Viral antibody dynamics in a chiropteran host

1. Bats host many viruses that are significant for human and domestic animal health, but the dynamics of these infections in their natural reservoir hosts remain poorly elucidated.<p></p> 2. In these, and other, systems, there is evidence that seasonal life-cycle events drive infection dynamics, directly impacting the risk of exposure to spillover hosts. Understanding these dynamics improves our ability to predict zoonotic spillover from the reservoir hosts.<p></p> 3. To this end, we followed henipavirus antibody levels of >100 individual E. helvum in a closed, captive, breeding population over a 30-month period, using a powerful novel antibody quantitation method.<p></p> 4. We demonstrate the presence of maternal antibodies in this system and accurately determine their longevity. We also present evidence of population-level persistence of viral infection and demonstrate periods of increased horizontal virus transmission associated with the pregnancy/lactation period.<p></p> 5.The novel findings of infection persistence and the effect of pregnancy on viral transmission, as well as an accurate quantitation of chiropteran maternal antiviral antibody half-life, provide fundamental baseline data for the continued study of viral infections in these important reservoir hosts

Topological self-similarity on the random binary-tree model

Asymptotic analysis on some statistical properties of the random binary-tree model is developed. We quantify a hierarchical structure of branching patterns based on the Horton-Strahler analysis. We introduce a transformation of a binary tree, and derive a recursive equation about branch orders. As an application of the analysis, topological self-similarity and its generalization is proved in an asymptotic sense. Also, some important examples are presented

Quantum mechanics: Myths and facts

A common understanding of quantum mechanics (QM) among students and practical users is often plagued by a number of "myths", that is, widely accepted claims on which there is not really a general consensus among experts in foundations of QM. These myths include wave-particle duality, time-energy uncertainty relation, fundamental randomness, the absence of measurement-independent reality, locality of QM, nonlocality of QM, the existence of well-defined relativistic QM, the claims that quantum field theory (QFT) solves the problems of relativistic QM or that QFT is a theory of particles, as well as myths on black-hole entropy. The fact is that the existence of various theoretical and interpretational ambiguities underlying these myths does not yet allow us to accept them as proven facts. I review the main arguments and counterarguments lying behind these myths and conclude that QM is still a not-yet-completely-understood theory open to further fundamental research.Comment: 51 pages, pedagogic review, revised, new references, to appear in Found. Phy

Physical activity monitoring: Addressing the difficulties of accurately detecting slow walking speeds

OBJECTIVE: To test the accuracy of a multi-sensor activity monitor (SWM) in detecting slow walking speeds in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). BACKGROUND: Concerns have been expressed regarding the use of pedometers in patient populations. Although activity monitors are more sophisticated devices, their accuracy at detecting slow walking speeds common in patients with COPD has yet to be proven. METHODS: A prospective observational study design was employed. An incremental shuttle walk test (ISWT) was completed by 57 patients with COPD wearing an SWM. The ISWT was repeated by 20 patients wearing the same SWM. RESULTS: Differences were identified between metabolic equivalents (METS) and between step-count across five levels of the ISWT (p < 0.001). Good within monitor reproducibility between two ISWT was identified for total energy expenditure and step-count (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The SWM is able to detect slow (standardized) speeds of walking and is an acceptable method for measuring physical activity in individuals disabled by COPD

Magnetoluminescence

Pulsar Wind Nebulae, Blazars, Gamma Ray Bursts and Magnetars all contain regions where the electromagnetic energy density greatly exceeds the plasma energy density. These sources exhibit dramatic flaring activity where the electromagnetic energy distributed over large volumes, appears to be converted efficiently into high energy particles and gamma-rays. We call this general process magnetoluminescence. Global requirements on the underlying, extreme particle acceleration processes are described and the likely importance of relativistic beaming in enhancing the observed radiation from a flare is emphasized. Recent research on fluid descriptions of unstable electromagnetic configurations are summarized and progress on the associated kinetic simulations that are needed to account for the acceleration and radiation is discussed. Future observational, simulation and experimental opportunities are briefly summarized.Comment: To appear in "Jets and Winds in Pulsar Wind Nebulae, Gamma-ray Bursts and Blazars: Physics of Extreme Energy Release" of the Space Science Reviews serie

A quantitative release assessment for the noncommercial movement of companion animals : risk of rabies reintroduction to the United Kingdom

In 2004, the European Union (EU) implemented a pet movement policy (referred to here as the EUPMP) under EU regulation 998/2003. The United Kingdom (UK) was granted a temporary derogation from the policy until December 2011 and instead has in place its own Pet Movement Policy (Pet Travel Scheme (PETS)). A quantitative risk assessment (QRA) was developed to estimate the risk of rabies introduction to the UK under both schemes to quantify any change in the risk of rabies introduction should the UK harmonize with the EU policy. Assuming 100 % compliance with the regulations, moving to the EUPMP was predicted to increase the annual risk of rabies introduction to the UK by approximately 60-fold, from 7.79 × 10(-5) (5.90 × 10(-5) , 1.06 × 10(-4) ) under the current scheme to 4.79 × 10(-3) (4.05 × 10(-3) , 5.65 × 10(-3) ) under the EUPMP. This corresponds to a decrease from 13,272 (9,408, 16,940) to 211 (177, 247) years between rabies introductions. The risks associated with both the schemes were predicted to increase when less than 100 % compliance was assumed, with the current scheme of PETS and quarantine being shown to be particularly sensitive to noncompliance. The results of this risk assessment, along with other evidence, formed a scientific evidence base to inform policy decision with respect to companion animal movement

Properties of vanadium-base alloys irradiated in the Dynamic Helium Charging Experiment

One property of vanadium-base alloys that is not well understood in terms of their potential use as fusion reactor structural materials is the effect of simultaneous generation of helium and neutron damage. In the present Dynamic Helium Charging Experiment (DHCE), helium was produced uniformly in the specimen at linear rates of {approx} 0.4 to 4.2 appm helium/dpa by the decay of tritium during irradiation to 18--31 dpa at 425--600 C in Li-filled capsules in a sodium-cooled fast reactor. This paper presents results of postirradiation examination and tests of microstructure and mechanical properties of V-5Ti, V-3Ti-1Si, V-8Cr-6Ti, and V-4Cr-4Ti (the latter alloy has been identified as the most promising candidate vanadium alloy). Effects of helium on tensile strength and ductility were insignificant after irradiation and testing at > 420 C. However, postirradiation ductilities at {minus}150 C in DHCE specimens. Predominantly brittle-cleavage fracture morphologies were observed only at {minus}196 C in some specimens that were irradiated to 31 dpa at 425 C during the DHCE. For the helium generation rates in this experiment ({approx} 0.4--4.2 appm He/dpa), grain-boundary coalescence of helium microcavities was negligible and intergranular fracture was not observed

Spironolactone-induced inhibition of aldosterone biosynthesis in primary aldosteronism: Morphological and functional studies

Twenty-five patients harboring aldosterone-producing adenomas were treated with spironolactone for 2-170 days immediately preoperatively. In the early period of administration of the drug (up to 27 days), plasma and urinary aldosterone decreased sharply while plasma renin activity (PRA) and serum potassium were rising. During this period of time, spironolactone bodies (SB), which form exclusively in cells actively producing aldosterone, were forming rapidly in the tumor cells but not in the inactive glomerulosa cells proper. The SB appear to be a morphological expression of a block in aldosterone biosynthesis. Since SB do not occur in normal fasciculata cells, which, like glomerulosa cells, also synthesize corticosterone, it is concluded that spironolactone inhibition of aldosterone biosynthesis occurs between corticosterone and aldosterone. Recent studies in vitro by others have suggested that the inhibition occurs at the corticosterone-methyl oxidase step, I (Ulick's nomenclature). The great diuresis of sodium and retention of potassium resulting from continued administration of the drug sharply activates aldosterone stimulatory factors. Aldosterone production may return to baseline levels in several weeks but it is inappropriately low in relation to the levels of PRA and serum potassium. With the further passage of time (average 4-6 wk), aldosterone production may increase 50%-100% above baseline levels, suggesting that the block has disappeared or is receding. At this time SB are diminishing in number and by 170 days of the drug they have virtually disappeared. We have hypothesized, among other possibilities, that recovery of the ability to convert corticosterone to aldosterone occurs by virtue of a mechanism activated by sodium deficiency, independent of angiotensin, which stimulates step 1 of the corticosterone-methyl oxidase system. As the block in the final step(s) of the biosynthetic pathway recedes, the existing elevated levels of angiotensin become much more effective in stimulating the production of aldosterone.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/22806/1/0000363.pd

Extensive microbial diversity within the chicken gut microbiome revealed by metagenomics and culture

Background The chicken is the most abundant food animal in the world. However, despite its importance, the chicken gut microbiome remains largely undefined. Here, we exploit culture-independent and culture-dependent approaches to reveal extensive taxonomic diversity within this complex microbial community. Results We performed metagenomic sequencing of fifty chicken faecal samples from two breeds and analysed these, alongside all (n = 582) relevant publicly available chicken metagenomes, to cluster over 20 million non-redundant genes and to construct over 5,500 metagenome-assembled bacterial genomes. In addition, we recovered nearly 600 bacteriophage genomes. This represents the most comprehensive view of taxonomic diversity within the chicken gut microbiome to date, encompassing hundreds of novel candidate bacterial genera and species. To provide a stable, clear and memorable nomenclature for novel species, we devised a scalable combinatorial system for the creation of hundreds of well-formed Latin binomials. We cultured and genome-sequenced bacterial isolates from chicken faeces, documenting over forty novel species, together with three species from the genus Escherichia, including the newly named species Escherichia whittamii. Conclusions Our metagenomic and culture-based analyses provide new insights into the bacterial, archaeal and bacteriophage components of the chicken gut microbiome. The resulting datasets expand the known diversity of the chicken gut microbiome and provide a key resource for future high-resolution taxonomic and functional studies on the chicken gut microbiome

Guidelines for Modeling and Reporting Health Effects of Climate Change Mitigation Actions

Background: Modeling suggests that climate change mitigation actions can have substantial human health benefits that accrue quickly and locally. Documenting the benefits can help drive more ambitious and health-protective climate change mitigation actions; however, documenting the adverse health effects can help to avoid them. Estimating the health effects of mitigation (HEM) actions can help policy makers prioritize investments based not only on mitigation potential but also on expected health benefits. To date, however, the wide range of incompatible approaches taken to developing and reporting HEM estimates has limited their comparability and usefulness to policymakers. Objective: The objective of this effort was to generate guidance for modeling studies on scoping, estimating, and reporting population health effects from climate change mitigation actions. Methods: An expert panel of HEM researchers was recruited to participate in developing guidance for conducting HEM studies. The primary literature and a synthesis of HEM studies were provided to the panel. Panel members then participated in a modified Delphi exercise to identify areas of consensus regarding HEM estimation. Finally, the panel met to review and discuss consensus findings, resolve remaining differences, and generate guidance regarding conducting HEM studies. Results: The panel generated a checklist of recommendations regarding stakeholder engagement: HEM modeling, including model structure, scope and scale, demographics, time horizons, counterfactuals, health response functions, and metrics; parameterization and reporting; approaches to uncertainty and sensitivity analysis; accounting for policy uptake; and discounting. Discussion: This checklist provides guidance for conducting and reporting HEM estimates to make them more comparable and useful for policymakers. Harmonization of HEM estimates has the potential to lead to advances in and improved synthesis of policy-relevant research that can inform evidence-based decision making and practice