Synthetic and genomic regulatory elements reveal aspects of cis-regulatory grammar in mouse embryonic stem cells

In embryonic stem cells (ESCs), a core transcription factor (TF) network establishes the gene expression program necessary for pluripotency. To address how interactions between four key TFs contribute t

Pathogenic variants in CRX have distinct cis-regulatory effects on enhancers and silencers in photoreceptors

Dozens of variants in the gene for the homeodomain transcription factor (TF) cone-rod homeobox

Case study of a performance-active changing trans* male singing voice

A professional classical singer of more than 25 years (AZ) in his early 50s requested this voice researcher’s consultation and assistance in early 2014. He was about to start living full time as a trans* man. Despite his intention to be included in the low start/gradual increase testosterone option of the Trans* Male (previously, “FTM”) Singing Voice Program, the request contained a rather unconventional aspect: AZ would continue to sing while his voice was changing. The above request was integral with his singing history. After the introduction of safeguards and his informed consent, AZ was accepted onto the Program. Due to the highly individual circumstances, his participation was recorded as a case study. The study has aimed to replicate the particulars of the slow hormonal changes and continuing singing ability found in certain cisgender male adolescent voices. Despite dealing with an adult trans* male individual, the progress has been comparable. This has been achieved by carefully monitoring AZ’s low start/gradual increase testosterone administration in communication with the medical practitioner. The participant’s vocal health remained safeguarded and promoted by carefully individualized vocal tuition. This article will discuss the collective results of the case study, including the recordings and the data analysis

Organochlorine Contaminants in Blubber from Stranded Marine Mammals Collected from the Northern Oregon and Southern Washington Coasts; Implications for Re-introducing California Condors, Gymnogyps californianus, in Oregon

Re-introduction of California condors into Oregon is currently being considered, but there are concerns about the safety of potential food sources of this species. Condors are opportunistic feeders and a largely available food source for this species will be stranded marine mammal carcasses. We analyzed 37 blubber samples from 7 different marine mammal species collected from the Oregon and Southern Washington coasts for 18 OC pesticides and 16 PCBs. DDE was the most prevalent OC contaminant, making up more than 58% of the total OC concentration measured. There were no significant differences in OC content between species or sexes.Keywords: DDE, PCBs, Marine mammal

Microbial exposure during early human development primes fetal immune cells

Human fetal immune system begins to develop early during gestation, however factors responsible for fetal immune-priming remain elusive. We explored potential exposure to microbial agents in-utero and their contribution towards activation of memory T cells in fetal tissues. We profiled microbes across fetal organs using 16S-rRNA gene sequencing and detected low but consistent microbial signal in fetal gut, skin, placenta and lungs, in 2nd trimester of gestation. We identified several live bacterial strains including Staphylococcus and Lactobacillus in fetal tissues, which induced in vitro activation of memory T cells in fetal mesenteric lymph-node, supporting the role of microbial exposure in fetal immune-priming. Finally, using SEM and RNA-ISH, we visualised discrete localisation of bacteria-like structures and eubacterial-RNA within 14th week fetal gut lumen. These findings indicate selective presence of live-microbes in fetal organs during 2nd trimester of gestation and have broader implications towards establishment of immune competency and priming before birt

Attention and binding in visual working memory : two forms of attention and two kinds of buffer storage

We review our research on the episodic buffer in the multicomponent model of working memory (Baddeley, 2000), making explicit the influence of Anne Treisman’s work on the way our research has developed. The crucial linking theme concerns binding, whereby the individual features of an episode are combined as integrated representations. We summarize a series of experiments on visual working memory that investigated the retention of feature bindings and individual features. The effects of cognitive load, perceptual distraction, prioritization, serial position, and their interactions form a coherent pattern. We interpret our findings as demonstrating contrasting roles of externally driven and internally driven attentional processes, as well as a distinction between visual buffer storage and the focus of attention. Our account has strong links with Treisman’s concept of focused attention and aligns with a number of contemporary approaches to visual working memory

Room to Roam: Using GPS to Determine the Effect of Exhibit Size and Herd Size on Zoo Elephant Movement

Asian and African elephants (Elephas maximus and Loxodonta spp.) are particularly susceptible to welfare concerns in zoological institutions due to their high intelligence, complex social structures, and sheer size. Zoo elephants are also limited by the space available to them, and the resulting lack of exercise may contribute to a host of health issues, including obesity and foot disease. Zoos rely largely on changes to the exhibit size and herd size to promote elephant movement, yet the effect of these factors on movement is unknown. Our study used GPS-equipped anklets to track the movement of 80 elephants at 43 zoos in the U.S. and Canada. For each elephant, GPS coordinates were recorded at 5-second intervals for 5 days, during which time the elephant’s effective exhibit size and herd size were monitored. Data analysis is currently underway, but we will discuss our prediction that exhibit size and herd size will be positively correlated with elephant movement, while eventually showing diminishing returns. We will also consider the perils and potential of using GPS technology in wildlife research, including the challenges we faced working with elephants and in a zoo environment. The results of our study will allow oversight organizations to develop and implement more informed elephant welfare guidelines, and will have great practical value as zoos design larger elephant exhibits and expand their herds

Free Mate Choice Enhances Conservation Breeding in the Endangered Giant Panda

Conservation breeding programmes have become an increasingly important tool to save endangered species, yet despite the allocation of significant resources, efforts to create self-sustaining populations have met with limited success. The iconic giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) embodies the struggles associated with ex situ species conservation. Here we show that behavioural mate preferences in giant pandas predict reproductive outcomes. Giant pandas paired with preferred partners have significantly higher copulation and birth rates. Reproductive rates increase further when both partners show mutual preference for one another. If managers were to incorporate mate preferences more fully into breeding management, the production of giant panda offspring for China’s reintroduction programme might be greatly expedited. When extended to the increasing numbers of species dependent on ex situ conservation breeding to avoid extinction, our findings highlight that mate preference and other aspects of informed behavioural management could make the difference between success and failure of these programmes