Search

Birds of the Indo-Pacific have provided biologists with many foundational insights. This study presents evidence for strong phylogeographic structure in two sunbird species from the heart of this region, the olive-backed sunbird, Cinnyris jugularis, and the black sunbird, Leptocoma aspasia. We assessed population divergence using morphological, plumage, bioacoustic and molecular data (mitochondrial ND2/ND3). Our findings indicate that the olive-backed sunbird should be recognized as multiple species, because birds from Sulawesi and the Sahul Shelf are closely related to each other, but widely separated from those in other regions. In addition, we provide evidence for an endemic species on the Wakatobi Islands, an archipelago of deep-sea islands off south-east Sulawesi. That a small bird could exhibit a range all the way from Sulawesi to Australia, while diverging on a small archipelago within this range, illustrates the complex interplay between dispersal and speciation. Our black sunbird genetic data also suggest unrecognized population structure, despite relatively weak plumage divergence. Black sunbirds in Sulawesi are likely to be a separate species from those in New Guinea, with a mean genetic distance of 9.1%. Current taxonomy suggests these sunbird species transcend classic biogeographic barriers, but our results suggest that these barriers are not easily bypassed.

Male and female reproductive behaviour is typically synchronised. In species such as those in the family Cervidae, reproductive timing is often cued by photoperiod, although in females, it can be dependent on body condition. When a species is introduced to a novel environment, the environment changes, or responses of the sexes to such cues differ, asynchronous reproductive behaviour between males and females may occur. We investigated the seasonality of reproductive behaviour in introduced chital deer in northern Queensland by examining male antler phase in relation to female conception rates. We then analysed the influence of different variables likely to affect the timing of male and female reproductive physiology. The lowest percentage of chital in hard antler in any 1 month in this study was 35% (Fig. 1), but the average value was closer to 50%, thus there was a seasonal peak in antler phase linked with photoperiod. Females conceived at any time of year, but were strongly influenced by the amount of rainfall 3 months prior to conception. This resulted in varying conception peaks year-to-year that often did not correspond to the male’s peak in hard antler. In this system, a proportion of males and females were physiologically and behaviourally ready to mate at any time of the year. We predict that differences in the timing of the peaks between the males and females will lead to increased reproductive skew (variation in reproductive success among individual males). This pattern may select for different mating strategies or physiological mechanisms to increase reproductive success.

Objectives: The gastric mucosal change accompanying gastric antral intestinal metaplasia (IM) in the pediatric population and its clinical implications remain unclear. Methods: We retrieved all patients younger than 18 years who had upper GI endoscopy with a pathology diagnosis of antral IM between 2009 and 2020. Each biopsy was evaluated for the presence of dysplasia, Helicobacter pylori, gastritis, and other pathologic changes. Results: A total of 134 patients with antral IM were identified; 72 (53.7%) with coexisting pathology including chronic gastritis (n = 22), reactive gastropathy (n = 16), focal mild chronic inflammation (n = 13), gastric eosinophilia (n = 9), chronic active gastritis associated with (n = 2) and without Helicobacter infection (n = 3), and others (n = 7). The remaining 62 (46.3%) showed isolated IM. Gastric IM increased with age, and was often accompanied by other pathologic changes, especially in female children. Twenty-seven patients had follow up biopsies; 11 of the 27 patients (40.7%) showed persistent IM in at least one repeat biopsies. None demonstrated dysplasia. Conclusions: In children, antral IM increases with age and often coexists with other pathologic changes. Gastric IM could persist for at least months to years in a significant subset of patients with chronic gastritis and gastric eosinophilia.

Correlative evidence has suggested that DNA methylation promotes the formation of transcriptionally silent heterochromatin. Accordingly, the methyl-CpG binding domain protein MeCP2 is often portrayed as a constituent of heterochromatin. This interpretation has been reinforced by the use of mouse cells as an experimental system for studying the mammalian epigenome, as heterochromatin, DNA methylation and MeCP2 colocalise in prominent foci. The findings presented here revise this view. We show that focal localisation of MeCP2 in mice is independent of heterochromatin, as DNA methylation-dependent MeCP2 foci persist even when the signature heterochromatin histone mark H3K9me3 is absent and heterochromatin protein HP1 is diffuse. Contrary to the proposal that MeCP2 forms condensates at mouse heterochromatic foci via liquid-liquid phase transition, the short methyl-CpG binding domain, which lacks the disordered domains thought to be required for condensation, is sufficient to target foci in mouse cells. Importantly, we find that the formation of MeCP2 foci in mice is highly atypical, as they are indetectable in 14 out of 16 other mammalian species, including humans. Notably, MeCP2 foci are absent inMus spretuswhich can interbreed withMus musculusbut lacks its highly methylated pericentric satellite DNA repeats. We conclude that MeCP2 has no intrinsic tendency to form nuclear condensates and its localisation is independent of heterochromatin formation. Instead, the distribution of MeCP2 in the nucleus is primarily determined by global DNA methylation patterns and is typically euchromatic.

12 pages of supplementary material (Materials and Methods, 3 tables, 3 figures, references)

New analogues of the minor groove binding ligand Hoechst 33342 have been investigated in an attempt to improve radioprotective activity. The synthesis, DNA binding, and in vitro radioprotective properties of methylproamine, the most potent derivative, are reported. Experiments with V79 cells have shown that methylproamine is ∼100-fold more potent than the classical aminothiol radioprotector WR1065. The crystal structures of methylproamine and proamine complexes with the dodecamer d(CGCGAATTCGCG)2 confirm that the new analogues also are minor groove binders. It is proposed that the DNA-bound methylproamine ligand acts as a reducing agent by an electron transfer mechanism, repairing transient radiation-induced oxidizing species on DNA.

Aneuploid human eggs (oocytes) are a major cause of infertility, miscarriage and chromosomal disorders. Such aneuploidies increase greatly as women age, originating from defective linkages between sister-chromatids (cohesion) in meiosis. We found evidence that loss of a specific pool of the cohesin protector protein, shugoshin 2 (Sgo2) contributes to this phenomenon. Our data indicate that Sgo2 preserves sister chromatid cohesion in meiosis by protecting a ‘cohesin bridge’ between sister chromatids. In human oocytes, Sgo2 localizes to both sub-centromere cups and the pericentromeric bridge which spans the sister chromatid junction. Sgo2 normally colocalizes with cohesin, however, in oocytes from older women, Sgo2 is frequently lost specifically from the pericentromeric bridge and sister chromatid cohesion is weakened. Mps1 and Bub1 kinase activities maintain Sgo2 at sub-centromeres and the pericentromeric bridge. Removal of Sgo2 throughout meiosis I by Mps1 inhibition reduces cohesion protection, increasing the incidence of single chromatids at meiosis II. Therefore, Sgo2 deficiency in human oocytes can exacerbate the effects of maternal age by rendering residual cohesin at pericentromeres vulnerable to loss in anaphase I. Our data show that maternal age-dependent loss of Sgo2 at the pericentromere bridge in human oocytes impairs cohesion integrity and contributes to the increased incidence of aneuploidy observed in human oocytes with advanced maternal age.

We survey the growing literature on fat-tailed distributions in environmental economics. We then examine the theoretical and statistical properties of such distributions, focusing especially on when these properties are likely to arise in environmental problems. We find that a number of variables are fat tailed in environmental economics, including the climate sensitivity, natural disaster impacts, spread of infectious diseases, and stated willingness to pay. We argue that different fat-tailed distributions arise from common pathways. Finally, we review the literature on the policy implications of fat-tailed distributions and controversies over their interpretation. We conclude that the literature has made great strides in demonstrating when fat tails matter for optimal environmental policy. Yet, much is less well understood, including how alternative policies affect fat-tailed distributions, the optimal policy in a computational economy with many fat-tailed problems, and how to account for imprecision in empirical tests for fat tails.

Tropical islands hold great treasures of Earth's biodiversity, but these fragile ecosystems may be lost before their diversity is fully catalogued or the evolutionary processes that birthed it are understood. We ran comparative analyses on the ND2 and ND3 mitochondrial genes of the Sulawesi babbler Pellorneum celebense, an understorey bird endemic to Sulawesi and its continental islands, along with its morphology and song. Genetic, acoustic, and morphological data agree on multiple isolated populations, likely representing independently evolving lineages. The Sulawesi babbler shows signs of rapid speciation, with populations diverging between Central and Southeast Sulawesi, and even on land-bridge islands which were connected within the last few tens of thousands of years. The genetic divergence between Sulawesi babbler populations in this time has been around 33% of their divergence from sister species which have been isolated from Sulawesi for millions of years. This is likely facilitated by the Sulawesi babbler's understorey lifestyle, which inhibits gene flow and promotes speciation. Similar patterns of endemism are seen in Sulawesi's mammals and amphibians. This work highlights the undocumented biodiversity of a threatened hotspot, wrought by complex processes of speciation which interact with ecology and geology. Subspecific taxonomy has at times been controversial, but we argue that discrete populations such as these play a key role in evolution. Lying as they do at the heart of the biodiversity hotspot of Wallacea, these islands can reveal much about the evolution of biodiversity at all of its levels, from the gene to the ecosystem.

The center of mass (COM) plays a fundamental role in human ambulation, but the redundant nature of the human body adds complexity to mathematically modeling its dynamics. Template models like the Bipedal Spring Loaded Inverted Pendulum (B-SLIP) and the Virtual Pivot Point (VPP) address this complexity by removing the redundancy while retaining desired salient characteristics, such as the COM evolution. However, template models for the COM during human walking have mostly been used for qualitative analysis due to issues such as overestimation of COM vertical displacement. This paper considers a quantifiable template-based analysis of human walking by using an optimization framework to set the model parameter values for matching both explicitly and implicitly considered gait characteristics. Furthermore, it is shown that allowing the leg stiffness of the B-SLIP and VPP model to vary throughout the gait cycle better matches vertical COM trajectories with 54%-63% error reduction. These optimized template models show promise in retaining ground reaction force (GRF) information, which is not explicitly considered during the optimization process. Future work looks to incorporate these optimized trajectories as a reference for control of a lower-limb knee-ankle prosthesis.

We investigated the relationship between the presence of helminth parasites in European badgers, and their tuberculosis (TB) status, culled as part of the bovine TB eradication programme in Ireland. Data on the worm burden or faecal egg or larval count was available for all helminth taxa recorded. Lymph node tissue samples were taken from the badgers and tested for TB. We then explored the correlation, in full-grown badgers, between the likelihood of

Campylobacteriosis caused by C. jejuni is one of the most widespread zoonotic enteric diseases worldwide and represents an enormous human health and economic burden, compounded by the emergence of antibiotic-resistant strains. New interventions are urgently needed to reduce food-chain contamination.

Campylobacter jejuni is a microaerophilic foodborne zoonotic pathogen of worldwide concern as the leading cause of bacterial gastroenteritis. Many strains are increasingly antibiotic resistant and new methods of control are required to reduce food-chain contamination. One possibility is photodynamic inactivation (PDI) using violet-blue (VB) light, to which C. jejuni is highly susceptible. Here, we show that flavin and protoporphyrin IX are major endogenous photosensitizers and that exposure of cells to VB light increases intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) to high levels, as indicated by a dichlorodihydrofluorescein reporter. Unusually for an oxygen-respiring bacterium, C. jejuni employs several ROS-sensitive iron-sulfur cluster enzymes in central metabolic pathways; we show that VB light causes rapid inactivation of both pyruvate and 2-oxoglutarate oxidoreductases, thus interrupting the citric acid cycle. Cells exposed to VB light also lose heme from

The establishment of centromere-specific CENP-A chromatin is influenced by epigenetic and genetic processes. Central domain sequences from fission yeast centromeres are preferred substrates for CENP-ACnp1 incorporation, but their use is context dependent, requiring adjacent heterochromatin. CENP-ACnp1 overexpression bypasses heterochromatin dependency, suggesting that heterochromatin ensures exposure to conditions or locations permissive for CENP-ACnp1 assembly. Centromeres cluster around spindle-pole bodies (SPBs). We show that heterochromatin-bearing minichromosomes localize close to SPBs, consistent with this location promoting CENP-ACnp1 incorporation. We demonstrate that heterochromatin-independent de novo CENP-ACnp1 chromatin assembly occurs when central domain DNA is placed near, but not far from, endogenous centromeres or neocentromeres. Moreover, direct tethering of central domain DNA at SPBs permits CENP-ACnp1 assembly, suggesting that the nuclear compartment surrounding SPBs is permissive for CENP-ACnp1 incorporation because target sequences are exposed to high levels of CENP-ACnp1 and associated assembly factors. Thus, nuclear spatial organization is a key epigenetic factor that influences centromere identity.

Robust systematic approaches for the metabolic engineering of cell factories remain elusive. The available models for predicting phenotypical responses and mechanisms are incomplete, particularly within the context of compound toxicity that can be a significant impediment to achieving high yields of a target product. This study describes a Multi-Omic Based Production Strain Improvement (MOBpsi) strategy that is distinguished by integrated time-resolved systems analyses of fed-batch fermentations. As a case study, MOBpsi was applied to improve the performance of an Escherichia coli cell factory producing the commodity chemical styrene. Styrene can be bio-manufactured from phenylalanine via an engineered pathway comprised of the enzymes phenylalanine ammonia lyase and ferulic acid decarboxylase. The toxicity, hydrophobicity, and volatility of styrene combine to make bio-production challenging. Previous attempts to create styrene tolerant E. coli strains by targeted genetic interventions have met with modest success. Application of MOBpsi identified new potential targets for improving performance, resulting in two host strains (E. coli NST74ΔaaeA and NST74ΔaaeA cpxPo) with increased styrene production. The best performing re-engineered chassis, NST74ΔaaeA cpxPo, produced ∼3 × more styrene and exhibited increased viability in fed-batch fermentations. Thus, this case study demonstrates the utility of MOBpsi as a systematic tool for improving the bio-manufacturing of toxic chemicals.

We establish limitations to the usage of direct revelation mechanisms (DRMs) by corporations seeking decision-relevant information in economies with securities markets. In this environment, posting a DRM increases the informed agent’s outside option: if the agent rejects the DRM, he convinces the market he is uninformed, and he can aggressively trade with low price impact, thereby generating large (off-equilibrium) trading gains. This endogenous outside option may make using a DRM to screen uninformed agents impossible. When screening is possible, solely relying on the market for information is optimal if the increase in outside option is sufficiently large. Authors have furnished an Internet Appendix, which is available on the Oxford University Press Web site next to the link to the final published paper online.

Centromere association of the chromosomal passenger complex (CPC; Borealin-Survivin-INCENP-Aurora B) and Sgo1 is crucial for chromosome biorientation, a process essential for error-free chromosome segregation. Phosphorylated histone H3 Thr3 (H3T3ph; directly recognized by Survivin) and histone H2A Thr120 (H2AT120ph; indirectly recognized via Sgo1), together with CPC’s intrinsic nucleosome-binding ability, facilitate CPC centromere recruitment. However, the molecular basis for CPC–Sgo1 binding and how their physical interaction influences CPC centromere localization are lacking. Here, using an integrative structure-function approach, we show that the “histone H3-like” Sgo1 N-terminal tail-Survivin BIR domain interaction acts as a hotspot essential for CPC–Sgo1 assembly, while downstream Sgo1 residues and Borealin contribute for high-affinity binding. Disrupting Sgo1–Survivin interaction abolished CPC–Sgo1 assembly and perturbed CPC centromere localization and function. Our findings reveal that Sgo1 and H3T3ph use the same surface on Survivin to bind CPC. Hence, it is likely that these interactions take place in a spatiotemporally restricted manner, providing a rationale for the Sgo1-mediated “kinetochore-proximal” CPC centromere pool.

Therapy-related myeloid neoplasm (t-MN) in the pediatric population is not well characterized. We studied 12 pediatric patients diagnosed with t-MN in our institution since 2006. The median age at the t-MN diagnoses was 14.8 years (range, 9 to 20 y). The primary malignancies included 9 solid tumors and 3 hematopoietic malignancies. Rhabdomyosarcoma (n=4) was the most common primary malignancy. Five of the 9 patients with solid tumors and all 3 patients with hematopoietic malignancies had primary neoplasms involving bone marrow. The median latency period was 5.2 years (range, 1.8 to 13.8 y). Thrombocytopenia was present in all patients at the t-MN diagnoses. Complete or partial monosomy of chromosome 5 or 7 were the 2 most common cytogenetic abnormalities. A quarter of patients demonstrated a genetic predisposition to t-MN: 1 with Li-Fraumeni syndrome with a germline TP53 R248Q mutation, 1 with Noonan syndrome with a somatic mutation (PTPN11 S502T), and 1 with a constitutive chromosomal translocation [t(X;9)(p22;q34)] and a germline TP53 L130V mutation. Outcomes remain poor. Two patients survived 3 and 5.1 years after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.

The size selectivity of four codends were compared in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, Canada, redfish fishery (Sebastes mentella), including the regulated diamond mesh codend with a mesh opening of 90 mm (T0) and three experimental codends of different mesh openings (90, 100, 110 mm) in which the netting is turned 90° to the direction of tow (T90). Results for the regulated codend showed that there was little size selection, catching greater than 97% of redfish over all of the length classes observed. Considering the fished population, the smallest T90 codend would catch 30% fewer redfish under the minimum landing size (MLS) of 22 cm compared with the T0 codend, but would also lose 16% of catch above 22 cm. The T90 codend with 100 mm mesh opening had the same size selectivity as the smallest T90 codend. The 110 mm T90 codend would catch 50% less redfish below MLS but lose 40% of redfish above MLS. Overall, results show that T90 codends improve size selectivity in which large proportions of undersized fish are successfully released.

Non-native fish have been shown to have deleterious impacts on freshwater ecosystems in New Zealand. Early detection is critical for their effective management. Traditional capture-based techniques may not detect newly introduced fish, especially if they are present in low abundance. Molecular techniques that target environmental DNA (eDNA) have been shown, in many instances, to be more sensitive, cost-effective and require lower sampling effort. However, appropriate sampling strategies are needed to ensure robust and interpretable data are obtained. In this study we used droplet digital PCR assays to investigate the presence of two non-native fish in New Zealand, the European perch (Perca fluviatilis) and rudd (Scardinius erythrophthalmus) in three small lakes. Samples were collected from water and surface sediment at near-shore and mid-lake sites. Probabilistic modelling was used to assess the occupancy of fish eDNA and develop guidance on sampling strategies. Based on the detection probability measures from the present study, at least six sites and five replicates per site are needed to reliably detect fish eDNA in sediment samples, and twelve sites with eight replicates per site for water samples. The results highlight the potential of developing monitoring and surveillance programs adapted to lakes, that include the use of assays targeting eDNA. This study focused on small shallow lakes, and it is likely that these recommendations may vary in larger, deeper, and more geomorphologically complex lakes, and this requires further research.

Tobias, Joseph A., Sheard, Catherine, Pigot, Alex L., Devenish, Adam J. M., Yang, Jingyi, Sayol, Ferran, Neate‐Clegg, Montague H. C., Alioravainen, Nico, Weeks, Thomas L., Barber, Robert A., Walkden, Patrick A., MacGregor, Hannah E. A., Jones, Samuel E. I., Vincent, Claire, Phillips, Anna G., Marples, Nicola M., Montaño‐Centellas, Flavia A., Leandro‐Silva, Victor, Claramunt, Santiago, Darski, Bianca, Freeman, Benjamin G., Bregman, Tom P., Cooney, Christopher R., Hughes, Emma C., Capp, Elliot J. R., Varley, Zoë K., Friedman, Nicholas R., Korntheuer, Heiko, Corrales‐Vargas, Andrea, Trisos, Christopher H., Weeks, Brian C., Hanz, Dagmar M., Töpfer, Till, Bravo, Gustavo A., Remeš, Vladimír, Nowak, Larissa, Carneiro, Lincoln S., Moncada R., Amilkar J., Matysioková, Beata, Baldassarre, Daniel T., Martínez‐Salinas, Alejandra, Wolfe, Jared D., Chapman, Philip M., Daly, Benjamin G., Sorensen, Marjorie C., Neu, Alexander, Ford, Michael A., Mayhew, Rebekah J., Fabio Silveira, Luis, Kelly, David J., Annorbah, Nathaniel N. D., Pollock, Henry S., Grabowska‐Zhang, Ada M., McEntee, Jay P., Carlos T. Gonzalez, Juan, Meneses, Camila G., Muñoz, Marcia C., Powell, Luke L., Jamie, Gabriel A., Matthews, Thomas J., Johnson, Oscar, Brito, Guilherme R. R., Zyskowski, Kristof, Crates, Ross, Harvey, Michael G., Jurado Zevallos, Maura, Hosner, Peter A., Bradfer‐Lawrence, Tom, Maley, James M., Stiles, F. Gary, Lima, Hevana S., Provost, Kaiya L., Chibesa, Moses, Mashao, Mmatjie, Howard, Jeffrey T., Mlamba, Edson, Chua, Marcus A. H., Li, Bicheng, Gómez, M. Isabel, García, Natalia C., Päckert, Martin, Fuchs, Jérôme, Ali, Jarome R., Derryberry, Elizabeth P., Carlson, Monica L., Urriza, Rolly C., Brzeski, Kristin E., Prawiradilaga, Dewi M., Rayner, Matt J., Miller, Eliot T., Bowie, Rauri C. K., Lafontaine, René‐Marie, Scofield, R. Paul, Lou, Yingqiang, Somarathna, Lankani, Lepage, Denis, Illif, Marshall, Neuschulz, Eike Lena, Templin, Mathias, Dehling, D. Matthias, Cooper, Jacob C., Pauwels, Olivier S. G., Analuddin, Kangkuso, Fjeldså, Jon, Seddon, Nathalie, Sweet, Paul R., DeClerck, Fabrice A. J., Naka, Luciano N., Brawn, Jeffrey D., Aleixo, Alexandre, Böhning‐Gaese, Katrin, Rahbek, Carsten, Fritz, Susanne A., Thomas, Gavin H., Schleuning, Matthias (2022): AVONET: morphological, ecological and geographical data for all birds. Ecology Letters 25 (3): 581-597, DOI: 10.1111/ele.13898, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/ele.13898

The paralogues RrpA and RrpB, which are members of the MarR family of DNA binding proteins, are important for the survival of the global bacterial foodborne pathogen Campylobacter jejuni under redox stress. We report that RrpA is a positive regulator of mdaB, encoding a flavin-dependent quinone reductase that contributes to the protection from redox stress mediated by structurally diverse quinones, while RrpB negatively regulates the expression of cj1555c (renamed nfrA for NADPH-flavin reductase A), encoding a flavin reductase. NfrA reduces riboflavin at a greater rate than its derivatives, suggesting that exogenous free flavins are the natural substrate. MdaB and NfrA both prefer NADPH as an electron donor. Cysteine substitution and posttranslational modification analyses indicated that RrpA and RrpB employ a cysteine-based redox switch. Complete genome sequence analyses revealed that mdaB is frequently found in Campylobacter and related Helicobacter spp., while nfrA is predominant in C. jejuni strains. Quinones and flavins are redox cycling agents secreted by a wide range of cell types that can form damaging superoxide by one-electron reactions. We propose a model for stress adaptation where MdaB and NfrA facilitate a two-electron reduction mechanism to the less toxic hydroquinones, thus aiding survival and persistence of this major pathogen.\ud \ud \ud \ud IMPORTANCE Changes in cellular redox potential result in alteration in the oxidation state of intracellular metabolites and enzymes; consequently, cells make adjustments that favor growth and survival. The work we present here answers some of the many questions that have remained elusive over the years of investigation into the enigmatic microaerophile bacterium Campylobacter jejuni. We employed molecular approaches to understand the regulation mechanisms and functional analyses to reveal the roles of two novel quinone and flavin reductases; both serve as major pools of cellular redox-active molecules. This work extends our knowledge on bacterial redox sensing mechanisms and the significance of hemostasis.

Many lakes world-wide suffer from eutrophication as a result of high external nutrient inputs from domestic sewage, industry and agricultural activities. Increased demands for water by a growing and developing human population as well as enhanced global warming may escalate the eutrophication on a global scale in the next century. Yet, in some countries large efforts are now being made to combat eutrophication by reducing the phosphorus input. Some lakes respond rapidly to such loading reductions, while others are highly resistant due to high internal phosphorus loading (chemical resistance) or homeostatic effects of the food web altered by eutrophication (biological resistance). Some general models have been developed for the response of lakes to reduced loading, but major advances within this field can be expected in the future when more case studies appear. While these models may be used as a core for evaluating response patterns, local factors should always be considered to avoid wrong and often expensive decisions. To precipitate recovery from chemical and biological resistance, several physico-chemical and biological restoration methods have been developed. The biological methods include removal of planktivorous and benthivorous fish, stocking of piscivorous fish, protection or planting of submerged macrophytes, introduction of artificial structures, or addition of mussels. A widely applied method is removal of planktivorous and benthivorous fish. In many cases such efforts have yielded major improvements in water quality and the ecological state of the lakes. Yet, the listed restoration methods have mainly been applied to northern temperate lakes and cannot readily be transferred to subtropical and tropical lakes where the eutrophication-related problems are going to be greatest in the future. There is thus a major need for development and adaptation of methods focusing on south temperate, subtropical and tropical lakes.

In growing cattle, the phenotypic and genetic relationships between feeding behavior and both live animal ultrasound measures and subsequent carcass merit are generally poorly characterized. The objective of the current study was to quantify the phenotypic and genetic associations between a plethora of feeding behavior traits with both pre-slaughter ultrasound traits and post-slaughter carcass credentials in crossbred Bos taurus cattle. Carcass data were available on 3,146 young bulls, steers, and heifers, of which 2,795 and 2,445 also had records for pre-slaughter ultrasound muscle depth and intramuscular fat percentage, respectively; a total of 1,548 steers and heifers had information on all of the feeding behavior, ultrasound, and carcass traits. Young bulls were fed concentrates, while steers and heifers were fed a total mixed ration. Feeding behavior traits were defined based on individual feed events or meal events (i.e., individual feed events grouped into meals). Animal linear mixed models were used to estimate (co)variance components. Phenotypic correlations between feeding behavior and both ultrasound and carcass traits were generally weak and not different from zero, although there were phenotypic correlations of 0.40, 0.26, and 0.37 between carcass weight and feeding rate, energy intake per feed event, and energy intake per meal, respectively. Genetically, cattle that had heavier carcass weights, better carcass conformation, or a higher dressing percentage fed for a shorter time per day (genetic correlations [±SE] of −0.46 ± 0.12, −0.39 ± 0.11, and −0.50 ± 0.10, respectively). Genetic correlations of 0.43 ± 0.12 and 0.68 ± 0.13 were estimated between dressing difference (i.e., differential between live weight pre-slaughter and carcass weight) and energy intake per feed event and energy intake per meal, respectively. Neither intramuscular fat percentage measured on live animals nor carcass fat score (i.e., a measure of subcutaneous fat cover of the carcass) was genetically associated with any of the feeding behavior traits. The genetic associations between some feeding behavior traits and both ultrasound and carcass traits herein suggested that indirect responses in the feeding behavior of growing cattle from selection for improved carcass merit would be expected. Such changes in feeding behavior patterns in cattle may be reduced by measuring and including feeding behavior in a multiple-trait selection index alongside carcass traits.

Vascular anomalies comprise a spectrum of disorders characterized by the abnormal development or growth of blood and lymphatic vessels. These growths have unique features and diverse behaviors, mandating a multidisciplinary approach in their evaluation, diagnosis, and management. Here we describe the case of a male toddler presenting with an abdominal mass, originally treated as a metastatic retroperitoneal tumor, but subsequently felt to represent a vascular anomaly.

This study explored the expression of several miRNAs reported to be deregulated in age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Total RNA was isolated from sera from patients with dry AMD (n = 12), wet AMD (n = 14), and controls (n = 10). Forty-two previously investigated miRNAs were selected based on published data and their role in AMD pathogenesis, such as angiogenic and inflammatory effects, and were co-analysed using a miRCURY LNA miRNA SYBR® Green PCR kit via quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) to validate their presence. Unsupervised hierarchical clustering indicated that AMD serum specimens have a different miRNA profile to healthy controls. We successfully validated the differentially regulated miRNAs in serum from AMD patients versus controls. Eight miRNAs (hsa-let-7a-5p, hsa-let-7d-5p, hsa-miR-23a-3p, hsa-miR-301a-3p, hsa-miR-361-5p, hsa-miR-27b-3p, hsa-miR-874-3p, hsa-miR-19b-1-5p) showed higher expression in the serum of dry AMD patients than wet AMD patients and compared with healthy controls. Increased quantities of certain miRNAs in the serum of AMD patients indicate that these miRNAs could potentially serve as diagnostic AMD biomarkers and might be used as future AMD treatment targets. The discovery of significant serum miRNA biomarkers in AMD patients would provide an easy screening tool for at-risk populations.

Campylobacter jejuni strains that produce sialylated lipooligosaccharides (LOS) can cause the immune-mediated disease Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS). The risk of GBS after infection with C. jejuni Penner serotype HS:19 is estimated to be at least six times higher than the average risk. Aside from LOS biosynthesis genes, genomic characteristics that promote an increased risk for GBS following C. jejuni HS:19 infection, remain uncharacterized. We hypothesized that strains with the HS:19 serotype have unique genomic features that explain the increased risk for GBS. We performed genome sequencing, alignments, single nucleotide polymorphisms' analysis and methylome characterization on a subset, and pan-genome analysis on a large number of genomes to compare HS:19 with non-HS:19 C. jejuni genome sequences. Comparison of 36 C. jejuni HS:19 with 874 C. jejuni non-HS:19 genome sequences led to the identification of three single genes and ten clusters containing contiguous genes that were significantly associated with C. jejuni HS:19. One gene cluster of seven genes, localized downstream of the capsular biosynthesis locus, was related to sulphation of biomolecules. This cluster also encoded the campylobacter sialyl transferase Cst-I. Interestingly, sulphated bacterial biomolecules such as polysaccharides can promote immune responses and, therefore, (in the presence of sialic acid) may play a role in the development of GBS. Additional gene clusters included those involved in persistence-mediated pathogenicity and gene clusters involved in restriction-modification systems. Furthermore, characterization of methylomes of two HS:19 strains exhibited novel methylation patterns (5′-CATG-3 and 5′-m6AGTNNNNNNRTTG-3) that could differentially effect gene-expression patterns of C. jejuni HS:19 strains. Our study provides novel insight into specific genetic features and possible virulence factors of C. jejuni associated with the HS:19 serotype that may explain the increased risk of GBS.

To the best of our knowledge, the genetic variability in feeding behavior, as well as relationships with performance and feed efficiency, has not been investigated in a cattle population of greater than 1,500 animals. Our objective was to quantify the genetic parameters of several feeding behavior traits, and their genetic associations with both performance and feed efficiency traits, in crossbred growing cattle. Feed intake and live-weight data were available on 6,088 bulls, steers and heifers; of these, 4,672 cattle had backfat and muscle ultrasound data, and 1,548 steers and heifers had feeding behavior data. Genetic (co)variance parameters were estimated using animal linear mixed models; fixed effects included test group, heterosis, recombination loss, dam parity, age in months at the end of test, and the two-way interaction between age in months at the end of test and sex. Heritability was estimated to be 0.51 (0.097), 0.61 (0.100), 0.44 (0.093), 0.48 (0.094), and 0.47 (0.095) for feed events per day, feeding time per day, feeding rate, feed event duration, and energy intake per feed event, respectively. Coefficients of genetic variation ranged from 0.11 (feeding time per day) to 0.22 (feed event duration). Genetically heavier cattle with a higher energy intake per day, and faster growth rate, had a faster feeding rate and a greater energy intake per feed event. Genetic correlations between feeding behavior and feed efficiency were generally not different from zero, however, there was a genetic correlation of 0.36 (0.11) between feeding time per day and residual energy intake. Significant heritable and exploitable genetic variation exists in several feeding behavior traits in crossbred growing cattle which are also correlated with several performance traits. As some feeding behavior traits may be relatively less resource intensive to measure, they could be useful as predictor traits in beef cattle genetic evaluations.

The objectives of the present study were to estimate genetic parameters for several feeding behavior traits in growing cattle, as well as the genetic associations among and between feeding behavior and both performance and feed efficiency traits. An additional objective was to investigate the use of feeding behavior traits as predictors of genetic merit for feed intake. Feed intake and live-weight data on 6,088 growing cattle were used of which 4,672 had ultrasound data and 1,548 had feeding behavior data. Feeding behavior traits were defined based on individual feed events or meal events (where individual feed events were grouped into meals). Univariate and bivariate animal linear mixed models were used to estimate (co)variance components. Heritability estimates (± SE) for the feeding behavior traits ranged from 0.19 ± 0.08 for meals per day to 0.61 ± 0.10 for feeding time per day. The coefficient of genetic variation per trait varied from 5% for meals per day to 22% for the duration of each feed event. Genetically heavier cattle, those with a higher daily energy intake (MEI), or those that grew faster had a faster feeding rate, as well as a greater energy intake per feed event and per meal. Better daily feed efficiency (i.e., lower residual energy intake) was genetically associated with both a shorter feeding time per day and shorter meal time per day. In a validation population of 321 steers and heifers, the ability of estimated breeding values (EBV) for MEI to predict (adjusted) phenotypic MEI was demonstrated; EBVs for MEI were estimated using multi-trait models with different sets of predictor traits such as liveweight and/or feeding behaviors. The correlation (± SE) between phenotypic MEI and EBV for MEI marginally improved (P < 0.001) from 0.64 ± 0.03 to 0.68 ± 0.03 when feeding behavior phenotypes from the validation population were included in a genetic evaluation that already included phenotypic mid-test metabolic live-weight from the validation population. This is one of the largest studies demonstrating that significant exploitable genetic variation exists in the feeding behavior of young crossbred growing cattle; such feeding behavior traits are also genetically correlated with several performance and feed efficiency metrics. Nonetheless, there was only a marginal benefit to the inclusion of time-related feeding behavior phenotypes in a genetic evaluation for MEI to improve the precision of the EBVs for this trait.

Arcobacter anaerophilus was originally described as the first obligate anaerobe in this genus by Sasi Jyothsna et al. 2013. The complete genome sequence of the type strain of this species was determined and analysed. Genes characteristic for organisms capable of aerobic growth were identified, and the ability of the organism to grow under microaerobic and aerobic conditions was confirmed in two independent laboratories. The description of A. anaerophilus is thus emended and the wider ramifications of these findings are discussed.

A complex of an Earth-abundant metal, copper, immobilised on silica offers a remarkably efficient way to kill bacteria in water under visible light, the first example of lighter transition metal complexes to do so. Photosensitisers which produce reactive oxygen species under light are emerging as an efficient way to kill microorganisms in water, yet the majority of photosensitising metal complexes are based on rare transition metals. Moreover, the efficiency of most solution-based photosensitisers is greatly compromised upon immobilisation on solid support, which is essential for safe treatment. Photosensitisers based on inexpensive metal complexes, such as those of Cu, Ni or Fe, usually have too short excited state lifetime to react efficiently with oxygen and are ineffective in production of reactive oxygen species. Here, we demonstrate that complexes of Cu(I) can be used as efficient photosensitisers for killing bacteria in water under visible light, when immobilised on surfaces, using as an example of [Cu(I)(xantphos)(dmp)]tfpb (1) [xantphos = 4,5-bis(diphenylphosphino)-9,9-dimethyl-xanthine, dmp = 2,9-dimethyl-1,10-phenanthroline, and tfpb = tetrakis(3,5-bis-(trifluoromethyl)-phenyl)borate] immobilised on silica, 1-silica. In contrast to many short-lived Cu(I) complexes, a sterically-hindered coordination centre in 1 leads to a relatively long excited state lifetime of >200 ns, which enables 1 to efficiently photosensitise singlet oxygen (29%). Upon irradiation, 1-silica (55 μM) shows high antibacterial activity against both a Gram-negative bacterium E. coli, and a Gram-positive bacterium Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus, the Methicillin Resistant strain MRSA 315), both of which commonly occur in water. 99.99% killing of S. aureus was observed after only 15 min of irradiation with 17.5 mW cm−2 light, with 99.9999% (‘complete’) killing achieved after 2 h. For E. coli, 99.99% killing was achieved after 2 h, and 99.9999% after 3 h of irradiation. Thus 1-silica exceeds the ≥99.99% threshold set by WHO for the “highly protective” antibacterial agents. This first example of an immobilised Cu(I) complex used for light-driven bacterial killing demonstrates the potential of Earth-abundant transition metal complexes as low-cost efficient photo-antibacterial agents.

Objectives: Physical health conditions cause significant disability and mortality among people living with alcohol and other drug problems. There has been limited research on the prevalence of heal...

European badgers (Meles meles) are group‐living mustelids implicated in the spread of bovine tuberculosis (TB) to cattle and act as a wildlife reservoir for the disease. In badgers, only a minority of individuals disperse from their natal social group. However, dispersal may be extremely important for the spread of TB, as dispersers could act as hubs for disease transmission. We monitored a population of 139 wild badgers over 7 years in a medium‐density population (1.8 individuals/km2). GPS tracking collars were applied to 80 different individuals. Of these, we identified 25 dispersers, 14 of which were wearing collars as they dispersed. This allowed us to record the process of dispersal in much greater detail than ever before. We show that dispersal is an extremely complex process, and measurements of straight‐line distance between old and new social groups can severely underestimate how far dispersers travel. Assumptions of straight‐line travel can also underestimate direct and indirect interactions and the potential for disease transmission. For example, one female disperser which eventually settled 1.5 km from her natal territory traveled 308 km and passed through 22 different territories during dispersal. Knowledge of badgers' ranging behavior during dispersal is crucial to understanding the dynamics of TB transmission, and for designing appropriate interventions, such as vaccination., Only a minority of badgers disperse, and the process has rarely been recorded in detail. However, dispersers could act as important hubs for tuberculosis transmission. Our GPS tracking data reveal the process of dispersal in much greater detail than ever before. They show that measurements of straight‐line distance between old and new social groups severely underestimate how far dispersers travel, the potential for intraspecific interactions and the potential for disease transmission. Understanding the process of dispersal is crucial to understanding disease dynamics and designing appropriate interventions.

Some definitions of feed efficiency such as residual energy intake (REI) and residual gain (RG) may not truly reflect production efficiency. The energy sinks used in the derivation of the traits include metabolic live-weight; producers finishing cattle for slaughter are, however, paid on the basis of carcass weight, as opposed to live-weight. The objective of the present study was to explore alternative definitions of REI and RG which are more reflective of production efficiency, and quantify their relationship with performance, ultrasound, and carcass traits across multiple breeds and sexes of cattle. Feed intake and live-weight records were available on 5,172 growing animals, 2,187 of which also had information relating to carcass traits; all animals were fed a concentrate-based diet representative of a feedlot diet. Animal linear mixed models were used to estimate (co)variance components. Heritability estimates for all derived REI traits varied from 0.36 (REICWF; REI using carcass weight and carcass fat as energy sinks) to 0.50 (traditional REI derived with the energy sinks of both live-weight and ADG). The heritability for the RG traits varied from 0.24 to 0.34. Phenotypic correlations among all definitions of the REI traits ranged from 0.90 (REI with REICWF) to 0.99 (traditional REI with REI using metabolic preslaughter live-weight and ADG). All were different (P < 0.001) from one suggesting reranking of animals when using different definitions of REI to identify efficient cattle. The derived RG traits were either weakly or not correlated (P > 0.05) with the ultrasound and carcass traits. Genetic correlations between the REI traits with carcass weight, dressing difference (i.e., live-weight immediately preslaughter minus carcass weight) and dressing percentage (i.e., carcass weight divided by live-weight immediately preslaughter) implies that selection on any of the REI traits will increase carcass weight, lower the dressing difference and increase dressing percentage. Selection on REICW (REI using carcass weight as an energy sink), as opposed to traditional REI, should increase the carcass weight 2.2 times slower but reduce the dressing difference 4.3 times faster. While traditionally defined REI is informative from a research perspective, the ability to convert energy into live-weight gain does not necessarily equate to carcass gain, and as such, traits such as REICW and REICWF provide a better description of production efficiency for feedlot cattle.

The current study examined the relationship of academic entitlement with student attitudes (e.g., locus of control, motivation) and academic behavior. Participants were 272 (96 men, 176 women) undergraduate students enrolled in general psychology and recruited from a psychology research pool. In groups, participants individually completed a lengthy survey, which included an academic entitlement scale, a locus of control scale, an academic motivation scale, and items related to academic behaviors and attitudes. Academic entitlement was correlated with a more external locus of control and lower academic motivation. Significant correlations also emerged between academic entitlement and perceptions of factors that might help and hinder academic performance. For example, regarding factors perceived as helping academic performance, academic entitlement was positively correlated with endorsing luck as a helpful factor, but negatively correlated with endorsing class attendance as a helpful factor. Regarding factors perceived as hindering academic performance, academic entitlement was positively correlated with external factors such as bad luck and perceiving there to be too much work in the course. Results are discussed in terms of the need to consider academic entitlement as an academic risk factor.

Stereoselective photobromination of 1,6-anhydro-β-D-glucopyranose derivatives occurs at exo-H6. However, photobromination of 4-benzoyl-2,3-isopropylidene-1,6-anhydro-β-D-mannopyranose 6 produced un...

Objective: To examine training and match loads undertaken by soccer players competing in the English Premier League.Methods: Using a retrospective design, external (GPS) and internal training loads...

Campylobacter jejuni is a highly successful enteric pathogen with a small, host-adapted genome (1.64 Mbp, ~1650 coding genes). As a result, C. jejuni has limited capacity in numerous metabolic pathways, including sulfur metabolism. Unable to utilise ionic sulfur, C. jejuni relies on the uptake of exogenous cysteine and its derivatives for its supply of this essential amino acid. Cysteine can also be synthesized de novo by the sole cysteine synthase, CysM. In this study, we explored the substrate specificity of purified C. jejuni CysM and define it as an O-acetyl-L-serine sulfhydrylase with an almost absolute preference for sulfide as sulfur donor. Sulfide is produced in abundance in the intestinal niche C. jejuni colonises, yet sulfide is generally viewed as highly toxic to bacteria. We conducted a series of growth experiments in sulfur-limited media and demonstrate that sulfide is an excellent sulfur source for C. jejuni at physiologically relevant concentrations, combating the view of sulfide as a purely deleterious compound to bacteria. Nonetheless, C. jejuni is indeed inhibited by elevated concentrations of sulfide and we sought to understand the targets involved. Surprisingly, we found that inactivation of the sulfide-sensitive primary terminal oxidase, the cbb3-type cytochrome c oxidase CcoNOPQ, did not explain the majority of growth inhibition by sulfide. Therefore, further work is required to reveal the cellular targets responsible for sulfide toxicity in C. jejuni.