The broad Brillouin doublets and central peak of KTaO_3

The incipient ferroelectric KTaO3 presents low-T Brillouin spectra anomalies,e.g. a broad central peak (CP), and some additional Brillouin doublets (BD), whose origin is interpreted in terms of phonon-density fluctuation processes. A parameterisation from new extensive high-resolution neutron-scattering measurements is used to show that hydrodynamic second sound from high damping (compared to BD frequency) TA phonons may exist in the crystal. Furthermore, low damping thermal phonons may scatter light through two-phonon difference processes and appear on the Brillouin spectra either as a sharp or a broader BD, depending on the phonon damping and group velocity . The comparison between computed anisotropies and experimental measurements favours the second process.Comment: 3 pages, 1 figure, ECNS99 Proceedings. See http://www.ill.fr

First genome-wide CNV mapping in FELIS CATUS using next generation sequencing data

Background: Copy Number Variations (CNVs) have becoming very significant variants, representing a major source of genomic variation. CNVs involvement in phenotypic expression and different diseases has been widely demonstrated in humans as well as in many domestic animals. However, genome wide investigation on these structural variations is still missing in Felis catus. The present work is the first CNV mapping from a large data set of Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) data in the domestic cat, performed within the 99 Lives Consortium. Results: Reads have been mapped on the reference assembly_6.2 by Maverix Biomics. CNV detection with cn.MOPS and CNVnator detected 592 CNVs. These CNVs were used to obtain 154 CNV Regions (CNVRs) with BedTools, including 62 singletons. CNVRs covered 0.26% of the total cat genome with 129 losses, 19 gains and 6 complexes. Cluster Analysis and Principal Component Analysis of the detected CNVRs showed that breeds tend to cluster together as well as cats sharing the same geographical origins. The 46 genes identified within the CNVRs were annotated. Conclusion: This study has improved the genomic characterization of 14 cat breeds and has provided CNVs information that can be used for studies of traits in cats. It can be considered a sound starting point for genomic CNVs identification in this species

Targeted Genotyping by Sequencing: a new way to genome profile the cat

Targeted GBS is a recent approach for obtaining an effective characterization for hundreds to thousands of markers. The high throughput of next-generation sequencing technologies, moreover, allows sample multiplexing. The aims of this study were to (i) define a panel of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the cat, (ii) use GBS for profiling 16 cats, and (iii) evaluate the performance with respect to the inference using standard approaches at different coverage thresholds, thereby providing useful information for designing similar experiments. Probes for sequencing 230 variants were designed based on the Felis_catus_8.0. 8.0 genome. The regions comprised anonymous and non-anonymous SNPs. Sixteen cat samples were analysed, some of which had already been genotyped in a large group of loci and one having been whole-genome sequenced in the 99_Lives Cat Genome Sequencing Project. The accuracy of the method was assessed by comparing the GBS results with the genotypes already available. Overall, GBS achieved good performance, with 92-96% correct assignments, depending on the coverage threshold used to define the set of trustable genotypes. Analyses confirmed that (i) the reliability of the inference of each genotype depends on the coverage at that locus and (ii) the fraction of target loci whose genotype can be inferred correctly is a function of the total coverage. GBS proves to be a valid alternative to other methods. Data suggested a depth of less than 11x is required for greater than 95% accuracy. However, sequencing depth must be adapted to the total size of the targets to ensure proper genotype inference

Hadronic Mass Spectrum Analysis of D+ into K- pi+ mu+ nu Decay and Measurement of the K*(892)^0 Mass and Width

We present a Kpi mass spectrum analysis of the four-body semileptonic charm decay D+ into K- pi+ mu+ nu in the range of 0.65 GeV < mKpi < 1.5 GeV. We observe a non-resonant contribution of 5.30 +- 0.74 +0.99 -0.51 % with respect to the total D+ into K- pi+ mu+ nu decay. For the K*(892)^0 resonance, we obtain a mass of 895.41 +- 0.32 +0.35 -0.36 MeV, a width of 47.79 +- 0.86 +1.3 -1.1 MeV, and a Blatt-Weisskopf damping factor parameter of 3.96 +- 0.54 +0.72 -0.90 GeV^(-1). We also report 90 % CL upper limits of 4 % and 0.64 % for the branching ratios of D+ into K*(1680)^0 mu+ nu with respect to D+ into K- pi+ mu+ nu and D+ into K*(1430)^0 mu+ nu with respect to D+ into K- pi+ mu+ nu, respectively.Comment: 14 page

Measurements of the Production, Decay and Properties of the Top Quark: A Review

With the full Tevatron Run II and early LHC data samples, the opportunity for furthering our understanding of the properties of the top quark has never been more promising. Although the current knowledge of the top quark comes largely from Tevatron measurements, the experiments at the LHC are poised to probe top-quark production and decay in unprecedented regimes. Although no current top quark measurements conclusively contradict predictions from the standard model, the precision of most measurements remains statistically limited. Additionally, some measurements, most notably the forward-backward asymmetry in top quark pair production, show tantalizing hints of beyond-the-Standard-Model dynamics. The top quark sample is growing rapidly at the LHC, with initial results now public. This review examines the current status of top quark measurements in the particular light of searching for evidence of new physics, either through direct searches for beyond the standard model phenomena or indirectly via precise measurements of standard model top quark properties

Identification of a major QTL-controlling resistance to the subtropical race 4 of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense in Musa acuminata ssp. malaccensis

Open Access Journal; Published online: 09 Feb 2023Vascular wilt caused by the ascomycete fungal pathogen Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense (Foc) is a major constraint of banana production around the world. The virulent race, namely Tropical Race 4, can infect all Cavendish-type banana plants and is now widespread across the globe, causing devastating losses to global banana production. In this study, we characterized Foc Subtropical Race 4 (STR4) resistance in a wild banana relative which, through estimated genome size and ancestry analysis, was confirmed to be Musa acuminata ssp. malaccensis. Using a self-derived F2 population segregating for STR4 resistance, quantitative trait loci sequencing (QTL-seq) was performed on bulks consisting of resistant and susceptible individuals. Changes in SNP index between the bulks revealed a major QTL located on the distal end of the long arm of chromosome 3. Multiple resistance genes are present in this region. Identification of chromosome regions conferring resistance to Foc can facilitate marker assisted selection in breeding programs and paves the way towards identifying genes underpinning resistance

Psychosocial Treatment of Children in Foster Care: A Review

A substantial number of children in foster care exhibit psychiatric difficulties. Recent epidemiologi-cal and historical trends in foster care, clinical findings about the adjustment of children in foster care, and adult outcomes are reviewed, followed by a description of current approaches to treatment and extant empirical support. Available interventions for these children can be categorized as either symptom-focused or systemic, with empirical support for specific methods ranging from scant to substantial. Even with treatment, behavioral and emotional problems often persist into adulthood, resulting in poor functional outcomes. We suggest that self-regulation may be an important mediat-ing factor in the appearance of emotional and behavioral disturbance in these children

Applications and efficiencies of the first cat 63K DNA array

The development of high throughput SNP genotyping technologies has improved the genetic dissection of simple and complex traits in many species including cats. The properties of feline 62,897 SNPs Illumina Infinium iSelect DNA array are described using a dataset of over 2,000 feline samples, the most extensive to date, representing 41 cat breeds, a random bred population, and four wild felid species. Accuracy and efficiency of the array\u2019s genotypes and its utility in performing population-based analyses were evaluated. Average marker distance across the array was 37,741 Kb, and across the dataset, only 1% (625) of the markers exhibited poor genotyping and only 0.35% (221) showed Mendelian errors. Marker polymorphism varied across cat breeds and the average minor allele frequency (MAF) of all markers across domestic cats was 0.21. Population structure analysis confirmed a Western to Eastern structural continuum of cat breeds. Genome-wide linkage disequilibrium ranged from 50\u20131,500 Kb for domestic cats and 750 Kb for European wildcats (Felis silvestris silvestris). Array use in trait association mapping was investigated under different modes of inheritance, selection and population sizes. The efficient array design and cat genotype dataset continues to advance the understanding of cat breeds and will support monogenic health studies across feline breeds and populations

Early-onset progressive retinal atrophy associated with an IQCB1 variant in African black-footed cats (Felis nigripes)

African black-footed cats (Felis nigripes) are endangered wild felids. One male and full-sibling female African black-footed cat developed vision deficits and mydriasis as early as 3 months of age. The diagnosis of early-onset progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) was supported by reduced direct and consensual pupillary light reflexes, phenotypic presence of retinal degeneration, and a non-recordable electroretinogram with negligible amplitudes in both eyes. Whole genome sequencing, conducted on two unaffected parents and one affected offspring was compared to a variant database from 51 domestic cats and a Pallas cat, revealed 50 candidate variants that segregated concordantly with the PRA phenotype. Testing in additional affected cats confirmed that cats homozygous for a 2 base pair (bp) deletion within IQ calmodulin-binding motif-containing protein-1 (IQCB1), the gene that encodes for nephrocystin-5 (NPHP5), had vision loss. The variant segregated concordantly in other related individuals within the pedigree supporting the identification of a recessively inherited early-onset feline PRA. Analysis of the black-footed cat studbook suggests additional captive cats are at risk. Genetic testing for IQCB1 and avoidance of matings between carriers should be added to the species survival plan for captive management