Genetic architecture of subcortical brain structures in 38,851 individuals

Subcortical brain structures are integral to motion, consciousness, emotions and learning. We identified common genetic variation related to the volumes of the nucleus accumbens, amygdala, brainstem, caudate nucleus, globus pallidus, putamen and thalamus, using genome-wide association analyses in almost 40,000 individuals from CHARGE, ENIGMA and UK Biobank. We show that variability in subcortical volumes is heritable, and identify 48 significantly associated loci (40 novel at the time of analysis). Annotation of these loci by utilizing gene expression, methylation and neuropathological data identified 199 genes putatively implicated in neurodevelopment, synaptic signaling, axonal transport, apoptosis, inflammation/infection and susceptibility to neurological disorders. This set of genes is significantly enriched for Drosophila orthologs associated with neurodevelopmental phenotypes, suggesting evolutionarily conserved mechanisms. Our findings uncover novel biology and potential drug targets underlying brain development and disease

Engineering and science data from SuperCam: A 64-pixel heterodyne receiver for CO J=3−2 at 345 GHz

SuperCam is a 64-pixel heterodyne imaging array designed for use on ground-based submillimeter telescopes to observe the astrophysically important CO J=3-2 emission line at 345 GHz. Each pixel in the array has its own integrated superconductor-insulator-superconductor (SIS) mixer and low noise amplifier. In spring 2012, SuperCam was installed on the University of Arizona Submillimeter Telescope (SMT) for its first engineering run. SuperCam completed two additional science runs in May 2013 and March 2014. During these science runs, over 80% of the pixels were in operation with a median double sideband receiver temperature of 104 K and an Allan time of ~100 s

Engineering and science data from SuperCam: A 64-pixel heterodyne receiver for CO J=3−2 at 345 GHz

SuperCam is a 64-pixel heterodyne imaging array designed for use on ground-based submillimeter telescopes to observe the astrophysically important CO J=3-2 emission line at 345 GHz. Each pixel in the array has its own integrated superconductor-insulator-superconductor (SIS) mixer and low noise amplifier. In spring 2012, SuperCam was installed on the University of Arizona Submillimeter Telescope (SMT) for its first engineering run. SuperCam completed two additional science runs in May 2013 and March 2014. During these science runs, over 80% of the pixels were in operation with a median double sideband receiver temperature of 104 K and an Allan time of ~100 s

The Valuation of Hedge Funds' Equity Positions

We provide evidence on the valuation of equity positions by hedge fund advisors. Reported valuations deviate from standard valuations based on closing prices from CRSP for roughly seven percent of the positions. These deviations are economically significant for about 25 percent of the hedge fund advisors. Advisors with more pronounced valuation deviations show a stronger discontinuity in their reported returns around zero, manage a higher fraction of potentially fraudulent funds, show smoother reported returns, self-report to commercial databases, and are domiciled in offshore locations. Additional tests suggest that the documented equity valuation deviations respond to past performance

The process of cognitive behaviour therapy for chronic fatigue syndrome: Which changes in perpetuating cognitions and behaviour are related to a reduction in fatigue?

Item does not contain fulltextOBJECTIVE: Cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) can significantly reduce fatigue in chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), but little is known about the process of change taking place during CBT. Based on a recent treatment model (Wiborg et al. J Psych Res 2012), we examined how (changes in) cognitions and behaviour are related to the decrease in fatigue. METHODS: We included 183 patients meeting the US Centers for Disease Control criteria for CFS, aged 18 to 65years, starting CBT. We measured fatigue and possible process variables before treatment; after 6, 12 and 18weeks; and after treatment. Possible process variables were sense of control over fatigue, focusing on symptoms, self-reported physical functioning, perceived physical activity and objective (actigraphic) physical activity. We built multiple regression models, explaining levels of fatigue during therapy by (changes in) proposed process variables. RESULTS: We observed large individual variation in the patterns of change in fatigue and process variables during CBT for CFS. Increases in the sense of control over fatigue, perceived activity and self-reported physical functioning, and decreases in focusing on symptoms explained 20 to 46% of the variance in fatigue. An increase in objective activity was not a process variable. CONCLUSION: A change in cognitive factors seems to be related to the decrease in fatigue during CBT for CFS. The pattern of change varies considerably between patients, but changes in process variables and fatigue occur mostly in the same period

Tenecteplase Versus Alteplase Before Endovascular Therapy in Basilar Artery Occlusion

Objective: To investigate the efficacy of tenecteplase (TNK), a genetically modified variant of alteplase with greater fibrin specificity and longer half-life than alteplase, prior to endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) in patients with basilar artery occlusion (BAO). Methods: To determine whether tenecteplase is associated with better reperfusion rates than alteplase prior to EVT in BAO, clinical and procedural data of consecutive BAO patients from the Basilar Artery Treatment and MANagement (BATMAN) registry and the Tenecteplase versus Alteplase before Endovascular Therapy for Ischemic Stroke (EXTEND-IA TNK) trial were retrospectively analyzed. Reperfusion >50% or absence of retrievable thrombus at the time of the initial angiogram was evaluated. RESULTS: We included 110 BAO patients treated with intravenous thrombolysis prior to EVT [mean age 69(SD 14); median NIHSS 16(IQR 7-32)]. Nineteen patients were thrombolysed with TNK (0.25mg/kg or 0.40mg/kg) and 91 with alteplase (0.9mg/kg). Reperfusion>50% occurred in 26% (n=5/19) of patients thrombolysed with TNK vs 7% (n=6/91) thrombolysed with alteplase (RR 4.0 95%CI 1.3-12; p=0.02), despite shorter thrombolysis-to-arterial-puncture time in the TNK-treated patients (48[IQR 40-71]mins) vs alteplase-treated patients (110[IQR 51-185]mins, p=0.004). No difference in symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage was observed (0/19(0%) TNK, 1/91(1%) alteplase, p=0.9). Conclusions: Tenecteplase may be associated with an increased rate of reperfusion in comparison with alteplase before EVT in BAO. Randomized controlled trials to compare tenecteplase with alteplase in BAO patients are warranted. Classification of evidence: This study provides Class III evidence that tenecteplase leads to higher reperfusion rates in comparison with alteplase prior to EVT in BAO patients