Axonal neuregulin-1 regulates myelin sheath thickness

In the nervous system of vertebrates, myelination is essential for rapid and accurate impulse conduction. Myelin thickness depends on axon fiber size. We use mutant and transgenic mouse lines to show that axonal Neuregulin-1 (Nrg1) signals information about axon size to Schwann cells. Reduced Nrg1 expression causes hypomyelination and reduced nerve conduction velocity. Neuronal overexpression of Nrg1 induces hypermyelination and demonstrates that Nrg1 type III is the responsible isoform. We suggest a model by which myelin-forming Schwann cells integrate axonal Nrg1 signals as a biochemical measure of axon size.     

Stable carbon cycle-climate relationship during the Late Pleistocene

A record of atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) concentrations measured on the EPICA (European Project for Ice Coring in Antarctica) Dome Concordia ice core extends the Vostok CO2 record back to 650,000 years before the present (yr B.P.). Before 430,000 yr B.P., partial pressure of atmospheric CO2 lies within the range of 260 and 180 parts per million by volume. This range is almost 30% smaller than that of the last four glacial cycles; however, the apparent sensitivity between deuterium and CO2 remains stable throughout the six glacial cycles, suggesting that the relationship between CO2 and Antarctic climate remained rather constant over this interval.     

Dimensionality control of electronic phase transitions in nickel-oxide superlattices

The competition between collective quantum phases in materials with strongly correlated electrons depends sensitively on the dimensionality of the electron system, which is difficult to control by standard solid-state chemistry. We have fabricated superlattices of the paramagnetic metal lanthanum nickelate (LaNiO(3)) and the wide-gap insulator lanthanum aluminate (LaAlO(3)) with atomically precise layer sequences. We used optical ellipsometry and low-energy muon spin rotation to show that superlattices with LaNiO(3) as thin as two unit cells undergo a sequence of collective metal-insulator and antiferromagnetic transitions as a function of decreasing temperature, whereas samples with thicker LaNiO(3) layers remain metallic and paramagnetic at all temperatures. Metal-oxide superlattices thus allow control of the dimensionality and collective phase behavior of correlated-electron systems.     

Ocular manifestations of a metastatic adenocarcinoma in a horse

A 10‐year‐old German Warmblood gelding was referred to the Equine Department of the Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Switzerland, for an iris mass OD, lethargy, intermittent fever, and coughing. Ophthalmic examination revealed a 7 × 9 mm raised, fleshy, whitish to pinkish, vascularized iris mass at the 2 o`clock position OD. Fundic examination showed multifocal round, brown to black, slightly raised lesions with indistinct margins and a surrounding hyperreflective zone OU. Physical examination revealed a temperature of 39.2 °C, sinus tachycardia, preputial and ventral edema, and an enlarged right mandibular lymph node. Results of a complete blood count and plasma biochemical profile showed mild anemia, leukocytosis, and thrombocytopenia. Severe splenopathy, moderate splenomegaly, and severe pulmonary pathology with nodules and large areas of consolidated lung parenchyma were observed on abdominal ultrasound and thoracic radiographs, respectively. Fine needle aspirates of the enlarged mandibular lymph node showed malignant epithelial neoplastic cells. The horse was euthanized because of the poor prognosis and subsequently underwent postmortem examination. Macroscopic necropsy and histopathology revealed an adenocarcinoma of suspected pulmonary origin with involvement of eyes, heart, liver, kidneys, spleen, diaphragm, skeletal muscles, mandibular, pulmonary, and internal iliac lymph nodes. Metastatic adenocarcinoma should be considered as a differential diagnosis in horses with iris masses, multifocal chorioretinal infiltrates, and clinical signs that conform to a paraneoplastic syndrome.     

Chlorogenic acid,a metabolite identified by untargeted metabolome analysis in resistant tomatoes,inhibits the colonization by Alternaria alternata by inhibiting alternariol biosynthesis

Tomato fruits can be contaminated by saprophytic strains of Alternaria alternata which is the reason for the frequent occurrence of Alternaria toxins like alternariol, alternariol monomethylether or tenuazonic acid in these types of products. It was shown earlier that alternariol is a colonization factor for tomatoes. In the current analysis two different tomato genotypes were analysed by untargeted comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC×GC-MS). This analysis revealed clear differences in the metabolic profiles which were paralleled by differences in resistance towards Alternaria colonization. One of the genotypes was more resistant against A. alternata infection and contained high amounts of chlorogenic acid in contrast to the other genotype which was sensitive against infection. In in vitro analysis, chlorogenic acid reduced alternariol biosynthesis during the first days of growth of A. alternata. Expression analysis of the alternariol polyketide synthase gene, a key gene in the biosynthesis of alternariol, also revealed a temporal reduction in its expression in the first phases of growth. However by chromatographic analysis it could be demonstrated that chlorogenic acid was degraded over time. This degradation leads to a relief of inhibition resulting in an only temporal inhibition of alternariol biosynthesis. In vivo colonization experiments revealed that chlorogenic acid reduces colonization of tomatoes by A. alternata in a concentration dependent manner, which however is partly counteracted by the addition of alterariol.     

Modeling heliotropic tree growth in hardwood tree species—A case study on Maesopsis eminii

There are many impacts during a tree's life that affect bole development. In Maesopsis eminii, a high-potential timber species in Uganda, studies have shown that the occurrence of strongly bent boles is the overwhelming reason that boles fail quality criteria. This observation is incongruous with the tree architecture model of Roux, which describes M. eminii as a tree with a strong apical dominance, meaning that it has a strong genetically based preference for vertical growth of the terminal sprout relative to side branches. As external causes for bent boles could be excluded, we demonstrate in this study the proof of heliotropic growth, i.e. an active bending towards light, for M. eminii beyond the sapling stage. We develop a model used to describe the effects of competition on bole quality using bole form parameters and basic information about the neighbouring trees, and without having to incorporate crown parameters. By means of calculated bole parameters and a mathematical equation to calculate the intensity and direction of competition, we prove the existence of a heliotropic growth reaction. However, we are not able to predict the intensity of this reaction. Finally, general silvicultural recommendations are discussed for tree species with strong heliotropic growth.     

Multi-scale Mexican spotted owl (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Strix occidentalis lucida</Emphasis>) nest/roost habitat selection in Arizona and a comparison with single-scale modeling results

Context

Organisms commonly respond to their environment across a range of scales, however many habitat selection studies still conduct selection analyses using a single-scale framework. The adoption of multi-scale modeling frameworks in habitat selection studies can improve the effectiveness of these studies and provide greater insights into scale-dependent relationships between species and specific habitat components.

Objectives

Our study assessed multi-scale nest/roost habitat selection of the federally “Threatened” Mexican spotted owl (Strix occidentalis lucida) in northern Arizona, USA in an effort to provide improved conservation and management strategies for this subspecies.

Methods

We conducted multi-scale habitat modeling to assess habitat selection by Mexican spotted owls using survey data collected by the USFS. Each selected covariate was included in multi-scale models at their “characteristic scale” and we used an all-subsets approach and model selection framework to assess habitat selection.

Results

The “characteristic scale” identified for each covariate varied considerably among covariates and results from multi-scale models indicated that percent canopy cover and slope were the most important covariates with respect to habitat selection by Mexican spotted owls. Multi-scale models consistently outperformed their analogous single-scale counterparts with respect to the proportion of deviance explained and model predictive performance.

Conclusions

Efficacy of future habitat selection studies will benefit by taking a multi-scale approach. In addition to potentially providing increased explanatory power and predictive capacity, multi-scale habitat models enhance our understanding of the scales at which species respond to their environment, which is critical knowledge required to implement effective conservation and management strategies.

     

Influenza virus infections in mammals

The natural reservoir of all known subtypes of influenza A viruses are aquatic birds, mainly of the orders Anseriformes and Charadriiformes in which the infection is asymptomatic and the viruses stay at an evolutionary equilibrium. However, mammals may occasionally contract influenza A virus infections from this pool. This article summarizes: (i) natural infections in mammals including pigs, horses, marine mammals, ferrets, minks; (ii) results from experimental infections in several animal models including mice, ferrets, primates, rats, minks, hamsters and (iii) evidence for the increased pathogenicity of the current influenza A H5N1/Asia viruses for mammals. Several reports have shown that a number of mammalian species, including pigs, cats, ferrets, minks, whales, seals and finally also man are susceptible to natural infection with influenza A viruses of purely avian genetic make up. Among the mammalian species naturally susceptible to avian influenza virus the pig and the cat might exert the greatest potential public health impact. Despite numerous studies in animal and cell culture models, the basis of the extended host spectrum and the unusual pathogenicity of the influenza A H5N1 viruses for mammals is only beginning to be unraveled. Recently, also the transmission of equine influenza A virus to greyhound racing dogs has been documented.     

Pruritus in rabbits, rodents, and ferrets

This article attempts to cover the more specific pruritic problems encountered in rabbits, rodents, and ferrets. There are certainly other causes of pruritus in these animals. Dermatophytes in guinea pigs are not reported to be pruritic, but because they are pruritic in other species, they should be considered in a differential diagnosis. A cryptococcal dermatitis in a guinea pig that was pruritic has been reported. Although mites were not seen on scraping, the animal was treated for sarcoptid mites and apparently the pruritus lessened. Because the cryptococcis was still present, it is questionable whether it was causing the pruritus. Pruritic ulcerative dermatitis over the back and shoulders has been seen in some lines of rats. Staphylococcus aureus was cultured from many of the lesions. Clipping the toenails on the feet helped lessen the severity of the lesions. Syphacia spp. have been reported in rats, gerbils, and hamsters and should be considered if there is perineal pruritus. MOBS, or "move over buddy syndrome," is seen especially in mice and may be seen in hamsters, gerbils, and rats that are overcrowded or stressed. The lesions are actually bite wounds that have been inflicted around the tail base and the perineum and on the tail, but these wounds can be mistaken for self-inflicted trauma from pruritus. All of the recommended treatments are extralabel, and clients should be informed of this. I have observed a guinea pig become lethargic and anorexic after only one application of a flea powder approved for use in cats. Brushing most of the powder off and offering dandelion greens to stimulate appetite helped. The second dusting was done with the same flea powder diluted with baby powder. Whenever these animals are dipped, it is important to let them dry in a warm, draft-free area. Again, it is important to be aware that the ratio of surface area to body weight is much higher in these small animals than in the species routinely seen in veterinary practice especially to prevent toxicoses from topically applied medications and iatrogenic hypothermia or hyperthermia.