Temperature-induced momentum-dependent spectral weight transfer in Bi2Sr2CaCu2O8+delta

Angle-resolved photoemission data from the cuprate superconductor Bi2Sr2CaCu2O8+delta above and below the superconducting transition temperature Tc reveal momentum-dependent changes that extend up to an energy of about 0.3 electron volt, or 40kTc (where k is the Boltzmann constant). The data suggest an anomalous transfer of spectral weight from one momentum to another, involving a sizable momentum transfer Q approximately (0.45pi, 0). The observed Q is intriguingly near the charge-order periodicity required if fluctuating charge stripes are present.     

Niobium/Uranium Evidence for Early Formation of the Continental Crust

Niobium/uranium ratios in greenstone-belt basalts and gabbros indicate that parts of the Late Archean mantle beneath Western Australia underwent a level of melt extraction, resulting in formation of the continental crust, comparable to that seen in the present mantle. The implication is either that (i) the amount of continental crust that formed before 2.7 x 10(9) years ago was much greater than generally thought or (ii) crustal growth occurred by severe depletion of small volumes of the mantle rather than by moderate depletion of a large volume of mantle.     

A Non‐Reciprocal Autosomal Translocation 64,XX,t(4;10)(q21;p15) in an Arabian Mare with Repeated Early Embryonic Loss

Balanced autosomal translocations are a known cause for repeated early embryonic loss (REEL) in horses. In most cases, carriers of such translocations are phenotypically normal, but the chromosomal aberration negatively affects gametogenesis giving rise to both genetically balanced and unbalanced gametes. The latter, if involved in fertilization, result in REEL, whereas gametes with the balanced form of translocation will pass the defect into next generation. Therefore, in order to reduce the incidence of REEL, identification of translocation carriers is critical. Here, we report about a phenotypically normal 3‐year‐old Arabian mare that had repeated resorption of conceptuses prior to day 45 of gestation and was diagnosed with REEL. Conventional and molecular cytogenetic analyses revealed that the mare had normal chromosome number 64,XX but carried a non‐mosaic and non‐reciprocal autosomal translocation t(4;10)(q21;p15). This is a novel translocation described in horses with REEL and the first such report in Arabians. Previous cases of REEL due to autosomal translocations have exclusively involved Thoroughbreds. The findings underscore the importance of routine cytogenetic screening of breeding animals.     

Tuberculosis in a New Zealand (Hooker's) sea lion

Extract

Tuberculosis has been described in seven species of pinnipeds. Based on host preference, phenotype and genetic and antigenic testing, the causal bacterium has been classified as a distinct species, Mycobacterium pinnipedii, within the M. tuberculosis complex. An adult male New Zealand sea lion (Phocarctos hookeri) was found dead on the Otago coastline in mid 2005. Gross necropsy revealed multiple caseous foci throughout the lungs, subcutaneous and thoracic lymph nodes, and mesenteric lymph nodes. Histopathological examination showed granulomatous lesions containing numerous intra-lesional acid fast organisms. The organism was confirmed as being a member of the M. tuberculosis complex, based on restriction enzyme analysis. Spoligotyping is pending. This is the first confirmed case of mycobacterial disease in a New Zealand sea lion.     

The development of high synthetic pyrethroid resistance in Bovicola (Damalinia) ovis and the implications for resistance management

SUMMARY A field strain of the sheep body louse, Bovicola (Damallnia) ovis, was tested In vitro against a range of synthetic pyrethrolds (SP) and demonstrated a degree of resistance 80 to 900 times that of a susceptible strain. The dose response of this strain was compared with that of other strains showing low and Intermediate resistance. These data, and those from other reported cases suggest that SP resistance In sheep lice develops sequentially through a low level stage with resistance factors of 20 or less. Further selection results in the development of strains with resistance factors of up to several hundred. The implication is that preventing or managing resistance requires proper lice control management Including choosing a chemical capable of eradicating lice populations.