A Multi-Proxy Reduced Dimension Reconstruction of LGM Equatorial Pacific Sea Surface Temperatures

There is still a longstanding debate as to how the El Ni&ntilde;o-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) will change as a result of global warming. Studying the tropical climate during past periods with different climatic boundary conditions can be beneficial in understanding how our climate will respond to anthropogenic forcings and may help us better understand future ENSO conditions. The Last Glacial Maximum (LGM, 19-23 ka) has been widely studied and many of its boundary conditions (e.g., atmospheric CO2, global ice volume) have been well constrained. Yet there is no consensus on the mean state of LGM tropical Pacific sea surface temperatures (SSTs), despite its importance for the ENSO phenomenon. Utilizing a reduced-dimension methodology approach based on the work of Mann et al. (1998) and adapted in Gill et al. (2016) and Wycech et al. (2020), we reconstruct spatial and temporal snapshots of equatorial Pacific LGM SST anomalies using a compilation of previously published Mg/Ca and Uk&prime;37 data from the LGM and Late Holocene. We find a full field mean cooling of 2.26&deg;C &plusmn; 0.39&deg;C, with the least amount of cooling in the central Equatorial Pacific. Our results suggest that there may have been a central Pacific El Ni&ntilde;o-like mean state during the LGM.</p

Candidate gene analysis of femoral neck trabecular and cortical volumetric bone mineral density in older men.

In contrast to conventional dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, quantitative computed tomography separately measures trabecular and cortical volumetric bone mineral density (vBMD). Little is known about the genetic variants associated with trabecular and cortical vBMD in humans, although both may be important for determining bone strength and osteoporotic risk. In the current analysis, we tested the hypothesis that there are genetic variants associated with trabecular and cortical vBMD at the femoral neck by genotyping 4608 tagging and potentially functional single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in 383 bone metabolism candidate genes in 822 Caucasian men aged 65 years or older from the Osteoporotic Fractures in Men Study (MrOS). Promising SNP associations then were tested for replication in an additional 1155 men from the same study. We identified SNPs in five genes (IFNAR2, NFATC1, SMAD1, HOXA, and KLF10) that were robustly associated with cortical vBMD and SNPs in nine genes (APC, ATF2, BMP3, BMP7, FGF18, FLT1, TGFB3, THRB, and RUNX1) that were robustly associated with trabecular vBMD. There was no overlap between genes associated with cortical vBMD and trabecular vBMD. These findings identify novel genetic variants for cortical and trabecular vBMD and raise the possibility that some genetic loci may be unique for each bone compartment

The Lantern Vol. 42, No. 2, Spring 1976

• Cape Cod • Thoughts • Circle of Stone • Ursinus: A Collegiate Game for All Ages • Spring • And The Clown Sings • Tainted Dreams • The Funeral • With Apologies to Ken Nordeen • Curiosity • Crystaline Magical Hue • Time • The Stalemate • Back Porch Genocide • T-18 • Photo Album • Eunuchhttps://digitalcommons.ursinus.edu/lantern/1108/thumbnail.jp

Candidate Gene Analysis of Femoral Neck Trabecular and Cortical Volumetric Bone Mineral Density in Older Men

In contrast to conventional dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, quantitative computed tomography separately measures trabecular and cortical volumetric bone mineral density (vBMD). Little is known about the genetic variants associated with trabecular and cortical vBMD in humans, although both may be important for determining bone strength and osteoporotic risk. In the current analysis, we tested the hypothesis that there are genetic variants associated with trabecular and cortical vBMD at the femoral neck by genotyping 4608 tagging and potentially functional single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in 383 bone metabolism candidate genes in 822 Caucasian men aged 65 years or older from the Osteoporotic Fractures in Men Study (MrOS). Promising SNP associations then were tested for replication in an additional 1155 men from the same study. We identified SNPs in five genes (IFNAR2, NFATC1, SMAD1, HOXA, and KLF10) that were robustly associated with cortical vBMD and SNPs in nine genes (APC, ATF2, BMP3, BMP7, FGF18, FLT1, TGFB3, THRB, and RUNX1) that were robustly associated with trabecular vBMD. There was no overlap between genes associated with cortical vBMD and trabecular vBMD. These findings identify novel genetic variants for cortical and trabecular vBMD and raise the possibility that some genetic loci may be unique for each bone compartment. © 2010 American Society for Bone and Mineral Researc

Perfil hematológico e bioquímico de tamanduás-mirins (Tamandua tetradactyla) criados ex situ no Estado de Santa Catarina Brasil: Hematological and biochemical profiles of lesser anteaters (Tamandua tetradactyla) raised ex-situ in Santa Catarina State Brazil

O objetivo deste relato foi descrever os resultados do perfil hematológico e bioquímico de tamanduás-mirins (Tamandua tetradactyla) criados ex-situ. Foram relatados os resultados de exames de hemograma total e bioquímico sérico de nove tamanduás-mirins considerados sadios, segundo exame clínico, mantidos ex-situ em um zoológico na cidade de Penha-SC. Uma vez induzidos, com cloridrato de cetamina 10% (5mg/kg) e xilazina 10% (1mg/kg) os animais foram mantidos sob anestesia inalatória com isofluorano para realização da avaliação clínica, exames e coleta de sangue. Os animais variavam de jovens a adultos, sendo sete fêmeas e dois machos. Dentre os parâmetros avaliados do hemograma, foram considerados a contagem total de eritrócitos e leucócitos, o hematócrito, a concentração de hemoglobina, o volume corpuscular médio, a hemoglobina corpuscular média, a concentração de hemoglobina corpuscular média e a proteína plasmática total. A presença de hemoparasitos não foi relatada em nenhum dos indivíduos amostrados. Nos exames bioquímicos, foram analisados os parâmetros de enzimas hepáticas e renais. Os resultados obtidos, de hemograma total, leucograma total, função hepática e função renal pouco diferiram daqueles disponíveis na escassa literatura existente. Os intervalos nos parâmetros bioquímicos e hematológicos aqui apresentados não podem ser considerados como padrão para a espécie, a qual tem uma distribuição geográfica muito ampla. No entanto, podem servir como referência para tamanduá-mirim mantidos nas mesmas condições, ou seja, ex-situ e sob cuidados humanos

Individual common variants exert weak effects on the risk for autism spectrum disorders.

While it is apparent that rare variation can play an important role in the genetic architecture of autism spectrum disorders (ASDs), the contribution of common variation to the risk of developing ASD is less clear. To produce a more comprehensive picture, we report Stage 2 of the Autism Genome Project genome-wide association study, adding 1301 ASD families and bringing the total to 2705 families analysed (Stages 1 and 2). In addition to evaluating the association of individual single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), we also sought evidence that common variants, en masse, might affect the risk. Despite genotyping over a million SNPs covering the genome, no single SNP shows significant association with ASD or selected phenotypes at a genome-wide level. The SNP that achieves the smallest P-value from secondary analyses is rs1718101. It falls in CNTNAP2, a gene previously implicated in susceptibility for ASD. This SNP also shows modest association with age of word/phrase acquisition in ASD subjects, of interest because features of language development are also associated with other variation in CNTNAP2. In contrast, allele scores derived from the transmission of common alleles to Stage 1 cases significantly predict case status in the independent Stage 2 sample. Despite being significant, the variance explained by these allele scores was small (Vm&lt; 1%). Based on results from individual SNPs and their en masse effect on risk, as inferred from the allele score results, it is reasonable to conclude that common variants affect the risk for ASD but their individual effects are modest

Inducing behavioural change in society through communication and education in sustainable manufacturing

The United Nations considers the mobilization of the broad public to be the essential requirement for achieving a shift towards a more sustainable development. Science can play a vital role in Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) by contributing to ESD-related research and development on the one hand, and by becoming active awareness raisers themselves in education and multiplier networks. Specifically, the use of special Learnstruments, and investment inOpen Educationformats among other educational tools, may pave the way for accelerated apprehension and appreciation of sustainable manufacturing topics among the greater populace

Pathogenic MAST3 Variants in the STK Domain Are Associated with Epilepsy

Objective: The MAST family of microtubule-associated serine–threonine kinases (STKs) have distinct expression patterns in the developing and mature human and mouse brain. To date, only MAST1 has been conclusively associated with neurological disease, with de novo variants in individuals with a neurodevelopmental disorder, including a mega corpus callosum. Methods: Using exome sequencing, we identify MAST3 missense variants in individuals with epilepsy. We also assess the effect of these variants on the ability of MAST3 to phosphorylate the target gene product ARPP-16 in HEK293T cells. Results: We identify de novo missense variants in the STK domain in 11 individuals, including 2 recurrent variants p.G510S (n = 5) and p.G515S (n = 3). All 11 individuals had developmental and epileptic encephalopathy, with 8 having normal development prior to seizure onset at \u3c2 years of age. All patients developed multiple seizure types, 9 of 11 patients had seizures triggered by fever and 9 of 11 patients had drug-resistant seizures. In vitro analysis of HEK293T cells transfected with MAST3 cDNA carrying a subset of these patient-specific missense variants demonstrated variable but generally lower expression, with concomitant increased phosphorylation of the MAST3 target, ARPP-16, compared to wild-type. These findings suggest the patient-specific variants may confer MAST3 gain-of-function. Moreover, single-nuclei RNA sequencing and immunohistochemistry shows that MAST3 expression is restricted to excitatory neurons in the cortex late in prenatal development and postnatally. Interpretation: In summary, we describe MAST3 as a novel epilepsy-associated gene with a potential gain-of-function pathogenic mechanism that may be primarily restricted to excitatory neurons in the cortex. ANN NEUROL 2021;90:274–284

Old English macian, Its Origin and Dissemination

Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/66612/2/10.1177_007542428601900105.pd

Tracing the origins of rescued chimpanzees reveals widespread chimpanzee hunting in Cameroon

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>While wild chimpanzees are experiencing drastic population declines, their numbers at African rescue and rehabilitation projects are growing rapidly. Chimpanzees follow complex routes to these refuges; and their geographic origins are often unclear. Identifying areas where hunting occurs can help law enforcement authorities focus scarce resources for wildlife protection planning. Efficiently focusing these resources is particularly important in Cameroon because this country is a key transportation waypoint for international wildlife crime syndicates. Furthermore, Cameroon is home to two chimpanzee subspecies, which makes ascertaining the origins of these chimpanzees important for reintroduction planning and for scientific investigations involving these chimpanzees.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>We estimated geographic origins of 46 chimpanzees from the Limbe Wildlife Centre (LWC) in Cameroon. Using Bayesian approximation methods, we determined their origins using mtDNA sequences and microsatellite (STRP) genotypes compared to a spatial map of georeferenced chimpanzee samples from 10 locations spanning Cameroon and Nigeria. The LWC chimpanzees come from multiple regions of Cameroon or forested areas straddling the Cameroon-Nigeria border. The LWC chimpanzees were partitioned further as originating from one of three biogeographically important zones occurring in Cameroon, but we were unable to refine these origin estimates to more specific areas within these three zones.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>Our findings suggest that chimpanzee hunting is widespread across Cameroon. Live animal smuggling appears to occur locally within Cameroon, despite the existence of local wildlife cartels that operate internationally. This pattern varies from the illegal wildlife trade patterns observed in other commercially valuable species, such as elephants, where specific populations are targeted for exploitation. A broader sample of rescued chimpanzees compared against a more comprehensive grid of georeferenced samples may reveal 'hotspots' of chimpanzee hunting and live animal transport routes in Cameroon. These results illustrate also that clarifying the origins of refuge chimpanzees is an important tool for designing reintroduction programs. Finally, chimpanzees at refuges are frequently used in scientific investigations, such as studies investigating the history of zoonotic diseases. Our results provide important new information for interpreting these studies within a precise geographical framework.</p