Quantifying the information content of lattice images

Quantitative information may be extracted from local areas of images that consist of one or more types of unit cell. Fourier-space analysis, real-space intensity analysis, and real-space vector pattern recognition are discussed. The pattern recognition approach efficiently exploits the available information by representing the intensity distribution within each unit cell of the image as a multidimensional vector. Thus, the amount and the effect of noise present are determined, statistically significant features are identified, and quantitative comparisons are made with model images. In the case of chemical lattice images, the position of a vector can be directly related to the atomic composition of the unit cell it represents, allowing quantitative chemical mapping of materials at near-atomic sensitivity and resolution. More generally, the vector approach allows the efficient and quantitative extraction of information from images, which consist of mosaics of unit cells.     

Inheritance of Carboxin Resistance in a European Field Isolate of Ustilago nuda

ABSTRACT Two carboxin-resistant field isolates of Ustilago nuda from Europe were crossed with a carboxin-sensitive field isolate from North America. Meiotic tetrads isolated from germinating F(1) teliospores of one of the hybrids were tested for carboxin resistance and mating type. Carboxin resistance was shown to be controlled by a single gene (CBX1R), because a 1:1 segregation of carboxin resistance was observed in all 27 tetrads. Tetrad analysis indicated that the loci for carboxin resistance (Cbx1) and mating type (MAT1) segregate independently but may be located on the same chromosome. Tetrad analysis was not possible with the F(1) hybrid of he other field isolate, and its resistance cannot yet be attributed to CBX1R. Carboxin resistance was qualitatively dominant to sensitivity in vitro, as demonstrated by triad analysis of germinating F(1) teliospores. Quantitative in planta infection percents supported the conclusion that CBX1R is dominant, although incompletely, in the F(1) hybrid of one of the field isolates. Also, fewer than expected carboxin-sensitive F(2) individuals were observed in planta. However, inoculations of host plants with U. nuda have resulted in similar, unexpected variation in the past.     

Hiatal hernia and diaphragmatic eventration in a leopard (Panthera pardus).

A 1-yr-old male leopard (Panthera pardus) presented for intermittent anorexia, emaciation, and generalized muscle wasting. Plain radiographs, ultrasonography, and esophageal endoscopy led to a diagnosis of diaphragmatic eventration with probable concurrent hiatal hernia. An exploratory laparotomy confirmed both diagnoses, and surgical repair and stabilization were performed. After surgery, the leopard was maintained on small liquid meals for 4 days, with a gradual return to normal diet over 2 wk. By 4 wk after surgery, the leopard was eating well and gaining weight, and it showed no recurrence of clinical signs for 2 yr subsequently, becoming mildly obese.     

Functional habitat connectivity for beach mice depends on perceived predation risk

Landscape features that promote animal movement contribute to functional habitat connectivity. Factors that affect the use of landscape features, such as predation risk, may alter functional connectivity. We identify factors important to functional habitat connectivity by quantifying movement patterns of the Santa Rosa beach mouse (Peromyscus polionotus leucocephalus) in relation to landscape features and by examining how ambient perceived predation risk, which is altered by moon phase, interacts with landscape features. We use track paths across the sand to relate the probability that beach mice cross gaps between vegetation patches to gap width, patch quality, landscape context and moon phase. Overall activity levels were lower during full versus new moon nights, demonstrating that beach mice respond negatively to moonlight. Gap crossing was more likely during new moon nights (25 % of gaps crossed vs. 7 % during full moon nights), and across narrower gaps (<8.38 m) that led to larger vegetation patches (>11.75 m²). This study suggests that vegetation recovery is necessary for functional connectivity in post-hurricane landscapes commonly inhabited by beach mice and provides initial guidelines for restoring landscape connectivity. More broadly, this study highlights the importance of considering predation risk when quantifying landscape connectivity, as landscape features that facilitate connectivity when predation risk is low may be ineffective if predation risk increases over time or across space.