First-order dynamic occupancy models (FODOMs) are a class of state-space model in which the true state (occurrence) is observed imperfectly. An important assumption of FODOMs is that site dynamics ...only depend on the current state and that variations in dynamic processes are adequately captured with covariates or random effects. However, it is often difficult to understand and/or measure the covariates that generate ecological data, which are typically spatiotemporally correlated. Consequently, the non-independent error structure of correlated data causes underestimation of parameter uncertainty and poor ecological inference. Here, we extend the FODOM framework with a second-order Markov process to accommodate site memory when covariates are not available. Our modeling framework can be used to make reliable inference about site occupancy, colonization, extinction, turnover, and detection probabilities. We present a series of simulations to illustrate the data requirements and model performance. We then applied our modeling framework to 13 yr of data from an amphibian community in southern Arizona, USA. In this analysis, we found residual temporal autocorrelation of population processes for most species, even after accounting for long-term drought dynamics. Our approach represents a valuable advance in obtaining inference on population dynamics, especially as they relate to metapopulations.
Abstract We report the discovery of the transiting planet GJ 238 b, with a radius of 0.566 ± 0.014 R ⊕ (1.064 ± 0.026 times the radius of Mars) and an orbital period of 1.74 days. The transit signal ...was detected by the TESS mission and designated TOI-486.01. The star’s position close to the southern ecliptic pole allows for almost continuous observations by TESS when it is observing the southern sky. The host star is an M2.5 dwarf with V = 11.57 ± 0.02 mag, K = 7.030 ± 0.023 mag, a distance of 15.2156 ± 0.0030 pc, a mass of 0.4193 − 0.0098 + 0.0095 M ☉ , a radius of 0.4314 − 0.0071 + 0.0075 R ☉ , and an effective temperature of 3485 ± 140 K. We validate the planet candidate by ruling out or rendering highly unlikely each of the false positive scenarios, based on archival data and ground-based follow-up observations. Validation was facilitated by the host star’s small size and high proper motion of 892.633 ± 0.025 mas yr –1 .
Ruxolitinib blockade of STAT3 phosphorylation in IL‐6/23‐ stimulated neutrophils, inhibits RORγt translocation, IL‐1‐ induced production of ROS, MMP9, and elastase activity, and modulates Aspergillus ...fumigatus corneal infections.
IL‐6 and IL‐23 (IL‐6/23) induce IL‐17A (IL‐17) production by a subpopulation of murine and human neutrophils, resulting in autocrine IL‐17 activation, enhanced production of reactive oxygen species, and increased fungal killing. As IL‐6 and IL‐23 receptors trigger JAK1, −3/STAT3 and JAK2/STAT3 phosphorylation, respectively, we examined the role of this pathway in a murine model of fungal keratitis and also examined neutrophil elastase and gelatinase (matrix metalloproteinase 9) activity by IL‐6/23‐stimulated human neutrophils in vitro. We found that STAT3 phosphorylation of neutrophils in Aspergillus fumigatus‐infected corne as was inhibited by the JAK/STAT inhibitor Ruxolitinib, resulting in impaired fungal killing and decreased matrix metalloproteinase 9 activity. In vitro, we showed that fungal killing by IL‐6/23‐stimulated human peripheral blood neutrophils was impaired by JAK/STAT inhibitors Ruxolitinib and Stattic, and by the retinoic acid receptor‐related orphan receptor γt inhibitor SR1001. This was also associated with decreased reactive oxygen species, IL‐17A production, and retinoic acid receptor‐related orphan receptor γt translocation to the nucleus. We also demonstrate that IL‐6/23‐activated neutrophils exhibit increased elastase and gelatinase (matrix metalloproteinase 9) activity, which is inhibited by Ruxolitinib and Stattic but not by SR1001. Taken together, these observations indicate that the regulation of activity of IL‐17‐producing neutrophils by JAK/STAT inhibitors impairs reactive oxygen species production and fungal killing activity but also blocks elastase and gelatinase activity that can cause tissue damage.
An inline chalcogenide phase-change radio-frequency (RF) switch using germanium telluride and driven by an integrated, electrically isolated thin-film heater for thermal actuation has been ...fabricated. A voltage pulse applied to the heater terminals was used to transition the phase-change material between the crystalline and amorphous states. An ON-state resistance of 4.5 Ω (0.08 Ω-mm) with an OFF-state capacitance and resistance of 35 fF and 0.5 MΩ, respectively, were measured resulting in an RF switch cutoff frequency (F co ) of 1.0 THz and an OFF/ON resistance ratio of 10 5 . The output third-order intercept point measured , with zero power consumption during steady-state operation, making it a nonvolatile RF switch. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported implementation of an RF phase change switch in a four-terminal, inline configuration.
We present results from a Keck/HIRES radial velocity campaign to study four sub-Saturn-sized planets, K2-27b, K2-32b, K2-39b, and K2-108b, with the goal of understanding their masses, orbits, and ...heavy-element enrichment. The planets have similar sizes ( = 4.5-5.5 ), but have dissimilar masses ( = 16-60 ), implying a diversity in their core and envelope masses. K2-32b is the least massive ( ) and orbits in close proximity to two sub-Neptunes near a 3:2:1 period commensurability. K2-27b and K2-39b are significantly more massive at and , respectively, and show no signs of additional planets. K2-108b is the most massive at , implying a large reservoir of heavy elements of about 50 . Sub-Saturns as a population have a large diversity in planet mass at a given size. They exhibit remarkably little correlation between mass and size; sub-Saturns range from 6-60 , regardless of size. We find a strong correlation between planet mass and host star metallicity, suggesting that metal-rich disks form more massive planet cores. The most massive sub-Saturns tend to lack detected companions and have moderately eccentric orbits, perhaps as a result of a previous epoch of dynamical instability. Finally, we observe only a weak correlation between the planet envelope fraction and present-day equilibrium temperature, suggesting that photo-evaporation does not play a dominant role in determining the amount of gas sub-Saturns accrete from their protoplanetary disks.
Abstract
With data from the Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS), we showcase improvements to the MIT Quick Look Pipeline (QLP) through the discovery and validation of a multiplanet system ...around M dwarf TOI 4342 (
T
mag
= 11.032,
M
⋆
= 0.63
M
⊙
,
R
⋆
= 0.60
R
⊙
,
T
eff
= 3900 K,
d
= 61.54 pc). With updates to QLP, including a new multiplanet search, as well as faster cadence data from TESS’s First Extended Mission, we discovered two sub-Neptunes (
R
b
=
2.266
−
0.038
+
0.038
R
⊕
and
R
c
=
2.415
−
0.040
+
0.043
R
⊕
;
P
b
= 5.538 days and
P
c
= 10.689 days) and validated them with ground-based photometry, spectra, and speckle imaging. Both planets notably have high transmission spectroscopy metrics of 36 and 32, making TOI 4342 one of the best systems for comparative atmospheric studies. This system demonstrates how improvements to QLP, along with faster cadence full-frame images, can lead to the discovery of new multiplanet systems.
We report the first results from a search for transiting warm Jupiter exoplanets-gas giant planets receiving stellar irradiation below about 108 erg s−1 cm−2, equivalent to orbital periods beyond ...about 10 days around Sun-like stars. We have discovered two transiting warm Jupiter exoplanets initially identified as transiting candidates in K2 photometry. K2-114b has a mass of , a radius of , and an orbital period of 11.4 days. K2-115b has a mass of , a radius of , and an orbital period of 20.3 days. Both planets are among the longest-period transiting gas giant planets with a measured mass, and they are orbiting relatively old host stars. Both planets are not inflated, as their radii are consistent with theoretical expectations. Their position in the planet radius-stellar irradiation diagram is consistent with the scenario where the radius-irradiation correlation levels off below about 108 erg s−1 cm−2, suggesting that for warm Jupiters stellar irradiation does not play a significant role in determining the planet radius. We also report our identification of another K2 transiting warm Jupiter candidate, EPIC 212504617, as a false positive.
Objective
The Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) aims to address the lack of generalizable and universal measure of patient-reported outcomes to assess health-related ...quality of life. It has not been validated for patients with chronic kidney disease. We aim to validate the PROMIS-57 and PROMIS-29 questionnaires among kidney transplant recipients.
Methods
A cross-sectional sample of stable kidney transplant recipients was recruited. Each participant completed PROMIS-57, a 57-question instrument covering seven domains—physical function, anxiety, depression, fatigue, pain, sleep disturbance, and social functioning—alongside validated legacy questionnaires Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ9), General Anxiety Disorder (GAD7), Edmonton Symptom Assessment Scale revised (ESASr), and Kidney Disease Quality of Life (KDQoL-36). PROMIS-29, a 29-question instrument, is nested within PROMIS-57 and measures the same domains. Structural validity of PROMIS was assessed with confirmatory factor analysis, reported using the Comparative Fit Index (CFI). Construct validity was assessed with known-groups comparisons. Internal consistency was evaluated with Cronbach’s α and convergent validity was assessed with Spearman’s Rho. Test–retest reliability was assessed through the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC).
Results
Mean (± SD) age of the 177 participants was 50 (± 17), 57% were male and 55% Caucasian. Internal consistency of each domain was high (Cronbach’s α > 0.88). Confirmatory factor analysis showed good structural validity for most domains (CFI > 0.95, RMSEA < 0.05). Test–retest reliability indicated good agreement (ICC > 0.6). Known-groups comparisons by clinical and socio-demographic differences were found as hypothesized.
Conclusions
Our results provide evidence that PROMIS-57 and PROMIS-29 are highly reliable and valid instruments among kidney transplant recipients. We propose it as a valuable tool to assess important domains of the illness experience.
Several types of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are approved to treat advanced melanoma, but their effectiveness has not been compared in older patients treated outside of a clinical trial. ...Moreover, evidence suggests that a patient's response to ICI therapy may vary by age and type of ICI. The purpose of this study was to compare survival by ICI type in older patients with melanoma and to investigate treatment effect modification by age.
Using the SEER-Medicare database, we identified patients with cutaneous melanoma (2012–2015) treated with an ICI (CTLA-4, PD-1, or combination CTLA-4 + PD-1 inhibitors). Cox proportional hazards regression was used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) for ICI types. We used an interaction term and stratified models to test for treatment effect modification by age.
Of the 1435 patients included in our analysis, 790 (55.1%) received CTLA-4 inhibitors, 512 (35.7%) received PD-1 inhibitors, and 133 (9.3%) were treated with combination ICIs. Median survival ranged from 13.4 months (95%CI: 10.7–16.3) for CTLA-4 inhibitors to 23.5 months (95%CI: 16.2–30.0) for combination ICIs. In multivariable models, the risk of death was lower with PD-1 inhibitors compared to CTLA-4 inhibitors (HR = 0.78, 95%CI: 0.68–0.89). An age*ICI type interaction term was significant (p < 0.001), and survival gains were greater the older age group (≥80) compared to the younger group (65–79).
In a population-based setting, we identified important differences in survival by ICI type in older patients with melanoma treated with ICIs, with prolonged survival associated with PD-1 inhibitors compared to CTLA-4 inhibitors.
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