Connecting photometric and spectroscopic granulation signals with CHEOPS and ESPRESSO

Context. Stellar granulation generates fluctuations in photometric and spectroscopic data whose properties depend on the stellar type, composition, and evolutionary state. Characterizing granulation is key for understanding stellar atmospheres and detecting planets. Aims. We aim to detect the signatures of stellar granulation, link spectroscopic and photometric signatures of convection for main-sequence stars, and test predictions from 3D hydrodynamic models. Methods. For the first time, we observed two bright stars (Teff = 5833 and 6205 K) with high-precision observations taken simultaneously with CHEOPS and ESPRESSO. We analyzed the properties of the stellar granulation signal in each individual dataset. We compared them to Kepler observations and 3D hydrodynamic models. While isolating the granulation-induced changes by attenuating and filtering the p-mode oscillation signals, we studied the relationship between photometric and spectroscopic observables. Results. The signature of stellar granulation is detected and precisely characterized for the hotter F star in the CHEOPS and ESPRESSO observations. For the cooler G star, we obtain a clear detection in the CHEOPS dataset only. The TESS observations are blind to this stellar signal. Based on CHEOPS observations, we show that the inferred properties of stellar granulation are in agreement with both Kepler observations and hydrodynamic models. Comparing their periodograms, we observe a strong link between spectroscopic and photometric observables. Correlations of this stellar signal in the time domain (flux versus radial velocities, RV) and with specific spectroscopic observables (shape of the cross-correlation functions) are however difficult to isolate due to S/N dependent variations. Conclusions. In the context of the upcoming PLATO mission and the extreme precision RV surveys, a thorough understanding of the properties of the stellar granulation signal is needed. The CHEOPS and ESPRESSO observations pave the way for detailed analyses of this stellar process

Examining the orbital decay targets KELT-9 b, KELT-16 b, and WASP-4 b, and the transit-timing variations of HD 97658 b,

Context. Tidal orbital decay is suspected to occur for hot Jupiters in particular, with the only observationally confirmed case of this being WASP-12 b. By examining this effect, information on the properties of the host star can be obtained using the so-called stellar modified tidal quality factor Q′∗, which describes the efficiency with which the kinetic energy of the planet is dissipated within the star. This can provide information about the interior of the star. Aims. In this study, we aim to improve constraints on the tidal decay of the KELT-9, KELT-16, and WASP-4 systems in order to find evidence for or against the presence of tidal orbital decay. With this, we want to constrain the Q′∗ value for each star. In addition, we aim to test the existence of the transit timing variations (TTVs) in the HD 97658 system, which previously favoured a quadratic trend with increasing orbital period. Methods. Making use of newly acquired photometric observations from CHEOPS (CHaracterising ExOplanet Satellite) and TESS (Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite), combined with archival transit and occultation data, we use Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) algorithms to fit three models to the data, namely a constant-period model, an orbital-decay model, and an apsidal-precession model. Results. We find that the KELT-9 system is best described by an apsidal-precession model for now, with an orbital decay trend at over 2 σ being a possible solution as well. A Keplerian orbit model with a constant orbital period provides the best fit to the transit timings of KELT-16 b because of the scatter and scale of their error bars. The WASP-4 system is best represented by an orbital decay model at a 5 σ significance, although apsidal precession cannot be ruled out with the present data. For HD 97658 b, using recently acquired transit observations, we find no conclusive evidence for a previously suspected strong quadratic trend in the data

TOI-1055 b: Neptunian planet characterised with HARPS, TESS, and CHEOPS

Context. TOI-1055 is a Sun-like star known to host a transiting Neptune-sized planet on a 17.5-day orbit (TOI-1055 b). Radial velocity (RV) analyses carried out by two independent groups using nearly the same set of HARPS spectra have provided measurements of planetary masses that differ by ∼2σ. Aims. Our aim in this work is to solve the inconsistency in the published planetary masses by significantly extending the set of HARPS RV measurements and employing a new analysis tool that is able to account and correct for stellar activity. Our further aim was to improve the precision on measurements of the planetary radius by observing two transits of the planet with the CHEOPS space telescope. Methods. We fit a skew normal function to each cross correlation function extracted from the HARPS spectra to obtain RV measurements and hyperparameters to be used for the detrending. We evaluated the correlation changes of the hyperparameters along the RV time series using the breakpoint technique. We performed a joint photometric and RV analysis using a Markov chain Monte Carlo scheme to simultaneously detrend the light curves and the RV time series. Results. We firmly detected the Keplerian signal of TOI-1055 b, deriving a planetary mass of Mb = 20.4-2.5+2.6 MO (∼12%). This value is in agreement with one of the two estimates in the literature, but it is significantly more precise. Thanks to the TESS transit light curves combined with exquisite CHEOPS photometry, we also derived a planetary radius of Rb = 3.490-0.064+0.070 RO (∼1.9%). Our mass and radius measurements imply a mean density of ρb = 2.65-0.35+0.37 g cm-3 (∼14%). We further inferred the planetary structure and found that TOI-1055 b is very likely to host a substantial gas envelope with a mass of 0.41-0.20+0.34 MO and a thickness of 1.05-0.29+0.30 RO. Conclusions. Our RV extraction combined with the breakpoint technique has played a key role in the optimal removal of stellar activity from the HARPS time series, enabling us to solve the tension in the planetary mass values published so far for TOI-1055 b

A full transit of v 2 Lupi d and the search for an exomoon in its Hill sphere with CHEOPS

The planetary system around the naked-eye star v2 Lupi (HD 136352; TOI-2011) is composed of three exoplanets with masses of 4.7, 11.2, and 8.6 Earth masses (M⊕). The TESS and CHEOPS missions revealed that all three planets are transiting and have radii straddling the radius gap separating volatile-rich and volatile-poor super-earths. Only a partial transit of planet d had been covered so we re-observed an inferior conjunction of the long-period 8.6 M⊕ exoplanet v2 Lup d with the CHEOPS space telescope. We confirmed its transiting nature by covering its whole 9.1 h transit for the first time. We refined the planet transit ephemeris to P = 107.13610.0022+0.0019 days and Tc = 2459009.77590.0096+0.0101 BJDTDB, improving by ~40 times on the previously reported transit timing uncertainty. This refined ephemeris will enable further follow-up of this outstanding long-period transiting planet to search for atmospheric signatures or explore the planet s Hill sphere in search for an exomoon. In fact, the CHEOPS observations also cover the transit of a large fraction of the planet s Hill sphere, which is as large as the Earth s, opening the tantalising possibility of catching transiting exomoons. We conducted a search for exomoon signals in this single-epoch light curve but found no conclusive photometric signature of additional transiting bodies larger than Mars. Yet, only a sustained follow-up of v2 Lup d transits will warrant a comprehensive search for a moon around this outstanding exoplanet

THE HUNGARIAN PEAR GERMPLASM (PYRUS COMMUNIS) AS SOURCE OF GENETIC VARIABILITY FOR BREEDING PROGRAMS.

The Hungarian pear (Pyrus communis) collection consists of 423 genotypes distributed over seven gene banks in Hungary. This is one of the most extensive collections of native and cultivated pears found in eastern Europe and includes a wide range of genotypes with small size fruit (referred to as \u201cMiniature pears\u201d). Based on the in situ and ex situ measures taken by governmental and other institutions for fruit tree conservation in Hungary, an overview is given on some activities regarding areas of Pyrus collection and gene banks where pears are collected and grown. Descriptions of traits of miniature pears found in Hungarian gene banks for the interest of genetic characterization and breeding are also presented

EFFECT OF SUPPLEMENTATION OF LINSEED OIL, VITAMIN E AND SELENIUM IN DIET FOR GROWING RABBITS ON PRODUCTIVE AND CARCASS TRAITS

The aim of this experiment was to analyse, how additional dietary linseed oil, vitamin E and selenium affects production and slaughter characteristics of growing rabbits. The basal diet (B) contained 3% sunflower oil, while in the experimental feed (S) this was changed to 3% linseed oil. The vitamin E and selenium content of the two diets was 60 vs. 260 mg/kg and 0.10 vs. 0.46 mg/kg, respectively. Rabbits were fed the B diet from the age of 18 days. One group was fed with the B diet until 11 weeks of age, while the experimental groups were fed the S diets for 1, 2, 3 and 4 weeks before the slaughter (S1, S2, S3 and S4 groups). The body weight gain, the body weight, the feed intake and the feed conversion was identical in all groups. The mortality, as compared to the S1 group (0%) was higher in the in the B group by 13.4% and in the S2 and S3 groups (5.6% and 11.1%, resp.). The dressing out percentage was the lowest in the S1 group (61.7%), while it was significantly higher (P<0.05) in the S2 and S3 groups (62.8 and 62.7%). The proportion of the mid part, as compared to the reference carcass was the lowest in the S1 group and the highest in the S3 (31.3 vs. 32.0%, P<0.05). The proportion of the hind part was the highest in the S1 group (P<0.05) and the lowest in the S2, S3 and S4 groups (38.8 vs. 37.3; 37.2 and 37.1%). The weight of the organs, the proportion of the fore part and that of the perirenal fat was identical in all groups. Comparing these results to the literature, it was found that additional dietary linseed oil, vitamin E and selenium has no or only a slight effect on the production and slaughter characteristics

Experimental results in the field of nutrition and carcass traits of rabbits at Kaposv\ue0r University between 2008 and 2012

In this paper we summarize the results of experiment carried out during the last five years. Exp. 1. The aim of the experiment was to study the influence of feeding medicated or non-medicated diets followed by a feed restriction after weaning on the productive and carcass traits of growing rabbits. Half of the rabbits was fed non-medicated (NOMED), while the other half was fed medicated diet (MED) between 4 and 9 weeks of age then they consumed non-medicated diet afterwards. Within both diet groups, half of the rabbits was fed ad libitum (ADLIB), while the other half restricted (RESTR). In the latter group rabbits were allowed to consume for 9, 10, 12 or 14 hours between 4-5, 5-6, 6-7 or 7-8 weeks of age, respectively, then, they were fed ad libitum afterwards. The feed intake was 26.7, 18.3 (P<0.001) and 5.3% (P=0.059) lower in the RESTR group at the ages of 4-5, 5-6 and 6-7 weeks, respectively. After 7 weeks of age no difference was found between groups. Body weight gain of RESTR rabbits was 20.9 (P<0.001) and 8.5% (P=0.039) lower at the ages of 4-5 and 5-6 weeks, resp., while between 6 and 8 weeks of age it slightly increased. Body weight of RESTR rabbits was 9.2% lower at 5 weeks of age compared to ADLIB group (871 vs. 959 g) but this was partly compensated at the end of the experiment (2737 vs. 2799 g, P=0.056). Feed conversion of RESTR group was better compared to ADLIB rabbits (2.57 vs. 2.64, P=0.01). No significant difference was found in the mortality (1 vs. 3.6%). Dressing out percentage (59.4 vs. 58.6%, P<0.001) and the proportion of hind part (19.2 vs. 18.8%), of hind legs (18.3 vs. 18.0%) and that of the m. Longissimus dorsi (7.1 vs. 6.8%) to the body weight were higher in ADLIB rabbits. No difference was found in the proportion of perirenal fat. Production and mortality of MED and NOMED groups were similar; however, the feed intake and the body weight gain of MED rabbits decreased during the transition from MED to NOMED diet at 9 weeks of age. Exp. 2. The objective of the study was to evaluate the effects of time of changing the breeding diet to fattening pellet on the production of does and growing rabbits. In the first group the does and their kits received breeding pellet till weaning (TT group; n=60). In the second group the breeding pellet was replaced by growing pellet at the 21st day of lactation (TN group; n=59). The rabbits were fed both pellet types ad libitum. The kits were weaned at the age of 35 days. No significant differences were observed for kindling rate, litter size and litter weight. The changing of the pellet affected the body weight of the rabbit does at the 35th day of lactation (-80g, P=0.016, TN<TT), the individual and litter weight of the kits at the 35th day of age (-326g, P=0.001; -42 g, P<0.001, TN<TT) and the condition of the does after parturition. For the growing rabbits the weight differences that were observed at weaning remained until the end of the growing period (11 weeks of age: +91g, P=0.033 in favour of TT group). No significant differences were observed for feed consumption and for feed conversion ratio. Based on the results, feeding the rabbits with breeding pellet until weaning was favourable. Exp. 3. The objective of the experiment was to analyze the production and carcass traits of growing rabbits fed by medicament free or by supplemented (with coccidiostatic, or with 3 different tannin levels) pellet. From the age of 18 days the rabbits were fed by medicament free pellet supplemented by coccidiostaticum (Cc), or by tannin (400g/100kg: T400). At weaning (35 days of age) within both groups 5 sub-groups were formed: medicament free (CO), and supplemented pellet containing coccidiostaticum (Cc), or different levels of tannin (Farmatan) (T200, T400 and T600). At weaning the body weight of the Cc rabbits was significantly higher than that of the T400 rabbits. Except for this finding the fed pellet type did not influence the growing rabbits\u2019 production. The pellet type fed prior to weaning significantly affected the perirenal fat weight (Cc = 28.9 and T400 = 26.3 g; P<0.05). The rabbits fed by tannin supplemented pellet after weaning had a higher mid part ratio (P = 0.1). The mortality rate was low in all groups. It can be concluded that no positive effect can be expected when the rabbits are healthy and the housing conditions and the feed compositions are adequate. Exp. 4. The aim of the experiment was to analyse, how additional dietary linseed oil, vitamin E and selenium affects production and slaughter characteristics and meat quality of growing rabbits. The basal diet (A) contained 3% sunflower oil, while in the experimental feed (K) sunflower oil was changed to 3% linseed oil. The vitamin E and selenium content of the two diets was 60 vs. 260 mg/kg and 0.10 vs. 0.46 mg/kg, resp. Rabbits were fed the A diet from the age of 18 days. One group was fed with the A diet until 11 weeks of age, while the experimental groups were fed the K diets for 1, 2, 3 and 4 weeks before the slaughter (K1, K2, K3 and K4 groups). The production performance was identical in all groups. The dressing out percentage was the lowest in the K1 group (61.7%), while it was significantly higher (P<0.05) in the K2 and K3 groups (62.8 and 62.7%). The proportion of the mid part was the lowest in the K1 group and the highest in the K3 (31.3 vs. 32.0%, P<0.05). The proportion of the hind part was the highest in the K1 group (P<0.05) and the lowest in the K2, K3 and K4 groups (38.8 vs. 37.3; 37.2 and 37.1%). The proportion of the fore part and that of the perirenal fat was identical in all groups. It was concluded that additional dietary linseed oil, vitamin E and selenium has no or only a slight effect on the production and slaughter characteristics. Exp. 5. The objective of the study was to evaluate the effect of supplementation and the length of the supplementation) of the growing rabbits\u2019 diet by Spirulina or/and Thyme on the growing rabbits\u2019 production. At weaning the rabbits were randomly sorted to 7 groups (42 rabbits/group). Rabbits of the control group (C) received a pellet throughout the experiment (5-11 weeks of age) without any supplementation. In the other groups the pellet was completed by 5% Spirulina (S), or 3% Thyme (T) or by both (ST) for the whole (5-11 wk; groups: S-S, T-T, ST-ST), or for end of the growing period (8-11 wk; groups: C-S, C-T, C-ST). Supplementing the diet by Spirulina or/and Thyme had no effect on the rabbits\u2019 weight gain, body weight, feed consumption, morbidity and mortality. Significant differences were only found for feed conversion ratio (8-11, 5-11 weeks) of the C-T and C-C groups to the advantage of the C-T rabbits (P<0.05). The carcass traits of different groups did not differ significantly. Based on the results the feed supplements applied separately or jointly had no substantial effect on the growing rabbits\u2019 production and health status

A single conformational transglutaminase 2 epitope contributed by three domains is critical for celiac antibody binding and effects

The multifunctional, protein cross-linking transglutaminase 2 (TG2) is the main autoantigen in celiac disease, an autoimmune disorder with defined etiology. Glutamine-rich gliadin peptides from ingested cereals, after their deamidation by TG2, induce T-lymphocyte activation accompanied by autoantibody production against TG2 in 1-2% of the population. The pathogenic role and exact binding properties of these antibodies to TG2 are still unclear. Here we show that antibodies from different celiac patients target the same conformational TG2 epitope formed by spatially close amino acids of adjacent domains. Glu153 and 154 on the first alpha-helix of the core domain and Arg19 on first alpha-helix of the N-terminal domain determine the celiac epitope that is accessible both in the closed and open conformation of TG2 and dependent on the relative position of these helices. Met659 on the C-terminal domain also can cooperate in antibody binding. This composite epitope is disease-specific, recognized by antibodies derived from celiac tissues and associated with biological effects when passively transferred from celiac mothers into their newborns. These findings suggest that celiac antibodies are produced in a surface-specific way for which certain homology of the central glutamic acid residues of the TG2 epitope with deamidated gliadin peptides could be a structural basis. Monoclonal mouse antibodies with partially overlapping epitope specificity released celiac antibodies from patient tissues and antagonized their harmful effects in cell culture experiments. Such antibodies or similar specific competitors will be useful in further functional studies and in exploring whether interference with celiac antibody actions leads to therapeutic benefits