Modeling carbon allocation in trees: a search for principles

We review approaches to predicting carbon and nitrogen allocation in forest models in terms of their underlying assumptions and their resulting strengths and limitations. Empirical and allometric methods are easily developed and computationally efficient, but lack the power of evolution-based approaches to explain and predict multifaceted effects of environmental variability and climate change. In evolution-based methods, allocation is usually determined by maximization of a fitness proxy, either in a fixed environment, which we call optimal response (OR) models, or including the feedback of an individual's strategy on its environment (game-theoretical optimization, GTO). Optimal response models can predict allocation in single trees and stands when there is significant competition only for one resource. Game-theoretical optimization can be used to account for additional dimensions of competition, e.g., when strong root competition boosts root allocation at the expense of wood production. However, we demonstrate that an OR model predicts similar allocation to a GTO model under the root-competitive conditions reported in free-air carbon dioxide enrichment (FACE) experiments. The most evolutionarily realistic approach is adaptive dynamics (AD) where the allocation strategy arises from eco-evolutionary dynamics of populations instead of a fitness proxy. We also discuss emerging entropy-based approaches that offer an alternative thermodynamic perspective on allocation, in which fitness proxies are replaced by entropy or entropy production. To help develop allocation models further, the value of wide-ranging datasets, such as FLUXNET, could be greatly enhanced by ancillary measurements of driving variables, such as water and soil nitrogen availability.     

FUNCTIONALITY OF VETERINARY IDENTIFICATION MICROCHIPS FOLLOWING LOW‐ (0.5 TESLA) AND HIGH‐FIELD (3 TESLA) MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING

The ability to read patient identification microchips relies on the use of radiofrequency pulses. Since radiofrequency pulses also form an integral part of the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) process, the possibility of loss of microchip function during MRI scanning is of concern. Previous clinical trials have shown microchip function to be unaffected by MR imaging using a field strength of 1 Tesla and 1.5. As veterinary MRI scanners range widely in field strength, this study was devised to determine whether exposure to lower or higher field strengths than 1 Tesla would affect the function of different types of microchip. In a phantom study, a total of 300 International Standards Organisation (ISO)‐approved microchips (100 each of three different types: ISO FDX‐B 1.4 × 9 mm, ISO FDX‐B 2.12 × 12 mm, ISO HDX 3.8 × 23 mm) were tested in a low field (0.5) and a high field scanner (3.0 Tesla). A total of 50 microchips of each type were tested in each scanner. The phantom was composed of a fluid‐filled freezer pack onto which a plastic pillow and a cardboard strip with affixed microchips were positioned. Following an MRI scan protocol simulating a head study, all of the microchips were accurately readable. Neither 0.5 nor 3 Tesla imaging affected microchip function in this study.     

Extraction of mobile element fractions in forest soils using ammonium nitrate and ammonium chloride

The extraction of earth alkaline and alkali metals (Ca, Mg, K, Na), heavy metals (Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn, Cd, Pb) and Al by 1 M NH₄NO₃ and 0.5 M NH₄Cl was compared for soil samples (texture: silt loam, clay loam) with a wide range of pH(CaCl₂) and organic carbon (OC) from a forest area in W Germany. For each of these elements, close and highly significant correlations could be observed between the results from both methods in organic and mineral soil horizons. The contents of the base cations were almost convertible one‐to‐one. However, for all heavy metals NH₄Cl extracted clearly larger amounts, which was mainly due to their tendency to form soluble chloro complexes with chloride ions from the NH₄Cl solution. This tendency is very distinct in the case of Cd, Pb, and Fe, but also influences the results of Mn and Zn. In the case of Cd and Mn, and to a lower degree also in the case of Pb, Fe, and Zn, the effect of the chloro complexes shows a significant pH dependency. Especially for Cd, but also for Pb, Fe, Mn, Zn, the agreement between both methods increased, when pH(CaCl₂) values and/or contents of OC were taken into account. In comparison to NH₄Cl, NH₄NO₃ proved to be chemically less reactive and, thus, more suitable for the extraction of comparable fractions of mobile heavy metals. Since both methods lead to similar and closely correlated results with regard to base cations and Al, the use of NH₄NO₃ is also recommended for the extraction of mobile/exchangeable alkali, earth alkaline, and Al ions in soils and for the estimation of their contribution to the effective cation‐exchange capacity (CEC). Consequently, we suggest to determine the mobile/exchangeable fraction of all elements using the NH₄NO₃ method. However, the applicability of the NH₄NO₃ method to other soils still needs to be investigated.     

From wine to pepper: rotundone, an obscure sesquiterpene, is a potent spicy aroma compound

An obscure sesquiterpene, rotundone, has been identified as a hitherto unrecognized important aroma impact compound with a strong spicy, peppercorn aroma. Excellent correlations were observed between the concentration of rotundone and the mean 'black pepper' aroma intensity rated by sensory panels for both grape and wine samples, indicating that rotundone is a major contributor to peppery characters in Shiraz grapes and wine (and to a lesser extent in wine of other varieties). Approximately 80% of a sensory panel were very sensitive to the aroma of rotundone (aroma detection threshold levels of 16 ng/L in red wine and 8 ng/L in water). Above these concentrations, these panelists described the spiked samples as more 'peppery' and 'spicy'. However, approximately 20% of panelists could not detect this compound at the highest concentration tested (4000 ng/L), even in water. Thus, the sensory experiences of two consumers enjoying the same glass of Shiraz wine might be very different. Rotundone was found in much higher amounts in other common herbs and spices, especially black and white peppercorns, where it was present at approximately 10000 times the level found in very 'peppery' wine. Rotundone is the first compound found in black or white peppercorns that has a distinctive peppery aroma. Rotundone has an odor activity value in pepper on the order of 50000-250000 and is, on this criterion, by far the most powerful aroma compound yet found in that most important spice.     

Porcine intestinal epithelial cell lines as a new in vitro model for studying adherence and pathogenesis of enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli

Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) infections result in large economic losses in the swine industry worldwide. The organism causes diarrhea by adhering to and colonizing enterocytes in the small intestines. While much progress has been made in understanding the pathogenesis of ETEC, no homologous intestinal epithelial cultures suitable for studying porcine ETEC pathogenesis have been described prior to this report. In the current study, we investigated the adherence of various porcine ETEC strains to two porcine (IPEC-1 and IPEC-J2) and one human (INT-407) small intestinal epithelial cell lines. Each cell line was assessed for its ability to support the adherence of E. coli expressing fimbrial adhesins K88ab, K88ac, K88ad, K99, F41, 987P, and F18. Wild-type ETEC expressing K88ab, K88ac, and K88ad efficiently bound to both IPEC-1 and IPEC-J2 cells. An ETEC strain expressing both K99 and F41 bound heavily to both porcine cell lines but an E. coli strain expressing only K99 bound very poorly to these cells. E. coli expressing F18 adhesin strongly bound to IPEC-1 cells but did not adhere to IPEC-J2 cells. The E. coli strains G58-1 and 711 which express no fimbrial adhesins and those that express 987P fimbriae failed to bind to either porcine cell line. Only strains B41 and K12:K99 bound in abundance to INT-407 cells. The binding of porcine ETEC to IPEC-J2, IPEC-1 and INT-407 with varying affinities, together with lack of binding of 987P ETEC and non-fimbriated E. coli strains, suggests strain-specific E. coli binding to these cell lines. These findings suggest the potential usefulness of porcine intestinal cell lines for studying ETEC pathogenesis.     

Effect of feed type and essential oil product on equine chewing activity

The ingestive and post-digestion effect of a blend of special essential oil compounds (EO) on eating, chewing and faecal parameters were measured in horses. Ingestive effects appear after no adaptation. Post-digestion effects appear after adaptation. Six Icelandic horses were assigned to two groups in a Latin Square subplot design with EO treatments to four different roughage types and four different concentrates. The horses were fed four different roughage meals and two different concentrate meals on each of the four sampling days. Eating time and saliva were observed during meals. Jaw movements (JM) were recorded using a special chewing halter. Eating time was derived from JM and related to DM intake. The size characteristics of faecal particles were measured by using image analysis. All chewing characteristics measured were significantly affected by roughage (p < 0.001) and concentrate type (p < 0.01). EO had a significant ingestive effect on the frequency of observed saliva during concentrate meals. No significant (p < 0.05) post-digestive or ingestive effect of EO was found for any measured chewing characteristic, which was reflected in the absence of effect on faecal particle dimensions. In conclusion, effect of type of roughage and concentrate was more significant than potential effects of EO.     

Influence of different copper and zinc supply on their concentrations in blood serum, liver and hair of dairy cows

In a feeding trial at the Institute of Animal Nutrition of the Federal Research Institute of Animal Health (FLI) over 12 weeks with 20 cows of the German Holstein Breed the influence of different copper and zinc contents in the ration on their concentration in blood serum, liver and hair was tested. All animals received a diet based on maize- and grass silage ad libitum. The animals were divided in two groups with 10 cows each; group A received a concentrate according to their milk yield with a copper and zinc content as recommended (GfE 2001), whereas group B was offered a concentrate with roughly the double amount of copper and zinc. At the beginning and at the end of the trial a sample of blood, pigmented hair and a liver bioptate was taken from all animals to evaluate the incorporation of copper and zinc in these tissues. In serum and pigmented hair the copper concentrations did not differ between the two groups [13.4 for Group A and 12.5 micromol/L for Group B in serum respectively 6.8 (Group A) and 7.4 mg/kg DM (Group B) in pigmented hair]. Only the copper concentration in the liver was influenced by the different feeding. The higher copper content for group B resulted in a significantly higher copper concentration in the liver (506 mg/kg DM compared to 383 mg/kg DM). The liver is the best indicator organ for a sufficient copper supply. An increase in the zinc content in the ration resulted neither in higher zinc concentrations in serum (15.1 in Group B in comparison to 13.4 micromol/L for Group A) nor in higher zinc concentrations in liver (140 for Group B and 112 mg/kg DM for Group A) and pigmented hair (130 in Group A and 123 mg/kg DM in Group B). There is a significant correlation between copper intake and copper concentration in the liver (r = 0.46), whereas the correlation between zinc intake and zinc concentration in the liver is only tendencially (r = 0.23). The three tested samples serum, liver and cow hair are not qualified to reflect exactly a sufficient zinc supply.     

Diagnosis and management of odontogenic myxoma in a dog

A three-year-old Jack Russell terrier dog was presented with a large gingival mass of the right mandible extending from the fourth premolar to the first molar teeth. Radiographic examination of the expansile mass revealed moth-eaten, honeycomb-like lyses of the mandible and extended into the mandibular alveolar canal based on computed tomography. The histopathological diagnosis of the biopsy was odontogenic fibromyxoma. Mandibulectomy with resection of the associated soft tissues was performed. Surgical management was curative with no clinical signs of disease 2-years after treatment. These neoplasms are slow growing, locally destructive tumors of odontogenic origin that have been described in the jaw of only one dog. In this paper, the clinico-radiological and pathologic features, diagnostic modalities as well as the factors that might influence treatment outcome of odontogenic myxomas are discussed. These odontogenic tumors are currently excluded from the WHO classification of odontogenic tumors in domestic animals and inclusion in future classifications systems is proposed.