Dysfunction in the neural circuitry of emotion regulation--a possible prelude to violence

Emotion is normally regulated in the human brain by a complex circuit consisting of the orbital frontal cortex, amygdala, anterior cingulate cortex, and several other interconnected regions. There are both genetic and environmental contributions to the structure and function of this circuitry. We posit that impulsive aggression and violence arise as a consequence of faulty emotion regulation. Indeed, the prefrontal cortex receives a major serotonergic projection, which is dysfunctional in individuals who show impulsive violence. Individuals vulnerable to faulty regulation of negative emotion are at risk for violence and aggression. Research on the neural circuitry of emotion regulation suggests new avenues of intervention for such at-risk populations.     

Inheritance of resistance against Phytophthora infestans in Lycopersicon pimpenellifolium L3707

Summary Lycopersicon pimpenellifolium L3707, resistant to the late blight oomycete Phytophthora infestans was crossed with the susceptible Lycopersicon pimpenellifolium 14377 or the susceptible Lycopersicon esculentum ZH. Progeny F1 and F2 generations were scored at the 5-leaf stage for resistance against 175 field and recombinant isolates of the pathogen. F1 plants exhibited various levels of moderate resistance and F2 plants segregated 3:6:7 resistant/moderately resistant/susceptible. The data support the hypothesis that race-non-specific resistance in L3707 is controlled by two independent genes: a partially-dominant gene and a dominant epistatic gene.     

Soil water content,carbon, and nitrogen determine the abundances of methanogens,methanotrophs, and methane emission in the Zoige alpine wetland

Journal of Soils and Sediments - Alpine wetland ecosystems can contribute large amounts of methane (CH4) to the atmosphere; however, their emissions vary with environmental conditions. Microbial...     

Clinical,clinicopathologic, and radiographic findings in dogs with coccidioidomycosis: 24 cases (1995-2000)

OBJECTIVE: To determine clinical, clinicopathologic, and radiographic abnormalities in dogs with coccidioidomycosis. DESIGN: Retrospective case series. ANIMALS: 24 dogs. PROCEDURE: Clinical information and results of clinicopathologic testing were obtained from medical records. Thoracic radiographs were reviewed to characterize abnormalities. RESULTS: Dogs ranged from 1 to 10 years old at the time of diagnosis, with 12 dogs being between 1 and 3 years old. Historical complaints included cough, lameness, signs of head or neck pain, and difficulty breathing. Mild anemia, neutrophilia, and monocytosis were common. All dogs had hypoalbuminemia, and 8 of 15 had hyperglobulinemia. Thoracic radiographs of 19 dogs were reviewed. Pulmonary infiltrates were seen in 13 dogs, with an interstitial pattern of infiltration being most common. Hilar lymphadenopathy was seen radiographically in 10 dogs. Serum from 20 dogs was tested for antibodies against Coccidioides immitis. One dog was positive for IgM antibodies, 5 were positive for IgM and IgG antibodies, and 14 were positive for IgG antibodies. Quantitative IgG titers measured in 14 dogs ranged from 1:2 to 1:128 (median and mode, 1:32). In 6 dogs, histologic examination of biopsy samples revealed fungal spherules ranging from 8 to 70 microm in diameter. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results suggest that in dogs, coccidioidomycosis may be associated with a wide spectrum of nonspecific respiratory and musculoskeletal abnormalities. The chronic nature of the disease makes diagnosis difficult, even in regions in which the organism is endemic.