bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Economics of Intensively Aerated Catfish Ponds
Authors: Kumar Ganesh , Engle Carole
Published: November 2016

TheUScatfish industry is evolving by adopting production‐intensifying practices that enhance productivity. Catfish producers have increased aeration rates over time, and some now use intensive rates of aeration (>9.33kW/ha). Costs and production performance were monitored at commercial catfish farms using high levels of aeration (11.2–18.7 kW/ha) in Alabama, Arkansas, and Mississippi. A multivariate‐cluster analysis was used to identify four different management clusters of intensively aerated commercial catfish farms based on stocking density, size of fingerlings at stocking, and feed conversion ratios (FCR). Breakeven prices of hybrid catfish raised in intensively aerated pond systems were estimated to range from $1.86/kg to $2.17/kg, with the lowest costs associated with the second greatest level of production intensity. The two medium‐intensity clusters generated sufficiently high revenues for long‐term profitability. However, the least‐intensive and the most‐intensive clusters were economically feasible only when catfish and feed prices were closer to less probable market prices. Feed price,FCR, and yield contributed the most to downside risk. Intensive aeration in catfish ponds, up to the levels analyzed in this study, appears to be economically feasible under the medium‐intensity management strategies identified in this analysis.
Penny and penny laid up will be many: large Yellow anacondas do not disregard small prey
Authors: Miranda E. B. P. , Ribeiro‐Jr R. P. , Camera B. F. , Barros M. , Draque J. , Micucci P. , Waller T. , Strüssmann C.
Published: November 2016

The study of diet may help to predict the consequences of ontogeny and sexual size dimorphism in resource use. Although diet changes are expected in dimorphic species, ontogeny can be a factor in determining the degree of diet variation within a species. We studied large sexually dimorphic predator, the Yellow anaconda Eunectes notaeus, to learn how influences of sex and size on diet might lead to intersexual niche divergence, therefore avoiding intraspecific competition. We tested the consequences of sexual size dimorphism via two foraging metrics: prey size and feeding frequency. To test the consequences of ontogeny on trophic niche metrics, we related changes in feeding frequency and maximum prey size to increase in anaconda body size. Finally, we tested whether diet composition changed between sexes to the point where it could lead to reduced competition. While females (the larger sex) did eat larger prey compared to males, this effect disappeared when we removed the effect of body size. Females ate more frequently than males, even with body size effect was removed. Predator‐prey size ratios were positively affected by maximum prey size, and as expected from foraging theory, did not increase minimum prey size. Feeding frequency did not display any ontogenetic effects. While diet composition varied between sexes, overlap is high. This indicates that variations in resource use as a product of sex‐based differences in size are negligible in Yellow anacondas. Although females feed more frequently, this may be an effect of the greater energetic costs of reproduction. Ontogeny has a positive effect on maximum prey size, though this is a general trend, and has already been demonstrated for several other species. Finally, understanding of sex‐based changes in resource use will be improved if it can be determined whether such phenomena are consequences rather than causes for sexual size dimorphism.
Northwest Africa 5790: A previously unsampled portion of the upper part of the nakhlite pile
Authors: Brian Balta J. , Sanborn Matthew E. , Mayne Rhiannon G. , Wadhwa Meenakshi , McSween Harry Y. , Crossley Samuel D.
Published: November 2016

We present a geochemical study of recently discovered Martian meteorite Northwest Africa (NWA) 5790 and use our results to constrain its origin and relationship with the other nakhlites. This nakhlite is a clinopyroxene cumulate composed of phenocrysts of augite, olivine, and rare oxides surrounded by a mesostasis composed of vitrophyric glass, feldspars, oxides, phosphates, and fine‐grained olivines and augite. Petrography, and major and trace element compositions of the phases present are consistent with derivation of NWA 5790 from a parental magma common to all the nakhlites. Olivine cores grew from a distinct, incompatible‐element enriched magma and are surrounded by rims containing augite inclusions that grew from the nakhlite parental liquid, supporting previous arguments for xenocrystic olivine cores in nakhlites. Rare earth element microdistributions suggest derivation of NWA 5790 augites from an evolved, relatively oxidized magma, produced by augite fractionation from the common nakhlite parental liquid. Augite grain shapes and CSD patterns are consistent with rapid cooling and derivation near the top of the nakhlite cumulate pile, but patterns are distinct from other nakhlites thought to have formed near the stratigraphic top. The high mesostasis abundance (~44 vol%) indicates solidification near the top of the nakhlite pile close to locations suggested for nakhlites NWA 817 and Miller Range (MIL) 03346. However, the geochemical and petrographic characteristics of these three samples do not permit their placement in a simple stratigraphic order as would occur in a single lava flow. This lack of simple ordering suggests that the nakhlite lava flow split into multiple sections as would occur during breakouts from a single lava flow. Finally we note that NWA 5790 is unique among currently available nakhlites in having phenocryst abundances low enough to allow it to flow.
Olivine dissolution in molten silicates: An experimental study with application to chondrule formation
Authors: Soulié Camille , Libourel Guy , Tissandier Laurent
Published: November 2016

Mg‐rich olivine is a ubiquitous phase in type I porphyritic chondrules in various classes of chondritic meteorites. The anhedral shape of olivine grains, their size distribution, as well as their poikilitic textures within low‐Ca pyroxene suggest that olivines suffer dissolution during chondrule formation. Owing to a set of high‐temperature experiments (1450–1540 °C) we determined the kinetics of resorption of forsterite in molten silicates, using for the first time X‐ray microtomography. Results indicate that forsterite dissolution in chondrule‐like melts is a very fast process with rates that range from ~5 μm min−1 to ~22 μm min−1. Forsterite dissolution strongly depends on the melt composition, with rates decreasing with increasing the magnesium and/or the silica content of the melt. An empirical model based on forsterite saturation and viscosity of the starting melt composition successfully reproduces the forsteritic olivine dissolution rates as a function of temperature and composition for both our experiments and those of the literature. Application of our results to chondrules could explain the textures of zoned type I chondrules during their formation by gas‐melt interaction. We show that the olivine/liquid ratio on one hand and the silica entrance from the gas phase (SiOg) into the chondrule melt on the other hand, have counteracting effects on the Mg‐rich olivine dissolution behavior. Silica entrance would favor dissolution by maintaining disequilibrium between olivine and melt. Hence, this would explain the preferential dissolution of olivine as well as the preferential abundances of pyroxene at the margins of chondrules. Incipient dissolution would also occur in the silica‐poorer melt of chondrule core but should be followed by crystallization of new olivine (overgrowth and/or newly grown crystals). While explaining textures and grain size distributions of olivines, as well as the centripetal distribution of low‐Ca pyroxene in porphyritic chondrules, this scenario could also be consistent with the diverse chemical, isotopic, and thermal conditions recorded by olivines in a given chondrule.
A hot topic: the genetics of adaptation to geothermal vents in Mimulus guttatus
Authors: Ferris Kathleen G.
Published: November 2016

Identifying the individual loci and mutations that underlie adaptation to extreme environments has long been a goal of evolutionary biology. However, finding the genes that underlie adaptive traits is difficult for several reasons. First, because many traits and genes evolve simultaneously as populations diverge, it is difficult to disentangle adaptation from neutral demographic processes. Second, finding the individual loci involved in any trait is challenging given the respective limitations of quantitative and population genetic methods. In this issue of Molecular Ecology, Hendrick et al. (2016) overcome these difficulties and determine the genetic basis of microgeographic adaptation between geothermal vent and nonthermal populations of Mimulus guttatus in Yellowstone National Park. The authors accomplish this by combining population and quantitative genetic techniques, a powerful, but labour‐intensive, strategy for identifying individual causative adaptive loci that few studies have used (Stinchcombe & Hoekstra ). In a previous common garden experiment (Lekberg et al. 2012), thermal M. guttatus populations were found to differ from their closely related nonthermal neighbours in various adaptive phenotypes including trichome density. Hendrick et al. (2016) combine quantitative trait loci (QTL) mapping, population genomic scans for selection and admixture mapping to identify a single genetic locus underlying differences in trichome density between thermal and nonthermal M. guttatus. The candidate gene, R2R3 MYB, is homologous to genes involved in trichome development across flowering plants. The major trichome QTL, Tr14, is also involved in trichome density differences in an independent M. guttatus population comparison (Holeski et al. 2010) making this an example of parallel genetic evolution.
Coevolution, local adaptation and ecological speciation
Authors: Thompson John N.
Published: November 2016

Coevolution is one of the major processes organizing the earth's biodiversity, but it remains unclear when and how it may generate species diversity. The study by Parchman et al. () in this issue of Molecular Ecology provides the clearest evidence to date that divergent local adaptation in a coevolving interaction may lead to speciation on one side of an interaction but not necessarily on the other side. Red crossbills in North America have diversified into ecotypes that specialize on different conifer species, use different calls and vary in the extent to which they are nomadic or sedentary. This new study evaluated genomic divergence among nine crossbill ecotypes. The authors found low overall genomic divergence among many of the ecotypes, but the sedentary South Hills crossbills, which are specialized to eat the seeds of a unique population of lodgepole pines, showed substantial divergence from other crossbills at a small number of genomic regions. These results corroborate past studies showing local coadaptation of the morphological traits of South Hills crossbills and lodgepole pines, and premating isolation of the South Hills crossbills from other populations. Together, the past and new results suggest that local coevolution with lodgepole pines has led to reduced gene flow between South Hills crossbills and other crossbills.
Sperm competition shapes gene expression and sequence evolution in the ocellated wrasse
Authors: Dean Rebecca , Wright Alison E. , Marsh‐Rollo Susan E. , Nugent Bridget M. , Alonzo Suzanne H. , Mank Judith E.
Published: November 2016

Gene expression differences between males and females often underlie sexually dimorphic phenotypes, and the expression levels of genes that are differentially expressed between the sexes are thought to respond to sexual selection. Most studies on the transcriptomic response to sexual selection treat sexual selection as a single force, but postmating sexual selection in particular is expected to specifically target gonadal tissue. The three male morphs of the ocellated wrasse (Symphodus ocellatus) make it possible to test the role of postmating sexual selection in shaping the gonadal transcriptome. Nesting males hold territories and have the highest reproductive success, yet we detected feminization of their gonadal gene expression compared to satellite males. Satellite males are less brightly coloured and experience more intense sperm competition than nesting males. In line with postmating sexual selection affecting gonadal gene expression, we detected a more masculinized expression profile in satellites. Sneakers are the lowest quality males and showed both de‐masculinization and de‐feminization of gene expression. We also detected higher rates of gene sequence evolution of male‐biased genes compared to unbiased genes, which could at least in part be explained by positive selection. Together, these results reveal the potential for postmating sexual selection to drive higher rates of gene sequence evolution and shape the gonadal transcriptome profile.
Gut microbial ecology of lizards: insights into diversity in the wild, effects of captivity, variation across gut regions and transmission
Authors: Kohl Kevin D. , Brun Antonio , Magallanes Melisa , Brinkerhoff Joshua , Laspiur Alejandro , Acosta Juan Carlos , Caviedes‐Vidal Enrique , Bordenstein Seth R.
Published: November 2016

Animals maintain complex associations with a diverse microbiota living in their guts. Our understanding of the ecology of these associations is extremely limited in reptiles. Here, we report an in‐depth study into the microbial ecology of gut communities in three syntopic and viviparous lizard species (two omnivores: Liolaemus parvus and Liolaemus ruibali and an herbivore: Phymaturus williamsi). Using 16S rRNA gene sequencing to inventory various bacterial communities, we elucidate four major findings: (i) closely related lizard species harbour distinct gut bacterial microbiota that remain distinguishable in captivity; a considerable portion of gut bacterial diversity (39.1%) in nature overlap with that found on plant material, (ii) captivity changes bacterial community composition, although host‐specific communities are retained, (iii) faecal samples are largely representative of the hindgut bacterial community and thus represent acceptable sources for nondestructive sampling, and (iv) lizards born in captivity and separated from their mothers within 24 h shared 34.3% of their gut bacterial diversity with their mothers, suggestive of maternal or environmental transmission. Each of these findings represents the first time such a topic has been investigated in lizard hosts. Taken together, our findings provide a foundation for comparative analyses of the faecal and gastrointestinal microbiota of reptile hosts.
Identification of Wind Loads and Estimation of Structural Responses of Super‐Tall Buildings by an Inverse Method
Authors: Zhi Lunhai , Li Q.S. , Fang Mingxin
Published: November 2016

This article presents a Kalman‐filter‐based estimation algorithm for identification of wind loads on a super‐tall building using limited structural responses. In practice, acceleration responses are most convenient to be measured among wind‐induced dynamic responses of structures. The proposed inverse method allows estimating the unknown wind loads and structural responses of a super‐tall building using limited acceleration measurements. Taipei 101 Tower is a super‐tall building with 101 stories and a height of 508 m. Field measurements and numerical simulations of the wind effects on Taipei 101 Tower are conducted. The wind loads acting on the super‐tall building are estimated based on the wind‐induced responses determined from the numerical simulations and the refined finite‐element model of the structure, which are in good agreement with the exact results. The stability performance of the proposed algorithm is evaluated. The influence of noise levels in the measurements and covariance matrix of noise on the identification accuracy are investigated and discussed based on the L‐curve method. Finally, the wind loads and structural responses are reconstructed based on the field‐measured accelerations during Typhoon Matsa. The accuracy of the identified results is verified by comparing the reconstructed acceleration responses with the field measurements. The results of this study show that the proposed inverse approach can provide accurate predictions of the wind loads and wind‐induced responses of super‐tall buildings based on limited measured responses.
SecA functions in vivo as a discrete anti‐parallel dimer to promote protein transport
Authors: Banerjee Tithi , Lindenthal Christine , Oliver Donald
Published: November 2016

SecA ATPase motor protein plays a central role in bacterial protein transport by binding substrate proteins and the SecY channel complex and utilizing its ATPase activity to drive protein translocation across the plasma membrane. SecA has been shown to exist in a dynamic monomer–dimer equilibrium modulated by translocation ligands, and multiple structural forms of the dimer have been crystallized. Since the structural form of the dimer remains a controversial and unresolved question, we addressed this matter by engineering ρ‐benzoylphenylalanine along dimer interfaces corresponding to the five different SecA X‐ray structures and assessing their in vivo photo‐crosslinking pattern. A discrete anti‐parallel 1M6N‐like dimer was the dominant if not exclusive dimer found in vivo, whether SecA was cytosolic or in lipid or SecYEG‐bound states. SecA bound to a stable translocation intermediate was crosslinked in vivo to a second SecA protomer at its 1M6N interface, suggesting that this specific dimer likely promotes active protein translocation. Taken together, our studies strengthen models that posit, at least in part, a SecA dimer‐driven translocation mechanism.
ProP‐ProP and ProP‐phospholipid interactions determine the subcellular distribution of osmosensing transporter ProP in Escherichia coli
Authors: Romantsov Tatyana , Culham Doreen E. , Caplan Tavia , Garner Jennifer , Hodges Robert S. , Wood Janet M.
Published: November 2016

Osmosensing transporter ProP protects bacteria from osmotically induced dehydration by mediating the uptake of zwitterionic osmolytes. ProP activity is a sigmoidal function of the osmolality. ProP orthologues share an extended, cytoplasmic C‐terminal domain. Orthologues with and without a C‐terminal, α‐helical coiled‐coil domain respond similarly to the osmolality. ProP concentrates at the poles and septa of Escherichia coli cells in a cardiolipin (CL)‐dependent manner. The roles of phospholipids and the C‐terminal domain in subcellular localization of ProP were explored. Liposome association of peptides representing the C‐terminal domains of ProP orthologues and variants in vitro was compared with subcellular localization of the corresponding orthologues and variants in vivo. In the absence of coiled‐coil formation, the C‐terminal domain bound liposomes and ProP concentrated at the cell poles in a CL‐independent manner. The presence of the coiled‐coil replaced those phenomena with CL‐dependent binding and localization. The effects of amino acid replacements on lipid association of the C‐terminal peptide fully recapitulated their effects on the subcellular localization of ProP. These data suggest that polar localization of ProP results from association of its C‐terminal domain with the anionic lipid‐enriched membrane at the cell poles. The coiled‐coil domain present on only some orthologues renders that phenomenon CL‐dependent.
Biological relevance of volatile organic compounds emitted during the pathogenic interactions between apple plants and Erwinia amylovora
Authors: Cellini Antonio , Buriani Giampaolo , Rocchi Lorenzo , Rondelli Elena , Savioli Stefano , Rodriguez Estrada Maria T. , Cristescu Simona M. , Costa Guglielmo , Spinelli Francesco
Published: November 2016

Volatile organic compounds emitted during the infection of apple (Malus pumila var. domestica) plants by Erwinia amylovora or Pseudomonas syringae pv. syringae were studied by gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry and proton transfer reaction‐mass spectrometry, and used to treat uninfected plants. Infected plants showed a disease‐specific emission of volatile organic compounds, including several bio‐active compounds, such as hexenal isomers and 2,3‐butanediol. Leaf growth promotion and a higher resistance to the pathogen, expressed as a lower bacterial growth and migration in plant tissues, were detected in plants exposed to volatile compounds from E. amylovora‐infected plants. Transcriptional analysis revealed the activation of salicylic acid synthesis and signal transduction in healthy plants exposed to volatiles produced by E. amylovora‐infected neighbour plants. In contrast, in the same plants, salicylic acid‐dependent responses were repressed after infection, whereas oxylipin metabolism was activated. These results clarify some metabolic and ecological aspects of the pathogenic adaptation of E. amylovora to its host.
Role of physical activity in regulating appetite and body fat
Authors: Stensel D. J. , King J. A. , Thackray A. E.
Published: November 2016

Recent articles in the press have questioned the role of physical activity in regulating appetite and controlling bodyweight. These articles can be confusing and misleading for the public. Yet this is a complex area and there is disagreement about the importance of physical activity even among academics. Uncertainty and misunderstanding in this area may be related to the heterogeneity of the term ‘physical activity’, which encompasses sporting pursuits with extremely high levels of energy expenditure over prolonged periods of time, as well as everyday tasks involving much lower levels of energy expenditure on an intermittent basis. This latter form of physical activity includes what has been termed ‘non‐exercise activity thermogenesis’. In the right circumstances, physical activity can make a major contribution to the maintenance of a healthy weight even in the absence of dietary control although a combination of the two is almost certain to be more effective. In the long‐term, evidence suggests that for most people exercise is likely to lead to only modest weight loss. This may be due to an insufficient amount of physical activity being performed together with compensatory changes in eating and exercise behaviours. This is hard to prove because energy intake and energy expenditure are difficult to quantify in free‐living situations. Individual differences in the way people respond to exercise due to both environmental (e.g. social class, education level, income, eating and exercise behaviours of family and peers, weather) and genetic factors also contribute to uncertainty about the effectiveness of physical activity for weight control. Nevertheless, physical activity remains a vital component of a healthy lifestyle due to its positive influence on energy balance as well as its potential to reduce the risk of lifestyle‐related diseases.
Connecting biology with psychology to make sense of appetite control
Authors: Rogers P. J. , Ferriday D. , Jebb S. A. , Brunstrom J. M.
Published: November 2016

Eating more than is required to maintain bodyweight is weakly resisted physiologically, as appetite does not closely track body energy balance. What does limit energy intake is the capacity of the gut to accommodate and process what is eaten. As the gut empties, we are ready to eat again. We typically refer to this absence of fullness as ‘hunger’, but in this state, even when it is prolonged (e.g. by missing one or two meals), our mental and physical performance is not compromised because body energy stores are mobilised to sustain energy supply to our brain and muscles. We illustrate this by discussing research on the effects of missing breakfast. Contrary to conventional wisdom, it appears that missing breakfast leads to a reduction in total daily energy intake and does not impair cognitive function (in adequately nourished individuals). The problem with missing a meal or eating smaller meals, however, is that we miss out on (some of) the pleasure of eating (food reward). In current studies, we are investigating how to offset the reduced reward value of smaller food portions, by, for example, altering flavour intensity, food variety and unit size, in order to maintain overall meal satisfaction and thereby reduce or eliminate subsequent compensatory eating.
Dialysate bacterial endotoxin as a prognostic indicator of peritoneal dialysis related peritonitis
Authors: Szeto Cheuk‐Chun , Lai Ka‐Bik , Chow Kai‐Ming , Kwan Bonnie Ching‐Ha , Law Man‐Ching , Pang Wing‐Fai , Ma Terry King‐Wing , Leung Chi‐Bon , Li Philip Kam‐Tao
Published: November 2016

Peritonitis is the major complication of peritoneal dialysis (PD). The aim of our present study is to explore the prognostic value of endotoxin level in PD effluent for the prediction of treatment failure in PD‐related peritonitis. We studied 325 peritonitis episodes in 223 patients. PD effluent (PDE) was collected every 5 days for endotoxin level and leukocyte count. Patients were followed for relapsing or recurrent peritonitis. We found 20 episodes (6.2%) had primary treatment failure; 41 (12.6%) developed relapsing, 19 (5.8%) had recurrent, and 22 (6.8%) had repeat episodes. Endotoxin was detectable in the PDE of 19 episodes (24.4%) caused by Gram negative organisms, 4 episodes (6.8%) of mixed bacterial growth, and none of the culture negative episodes or those by Gram positive organisms. For episodes caused by Gram negative bacteria, a detectable endotoxin level in PDE on day 5 had a sensitivity and specificity of 66.7% and 83.3%, respectively, for predicting primary treatment failure. In contrast, PDE leukocyte count > 1000 per mm3 on day 5 had a sensitivity and specificity of 88.9% and 89.1%, respectively; the addition of PDE endotoxin assay did not improve the sensitivity or specificity. We conclude that detectable endotoxin in PDE 5 days after antibiotic therapy might predict primary treatment failure in peritonitis episodes caused by Gram negative organisms. However, the sensitivity and specificity of PDE endotoxin assay was inferior to PDE leukocyte count.
An order in Lewy body disorders: Retrograde degeneration in hyperbranching axons as a fundamental structural template accounting for focal/multifocal Lewy body disease
Authors: Uchihara Toshiki
Published: November 2016

Initial clinical recognition of “paralysis agitans” by James Parkinson was expanded by Jean‐Martin Charcot, who recognized additional clinical findings of his own, such as slowness (distinct from paralysis), rigidity (distinct from spasticity) and characteristic countenance. Charcot assembled these findings under the umbrella of “Parkinson disease (PD)”. This purely clinical concept was so prescient and penetrating that subsequent neuropathological and biochemical evidences were ordered along this axis to establish the nigra‐central trinity of PD (dopamine depletion, nigral lesion with Lewy bodies: LBs). Although dramatic efficacy of levodopa boosted an enthusiasm for this nigra‐centralism, extranigral lesions were identified, especially after identification of alpha‐synuclein (αS) as a major constituent of LBs. Frequent αS lesions in the lower brainstem with their presumed upward spread were coupled with the self‐propagating property of αS molecule, as a molecular template, to constitute the prion‐Braak hypothesis. This hybrid concept might expectedly explain clinical, structural and biochemical features of PD/dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) as if they were stereotypic. In spite of this ordered explanation, recent studies have demonstrated unexpectedly that αS lesions in the human brain, as well as their corresponding clinical manifestations, are much more disordered. Even with such a chaos of LB disorders, affected neuronal groups are uniformly characterized by hyperbranching axons, which may facilitate distal‐dominant degeneration and retrograde progression of LB‐related degeneration along axons as a fundamental structural order to template LB disorders. This “structural template” hypothesis may explain why: (i) some selective groups are prone to develop Lewy pathology; (ii) their clinical manifestations (especially non‐motor components) are vague and generalized without somatotopic accentuation; (iii) distal axons and terminals are preferentially affected early, which is clinically detectable as reduced myocardial uptake of meta‐iodobenzylguanidine in PD/DLB. Because each Lewy‐prone system develops LBs independently, their isolated presentation as “focal LB disease” or their whatever combinations as “multifocal LB disease” are a more plausible framework to explain clinicopathological diversities of LB disorders. Clinical criteria are now being revised to integrate these clinicopathological disorders of PD/DLB. To gain closer access to the reality of the human brain, it is necessary to facilitate more interactions between clinicopathological and experimental fields so that both are mutually critical and complementary for improved diagnosis and treatment.
Interactive effects of water limitation and elevated temperature on the physiology, development and fitness of diverse accessions of Brachypodium distachyon
Authors: Des Marais David L. , Lasky Jesse R. , Verslues Paul E. , Chang Trent Z. , Juenger Thomas E.
Published: November 2016

An enduring question in plant physiology and evolution is how single genotypes of plants optimize performance in diverse, often highly variable, environments.

We grew 35 natural accessions of the grass Brachypodium distachyon in four environments in the glasshouse, contrasting soil water deficit, elevated temperature and their interaction. We modeled treatment, genotype and interactive effects on leaf‐level and whole‐plant traits, including fecundity. We also assessed the relationship between glasshouse‐measured traits and parameters related to climate at the place of origin.

We found abundant genetic variation in both constitutive and induced traits related to plant–water relations. Most traits showed strong interaction between temperature and water availability, and we observed genotype‐by‐environment interaction for several traits. Notably, leaf free proline abundance showed a strong effect of genotype × temperature × water. We found strong associations between phenology, biomass and water use efficiency (WUE) with parameters describing climate of origin.

Plants respond to multiple stressors in ways not directly predictable from single stressors, underscoring the complex and trait‐specific mechanisms of environmental response. Climate–trait correlations support a role for WUE and phenology in local adaptation to climate in B. distachyon.
Conservation of permanent teeth involved in dentigerous cysts in mixed dentition: a series of cases
Authors: Rizq M. , Al Ashwah A.
Published: November 2016

Purpose

To evaluate the effectiveness of marsupialization or decompression of dentigerous cysts involving the crowns of unerupted permanent teeth during the state of mixed dentition with observation of outcomes.

Patients and methods

Six patients were included in this series. Two were females while the rest were males. They were operated under local anaesthesia except one who was operated under general anaesthesia.

Results

All involved teeth erupted spontaneously without the need for orthodontic intervention in all but one patient, who required subsequent intervention. No adverse outcomes were recorded in our series.
Ultrasound‐Guided Peristyloid Steroid Injection for Eagle Syndrome
Authors: Maher Timothy , Shankar Hariharan
Published: November 2016

The styloid process arising from the temporal bone is normally about 2.5 cm in length. For various reasons, including trauma and inflammation, it may become elongated. This elongated styloid process, when symptomatic with clinical signs and symptoms suggestive of local compression or neuropathic pain, is termed Eagle syndrome. Glossopharyngeal neuralgia is characterized by intermittent shooting sharp pain in the jaw, throat, tongue, and ear. Conservative management includes anticonvulsants, tricyclic antidepressants, and anti‐inflammatory agents. Interventional and surgical options are pursued when these fail. Fluoroscopy is usually used to position the needle adjacent to the styloid process for injecting steroid and or local anesthetic. We describe a case of a 41‐year‐old woman with Eagle syndrome who failed conservative management and subsequently underwent an ultrasound‐guided peristyloid steroid injection with short‐duration pain relief.
De novo inflammatory bowel disease after pediatric kidney or liver transplant
Authors: Fernandes Melissa A. , Braun Hillary J. , Evason Kim , Rhee Sue , Perito Emily R.
Published: November 2016

A subset of children who receive a liver and/or kidney transplant develop de novo inflammatory bowel disease‐like chronic intestinal inflammation, not explained by infection or medications, following transplant. We have conducted a single‐center, retrospective case series describing the unique clinical and histologic features of this IBD‐like chronic intestinal inflammation following solid organ transplant. At our center, nine of 327 kidney or liver recipients developed de novo IBD following transplant (six liver, two kidney, one liver‐kidney). Most children presented with prolonged hematochezia and diarrhea and were treated with aminosalicylates. At time of diagnosis, five were not currently using mycophenolate mofetil for transplant immunosuppression. Histologic and endoscopic findings at IBD diagnosis included inflammation, ulcerations, granulomas, and chronic colitis. Since diagnosis, no patients have required surgical intervention, or escalation to biologic therapy, nor developed stricturing or perianal disease. In this case series, de novo post‐transplant IBD developed in 4% of pediatric liver and/or kidney recipients; however, it often does not fit the classic patterns of Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis.
Alemtuzumab (Campath‐1H) therapy for refractory rejections in pediatric heart transplant recipients
Authors: Das Bibhuti , Dimas Vivian , Guleserian Kristine , Lacelle Chantale , Anton Kristin , Moore Lindy , Morrow Robert
Published: November 2016

Despite substantial improvements in survival after pediatric heart transplantation, refractory rejection remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality. We have utilized ALE (Campath‐1H) in six consecutive patients with refractory rejection. These rejection episodes persisted despite conventional treatment, which included intravenous methylprednisolone, rituximab, immunoglobulin G, and antithymocyte globulin. In our series, after ALE therapy, LV SF increased from 22%±5% to 33%±5% (P=.01). However, in our series, ALE therapy neither led to persistent LV function recovery nor could it prevent subsequent antibody‐mediated rejection.
Critical in vivo roles of histamine and histamine receptor signaling in animal models of metabolic syndrome
Authors: Yamada Sohsuke , Tanimoto Akihide , Sasaguri Yasuyuki
Published: November 2016

Histamine, a classic low‐molecular‐weight amine, is synthesized from L‐histidine by histidine decarboxylase (HDC), and histamine‐specific receptors (HRs) are essential for its actions. Our serial in vivo studies have uniquely reported that expression of histamine/HRs is variably identified in atherosclerotic lesions, and that HDC‐gene knockout mice without histamine/HRs signaling show a marked reduction of atherosclerotic progression. These data have convinced us that histamine plays a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. Among four subclasses of HRs, the expression profile of the main receptors (H1/2R) has been shown to be switched from H2R to H1R during monocyte to macrophage differentiation, and H1R is also predominant in smooth muscle and endothelial cells of atheromatous plaque. Using various animal models of H1/2R–gene knockout mice, H1R and H2R were found to reciprocally but critically regulate not only hypercholesterolemia‐induced atherosclerosis and injury‐induced arteriosclerosis, but also hyperlipidemia‐induced nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Metabolic syndrome manifests obesity, dyslipidemia, insulin resistance, atherosclerosis, and/or NAFLD, i.e. the dysregulation of lipid/bile acid/glucose metabolism. Therefore, although its etiology is complicated and multifactorial, histamine/HRs signaling has a close relationship with the development of metabolic syndrome. We herein review diverse, key in vivo roles of histamine/HR signaling in the pathogenesis of metabolic syndrome.
The “Islamized Stranger”: On “Chronic” Versus “Contextual” Salience in the Measurement of Anti‐Muslim Prejudice
Authors: Spruyt Bram , van der Noll Jolanda
Published: November 2016

There is an ongoing debate whether anti‐Muslim prejudice in Western countries is more widespread than prejudice towards other ethno‐cultural groups or general ethnic prejudice. Previous research used different methodologies and yielded contradictory results. In this article, we combine a population‐based split‐sample survey experiment (N = 1,323), where half of the respondents judged items about Muslims and the other half statements about strangers, with an open question probing which groups respondents thought of when thinking about “strangers.” We furthermore extend previous research by not only focusing on general ethnic prejudice, but to differentiate between perceived trustworthiness, economic, cultural, and security threat. Our results strongly support the idea that the difference between the “chronic” and “contextual” salience of the target of prejudice should be taken into account.
Two Phytophthora species causing decline of wild olive (Olea europaea subsp. europaea var. sylvestris)
Authors: González M. , Pérez‐Sierra A. , Serrano M. S. , Sánchez M. E.
Published: November 2016

Since 2009, a severe decline leading to mortality has been observed affecting nearly 5 ha of a wild olive woodland of high ecological value in Seville, southern Spain. Phytophthora cryptogea and P. megasperma were consistently isolated from roots and rhizosphere of trees with symptoms sampled in 2009, 2011 and 2013. The isolates were identified on the basis of colony and reproductive structure morphology as well as temperature–growth relationships, and identification was further corroborated by their ITS and β‐tubulin sequences. Koch's postulates were demonstrated for both species on 1‐year‐old wild olives. Pathogenicity tests showed that both Phytophthora spp. are highly aggressive pathogens, although temperature–growth requirements for each species were distinct. As a consequence, the two species may be active in different seasons and their epidemiology may be differently influenced by global climate change, and they may show their active periods in different climatic scenarios. The climate change models for the Mediterranean Basin forecast a global temperature increase that favours the more thermophilic P. cryptogea. The high susceptibility to phytophthora root rot should not be disregarded in olive breeding programmes where wild olive is used as a source of resistance to verticillium wilt.
Decision making for business model development: a process study of effectuation and causation in new technology‐based ventures
Authors: Reymen Isabelle , Berends Hans , Oudehand Rob , Stultiëns Rutger
Published: November 2016

This study investigates the decision‐making logics used by new ventures to develop their business models. In particular, they focussed on the logics of effectuation and causation and how their dynamics shape the development of business models over time. They found that the effectual decision‐making logic was used dominantly to generate a viable value proposition for a specific customer segment. Causal logic is then used dominantly to define the other business model components in relation to the value proposition and customer segment. When a shortage of resources emerges, causal logic is replaced by an increase in effectual decision‐making again. They concluded that before investing significant resources in a business model it was crucial for firms to reduce, as far as possible, technological and market uncertainty through effectual strategies to avoid high re‐configuration costs later.
Differential expression and activity of matrix metalloproteinases 2 and 9 in canine early placenta
Authors: Diessler M , Ventureira M , Hernandez R , Sobarzo C , Casas L , Barbeito C , Cebral E
Published: November 2016

Contents

The zonary and endotheliochorial dog placenta is the most invasive placenta of carnivores. The importance of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) in placenta invasiveness has been determined in several mammals including species with haemochorial, epitheliochorial and endotheliochorial placentation. Regarding the latter, the expression of MMP enzymes has been studied in the cat and the mature canine placenta. The aim of this study was to analyse the expression and activity of MMP‐2 and MMP‐9 in the early dog placenta. Placentae from 18 to 30 days of pregnancy were collected from four bitches. Two placentae from each bitch were analysed. Placental tissue from one uterine horn was fixed in formaldehyde for immunohistochemistry, while marginal haematoma, labyrinth, non‐implantative and implantative endometrium from the contralateral horn were immediately frozen in dry ice for the analysis of MMP expression (Western blot [WB]) and activity (zymography). MMP‐2 and MMP‐9 were evidenced in the labyrinth, maternal glands and marginal haematoma; this finding was directly correlated with levels of MMP expression by WB, and with the activity of MMP‐2, mainly in the haematoma (the area of major remodelling of tissues). Thus, although MMP‐9 is well expressed in the early canine placenta, it is not active. Given the important role of MMPs for invasiveness, maternal–foetal angiogenesis and the establishment of a correct foetal nutrition, the results are consistent with the findings in other species in which the MMP‐2 activation precedes the MMP‐9 one in early placentation.
Identification and changes in the seasonal concentrations of heat shock proteins in roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) epididymides
Authors: Majewska AM , Kordan W , Koziorowska‐Gilun M , Wysocki P
Published: November 2016

Contents

Heat shock proteins (HSPs) act as molecular chaperones with important regulatory functions. HSPs are considered to be essential factors in animal reproduction. In view of seasonal variations in the secretory activity of the reproductive tract of mature roe deer (Capreolus capreolus), the aims of this study were to identify HSPs in the epididymides and compare the expression of the identified proteins in three periods of the reproductive season. Two‐dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis revealed the highest number of polypeptides in homogenates of epididymal tissues and in caput, corpus and cauda epididymal fluids throughout the reproductive season. Epididymal tissue homogenates and epididymal fluids were analysed by tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) to reveal 31 polypeptides with enzymatic activity, including polypeptides with antioxidant properties, structural and cell signalling functions. Moreover, among the identified polypeptides, five of them were similar to heat shock proteins: endoplasmin (Grp94); heat shock protein 90 kDa (HSP90); 78‐kDa glucose‐regulated protein (Grp78); chain A, the crystal structure of the human HSP70 ATPase domain and heat shock protein beta‐1 isoform X. The concentrations of the analysed polypeptides, expressed in optical density units (ODU), differed significantly (p ≤ .05) across the examined periods of the reproductive season. The highest ODU values for almost all analysed proteins were observed during the rutting period. The presence of HSPs in the epididymal tissues and fluids of roe deer in different periods of the reproductive season could indicate that those proteins play an important role in sperm maturation in the epididymis.
Natural and artificial hyperimmune solutions: Impact on health in puppies
Authors: Mila H , Grellet A , Mariani C , Feugier A , Guard B , Suchodolski J , Steiner J , Chastant‐Maillard S
Published: November 2016

Contents

Colostrum and milk are complex mammary secretions providing the puppy with many nutritional and immunological factors, which play a crucial role for its correct development and survival. In the case of colostrum and/or milk intake deficiency, puppies are at increased risk of infectious diseases. This work reviews the various nutritional hyperimmune supplementations proposed to provide a passive immune protection and to positively impact puppies’ health. Some strategies rely on canine immunoglobulins: canine colostrum banking and canine serum/plasma supplementation. Others involve heterologous sources of antibodies and other immune factors: bovine colostrum or hyperimmune egg powder. Among the different solutions evaluated from birth to weaning, canine plasma and hyperimmune egg powder showed promising beneficial effect on puppies’ health. Canine plasma seems to positively impact not only growth (increased growth during the neonatal period), but also digestive health (higher species richness of intestinal microbiota) and the general health (tendency of lower morbidity). Puppies supplemented with hyperimmune egg powder presented increased neonatal growth and decreased risk of canine parvovirus infection. Nevertheless, natural canine maternal colostrum and milk ingestion remains the optimal guarantee for puppies’ health and survival, as a source of immunity, energy and growth factors.
Survival rate after vitrification of various stages of cat embryos and blastocyst with and without artificially collapsed blastocoel cavity
Authors: Ochota M , Wojtasik B , Niżański W
Published: November 2016

Contents

Embryo vitrification is a modern technique for cryopreservation in assisted reproductive programs. From all the embryos, blastocysts are the most challenging during cryostorage due to their size, multicellular structure and the presence of blastocoelic fluid. The aim of this study was to evaluate the suitability for vitrification of various developmental stages of feline embryos and the influence of the artificial shrinkage (AS) of expanded blastocyst on post‐vitrification survival rates. The AS procedure is the manual puncture of the trophectoderm allowing for the reduction of blastocoelic fluid prior to vitrification and thus preventing the ice crystal formation. The vitrified embryos were divided into groups of 2‐cell, 4‐ to 8‐cell, >8‐cell, morulae, compacted and expanded blastocyst, based on morphological assessment and vitrified in groups of 1–3 embryos per Cryotop. The post‐warming survival was similar regardless the embryo developmental stage prior vitrification; however, development to blastocysts was only noted in 4‐ to 8‐cell and >8‐cell vitrified embryos (13% and 27%, respectively). Following warming, the significantly more viable blastocysts were noted in vitrified compacted versus expanded blastocyst and in expanded blastocyst subjected to AS procedure versus expanded blastocyst without AS (total survival: 58.3% vs. 33.3% and 64.3% vs. 38.5%, respectively; re‐expansion rate within 2 hr post‐warming: 41.7 vs. 6.7% and 50% vs. 7.7%, respectively). One‐fifth of vitrified expanded blastocyst showed morphological damage immediately after warming procedure, whereas no visible damage was noted in compacted blastocyst and artificially collapsed expanded ones. The obtained results suggest that the most suitable for vitrification are feline embryos containing four to 16 blastomeres and compacted blastocyst. In addition, the reduction of blastocoel cavity in expanding blastocyst by artificial collapse improved the blastocyst vitrification outcome.