The Solar Acoustic Spectrum and Eigenmode Parameters

The Global Oscillation Network Group (GONG) project estimates the frequencies, amplitudes, and linewidths of more than 250,000 acoustic resonances of the sun from data sets lasting 36 days. The frequency resolution of a single data set is 0.321 microhertz. For frequencies averaged over the azimuthal order m, the median formal error is 0.044 microhertz, and the associated median fractional error is 1.6 x 10(-5). For a 3-year data set, the fractional error is expected to be 3 x 10(-6). The GONG m-averaged frequency measurements differ from other helioseismic data sets by 0.03 to 0.08 microhertz. The differences arise from a combination of systematic errors, random errors, and possible changes in solar structure.     

Modelling forest recolonization by an epiphytic lichen using a landscape genetic approach

The process of recolonization after disturbance is crucial for the persistence and dynamics of patch-tracking metapopulations. We developed a model to compare the spatial distribution and spatial genetic structure of the epiphytic lichen Lobaria pulmonaria within the perimeter of two reconstructed 19th century disturbances with a nearby reference area without stand-level disturbance. Population genetic data suggested that after stand-replacing disturbance, each plot was colonized by one or a few genotypes only, which subsequently spread clonally within a local neighborhood. The model (cellular automaton) aimed at testing the validity of this interpretation and at assessing the relative importance of local dispersal of clonal propagules vs. long-distance dispersal of clonal and/or sexual diaspores. A reasonable model fit was reached for the empirical data on host tree distribution, lichen distribution, and tree- and plot-level genotype diversity of the lichen in the reference area. Although model calibration suggested a predominance of local dispersal of clonal propagules, a substantial contribution of immigration of non-local genotypes by long-distance dispersal was needed to reach the observed levels of genotype diversity. The model could not fully explain the high degree of clonality after stand-replacing disturbance, suggesting that the dispersal process itself may not be stationary but depend on the ecological conditions related to disturbance.     

Ultrasound diagnosis: intra-abdominal torsion of a non-neoplastic testicle in a cryptorchid dog

A 6-month-old male bilaterally cryptorchid Boxer was examined for acute abdominal pain. The results of physical examination, laboratory testing, and ultrasonographic examination are presented. Intra-abdominal testicular torsion was suspected and confirmed at surgery. No evidence of neoplasia was found at histopathologic examination of the twisted testicle. A discussion of testicular torsion is presented.     

Role of functionally dominant species in varying environmental regimes: evidence for the performance-enhancing effect of biodiversity

ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND: Theory suggests that biodiversity can act as a buffer against disturbances and environmental variability via two major mechanisms: Firstly, a stabilising effect by decreasing the temporal variance in ecosystem functioning due to compensatory processes; and secondly, a performance enhancing effect by raising the level of community response through the selection of better performing species. Empirical evidence for the stabilizing effect of biodiversity is readily available, whereas experimental confirmation of the performance-enhancing effect of biodiversity is sparse. RESULTS: Here, we test the effect of different environmental regimes (constant versus fluctuating temperature) on bacterial biodiversity-ecosystem functioning relations. We show that positive effects of species richness on ecosystem functioning are enhanced by stronger temperature fluctuations due to the increased performance of individual species. CONCLUSIONS: Our results provide evidence for the performance enhancing effect and suggest that selection towards functionally dominant species is likely to benefit the maintenance of ecosystem functioning under more variable conditions.     

Genotoxicity of glycidamide in comparison to 3-N-nitroso-oxazolidin-2-one

Acrylamide (AA) is generated by thermal processing of foods, depending on processing conditions and precursor availability. AA is not genotoxic by itself but becomes activated to its genotoxic metabolite glycidamide (GA) via epoxidation, mediated primarily by cytochrome P450 2E1. In the Comet assay in V79 cells and in human lymphocytes, GA induced DNA damage down to 300 microM concentration (4 h). After post-treatment with the DNA repair enzyme formamidopyrimidine-DNA-glycosylase (FPG), DNA damage became already detectable at 10 microM (4 h). By comparison, the N-nitroso compound 3- N-nitroso-oxazolidin-2-one (NOZ-2) is a much stronger genotoxic agent, significantly inducing DNA damage already at 15 min (3 microM). Post-treatment with FPG in this case did not enhance response. GA induced DNA damage in V79 cells rather slowly, with first response detectable at 4 h. The hPRT forward mutation test encompasses 5 days of expression time during which also repair can take place. GA-induced hPRT mutations only became detectable at concentrations of 800 microM and above. This is 80-fold higher than the lowest significant response to GA in the Comet assay (10 microM with FPG). In contrast, NOZ-2 was as effective in the hPRT test as in the Comet assay (3 microM). These results demonstrate substantial differences in the genotoxic potency of GA and NOZ-2. Whereas NOZ-2 is a pontent genotoxic mutagen, GA in comparison shows only low genotoxic and mutagenic potential, presumably as a result, at least in part, of preferential N7-G alkylation.     

Evaluation of BAM (butorphanol–azaperone–medetomidine) in captive African lion (Panthera leo) immobilization

Objective

The combination of butorphanol, azaperone and medetomidine (BAM) with subsequent antagonism by naltrexone–yohimbine or naltrexone–atipamezole was evaluated for reversible immobilization of captive African lions (Panthea leo).

Identifying obstacles and ranking common biological control research priorities for Europe to manage most economically important pests in arable,vegetable and perennial crops

EU agriculture is currently in transition from conventional crop protection to integrated pest management (IPM). Because biocontrol is a key component of IPM, many European countries recently have intensified their national efforts on biocontrol research and innovation (R&I), although such initiatives are often fragmented. The operational outputs of national efforts would benefit from closer collaboration among stakeholders via transnationally coordinated approaches, as most economically important pests are similar across Europe. This paper proposes a common European framework on biocontrol R&I. It identifies generic R&I bottlenecks and needs as well as priorities for three crop types (arable, vegetable and perennial crops). The existing gap between the market offers of biocontrol solutions and the demand of growers, the lengthy and expensive registration process for biocontrol solutions and their varying effectiveness due to variable climatic conditions and site‐specific factors across Europe are key obstacles hindering the development and adoption of biocontrol solutions in Europe. Considering arable, vegetable and perennial crops, a dozen common target pests are identified for each type of crop and ranked by order of importance at European level. Such a ranked list indicates numerous topics on which future joint transnational efforts would be justified. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry     

(99m)Tc-DTPA diuretic renal scintigraphy in dogs with nephroureterolithiasis

This study evaluated the results of diuretic renal scintigraphy in dogs with urolithiasis. Eighty-three kidneys with nephroureterolithiasis +/- renal pelvis/ureteral dilation were included in the study. Sixty-three kidneys showed a non-obstructive pattern, with a steep drop or gradual downward slope of renal time-activity curve (TAC). Excretion half-time of radiopharmaceutical (T(1/2)) was 3.99 (2.99 to 7.95) min. Three kidneys showed an obstructive pattern, with continuous rise of the TAC and median T(1/2) of -10.71 (-5.20 to -17.56) min. Fifteen kidneys had non-diagnostic studies characterized by flat TAC. Individual kidney glomerular filtration rate was <0.5 mL/min/kg body weight in most non-diagnostic studies. Diuretic renal scintigraphy appears to be a useful adjunct modality to rule out or confirm ureteral obstruction in dogs. Additional diagnostic procedures may be necessary to achieve a definitive diagnosis in cases of severely impaired renal function.     

Field trial in commercial broilers with a multivalent in ovo vaccine comprising a mixture of live viral vaccines against Marek's disease,infectious bursal disease,Newcastle disease,and fowl pox

A multivalent in ovo vaccine (MIV) was tested for safety and efficacy in a commercial broiler complex. The MIV comprised five replicating live viruses including serotypes 1, 2, and 3 of Marek's disease virus (MDV), an intermediate infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV) and a recombinant fowl poxvirus (FPV) vector vaccine containing HN and F genes of Newcastle disease virus (NDV). The performance of MIV-vaccinated broilers was compared with that of hatchmates that received turkey herpesvirus (HVT) alone (routinely used in ovo vaccine in the broiler complex). The chickens that hatched from the MIV-injected and HVT-injected eggs were raised under commercial conditions in six barns. Barn 1 housed 17,853 MIV-vaccinated chickens and each of the barns 2-6 housed 18,472-22,798 HVT-vaccinated chickens. The HVT-vaccinated chickens were given infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) and NDV vaccines at hatch and at 2 wk of age. The MIV-vaccinated chickens received IBV vaccine at hatch and IBV + NDV at 2 wk of age. The relative values of hatchability of eggs, livability and weight gain of chickens, and condemnation rates at processing were comparable between the MIV and the HVT groups (P > 0.05). Chickens from the MIV- and the HVT-vaccinated groups were challenged with virulent viruses under laboratory conditions. The resistance of vaccinated chickens against Marek's disease could not be assessed because of high natural resistance of unvaccinated commercial broilers to virulent MDV. The relative resistances of the MIV- and the HVT-vaccinated groups, respectively, against other virulent viruses were as follows: IBDV, 100% for both groups; NDV, 81% vs. 19%; FPV, 86% vs. 0%. The successful use of MIV under field conditions expands the usefulness of the in ovo technology for poultry.     

Protective immunity against infectious bursal disease virus in chickens in the absence of virus-specific antibodies

The role of cell-mediated immunity (CMI) in pathogenesis of infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV) was investigated. One-day-old specific pathogen-free chickens were treated with 3mg of cyclophosphamide (Cy) per chicken for 4 consecutive days and, 3 weeks later, infected with the IBDV-IM strain. Chickens were examined for: (a) mitogenic response of splenocytes to ConA, as an indicator of T-cell functions in vitro, (b) antibody against IBDV by ELISA, (c) IBDV genome in various tissues by RT-PCR and (d) immunological memory. At the time of IBDV infection, Cy-treated chickens had depleted bursal tissue (an avian primary B-cell lymphoid organ), severely compromised antibody-producing ability, but normal T-cell response to ConA. In primary infection, no detectable antibody against IBDV antigen in Cy-treated, IBDV-infected chickens was observed up to 28 days post-infection (PI), while IBDV genome was detected by RT-PCR in spleen, thymus, liver and blood until 10 days PI. Like intact control chickens infected with IBDV, Cy-treated, IBDV-infected chickens suppressed splenocytes responses to ConA from 5 to 10 days PI, suggesting that intact control as well as Cy-treated chickens responded similarly to IBDV infection in the early phase. Following re-infection with IBDV, no detectable secondary antibody response to IBDV as well as IBDV genome in tissues were observed in Cy-treated chickens, while intact control chickens developed vigorous secondary antibody response. Similar to intact control chickens infected with IBDV, Cy-treated chickens after second infection with IBDV did not suppress splenocyte response to ConA. These results suggested that in the absence of detectable anti-IBDV antibodies, protection of Cy-treated chickens from IBDV infection may occur via immunological memory mediated by CMI. We concluded that under normal conditions, IBDV induces a protective antibody response, however, in the absence of antibody, CMI alone is adequate in protecting birds against virulent IBDV.