Complete genome sequence of Torque teno indri virus 1, a novel anellovirus in blood from a free-living lemur

ABSTRACT We identified Torque teno indri virus 1 (TTIV1), the first anellovirus in a free-living lemur ( Indri indri ). The complete circular 2,572-nucleotide (nt) TTIV1 genome is distantly related to torque teno sus virus. Phylogenetic and sequence analyses support TTIV1 as a putative member of a new genus within the Anelloviridae family. </jats:p

Species-specific transmission of novel picornaviruses in lemurs

The roles of host genetics versus exposure and contact frequency in driving cross-species transmission remain the subject of debate. Here, we used a multitaxon lemur collection at the Saint Louis Zoo in the United States as a model to gain insight into viral transmission in a setting of high interspecies contact. Lemurs are a diverse and understudied group of primates that are highly endangered. The speciation of lemurs, which are endemic to the island of Madagascar, occurred in geographic isolation apart from that of continental African primates. Although evidence of endogenized viruses in lemur genomes exists, no exogenous viruses of lemurs have been described to date. Here we identified two novel picornaviruses in fecal specimens of ring-tailed lemurs (Lemur catta) and black-and-white ruffed lemurs (Varecia variegata). We found that the viruses were transmitted in a species-specific manner (lesavirus 1 was detected only in ring-tailed lemurs, while lesavirus 2 was detected only in black-and-white ruffed lemurs). Longitudinal sampling over a 1-year interval demonstrated ongoing infection in the collection. This was supported by evidence of viral clearance in some animals and new infections in previously uninfected animals, including a set of newly born triplets that acquired the infection. While the two virus strains were found to be cocirculating in a mixed-species exhibit of ring-tailed lemurs, black-and-white ruffed lemurs, and black lemurs, there was no evidence of cross-species transmission. This suggests that despite high-intensity contact, host species barriers can prevent cross-species transmissions of these viruses. IMPORTANCE Up to 75% of emerging infectious diseases in humans today are the result of zoonotic transmission. However, a challenge in understanding transmission dynamics has been the limited models of cross-species transmission. Zoos provide a unique opportunity to explore parameters defining viral transmission. We demonstrated that ongoing virus transmission in a mixed lemur species exhibit was species specific. This suggests that despite high contact intensity, host species barriers contribute to protection from cross-species transmission of these viruses. While the combinations of species might differ, most zoological parks worldwide commonly feature mixed-species exhibits. Collectively, this report demonstrates a widely applicable approach toward understanding infectious disease transmission

The Correlation between Rates of Cancer and Autism: An Exploratory Ecological Investigation

Autism is associated with high rates of genomic aberrations, including chromosomal rearrangements and de novo copy-number variations. These observations are reminiscent of cancer, a disease where genomic rearrangements also play a role. We undertook a correlative epidemiological study to explore the possibility that shared risk factors might exist for autism and specific types of cancer.To determine if significant correlations exist between the prevalence of autism and the incidence of cancer, we obtained and analyzed state-wide data reported by age and gender throughout the United States. Autism data were obtained from the U.S. Department of Education via the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) (2000-2007, reported annually by age group) and cancer incidence data were obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) (1999-2005). IDEA data were further subdivided depending on the method used to diagnose autism (DSM IV or the Code of Federal Regulations, using strict or expanded criteria). Spearman rank correlations were calculated for all possible pairwise combinations of annual autism rates and the incidence of specific cancers. Following this, Bonferroni's correction was applied to significance values. Two independent methods for determining an overall combined p-value based on dependent correlations were obtained for each set of calculations. High correlations were found between autism rates and the incidence of in situ breast cancer (p < or = 10(-10), modified inverse chi square, n = 16) using data from states that adhere strictly to the Code of Federal Regulations for diagnosing autism. By contrast, few significant correlations were observed between autism prevalence and the incidence of 23 other female and 22 male cancers.These findings suggest that there may be an association between autism and specific forms of cancer

Fracture strength testing at the micron-scale on an ultra-fine grained WCr10- Ti2 alloy

The fracture strength of a W-Cr10-Ti2 alloy, manufactured through mechanical alloying and subsequent hot isostatic pressing, has been measured through means of micro-cantilever testing at the Culham Materials Research Facility. The material is a product of ongoing work into self-passivating Tungsten alloys at CEIT, Spain [1] and was chosen for this work due to its fine micro-structure (average grain size Heavy ion implantations to a depth of 3.5µm and an average damage of 0.7 and 7dpa were conducted at RBI, Zagreb in order to assess the effects of nuclear fusion relevant irradiation damage on the fracture strength of the material. Nano-indentation with pile-up correction showed an increase in hardness of 10% and 15% respectively. Results from micro-cantilever testing showed an apparent increase in the elastic modulus with implantation. This is not yet fully understood but similar effects have been reported in work on pure Tungsten previously [2]. A decrease in fracture strength by 10% was observed after implantation to 0.7dpa. For the 7dpa implanted material a slight increase in fracture strength was measured. This however changes to a decrease of 15% when normalized to the nano-indentation measured elastic modulus. Explanations for both the increase in the elastic modulus as well as the proportional effect on fracture strength measurements will be discussed

Refractory metals as structural materials for fusion high heat flux components

Tungsten is the favoured armour material for plasma facing components for future fusion reactors, but studies examining the use of tungsten or other refractory metals in the underlying cooled structures have historically excluded them, leaving current concepts heavily dependent on copper alloys such as copper chrome zirconium. This paper first outlines the challenge of selecting an appropriate alternative material for this application, with reference to historical selection methodology and design solutions, and then re-examines the use of refractory metals in the light of current design priorities and manufacturing techniques. The rationale for considering refractory alloys as structural materials is discussed, showing how this is the result of relatively small changes to the logic previously applied, with a greater emphasis on high temperature operation, a re-evaluation of current costs, a relaxation of absolute activation limits, and the availability of advanced manufacturing techniques such as additive manufacturing. A set of qualitative and quantitative assessment criteria are proposed, drawing on the requirements detailed in the first section; including thermal and mechanical performance, radiation damage tolerance, manufacturability, and cost and availability. Considering these criteria in parallel rather than sequence gives a less binary approach to material selection and instead provides a strengths and weaknesses based summary from which more nuanced conclusions can be drawn. Data on relevant material properties for a range of candidate materials, including elemental refractory metals and a selection of related alloys are gathered from a range of sources and collated using a newly developed set of tools written in the python language. These tools are then used to apply the aforementioned assessment criteria and display the results. The lack of relevant data for a number of promising materials is highlighted, and although a conclusive best material cannot be identified, refractory alloys in general are proposed as worthy of further investigation

DNA methylation and mRNA expression of SYN III, a candidate gene for schizophrenia

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>The synapsin III (<it>SYN III</it>) gene on chromosome 22q is a candidate gene for schizophrenia susceptibility due to its chromosome location, neurological function, expression patterns and functional polymorphisms.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>This research has established the mRNA expression of <it>SYN III </it>in 22 adult human brain regions as well as the methylation specificity in the closest CpG island of this gene. The methylation specificity studied in 31 brain regions (from a single individual) was also assessed in 51 human blood samples (representing 20 people affected with schizophrenia and 31 normal controls) including a pair of monozygotic twin discordant for schizophrenia and 2 non-human primates.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>The results show that the cytosine methylation in this genomic region is 1) restricted to cytosines in CpG dinucleotides 2) similar in brain regions and blood and 3) appears conserved in primate evolution. Two cytosines (cytosine 8 and 20) localized as the CpG dinucleotide are partially methylated in all brain regions studied. The methylation of these sites in schizophrenia and control blood samples was variable. While cytosine 8 was partially methylated in all samples, the distribution of partial to complete methylation at the cytosine 20 was 22:9 in controls as compared to 18:2 in schizophrenia (p = 0.82). Also, there is no difference in methylation between the affected and unaffected member of a monozygotic twin pair.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>The variation in <it>SYN III </it>methylation studied is 1) not related to schizophrenia in the population sample or a monozygotic twin pair discordant for schizophrenia and 2) not related to the mRNA level of <it>SYN IIIa </it>in different human brain regions.</p