Empirical constraints on the origin of fast radio bursts: volumetric rates and host galaxy demographics as a test of millisecond magnetar connection

The localization of the repeating FRB 121102 to a low-metallicity dwarf galaxy at $z=0.193$, and its association with a quiescent radio source, suggests the possibility that FRBs originate from magnetars, formed by the unusual supernovae in such galaxies. We investigate this via a comparison of magnetar birth rates, the FRB volumetric rate, and host galaxy demographics. We calculate average volumetric rates of possible millisecond magnetar production channels such as superluminous supernovae (SLSNe), long and short gamma-ray bursts (GRBs), and general magnetar production via core-collapse supernovae. For each channel we also explore the expected host galaxy demographics using their known properties. We determine for the first time the number density of FRB emitters (the product of their volumetric birthrate and lifetime), $R_{\rm FRB}\tau\approx 10^4$Gpc$^{-3}$, assuming that FRBs are predominantly emitted from repetitive sources similar to FRB 121102 and adopting a beaming factor of 0.1. By comparing rates we find that production via rare channels (SLSNe, GRBs) implies a typical FRB lifetime of $\approx$30-300 yr, in good agreement with other lines of argument. The total energy emitted over this time is consistent with the available energy stored in the magnetic field. On the other hand, any relation to magnetars produced via normal core-collapse supernovae leads to a very short lifetime of $\approx$0.5yr, in conflict with both theory and observation. We demonstrate that due to the diverse host galaxy distributions of the different progenitor channels, many possible sources of FRB birth can be ruled out with $\lesssim 10$ host galaxy identifications. Conversely, targeted searches of galaxies that have previously hosted decades-old SLSNe and GRBs may be a fruitful strategy for discovering new FRBs and related quiescent radio sources, and determining the nature of their progenitors

In vitro propagation of four Iranian grape varieties: Influence of genotype and pretreatment with arbuscular mycorrhiza

There is a great demand for table grape saplings, mainly for commercial varieties indicating that micropropagation could be an effective method for their mass propagation. Internal contamination in woody plant species is an important problematic issue and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) have been known as potential plant biological protectors. In the present study, the glasshouse grown mother plants of four grape varieties ('Asgari', 'Khalili', 'Keshmeshi', and 'Shahroudi') were inoculated with AMF as pre-treatment. The fungi strains were Glomus mosseae, G. fasciculatum, G. intraradices and a mixture of all three species. The comparative in vitro performance of these genotypes was evaluated following optimization of in vitro growth conditions for each genotype. Furthermore, the positive effect of AMF inoculation of stock plant on micropropagation process was studied. Changes in biochemical features (total chlorophylls, total phenols and total sugars), growth parameters (root length and total leaf area) and in vitro behavior of AMF pretreated as well as control explants were recorded. The mycorrhizal association with grapevine roots was confirmed following root staining and evaluation of colonization rate. The results revealed a distinct difference and clear genotypic effect on various in vitro parameters of studied grape genotypes. The utilized inocula were found to have the capability of mycorrhizal association with grapevine roots, leading to enhancing phenolics as a defense mechanism, increasing sugars and chlorophyll and finally growth of whole plant corresponding to the grape variety and AMF strain. These results confirmed that health and physiological conditions of the stock plants are important parameters for in vitro grape culture establishment and suggest the integration of mycorrhizal technology with tissue culture to accomplish better results

Anti-melanocortin-4 receptor autoantibodies in obesity

Background: The melanocortin-4 receptor (MC4R) is part of an important pathway regulating energy balance. Here we report the existence of autoantibodies (autoAbs) against the MC4R in sera of obese patients. Methods: The autoAbs were detected after screening of 216 patients' sera by using direct and inhibition ELISA with an N-terminal sequence of the MC4R. Binding to the native MC4R was evaluated by flow cytometry and pharmacological effects by measuring adenylyl cyclase activity. Results: Positive results in all tests were obtained in patients with overweight or obesity (prevalence: 3.6%) but not in normal weight patients. The selective binding properties of anti-MC4R autoAbs were confirmed by surface plasmon resonance and by immunoprecipitation with the native MC4R. Finally it was demonstrated that these autoAbs increased food intake in rats after passive transfer via intracerebroventricular injection. Conclusion: These observations suggest that inhibitory anti-MC4R autoAbs might contribute to the development of obesity in a small subpopulation of patients