reviewe