Here, we report the first discovery of Antarctic fossil resin (commonly referred to as amber) within a ~5 cm-thick lignite layer, which constitutes the top part of a ~3 m-long palynomorph-rich and root-bearing carbonaceous mudstone of mid-Cretaceous age (Klages et al. 2020). The sedimentary sequence (Fig. 1) was recovered by the MARUM-MeBo70 seafloor drill rig at Site PS104_20 (73.57° S, 107.09° W; 946 m water depth) from the mid-shelf section of Pine Island trough in the Amundsen Sea Embayment, West Antarctica, during RV Polarstern Expedition PS104 in early 2017 (Gohl 2017; Fig. 1a). So far, amber deposits have been described from every continent except Antarctica (Langenheim 2003, Quinney et al. 2015; Fig. 1a).

Data from six randomised, controlled, comparative studies of risperidone and conventional neuroleptics (haloperidol, zuclopenthixol and perphenazine) in the treatment of 911 patients with chronic schizophrenia were analysed to estimate the benefits and risks of treatment. Efficacy and risk of treatment were assessed by means of the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) and the Extrapyramidal Symptom Rating Scale (ESRS). An effect size (difference between treatments) was calculated from the PANSS and ESRS scores. The effect size of antipsychotic effect favoured risperidone (sizes ranged from 0.22 to 0.37 on the PANSS subscales), and the effect size of safety also favoured risperidone (sizes ranged from 0.18 to 0.36 on the ESRS). An analysis of the proportions of patients requiring antiparkinsonian medication produced an effect size of 0.37 (20% of risperidone patients and 38% of patients receiving a conventional neuroleptic required antiparkinsonian medication). These data indicate that risperidone is a more effective antipsychotic than the conventional agents and causes less severe extrapyramidal symptoms.

Clinical interviews are typically used in the assessment psychosis and related clinical symptoms. However, these measures are limited by recall bias and averaging, and thus important information is lost. Ambulatory real-time monitoring devices have the advantage of providing detailed and sensitive information about symptoms. This can provide valuable information about change and fluctuations in symptoms across time. Suicide represents a substantial problem in psychiatry, but little is known about the immediate triggers of suicidal ideation. Psychological theory suggests that the instability, in addition to the intensity, of depressed mood may be an important risk factor for the development of suicidal ideation. Mobile phone-based assessments may allow for a more accurate measure of suicidality and mood across time. In this presentation, a new smart phone software application (ClinTouch) for the assessment of psychotic and related symptoms will be described. Research investigating the feasibility, acceptability, and limitations of mobile-phone based assessment will be discussed in relation to people with psychosis. Mobile phone-based research investigating the short-term predictors of thoughts about self-injury will also be considered. The talk will finish with an outline of how mobile-based assessments could be applied in clinical settings.

Early life adversity (ELA) has been associated with inflammation and immunosenescence, as well as hyporeactivity of the HPA axis. Because the immune system and the HPA axis are tightly intertwined around the glucocorticoid receptor (GR), we examined peripheral GR functionality in the EpiPath cohort among participants who either had been exposed to ELA (separation from parents and/or institutionalization followed by adoption; n = 40) or had been reared by their biological parents (n = 72).

Expression of the strict GR target genes FKBP5 and GILZ as well as total and 1F and 1H GR transcripts were similar between groups. Furthermore, there were no differences in GR sensitivity, examined by the effects of dexamethasone on IL6 production in LPS-stimulated whole blood. Although we did not find differences in methylation at the GR 1F exon or promoter region, we identified a region of the GR 1H promoter (CpG 1-9) that showed lower methylation levels in ELA.

Our results suggest that peripheral GR signaling was unperturbed in our cohort and the observed immune phenotype does not appear to be secondary to an altered GR response to the perturbed HPA axis and glucocorticoid (GC) profile, although we are limited in our measures of GR activity and time points.

Background: Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a children’s neuromuscular disorder. Although motor neuron loss is a major feature of the disease, we have identified fatty acid abnormalities in SMA patients and in preclinical animal models, suggesting metabolic perturbation is also an important component of SMA. Methods: Biochemical, histological, proteomic, and high resolution respirometry were used. Results: SMA patients are more susceptible to dyslipidemia than the average population as determined by a standard lipid profile in a cohort of 72 pediatric patients. As well, we observed a non-alcoholic liver disease phenotype in apreclinical mouse model. Denervation alone was not sufficient to induce liver steatosis, as a mouse model of ALS, did not develop fatty liver. Hyperglucagonemia in Smn2B/-mice could explain the hepatic steatosis by increasing plasma substrate availability via glycogen depletion and peripheral lipolysis. Proteomic analysis identified mitochondrion and lipid metabolism as major clusters. Alterations in mitochondrial function were revealed by high-resolution respirometry. Finally, low-fat diets led to increased survival in Smn2B/-mice. Conclusions: These results provide strong evidence for lipid metabolism defects in SMA. Further investigation will be required to establish the primary mechanism of these alterations and understand how they lead to additional co-morbidities in SMA patients.

In 2005 an airborne survey was carried out from a Twin Otter aircraft at Pâkitsup Akuliarusersua (Paakitsoq) near Ilulissat in West Greenland. The survey aimed to measure ice thickness with a 60 MHz coherent radar and surface elevation with a scanning laser altimeter. Positioning information came from multiple on-board differential GPS units and an inertial navigation system. The region surveyed covers >80km along the ice margin and has a total area of ~2700km2 with varying density of measurements: the between-track distance was ~1 km near the margin, increasing to ~3km away from the margin. Regional high-resolution maps of basal topography under the Greenland ice sheet are useful for resolving important glaciological and hydrological questions and for enhancing related process studies, such as the influence of basal meltwater on ice dynamics. The ice-sheet margin in this region is also currently under consideration for hydropower development and has a long and continuing history of glaciological investigations, lately with emphasis on the connection between surface meltwater formation and surface velocity of the ice sheet. Here we present a new regional map of the surface and basal topography of the ice-sheet margin and discuss some of the implications for reported observations at Swiss Camp.

Background: Neuropsychological studies of the pattern and extent of cognitive impairment in HIV-infected patients have mostly used deviations from control values and/or cut-off scores as criteria for classification of dementia. There is, however, no agreement as to how to define impairment, and classification is imprecise. Method: The current study used a dementia classification matrix, developed with a step-wise linear discriminant analysis of neuropsychological data from patients with primary neurodegenerative dementias, to classify symptomatic HIV patients as demented or non-demented, and further to differentiate cortical and subcortical dementia patterns. Thirty-two male and 2 female patients (mean age 39 ± 2) with symptomatic HIV disease (mean absolute CD4 count 195 ±41) participated in the study. Results: Thirty-five per cent of patients were classified as demented. Of these, 83% showed a subcortical pattern and 17% a cortical profile of deficits. Significant differences between patients classified as subcortically demented and those categorized as normal on neuropsychological measures associated with subcortical integrity further validated the classification. Measures of psychiatric status between subgroups were similar. Conclusion: Since certain treatments may delay or reverse cognitive deficits, the use of an objective classification method based on discriminant analysis may help to identify patients who may benefit from therapy.

It is recognised that ageing induces various changes to the human colonic microbiota. Most relevant is a reduction in bifidobacteria, which is a health-positive genus. Prebiotics, such as galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS), are dietary ingredients that selectively fortify beneficial gut microbial groups. Therefore, they have the potential to reverse the age-related decline in bifidobacteria and modulate associated health parameters. We assessed the effect of GOS mixture (Bimuno (B-GOS)) on gut microbiota, markers of immune function and metabolites in forty elderly (age 65–80 years) volunteers in a randomised, double-blind, placebo (maltodextrin)-controlled, cross-over study. The intervention periods consisted of 10 weeks with daily doses of 5·5 g/d with a 4-week washout period in between. Blood and faecal samples were collected for the analyses of faecal bacterial populations and immune and metabolic biomarkers. B-GOS consumption led to significant increases in bacteroides and bifidobacteria, the latter correlating with increased lactic acid in faecal waters. Higher IL-10, IL-8, natural killer cell activity and C-reactive protein and lower IL-1β were also observed. Administration of B-GOS to elderly volunteers may be useful in positively affecting the microbiota and some markers of immune function associated with ageing.

Epidemiological studies have identified increased colorectal cancer (CRC) risk with high red meat (HRM) intakes, whereas dietary fibre intake appears to be protective. In the present study, we examined whether a HRM diet increased rectal O6-methyl-2-deoxyguanosine (O6MeG) adduct levels in healthy human subjects, and whether butyrylated high-amylose maize starch (HAMSB) was protective. A group of twenty-three individuals consumed 300 g/d of cooked red meat without (HRM diet) or with 40 g/d of HAMSB (HRM+HAMSB diet) over 4-week periods separated by a 4-week washout in a randomised cross-over design. Stool and rectal biopsy samples were collected for biochemical, microbial and immunohistochemical analyses at baseline and at the end of each 4-week intervention period. The HRM diet increased rectal O6MeG adducts relative to its baseline by 21 % (P< 0·01), whereas the addition of HAMSB to the HRM diet prevented this increase. Epithelial proliferation increased with both the HRM (P< 0·001) and HRM+HAMSB (P< 0·05) diets when compared with their respective baseline levels, but was lower following the HRM+HAMSB diet compared with the HRM diet (P< 0·05). Relative to its baseline, the HRM+HAMSB diet increased the excretion of SCFA by over 20 % (P< 0·05) and increased the absolute abundances of the Clostridium coccoides group (P< 0·05), the Clostridiumleptum group (P< 0·05), Lactobacillus spp. (P< 0·01), Parabacteroides distasonis (P< 0·001) and Ruminococcus bromii (P< 0·05), but lowered Ruminococcus torques (P< 0·05) and the proportions of Ruminococcus gnavus, Ruminococcus torques and Escherichia coli (P< 0·01). HRM consumption could increase the risk of CRC through increased formation of colorectal epithelial O6MeG adducts. HAMSB consumption prevented red meat-induced adduct formation, which may be associated with increased stool SCFA levels and/or changes in the microbiota composition.

We have obtained high spectral resolution (R ≈ 9000), integral field observations of the three spiral galaxies NGC 3521, NGC 7217 and NGC 7331 using the new fiber-based Integral Field Unit instrument VIRUS-W at the 2.7 m telescope of the McDonald Observatory in Texas. Our data allow us to revisit previous claims of counter rotation in these objects. A detailed kinematic decomposition of NGC 7217 shows that no counter rotating stellar component is present. We find that NGC 7217 hosts a low dispersion, rotating disk that is embedded in a high velocity dispersion stellar halo or bulge that is co-rotating with the disk. Due to the very different velocity dispersions (≈ 20 km s−1 vs. 150 km s−1) , we are further able to perform a Lick index analysis on both components separately which indicates that the two stellar populations are clearly separated in (Mgb,〈Fe〉) space. The velocities and dispersions of the faster component are very similar to those of the interstellar gas as measured from the [O iii] emission. Morphological evidence of active star formation in this component further suggests that NGC 7217 may be in the process of (re)growing a disk inside a more massive and higher dispersion stellar halo.

It is still uncertain if cardiac natriuretic peptides are useful biomarkers in paediatric cardiology. In this review we identify four clinical scenarios in paediatric cardiology, where clinical decision-making can be difficult, and where we feel the paediatric cardiologists need additional diagnostic tools. Natriuretic peptide measurements could be that extra tool. We discuss and suggest N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide and B-type natriuretic peptide reference intervals for children without cardiovascular disease and cut-off points for the four specific paediatric heart conditions. We conclude that in premature neonates with persistent arterial ducts; in teenagers with tetralogy of Fallot and pulmonary regurgitation; and in children with heart transplants and potential allograft rejection cardiac peptides can provide the clinician with additional information, but in children with atrial septal defects the peptides are not helpful in guiding treatment or follow-up.

Dietary intake of marine n-3 PUFA has been negatively associated with the risk of CHD among subjects with known CHD, whereas an effect in healthy subjects is less documented. We assessed the hypothesis that dietary intake of marine n-3 PUFA is negatively associated with the risk of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) in healthy subjects. In the Danish Diet, Cancer and Health cohort study, 57 053 participants were enrolled. Dietary intake of total n-3 PUFA, including EPA, docosapentaenoic acid (DPA) and DHA, was assessed. During a mean follow-up period of 7·6 years, we identified all cases (n 1150) from this cohort with an incident ACS diagnosis in the Danish National Patient Registry or the Cause of Death Registry. Diagnoses were verified through medical record review. In Cox proportional hazard models, we adjusted for established risk factors for CHD. Men in the four highest quintiles of n-3 PUFA intake (>0·39 g n-3 PUFA per d) had a lower incidence of ACS compared with men in the lowest quintile. The hazard ratio was 0·83 (95 % CI 0·67, 1·03) when we compared men in the second lowest and lowest quintile of n-3 PUFA intake. Higher intake of n-3 PUFA did not strengthen this association. Associations for EPA, DPA and DHA were all negative, but less consistent. No convincing associations were found among women. In conclusion, we found borderline significant negative associations between the intake of marine n-3 PUFA and ACS among healthy men.

Our Working Group studies massive, luminous stars, with historical focus on early-type (OB) stars, but extending in recent years to include massive red supergiants that evolve from hot stars. There is also emphasis on the role of massive stars in other branches of astrophysics, particularly regarding starburst galaxies, the first stars, core-collapse gamma-ray bursts, and formation of massive stars.

We describe some recent advances in the methodology of using electronic structure calculations for materials design. The methods have been developed for the design of ordered metallic alloys and metal alloy catalysts, but the considerations we present are relevant for the atomic-scale computational design of other materials as well. A central problem is how to treat the huge number of compounds that can be envisioned by varying the concentrations and the number of the elements involved. We discuss various strategies for approaching this problem and show how one strategy has led to the computational discovery of a promising catalytic metal alloy surface with high reactivity and low cost.

Sea surface temperature (SST) estimates using the δ18O composition of fossil planktonic foraminifer calcite, within the time slice 3.12 to 3.05 Ma (Pliocene, Kaena Subchron – C2An1r) are assessed for nine Atlantic Ocean sites. These are compared with SST estimates from fossil assemblages for the ‘Time Slab’ 3.29–2.97 Ma and with estimates from a fully coupled ocean–atmosphere General Circulation Model (GCM) for the same time interval. Most SST estimates derived from the δ18O data indicate a cooler ocean surface than at present, through the latitudinal range 69.25° N to 46.88° S. At some sites the temperature difference is greater than 5 °C (cooler than at present). This contrasts with SST estimates from fossil assemblages that give warmer than present temperatures at mid- to high latitudes, and similar temperatures in the tropics, and with the GCM, which predicts SSTs warmer than at present across all latitudes for this time interval. Difficulties interpreting the ecology of fossil foraminifer assemblages and inaccurate estimates of mid-Pliocene seawater δ18O composition (δ18Osw) at some sites may partly produce the temperature discrepancy between isotope-based and fossil-based SST estimates, but do not adequately explain the cool signal of the former. We interpret the cool SST estimates from the δ18O data to be the product of: (a) calcite formed at a level deep within or below the ocean mixed-layer during the life-cycle of the foraminifera; (b) secondary calcite with higher δ18O formed in the planktonic foraminifer tests in sea bottom pore waters. Although these effects differ between sites, secular and temporal oceanographic trends are preserved in the primary calcite formed in the mixed-layer near the ocean surface, witnessed by the latitudinal variation in estimated SSTs. Reconstructing accurate mid-Pliocene SSTs with much of the existing published oxygen isotope data probably requires a detailed re-assessment of taphonomy, particularly at tropical sites. This study also indicates that methods for estimating Atlantic Pliocene δ18Osw need to be refined.

Summary

Background and objective: This study was performed to compare three supraglottic airway devices: the ProSeal laryngeal mask airway (PLMA), the laryngeal tube S (LTS) and the oesophageal–tracheal combitube (OTC) during routine surgical procedures.

Methods: Ninety American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) I–III patients scheduled for routine minor obstetric surgery were randomly allocated to the PLMA (n = 30), the LTS (n = 30) or the OTC (n = 30) group, respectively. The overall success rate, insertion time, cuff pressures and resulting airway leak pressures were determined as well as a subjective assessment of handling and the incidence of sore throat, dysphagia and hoarseness were performed.

Results: Insertion time until the first adequate ventilation was significantly (P < 0.0001) shorter in the PLMA (median 29 s; 25–75th percentile 25–48 s; range 10–161 s; success rate 100%) and in the LTS group (38 s; 30–44 s; 13–180 s; 100%) compared to the OTC group (75 s; 48–98 s; 35–180 s; 90%). In vivo cuff pressures and airway leak pressures increased with the inflating cuff volume in all devices and were highest in the OTC group. Postoperatively, patients in the PLMA and the LTS group complained significantly less about sore throat (P < 0.001 and 0.05) and dysphagia (P < 0.001 and 0.02) compared to the OTC group, while there was no difference regarding the incidence of hoarseness. Subjective assessment of handling was comparable with the PLMA and the LTS, but inferior with the OTC.

Conclusions: In conclusion, both PLMA and LTS proved to be suitable for routine surgical procedures and proved to be superior to the OTC which cannot be recommended for routine use.

The emission line spectra of active galactic nuclei fall into three main categories: star formation nuclei (or HII regions), Seyfert nuclei and LINERs (low ionization narrow emission-line regions). A subset of these galactic nuclei has intermediate characteristics between LINERs and HII regions. These so-called transition objects were the subject of numerous studies in the past, but their true nature has remained elusive. It's almost impossible to explain these objects with models that take into account only one ionization mechanism, being it stars, an AGN or shocks. We show how the use of a set of elaborated photoionization models, that account consistently for these parameters (ionization by stars, shocks and/or AGN and dust), constrained by a detailed study of the stellar population properties, can help us understand the nature of these transition objects.To search for other articles by the author(s) go to: http://adsabs.harvard.edu/abstract_service.html

We present a new approach to probe the properties of the most massive, ionizing stars with respect to the less massive, non-ionizing stars. The new technique utilizes stellar-wind lines, instead of the previously employed nebular lines. This allows us to probe the timescale of the dust dispersal in a very young obscured starburst from purely stellar diagnostics.