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The ascomycete, Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, has a broad host range and causes yield loss in dicotyledonous crops world wide. Genomic diversity and aggressiveness were determined in a population of 127 isolates from individual canola (Brassica napus) fields in western Canada. Genotyping with 39 simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers revealed each isolate was an unique haplotype. Analysis of molecular variation showed 97% was due to isolate and 3% to geographical location. Testing of mycelium compatibility identified clones of mutually compatible isolates, and stings of pairwise compatible isolates not seen before. Importantly, mutually compatible isolates had similar SSR haplotype, in contrast to high diversity among incompatible isolates. Isolates from the Province of Manitoba had higher allelic richness and higher mycelium compatibility (61%) than Alberta (35%) and Saskatchewan (39%). All compatible Manitoba isolates were interconnected in clones and strings, which can be explained by wetter growing seasons and more susceptible crops species both favouring more mycelium interaction and life cycles. Analysis of linkage disequilibrium rejected random recombination, consistent with a self-fertile fungus and restricted outcrossing due to mycelium incompatibility, and only one meiosis per lifecycle. More probable sources of genomic diversity is slippage during DNA replication and point mutation affecting single nucleotides, not withstanding the high mutation rate of SSRs compared to genes. It seems accumulation of these polymorphisms lead to increasing mycelium incompatibility in a population over time. A phylogenetic tree grouped isolates into 17 sub-populations. Aggressiveness was tested by inoculating one isolate from each sub-population onto B. napus lines with quantitative resistance. Results were significant for isolate, line, and isolate by line interaction. These isolates represent the genomic and pathogenic diversity in western Canada, and are suitable for resistance screening in canola breeding programs. Since the S. sclerotiorum life cycle is universal, conclusions on sources of genomic diversity extrapolates to populations in other geographical areas and host crops.Author summarySclerotinia sclerotiorum populations from various plant species and geographical areas have been studied extensively using mycelium compatibility tests and genotyping with a shared set of 6-13 SSR markers published in 2001. Most conclude the pathogen is clonally propagated with some degree of outcrossing. In the present study, a population of S. sclerotiorum isolates from 1.5 million km2 area in western Canada were tested for mycelium compatibility, and genotyped with 9 published and 30 newly developed SSR markers targeting all chromosomes in the dikaryot genome (8+8). A new way of visualizing mycelium compatibility results revealed clones of mutual compatible isolates, as well as long and short strings of pairwise compatible isolates. Importantly, clonal isolates had similar SSR haplotype, while incompatible isolates were highly dissimilar; a relationship difficult to discern previously. Analysis of population structure found a lack of linkage disequilibrium ruling out random recombination. Outcrossing, a result of alignment of non-sister chromosomes during meiosis, is unlikely in S. sclerotiorum, since mycelium incompatibility prevents karyogamy, and compatibility only occur between isolates with similar genomic composition. Instead, genomic diversity comprise transfer of nuclei through hyphal anastomosis, allelic modifications during cell division and point mutation. Genomic polymorphisms accumulate over time likely result in gradual divergence of individuals, which seems to resemble the ‘ring-species’ concept. We are currently studying whether nuclei in microconidia might also contribute to diversity. A phylogenetic analysis grouped isolates into 17 sub-populations. One isolate from each sub-population showed different level of aggressiveness when inoculated onto B. napus lines previously determined to have quantitative resistance to a single isolate. Seed of these lines and S. sclerotiorum isolates have been transferred to plant breeders, and can be requested from the corresponding author for breeding purposes. Quantitative resistance is likely to hold up over time, since the rate of genomic change is relatively slow in S. sclerotiorum.

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. However, its effect on procedural and follow-up performance after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) remains controversial. We performed an observational study of all consecutive patients treated with a transfemoral TAVR in a single-center cohort (n = 1818). All patients were stratified by diabetes status and gender. All-cause 3-year mortality was the primary endpoint. Male patients with DM were identified to have substantially increased 3-year mortality [125/314 (39.8%)] compared to males without DM [142/478 (29.7%), p

Childhood obesity is associated with changes in myocardial geometry and function indicating early onset of unfavorable alterations of the myocardium [(1,2)][1]. The value of those studies is limited by a cross-sectional study design. We aimed to assess the impact of weight reduction on temporal

Background— A well-developed coronary collateral circulation provides a potential source of blood supply in coronary artery disease. However, the prognostic importance and functional relevance of coronary collaterals is controversial with the association between exercise training and collateral growth still unclear. Methods and Results— This prospective, open-label study randomly assigned 60 patients with significant coronary artery disease (fractional flow reserve ≤0.75) to high-intensity exercise (group A, 20 patients) or moderate-intensity exercise (group B, 20 patients) for 4 weeks or to a control group (group C, 20 patients). The primary end point was the change of the coronary collateral flow index (CFI) after 4 weeks. Analysis was based on the intention to treat. After 4 weeks, baseline CFI increased significantly by 39.4% in group A (from 0.142±0.07 at beginning to 0.198±0.09 at 4 weeks) in comparison with 41.3% in group B (from 0.143±0.06 to 0.202±0.09), whereas CFI in the control group remained unchanged (0.7%, from 0.149±0.09 to 0.150±0.08). High-intensity exercise did not lead to a greater CFI than moderate-intensity training. After 4 weeks, exercise capacity, V o 2 peak and ischemic threshold increased significantly in group A and group B in comparison with group C with no difference between group A and group B. Conclusions— A significant improvement in CFI was demonstrated in response to moderate- and high-intensity exercise performed for 10 hours per week. Clinical Trial Registration— URL: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov . Unique identifier: NCT01209637.

In the face of climate change, achieving resilience of desirable aspects of food-energy-water (FEW) systems already strained by competing multi-scalar social objectives requires interdisciplinary approaches. This study is part of a larger effort exploring “Innovations in the Food-Energy-Water Nexus (INFEWS)” in the Columbia River Basin (CRB) through coordinated modeling and simulated management scenarios. Here, we focus on a case study and conceptual mapping of the Yakima River Basin (YRB), a sub-basin of the CRB. Previous research on FEW system management and resilience includes some attention to social dynamics (e.g., economic and governance systems); however, more attention to social drivers and outcomes is needed. Our goals are to identify several underutilized ways to incorporate social science perspectives into FEW nexus research and to explore how this interdisciplinary endeavor alters how we assess innovations and resilience in FEW systems. First, we investigate insights on FEW nexus resilience from the social sciences. Next, we delineate strategies for further incorporation of social considerations into FEW nexus research, including the use of social science perspectives and frameworks such as socio-ecological resilience and community capitals. Then, we examine a case study of the YRB, focusing on the historical development of the FEW nexus and innovations. We find that a resilience focus applied to the FEW nexus can inadvertently emphasize a status quo imposed by those already in power. Incorporating perspectives from the social sciences, which highlight issues related to inequality, power, and social justice, can address these shortcomings and inform future innovations. Finally, we use causal loop diagrams to explore the role of the social in the FEW nexus, and we suggest ways to incorporate social aspects into an existing stock and flow object-oriented modeling system. This project represents a starting point for a continued research agenda that incorporates social dynamics into FEW system resilience modeling and management in the CRB.

Background Impaired left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction is a common finding in patients with aortic stenosis and serves as a predictor of morbidity and mortality after transcatheter aortic valve replacement. However, conflicting data on the most accurate measure for LV function exist. We wanted to examine the impact of LV ejection fraction, mean pressure gradient, and stroke volume index on the outcome of patients treated by transcatheter aortic valve replacement. Methods and Results Patients treated by transcatheter aortic valve replacement were primarily separated into normal flow ( NF ; stroke volume index >35 mL/m 2 ) and low flow ( LF ; stroke volume index ≤35 mL/m 2 ). Afterwards, patients were divided into 5 groups: “NF–high gradient,” “NF–low gradient” ( NF ‐ LG ), “LF–high gradient,” “paradoxical LF‐LG,” and “classic LF‐LG.” The 3‐year mortality was the primary end point. Of 1600 patients, 789 (49.3%) were diagnosed as having LF , which was characterized by a higher 30‐day ( P =0.041) and 3‐year ( P LF was an independent predictor of all‐cause (hazard ratio, 1.29; 95% confidence interval, 1.03–1.62; P =0.03) and cardiovascular (hazard ratio, 1.37; 95% confidence interval, 1.06–1.77; P =0.016) mortality. Neither mean pressure gradient nor LV ejection fraction was an independent predictor of mortality. Patients with paradoxical LF‐LG (35.0%), classic LF‐LG (35.1%) and LF –high gradient (38.1%) had higher all‐cause mortality at 3 years compared with NF –high gradient (24.8%) and NF ‐ LG (27.9%) ( P =0.001). However, surviving patients showed a similar improvement in symptoms regardless of aortic stenosis entity. Conclusions LF is a common finding within the aortic stenosis population and, in contrast to LV ejection fraction or mean pressure gradient, an independent predictor of all‐cause and cardiovascular mortality. Despite increased long‐term mortality, high procedural success and excellent functional improvement support transcatheter aortic valve replacement in patients with LF severe aortic stenosis.

Background Drug-eluting balloons (DEB) are an alternative treatment of in-stent restenosis (ISR), but data regarding outcomes of DEB in de novo lesions are lacking. Methods and results We investigated the effect of DEB on target lesion revascularization (TLR), procedural complications (coronary dissection/rupture, pericardial effusion, stent thrombosis, peri-interventional NSTEMI, stroke), major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (all-cause mortality, myocardial infarction, TLR, stroke) in patients with ISR and de novo lesions in an all-comers setting. Between April 2009 and October 2013, 484 consecutive patients (mean age 68.4 years; 77.9% male) were enrolled in a prospective registry. TLR rate was 4.9% at 12 months and 8.7% at long-term follow-up of 2.3 years. Subgroup analysis confirmed a TLR rate of 8.9% after DEB treatment of ISR in bare-metal stents (21/235 lesions), 13.0% in drug-eluting stents (21/161 lesions) and 0% for de novo lesions (0/76 lesions). At long-term follow-up, all-cause mortality/cardiac mortality was 8.7% (42/484)/3.3% (16/484) and MACCE rate was 18.4% (89/484 patients), with no differences between DEB for ISR compared with de novo lesions. Conclusions DEB for ISR resulted in a low rate of TLR. Our data support DEB in ISR as an effective treatment option. DEB in small coronary vessels in our limited cohort appeared to be safe. Larger, randomized trials in small coronary vessels should be undertaken to verify the long-term results of the current trial.

The use of bioprosthetic valves has increased over the last two decades. However, the major drawback is their deterioration and failure over time, requiring redo surgery. Conventional surgical replacement (re-SAVR) has been standard of care, but valve-in-valve deployment of transcatheter aortic

The aim of the present investigation was to compare power at “onset of blood lactate accumulation” (OBLA), “individual anaerobic threshold” (IAT) and “+1.5 mmol ∙ l−1 lactate model” with power in maximal lactate steady state (MLSS) in cycling. However, there is a lack of studies concerning the absolute individual differences between different lactate parameters and MLSS. A total of 57 male participants performed several 30-min constant-load tests to determine MLSS by measuring blood lactate concentration (BLC). Depending on BLC, power was increased or decreased by 10 W in the following 30-min test. For detecting power at different threshold parameters, an incremental test was performed that began at 40 W and increased by 40 W every 4 min. Highly significant correlations were found between OBLA and MLSS: r=0.89 (mean difference −7.4 W); IAT and MLSS: r=0.83 (mean difference 12.4W), “+1.5 mmol ∙ l−1 lactate model” and MLSS: r=0.88 (mean difference −37.4W). On average, the parameters of OBLA and IAT approximate MLSS with no significant differences. The “+1.5 mmol ∙ l−1 lactate model” underestimates MLSS significantly. Based on Bland-and-Altman, the comparison of power of all threshold parameters with power in MLSS shows great individual differences despite the high regression coefficients and low mean differences between these methods.

Renal coloboma syndrome (RCS) is a rare inherited condition exhibiting a variable clinical phenotype of renal and ocular abnormalities. In 50% of cases, mutations can be found in the transcription factor PAX2. We present three generations of a family with a PAX2 mutation who showed variable eye and renal phenotypes. Renal phenotypes ranged from normal kidneys with the absence of proteinuria to end-stage renal disease (ESRD) at 17 years of age. Eye phenotypes included the typical morning glory anomaly, macular retinal pigment epithelial changes and retinal venous tortuosity. We identified a PAX2 mutation c.228_251dup [p.Ser77_Gly84dup] which segregated with the phenotype in an autosomal dominant fashion. A molecular genetic diagnosis allowed identification and management of at-risk family members. Given the phenotypic variability, clinicians need to consider the possibility of RCS in patients with a family history of chronic kidney disease (CKD) or eye disease.

Anthracnose caused by the fungal pathogen Colletotrichum truncatum is one of the most damaging diseases of lentil in western Canada. Two physiological races, Ct0 and Ct1, exist of this pathogen and lentil accessions have been identified with resistance to one or both races. In this study, the genetics of resistance to race Ct1 was examined in cultivar ‘Indianhead’ (Czechoslovakia) and two plant introductions PI320937 (Germany) and PI345629 (former Soviet Union). Segregating populations were generated from crosses between each resistant line and a susceptible cultivar ‘Eston’ and from crosses among the three resistant lines to determine gene allelism. Populations of F1, F2, BC1R and BC1S were screened with two isolates, 91IH and 95B36, separately, both characterized as race Ct1 while F3 families were screened with one isolate, 91IH. Plants were grown under controlled conditions in a growth chamber and inoculated at early flowering with a conidial suspension of C. truncatum. Disease severity was ra...

BACKGROUND As adolescents rarely experience cardiovascular events, surrogate markers of atherosclerosis are useful to justify and monitor effects of primary prevention and therapy of risk factors. Endothelial function assessed by reactive hyperemic peripheral arterial tonometry (RH-PAT) resulting in a reactive hyperemic index (RHI) is a noninvasive method with limited data for use in children and adolescents.Methods and Results:We performed a total of 931 RHI measurements in 445 high-school students, aged 10-17 years, over a time period of 5 years. Students were randomized by class to 60 min physical exercise (PE) at school daily (intervention group), or 2 units of 45-min PE weekly (control group). To characterize the factors influencing the RHI, anthropometry, cardiopulmonary exercise testing, blood cholesterol and quality of life were assessed and used to build mixed linear models. Main influential factors were age, with an increase of RHI from 1.53±0.42 in the youngest to 1.96±0.59 in the oldest students, sex, with higher values in girls, and physical activity. This increase adjusted by age and sex was estimated as 0.11 [0.08, 0.14] per year. RHI was higher in the intervention group by 0.09 [-0.05, 0.23] in comparison with the control group. CONCLUSIONS If RH-PAT is used in research or as a clinical tool in adolescents, the shown age- and sex-dependence of RHI have to be taken in account.

Heterozygous mutations in UMOD encoding the urinary protein uromodulin are the most common genetic cause of autosomal dominant tubulointerstitial kidney disease (ADTKD). We describe the exceptional case of a patient from a consanguineous family carrying a novel homozygous UMOD mutation (p.C120Y) affecting a conserved cysteine residue within the EGF-like domain III of uromodulin. Comparison of heterozygote and homozygote mutation carriers revealed a gene dosage effect with unprecedented low levels of uromodulin and aberrant uromodulin fragments in the urine of the homozygote proband. Despite an amplified biological effect of the homozygote mutation, the proband did not show a strikingly more severe clinical evolution nor was the near absence of urinary uromodulin associated with urinary tract infections or kidney stones.

Die kardiale MRT stellt die primare nichtinvasive bildgebende Modalitat bei Verdacht auf Myokarditis dar, insbesondere auch nach Ausschluss eines akuten Koronarsyndroms (ACS) zur Differenzialdiagnose. Verschiedene MR-Parameter mit unterschiedlicher Wertigkeit stehen zur Verfugung. Die Beurteilung der Volumetrie und Ventrikelfunktion weisen ebenso wie der Nachweis eines Perikardergusses alleine nur eine geringe Sensitivitat und Spezifitat auf. Die spezifischeren MRT-Inflammationsparameter stellen die T2-Ratio (Odemnachweis), die fruhe Kontrastmittelanreicherung bzw. das globale relative Enhancement (gRE) und die spate Kontrastmittelanreicherung, das so genannte Late-Gadolinium-Enhancement (LGE) als Zeichen eines irreversiblen Myokardschadens dar. Alle MR-Parameter zeigen die beste diagnostische Genauigkeit bei einer „infarktahnlichen“ akuten Myokarditis und eine insgesamt schlechtere Sensitivitat und Spezifitat bei chronischer Myokarditis. Aus diesem Grunde sollte immer ein multisequentieller Ansatz (mindestens 2 von 3 MRT-Parametern positiv) gewahlt werden. Die Beurteilung der Wertigkeit neuer quantitativer Sequenzen wie des T1- und T2-Mappings steht noch aus.

Food supply is affected by a complex nexus of land, atmosphere, and human processes, including short- and long-term stressors (e.g., drought and climate change, respectively). A simulation platform that captures these complex elements can be used to inform policy and best management practices to promote sustainable agriculture. We have developed a tightly-coupled framework using the macroscale Variable Infiltration Capacity (VIC) hydrologic model and the CropSyst agricultural model. A mechanistic irrigation module has been developed for inclusion in this framework. The performance of VIC-CropSyst was evaluated using two flux tower sites located in agricultural fields in the U.S. (Nebraska and Illinois). The agreement between recorded and simulated evapotranspiration (ET), applied irrigation water, soil moisture, leaf area index (LAI), and yield indicated that, although the model is intended to work at regional scales, it also captures field scale processes in agricultural areas. We also evaluated the regional simulations of VIC-CropSyst's ET over the Washington, Idaho and Oregon in the U.S. VIC-CropSyst is being used in conjunction with socio-economic models, river system models and atmospheric models to simulate the feedback processes between regional water availability, agricultural water management decisions and land-atmospheric interactions.

Obesity and physical inactivity in children correlate with the presence of cardiovascular risk factors. The aim of this prospective, randomised, interventional study was to examine the long term impact of additional physical exercise lessons at school on fitness and cardiovascular risk factors.We randomly assigned 366 5th and 6th grade students class-wise into an intervention group that participated in one-daily physical exercise unit at school and a control group, participating in conventional school sports twice a week. The intervention duration was 4 years. At baseline and yearly follow-up, anthropometric measurements, body coordination tests, spiroergometry, questionnaires and blood samples were performed.A total of 236 children qualified for analysis of the intervention effect after 4 years. At the beginning students of the intervention and control groups had similar values for fitness assessed by peak oxygen uptake. Peak oxygen uptake was significantly better in the intervention group at first and second follow-up. After 4 years we found no difference in fitness any longer. Students in the intervention group were more likely to have healthy body mass index percentiles in comparison to the control group (within 10th to 90th percentile: intervention 86.4%, control 78.2%, P = 0.13).Over a period of 1-2 years, additional physical exercise lessons at school resulted in an improvement of fitness. However, long-term follow-up failed to demonstrate ongoing improvement of performance in the intervention compared with the control group. Nevertheless, the intervention group had lower rates of body mass index above the 90th percentile throughout the entire follow-up. Therefore more physical exercise units at school seem justified.

Alport syndrome (AS) is a familial glomerular disorder resulting from mutations in the genes encoding several members of the type IV collagen protein family. Despite advances in molecular genetics, renal biopsy remains an important initial diagnostic tool. Histological diagnosis is challenging as features may be non-specific, particularly early in the disease course and in females with X-linked disease. We present three families for whom there was difficulty in correctly diagnosing AS or thin basement membrane nephropathy as a result of misinterpretation of non-specific and incomplete histology. We highlight the importance of electron microscopy and immunofluorescence in improving diagnostic yield and also the hazard of interpreting a descriptive histological term as a diagnostic label. Molecular genetic testing allows a definitive diagnosis to be made in index patients and at-risk family members.

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding molecules regulating gene expression. Recently circulating miRNAs could be detected in the plasma, serving as novel biomarkers. Different forms of exercise mobilize progenitor cells from the bone marrow, helping in tissue repair. Data of different forms of exercise on endothelial cell damage are lacking. The aim of the study was to evaluate the impact of different exercise modalities on the plasma concentration of miRNA-126, as a marker for endothelial damage.The plasma concentration of miRNA-126 and miRNA-133 (marker for muscle damage) was assessed by qRT-PCR analysis in plasma samples from healthy individuals performing one of the following exercise tests: (1) maximal symptom-limited exercise test, (2) bicycling for 4 h, (3) running a marathon, and (4) resistance exercise.A maximal symptom-limited exercise test resulted in a significant increase of circulating miRNA-126 at maximum power (2.1-fold versus begin), whereas the concentration of miRNA-133 remained unchanged. In line, four hours of cycling increased plasma concentration of miRNA-126 with a maximum 30 minutes after begin (4.6-fold versus begin) without an impact on miRNA-133 concentration. Finishing a marathon race resulted in an increase of miRNA-126 and miRNA-133. In contrast, eccentric resistance training led to an isolated increase of miRNA-133 level (2.1-fold versus begin) with unchanged miRNA-126.Different endurance exercise protocols lead to damage of the endothelial cell layer as evident by an increase in miRNA-126. On the other hand, resistance exercise has no impact on the endothelial cells, but leads to a destruction of muscular cells.

Background Exercise training (ET) in addition to optimal medical therapy (OMT) in patients with stable coronary artery disease (CAD) has been demonstrated to be superior to percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) with respect to the composite endpoint of death, myocardial infarction, stroke, revascularization and hospitalization due to worsening of angina. One mechanism leading to this superiority discussed in the literature is the increase in coronary collateral blood flow due to ET. Until now, data demonstrating the positive effect of ET on the collateral blood flow and the functional capacity of the coronary collateral circulation are still lacking. Methods/design The EXCITE trial is a three-armed randomized, prospective, single-center, open-label, controlled study enrolling 60 patients with stable CAD and at least one significant coronary stenosis (fractional flow reserve ≤0.75). The study is designed to compare the influence and efficacy of two different 4-week ET programs [high-intensity interval trainings (IT) versus moderate-intensity exercise training (MT) in addition to OMT] versus OMT only on collateral blood flow (CBF). The primary efficacy endpoint is the change of the CBF of the target vessel after 4 weeks as assessed by coronary catheterization with a pressure wire during interruption of the antegrade flow of the target vessel by balloon occlusion. Secondary endpoints include the change in plaque composition as assessed by intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) after 4 weeks, myocardial perfusion as analyzed in MRI after 4 weeks and 12 months, peak oxygen uptake (V02 peak), change in endothelial function and biomarkers after 4 weeks, 3, 6 and 12 months. The safety endpoint addresses major adverse cardiovascular events (death from cardiovascular cause, myocardial infarction, stroke, TIA, target vessel revascularization or hospitalization) after 12 months. Discussion The trial investigates whether ET for 4 weeks increases the CBF in patients with significant CAD compared to a sedentary control group. It also examines the impact of two intensities of ET on the CBF as well as the histological plaque composition. The trial started recruitment in June 2009 and will complete recruitment until June 2012. First results are expected in December 2012 (4-week follow-up), final results (12-month long-term secondary endpoint) in December 2013. Trial registration Clinical trial registration information-URL: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT01209637

SARS‐CoV‐2 contains a positive single‐stranded RNA genome of approximately 30 000 nucleotides. Within this genome, 15 RNA elements were identified as conserved between SARS‐CoV and SARS‐CoV‐2. By nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, we previously determined that these elements fold independently, in line with data from in vivo and ex‐vivo structural probing experiments. These elements contain non‐base‐paired regions that potentially harbor ligand‐binding pockets. Here, we performed an NMR‐based screening of a poised fragment library of 768 compounds for binding to these RNAs, employing three different 1H‐based 1D NMR binding assays. The screening identified common as well as RNA‐element specific hits. The results allow selection of the most promising of the 15 RNA elements as putative drug targets. Based on the identified hits, we derive key functional units and groups in ligands for effective targeting of the RNA of SARS‐CoV‐2., The RNA genome of SARS‐CoV‐2 contains 15 independently folded regulatory RNA elements. By NMR‐based fragment screening, the RNA target space for small molecule binding, functional mapping and inhibition is defined.

Anthracnose caused by the fungal pathogen Colletotrichum truncatum is a severe disease of lentil (Lens culinaris Medikus subsp. culinaris) causing premature defoliation and deep penetrating lesions on the stems leading to wilting and plant death. A total of 579 accessions from 20 countries were obtained from four germplasm collections in Russia, Poland, Bulgaria and Hungary. The accessions were collected between 1923 and 1988 and comprised mostly landraces. Consequently, many of the resistant entries contained susceptible plants which necessitated one or two cycles of selection of individual resistant plants for selfing and re-testing with the pathogen. Under controlled environmental conditions, plants of each accession were inoculated at early flower with C. truncatum race Ct0 (isolate 95A8) and race Ct1 (isolate 95B36), separately. Scoring of symptoms included number of lesions on the main stem, lesion penetration into the stem and amount of wilting. Resistance was obtained by single plant selection in 23 lentil accessions (4.0 %). Fifteen lines were generated with resistance to race Ct1 (2.6 %), seven with resistance to race Ct0 (1.2 %), and one line with resistance to both races. This is the first report on resistance in L. culinaris to C. truncatum race Ct0 as well as to the two races combined. Seed of homozygous resistant lines can be requested from the corresponding author, and are labeled with their original accession number with the prefix either -Ct0, -Ct1 or -Ct0Ct1 indicating resistance to one or both races of C. truncatum.

Background: The purpose of this study was the comparison of the calculated (MLSSC) and experimental power (MLSSE) in maximal lactate steady-state (MLSS) during cycling. Methods: 13 male subjects (24.2 ± 4.76 years, 72.9 ± 6.9 kg, 178.5 ± 5.9 cm, V_O2max: 60.4 ± 8.6 ml min−1 kg−1, V_ Lamax: 0.9 ± 0.19 mmol l-1 s-1) performed a ramp-test for determining the V_O2max and a 15 s sprint-test for measuring the maximal glycolytic rate (V_ Lamax). All tests were performed on a Lode-Cycle-Ergometer. V_O2max and V_ Lamax were used to calculate MLSSC. For the determination of MLSSE several 30 min constant load tests were performed. MLSSE was defined as the highest workload that can be maintained without an increase of blood-lactate-concentration (BLC) of more than 0.05 mmol l−1 min−1 during the last 20 min. Power in following constant-load test was set higher or lower depending on BLC. Results: MLSSE and MLSSC were measured respectively at 217 ± 51 W and 229 ± 47 W, while mean difference was −12 ± 20 W. Orthogonal regression was calculated with r = 0.92 (p < 0.001). Conclusions: The difference of 12 W can be explained by the biological variability of V_O2max and V_ Lamax. The knowledge of both parameters, as well as their individual influence on MLSS, could be important for establishing training recommendations, which could lead to either an improvement in V_O2max or V_ Lamax by performing high intensity or low intensity exercise training, respectively. Furthermore the validity of V_ Lamax -test should be focused in further studies.

International audience; The study of ecological services (ESs) is fast becoming a cornerstone of mainstream ecology, largely because they provide a useful means of linking functioning to societal benefits in complex systems by connecting different organizational levels. In order to identify the main challenges facing current and future ES research, we analyzed the effects of the publication of the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment (MEA, 2005) on different disciplines. Within a set of topics framed around concepts embedded within the MEA, each co-author identified five key research challenges and, where feasible, suggested possible solutions. Concepts included those related to specific service types (i.e. provisioning, supporting, regulating, cultural, aesthetic services) as well as more synthetic issues spanning the natural and social sciences, which often linked a wide range of disciplines, as was the case for the application of network theory. By merging similar responses, and removing some of the narrower suggestions from our sample pool, we distilled the key challenges into a smaller subset. We review some of the historical context to the MEA and identify some of the broader scientific and philosophical issues that still permeate discourse in this field. Finally, we consider where the greatest advances are most likely to be made in the next decade and beyond.