INPP5K and Atlastin-1 maintain the nonuniform distribution of ER–plasma membrane contacts in neurons

In neurons, the ER extends throughout all cellular processes, forming multiple contacts with the plasma membrane (PM) to fine-tune neuronal physiology. However, the mechanisms that regulate the distribution of neuronal ER-PM contacts are not known. Here, we used the Caenorhabditis elegans DA9 motor neuron as our model system and found that neuronal ER-PM contacts are enriched in soma and dendrite and mostly absent in axons. Using forward genetic screen, we identified that the inositol 5-phosphatase, CIL-1 (human INPP5K), and the dynamin-like GTPase, ATLN-1 (human Atlastin-1), help to maintain the non-uniform, somatodendritic enrichment of neuronal ER-PM contacts. Mechanistically, CIL-1 acts upstream of ATLN-1 to maintain the balance between ER tubules and sheets. In mutants of CIL-1 or ATLN-1, ER sheets expand and invade into the axon. This is accompanied by the ectopic formation of axonal ER-PM contacts and defects in axon regeneration following laser-induced axotomy. As INPP5K and Atlastin-1 have been linked to neurological disorders, the unique distribution of neuronal ER-PM contacts maintained by these proteins may support neuronal resilience during the onset and progression of these diseases.

Muscles, Nerves, and Skin

The muscles of giraffes are similar to those of other artiodactyls but differ in order to accommodate the stresses associated with an extraordinary shape. Extensor muscles of the neck are relatively small but flexor muscles of the neck that have to contract against the elasticity of the ligament nuchae are well-developed. The muscle bodies of neck muscles are located at the base of the neck and exert their effects via long tendons, which minimizes neck mass. Giraffes rarely lie down, or sleep, or run. Consequently limb muscles give support more than movement and are more tendinous that muscular. The power to run is generated by hip flexors and extensors, aided by contractions of the gastrocnemius muscles. The forelimb is the main support for body mass and acts as the fulcrum for movement. Chest and forelimb muscles keep the shoulder and elbow joints rigid, but allow drinking and the complications that arise from it. Brain mass forms 0.5% of adult body mass. Eyes are large and the retina has a unique distribution of photoreceptors that provides both clear images of close objects and allows focusing on ground level objects. Peripheral nerves contain more sensory than motor fibers. The skin of giraffes forms ~10% of body mass, and has more collagen than elastic fibers. Skin panniculus muscles are absent, an absence compensated by sebaceous gland secretion of volatile compounds that repel insects. The development of the colors of skin markings begins in the last trimester of pregnancy.

On the geometric ergodicity for a generalized IFS with probabilities

Main goal of this paper is to formulate possibly simple and easy to verify criteria on existence of the unique attracting probability measure for stochastic process induced by generalized iterated function systems with probabilities (GIFSPs). To do this, we study the long-time behavior of trajectories of Markov-type operators acting on product of spaces of Borel measures on arbitrary Polish space. Precisely, we get the desired geometric rate of convergence of sequences of measures under the action of such operator to the unique distribution in the Hutchinson–Wasserstein distance. We apply the obtained results to study limiting behavior of random trajectories of GIFSPs as well as stochastic difference equations with multiple delays.

Synoptic atmospheric circulation patterns associated with deep persistent slab avalanches in the western United States

Deep persistent slab avalanches are capable of destroying infrastructure and are usually unsurvivable for those who are caught. Formation of a snowpack conducive to deep persistent slab avalanches is typically driven by meteorological conditions occurring in the beginning weeks to months of the winter season, and yet the avalanche event may not occur for several weeks to months later. While predicting the exact timing of the release of deep persistent slab avalanches is difficult, onset of avalanche activity is commonly preceded by rapid warming, heavy precipitation, or high winds. This work investigates the synoptic drivers of deep persistent slab avalanches at three sites in the western USA with long records: Bridger Bowl, Montana; Jackson, Wyoming; and Mammoth Mountain, California. We use self-organizing maps to generate 20 synoptic types that summarize 5899 daily 500 mbar geopotential height maps for the winters (November–March) of 1979/80–2017/18. For each of the three locations, we identify major and minor deep persistent slab avalanche seasons and analyze the number of days represented by each synoptic type during the beginning (November–January) of the major and minor seasons. We also examine the number of days assigned to each synoptic type during the 72 h preceding deep persistent slab avalanche activity for both dry and wet slab events. Each of the three sites exhibits a unique distribution of the number of days assigned to each synoptic type during November–January of major and minor seasons and for the 72 h period preceding deep persistent slab avalanche activity. This work identifies the synoptic-scale atmospheric circulation patterns contributing to deep persistent slab instabilities and the patterns that commonly precede deep persistent slab avalanche activity. By identifying these patterns, we provide an improved understanding of deep persistent slab avalanches and an additional tool to anticipate the timing of these difficult-to-predict events.

Chemical speciation of phosphorus in surface sediments from a geological phosphorus-rich watershed, South China

In order to clarify the distribution characteristics and potentially environmental effect of phosphorus (P) chemical speciation in river sediments from a typical geological P-rich (GPR) watershed, South China. Forty-eight sediment samples collected from the Huangbai River watershed, Yichang city, Hubei province. The levels of TP in Huangbai River wathershed were remarkably higher than those in most Chinese lakes, reservoirs, and river. The Ca-P and Res-P were the two dominant species that accounted for 78.7% and 13.3% of TP, respectively. Based on the sediment quality guideline (SQGs) and background values of Chinese soil and sediment, the majority of the mean TP concentrations in surface sediments were higher than their background values. The unique distribution pattern of P species in the Huangbai River watershed depends on local environment conditions and P sources. These findings improve our understanding of the eutrophication and P cycle in the GPR watershed.

MR Findings in the Bone Marrow of a Patient with Anorexia Nervosa

Gelatinous transformation of bone marrow (GTBM) is a hematological condition found to be associated with states of cachexia and malnourishment, which can be seen in patients with eating disorders, alcoholism, malignancy, and other systemic diseases (such as AIDS, tuberculosis, chronic kidney disease, and chronic heart failure). GTBM is not disease-specific but is a good marker of a severe underlying disease. Initially thought to be a rare finding, newer literature is now demonstrating more cases of GTBM over the past 2 decades, and the alleged rarity may have been attributed to the lack of clinical suspicion and awareness of this condition. We present a case of a young adult female, who has a background of anorexia nervosa and presented with a 4-month history of pain over her left shin. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the tibia demonstrated the gelatinous transformation of the bone marrow. In this case report, we aim to highlight the underlying pathogenesis of GTBM and its prevalence, its unique distribution within the marrow, its characteristic MRI findings, and how these findings may differ in comparison to normal reconversion marrow and neoplastic infiltration.

Supralocalisation Processes in Early Modern English Urban Vernaculars

This article contributes to existing studies that are concerned with standardisation and supralocalisation processes in the development of written English during the Early Modern English period. By focussing on and comparing civic records and letter data from important regional urban centres, notably Bristol, Coventry and York, from the period 1500–1700, this study provides new insight into the gradual emergence of supralocal forms. More precisely, the linguistic variables under investigation are third person indicative present tense markers (singular and plural). The findings of this study reveal that each urban centre shows a unique distribution pattern in the adoption of supralocal -(V)s singular and plural zero. Furthermore, verb type as well as text type appear to be important language internal and external factors respectively.