Macroalgal meadow habitats support fish and fisheries in diverse tropical seascapes

Canopy‐forming macroalgae can construct extensive meadow habitats in tropical seascapes occupied by fishes that span a diversity of taxa, life‐history stages and ecological roles. Our synthesis assessed whether these tropical macroalgal habitats have unique fish assemblages, provide fish nurseries and support local fisheries. We also applied a meta‐analysis of independent surveys across 23 tropical reef locations in 11 countries to examine how macroalgal canopy condition is related to the abundance of macroalgal‐associated fishes. Over 627 fish species were documented in tropical macroalgal meadows, with 218 of these taxa exhibiting higher local abundance within this habitat (cf. nearby coral reef) during at least one life‐history stage. Major overlap (40%–43%) in local fish species richness among macroalgal and seagrass or coral reef habitats suggest macroalgal meadows may provide an important habitat refuge. Moreover, the prominence of juvenile fishes suggests macroalgal meadows facilitate the triphasic life cycle of many fishes occupying diverse tropical seascapes. Correlations between macroalgal canopy structure and juvenile abundance suggests macroalgal habitat condition can influence levels of replenishment in tropical fish populations, including the majority of macroalgal‐associated fishes that are targeted by commercial, subsistence or recreational fisheries. While many macroalgal‐associated fishery species are of minor commercial value, their local importance for food and livelihood security can be substantial (e.g. up to 60% of landings in Kenyan reef fisheries). Given that macroalgal canopy condition can vary substantially with sea temperature, there is a high likelihood that climate change will impact macroalgal‐associated fish and fisheries.     

Association between cervical and intracranial dimensions and syringomyelia in the cavalier King Charles spaniel

O bjectives : To investigate the possible association between caudal fossa area and cervical vertebral dimensions and the presence of syringomyelia in cavalier King Charles spaniels.
M ethods : From magnetic resonance imaging scans of 78 cavalier King Charles spaniels, measurements were made of the widest vertical spinal width at C1/C2, C2, C2/C3 and C3; angulation of the C2/C3 spine; and estimated caudal fossa area. A correlation between these measurements and syringomyelia was sought.
R esults : A total of 59 dogs with and 19 without syringomyelia were compared. Older dogs had a significantly higher incidence of syringo-myelia. No difference in incidence was noted between genders. There was no significant difference in vertebral canal width at C1/C2 and C2, or angulation of C2/C3 between syringomyelia and non-syringomyelia groups. The width of the canal at C2/C3 and C3 was significantly increased in syringomyelia dogs. There was no significant difference in the caudal fossa area between groups.
C linical S ignificance : Although syringomyelia was shown to be more prevalent in older dogs, the age beyond which dogs were considered at greater risk was not deducible from the dataset. The association identified between wider spinal canal at C3, and C2/C3 and syringomyelia presence is of questionable clinical significance, as the difference between syringomyelia and non-syringomyelia groups is too small to be measured in a clinical setting.     

Neurokinin receptors in recurrent airway obstruction: A comparative study of affected and unaffected horses

The purpose of the study was to compare in vitro airway responses to neurokinin A & B (NKA and NKB) and expression of NK-2 receptors in airways of horses affected and unaffected with recurrent airway obstruction (RAO). Neurokinin-A, an inflammatory mediator belonging to the tachykinin family of neuropeptides, causes bronchoconstriction by binding to NK-2 receptors. Neurokinin-B is a lesser-known neuropeptide that acts on NK-3 receptors. Horses were placed into RAO-affected and RAO-unaffected groups based on their history, clinical scoring, and pulmonary function testing. Lung tissue from each lobe was collected for immunohistochemical staining for NK-2 receptors. Cumulative concentration-response relationships were determined on bronchial rings (4-mm wide) collected and prepared from the right diaphragmatic lung lobe to graded concentrations (half log molar concentrations 10⁻⁷M to 10⁻⁴M) of NKA and NKB. The results showed that NKA caused significantly greater contraction than NKB in both groups. In RAO-affected horses, both agents produced significantly greater bronchial contractions than those in the RAO-unaffected horses. Immunohistochemical staining showed that the overall NK-2 receptor distribution was significantly increased in bronchial epithelium and smooth muscles of bronchi and pulmonary vessels of RAO-affected than RAO-unaffected horses. The findings indicate that NK-2 receptors are up-regulated in RAO, suggesting that NK-2 receptor antagonists may have some therapeutic value in controlling the progression of airway hyperreactivity in horses affected with RAO.     

Fiscal Decentralization and Economic Growth in Central and Eastern Europe

The majority of the literature on fiscal decentralization has tended to stress that the greater capacity of decentralized governments to tailor policies to local preferences and to be innovative in the provision of policies and public services, the greater the potential for economic efficiency and growth. There is, however, little empirical evidence to substantiate this claim. In this paper we examine, using a panel data approach with dynamic effects, the relationship between the level of fiscal decentralization and economic growth rates across 16 Central and Eastern European countries over the 1990–2004 period. Our findings suggest that, contrary to the majority view, there is a significant negative relationship between two out of three fiscal decentralization indicators included in the analysis and economic growth. However, the use of different time lags allows us to nuance this negative view and show that long‐term effects vary depending on the type of decentralization undertaken in each of the countries considered. While expenditure at and transfers to sub‐national tiers of government are negatively correlated with economic growth, taxes assigned at the sub‐national level evolve from having a significantly negative to a significantly positive correlation with the national growth rate. This supports the view that sub‐national governments with their own revenue source respond better to local demands and promote greater economic efficiency     

Experimental studies of the role of the little raven (Corvus mellori) in surveillance for West Nile virus in Australia

Objective To study the potential role of an Australian corvid, the little raven (Corvus mellori), in the surveillance for exotic West Nile virus (WNV) in Australia. Method In a series of trials, little ravens were infected with WNV (strain 4132 New York 1999) and Kunjin virus (strain K42886) by the intramuscular route. They were observed for 20 days during which blood and swab samples were taken for virus isolation. Tissue samples were taken from ravens humanely killed during the acute infection period, and at the termination of the trials, for virus isolation, histopathology and immunohistochemistry. Results Ravens infected with WNV became mildly ill, but all recovered and seroconverted. Blood virus titres peaked around 3 to 4 days after inoculation at levels between 10^3.0 to 10^7.5 plaque forming units/mL. Virus or viral antigen was detected in spleen, liver, lung, kidney, intestine, testis and ovary by virus isolation and/or immunohistochemistry. WNV was detected in oral and cloacal swabs from 2 to 7 days post inoculation. The molecular and pathogenic characteristics of the inocula were consistent with them being of high virulence, as expected for this isolate. Ravens infected with Kunjin virus developed viraemia and seroconverted, although they did not develop disease. Conclusions Little ravens do not develop severe disease in response to virulent WNV infection and for this reason may not be important sentinel hosts in the event of an outbreak of WNV, as in North America. However, as they have relatively high viraemias, they may be able to support virus cycles.     

Changes in albacore tuna habitat in the northeast Pacific Ocean under anthropogenic warming

Albacore tuna are widespread in the North Pacific Ocean and the basis of an important commercial fishery. These fish live mainly within a fairly narrow thermal niche range defined by sea surface temperature (SST) isotherms between 14 and 19°C. Because the fish's thermal range coincides with strong latitudinal temperature gradients off the northwest coast of North America, there is a great deal of seasonal and interannual variability in the distribution of these fish, and a significant potential for a new habitat in this region with anthropogenic climate change. We use historical catch and effort data from the Canadian troll fleet to define the fish's thermal niche, and document observed shifts in distribution associated with interannual climate variability. We then use an ensemble of climate model simulations from the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project to estimate northward extension of the potential habitat under anthropogenic warming scenarios. A potential new habitat is about half a million square kilometres even under a moderate mitigation scenario. Estimates are smaller for some months of the year in which the fishery is conducted, but as well as opening up new regions, the length of season in which the fishery is active may be extended in the northern part of the range. However, much of the potential new habitat will be in oceanic waters with relatively low productivity. Our estimated area of potential habitat is based on the fish's thermal niche and assumes that other biologically important factors such as food will not be limiting.     

Carry-over effects of sprouting and haulm destruction in the potato seed crop

Summary Seed of differing maturity dates of cv.Arran Pilot andMajestic were produced by planting sprouted and unsprouted mother tubers and by either destroying the foliage 2–3 weeks before senescence or allowing natural maturity to take place. Seed from crops of earlier natural maturity sprouted earlier and inArran Pilot grew faster if sprouting was encouraged soon after harvest. Other small differences in sprout growth were recorded, but none of the treatments applied to the first generation crop affected the time of emergence, stem number, growth of foliage or tubers in the second generation crop.

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Zusammenfassung An der Edinburgh School of Agriculture Farms wurden zwei Versuche w?hrend je zwei Jahren (1963–65 und 1964–66) durchgeführt, um die Einflüsse des Vorkeimens und der Krautvernichtung bei der 1. Generation Pflanzgut (Mutterknollen) auf das Keimwachstum, Pflanzenwachstum und den Ertrag im Nachbau (2. Pflanzgutgeneration) zu untersuchen. Beide Versuche umfassten die SortenArran Pilot undMajestic. Einzelheiten der Verfahren sind in Tabelle 1 angegeben. Durch das Vorkeimen des für die Pflanzguterzeugung benützten Saatgutes (1. Pflanzgutgeneration) wurde das Reifedatum im Vergleich zu dem nicht vorgekeimten Saatgut beiArran Pilot um 5–16 Tage, beiMajestic um 10–20 Tage vorverlegt (Abschnitt Material und Methoden). In Versuch II (Abbrennen des Krautes 2–3 Wochen vor der natürlichen Reife) wies das geerntete Pflanzgut beider Sorten einen um 2–3% niedrigeren Trockensubstanzgehalt auf als bei natürlicher Reife (Tabelle 3). Pflanzgut, erzeugt von vorgekeimten (N¹, Nc¹ und M¹) Mutterknollen (sog. 1. Pflanzgutgeneration) zeigte in Versuch I, nicht aber in Versuch II, ein früheres Auskeimen (Tabelle 4) als Pflanzgut von nicht vorgekeimten (O¹) Mutterknollen. Die Einflüsse der Vorkeim-Behandlungen auf die Keimzahl, Keiml?nge und die Entwicklung waren unterschiedlich, aber in Versuch II bildeten Saatknollen vonArran Pilot der früh vorgekeimten (N¹) Mutterknollen l?ngere Keime als jene von sp?t vorgekeimten (M¹) oder nicht vorgekeimten (O¹) Best?nden (Tabelle 5). Saatgut von abgebrannten Best?nden (B.D.) vonArran Pilot, nicht jedoch vonMajestic, brachte kürzere Keime als Saatgut von natürlich ausgereiften Best?nden (MAT). Es zeigte sich kein Einfluss irgendeiner bei den Mutterknollen angewendeten Vorkeim- oder Krautvernichtungsbehandlungen auf die Anzahl der Stengel (Tabelle 7), das Pflanzenwachstum oder auf die Ertr?ge (Tabelle 8) des Nachbaues (2. Pflanzgutgeneration). Es kann daraus geschlossen werden, dass in Nordwest-Europa die Unterschiede in den Reifezeiten, die durch das Vorkeimen der Mutterknollen oder durch das frühe Abbrennen des Krautes hervorgerufen werden, ohne bedeutenden Einfluss auf die Leistungen des erzeugten Nachbaues bei der Pflanz- oder Speisekartoffelerzeugung bleiben.

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Résumé Deux expériences, s'étendant chacune sur deux années (1963–65 et 1964–66) et portant chacune sur les variétésArran Pilot etMajestic, ont été réalisées à la ferme de l'Ecole d'Agriculture d'Edimbourg pour déterminer les effets de la prégermination et de la destruction du feuillage effectuées sur une première génération d'une culture de plants, sur le développement des germes, le développement de la culture et la production de la seconde génération. On trouvera les traitements détaillés dans le tableau 1. La prégermination de la première génération avance la date de maturité, de 5–16 jours chezArran Pilot et de 10–20 jours chezMajestic, par rapport aux plants non germés (Matérials et méthodes). Dans l'expérience II, la destruction complète du feuillage 2–3 semaines avant la maturité naturelle diminue la teneur en matière sèche des plants de 2–3% par rapport à la maturité naturelle, et cela chez les deux variétés (tableau 3). Dans l'expérience I mais non dans l'expérience II, les plants issus de la récolte d'une première génération prégermée (N, Nc¹ et M¹) germent plus t?t (tableau 4) que les plants récoltés non prégermés (O¹). Les effets des traitements de prégermination sur le nombre, la longueur des germes et sur le développement sont variables mais dans l'expérience II les plants d'Arran Pilot issus de la première génération germée précocement (N¹) produisent des germes plus longs que ceux issus de cultures germées tardivement (M¹) ou non prégermées (O¹) (tableau 5). ChezArran Pilot mais non chezMajestic, les plants issus de cultures défanées (B.D.) donnent des germes plus courts que les plants provenant de cultures qui ont pu atteindre leur maturité naturelle (MAT). Il n'appara?t aucun effet, ni de la prégermination, ni de la destruction du feuillage appliqué à la première génération de production de plants, sur le nombre de tiges (tableau 7), le développement de la culture ou la production (tableau 8) en seconde génération. Il est conclu que, dans le Nord-Ouest de l'Europe, la variation des dates de maturité causée par la prégermination du plant-mère ou la destruction prématurée des fanes n'a guère d'influence sur les productions de plants ou de pommes de terre de consommation dans la génération suivante.

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Edinburgh School of Agriculture Miscellaneous Publication No. 501.     

Oxidative Stress and Interaction of Endothelin Receptors in Airways of Clinically Healthy Horses

Endothelin-1 (ET-1), a physiological as well as an inflammatory mediator, causes contraction of airway smooth muscles by binding to endothelin-A (ETA) and endothelin-B (ETB) receptors. We investigated the interaction between endothelin receptors on contractions and oxidative stress of bronchial rings of clinically healthy horses. Rings for response studies were set in tissue chambers containing oxygenated Tyrode’s solution. Concentration-response relationships were determined for ET-1 on control rings, rings incubated with ETA antagonist (BQ123), rings incubated with ETB antagonists (IRL 1038 and BQ788), and rings incubated with all antagonists combined. For oxidative stress studies, rings were incubated for 30 minutes separately with ET-1, ETA antagonist + ET-1, ETB antagonists + ET-1, and all three antagonists + ET-1. The control rings were not treated with any agents. Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) method was used to measure total reactive oxygen species (ROS), superoxide, and peroxynitrite. Results showed that ET-1 caused dose-dependent contractions which were increased by ETA blockade and decreased by ETB blockade. Combined blockade significantly inhibited the response to ET-1. Regarding the oxidative stress, ET-1 and its antagonists significantly reduced the total ROS. Superoxide production was significantly decreased by ETA antagonist and completely abolished when ETA and ETB antagonists were combined. Peroxynitrite production was not changed significantly. The study suggested that an interaction between ET receptors exists in the expression of contractile responses and oxidative stress. ET-1 attenuated oxidative stress by decreasing total ROS. ETA receptors may be primarily responsible for superoxide production. It appears that ET-1 does not affect peroxynitrite production in normal equine tissues.     

A comparison of desprouted and late sprouted seed potatoes in relation to apical dominance and tuber production

Summary Desprouting and delay in sprouting both result in a partial loss of apical dominance. A comparison of these treatments, with the late sprouted tubers allowed to sprout at the same time as the second growth of sprouts on the desprouted tubers, was made in 3 years in order to test whether the loss of apical dominance from desprouting would have occurred in any case during cool storage or whether additional effects result which can be exploited to increase tuber number. No differences occurred in the number of sprouts or mainstems produced, but there were more lateral branches on the sprouts after desprouting. InArran Pilot (1 experiment) more branch stems resulted from desprouting than late sprouting. The results for tuber production were not conclusive, but do not suggest that desprouting is a worthwhile practice for increasing tuber number.

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Zusammenfassung Sowohl Abkeimen als auch versp?tetes Auskeimen haben einen teilweisen Verlust der apikalen Dominanz zur Folge. Ein Vergleich dieser Verfahren, bei denen die sp?te Keimung zu gleicher Zeit erfolgte wie der Neuaustrieb der Keime nach dem Abkeimen, wurde, in 3 Versuchen durchgeführt, um zu prüfen, ob der Verlust der apikalen Dominanz infolge des Abkeimes auch durch die Kühllagerung ohnehin vorgekommen w?re oder ob dadurch zus?tzliche Einflüsse entstehen, die zur Erh?hung der Knollenzahl ausgenützt werden k?nnen. Diese Verfahren sind in Tabelle 1 dargestellt. Zur Pflanzzeit war die Anzahl der Keime pro Knolle in beiden Verfahren ?hnlich und daher auch die Anzahl der Haupttriebe (Tabelle 2). Die Keime der früher abgekeimten Knollen wiesen mehr Seitentriebe auf, aber der Beweis für deren Einfluss auf die Verzweigung der Haupttriebe war begrenzt. 1966 jedoch wiesArran Pilot bedeutend mehr Seitentriebe auf nach dem Abkeimen als bei sp?tem Keimen. In keinem Fall war der Gesamtertrag in beiden Verfahren unterschielich, ausgenommen beim Vergleich Gv. G₁, der ein unerwartetes Ergebnis brachte (Tabelle 3). Nur in einem Vergleich (A v. A₁) war das Abkeimen in bezug auf Knollenzahl signifikant (P 0.05) h?her als das Sp?tkeimen; die Erh?hung betrug 10 Prozent. Bei zwei Vergleichen war der Saatgutertrag um 30% besser nach dem Abkeim-Verfahren (A v. A₁ und F v. F₁). Der Grund für diese grosse Wirkung nach einer relativ kleinen Erh?hung der Knollenzahl wird besprochen, und es wird angenommen, dass diese Wirkung auf die grosse Durchschnittsgr?sse der geernteten Knollen zurückzuführen ist, die sich aus dem weiten Pflanzabstand und dem Fehlen einer Krautvernichtung ergeben hat. Diese Ergebnisse sind nicht schlüssig, bber sie weisen nicht darauf hin, dass das Abkeimen ein lohnendes Verfahren ist, um die Knollenzahl zu erh?hen.

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Résumé Le dégermage et le retard dans la germination causent tous deux une réduction partielle de la dominance apicale. La comparaison de ces traitements, la germination tardive apparaissant au même moment que la recroissance des germes après dégermage, a été faite dans trois essais afin de voir si la perte de la dominance apicale après dégermage serait apparue de quelque manière pendant la conservation froide ou si des effets additionnels apparaissent qui peuvent être exploités pour accro?tre le nombre de tubercules. Ces traitements sont précisés dans le Tableau 1. Au moment de la plantation, le nombre de germes par tubercule était semblable dans les deux traitements et subséquemment le nombre de tiges également (Tableau 2). Les germes des tubercules précédemment dégermés avaient davantage de branches latérales, mais la conséquence de cet effet sur la ramification des tiges principales était limitée. Cependant, en 1966,Arran Pilot avait significativement plus de tiges ramifiées après dégermage qu’avec la germination tardive. En aucun cas, la production totale ne différait avec ces deux traitements, sauf lors de la comparaison Gv Gl qui donnait un résultat inattendu (Tableau 3). Dans un cas seulement (Av Al) le dégermage, était significativement (P 0.05) supérieur à la germination tardive quant au nombre de tubercules; il y avait accroissement de 10%. Dans deux comparaisons, la production de plants était de 30% meilleure après le traitement de dégermage (Av Al et Fv Fl). Les auteurs discutent de la raison de cet effet important qui accompagne une augmentation relativement faible du nombre de tubercules; ils suggèrent que ce phénomène résulte d’une grosseur moyenne accrue des tubercules récoltés, consécutif à un large espacement à la plantation et à l’absence de destruction du feuillage. Les résultats ne sont pas concluants mais ne prouvent pas que le dégermage est une pratique utile pour accro?tre le nombre de tubercules.