Synthetic molecular line observations of the first hydrostatic core from chemical calculations

This is the final version. Available from OUP via the DOI in this recordThe first stable object to develop in the low-mass star formation process has long been predicted to be the first hydrostatic core (FHSC). Despite much effort, it has still yet to be definitively observed in nature. More specific observational signatures are required to enable observers to distinguish the FHSC from young, faint, but more evolved protostars. Here we present synthetic spectral line observations for CO, SO, CS and HCO$^+$ that were calculated from radiation (magneto)hydrodynamical models, chemical modelling and Monte Carlo radiative transfer. HCO$^+$ $(1-0)$ and SO $(8_7 - 7_6)$ spectra of the FHSC show variations for observations at a low inclination which may allow a candidate FHSC to be distinguished from a more evolved object. We find that the FHSC outflow is unlikely to be detectable with ALMA, which would discount the observed sources with slow outflows that are currently identified as candidate FHSCs. We compare the results of simulated ALMA observations with observed candidate FHSCs and recommend Oph A SM1N and N6-mm as the most promising candidates to follow up.European Commissio

Evidence of a link between fall-related anxiety and high-risk patterns of visual search in older adults during adaptive locomotion

© The Author(s) 2019. Background Older adults deemed to be at a high risk of falling will often display visual search behaviors likely to impair movement planning when negotiating environmental hazards. It has been proposed that these behaviors may be underpinned by fall-related anxiety. Thus, the aim of this study was to explore the effects of fall-related anxiety on visual search and stepping behaviors during adaptive gait. Methods Forty-four community-dwelling older adults (mean age = 74.61; standard deviation = 6.83) walked along a path and stepped into two raised targets. All participants completed walks at ground level, whereas participants deemed to be at a low risk of falling (n = 24) also completed walks under conditions designed to induce fall-related anxiety (walkway elevated 0.6 m). Participants’ movement kinematics and gaze behavior were measured. Results During ground trials, “high-risk” participants visually prioritized the immediate walkway areas 1–2 steps ahead, at the expense of previewing future stepping constraints. This reduced planning appeared to negatively affect safety, with greater stepping errors observed for future constraints. When completing walks on the elevated walkway, “low-risk” participants similarly prioritized immediate walkway areas, at the expense of planning future stepping actions. These behaviors were associated with greater attention directed toward consciously processing walking movements. Conclusions These findings provide evidence of a link between heightened fall-related anxiety and “high-risk” visual search behaviors associated with greater stepping errors. This information enhances our understanding of why high-risk older adults are less able to safely navigate environmental constraints

Consciously processing balance leads to distorted perceptions of instability in older adults

This is the final version. Available on open access from Springer Verlag via the DOI in this recordAvailability of data and materials: All analysed data is available via an Open Science Framework repository (https://osf.io/nvrky/?view_only=bcd27ccfe99c47feaff215173a76d2fc). Code availability: Custom MATLAB codes available from the lead author following reasonable request.Background: Persistent dizziness without a clear cause is common in older adults. We explored whether an anxiety-driven preoccupation with consciously processing balance may underpin the distorted perceptions of unsteadiness that characterises ‘unexplained’ dizziness in older adults. Methods: We experimentally induced anxiety about losing one’s balance (through a postural threat manipulation) in a cohort of asymptomatic older adults and evaluated associated changes in perceived stability, conscious movement processing and postural control. These outcomes were also assessed when performing a distracting cognitive task designed to prevent anxiety-related conscious movement processing, in addition to during baseline conditions (ground level). Results: Despite a lack of increase in postural sway amplitude (p = .316), participants reported reductions in perceived stability during postural threat compared to baseline (p < .001). A multiple linear regression revealed that anxiety-related conscious movement processing independently predicted perceptions of instability during this condition (p = .006). These changes were accompanied by alterations in postural control previously associated with functional dizziness, namely high-frequency postural sway and disrupted interaction between open- and closed-loop postural control (ps < .014). While the distraction task successfully reduced conscious processing (p = .012), leading to greater perceived stability (p = .010), further increases in both postural sway frequency (p = .002) and dominance of closed-loop control (p = .029) were observed. Conclusions: These findings implicate the role of conscious movement processing in the formation of distorted perceptions of unsteadiness, suggesting that such perceptions may be modifiable by reducing an over-reliance on conscious processes to regulate balance

Exploring attentional focus of older adult fallers during heightened postural threat

This is the final version. Available from Springer Verlag via the DOI in this record.Objectives Threats to balance, and subsequent increases in fall-related anxiety, can disrupt attentional processing during gait in older adults, leading to behavioral adaptations which may increase fall risk. However, limited research has investigated what changes in attention occur to contribute to these disruptions. The aim of this research was to describe changes in attention that occur during gait when older adults’ balance is threatened, while exploring how previous fall history and trait movement reinvestment (conscious monitoring and control of movement) also influence attention. Methods Forty older adults reported where they focus their attention when walking during two scenarios: (1) when they are relaxed and there is little risk of falling, and; (2) when their balance is threatened and they are anxious of falling. Results During the high-threat condition, participants reported greater attention towards movement processes, threats to balance, worries/disturbing thoughts and self-regulatory strategies, with less attention directed towards task-irrelevant thoughts. However, fall history influenced attentional focus, with fallers directing greater attention towards worries/disturbing thoughts. Contrary to predictions, trait movement reinvestment was not associated with attention directed towards movement processes. Discussion As processing worries/disturbing thoughts will likely reduce attentional resources available for effective postural control, we highlight this as one potential area to target interventions aimed at reducing the likelihood of repeated falling

Detection of TMPRSS2 : ERG fusion gene in circulating prostate cancer cells

Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-Share Alike 3.0 license (CC BY-NC SA)Aim: To investigate the existence of TMPRSS2:ERG fusion gene in circulating tumor cells (CTC) from prostate cancer patients and its potential in monitoring tumor metastasis. Methods: We analyzed the frequency of TMPRSS2: ERG and TMPRSS2:ETV1 transcripts in 27 prostate cancer biopsies from prostatectomies, and TMPRSS2:ERG transcripts in CTC isolated from 15 patients with advanced androgen independent disease using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) was applied to analyze the genomic truncation of ERG, which is the result of TMPRSS2:ERG fusion in 10 of the 15 CTC samples. Results: TMPRSS2: ERG transcripts were found in 44% of our samples, but we did not detect expression of TMPRSS2:ETV1. Using FISH analysis we detected chromosomal rearrangements affecting the ERG gene in 6 of 10 CTC samples, including 1 case with associated TMPRSS2:ERG fusion at the primary site. However, TMPRSS2:ERG transcripts were not detected in any of the 15 CTC samples, including the 10 cases analyzed by FISH. Conclusion: Although further study is required to address the association between TMPRSS2:ERG fusion and prostate cancer metastasis, detection of genomic truncation of the ERG gene by FISH analysis could be useful for monitoring the appearance of CTC and the potential for prostate cancer metastasis.Peer reviewedFinal Published versio

Molecular hydrogen beyond the optical edge of an isolated spiral galaxy

We know little about the outermost portions of galaxies because there is little light coming from them. We do know that in many cases atomic hydrogen (HI) extends well beyond the optical radius \cite{Casertano91}. In the centers of galaxies, however, molecular hydrogen (H2) usually dominates by a large factor, raising the question of whether H2 is abundant also in the outer regions but hitherto unseen.Here we report the detection of emission from carbon monoxide (CO), the most abundant tracer of H2, beyond the optical radius of the nearby galaxy NGC 4414. The molecular clouds probably formed in the regions of relatively high HI column density and in the absence of spiral density waves. The relative strength of the lines from the two lowest rotational levels indicates that both the temperature and density of the H2 are quite low compared to conditions closer to the center. The inferred surface density of the molecular material continues the monotonic decrease from the inner regions. We conclude that while molecular clouds can form in the outer region of this galaxy, there is little mass associated with them.Comment: 3 Nature page

A national survey of current rehabilitation service provisions for people living with chronic kidney disease in the UK: Implications for policy and practice

Data availability: Data available from corresponding author upon request; [email protected] supplementary material is available online at: https://bmcnephrol.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12882-024-03742-4#Sec30 .Background: National guidance recognises the key role of rehabilitation in improving outcomes for people living with chronic kidney disease. Implementation of this guidance is reliant upon an adequate and skilled rehabilitation workforce. Data relating to this is currently lacking within the UK. This survey aimed to identify variations and good practices in kidney physiotherapy (PT), occupational therapy (OT) and clinical exercise physiologist (CEP) provision; and to understand barriers to implementation. Methods: An online survey was sent to all 87 UK kidney units between June 2022 and January 2023. Data was collected on the provision of therapy services, barriers to service provision and responses to the COVID-19 pandemic. The quantitative survey was analysed using descriptive statistics. Free-text responses were explored using reflexive thematic analysis. Results: Forty-five units (52%) responded. Seventeen (38%) units reported having a PT and 15 (33%) an OT with a specialist kidney role; one unit (7%) had access to a CEP. Thirty units (67%) offered inpatient therapy services, ten (22%) outpatient therapy clinics, six (13%) intradialytic exercise, six (13%) symptom management and three (7%) outpatient rehabilitation. Qualitative data revealed lack of money/funding and time (both n = 35, 85% and n = 34, 83% respectively) were the main barriers to delivering kidney-specific therapy. Responders saw an increase in the complexity of their caseload, a reduction in staffing levels and consequently, service provision during the COVID-19 pandemic. Exemplars of innovative service delivery, including hybrid digital and remote services, were viewed as positive responses to the COVID-19 pandemic. Conclusion: Despite clear evidence of the benefits of rehabilitation, across the UK, there remains limited and variable access to kidney-specific therapy services. Equitable access to kidney-specific rehabilitation services is urgently required to support people to ‘live well’ with kidney disease.HMLY is funded by the NIHR [NIHR302926]