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Lipids contribute to the structure, development, and function of healthy brains. Dysregulated lipid metabolism is linked to aging and diseased brains. However, our understanding of lipid metabolism in aging brains remains limited. Here we examined the brain lipidome of mice across their lifespan using untargeted lipidomics. Co-expression network analysis highlighted a progressive decrease in 3-sulfogalactosyl diacylglycerols (SGDGs) and SGDG pathway members, including the potential degradation products lyso-SGDGs. SGDGs show an age-related decline specifically in the central nervous system and are associated with myelination. We also found that an SGDG dramatically suppresses LPS-induced gene expression and release of pro-inflammatory cytokines from macrophages and microglia by acting on the NF-κB pathway. The detection of SGDGs in human and macaque brains establishes their evolutionary conservation. This work enhances interest in SGDGs regarding their roles in aging and inflammatory diseases and highlights the complexity of the brain lipidome and potential biological functions in aging.

Many fish spawn in aggregations, but little is understood about the dynamics governing the success of spawning interactions. Here, we evaluate the influence that location of lek-like mating territories has on spawning interactions of Gomphosus varius. We used direct observations of spawning and egg predation events as well as local population counts to compare the rates of spawning, spawning interruptions, and predation on the eggs of G. varius at Finger Reef, Apra Harbor, Guam. We hypothesized that spawning rates would be highest among seaward locations that facilitate transport of pelagic larvae from reefs and that those territories would subsequently experience higher densities of egg predators, egg predation rates, and spawning interruptions. Male spawning success was highly skewed by mating territory location, with holders of the outer, seaward mating territories being more successful than those males holding territories in the middle and inner areas of the aggregation site. Within the outer territories, male mating success was also skewed by location. Egg predation was observed occasionally and increased linearly with bird wrasse spawning frequency. The population densities of egg predators were distributed equally across the study area. Spawning interruptions occurred most frequently within the inner zone of the spawning aggregation due to greater male-male aggression in intraspecific competition for females and territories. This study provides evidence that reef location influences the spawning success, egg predation rates, and spawning interruption rates of fishes that reproduce using lek-like mating territories.

Functional protein-coding small open reading frames (smORFs) are emerging as an important class of genes. However, the number of translated smORFs in the human genome is unclear because proteogenomic methods are not sensitive enough, and, as we show, Ribo-seq strategies require additional measures to ensure comprehensive and accurate smORF annotation. Here, we integrate de novo transcriptome assembly and Ribo-seq into an improved workflow that overcomes obstacles with previous methods, to more confidently annotate thousands of smORFs. Evolutionary conservation analyses suggest that hundreds of smORF-encoded microproteins are likely functional. Additionally, many smORFs are regulated during fundamental biological processes, such as cell stress. Peptides derived from smORFs are also detectable on human leukocyte antigen complexes, revealing smORFs as a source of antigens. Thus, by including additional validation into our smORF annotation workflow, we accurately identify thousands of unannotated translated smORFs that will provide a rich pool of unexplored, functional human genes.

Study Design Clinical case series. Objective To assess objective outcomes of surgical correction of post–external beam radiation therapy (ERBT) kyphosis in a series of five adults. Summary of Background Data EBRT is a well-established treatment for many cancers in children and adults. One complication associated with EBRT is postirradiation spine deformity. Scoliosis is the most common deformity, but kyphosis also occurs frequently. Differences in deformity patterns are likely related to the location and intensity of radiation. To our knowledge, no studies have addressed treatment of these deformities in adults, and the most recent case series (of children) was published in 2005. Methods We present a series of five adults who underwent surgery for postirradiation kyphosis, with a mean follow-up of 3.8 years (range, 2.5–6.2 years). Results Surgery improved the kyphotic deformity in all patients. Overall mean kyphotic deformity correction was 56° and was larger for cervical/cervicothoracic deformities (mean, 76°) than for lumbar deformities (mean, 42°) at midterm follow-up. Patients reported significant improvements in pain and self-image. Consistent with prior case series of children, we observed a high rate of complications (mean, 1.4 complications per patient) in adults. Three patients each underwent an unplanned surgical procedure because of a complication. Conclusion The surgical treatment of postirradiation kyphotic spinal deformity is challenging, with common postoperative complications such as infection, instrumentation failure, and pseudarthrosis. However, with modern surgical techniques and spinal instrumentation, excellent deformity correction can be achieved and maintained. We recommend performing a two-stage procedure for cervicothoracic deformity, with anterior release followed by posterior fusion and instrumentation. In thoracolumbar deformities, correction can be achieved through single-stage posterior fusion. Rigid spinopelvic fixation with sacral-alar-iliac screws and second-stage anterior lumbar interbody fusion at L5–S1 is recommended to reduce nonunion risk. Cement augmentation of proximal and distal anchors can help prevent junctional failure. Level of Evidence Level IV.

The cystine-glutamate exchanger (system xc-) is responsible for the exchange of extracellular cystine for intracellular glutamate. In this study, we mapped the expression of xCT, the light chain subunit of system xc- in the different tissues of 3-6-week-old mouse (C57BL/6J) eye and have used an xCT knockout mouse to verify labelling specificity. Moreover, using the xCT knockout mouse, we investigated whether xCT was involved in maintaining extracellular redox balance in the eye. xCT transcript and protein were present in the cornea, lens and retina of wild-type mice, but not knockout mice. xCT was localised to the corneal epithelium, and the lens epithelium and cortical fibre cells but was absent in the iris. xCT localisation could not be determined in the ciliary body or retina, since xCT labelling was also detected in the knockout indicating a lack of specificity of the xCT antibody in tissues of a neural origin. Intracellular cysteine and cystine concentrations were similar in the wild-type and xCT knockout mouse for the cornea, lens, and retina. While extracellular cysteine levels were similar between the plasma, aqueous humour, and vitreous humour of the wild-type and xCT knockout mouse, extracellular cystine levels in the plasma and aqueous were significantly elevated in the xCT knockout mouse relative to the wild type. This suggests that loss of xCT results in an increased oxidative environment, particularly within the anterior chamber of the eye in which the aqueous humour resides. How this oxidative shift impacts ocular tissues that interface with the aqueous humour over time will be the focus of future work.

In an era of increasing numbers of hip and knee replacements, strategies to manage prosthetic joint infection (PJI) that are effective at infection control with good patient-reported outcomes and cost containment for health systems are needed. Interest in single-stage exchange for PJI is rising and we assess evidence from the last 5 years related to this treatment strategy. Only five series for total knee replacement and ten series for total hip replacement have been reported in the last five years. More review articles and opinion pieces have been written. Reinfection rates in these recent studies range from 0 to 65%, but a meta-analysis and systematic review of all studies showed a reinfection rate of 7.6% (95% CI 3.4–13.1) and 8.8% (95% CI 7.2–10.6) for single-stage and two-stage revisions respectively. There is emerging evidence to support single-stage revision in the setting of significant bony deficiency and atypical PJIs such as fungal infections. Prospective randomised studies are recruiting and are necessary to guide the direction of single-stage revision selection criteria. The onus of surgical excellence in mechanical removal of implants, necrotic tissue, and biofilms lies with the arthroplasty surgeon and must remain the cornerstone of treatment. Single-stage revision may be considered the first-line treatment for all PJIs unless the organism is unknown, the patient is systemically septic, or there is a poor tissue envelope.

Cycads are the most endangered of plant groups based on IUCN Red List assessments; all are in Appendix I or II of CITES, about 40% are within biodiversity ‘hotspots,’ and the call for action to improve their protection is long-standing. We contend that progress in this direction will not be made until there is better understanding of cycad pollen, seed and tissue biology, which at the moment is limited to relatively few (

Cellular homeostasis relies on having dedicated and coordinated responses to a variety of stresses. The accumulation of unfolded proteins in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is a common stress that triggers a conserved pathway called the unfolded protein response (UPR) that mitigates damage, and dysregulation of UPR underlies several debilitating diseases. Here, we discover that a previously uncharacterized 54-amino acid microprotein PIGBOS regulates UPR. PIGBOS localizes to the mitochondrial outer membrane where it interacts with the ER protein CLCC1 at ER–mitochondria contact sites. Functional studies reveal that the loss of PIGBOS leads to heightened UPR and increased cell death. The characterization of PIGBOS reveals an undiscovered role for a mitochondrial protein, in this case a microprotein, in the regulation of UPR originating in the ER. This study demonstrates microproteins to be an unappreciated class of genes that are critical for inter-organelle communication, homeostasis, and cell survival., Cells trigger an unfolded protein response (UPR) in the endoplasmic reticulum, but its regulation by mitochondria is unclear. Here, the authors report a 54-residue microprotein PIGBOS that participates in inter-organelle contact between the endoplasmic reticulum and the mitochondria and may regulate UPR.

A 19 year old female presents to the emergency room with right facial enlargement. Clinical examination revealed a soft tissue mass of the right buccal mucosa. Treated initially as infection, the patient later turned to clinic with now rapidly enlarging and intermittently painful mass. Computed tomography with contrast showed a low attenuated buccal mass with mild enhancement lateral to the right caudal maxilla and superior mandible. Biopsy was performed and microscopic examination showed cells with moderate pleomorphism with numerous atypical mitotic figures and occasional elongated "strap" cells with eccentric nuclei. Fluorescence in situ hybridization analysis revealed no rearrangement of the FKHR gene. The diagnosis of embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma was rendered. The patient was referred to the local children's hospital for definitive treatment.

© 2015 Nature America, Inc. All rights reserved. The peptide hormone urocortin3 (Ucn3) is abundantly expressed by mature beta cells, yet its physiological role is unknown. Here we demonstrate that Ucn3 is stored and co-released with insulin and potentiates glucose-stimulated somatostatin secretion via cognate receptors on delta cells. Further, we found that islets lacking endogenous Ucn3 have fewer delta cells, reduced somatostatin content, impaired somatostatin secretion, and exaggerated insulin release, and that these defects are rectified by treatment with synthetic Ucn3 in vitro. Our observations indicate that the paracrine actions of Ucn3 activate a negative feedback loop that promotes somatostatin release to ensure the timely reduction of insulin secretion upon normalization of plasma glucose. Moreover, Ucn3 is markedly depleted from beta cells in mouse and macaque models of diabetes and in human diabetic islets. This suggests that Ucn3 is a key contributor to stable glycemic control, whose reduction during diabetes aggravates glycemic volatility and contributes to the pathophysiology of this disease.

The large symbiotic ciliate Maristentor dinoferus (Heterotrichida: Maristentoridae) has an abundant, potentially toxic pigment that makes the cells look black, and it forms clusters making it easy to see in the field. In situ observations of vast Maristentor populations during three bloom years provided insights into the behavioral ecology of the Maristentor holobiont and circumstantial evidence for feeding deterrence. Maristentor migrated onto limestone tiles that were also suitable for development of biofilm, which was consumed by the fish Ctenochaetus striatus. We photodocumented several aspects of Maristentor movement in situ, including a diurnal rhythm of dispersal and re-clustering in the morning, a period of “cocktail party dynamics” that resulted in larger, fewer clusters over the afternoon, and responses to two different disturbances: (1) rapid dispersal–re-clustering when tiles were moved; and (2) swimming off the surface and photoaccumulating on the brightest and highest part of a container when Maristentor was enclosed. Although Maristentor is considered benthic, its abilities to swim rapidly, to photoaccumulate, and to form clusters hanging from a water surface hint that they may also exist in the hyponeuston. Although interaction between Maristentor and Ctenochaetus may not be common, it indicated ways in which the behavior of Maristentor could help defend it from grazing. First, during the morning diaspora and re-clustering, which coincided with a period when Ctenochaetus was not feeding, Maristentor tended to accumulate on thinner biofilm, including edges and previously-grazed areas. Secondly, analysis of bite marks suggested that this fish tended not to select thin biofilm and that, despite rapid feeding, it tended to avoid larger Maristentor clusters.

P2X(1, 2, 3, 4, 6 and 7) are all expressed in a differentiation-dependent manner in the rat lens. However, in the lens outer cortex the subcellular distribution of all P2X isoforms is predominantly associated with a pool of receptors located in cytoplasmic vesicles. Here we investigate whether osmotic and hyperglycemic stress can alter the subcellular distribution of this cytoplasmic pool of P2X receptors. We show that in a discrete zone of the deeper outer cortex an isoform and stimulus-specific shift in the subcellular distribution of P2X receptors occurs from the cytoplasm to defined membrane domains. In response to hypertonic stress P2X(1) and P2X(4) isoforms became more closely associated with the broad sides of fiber cells, while under hypotonic conditions P2X(4) and P2X(6) isoforms associate with the narrow side membranes. No such changes in subcellular distribution were observed for P2X(2,3 and 7) isoforms. Lens cultured in 50 mM glucose exhibited cell swelling in this zone but only P2X(4) associated with narrow side membranes. Our results indicate P2X receptors can be differentially recruited to specific membrane domains of lens fiber cells by osmotic and hyperglycemic stress. Furthermore they suggest the involvement of specific P2X isoforms in the regulation of fiber cell volume and the initiation of diabetic cataract.

This paper is in response to the Editorial Essay by Crutzen and the Editorial Comment by Cicerone in the August 2006 issue of Climatic Change. We reprise the evidence from atmospheric nuclear weapon testing in the 1950s and 1960s which is salient to the mooted maintenance of an artificial sulphate aerosol layer in the lower stratosphere, including a hitherto and now posthumous unpublished analysis of the 185W Hardtack data. We also review recent investigations by ourselves, which have considerable bearing on some relevant questions concerning meteorological dynamics, aerosol chemistry and physics and the photodissociation of stratospheric sulphuric acid.

The Palauan archipelago contains one of the most ecologically diverse coral reef systems in the Indo-Pacific that was as attractive for humans prehistorically as it is today. New evidence is emerging that during the past few thousand years there has been increasing exploitation of coral reef resources, particularly finfish and mollusks, leading to a decline in taxa numbers, richness, and diversity in various locales. This paper examines the historical interactions between human populations and coral reef ecologies in Palau by combining known archaeological data and results from modern biological data of different reef fauna. The integration of these data sources provides a framework for attempting to explain variations in taxa composition between islands in the archipelago and how this may relate to human exploitation or other phenomena through time. By using this perspective to link past events with present-day conditions, we can gain a better sense of the extent to which anthropogenic changes may have affected island environments in western Micronesia during the Late Holocene. The study also illustrates the many difficulties researchers face in attempting to synthesize and explain past and present human predation behavior when using disparate sources of data.

An investigation for the analysis of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in airborne particulates usin g thermal desorption and gas chromatography -mass spectrometry is described. Samples are obtained from ambient air using fibreglass filters and the volatile material from the filter is thermally desorbed to gas chromatograph . A 30 meter capillary column is used to separate the hydrocarbons and eight polyaromatic hydrocarbons are used to test the method and recovery is > 95% . The eight polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons anthracene, phenanthrene, fluoranthrene, pyrene, benzo (a) anthracene, chrysene, benzo (a) py rene and benzo (e) pyrene were the most abundant PAHs found in the samples of ambient air with current method at Uxbridge -London. Application of the measurement of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in ambient air samples shows that the hydrocarbons trapped in the particle phase to a lesser degree at higher ambient temperature. In conclusion a method has been developed to transfer the PAHs in particle phase from a filter to GC -MS by thermal desorption. A standard mixture of PAHs, when absorbed onto the filter , did lead to strong analyte absorbent interactions by the high percent recovery of the sample.

Recent experimental work has verified the prediction that marine aerosols could have an exterior film of amphiphiles; palmitic, stearic and oleic acids were predominant. Thermodynamic analysis has revealed that such aerosols are energetically capable of asymmetric division. In a prebiotic terrestrial environment, one of the products of such aerosol fission would have been bacterially sized (microns), the other would have been virally sized (tens of nanometers). Plausible avenues for chemical differentiation between the two particles are discussed, and the probabilities for the transition from geochemistry to biochemistry updated in light of recent palaeo fossil studies.

High islands, with potentially greater habitat diversity, are expected to have greater species richness and diversity compared to low islands, typically atolls and coral islands of lower habitat diversity, within the same geographical area. Patterns of species similarity, richness, and diversity were compared among coral reef fishes between the low island of the Southwest Palau Islands (SWPI), and the low and high islands of the Main Palauan Archipelago (MPA). Data from diurnal visual transects accounted for approximately 64% and 69% of the shorefish faunas known from the SWPI and MPA, respectively. Two distinct fish faunas were representative of low and high islands. The first was confined to the coral islands of the SWPI. The second was partitioned into both low and high islands of the MPA, and Helen Reef, a large atoll in the SWPI. The second type was clustered into atolls, low islands with atoll-like barrier reef systems, a coral island, and three high island systems, one with an extensive barrier reef system. Contrary to the prediction that high islands, with relatively greater habitat diversity, would have greater species richness and diversity, species richness and diversity were greatest at Kossol, a large atoll-like ‘low island’ locality at the northern end of a high island in the MPA, followed by two atolls, Kayangel (MPA, north of Kossol) and Helen Reef. In contrast, species richness and diversity were lower at high island localities and lowest at small coral islands. These results suggest that habitat diversity for reef fishes increases as a function of increasing area regardless of whether the locality is a high or low island.

Freshwater fishes are an important but relatively little known component of the highly diverse fish fauna of Micronesia. Localities supporting communities of freshwater fishes include large high islands, with considerable habitat complexity, and smaller low islands, such as atolls and raised coral islands, with limited freshwater habitat. Both types of islands may support species with adult life history styles that are (a) amphidromous and catadromous, (b) euryhaline (often estuarine), or (c) marine species which enter freshwater from time to time. We compared patterns of species richness and similarity between Micronesian localities for amphidromous and catadromous, euryhaline and marine species (ACEM) pooled, and for amphidromous and catadromous species (ACFW). Species richness of both ACEM and ACFW fishes was greatest on larger high islands compared to smaller high and all low islands. Cluster analysis of similarity indices for ACEM species between localities revealed two faunal components: high islands and low islands. High islands were further partitioned into a Caroline Islands cluster and a separate Mariana Islands cluster. Cluster analysis of ACFW species was more complex. One cluster consisted of a low island and a small high island, both in the Carolines chain and with limited freshwater habitat. The second cluster was partitioned into high islands and low islands that reflected influences of both size and geographical location.

We examine the prebiotic applicability of our recent analysis of the fission of an atmospheric aerosol particle coated with an organic film. The fission is made possible by the free energy change upon compression of the exterior monolayer film on the parent particle, which overcomes the increase in surface area associated with the production of two spherical daughter particles. Asymmetric division into a larger and a smaller particle becomes possible following surfactant film collapse. The size of the airborne parent particle is determined by the balance between aerodynamics and gravity, while the ratio of the radii of the daughters is determined by the compression characteristics of the amphiphilic molecules comprising the parent film. For an Earth atmosphere of one bar surface pressure, the larger and smaller daughters have the sizes of a single-celled bacterium and of a virus respectively. Chemical differentiation between the daughters is possible.

The 10th anniversary lecture reflected on approaches and attitudes towards clinical quality improvement through the lifetime of the National Health Service. The early emphasis on structural aspects of quality — staff, facilities, equipment — supported an ethos in which quality goals and measures were not made explicit within the working of the service. The growth of professional expertise in improving processes of care through mechanisms such as clinical audit, practice guidelines and evidence-based medicine set the conditions in the late 1990s for a systematic, integrated and organisationally based approach to quality assurance and improvement. Through clinical governance every NHS organisation now carries a statutory duty of quality. These changes are positive and empowering for physicians, other health professionals, and patients. They bring with them new forms of accountability for the individual practitioner and the health organisation as a corporate entity. The leading edge of quality improvement continues to be provided through medical discovery, but the ability of hospitals and primary care services to become learning organisations is one of the biggest challenges for the NHS as it begins a new century.

Courtship and spawning behavior is described for the grouper Cephalopholis spiloparaea from Rota, Mariana Islands. Daily courtship behavior began late in the afternoon and proceeded until after sunset. Males repeatedly visited females in single-male, multiple-female mating groups during each period and engaged in courtship bouts. Mating was observed only twice, was paired and pelagic. Two congeners, C. argus and C. urodeta, with overlapping geographical distributions, were also examined. Cephalopholis urodeta appeared to have a mating group organization similar to that of C. spiloparaea, with some similarity in courtship behavior. Cephalopholis argus also had a similar mating group organization but differed in courtship behavior. This species' behavior more closely resembled that of similarity-sized Epinephelus spp.

Behavior of male and female groupers, Cephalopholis spiloparaea, observed, between 1990 and 1991 in Sasanhaya Bay, Rota, Northern Mariana Islands, was compared to detect differences in proportional use between sexes, and between daylight and pre-courtship time periods. This species has male-dominated haremic groups. Time partitioning could not be measured exactly. Instead, the numbers of intra-and interspecific interactions, foraging, resting, swimming, and maintenance behaviors of each sex were measured during the observation periods. The proportion of acts in each category out of the total number of acts, termed effort, was used in comparisons. Males were predicted to devote more effort toward intra-and interspecific interactions compared to females and to maximize reproductive success. Females were predicted to devote more effort towards foraging, compared to males. This behavior maximizes reproductive effort. Both were predicted to engage in greater intra-and interspecific interactions during the pre-courtship period, corresponding both to the approaching time of courtship and to increases in the numbers of potential spatial and trophic competitors. Intra-and interspecific interactions of both males and females were greater during the pre-courtship period. Differences in all classes of behavior between sexes were only weakly significant for two, however. Males had greater effort in intra-and interspecific interactions. Females had greater effort only in maintenance behavior. Both differences were evident only during the pre-courtship period. Foraging behavior by both sexes was virtually absent during daylight and pre-courtship periods. Fish sought shelter and were not incidentally observed foraging after dusk, suggesting that this species actively forages later at night or during early morning hours, just prior to and during sunrise.

We examined the gonads of eight species in five genera of hawkfishes. Histological preparations of ovaries and testes produced evidence for protogynous hermaphroditism inNeocirrhites armatus and suggested that hermaphroditism may also be expressed inCirrhitichthys oxycephalus, C. aprinus andC. falco, and possibly also by other species. Sexual patterns in hawkfishes are discussed in relation to environmental and ecological factors which influence mobility and length of spawning season.

Habitat association and depth distribution of two sympatric coral reef groupers of the genus Cephalopholis were examined at Rota, Mariana Islands. The two species are similar in body size, morphology, and social organization. In this study, they differed in their association with habitat and microhabitat and in depth distribution. Cephalopholis spiloparaea occurred on the reef slope between the reef terrace and deep sand flats at depths between 15 and 26 m. This species was associated mainly with Porites rus corals. Cephalopholis urodeta occurred largely on the upper reef terrace at 1–12 m. This species was associated mainly with coral pavement. The observed pattern of segregation might be the result of competitive or noncompetitive interactions or of phylogenetic constraints, but the exact mechanism or combination thereof remains unknown.

To optimise the conditions for recording stable membrane potentials, epithelial cells of short-circuited toad bladders were impaled via either their apical or basolateral membranes. Microelectrode impalements via the apical membrane were affected by impalement damage and were typically biphasic, consisting of an initial sharp increase in apical membrane potential (Vsc of around -26 mV), followed by a rapid depolarization of Vsc towards 0 mV in the next 10-20 s. To facilitate basolateral impalement two different methods for mounting bladders were tested. Both mounting methods yielded similar values for Vsc and Ra/Rb (the ratio of apical to basolateral membrane resistance) of around -57 mV and 5, respectively, which were larger than those recorded via the apical membrane and consistent with potential measurements from other tight epithelial tissues. Of the two basolateral mounting methods tested, the agar method gave the most stable impalements, making it possible to use amiloride and Ba2+ to assess for impalement damage. In conclusion, basolateral impalements of agar-mounted toad bladders makes this traditionally difficult tissue amenable to microelectrode studies.

The major intrinsic protein (MIP26) of bovine lens membranes, purified by HPLC, was incorporated into liposomes and planar bilayers. Permeability of MIP26 channels was studied in liposomes by a spectrophotometric osmotic-swelling assay, and channel electrical properties were monitored in planar bilayers following liposome fusion. Particle formation in liposomes was determined by freeze fracture. MIP26 channels were permeable to KCl and sucrose. In planar bilayers, channel-conductance transitions were observed only after addition of liposomes to both chambers and with voltages greater than +/- 20 mV. Channel open probability decreased progressively as voltage increased, and an open probability of 50% was at 60-80 mV, indicating that the channels are voltage dependent. Histograms of single-channel current amplitudes at 80 mV showed a Gaussian distribution that peaked at 10 pA (approximately 120 pS), after subtraction of 1 pA baseline current. Frequency distributions of open and closed times at 80 mV were single exponential functions with time constants of 0.13 and 1.9 sec, respectively. Open time constants ranged from 0.1 to 0.3 sec, and closed time constants ranged from 1 to 7 sec. Cs+ did not decrease conductance, but reduced mean open time from 0.2 to 0.038 sec and mean closed time from 1.5 to 0.38 sec. The increase in channel flickering with Cs+ occurred in bursts. TEA affected neither conductance nor kinetics. Channel events were also observed in Na+ solutions (zero K+). These data indicate that MIP26 channels are not K(+)-selective channels. Channel characteristics such as: permeability to molecules larger than small ions, conductance greater than 100 pS, long open and closed time constants, etc., are similar to those of gap junction channels.

Ten species of Pacific hawkfishes occur in small social groups consisting of a single male and one or more females. Facultative monogamy occurred regularly in two obligate coral dwelling species while the remaining species were largely haremic. Males had larger body sizes than females within groups but not necessarily between groups. Males defended territories in which females had home areas. Females defended courtship sites within a male’s territory against neighboring females of the same social group. Courtship was paired and sequential within groups, commencing just prior to or after sunset and concluding at dusk. Spawning, when observed, was pelagic.

Rapid regression of disc neovascularization in a patient with proliferative diabetic retinopathy following adjunctive intravitreal bevacizumab

Common names: Maori, Napoleon or humphead wrasse (English), so-mei (Hong Kong, southern China and Taiwan) and numerous other names throughout the Indo-West Pacific region. Conservation status: Listed as ‘vulnerable’ in the IUCN 1996 Red Data Book because of severe declines in sizes and numbers in SE Asia attributed to heavy exploitation for the live reef fish trade (LRFT). Identification: A distinctive species and among the largest of all reef fishes. Adults are blue/green with large scales and a yellow posterior margin to the caudal fin; small individuals are pale with black markings. Can attain a TL of 250 cm and Wt of 191 kg; D IX, 10; A III, 8; P 12; ll 14–16 + 7–8; GR 6–7 + 13–14 = 19–21; depth 2.2–2.7, increasing with age. Large adults develop a prominent bulbous hump on the forehead and thick, fleshy lips (Myers 1999). Drawing from FAO Species Identification Sheets used by permission. Distribution: Tropical and sub-tropical Indo-West Pacific (Myers 1999). Abundance: Observed frequently as solitary individuals, in male–female pairs (i.e. Myers 1999) or in social groups consisting of a single male, 2–7 smaller adults, and several juveniles. This species is uncommon wherever it occurs (Y. Sadovy, M. Kulbicki, P. Labrosse, Y. Letourneur, P. Lokani & T.J. Donaldson unpublished). Habitat and ecology: Occurs along steep outer reef slopes, channel slopes, and lagoon reef slopes at depths of 2–60 m. Adults observed hovering off coral reef slopes and walls, cliff walls, or in boulder-rich habitats, frequently seeking shelter in caves or crevices, especially at night, while juveniles have been observed in coral thickets within lagoons or on deeper reef flats (Myers 1999). This species feeds primarily upon molluscs, but its diet includes crustaceans, heavy-shelled gastropods, sea urchins, brittle stars, starfishes (including crown-of-thorns starfish, Acanthaster planci), and fishes. Because its diet includes fishes, it may be ciguatoxic in some areas (Randall et al. 1978, Myers 1999). Reproduction: Forms small mating groups or spawning aggregations (Donaldson 1995, Sadovy et al. unpublished). Spawning is paired with production of pelagic eggs. The smallest size at sexual maturation is between 40–60 cm TL and some males develop directly from juveniles; diandric protogyny, found in many other family members, has been confirmed for this species (Sadovy et al. unpublished). Threats: These include: (1) intense and species-specific (i.e. selective) fishing for the LRFT with juveniles the predominant size range marketed in Hong Kong (Lee & Sadovy 1998); (2) capture by destructive fishing, especially cyanide; (3) spearfishing at night with SCUBA or hookah gear; (4) illegal fishing; (5) poor or no management at most localities; (6) continued trade because its high value increases with rarity, thus encouraging continued fishing even at low population numbers. Conservation action: This species is, or has been, fully or partly (i.e. for certain size classes) regulated, protected or banned from export in Australia, Indonesia, Maldives, Philippines (Palawan), Palau, and the Solomon Islands. Conservation recommendations: (1) Implement a moratorium on fishing for export. (2) Fund research on Cheilinus undulatus ecology and behavior, and especially population structure. (3) Create marine reserves that incorporate key habitat, such as spawning areas. (4) Educate resource managers, consumers and the general public on the importance of conserving this species. Remarks: The large size attained by this species suggests that it may be long-lived, and if typical of reef fishes of similar size and biology, it is expected to have low replacement rates and to be particularly vulnerable to fishing pressure. There is little chance that culturing will remove pressure on wild-caught individuals in the near future because it is difficult to culture. This species’ importance to divers means that the humphead wrasse does much to promote conservation interest in reef areas and is of high tourism value. This is Contribution No. 447 of the University of Guam Marine Laboratory.

Although MP20 is the second most highly expressed membrane protein in the lens its function remains an enigma. Putative functions for MP20 have recently been inferred from its assignment to the tetraspanin superfamily of integral membrane proteins. Members of this family have been shown to be involved in cellular proliferation, differentiation, migration, and adhesion. In this study, we show that MP20 associates with galectin-3, a known adhesion modulator. MP20 and galectin-3 co-localized in selected areas of the lens fiber cell plasma membrane. Individually, these proteins purified with apparent molecular masses of 60 kDa and 22 kDa, respectively. A 104 kDa complex was formed in vitro upon mixing the purified proteins. A 102 kDa complex of MP20 and galectin-3 could also be isolated from detergent-solubilized native fiber cell membranes. Binding between MP20 and galectin-3 was disrupted by lactose suggesting the lectin site was involved in the interaction. MP20 adds to a growing list of ligands of galectin-3 and appears to be the first representative of the tetraspanin superfamily identified to possess this specificity.

Obligate coral-dwelling hawkfishes have been hypothesized to be monogamous. This hypothesized mating system is at odds with what is known of those of other cirrhitids. Neocirrhites armatus, which inhabits Pocillopora spp. corals, and Oxycirrhites typus, which inhabits gorgonians and antipatharian corals, were examined for evidence of a monogamous mating system. Life history criteria that favor monogamy in reef fishes (Barlow 1986) were examined for these two species. Facultative monogamy was found in both. In this mating system, males are limited in their ability to acquire and maintain females, and thus have only a single mate, but may acquire additional females if conditions for doing so are favorable.

The intracellular ionic concentrations of sodium, potassium and chloride in the mouse EDL muscle were measured by chemical analysis using inulin as the extracellular marker. Cellular concentrations of 157 +/- 8, 38 +/- 3, 44 +/- 5 mmol kg-1 intracellular water were estimated for potassium, sodium and chloride respectively. The resting membrane potential was measured by a conventional microelectrode filled with 3 mol KCl and found to be -76 +/- 0.5 mV. Ion-selective microelectrodes were used to measure the intracellular ionic activities of potassium, sodium and chloride. The activities measured were 117 +/- 5, 16 +/- 2, 5 +/- 0.1 mmol l-1 for potassium, sodium and chloride respectively. Apparent activity coefficients for the intracellular ions were calculated. The observed discrepancies between the extracellular activity coefficient and the calculated apparent intracellular activity coefficients for sodium and chloride might be explained in terms of the binding to cellular macromolecules and/or the compartmentalisation of these ions. Potassium appears uniformly distributed throughout the cellular water. Intracellular chloride activity was similar to that predicted by the Donnan distribution and it is concluded, therefore, that chloride is distributed at electrochemical equilibrium.

The author summarizes the revolution in reproductive behavior that is occurring across much of the developing world. Reasons for the decline in fertility in the modern world are first described. He concludes that "the women of the developing world have transformed their childbearing in response to changing social and economic conditions and the availability of contraceptive services. Organized family planning programs made fertility regulation easier cheaper and more convenient. American foreign aid helped to improve family planning programs and to increase their impact." (EXCERPT)

Pelagic spawning of the deep slope coral-dwelling cirrhitid Oxycirrhites typus was observed for two social groups at Papua New Guinea. This species was previously reported to be a demersal spawner in an aquarium. Courtship in social groups consisting of a single male and one or two females commenced just prior to or after sunset among the branches of gorgonian or antipatharian corals. Males and females occupied separate corals; males either visited females at their corals or met them at an adjacent coral just prior to courtship. Courtship was sequential and consisted of two or more bouts with each female that culminated in a rapid ascent into the water column and the release of floating eggs. Fertilized eggs, taken from a third social group, were spherical and averaged 0.69 mm in diameter. Spawning pairs sought refuge in their resident corals or in the coral where courtship occurred immediately after spawning was completed.

To study the interaction of migrating newt epidermal cells with purified extracellular matrix (ECM) molecules we have developed an in vitro migration assay using pieces of newt skin explanted onto culture dishes coated with various ECM molecules and cultured for 18 h in defined serum-free medium. Newt epidermal cells migrate out from explants placed on dishes coated with either collagen, vitronectin, fibronectin, or fibrinogen but not on albumin-coated or uncoated dishes. Explant outgrowth on collagen was best in CEM 2000 medium diluted to 60% of mammalian osmolarity. Other media such as RPMI 1640 or Ex-Cell 300, diluted similarly, may also be used although in our hands CEM 2000 always allowed more migration. We found no migration on collagen when skin explants were incubated in Holtfreter's solution (an amphibian saline solution that we have previously shown allows reepithelialization on amputated newt limbs). Supplementation of Holtfreter's solution with glucose did not improve its ability to support migration. By testing various supplement combinations in conjunction with CEM 2000 and RPMI 1640 we found that neither serum, insulin, selenium, transferrin, nor L-glutamine is required for explant outgrowth. Of the additives tested, outgrowth was stimulated only by insulin. Epidermal cell outgrowth on collagen was inhibited by both puromycin and cycloheximide, indicating the necessity for protein synthesis in this system. Whether the effects of these protein synthesis inhibitors are specifically on migration-related events or on general metabolic requirements is not clear. Inasmuch as there was no correlation (r = -0.227) between DNA synthesis (measured by incorporation of tritiated thymidine) and the amount of outgrowth, we believe that our assay is a measure of cell migration alone rather than a combination of mitosis and migration. This explant outgrowth system represents a new and relatively simple assay that can be used in the study of cell-substrate interactions during newt epidermal cell migration over extracellular matrix molecules in a defined serum-free environment.

Rift Valley fever (RVF) is a major cause of human morbidity and mortality in endemic areas of sub-Saharan Africa and has the potential to cause epidemic disease in receptive areas world-wide. In this study, a RVF viral isolate from the 1977 Egyptian epidemic (ZH-501) inoculated intravenously into rhesus macaques caused a benign viremic infection in most, but resulted in the hemorrhagic fever syndrome in 20 per cent (3 of 15). Serious disease of this type has not previously been observed in nonhuman primates inoculated with RVF virus and may be a consequence of the viral strain used or the route of inoculation. Severe disease was accompanied by extensive liver necrosis, disseminated intravascular coagulation, and microangiopathic hemolytic anemia. We also attempted to prevent RVF by passive transfer of serum from vaccinated rhesus monkeys (plaque-reduction neutralization test titer 1:2,560). As little as 0.025 ml/kg prevented the development of viremia in naive rhesus monkeys after subcutaneous inoculation of virus. The monkey model should be helpful in understanding the pathogenesis and prevention of human RVF.

During a multipurpose survey we examined electrophoretic mobilities of major (A, i.e., α2β2) and minor (A2, i.e., α2δ2) adult hemoglobins from populations of nine primate genera representing a total of 440 New World monkeys and apes. Sequences of hemoglobin chains were inferred from differences in amino acid composition between homologous tryptic peptides supplemented by detailed placement of more than 270 residues. Beta sequences were thus analyzed in five genera (Aotus, Ateles, Hylobates, Saimiri, and Saguinus) and δ sequences in seven (foregoing plus Gorilla and Pan). In most genera, sequences from several individuals, often from several species, were delineated. Fifteen kinds of intraspecies mutants were detected; 10 of these were precisely characterized. Five of the 15 mutants form electrophoretically detected genetic polymorphisms of δ; none such occur in β. Six electrophoretically detected mutants, four in α and two in δ, are uncommon. One of these represents the complete absence of minor component. Three kinds of variants, two in δ and one in β, are electrophoretically neutral and chance findings during sequence analysis of the equivalent of 38 allele products. Two of the neutral variants are not especially common; one may have polymorphic frequency. Several general conclusions stem from these and supplementary findings. First, comparisons of sequences suggest that δ and β genes in all primates either arose from a single event in a common ancestor or from two approximately coincident events. Either assumption allows reconstruction of a reasonably accurate archetype sequence that is effectively common to all descendants. Second, there is a pancellular quantitative disproportion between major and minor hemoglobins ranging from 16:1 to 220:1 in species studied. Delta is consequently presumed to be functionally and adaptively less vital than β. When these premises are adopted, δ is expected to be relatively invisible to natural selection, and, where darwinism is the principal arbiter of evolution and polymorphism, δ is expected to show fewer fixed changes and fewer genetic polymorphisms than β. The opposite is observed. Delta exhibits as many or more changes from archetype than β. This finding and the comparative abundance of δ polymorphism are attributed to nonadaptive factors which are thus considered the source of much evolutionary change. Third, particular sequence positions in various species are the site of recurrent mutations in both β and δ. One such area is occupied by the majority of genetic polymorphisms found in man and other primates. The overall distribution of mutations arising in evolution is remarkably nonrandom in β, δ, and a pool of both. These results are quite unlike most other observations in higher organisms. The sources of such nonrandomness are either selection and/or differential mutability. We rely on our prior assumption of relative selective invisibility for δ and, in part, ascribe the nonrandom distribution of changes to microzones of enhanced mutability. Fourth, the six uncommon electrophoretically detected mutants provide an estimate of heterozygosity (1/73) at hemoglobin loci that is tenfold greater than observed in man. Fifth, the unprecedented chance detection of three kinds of electrophoretically neutral intraspecies mutants among the equivalent of 38 characterized allele products suggests that neutral changes are as common as electrostatically active ones and at least tenfold more common than expected in extrapolation from human variant surveys. Sixth, β analyses from three kinds of gibbon (Hylobates) hemoglobin suggest that one of these is a potentially unchanged relict of the ancient archetype and, further, indicate a degree of homozygous diversity within a species that nearly equals the difference between gibbon and man.

Une diete deficiente en magnesium administree a de jeunes chiennes pendant 35 jours est suffisante pour produire une diminution significative de la concentration en dopamine du noyau caude, mais non des autres amines mesurees. Cliniquement les animaux etaient hypokinetiques, mais ne tremblaient pas. Cette approche experimentale pourrait s'averer utile dans l'etude de la pathophysiologie de l'hypokinesie.

The two important classes of Archean Fe-Ni-Cu sulphide deposits in Western Australia are those hosted by (1) coarse-grained adcumulate dunites (e.g. Agnew, Mount Keith) and (2) komatiitic lavas (e.g. Kambalda). Close similarities in compositions of relict olivine, pyroxene, and chromite from dunitic and komatiitic host rocks and compositional and textural similarities between chilled margins of some dunites and some komatiites indicate origins from similar komatiitic liquids which contained 20%–32% MgO. As field relations suggest that the dunites are probably lateral stratigraphic equivalents of spinifextextured komatiites, they are interpreted as the slowcooled end member of a continuum from spinifex-textured komatiites (former liquids) through cumulate komatiites (40%–90% olivine) to adcumulate komatiitic dunite (>90% olivine). Previous classification of these Ni deposits as “intrusive”- and “volcanic”-related deposits now appears unwarranted, and the terms komatiitic dunite-hosted and komatiite-hosted deposits are preferred.