bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The 24 Hours before Hospitalization: Factors Related to Suicide Attempting
Authors: Chiles John A. , Strosahl Kirk , Cowden Lisa , Graham Robert , Linehan Marsha
Published: December 2015

ABSTRACT: Fifty‐nine psychiatric inpatients were interviewed concerning the psychological and environmental events that occurred in the 24 hours prior to their hospitalization. Independent raters then performed a content evaluation of these accounts, allowing for comparisons among patients admitted for a suicide attempt, suicide ideation, or non‐suicide‐related complaints. Results showed that suicide attempters were more likely to have used alcohol or marijuana and less likely to have contacted a health care professional than suicide ideators, even when past history of suicide behavior was controlled for. Suicide ideators were more likely to have contacted a mental health professional. Implications for suicide risk assessment and intervention are discussed.
Cognitive Rigidity in Suicide Attempters
Authors: Perrah Maureen , Wichman Harvey
Published: December 2015

ABSTRACT: A number of investigators have reported evidence of cognitive rigidity in suicide attempters (e.g., Levenson & Neuringer, 1971; Neuringer, 1964; Patsiokas, Clum, & Luscomb, 1979). It is important to note, however, that in all of the studies that found suicide attempters to be rigid, the test batteries had been administered to persons during their period of hospitalization immediately following a suicide attempt—thus, presumably, while they were still in the crisis period. The present study was designed as a step toward determining whether cognitive rigidity is a personality trait of suicide attempters or simply a transient characteristic limited to the crisis period. We administered tests for rigidity to persons who had attempted suicide but were well past the crisis period. These persons were less rigid than attempters from previous studies on the Rokeach Map Test (p < .05) and the Alternate Uses Test (p < .001). The implication is that if indeed there is a suicidal personality, rigidity is not a defining trait.
Certification Change versus Actual Behavior Change in Teenage Suicide Rates, 1955–1979
Authors: Gist Richard , Welch Q. B.
Published: December 2015

ABSTRACT: National data on firearm suicides and accidental firearm deaths for persons aged 15–19 from 1955 to 1979 were examined to test hypotheses of increases in reported suicide rates as resulting from (1) improved accuracy in the determination and certification of suicide in equivocal firearm deaths; (2) actual increases in the rate of firearm suicides among teens; or (3) some combination of these factors. Data presented support the hypothesis of certification changes as the primary factor influencing suicide rates during the first 12‐year segment, but suggest a period of actual growth combined with continued certification change from 1967 to 1979.
Suicide Attempts in Runaway Youths
Authors: Stiffman Arlene Rubin
Published: December 2015

ABSTRACT: This study explored suicidal behavior in 291 adolescents who were using runaway shelters in St. Louis. Thirty percent of the runaways reported having attempted suicide in the past. The suicide attempters had significantly more behavioral and mental health problems, and reported having more family members and more friends with problems, than nonattempters. A logistic regression showed that youths' substance use, behavior problems, family instability, and sex all helped to explain their suicide attempts.

Most of the attempters made their first attempt by their midteens. One‐quarter made their latest attempt shortly before entering the shelter, and one‐fifth stated that they would still consider suicide. The great majority of attempts were not preplanned, but one‐third followed troubles or arguments at home and feelings of confusion and depression. Remarkably, half of the teenage suicide attempters never received any professional help following their attempt.
Development of the Grief Experience Questionnaire
Authors: Barrett Terence W. , Scott Thomas B.
Published: December 2015

ABSTRACT: The development of the Grief Experience Questionnaire (GEQ) is reported. This questionnaire is an instrument for measuring various components of grief, including somatic reactions, general grief reactions, search for explanation, loss of social support, stigmatization, guilt, responsibility, shame, rejection, self‐destructive behavior, and reactions to a unique form of death. Initial results with the GEQ suggest its potential to differentiate grief reactions experienced by suicide survivors from those experienced by survivors of accidental death, unexpected natural death, and expected natural death. Conclusions support its use in redressing common methodological criticisms of suicide survivor research. Six additional benefits derived from use of this instrument are discussed.
Growth traits of four maternal lines of rabbits founded on different criteria: comparisons at foundation and at last periods after selection
Authors: Mínguez C. , Sanchez J.P. , EL Nagar A.G. , Ragab M. , Baselga M.
Published: December 2015

The objective was to compare growth traits in four maternal lines of rabbits (A, V, H and LP), with the aim of understanding the consequence of the different foundation and selection processes on the growth performance of the lines. The lines are currently in the 43th, 38th, 22th and 8th generations, respectively. Two comparisons were performed. One compared the values of the lines at their foundation, using the complete data set, the full pedigree and a two‐trait analysis, including data on the selection criteria, litter size. The other comparisons were done during the last period when all the lines were housed together with the same feeding and management. The numbers of records were 323 208 for weaning weight, and 300 553 for slaughter weight and average daily Gain (from 46 708 l). The pedigree file included 346 638 animals. The second analysis used only the data corresponding to each period, and the analysis was conducted using a one‐trait model. The model was the same as that defined for the comparisons at the foundation, but the additive effects were excluded. The H and LP lines showed highest values for all the traits compared. In the last periods, a good agreement was observed between the estimated differences, computed with the complete model and data set, or computed with an incomplete model and only data from the comparison period. At last periods, the differences were smaller than at foundation. The importance of the correlated response in growth after selection for litter size at weaning or the importance of a non‐programmed intramating selection for the growth traits can explain the changes since foundation.
Behavioural linear standardized scoring system of the Lidia cattle breed by testing in herd: estimation of genetic parameters
Authors: Pelayo R. , Solé M. , Sánchez M.J. , Molina A. , Valera M.
Published: December 2015

Docility is very important for cattle production, and many behavioural tests to measure this trait have been developed. However, very few objective behavioural tests to measure the opposite approach‘aggressive behaviour’ have been described. Therefore, the aim of this work was to validate in the Lidia cattle breed a behavioural linear standardized scoring system that measure the aggressiveness and enable genetic analysis of behavioural traits expressing fearless and fighting ability. Reproducibility and repeatability measures were calculated for the 12 linear traits of this scoring system to assess its accuracy, and ranged from 85.3 and 94.2%, and from 66.7 to 97.9%, respectively. Genetic parameters were estimated using an animal model with a Bayesian approach. A total of 1202 behavioural records were used. The pedigree matrix contained 5001 individuals. Heritability values (with standard deviations) ranged between 0.13 (0.04) (Falls of the bull) and 0.41 (0.08) (Speed of approach to horse). Genetic correlations varied from 0.01 (0.07) to 0.90 (0.13). Finally, an exploratory factor analysis using the genetic correlation matrix was calculated. Three main factors were retained to describe the traditional genetic indexes aggressiveness, strength and mobility.
Language profiles and literacy outcomes of children with resolving, emerging, or persisting language impairments
Authors: Snowling Margaret J. , Duff Fiona J. , Nash Hannah M. , Hulme Charles
Published: December 2015

Background

Children with language impairment (LI) show heterogeneity in development. We tracked children from pre‐school to middle childhood to characterize three developmental trajectories: resolving, persisting and emerging LI.

Methods

We analyzed data from children identified as having preschool LI, or being at family risk of dyslexia, together with typically developing controls at three time points: t1 (age 3;09), t3 (5;08) and t5 (8;01). Language measures are reported at t1, t3 and t5, and literacy abilities at t3 and t5. A research diagnosis of LI (irrespective of recruitment group) was validated at t1 by a composite language score derived from measures of receptive and expressive grammar and vocabulary; a score falling 1SD below the mean of the typical language group on comparable measures at t3 and t5 was used to determine whether a child had LI at later time points and then to classify LIs as resolving, persisting or emerging.

Results

Persisting preschool LIs were more severe and pervasive than resolving LIs. Language and literacy outcomes were relatively poor for those with persisting LI, and relatively good for those with resolving LI. A significant proportion of children with average language abilities in preschool had LIs that emerged in middle childhood – a high proportion of these children were at family risk of dyslexia. There were more boys in the persisting and resolving LI groups. Children with early LIs which resolved by the start of formal literacy instruction tended to have good literacy outcomes; children with late‐emerging difficulties that persisted developed reading difficulties.

Conclusions

Children with late‐emerging LI are relatively common and are hard to detect in the preschool years. Our findings show that children whose LIs persist to the point of formal literacy instruction frequently experience reading difficulties.
Insulin degludec/insulin aspart in Japanese patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus: Distinct prandial and basal glucose‐lowering effects
Authors: Haahr Hanne , Sasaki Tomio , Bardtrum Lars , Ikushima Ippei
Published: December 2015

Aims/Introduction

Insulin degludec/insulin aspart (IDegAsp) is a soluble co‐formulation of long‐acting insulin degludec (IDeg) and rapid‐acting insulin aspart (IAsp). The present study investigated the pharmacodynamic properties of IDegAsp in Japanese patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus.

Materials and Methods

In this randomized, double‐blind, two‐period, cross‐over trial, 21 Japanese patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus received single doses of 0.5 U/kg IDegAsp and biphasic insulin aspart 30 in a randomized sequence (13–21 days washout between treatments). The pharmacodynamic response was evaluated in a 26‐h euglycemic glucose clamp (target 5.5 mmol/L). Single‐dose IDegAsp glucose infusion rate (GIR) profiles were extrapolated to steady state using modeling.

Results

The IDegAsp single‐dose GIR profile showed a clear distinction between the effects of the bolus (IAsp) and basal (IDeg) components in IDegAsp. When simulated to steady state, the GIR profile of IDegAsp was shifted upwards compared with the single‐dose profile, and showed a rapid onset of action and a distinct peak from the IAsp component followed by a separate and sustained basal action from the long‐acting IDeg component. For biphasic insulin aspart 30, the initial shape of the GIR profile was similar to IDegAsp, but GIR continuously decreased from maximum and reached zero 18–20 h post‐dosing. The characteristics of the GIR profile for IDegAsp were retained when simulated to steady state in a twice‐daily dosing regimen.

Discussion

In Japanese patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus, the pharmacodynamic profile of IDegAsp is characterized by distinct prandial and basal effects from the IAsp and IDeg components, consistent with what has been reported previously in Caucasian patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus.
Changes in the composition of ichthyoplankton assemblage and plastic debris in mangrove creeks relative to moon phases
Authors: Lima A. R. A. , Barletta M. , Costa M. F. , Ramos J. A. A. , Dantas D. V. , Melo P. A. M. C. , Justino A. K. S. , Ferreira G. V. B.
Published: December 2015

Lunar influence on the distribution of fish larvae, zooplankton and plastic debris in mangrove creeks of the Goiana Estuary, Brazil, was studied over a lunar cycle.Cetengraulis edentulus,Anchovia clupeoidesandRhinosardinia bahiensiswere the most abundant fish larvae (56·6%), independent of the moon phase. The full moon had a positive influence on the abundance ofGobionellus oceanicus,Cynoscion acoupaandAtherinella brasiliensis, and the new moon onUlaema lefroyi. The full and new moons also influenced the number of zoeae and megalopae ofUcides cordatus, protozoeae and larvae of caridean shrimps, and the number of hard and soft plastic debris, both <5 and >5 mm. Micro and macroplastics were present in samples from all 12 creeks studied, at densities similar to the third most abundant taxon,R. bahiensis.Cetengraulis edentulusandR. bahiensisshowed a strong positive correlation with the last quarter moon, when there was less zooplankton available in the creeks and higher abundance of microplastic threads.Anchovia clupeoides,Diapterus rhombeus,U. lefroyiand hard microplastics were positively associated with different moon phases, when calanoid copepods, Caridean larvae and zoeae ofU. cordatuswere highly available in the creeks.Cynoscion acoupa,G. oceanicusandA. brasiliensiswere strongly associated with the full moon, when protozoeae of caridean shrimps and megalopae ofU. cordatuswere also highly available, as were hard and soft macroplastics, paint chips (<5 mm) and soft microplastics. The results reinforce the role of mangrove creeks as nursery habitats. The moon phases influenced the distribution of fish larvae species, zooplankton and plastic debris by changing their compositions and abundances in the mangrove creeks of the Goiana Estuary when under the influence of different tidal current regimes.
Effects of oral cyclosporine on canine T‐cell expression of IL‐2 and IFN‐gamma across a 12‐h dosing interval
Authors: Fellman C. L. , Archer T. M. , Stokes J. V. , Wills R. W. , Lunsford K. V. , Mackin A. J.
Published: December 2015

The duration of immunosuppressive effects following oral cyclosporine in dogs is unknown. This study used flow cytometry and quantitative reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR) to evaluate the effects of high‐dose oral cyclosporine across a 12‐h dosing interval. Expression of interleukin‐2 (IL‐2) and interferon‐gamma (IFN‐γ) was compared before and after 8 days of cyclosporine at 10 mg/kg every 12 h in six healthy dogs. Samples were collected at 0, 2, 4, and 8 h postdosing for analysis of unactivated and activated T‐cell and whole blood cytokine expression using flow cytometry and qRT‐PCR, respectively, and at 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 h postdosing for measurement of cyclosporine concentrations. Flow cytometry and qRT‐PCR both demonstrated significant marked reductions in IL‐2 and IFN‐γ levels at 0, 2, 4, and 8 h after dosing compared to pretreatment levels (P < 0.05) for activated samples, with less consistent effects observed for unactivated samples. Both flow cytometry and qRT‐PCR are viable techniques for measuring cyclosporine pharmacodynamics in dogs, yielding comparable results with activated samples. Two hours postdrug administration is the preferred time for concurrent assessment of peak drug concentration and cytokine expression, and T‐cell activation is needed for optimal results.
Evidence from pyrosequencing indicates that natural variation in animal personality is associated with DRD4 DNA methylation
Authors: Verhulst Eveline C. , Mateman A. Christa , Zwier Mathijs V. , Caro Samuel P. , Verhoeven Koen J.F. , van Oers Kees
Published: December 2015

Personality traits are heritable and respond to natural selection, but are at the same time influenced by the ontogenetic environment. Epigenetic effects, such as DNA methylation, have been proposed as a key mechanism to control personality variation. However, to date little is known about the contribution of epigenetic effects to natural variation in behaviour. Here, we show that great tit (Parus major) lines artificially selected for divergent exploratory behaviour for four generations differ in their DNA methylation levels at the dopamine receptor D4 (DRD4) gene. This D4 receptor is statistically associated with personality traits in both humans and nonhuman animals, including the great tit. Previous work in this songbird failed to detect functional genetic polymorphisms within DRD4 that could account for the gene–trait association. However, our observation supports the idea that DRD4 is functionally involved in exploratory behaviour but that its effects are mediated by DNA methylation. While the exact mechanism underlying the transgenerational consistency of DRD4 methylation remains to be elucidated, this study shows that epigenetic mechanisms are involved in shaping natural variation in personality traits. We outline how this first finding provides a basis for investigating the epigenetic contribution to personality traits in natural systems and its subsequent role for understanding the ecology and evolution of behavioural consistency.
The role of anthropology in improving services for children and families: An introduction
Authors: VINDROLA‐PADROS CECILIA , PFISTER ANNE E. , JOHNSON GINGER A.
Published: December 2015

The fluid and changing nature of “family” the wide diversity of family arrangements, and families' movement across space (e.g., migration) and time (e.g., life‐course) demand constant reconfiguration of services. As the articles presented in this special issue demonstrate, the skills of anthropologists have resulted in reflection upon, and often restructuring of, family services. Anthropology is also involved in the design, implementation, and evaluation of programs within agencies tasked with providing these services. The authors featured in this special issue outline the contributions and limitations of anthropological practice, the ways in which anthropologists grapple with applied work, and future areas the discipline is well suited to address. The authors provide vivid examples of the application of anthropological perspectives and ethnographic methods for a wide range of purposes (from program design to evaluation), in a myriad of contexts (within health clinics, schools, public service agencies, community centers, homes, and nongovernmental organizations), and with a variety of outcomes (by informing policy, facilitating changes in practice, and improving the quality of life of participants). We hope this collection of articles inspires a critical examination of the concepts and discourses guiding the design of policies and the development of strategies for bringing together multiple stakeholders to make policies and services aimed at children and families multidimensional, inclusive, and evidence based.
Employing a multilevel approach to examine contraceptive service provision for youth in New York City
Authors: HELMY HANNAH L.
Published: December 2015

In the United States, concerns about adolescent pregnancy and its purported consequences—negative health effects for mother and child, the disintegration of the nuclear family, and overdependence on public resources—began to widely circulate in policy spheres and the news media in the 1970s, resulting in a proliferation of policies, programs, and services designed to address its prevention. Though national adolescent birth rates are currently at their lowest since reaching a peak in the early 1990s, this decline masks persistent and significant disparities between groups of young people by race, ethnicity, geography, and poverty level, reflecting a complex intersection of social and economic inequities and diverse sociocultural meanings attached to adolescent childbearing. Using ethnographic methods, the research described in this article examines the values and priorities undergirding the promotion of hormonal and long‐acting reversible contraception for sexually active youth in New York City, an urban center of vast extremes in health, wealth, and opportunity, but which boasts extensive reproductive health services for young people, including confidential care and availability of free or low‐cost contraception. It examines the interpretation of this strategy from the perspectives of reproductive health leaders and health care workers, highlighting the ways in which adolescence, sexual risk, and youth relationships are characterized. It also describes the needs and priorities identified by these participants with regard to contraceptive counseling and reproductive decision making, contextualized by the experiences of youth participants for whom this strategy is intended, elucidating the broader sociocultural contexts in which young women negotiate intimate relationships and contraceptive use. The utility of multilevel and holistic approaches to the study of reproductive health services for youth is discussed, along with implications for clinical practice and policy development.
Prevalence, clinical presentation, prognosis, and outcome of 17 dogs with spinal shock and acute thoracolumbar spinal cord disease
Authors: Full Amanda M. , Heller Heidi L. Barnes , Mercier Miyu
Published: December 2015

Objective

To describe the prevalence, signalment, clinical features, etiology, and outcome in dogs with acute thoracolumbar disease and suspected spinal shock.

Design

Retrospective clinical case study (2005–2010).

Setting

Private specialty practice.

Animals

Medical records of 263 dogs with thoracolumbar spinal magnetic resonance imaging were reviewed. If decreased or absent withdrawal reflexes were present in 1 or both pelvic limbs, in the absence of a spinal lesion in the lumbosacral intumescence, dogs were diagnosed with spinal shock. Dogs with suspected or confirmed spinal neoplasia, myelomalacia, or meningomyelitis were excluded. Seventeen of 263 dogs (6%) met inclusion criteria.

Interventions

None.

Measurements and Main Results

Thoracic lesions were significantly more likely to result in spinal shock when compared to lumbar lesions (P = 0.03). Fibrocartilaginous embolism was the most commonly diagnosed etiology (7 of 17 dogs), and was more common in the thoracic spine compared to in the lumbar spine (P = 0.10). Six of 17 dogs (35%) were diagnosed with intervertebral disk herniation; 4 of 17 dogs (24%) with suspected acute noncompressive nucleus pulposus extrusion. Two dogs were lost to follow‐up. Fourteen of 15 (93%) dogs had improved or normal reflexes by 60 days post injury.

Conclusions

Although the prevalence of spinal shock was low, it should be considered in any dog presenting with an acute history of thoracolumbar spinal injury with reduced or absent reflexes in the pelvic limbs. The presence of spinal shock should not dissuade a veterinarian from pursuing appropriate diagnostic testing and therapy for the underlying etiology.
An analysis of receptor potential and tension of isolated cat muscle spindles in response to sinusoidal stretch.
Authors: Hunt C C , Wilkinson R S
Published: December 2015

In isolated cat muscle spindles the receptor potential responses of primary and secondary endings as well as tension responses to sinusoidal length changes in the steady state have been analysed. 1. At a given stimulus frequency, receptor potential per unit length change (receptor potential gain) in both primary and secondary endings is constant when displacement is less than about 10 micrometer. With larger stretches, receptor potential gain decreases approximately as a power function of displacement, the gain of primary endings decreasing more rapidly with increasing displacement than that of secondary endings. Tension per unit length change (tension gain) shows a similar constant range above which it also decreases as a power function of displacement. 2. In spite of the large reduction in gain at high displacement amplitudes, response wave forms remained essentially sinusoidal. The gain reduction results principally from a displacement‐dependent non‐linearity which has a rapid onset and slow decay. 3. Receptor potential and tension responses to small amplitude sinusoidal stretch depend, in a parallel manner, on the initial length of the preparation. 4. Both receptor potential and tension responses are highly dependent on frequency of sinusoidal stretch. In primary endings receptor potential gain increased as a power function of frequency over the range 0 . 01 to about 40 Hz, above which frequency the gain decreased; phase advance remained relatively constant up to 10 Hz then decreased to become a phase lag at higher frequency. In secondary endings receptor potential gain remained fairly constant between 0 . 01 and 1 Hz then rose as a power function of frequency but less steeply than in primary endings. 3. The possible mechanisms underlying these findings are discussed.
Neonatal skin temperature distribution using infra‐red colour thermography.
Authors: Clark R P , Stothers J K
Published: December 2015

1. Infra‐red Colour Thermography was used to visualize skin temperatures over seven neonates nursed in a modified temperature controlled incubator. 2. Temperature distributions were recorded on cine film which was analysed to evaluate mean skin temperatures; these were subsequently compared with values obtained from multiple, weighted measurements from a thermocouple thermometer. In all cases, there was agreement to within +/‐ 0 . 6 degrees C. 3. Thermograms in thermo‐neutral conditions (approximately 32 degrees C) showed a temperature distribution with the warmest skin overlying the central hot ‘core’ and temperatures falling towards the extremities. Temperature patterns in a cooler environment (approximately 28 degrees C) showed features due to the conductive or thermogenic nature of the structures underlying the skin. 4. Multiple skin temperature recordings made at two environmental temperatures were obtained from a further twelve infants. 5. Linear regression of skin temperature against rectal‐‐environmental difference, performed for each of the measured sites, showed that the upper arm and, to a lesser extent, the upper thigh temperatures represented the mean value most closely. The upper abdomen and head were both warmer and less responsive to environmental change than the mean skin temperature. These findings were supported by the thermographic observations.
Transient and delayed potassium currents in the egg cell membrane of the coelenterate, Renilla koellikeri.
Authors: Hagiwara S , Yoshida S , Yoshii M
Published: December 2015

1. The properties of the fast‐inactivating or transient K current and the slowly inactivating or delayed K current of the membrane of immature eggs of the clonial marine coelenterate, Renilla Koellikeri, were studied by using voltage clamp and intracellular dialysis techniques. 2. The transient current is activated when the membrane potential becomes more positive than ‐25 approximately ‐20 mV (resting potential, ‐72 +/‐ 5 mV) whereas the activation potential of the delayed current is ‐10 approximately OmV. These potentials are independent of either [k+]o or [K+]i. 3. The inactivation of the transient current is rapid and is almost complete for membrane potentials more negative than the activation potential while it is slow for the delayed current and incomplete within a few seconds. 4. Both currents shows similar reversal potentials which are predominantly determined by the K concentration gradient across the membrane. 5. The sensitivities of the conductance upon the internal K concentration differ between the two currents, suggesting that the interaction between the site and ions in the membrane channels differ between them. 6. Neither current is a Ca‐activated K current. 7. 4‐AP suppresses the transient current at concentrations substantially smaller than those that suppress the delayed current while TEA shows no effect on either current. 8. Intracellular application of pronase or tannic acid at relatively high concentrations does not alter the inactivation of either current. 9. The membrane includes a voltage‐dependent Ca permeability which results in action potentials under current‐clamp conditions.
The effect of burst patterning of preganglionic input on the efficacy of transmission at the cat stellate ganglion
Authors: Birks R. I. , Laskey W. , Polosa C.
Published: December 2015

1. The effect of burst patterned preganglionic stimulation on the efficacy of transmission at the cat stellate ganglion in vivo was studied to determine whether the increase in acetylcholine (ACh) release that occurs at preganglionic terminals with similar stimulation is synaptically active.

2. Stimulation of the whole or a portion of the thoracic sympathetic trunk between rami T4 and T5 with recording of evoked compound action potentials in the inferior cardiac nerve yielded a preparation with a subliminal fringe with a mean value 2·5 times the size of the discharge zone.

3. Preganglionic stimulation with 0·5 s bursts at 10, 20 and 40 Hz with 10 s interburst intervals caused an increase with time in the area of the compound action potential evoked by a single interburst test stimulus. The increase reached 70‐75% of the final value after the first burst, 75‐90% after 5 bursts and was virtually complete after 5 min. It was then maintained without attenuation as stimulation was continued.

4. On cessation of burst patterned stimulation test compound action potentials returned to control levels with a half‐time of 5 min.

5. The increase in area of test compound action potentials with 40 Hz intraburst frequency was always as great as the increase following tetanization of the pathway. The increases with 20 and 10 Hz bursts were less.

6. There was no increase in area of compound action potentials when equally spaced pulses at 2 Hz or less were applied preganglionically, nor was there any increase when 40 Hz burst patterns were delivered directly to the inferior cardiac nerve.

7. It is concluded that burst patterned preganglionic activity at frequencies similar to those observed in vivo can recruit rapidly into the discharge zone all of the ganglionic neurones that were originally in the subliminal fringe. It is proposed that this effect is related directly to the increase in ACh release at ganglionic synapses that such activity has been shown to induce.
Cutaneous primary afferent properties in the hind limb of the neonatal rat.
Authors: Fitzgerald M
Published: December 2015

1. Single cutaneous primary afferent units innervating the hind limb were recorded from the L4 dorsal root ganglion in neonatal rats aged 0‐14 days. 2. Conduction velocities were less than 1.0 m s‐1 on day 0 but by day 1 had clearly divided into a faster conducting group whose velocities markedly increased with age, reaching 15 m s‐1 on day 14, and a slower conducting group that increased only slightly to 1.5 m s‐1 on day 14. 3. All major cutaneous receptor types could be identified from day 0. Slowly adapting and rapidly adapting touch and hair mechanoreceptors had the same response patterns and thresholds described for such receptors in the adult, but peak firing frequency and ability to follow high frequency electrical stimulation was low. At birth, these afferents could only follow 20 Hz stimuli but by day 14 this had increased to 200 Hz. 4. Nociceptors were also present from birth. Polymodal nociceptors responding to intense mechanical, thermal and chemical skin stimulation were completely mature in their firing frequencies and response patterns from day 0. High threshold mechanoreceptors responded at somewhat lower frequencies than the adult but otherwise were comparable. 5. A prominent group of receptors responding to firm pressure on the skin were observed in the first post‐natal week but not on day 14. It is proposed that these may represent maturing touch or hair receptors or alternatively a group of temporary receptors that are lost during development. 6. On the first post‐natal days, there was no relation between conduction velocity and receptor type. After this time, however, afferents which have A beta fibres in the adult tended to conduct faster in the neonate than those with A delta and C fibres. There were exceptions however demonstrating that receptor properties and afferent axons do not always mature in parallel. 7. These results show that considerable maturation of cutaneous receptors must occur before birth. They suggest that central rather than peripheral maturation is responsible for the post‐natal changes in dorsal horn physiology and cutaneous sensory reflexes. Furthermore since C polymodal nociceptors are fully functional at birth, the delayed development of neurogenic oedema and of certain specific C‐evoked reflexes could be due to slow maturation of critical chemical factors in C fibres.
Comparison between slow sodium channel inactivation in rat slow‐ and fast‐twitch muscle.
Authors: Ruff R L , Simoncini L , Stühmer W
Published: December 2015

1. Voltage‐clamp Na+ currents (INa) were studied in rat soleus slow‐twitch muscle fibres at about 18 degrees C using the loose‐patch‐clamp technique. The maximum inward current density was produced by depolarizations to about ‐19 mV. 2. Fast inactivation was studied utilizing 20 ms conditioning potentials. INa was reduced by 50% with conditioning potentials to about ‐70 mV. 3. Changes in the conditioning membrane potential produced slow changes in the peak INa due to a slow inactivation process. INa was reduced by 50% at about ‐86 mV due to slow inactivation. 4. The mean maximum inward INa when slow inactivation was fully removed was 6.83 mA cm‐2. 5. Due to the slow inactivation process, slow‐twitch fibres were less susceptible to reduction in INa than fast‐twitch fibres.
Quinine blockade of currents through Ca2+‐activated K+ channels in bovine chromaffin cells.
Authors: Glavinović M I , Trifaró J M
Published: December 2015

1. The blocking action of quinine of Ca2+‐activated K+ channels was studied in excised inside‐out patch recordings from cultured bovine chromaffin cells. Under normal ionic conditions (160 mM‐K+ inside, 154 mM‐Na+ outside), the unitary conductances measured between ‐20 and +40 mV were between 95 and 210 pS. 2. Quinine applied on the intracellular side of the membrane in micromolar concentrations chopped the unitary K+ currents into bursts of brief openings. These 'flickery bursts' appear to arise from discrete blocking and unblocking transitions. 3. Open and closed times within such flickery bursts were exponentially distributed suggesting a simple reaction between quinine and an open channel. 4. The blocking rate varied linearly with the concentration of quinine (rate coefficient 1.6 x 10(6) M‐1 s‐1). The unblocking rate was high (greater than 5000 s‐1) and essentially independent of the quinine concentration. 5. The blocking rate was voltage dependent and increased with hyperpolarization which suggests that quinine acts predominantly or exclusively from the extracellular side of the membrane. The unblocking rate appeared to be independent of the membrane potential. 6. The probability of the open state was not altered by quinine indicating that quinine did not interfere directly with the gating process. 7. The total current carried by K+ ions was reduced by quinine only marginally (less than 10%) even at high quinine concentrations (1.5 mM). Moreover the reduction of the total current was also essentially voltage independent. 8. Quinine is clearly a very poor blocker. Poor block occurs, however, not only because of the brevity of the closed periods but presumably also because the channel can be closed only when it is not blocked. Only when the probability of channel opening (p) was high (greater than 0.85), i.e. when the channel's gate was predominantly open, did the flickery block appear to reduce the total current appreciably.
Oxygen consumption of single muscle fibres of Rana temporaria and Xenopus laevis at 20 degrees C.
Authors: Elzinga G , van der Laarse W J
Published: December 2015

1. Oxygen consumption of contracting single muscle fibres of Rana temporaria and Xenopus laevis was investigated at 20 degrees C. 2. Single fibres of the tibialis anterior muscle of Rana and the iliofibularis muscle of Xenopus were mounted in a chamber containing Ringer solution. The solution was stirred and its partial pressure of oxygen (PO2) was continuously measured polarographically. 3. Steady‐state rates of oxygen consumption (VO2) of single fibres were determined as a function of twitch frequency (0.2‐12 stimuli s‐1, depending on the type of fibre). VO2 increased with twitch frequency until a plateau value (VO2,max) was reached. VO2,max of different fibres ranged from 0.042 to 0.169 nmol O2 s‐1 mg‐1 dry weight in Rana and from 0.045 to 0.412 nmol O2 s‐1 mg‐1 dry weight in Xenopus. Under VO2,max conditions oxygen availability was not the limiting factor. 4. VO2 after injection of the uncoupler carbonyl cyanide m‐chlorophenylhydrazone (CCCP) into the chamber correlated with VO2,max, suggesting that VO2,max is determined by mitochondrial density. This suggestion was confirmed by the observation that a close relationship exists between VO2,max and succinate dehydrogenase activity in three different fibre types of Xenopus. 5. At VO2,max a considerable amount of oxygen was taken up after the twitch train by most fibres, indicating that the oxidative ATP synthesis cannot match ATP hydrolysis. Xenopus muscle fibres with high oxidative capacity did not show this phenomenon. 6. The results are discussed in relation to the occurrence of anoxic cores in muscle fibres and the maximum steady‐state contractile activity attainable by the fibres.
Membrane properties of histaminergic tuberomammillary neurones of the rat hypothalamus in vitro.
Authors: Haas H L , Reiner P B
Published: December 2015

1. Intracellular recordings were obtained from neurones of the tuberomammillary nucleus in an in vitro explant of the rat hypothalamus. 2. Tuberomammillary neurones were spontaneously active (2.1 +/‐ 0.6 Hz) at the resting potential which was around ‐50 mV. Action potential amplitude was 75 +/‐ 8 mV (n = 9); mean mid‐amplitude duration was 1.8 +/‐ 0.4 ms (n = 9). 3. The mean input resistance of tuberomammillary neurones was 176 +/‐ 42 M omega (n = 30), and the mean membrane time constant was 19.8 +/‐ 5.3 ms (n = 30). These neurones exhibited inward rectification with hyperpolarization from the resting potential, and transient outward rectification at the offset of hyperpolarizing electrotonic pulses. 4. Action potentials were followed by an after‐hyperpolarization of 300‐600 ms duration and 12‐18 mV amplitude. This after‐hyperpolarization had a reversal potential around ‐80 mV, was abolished by intracellular loading with caesium, and was reduced but not abolished by bath application of either cadmium, cobalt or nickel. 5. Tetrodotoxin abolished spontaneous action potentials. Further addition of tetraethylammonium ions revealed a regenerative spike which was reversibly blocked by the addition of cobalt. 6. That tuberomammillary neurones exhibiting these properties were indeed histaminergic was confirmed in five cases by intracellular ionophoresis of Lucifer Yellow and subsequent double labelling by immunofluorescent localization of the histamine synthetic enzyme L‐histidine decarboxylase.
Case Study: Impact of Inter- and Intra-Day Energy Parameters on Bone Health, Menstrual Function, and Hormones in an Elite Junior Female Triathlete
Authors: Vescovi Jason D. , VanHeest Jaci L.
Published: December 2015

This observational case study examined the association of inter- and intraday energy intake and exercise energy expenditure with bone health, menstrual status and hematological factors in a female triathlete. The study spanned 7 months whereby energy intake and exercise energy expenditure were monitored three times (13 d); 16 blood samples were taken, urinary hormones were assessed for 3 months, and bone mineral density was measured twice. Energy availability tended to be sustained below 30 kcal/kg FFM/d and intraday energy intake patterns were often “back-loaded” with approximately 46% of energy consumed after 6 p.m. Most triiodothyronine values were low (1.1–1.2nmol/L) and supportive of reduced energy availability. The athlete had suppressed estradiol (105.1 ± 71.7pmol/L) and progesterone (1.79 ±1.19nmol/L) concentrations as well as urinary sex-steroid metabolites during the entire monitoring period. Lumbar spine (L1-L4) bone mineral density was low (age-matched Z-score −1.4 to −1.5). Despite these health related maladies the athlete was able to perform typical weekly training loads (swim: 30–40 km, bike: 120–300 km, run 45–70 km) and was competitive as indicated by her continued improvement in ITU World Ranking during and beyond the assessment period. There is a delicate balance between health and performance that can become blurred especially for endurance athletes. Education (athletes, coaches, parents) and continued monitoring of specific indicators will enable evidence-based recommendations to be provided and help reduced the risk of health related issues while maximizing performance gains. Future research needs to longitudinally examine how performance on standardized tests in each discipline (e.g., 800-m swim, 20-km time trial, 5-km run) is impacted when aspects of the female athlete triad are present.
Earth's lakes are warming faster than its air
Authors: Kintisch Eli
Published: December 2015

First ever global survey reveals summer lake temperatures rising at an alarming rate.
Carbon trackers could help bolster climate vows
Authors: Cornwall Warren
Published: December 2015

Projects lay groundwork for a global greenhouse monitoring system.
Human impacts on ecosystems began thousands of years ago
Authors: Pennisi Elizabeth
Published: December 2015

Early humans broke up existing plant and animal networks, perhaps boosting extinction risks.
Campaign against TB steps up its ambitions
Authors: Cohen Jon
Published: December 2015

HIV-style activism marks effort to “end” TB by 2030.
Repeated catastrophic valley infill following medieval earthquakes in the Nepal Himalaya
Authors: Schwanghart Wolfgang , Bernhardt Anne , Stolle Amelie , Hoelzmann Philipp , Adhikari Basanta R. , Andermann Christoff , Tofelde Stefanie , Merchel Silke , Rugel Georg , Fort Monique , Korup Oliver
Published: December 2015

Nepal's quake-driven landslide hazards

Large earthquakes can trigger dangerous landslides across a wide geographic region. The 2015
M
w
7.8 Gorhka earthquake near Kathmandu, Nepal, was no exception. Kargal
et al.
used remote observations to compile a massive catalog of triggered debris flows. The satellite-based observations came from a rapid response team assisting the disaster relief effort. Schwanghart
et al.
show that Kathmandu escaped the historically catastrophic landslides associated with earthquakes in 1100, 1255, and 1344 C.E. near Nepal's second largest city, Pokhara. These two studies underscore the importance of determining slope stability in mountainous, earthquake-prone regions.

Science
, this issue p.
10.1126/science.aac8353
; see also p.
147
Synthesis of borophenes: Anisotropic, two-dimensional boron polymorphs
Authors: Mannix Andrew J. , Zhou Xiang-Feng , Kiraly Brian , Wood Joshua D. , Alducin Diego , Myers Benjamin D. , Liu Xiaolong , Fisher Brandon L. , Santiago Ulises , Guest Jeffrey R. , Yacaman Miguel Jose , Ponce Arturo , Oganov Artem R. , Hersam Mark C. , Guisinger Nathan P.
Published: December 2015

Borophene: Boron in two dimensions

Although bulk allotropes of carbon and boron differ greatly, small clusters of these elements show remarkable similarities. Boron analogs of two-dimensional carbon allotropes such as graphene have been predicted. Now Mannix
et al.
report the formation of two-dimensional boron by depositing the elemental boron onto a silver surface under ultrahigh-vacuum conditions (see the Perspective by Sachdev). The graphene-like structure was buckled, weakly bonded to the substrate, and metallic.

Science
, this issue p.
1513
; see also p.
1468
A protein trisulfide couples dissimilatory sulfate reduction to energy conservation
Authors: Santos André A. , Venceslau Sofia S. , Grein Fabian , Leavitt William D. , Dahl Christiane , Johnston David T. , Pereira Inês A. C.
Published: December 2015

Sulfate reduction via a trisulfide

Microorganisms can respire sulfur compounds in the absence of oxygen, eventually leading to the production of hydrogen sulfide. This ancient metabolism is common in modern anoxic environments, but the enzymatic pathways aren't yet fully resolved. Through in vivo and in vitro experiments, Santos
et al.
clarify the enzymology of the sulfate reduction pathway in both bacteria and archaea (see the Perspective by Fritz and Kroneck). Reduction of the sulfite intermediate results in the linkage of two cysteine residues to a third sulfur atom from sulfite, forming a trisulfide product. Because the reduction of sulfite conveys a strong isotopic signature on sulfur in the environment, isotope fractionation models should account for this additional step.

Science
, this issue p.
1541
; see also p.
1476
Designer cells finely tuned for therapy
Authors: Di Domizio Jeremy , Gilliet Michel
Published: December 2015

Cells are engineered for on-demand control of psoriasis
Breakthrough to genome editing
Authors: McNutt Marcia
Published: December 2015

A, T, G, C: the alphabet code for the nucleotides that are the building blocks of life. Minor, but consequential, changes in this DNA coding can change gene function. Researchers have long sought better ways to edit the genetic code in cultured cells and laboratory organisms to silence, activate, or change targeted genes to gain a better understanding of their roles. This, in turn, could open the door to beneficial applications, from ecological to agricultural to biomedical. Over the years, several editing methods have been developed, but they have suffered from a lack of specificity, difficulty in assembling the molecular constituents, or concerns about off-target effects. Recently, accomplishments in genome editing across biological disciplines have been so remarkable that the method known as clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats—or CRISPR—is
Science
's 2015 Breakthrough of the Year (see p. 1456).