Effects of Intoxicating Free-Choice Alcohol Consumption During Adolescence on Drinking and Impulsivity During Adulthood in Selectively Bred High Alcohol Preferring Mice

Background— Abuse of alcohol during adolescence continues to be a problem, and it has been shown that earlier onset of drinking predicts increased alcohol abuse problems later in life. High levels of impulsivity have been demonstrated to be characteristic of alcoholics, and impulsivity has also been shown to predict later alcohol use in teenage subjects, showing that impulsivity may precede the development of alcohol use disorders. These experiments examined adolescent drinking in a high-drinking, relatively impulsive mouse population, and assessed its effects on adult drinking and adult impulsivity. Methods— Experiment 1: Selectively bred High-Alcohol Preferring (HAPII) mice were given either alcohol (free choice access) or water only for two weeks during middle adolescence or adulthood. All mice were given free choice access to alcohol 30 days later, in adulthood. Experiment 2: Adolescent HAPII mice drank alcohol and water, or water alone, for two weeks, and were then trained to perform a delay discounting task as adults to measure impulsivity. In each experiment, effects of volitional ethanol consumption on later behavior were assessed. We expected adolescent alcohol exposure to increase subsequent drinking and impulsivity. Results— Mice consumed significant quantities of ethanol, reaching average blood ethanol concentrations (BECs) of 142 mg/dl (adolescent) or 154 mg/dl (adult) in Experiment 1. Adolescent mice in experiment 2 reached an average of 108 mg/dl. Mice exposed to alcohol in either adolescence or adulthood showed a transient increase in ethanol consumption, but we observed no differences in impulsivity in adult mice as a function of whether mice drank alcohol during adolescence. Conclusions— These findings indicate that HAPII mice drink intoxicating levels of alcohol during both adolescence and adulthood, and that this volitional intake has long-term effects on subsequent drinking behavior. Nonetheless, this profound exposure to alcohol during adolescence does not increase impulsivity in adulthood, indicating that long-term changes in drinking are mediated by mechanisms other than impulsivity

Self-assembly of the cyclic lipopeptide daptomycin: spherical micelle formation does not depend on the presence of calcium chloride

The cyclic lipopeptide Daptomycin, used as a treatment for infections where antimicrobial resistance is observed, is shown to self-assemble into spherical micelles above a critical aggregation concentration. Micelles are observed either in the absence or presence of CaCl2, in contrast to claims in the literature that CaCl2 is required for micellization

Spectroscopy, MOST Photometry, and Interferometry of MWC 314: Is it an LBV or an interacting binary?

MWC 314 is a bright candidate luminous blue variable that resides in a fairly close binary system, with an orbital period of 60.753$\pm$0.003 d. We observed MWC 314 with a combination of optical spectroscopy, broad-band ground- and space-based photometry, as well as with long baseline, near-infrared interferometry. We have revised the single-lined spectroscopic orbit and explored the photometric variability. The orbital light curve displays two minima each orbit that can be partially explained in terms of the tidal distortion of the primary that occurs around the time of periastron. The emission lines in the system are often double-peaked and stationary in their kinematics, indicative of a circumbinary disc. We find that the stellar wind or circumbinary disc is partially resolved in the K\prime-band with the longest baselines of the CHARA Array. From this analysis, we provide a simple, qualitative model in an attempt to explain the observations. From the assumption of Roche Lobe overflow and tidal synchronisation at periastron, we estimate the component masses to be M1 $\approx 5$ M$_\odot$ and M2$\approx 15$ M$_\odot$, which indicates a mass of the LBV that is extremely low. In addition to the orbital modulation, we discovered two pulsational modes with the MOST satellite. These modes are easily supported by a low-mass hydrogen-poor star, but cannot be easily supported by a star with the parameters of an LBV. The combination of these results provides evidence that the primary star was likely never a normal LBV, but rather is the product of binary interactions. As such, this system presents opportunities for studying mass-transfer and binary evolution with many observational techniques.Comment: 26 pages, 7 figures, 5 tables, 2 appendices with 7 additional tables and 2 additional figures. Accepted for publication in MNRA

Uranium Metalla-Allenes with Carbene Imido R2C=UIV=NR′ Units (R=Ph2PNSiMe3; R′=CPh3): Alkali-Metal-Mediated push–pull effects with an Amido Auxiliary

We report uranium(IV)-carbene-imido-amide metalla-allene complexes [U(BIPMTMS)(NCPh3)(NHCPh3)(M)] (BIPMTMS=C(PPh2NSiMe3)2; M=Li or K) that can be described as R2C=U=NR′ push–pull metalla-allene units, as organometallic counterparts of the well-known push–pull organic allenes. The solid-state structures reveal that the R2C=U=NR′ units adopt highly unusual cis-arrangements, which are also reproduced by gas-phase theoretical studies conducted without the alkali metals to remove their potential structure-directing roles. Computational studies confirm the double-bond nature of the U=NR′ and U=CR2 interactions, the latter increasingly attenuated by potassium then lithium when compared to the hypothetical alkali-metal-free anion. Combined experimental and theoretical data show that the push–pull effect induced by the alkali metal cations and amide auxiliary gives a fundamental and tunable structural influence over the C=UIV=N units

Fall, Recovery and Characterization of the Novato L6 Chondrite Breccia

The Novato L6 chondrite fragmental breccia fell in California on 17 October 2012, and was recovered after the Cameras for Allsky Meteor Surveillance (CAMS) project determined the meteor's trajectory between 95 and 45 km altitude. The final fragmentation at 33 1 km altitude was exceptionally well documented by digital photographs. The first sample was recovered before rain hit the area. First results from a consortium study of the meteorite's characterization, cosmogenic and radiogenic nuclides, origin and conditions of the fall are presented. Some meteorites did not retain fusion crust and show evidence of spallation. Before entry, the meteoroid was 35+/-5 cm in diameter (mass 80+/-35 kg) with a cosmic ray exposure age of 9+/-1 Ma, if it had a one-stage exposure history. However, based on the cosmogenic nuclide inventory, a two-stage exposure history is more likely, with lower shielding in the last few Ma. Thermoluminescence data suggest a collision event within the last approx. 0.1 Ma. Novato likely belonged to the class of shocked L chondrites that have a common shock age of 470 Ma, based on the U,Th-He age of 460+/-220 Ma. The measured orbits of Novato, Jesenice and Innisfree are consistent with a proposed origin of these shocked L chondrites in the Gefion asteroid family, but leave open the possibility that they came to us directly from the 5:2 mean motion resonance with Jupiter. Novato experienced a stronger compaction than did other L6 chondrites of shock-stage S4. Despite this, a freshly broken surface shows a wide range of organic compounds

The ketimide ligand is not just an inert spectator: heteroallene insertion reactivity of an actinide-ketimide linkage in a thorium carbene amide ketimide complex

The ketimide anion R2C[DOUBLE BOND]N− is an important class of chemically robust ligand that binds strongly to metal ions and is considered ideal for supporting reactive metal fragments due to its inert spectator nature; this contrasts with R2N− amides that exhibit a wide range of reactivities. Here, we report the synthesis and characterization of a rare example of an actinide ketimide complex [Th(BIPMTMS){N(SiMe3)2}(N[DOUBLE BOND]CPh2)] [2, BIPMTMS=C(PPh2NSiMe3)2]. Complex 2 contains Th[DOUBLE BOND]Ccarbene, Th[BOND]Namide and Th[BOND]Nketimide linkages, thereby presenting the opportunity to probe the preferential reactivity of these linkages. Importantly, reactivity studies of 2 with unsaturated substrates shows that insertion reactions occur preferentially at the Th[BOND]Nketimide bond rather than at the Th[DOUBLE BOND]Ccarbene or Th[BOND]Namide bonds. This overturns the established view that metal-ketimide linkages are purely inert spectators

Loss of receptor activity-modifying protein 2 in mice causes placental dysfunction and alters PTH1R regulation

Receptor activity-modifying protein 2 (Ramp2) is a single-pass transmembrane protein that heterodimerizes with several family B G-protein coupled receptors to alter their function. Ramp2 has been primarily characterized in association with calcitonin receptor-like receptor (Calcrl, CLR), forming the canonical receptor complex for the endocrine peptide adrenomedullin (Adm, AM). However, we previously demonstrated that Ramp2+/- female mice display a constellation of endocrine-related phenotypes that are distinct from those of Adm+/- and Calcrl+/- mice, implying that RAMP2 has physiological functions beyond its canonical complex. Here, we localize Ramp2 expression in the mouse placenta, finding that Ramp2 is robustly expressed in the fetal labyrinth layer, and then characterize the effects of loss of Ramp2 on placental development. Consistent with the expression pattern of Ramp2 in the placenta, Ramp2-/- placentas have a thinner labyrinth layer with significantly fewer trophoblast cells secondary to a reduction in trophoblast proliferation. We also find that absence of Ramp2 leads to failed spiral artery remodeling unaccompanied by changes in the uterine natural killer cell population. Furthermore, we assess changes in gene expression of other RAMP2-associated G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs), concluding that Ramp2 loss decreases parathyroid hormone 1 receptor (Pthr1) expression and causes a blunted response to systemic parathyroid hormone (PTH) administration in mice. Ultimately, these studies provide in vivo evidence of a role for RAMP2 in placental development distinct from the RAMP2-CLR/AM signaling paradigm and identify additional pathways underlying the endocrine and fertility defects of the previously characterized Ramp2 heterozygous adult females

Are autistic traits associated with suicidality?:A test of the interpersonal-psychological theory of suicide in a non-clinical young adults sample?

Autism spectrum conditions (ASC) have been associated with increased risk of suicidality. However, no studies have explored how autistic traits may interact with current models of suicidal behaviour in a non-clinical population. The current study therefore explored how self-reported autistic traits interact with perceived burdensomeness and thwarted belonging in predicting suicidal behaviour, in the context of the Interpersonal-Psychological Theory of Suicide (IPTS). 163 young adults (aged 18-30 years) completed an online survey including measures of thwarted belonging and perceived burdensomeness (Interpersonal Needs Questionnaire), self-reported autistic traits (Autism Quotient), current depression (Centre for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale), and lifetime suicidality (Suicidal Behaviours Questionnaire - Revised). Results showed that burdensomeness and thwarted belonging significantly mediated the relationship between autistic traits and suicidal behaviour. Autistic traits did not significantly moderate the relationship between suicidal behaviour and thwarted belonging or perceived burdensomeness. Results suggest that the IPTS provides a useful framework for understanding the influence of autistic traits on suicidal behaviour. However, the psychometric properties of these measures need to be explored in those with clinically confirmed diagnosis of ASC

Making Progress Toward The Degree

Introduction Students\u27 ability to complete degrees in a timely manner has become one of the key new issues in higher education. Enrollment increases along with resource cuts have created increasing problems for student progress, which Western has been confronting through curricular changes, enrollment management policy changes, and higher workload for faculty and staff. At the same time, increases in tuition have highlighted students\u27 felt need for efficient progress. Two recent findings illustrate the impact of these pressures on the university. First, nearly half (44.9%) of students who entered Western in Fall, 1994, said at least one course they wanted to take was unavailable; one-fourth (25.6%) said more than one was unavailable. These figures would be much higher were it not for extensive recent efforts by the university to increase course access. Second, one-third (33.3%) of new students entering Fall, 1994 said a major reason influencing their choice of major field would be their ability to complete the major within an acceptable time. The great majority (81.1%) said this consideration is at least a minor reason for choosing their major field. The United States Congress recognized the issue of degree completion in 1991 when it passed the Student Right-To-Know and Campus Security Act. This act states that each college, receiving federal funds, must disclose a graduation rate for full-time, degree seeking Freshmen. National studies on time to complete baccalaureate degree show that 43.0% of graduates do so within 4 years, 70.8% graduate within 5 years, and 81% graduate within 6 years--19% take longer than 6 years to complete their degree (National Center for Education Statistics; 1993). On a more local level, one that is more comparable to Western Washington University, a study of California State University, a public university with moderately selective admission requirements, showed that 81.0% of transfer students graduate in 4 years (average = 3.5 years), and 80.0% of Freshmen students graduate in 6 years (average = 5.6 years) (Garcia; 1994). Is the length of time necessary to complete a baccalaureate degree increasing