Tribrachidium heraldicum is an Ediacaran body fossil characterized by triradial symmetry. Previous work has suggested that the anatomy of Tribrachidium was conducive to passive suspension feeding; however, these analyses used an inaccurate model and a relatively simple set of simulations. Using computational fluid dynamics, we explore the functional morphology of Tribrachidium in unprecedented detail by gauging how the presence or absence of distinctive anatomical features (e.g., apical pits and arms) affects flow patterns. Additionally, we map particle pathways, quantify deposition rates at proposed feeding sites, and assess gregarious feeding habits to more fully reconstruct the lifestyle of this enigmatic taxon. Our results provide strong support for interpreting Tribrachidium as a macroscopic suspension feeder, with the apical pits representing loci of particle collection (and possibly ingestion) and the triradial arms representing morphological adaptations for interrupting flow and inducing settling. More speculatively, we suggest that the radial grooves may represent ciliated pathways through which food particles accumulating in the wake of the organism were transported toward the apical pits. Finally, our results allow us to generate new functional hypotheses for other Ediacaran taxa with a triradial body plan. This work refines our understanding of the appearance of suspension feeding in shallow-water paleoenvironments, with implications for the radiation of Metazoa across the Ediacaran/Cambrian boundary.

The Paleozoic represents a key time interval in the origins and early diversification of chondrichthyans (cartilaginous fishes), but their diversity and macroevolution are largely obscured by heterogenous spatial and temporal sampling. The predominantly cartilaginous skeletons of chondrichthyans pose an additional limitation on their preservation potential and hence on the quality of their fossil record. Here, we use a newly compiled genus-level dataset and the application of sampling standardization methods to analyze global total-chondrichthyan diversity dynamics through time from their first appearance in the Ordovician through to the end of the Permian. Subsampled estimates of chondrichthyan genus richness were initially low in the Ordovician and Silurian but increased substantially in the Early Devonian. Richness reached its maximum in the middle Carboniferous before dropping across the Carboniferous/Permian boundary and gradually decreasing throughout the Permian. Sampling is higher in both the Devonian and Carboniferous compared with the Silurian and most of the Permian stages. Shark-like scales from the Ordovician are too limited to allow for some of the subsampling techniques. Our results detect two Paleozoic radiations in chondrichthyan diversity: the first in the earliest Devonian, led by acanthodians (stem-group chondrichthyans), which then decline rapidly by the Late Devonian, and the second in the earliest Carboniferous, led by holocephalans, which increase greatly in richness across the Devonian/Carboniferous boundary. Dispersal of chondrichthyans, specifically holocephalans, into deeper-water environments may reflect a niche expansion following the faunal displacement in the aftermath of the Hangenberg extinction event at the end of the Devonian.

This study examined the effects of enriching the environment on the learning abilities of growing pigs. Eighty-four pigs were housed in either barren or enriched environments from birth to 14 weeks. The barren environments were defined as intensive housing and the enriched environments incorporated extra space, including areas which contained peat and straw in a rack. The learning abilities of pigs from both environments were tested at 15-17 weeks using an operant task which involved pigs learning to push a panel for a reward and a maze test which involved spatial learning. Pigs from enriched environments learned both the operant task and the maze task more rapidly than their counterparts from barren environments. These results suggest that the cognitive development of pigs may be impaired in intensive housing systems.

Gravitational waves from coalescing neutron stars encode information about nuclear matter at extreme densities, inaccessible by laboratory experiments. The late inspiral is influenced by the presence of tides, which depend on the neutron star equation of state. Neutron star mergers are expected to often produce rapidly rotating remnant neutron stars that emit gravitational waves. These will provide clues to the extremely hot post-merger environment. This signature of nuclear matter in gravitational waves contains most information in the 2–4 kHz frequency band, which is outside of the most sensitive band of current detectors. We present the design concept and science case for a Neutron Star Extreme Matter Observatory (NEMO): a gravitational-wave interferometer optimised to study nuclear physics with merging neutron stars. The concept uses high-circulating laser power, quantum squeezing, and a detector topology specifically designed to achieve the high-frequency sensitivity necessary to probe nuclear matter using gravitational waves. Above 1 kHz, the proposed strain sensitivity is comparable to full third-generation detectors at a fraction of the cost. Such sensitivity changes expected event rates for detection of post-merger remnants from approximately one per few decades with two A+ detectors to a few per year and potentially allow for the first gravitational-wave observations of supernovae, isolated neutron stars, and other exotica.

Parasite distribution patterns in lotic catchments are driven by the combined influences of unidirectional water flow and the mobility of the most mobile host. However, the importance of such drivers in catchments dominated by lentic habitats are poorly understood. We examined parasite populations of Arctic charr Salvelinus alpinus from a series of linear-connected lakes in northern Norway to assess the generality of lotic-derived catchment-scale parasite assemblage patterns. Our results demonstrated that the abundance of most parasite taxa increased from the upper to lower catchment. Allogenic taxa (piscivorous birds as final host) were present throughout the entire catchment, whereas their autogenic counterparts (charr as final hosts) demonstrated restricted distributions, thus supporting the theory that the mobility of the most mobile host determines taxa-specific parasite distribution patterns. Overall, catchment-wide parasite abundance and distribution patterns in this lentic-dominated system were in accordance with those reported for lotic systems. Additionally, our study highlighted that upper catchment regions may be inadequate reservoirs to facilitate recolonization of parasite communities in the event of downstream environmental perturbations.

Newell & Shanks (N&S) argue against the idea that any significant role for unconscious influences on decision making has been established by research to date. Inasmuch as this conclusion applies to the idea of an “intelligent cognitive unconscious,” we would agree. Our concern is that the article could lead the unwary to conclude that there are no unconscious influences on decision making – and never could be. We give reasons why this may not be the case.

Aims: Problem or pathological gambling is associated with significant disruption to the individual, family and community with a range of adverse outcomes, including legal, financial and mental health impairment. It occurs more frequently in younger populations, and comorbid conditions are common. Cognitive–behaviour therapy (CBT) is the most empirically established class of treatments for problematic gambling. This article reports on a systematic review and evaluation of randomised clinical trials (RCTs) concerning two core techniques of CBT: cognitive and behavioural (exposure-based) therapies. Methods: PsycINFO, MEDLINE and the Cochrane library were searched from database inception to December 2012. The CONsolidated Standards Of Reporting Trials (CONSORT) for non-pharmacological treatments was used to evaluate each study. Results: The initial search identified 104 references. After two screening phases, seven RCTs evaluating either cognitive (n = 3), exposure (n = 3) or both (n = 1) interventions remained. The studies were published between 1983 and 2003 and conducted across Australia, Canada, and Spain. On average, approximately 31% of CONSORT items were rated as ‘absent’ for each study and more than 52% rated as ‘present with some limitations’. For all studies, 70.83% of items rated as ‘absent’ were in the methods section. Conclusions: The findings from this review of randomised clinical trials involving cognitive and exposure-based treatments for gambling disorders show that the current evidence base is limited. Trials with low risk of bias are needed to be reported before recommendations are given on their effectiveness and clinicians can appraise their potential utility with confidence.

The hen's egg, in the form of table eggs and egg products, forms a staple part of the world's total protein consumption. In the last century, there has been considerable research effort focusing on ways of improving egg production and enhancing the quality of eggs. More recently, and with the development and application of new molecular technologies, our understanding and knowledge of how an egg is formed, what it actually consists of, in terms of its major versus minor components, and what the functional roles of each of these components might be, have been greatly enhanced. For example, new previously unknown molecules with specific activity or functional properties have been discovered in the egg albumen and yolk, some of which have potential uses in pharmaceutical and other food related applications. This review paper, which is the collaborative effort of members of Working Group 4 - Quality of Eggs and Egg Products - of the European Federation of WPSA, describes the scientific research behind a number of these major advances and provides some insight to the focus of current research in this area.

EMU is a wide-field radio continuum survey planned for the new Australian Square Kilometre Array Pathfinder (ASKAP) telescope. The primary goal of EMU is to make a deep (rms ∼ 10 μJy/beam) radio continuum survey of the entire Southern sky at 1.3 GHz, extending as far North as +30° declination, with a resolution of 10 arcsec. EMU is expected to detect and catalogue about 70 million galaxies, including typical star-forming galaxies up to z ∼ 1, powerful starbursts to even greater redshifts, and active galactic nuclei to the edge of the visible Universe. It will undoubtedly discover new classes of object. This paper defines the science goals and parameters of the survey, and describes the development of techniques necessary to maximise the science return from EMU.

Studies show an inverse relationship between breakfast frequency and weight gain. This may reflect poor eating habits generally and associated low physical activity (PA) or direct impacts of breakfast on mechanisms leading to lethargy and reduced PA. The relationship between breakfast frequency and PA is inconclusive. We aimed to determine whether breakfast frequency is associated with PA levels in British adolescents independent of body composition and socio-economic status (SES). Habitual breakfast frequency (self-report questionnaire) was assessed in 877 adolescents (43 % male, age 14·5 (sd 0·5) years old). PA was measured over 5 d (accelerometry, average counts/min; cpm). Associations between daily PA and breakfast frequency were assessed using linear regression adjusted for body fat percentage and SES. Effect modification by sex and associations with PA during the morning (06.00–12.00 hours) were explored. For boys, there were no significant associations between breakfast frequency and PA. For girls, less frequent breakfast consumption was significantly associated with lower PA (cpm) during the morning (occasional v. frequent β − 6·1 (95 % CI − 11·1, − 1·1), P = 0·017) when adjusted for body fat percentage and SES. There were no associations between PA and breakfast consumption over the whole day; however, for girls, less frequent breakfast consumption may be associated with lower PA levels during the morning, suggesting that breakfast consumption should perhaps be taken into consideration when aiming to promote PA in adolescent girls.

A survey of the helminths of Scottish hill sheep, made by collecting over seven hundred viscera from sheep which died from disease or accidents on over eighty farms, has shown that worms are the direct or indirect cause of the death of many sheep, and of loss in condition of many more.

Infestations of H. contortus increase in incidence and severity in the late spring, but the majority of hill sheep are not infested with it and it is not a serious problem unless lack of herding, bad weather, etc. harm the sheep.

Ostertagia spp. are often the most numerous species found in Scottish hill sheep; their numbers increase considerably for several weeks in the spring and to a less extent and for a shorter time in the autumn. Any prophylactic dosing programmes for lambs, hoggs or adult sheep must include Ostertagia spp. in the species against which they are directed.

The numbers of T. axei increase in Scottish hill sheep during the winter and for some weeks from March onwards contribute to the pathogenic effect of clinical and subclinical helminthiasis of sheep.

Worm egg counts have shown that after the end of June infestations of pathogenic significance occur in a considerable percentage of Scottish hill lambs. On the West Coast, however, heavy infestations do not occur until August, when the egg counts in other areas are rising again after falling for a few weeks in July.

Identification of larvae from faeces cultures confirm that Ostertagia spp. are the first cause of high worm egg counts, followed in August by Trichostrongylus spp., then by H. contortus and C. ovina, and finally by B. trigonocephalum. Nematodirus spp. may be sufficiently numerous in a few districts to be of pathogenic importance in June and July.

Border Leicester X Suffolk sheep infected with a strain of S. mattheei maintained in hamsters do not develop the same pathological changes as Romney Marsh sheep infected with the same strain of parasite before hamster passage. To determine the cause of this reduced pathogenicity, five Romney Marsh sheep were each infected with 10 000 cercariae of the hamster-passaged parasite and five with 10 000 cercariae of a S. mattheei strain from Onderstepoort, South Africa, passaged exclusively through sheep.

Striking pathological and parasitological differences were found between the two strains. Infection with the “sheep” strain was lethal, whereas infection with the “hamster” strain produced little evidence of clinical disease. By 13 weeks post-infection the mean body weight of the sheep infected with the sheep strain had declined by 15% compared with both the uninfected controls and the sheep infected with the hamster strain, and the mean PCV was lowered to 20% in the sheep strain infected animals. Egg production began at seven weeks with the sheep strain, faecal counts rising to more than 300 e.p.g., whereas only two of the sheep infected with the hamster strain passed eggs in the faeces (at nine weeks) and the maximum egg count was 50 e.p.g. Twice as many adult worms of the sheep strain were recovered, and, although the number of eggs found in the tissues “per worm pair” was not significantly different, overall egg production was higher for the sheep strain; also more of the sheep strain eggs were deposited in the intestines. Similar parasite differences were seen in a supplementary study in mice and it seemed that “attenuation” of the parasite had occurred, presumably due to its maintenance in hamsters. Histopathological observations and faecal egg counts both indicated an inability of hamster strain eggs to penetrate the intestinal lumen; this was probably important in reducing the pathogenicity of the hamster strain.

Bovine spermatozoa aged for 6–7 days at room temperatures (18–30° C.) in a coconut milk extender retained their fertilizing capacity. However, their fertilizing ability appeared to be impaired by environmental hazards in the form of oxygen damage, exposure to visible light, and temperature shock. Protective measures developed and used in the preparation and in the storage of the sperm suspensions to minimize premature loss of sperm function involved the addition of catalase and egg yolk to the extender and the maintenance of cell suspensions in the dark in vials containing a minimal air space. The experimental evidence obtained with this improved coconut milk extender established its ability to support and sustain the fertilizing capacity of bovine sperm for 6–7 days at room temperatures at a level comparable to the fertilizing capacity of refrigerated sperm in milk-glycerol or egg yolk-citrate-glycine extenders. The economic importance of this room temperature diluent is suggested by the fact that it eliminates the costly refrigeration required to maintain stored and shipped bovine semen at 5° C.

Coconut milk extender modified by the addition of 5% egg yolk also proved to be a satisfactory storage medium for sperm at low temperatures. It was found to be superior to both egg yolk-citrate and skim-milk extenders in conserving motility at 5° C. The fertilizing capacity of Ayrshire and Brown Swiss sperm stored at 5° C. in coconut milk extender which contained 15% coconut milk and 5% egg yolk compared favourably with the fertilizing capacity reported for sperm stored at 5° C. in other more widely used diluents. The number of motile sperm recovered from this extender after freezing to −79° C. was comparable to the number of motile sperm recovered from the egg yolk-citrate and skim-milk test diluents. The results of this study indicate that coconut milk extender is a versatile, easily prepared medium which can be used to preserve functional sperm over a wide temperature range.

In this paper, we describe the occurrence of a microsporidian parasite in female-biased populations of an intertidal amphipod, Corophium volutator (Pallas), at mudflat sites in the Bay of Fundy, Canada. Sequence data for the parasite's 16S rDNA indicate that it is a novel microsporidian species. This parasite was found principally in female host gonads, indicating that it might be a vertically transmitted, sex-distorting microparasite. At 4 sites each sampled in early and mid-summer, parasite prevalence varied from 0 to 21%. In the lab, infected mothers gave rise to more female-biased broods, than did uninfected mothers. Infection was not associated with size of females or with lowered survivorship of their young. Surprisingly, infected mothers actually had higher fertility controlling for body length than did uninfected mothers. Taken together, our results suggest that this novel microsporidian is likely a feminizing microparasite and is a contributing factor to local and widespread sex ratio distortion in C. volutator.

Fourier time-series models were constructed to study regional and national seasonality of human campylobacteriosis in Scotland between 1997 and 2001. Strong seasonality was demonstrated with an annual peak of reported cases in late June to early July. The prominence of this peak varied between regions, which was exemplified for the two major population centres: Lothian, with mixed urban/rural population, had a more prominent peak than Greater Glasgow, which has a predominantly urban population. No significant trend of annual cases of campylobacteriosis was found nationally and Fourier models successfully predicted the seasonal pattern of national and regional cases in 2002. During the period studied, the Fourier model identified >20 bursts of infection (potential outbreaks). Multi-regional bursts were also identified in the summers of 1998 and 2000 – the latter comprising the vast majority of the regions in Scotland, which could suggest a national outbreak.

Sol-gel encapsulation has recently surfaced as a successful approach to biomolecule immobilization. Proteins, including enzymes, are trapped in the pores of the sol-gel derived glass while retaining their spectroscopic properties and biological activity. Our current work extends the unique capabilities of biomolecule-doped sol-gel materials to the detection of glutamate, the major excitatory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system. We are developing an in vivo fiber optic biosensor for glutamate along with methods to achieve continuous monitoring. In our research to date we have encapsulated GDH in a silica sol-gel film on the tip of an optical fiber. GDH catalyzes the oxidative deamination of glutamate to α-ketoglutarate and the simultaneous reduction of NAD+ to NADH. To quantify the glutamate concentration, we observe the rate of change of NADH fluorescence as a function of time. An important consideration for continuous in vivo monitoring is the incorporation of a selfsustaining NAD+ source. We have adopted a photochemical means of regenerating NAD+ from NADH, by irradiating thionine (3,7-diaminophenothiazin-5-ium) which we incorporate into the sol-gel sensor material. When excited with visible light (λabc∼ 596 nm), thionine undergoes a reaction with NADH resulting in a non-fluorescent form of thionine and NAD+. We have characterized the kinetics of this reaction in the sol-gel matrix, and have shown that the reaction results in regenerated co-factor that is usable by GDH for the oxidation of glutamate.