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A decade ago, veganism was a fringe radical movement. It was also largely absent from the geographical discipline, despite a rich history of vegan scholarship being present in disciplines such as Sociology and Psychology. However, veganism has recently seen a surge in popularity, with more people than ever before becoming vegan for a mixture of animal welfare, environmental, and health‐based reasons. With this mainstreaming, veganism has become contentious and fiercely defended. As veganism has become a growing social and political force, geographers have started to take notice of this previously fringe movement, which is gaining economic, ecological, and cultural power as investment flows into 'plant‐based' products and new markets are emerging. In this commentary, we look at how veganism has recently been taken up in Geography via several distinct trends that all stake a claim in defining an emerging geographical sub‐discipline, vegan geographies. We note the importance of scholarly pluralism and attention to establishing geographical sub‐disciplines more broadly. In this commentary, we look at how veganism has recently been taken up in Geography via several distinct trends that all stake a claim in defining an emerging geographical sub‐discipline, vegan geographies. We note the importance of scholarly pluralism and attention to establishing geographical sub‐disciplines more broadly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Managing root zone moisture is critical to both the health and performance of sand‐based golf course putting greens. Ensuring adequate water for root uptake while preserving firm, dry surfaces is an ever‐present challenge. Time domain reflectometry (TDR) is an accepted technology for obtaining objective, nondestructive measurements of volumetric water content (VWC). However, portable TDR meters have limited ability to describe VWC near the surface, the region that ultimately defines putting green quality. The objective of this research was to expand the measurement capabilities of an existing TDR meter to estimate VWC in the uppermost 1.2 and 2.5 cm of sand‐based putting greens. Spacer‐blocks were constructed to effectively reduce the measurement depth of the Field Scout TDR300 (Spectrum Technologies Inc.). Samples from creeping bentgrass (Agrostis stolonifera L.) and ultradwarf bermudagrass [Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers. × C. transvaalensis Burtt Davy] putting greens were removed, saturated, and dried for various intervals so that measurements with the modified TDR300 could be correlated to gravimetrically determined ground‐truth VWC. At both 1.2 and 2.5 cm, highly significant (p <.0001) quadratic prediction models were produced, with R2 values of 0.93 and 0.96, respectively. The use of spacer‐blocks expanded the capabilities of the TDR300, providing additional VWC data near the surface, thus creating a more comprehensive depiction of putting green moisture. The methods developed in this research have implications beyond turfgrass and may provide valuable information for studying seedling germination, disease development, or other situations where shallow, non‐destructive VWC measurements are beneficial. Core ideas: Measurement capabilities of portable time domain reflectometry (TDR) meters can be expanded by using spacer‐blocks.Modified TDR meters can estimate volumetric water content (VWC) at new, shallower depths of 1.2 and 2.5 cm.Quadratic prediction models provide good estimates of VWC across a range of conditions.Linear models tend to overestimate VWC at the lower end of observed values.Surface VWC measurements have potential use beyond golf course putting greens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Objectives: Weight percentiles are generally reported without any indication of error. This variation can lead a fetus being mistakenly classified erroneously as having intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) or macrosomia. The goal of this study was to compare estimated weight percentiles with the actual observed weight percentile for each gestational age in a large cohort of fetuses being scanned in our institution. Methods: After IRB approval the radiology information system data base was retrospectively searched for all obstetrical US reports obtained during the late second and third trimesters from July 1, 2014, until July 1, 2020. Demographic information, fetal weight, and weight percentile information were obtained from these reports. Quantile‐quantile plots were created for all gestational ages and all ethnicities. Results: Our study included 6259 ultrasounds in 4060 patients. Mean maternal age of the total group was 31.68 years (ranging 15–53 years). When all subjects were considered, the median values in our QQ plots approximated the line of identity. However, there was considerable variation for a given estimate, implying that estimated fetal weight percentiles are only very rough predictors of the actual percentile. Conclusion: Estimated fetal weight percentiles are only very rough predictors of the actual percentile. We therefore suggest that estimates of the weight percentile should be reported along with an estimate of the expected variation. Recognition of variations in weight percentile should be considered in the greater clinical context, and could potentially prevent misdiagnosis of growth restriction and macrosomia as well as the subsequent overutilization of resources, unnecessary interventions, and maternal stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 10‐yr, four‐phase collaborative effort among three universities was conducted to develop new hybrid zoysiagrasses (Zoysia spp. Willd.) with improved turf quality, winter hardiness, and pest resistance in comparison to commercial zoysiagrass cultivars, especially 'Meyer' (Z. japonica Steud.). In Phase 1, breeding efforts produced 2,858 new progeny that were evaluated for 2 yr across three sites. In Phase 2, only 60 (2%) of 2,858 progeny were selected for advancement to 10 replicated multiyear field trials (Phase 3). Phase 3 revealed 10 promising progeny (assigned DALZ numbers) that required further intensive field and laboratory testing in Phase 4. Phase 4 revealed differences in establishment rate, and DALZ 1701, 1702, 1707, and 1810 had moderate‐to‐good turf performance across seven sites, whereas DALZ 1808 had similar or slightly lower performance. Meyer consistently performed poorly, and 'Innovation', a recently released hybrid cultivar, had poor‐to‐moderate performance in comparison to the experimental genotypes, which illustrates the improvements achieved in zoysiagrass breeding in the last 10 yr. Freeze tolerance (LT50, lethal temperature killing 50% of the plants) ranged from −9.8 °C (Diamond) to −14.1 °C (DALZ 1812) with a mean of −12.5 °C. Evidence of large patch [Rhizoctonia solani Kühn, anastomosis Group (AG) 2‐2 LP] in the top 10 DALZ genotypes was 15 to 40% lower than Meyer on several dates. Results indicate that there are multiple genotypes for potential release in the future with improved turf color, winter hardiness, freeze tolerance, large patch resistance, and finer leaf texture suitable for USDA plant hardiness zones ranging between 5b and 8a. Core Ideas: Multidisciplinary, systematic breeding efforts effectively improve zoysiagrass.Intra‐ and interspecific hybridization introgressed superior turf traits.Multiple options exist for potential zoysiagrass release for a variety of climates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

People working as a team can achieve more than when working alone due to a team's ability to parallelize the completion of tasks. In collaborative search tasks, this necessitates the formation of effective division of labor strategies to minimize redundancies in search. For such strategies to be developed, team members need to perceive the task's relevant components and how they evolve over time, as well as an understanding of what others will do so that they can structure their own behavior to contribute to the team's goal. This study explored whether the capacity for team members to coordinate effectively can be related to how participants structure their search behaviors in an online multiplayer collaborative search task. Our results demonstrated that the structure of search behavior, quantified using detrended fluctuation analysis, was sensitive to contextual factors that limit a participant's ability to gather information. Further, increases in the persistence of movement fluctuations during search behavior were found as teams developed more effective coordinative strategies and were associated with better task performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Convergence is the phenomenon whereby similar phenotypes evolve independently in different lineages. One example is resistance to toxins in animals. Toxins have evolved many times throughout the tree of life. They disrupt molecular and physiological pathways in target species, thereby incapacitating prey or deterring a predator. In response, molecular resistance has evolved in many species exposed to toxins to counteract their harmful effects. Here, we review current knowledge on the convergence of toxin resistance using examples from a wide range of toxin families. We explore the evolutionary processes and molecular adaptations driving toxin resistance. However, resistance adaptations may carry a fitness cost if they disrupt the normal physiology of the resistant animal. Therefore, there is a trade‐off between maintaining a functional molecular target and reducing toxin susceptibility. There are relatively few solutions that satisfy this trade‐off. As a result, we see a small set of molecular adaptations appearing repeatedly in diverse animal lineages, a phenomenon that is consistent with models of deterministic evolution. Convergence may also explain what has been called 'autoresistance'. This is often thought to have evolved for self‐protection, but we argue instead that it may be a consequence of poisonous animals feeding on toxic prey. Toxin resistance provides a unique and compelling model system for studying the interplay between trophic interactions, selection pressures and the molecular mechanisms underlying evolutionary novelties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bitterlings are carp‐like teleost fish (Cypriniformes: Acheilanathidae) known for their specialized brood parasitic lifestyle. Bitterling embryos, in fact, develop inside the gill chamber of their freshwater mussel hosts. However, little is known about how their parasitic lifestyle affects brain development in comparison to nonparasitic species. Here, we document the development of the brain of the rosy bitterling, Rhodeus ocellatus, at four embryonic stages of 165, 185, 210, 235 hours postfertilization (hpf) using micro‐computed tomography (microCT). Focusing on developmental regionalization and brain ventricular organization, we relate the development of the brain divisions to those described for zebrafish using the prosomeric model as a reference paradigm. Segmentation and three‐dimensional visualization of the ventricular system allowed us to identify changes in the longitudinal brain axis as a result of cephalic flexure during development. The results show that during early embryonic and larval development, histological differentiation, tissue boundaries, periventricular proliferation zones, and ventricular spaces are all detectable by microCT. The results of this study visualized with differential CT profiles are broadly consistent with comparable histological studies, and with the genoarchitecture of teleosts like the zebrafish. Compared to the zebrafish, our study identifies distinct developmental heterochronies in the rosy bitterling, such as a precocious development of the inferior lobe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Homeowners with automated sprinkler systems water lawns frequently and may be unaware of the volume of water applied in their irrigation programs. Rain sensors (RS) and soil moisture sensors (SMS) may reduce watering by permitting scheduled irrigation to occur relative to recent rainfall or current soil moisture status and are available as add‐on technologies for residential sprinkler systems. As RS and SMS may positively impact irrigation scheduling, incorporating them into existing sprinkler systems may reduce water use and provide a return on investment (ROI), without compromising turfgrass quality. The objectives of this research were to determine the water savings of add‐on RS and SMS, estimate their ROI, and evaluate their impact on bermudagrass [Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers.] lawn quality over three summers in Northwest Arkansas. An irrigation schedule without a sensor (control) was programmed to apply 0.5 inches of water twice a week for 17 wk. Water usage and turfgrass quality under the control were compared with two RS and two SMS, following the same program. During the 3‐yr study, RS and SMS reduced annual water use by an average of 22.1 and 66.2%, respectively. All treatments exhibited similar turfgrass quality and remained above the minimum level of acceptable quality. Under these experimental conditions, the average ROI for RS and SMS was estimated to be $87 and $200, respectively, within the first year of installation. Regional best management practices for watering bermudagrass lawns should include the incorporation of RS and SMS to reduce irrigation, maintain turfgrass quality, and save money. Core Ideas: Irrigation sensors may reduce water use without compromising turfgrass quality.When properly calibrated, soil moisture sensors can reduce water use by 66%.Rain sensors can reduce water use by 22% in a humid transition‐zone environment.Irrigation sensors may provide a return on investment of up to $200 within 1 yr. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Swiss‐born embryologist Wilhelm His, Sr. (1831–1904) was the first scientist to study embryos using paraffin histology, serial sectioning and three‐dimensional modelling. With these techniques, His made many important discoveries in vertebrate embryology and developmental neurobiology, earning him two Nobel Prize nominations. He also developed several theories of mechanical and evolutionary developmental biology. His argued that adult form is determined by the differential growth of developmental primordia. Furthermore, he suggested that changes in the growth parameters of those primordia are responsible for generating new phenotypes during evolution. His developed these theories in his book 'Our Bodily Form' (Unsere Körperform). Here, we review His's work with special emphasis on its potential importance to the disciplines of evolutionary developmental biology (evo‐devo) and mechanobiology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Recess has been shown to increase total daily energy expenditure, which may favorably impact body mass index by decreasing adiposity. This study examines associations between recess participation and adiposity. METHODS: The study sample included male (N = 1434) and female (N = 1409) children 5 to 11 years of age participating in the 2013‐2016 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Overweight and obesity were defined using age‐ and sex‐specific percentiles. Recess participation interview questions were answered via proxy response. RESULTS: Compared to a referent group participating in recess 5 days/week for >30 minutes/day and independent of demographic and behavioral factors, analysis revealed significantly greater odds of obesity in females reporting no recess participation (odds ratio 1.80; 95% confidence interval, 1.03‐3.15, p =.03). Furthermore, minority females were consistently found to possess greater odds of overweight and obesity independent of recess participation time. Only Mexican American boys were found to have greater odds of obesity independent of participation recess time. CONCLUSIONS: In a large nationally representative sample of US children, reporting no recess was associated with significantly greater odds of obesity in females. Minority females were also more likely to be overweight and obese and Mexican American boys are more likely to be obese independent of recess participation time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herbicide control options for bermudagrass [Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers or C. dactylon x C. transvaalensis Burtt-Davy] include non-selective herbicides such as glyphosate (N-[phosphonomethyl] glycine), as well as selective graminicides such as fenoxaprop (Fenoxaprop-P-ethy) and fluazifop (Fluazifop-P-butyl). Regardless of the herbicide used, effective bermudagrass control can only be achieved with repeated applications. Fraise mowing has been recently introduced into the turfgrass industry and these machines can remove thatch and growing points down to a depth of 5.0 cm. Our hypothesis was that if a high percentage of the growing points of a bermudagrass stand were physically removed with fraise mowing, the remaining growing points would be more easily controlled with various herbicides. Six trials were conducted over two seasons to determine if fraise mowing and herbicides could be used in combination to improve bermudagrass control. Treatments included various combinations and timings of glyphosate (2.74 kg a.i. ha-1) and fluazifop (0.42 kg a.i. ha-1), applied to plots that were fraise mowed to a depth of 3.75 cm or not fraise mowed. Fraise mowing alone physically removed a significant amount of the bermudagrass growing points and provided partial bermudagrass control. A combination of fraise mowing and herbicide generally improved bermudagrass control over the herbicides alone. Herbicides applied after fraise mowing generally provided better bermudagrass control in comparison to applying herbicides prior to fraise mowing. Aggressive fraise mowing appears to be a tool that can improve bermudagrass control and could shorten the overall time window needed to remove existing bermudagrass from a site. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is limited information regarding specific irrigation volumes required for establishing turfgrasses from seed, potentially leading many to overwater during establishment. The objectives of the following studies were to evaluate the impacts of irrigation volume and genetic drought resistance on the establishment of seeded tall fescue (Schedonorus arundinaceus Schreb.) and bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon L.) cultivars in the transition zone. Two separate studies were conducted at the Milo J. Shult Agricultural Research and Extension Center in Fayetteville, AR. Tall fescue cultivars Penn RK4, a drought‐resistant cultivar, and Rebel Exeda were seeded and irrigated daily at 50, 75, 100, or 125% reference evapotranspiration (ETo) for 28 days in replicate trials. A second study evaluated seeded bermudagrass cultivars Princess 77, a drought‐resistant cultivar, and Sahara II, using the same irrigation regime for 28 days, in replicate trials. Daily irrigation replacing 50% ETo exhibited slower establishment compared to 100% ETo by an average of 11 and 2 days for tall fescue and bermudagrass, respectively. Irrigating at 75 and 100% ETo exhibited similar establishment for tall fescue and in 1 of 2 years for bermudagrass. In both studies, establishment rates did not differ when irrigating ≥100% ETo. Cultivars with known genetic drought resistance at maturity did not exhibit enhanced establishment rates under reduced irrigation regimes. These findings suggest daily irrigation replacing 100% ETo is favorable for establishing seeded cultivars of tall fescue and bermudagrass in the transition zone, and is a practical strategy for water‐conservation efforts. Core Ideas: Daily irrigation replacing 100% reference evapotranspiration should be used to establish turfgrass from seed.Using evapotranspiration‐based irrigation is a tool for conserving water during turf establishment.Genetic drought resistance among cultivars is not exhibited during establishment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Functional traits determine an organism's performance in a given environment and as such determine which organisms will be found where. Species respond to local conditions, but also to larger scale gradients, such as climate. Trait ecology links these responses of species to community composition and species distributions. Yet, we often do not know which environmental gradients are most important in determining community trait composition at either local or biogeographical scales, or their interaction. Here we quantify the relative contribution of local and climatic conditions to the structure and composition of functional traits found within bromeliad invertebrate communities. We conclude that climate explains more variation in invertebrate trait composition within bromeliads than does local conditions. Importantly, climate mediated the response of traits to local conditions; for example, invertebrates with benthic life‐history traits increased with bromeliad water volume only under certain precipitation regimes. Our ability to detect this and other patterns hinged on the compilation of multiple fine‐grained datasets, allowing us to contrast the effect of climate versus local conditions. We suggest that, in addition to sampling communities at local scales, we need to aggregate studies that span large ranges in climate variation in order to fully understand trait filtering at local, regional and global scales. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Determining daily light integral (DLI) requirements for turfgrass systems has been an effective method to quantify photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) necessary to maintain quality turfgrass in a research setting. However, there has been little research estimating DLI requirements of popular turfgrass cultivars of zoysiagrass [Zoysia matrella (L.) Merr. and Z. japonica Steud.], hybrid bermudagrass [Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers. × C. transvaalensis Burtt Davy], and common bermudagrass [C. dactylon (L.) Pers.] used for teeing grounds and fairways on golf courses. The objective of this research was to (a) determine minimum DLI requirements of two zoysiagrasses, 'Cavalier' (Z. japonica) and 'Meyer' (Z. matrella), and two bermudagrasses, common bermudagrass (cultivar unknown) and 'Astro‐DLM' hybrid bermudagrass; and (b) investigate methodology in rapidly estimating DLI requirements in situ at area golf courses for the same cultivars. Cultivars were evaluated under 22, 40, 60, and 90% shade in a field research setting over two seasons from August through October 2016 and May through October 2017. Turfgrass quality continued to decline over the 2‐yr trial, emphasizing importance of multi‐year evaluations encompassing cumulative effects of shade on turfgrass. Estimated minimum DLI requirements for turf quality of Astro‐DLM hybrid bermudagrass, common bermudagrass, Cavalier zoysiagrass, and Meyer zoysiagrass were 20.4, 25.9, 15.0, and 21.1 mol m−2 d−1, respectively. In situ evaluations at golf course sites accurately estimated DLI requirements for three of four cultivars in comparison to those obtained in field research setting. Established minimum DLI requirements determined for cultivars in this study provide a baseline for site specific turfgrass selection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Identifying and reporting color differences is important in turfgrass experimentation. Finding ways to improve color differentiation may be desirable. Research was conducted to determine if color‐distance modeling (∆E*ab) improves differentiation of color in images of hybrid bermudagrass [Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers. × Cynodon transvaalensis Burtt‐Davy]. Colors differ perceptibly if ∆E*ab >1.0; magnitude of difference increases as ∆E*ab increases. Hue angle (θ) and dark green color index (DGCI) of untreated shoots; shoots treated with petroleum hydrocarbons; and turf treated with N, herbicides, or a growth regulator were determined by digital image analysis. Hue and DGCI means were separated using orthogonal contrasts; ∆E*ab was computed for each contrast. Delta E*ab was a good predictor of color difference magnitude. Association between p‐values for contrasts of θ or DGCI and ∆E*ab were strong; smaller p‐values corresponded to larger ∆E*ab. When log10p‐values for θ contrasts for 'Tifway' turf treated with N, herbicides, and a growth regulator were regressed on ∆E*ab, r2 =.9657 (y = − 0.602 − 0.9512x); for DGCI, r2 =.8743 (y = − 1.6097 − 0.8743x). Computing ∆E*ab helped avoid making false conclusions. Neither θ nor DGCI differed for Tifway treated with mesotrione or glyphosate (p =.2049,.6195) but ∆E*ab was 3.8 due to differences in saturation (p =.0137) and brightness (p =.0067). Computing ∆E*ab improved differentiation of turfgrass color by enhancing the accuracy of difference detection. Improving the ability to differentiate colors and avoidance of making false conclusions has advanced reporting of turfgrass color data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plant tissue desiccation and low-temperature exposure are two common causes of winter injury to ultradwarf bermudagrass [Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers. × Cynodon transvaalensis Burtt Davy] putting greens. Unlike low-temperature exposure, winter damage caused by tissue desiccation can occur regardless of temperature and may beworsened by soil hydrophobicity. Wetting agents are commonly applied to actively growing ultradwarf bermudagrass putting greens to remedy the negative effects of soil hydrophobicity. Less is known about the effect of wetting agent applications to dormant ultradwarf bermudagrass putting greens. This research aimed to quantify the effects of a late-fall wetting agent application on winter injury and the soil volumetric water content of a sand-based ultradwarf bermudagrass putting green. Single applications of three wetting agents at two rates were made in early December of 2015, 2016, and 2017 to a 'TifEagle' ultradwarf bermudagrass putting green and were compared with an untreated control. Spring green-up and soil volumetric water content were monitored from March toMay of each season. Water drop penetration time tests were conducted twice each season to quantify reductions in hydrophobicity compared with the untreated control. On multiple dates, wetting agent treatments had significantly more green turfgrass coverage than the untreated control. In general, wetting agents reduced water drop penetration times in the top 2 cm of the soil profile. This research suggests that late-fall or winter applications of a wetting agent can reduce injury and enhance spring recovery of sand-based ultradwarf bermudagrass putting greens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Shade from athletic stadium structures can be a significant deterrent to turfgrass performance. The objective of this study was to determine the daily light requirements of an overseeded or non‐overseeded bermudagrass (Cynodon spp.) turf maintained to simulate an athletic field. An experiment was established in 2013 on a mature bermudagrass [Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers. cv. Riviera] turf that was either overseeded with perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) or non‐overseeded. Plots were re‐seeded with ryegrass each fall, but ryegrass was allowed to transition without chemical removal. Shade structures were installed to create four light level treatments including a full‐sun control (0% shade) and 30%, 60%, or 90% light‐reducing shade cloth. Quantum light sensors were mounted under each shade treatment and photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD) was continuously measured and a daily light integral (DLI) calculated (mol PPFD m–2 d–1). The 2‐yr, average DLI values for shade treatments were 40.8 (0% shade), 26.2 (30% shade), 14.8 (60% shade) and 3.3 (90% shade) mol PPFD m–2 d–1. A range of growth and performance data were collected, including turfgrass coverage, clipping yields and leaf elongation rates. Overseeded and non‐overseeded bermudagrass failed to persist when 90% shade (DLI = 3.0 mol m–2 d–1) was imposed. Non‐overseeded bermudagrass required a higher DLI (26 mol m–2 d–1) to persist compared to overseeded bermudagrass (DLI = 21.8 mol m–2 d–1), primarily due to the enhanced shade tolerance of perennial ryegrass. However, the long‐term effects of shade began to decrease the quality of the overseeded turf by the end of the second year of the study. These data provide sports field managers with threshold light requirements for both overseeded and non‐overseeded bermudagrass turf. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Shade from athletic stadium structures can be a significant detriment to turfgrass performance. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of shade on rooting and playing surface stability, measured as traction, on overseeded or non‐overseeded bermudagrass (Cynodon spp.) turf. An experiment was established in 2013 on a mature bermudagrass [Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers. cv. Riviera] turf that was either overseeded with perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) or non‐overseeded. Shade structures were installed to create four light level treatments, including 0%, 30%, 60%, or 90% light‐reducing shade cloth. The light treatments resulted in average daily light integrals (DLI) of 40.8, 26.2, 14.8, and 3.3 mol m–2 d–1, respectively. Data were collected on rooting characteristics, species composition, and two forms of traction measurements. Moderate levels of shading (30%) caused a significant decline in rooting characteristics in non‐overseeded turf, while rooting of overseeded turf was not significantly affected until a 60% light reduction. Rotational resistance and peak horizontal force, measurements of athlete traction, were affected by increasing shade in both overseeded and non‐overseeded turf, but the association between traction and a minimum DLI was not conclusive. The persistence of bermudagrass in overseeded turf was significantly reduced at all shade levels studied. This study clearly demonstrates that rooting, bermudagrass persistence and traction of overseeded and non‐overseeded bermudagrass athletic fields are negatively affected by even modest levels of shade. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Core Ideas: All cover treatments reduced winter injury of bermudagrass compared to the uncovered control.‘TifEagle’ and ‘MiniVerde’ cultivars experienced less winter injury than ‘Champion’.A late‐fall wetting agent can reduce winter injury on bermudagrass putting greens.Reducing the predicted low‐temperature threshold for placing covers had no negative impact on survival. As ultradwarf bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon [L.] Pers. × C. transvaalensis Burtt‐Davy) is used on putting greens in more northern locations, there is increased risk of sustaining winter injury from desiccation and low‐temperature exposure. During the winter, installation and removal of protective covers can be costly and labor intensive. This research aims to define a predicted low‐temperature threshold when covering an ultradwarf bermudagrass putting green becomes necessary, and to quantify the effects of a late‐fall wetting agent application on winter survival of ultradwarf bermudagrass. Research was conducted over three winters (2015–2018) in Fayetteville, AR on a sand‐based putting green established to ‘Champion’, ‘MiniVerde’, and ‘TifEagle’ bermudagrass cultivars. Covering treatments were placed on the green at forecasted low‐temperature thresholds of 15, 18, 22, and 25 °F and were compared with an uncovered control. A single late‐fall wetting agent application was applied to each cultivar × cover treatment. The wetting agent occasionally enhanced spring green‐up, but this effect was inconsistent across seasons. Winter injury to the cultivar ‘Champion’ was greater than ‘TifEagle’ and ‘MiniVerde’. Plots receiving cover treatments, regardless of covering temperature, achieved faster spring green‐up than the uncovered control. Differences in green turf coverage between cover treatments were detected; although, those differences were not considered to be of practical importance. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the predicted low‐temperature threshold for covering greens without a significant increase in winter injury, resulting in reduced golf course labor costs and increased potential revenue with more days open for play. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Core IdeasKentucky bluegrass cultivars vary in their water requirements.Irrigation volumes replacing < 100% ETc does not negatively affect turfgrass quality.Using improved cultivars and deficit irrigation contributes toward water conservation. Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis L.; KBG) is a perennial cool‐season turfgrass commonly utilized in lawns. However, during the summer, KBG can decline in turfgrass quality under prolonged periods of drought stress. Previous research has reported that irrigating turfgrasses below levels of maximum crop evapotranspiration (ETc) may not result in unacceptable turfgrass quality. Previous studies have also demonstrated that KBG varieties vary in their drought resistance responses under chronic drought stress. It is unknown the range in deficit irrigation levels to which drought‐resistant and drought‐sensitive cultivars could maintain acceptable green turf coverage under prolonged chronic drought. Maximizing deficit irrigation without negatively affecting turfgrass aesthetics would greatly support water conservation efforts. Therefore, the objective of this study was to investigate the performance differences between a drought‐resistant KBG cultivar (‘Mallard’) and a drought‐sensitive KBG cultivar (‘Snap’) when both are supplied with variable amounts of deficit irrigation. Weekly irrigation replaced either 100, 80, 60, 50, or 40% ETc over a 90‐day period for two growing seasons. Acceptable monthly green turf coverage was observed for ‘Mallard’ irrigated at 60% ETc, however acceptable monthly green turf coverage for ‘Snap’ irrigated at 100% ETc was not consistently observed. Final green turf coverage following prolonged chronic drought, for ‘Snap’ irrigated at 100% ETc was predicted to be < 50%, and for ‘Mallard’ irrigated at 80% ETc final green turf coverage was estimated to be > 50%. These findings reinforce the importance of selecting drought‐resistant turfgrass cultivars and utilizing deficit irrigation in efforts to reduce water use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Earthworm activity is beneficial in most natural and agricultural systems, but excessive earthworm casting is a problem on sports fields worldwide. Expulsion of soil‐rich earthworm fecal matter, or casts, as mounds of soil on the turf canopy can muddy the surface, reduce photosynthesis, and lead to thinning, weed invasion and surface softening. Casts affect ball roll on sports fields, cause fouling of maintenance equipment, and dull mower blades. Build‐up of cast material on reel mower units can affect height and quality of cut. Casting activity is dependent on environmental conditions such as soil texture, temperature, moisture, pH, and organic matter. Response to environmental conditions varies by species. Management options are limited, because no pesticides are specifically labeled for earthworm control at this time, and cultural control methods such as soil modification, turfgrass clipping removal, and sand topdressing have limited and inconsistent efficacy. Products containing plant‐derived saponins and irritants show promise for earthworm management. Pest management practices to mitigate excessive earthworm casting will likely need to be species‐specific, but limited knowledge of earthworm identification by end‐users further inhibits the efficacy of control measures. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Turfgrass quality is often limited by the availability of photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) delivered to the turf surface. The cumulative PAR at a given site during 1 d is termed the daily light integral (DLI) and is an effective measurement for quantifying light requirements for various turfgrass systems. The minimum DLI necessary to maintain acceptable quality on creeping bentgrass (Agrostis stolonifera L.) putting greens has yet to be determined. Shade timing, trinexapac‐ethyl growth regulator, and ultraviolet‐absorbing plant colorant applications may affect the DLI requirement of creeping bentgrass putting greens. The objective of this research was to determine the DLI requirement of a creeping bentgrass putting green by evaluating the effects of shade intensity and timing, as well as the influence of trinexapac‐ethyl and a plant colorant on turfgrass quality and coverage. Intensity treatments of 0, 70, 80, and 90% shade were applied during either morning (sunrise to solar noon) or afternoon (solar noon to sunset) hours from May through October 2016 and 2017 on a 'Tyee' creeping bentgrass, sand‐based putting green. Evaluations of visual turf quality and turf coverage were performed every 2 wk. After 2 yr, the DLI requirement to maintain acceptable putting green quality was estimated to be 30 mol m−2 d−1. Although effective in improving turf quality at times during summer months, trinexapac‐ethyl and the plant colorant did not significantly reduce the DLI requirement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: A vast majority of women who choose nitrous oxide for labor report high satisfaction despite variable analgesic effectiveness. We analyzed comments provided by women who used nitrous oxide for labor, to identify determinants of satisfaction in this population, and to better understand reasons for continuing with nitrous oxide despite variable analgesic effectiveness. Methods: We conducted qualitative content analysis of comments in a quality improvement database of routine follow‐up assessments of women who delivered vaginally, using nitrous oxide as the sole labor analgesic. An inductive grounded approach was used and emergent themes and subthemes were identified. Results: Of 6507 vaginal deliveries over 34 months in 2011‐2014, 753 (12%) used nitrous oxide as their sole analgesic. Analysis of 264 clarifying comments yielded six emergent themes. Parturients cited nonanalgesic benefits of nitrous oxide use (relaxation, distraction, focus on breathing), as well as partial analgesic effects that they deemed to be sufficient, or consistent with their expectations. Numerous women described their nitrous oxide experience as consistent with their birth plan, including 14 who equated it with natural childbirth. Several comments described nitrous oxide as a vital component of the parturients' birth experience. Some described using nitrous oxide when neuraxial analgesia was not possible. Side effects were identified, as were difficulties using the apparatus/mask. Analysis highlighted importance of timely administration upon request and attention to technical aspects. Conclusions: Among parturients who choose nitrous oxide as their sole labor analgesic, determinants of satisfaction are more variable than previously understood, and extend beyond analgesia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Synopsis: Older patients and those who require interpreters are least likely to use telehealth for gynecologic oncology care, showing disparities which continued after statewide vaccinations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Stoichiometric differences among organisms can affect trophic interactions and rates of nutrient cycling within ecosystems. However, we still know little about either the underlying causes of these stoichiometric differences or the consistency of these differences across large geographical extents. Here, we analyse elemental (carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus) composition of 872 aquatic macroinvertebrates (71 species) inhabiting tank bromeliads (n = 140) from five distantly located sites across Central and South America to (i) test phylogenetic, trophic and body size scaling explanations for why organisms differ in elemental composition and (ii) determine whether patterns in elemental composition are universal or context dependent. Taxonomy explained most variance in elemental composition, even though phylogenetic signals were weak and limited to regional spatial extents and to the family level. The highest elemental contents and lowest carbon:nutrient ratios were found in organisms at high trophic levels and with smaller body size, regardless of geographical location. Carnivores may have higher nutrient content and lower carbon:nutrient ratios than their prey, as organisms optimize growth by choosing the most nutrient‐rich resources to consume and then preferentially retain nutrients over carbon in their bodies. Smaller organisms grow proportionally faster than large organisms and so are predicted to have higher nutrient requirements to fuel RNA and protein synthesis. Geography influenced the magnitude, more than the direction, of the ecological and/or phylogenetic effects on elemental composition. Overall, our results show that both ecological (i.e. trophic group) and evolutionary drivers explain among‐taxa variation in the elemental content of invertebrates, whereas intraspecific variation is mainly a function of body size. Our findings also demonstrate that restricting analyses of macroinvertebrate stoichiometry solely to either the local scale or species level affects inferences of the patterns in invertebrate elemental content and their underlying mechanisms. A plain language summary is available for this article. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Despite ongoing research in food web ecology and functional biogeography, the links between food web structure, functional traits and environmental conditions across spatial scales remain poorly understood. Trophic niches, defined as the amount of energy and elemental space occupied by species and food webs, may help bridge this divide. Here, we ask how the functional traits of species, the environmental conditions of habitats and the spatial scale of analysis jointly determine the characteristics of trophic niches. We used isotopic niches as a proxy of trophic niches, and conducted analyses at spatial scales ranging from local food webs and metacommunities to geographically distant sites. We sampled aquatic macroinvertebrates from 104 tank bromeliads distributed across five sites from Central to South America and compiled the macroinvertebrates’ functional traits and stable isotope values (δ15N and δ13C). We assessed how isotopic niches within each bromeliad were influenced by the functional trait composition of their associated invertebrates and environmental conditions (i.e., habitat size, canopy cover [CC] and detrital concentration [DC]). We then evaluated whether the diet of dominant predators and, consequently, energy pathways within food webs reflected functional and environmental changes among bromeliads across sites. At last, we determined the extent to which the isotopic niches of macroinvertebrates within each bromeliad contributed to the metacommunity isotopic niches within each site and compared these metacommunity‐level niches over biogeographic scales. At the bromeliad level, isotopic niches increased with the functional richness of species in the food web and the DC in the bromeliad. The diet of top predators tracked shifts in prey biomass along gradients of CC and DC. Bromeliads that grew under heterogeneous CC displayed less trophic redundancy and therefore combined to form larger metacommunity isotopic niches. At last, the size of metacommunity niches depended on within‐site heterogeneity in CC. Our results suggest that the trophic niches occupied by food webs can predictably scale from local food webs to metacommunities to biogeographic regions. This scaling process is determined by both the functional traits of species and heterogeneity in environmental conditions. A plain language summary is available for this article. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Functional traits are commonly used in predictive models that link environmental drivers and community structure to ecosystem functioning. A prerequisite is to identify robust sets of continuous axes of trait variation, and to understand the ecological and evolutionary constraints that result in the functional trait space occupied by interacting species. Despite their diversity and role in ecosystem functioning, little is known of the constraints on the functional trait space of invertebrate biotas of entire biogeographic regions. We examined the ecological strategies and constraints underlying the realized trait space of aquatic invertebrates, using data on 12 functional traits of 852 taxa collected in tank bromeliads from Mexico to Argentina. Principal Component Analysis was used to reduce trait dimensionality to significant axes of trait variation, and the proportion of potential trait space that is actually occupied by all taxa was compared to null model expectations. Permutational Analyses of Variance were used to test whether trait combinations were clade‐dependent. The major axes of trait variation represented life‐history strategies optimizing resource use and antipredator adaptations. There was evidence for trophic, habitat, defence and life‐history niche axes. Bromeliad invertebrates only occupied 16%–23% of the potential space within these dimensions, due to greater concentrations than predicted under uniform or normal distributions. Thus, despite high taxonomic diversity, invertebrates only utilized a small number of successful ecological strategies. Empty areas in trait space represented gaps between major phyla that arose from biological innovations, and trait combinations that are unviable in the bromeliad ecosystem. Only a few phylogenetically distant genera were neighbouring in trait space. Trait combinations aggregated taxa by family and then by order, suggesting that niche conservatism was a widespread mechanism in the diversification of ecological strategies. A plain language summary is available for this article. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Respiratory cryptosporidiosis was first diagnosed in Red Grouse Lagopus lagopus scotica, the UK subspecies of Willow Ptarmigan, in 2010. In the next 3 years, respiratory infection by Cryptosporidium baileyi had manifested itself in Grouse on half the moors in northern England and 80% of moors in the North Pennine Hills. In this first account of the impact of respiratory cryptosporidiosis on the population dynamics of a wild bird we fitted 111 diseased and 67 healthy Grouse with radio‐transmitters at two North Pennine moors where disease prevalence averaged 8.1% and monitored their survival and fecundity between autumn 2013 and autumn 2015. Six‐month natural survival rates (excluding shooting) were 0.70 in healthy Grouse, but only 0.44 in diseased females, and 0.22 in diseased males. Some 39% of diseased birds died from their infection, whereas 28% of healthy birds were shot. A similar proportion of each group were killed by predators, either by Stoat Mustela erminea or raptors. Diseased females bred 8 days later than healthy females, but clutch size, egg volume and nesting success did not differ in relation to disease status. Productivity was 43% lower among pairs with a diseased member than in healthy pairs, but appeared impaired only if the female was diseased, not the male. Differences in productivity were related to chick survival rather than the proportion of pairs that reared broods, with chick survival being lower in the 10 days after hatching and again when chicks were 20–50 days old. This latter period was when respiratory infection among chicks was first noticed and the onset of infection may have been a contributing factor to higher mortality during this period. Described levels of respiratory infection reduced the number of birds available to shoot in August by 6%, which represented a mean annual loss of £0.9 million in revenue across managed grouse moors. Likely reductions in shoot economics could escalate should prevalence increase. This disease is a welfare concern and potentially a conservation concern, too, should infection cross to other bird species occupying the same moors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Musical collaboration emerges from the complex interaction of environmental and informational constraints, including those of the instruments and the performance context. Music improvisation in particular is more like everyday interaction in that dynamics emerge spontaneously without a rehearsed score or script. We examined how the structure of the musical context affords and shapes interactions between improvising musicians. Six pairs of professional piano players improvised with two different backing tracks while we recorded both the music produced and the movements of their heads, left arms, and right arms. The backing tracks varied in rhythmic and harmonic information, from a chord progression to a continuous drone. Differences in movement coordination and playing behavior were evaluated using the mathematical tools of complex dynamical systems, with the aim of uncovering the multiscale dynamics that characterize musical collaboration. Collectively, the findings indicated that each backing track afforded the emergence of different patterns of coordination with respect to how the musicians played together, how they moved together, as well as their experience collaborating with each other. Additionally, listeners’ experiences of the music when rating audio recordings of the improvised performances were related to the way the musicians coordinated both their playing behavior and their bodily movements. Accordingly, the study revealed how complex dynamical systems methods (namely recurrence analysis) can capture the turn‐taking dynamics that characterized both the social exchange of the music improvisation and the sounds of collaboration more generally. The study also demonstrated how musical improvisation provides a way of understanding how social interaction emerges from the structure of the behavioral task context. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Impairments in social interaction and communicating with others are core features of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), but the specific processes underlying such social competence impairments are not well understood. An important key for increasing our understanding of ASD-specific social deficits may lie with the social motor synchronization that takes place when we implicitly coordinate our bodies with others. Here, we tested whether dynamical measures of synchronization differentiate children with ASD from controls and further explored the relationships between synchronization ability and motor control problems. We found (a) that children with ASD exhibited different and less stable patterns of social synchronization ability than controls; (b) children with ASD performed motor movements that were slower and more variable in both spacing and timing; and (c) some social synchronization that involved motor timing was related to motor ability but less rhythmic synchronization was not. These findings raise the possibility that objective dynamical measures of synchronization ability and motor skill could provide new insights into understanding the social deficits in ASD that could ultimately aid clinical diagnosis and prognosis. Autism Res 2017, 10: 1687-1699. © 2017 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climatic changes and the need to reduce water consumption for irrigation have led to expanded use of warm-season turf species in transitional zones. Turf managers are often hesitant to use warm-season species because they undergo dormancy for a long period during the winter. Although this issue might be addressed by mixing cool- with warm-season species, there is a lack of information on the performance and dynamics of species succession in such turfgrass mixtures. A 2-yr investigation was conducted in Legnaro, Italy, and Fayetteville, AR, to test the turf quality and species succession in mixtures of various cultivars of bermudagrass (BG) [Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers.] with Kentucky bluegrass (KBG) (Poa pratensis L.). Bermudagrass cultivars, Yukon and Veracruz, were seeded in June 2011 at 5 g m-2 and KBG cultivars Brooklawn, Mystere, and Nublue Plus were overseeded in September 2011 at 30 g m-2. Across both studies, the frequency of BG in the mixture was generally higher for Yukon and ranged from 40 to 95%. However, the mixtures with Veracruz had superior turf quality in Legnaro from October 2012 to March 2013. The species succession was influenced by BG cultivars, whereas KBG cultivar had little effect on the rate of plant composition change. On the basis of these results, the choice of BG cultivar appears critical for establishing functional KBG and BG mixtures in transitional zones. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mean primary diameter ( d) of nanoparticles (NPs) is commonly used as the best basis to assess the dose metric for expressing the toxicity of spherical NPs. However, d bears no relevance for nonspherical NPs. In the present study, the mean surface area to volume ratio, applicable to both spherical and nonspherical NPs, was used to replace d given the aim of obtaining the best dose metric (volume, surface area, or number) of differently shaped metallic NPs in vivo (9 organisms) and in vitro (6 mammalian cell lines). The slope of the curves obtained by relating the total particle number of NPs at various effect concentrations to the mean surface area to volume ratio was subsequently used to deduce the best dose metric. For the majority of the organisms studied, it was found that NP volume is the most appropriate dose metric, independent of the composition of the NPs tested. For 3 organisms exposed to Ag NPs, however, surface area was found to be the best dose metric. It is therefore concluded that the optimum dose metric depends on organism and NP properties. Environ Toxicol Chem 2016;35:2466-2473. © 2016 SETAC [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Food webs of freshwater ecosystems can be subsidized by allochthonous resources. However, it is still unknown which environmental factors regulate the relative consumption of allochthonous resources in relation to autochthonous resources. Here, we evaluated the importance of allochthonous resources (litterfall) for the aquatic food webs in Neotropical tank bromeliads, a naturally replicated aquatic microcosm. Aquatic invertebrates were sampled in more than 100 bromeliads within either open or shaded habitats and within five geographically distinct sites located in four different countries. Using stable isotope analyses, we determined that allochthonous sources comprised 74% (±17%) of the food resources of aquatic invertebrates. However, the allochthonous contribution to aquatic invertebrates strongly decreased from shaded to open habitats, as light incidence increased in the tanks. The density of detritus in the tanks had no impact on the importance of allochthonous sources to aquatic invertebrates. This overall pattern held for all invertebrates, irrespective of the taxonomic or functional group to which they belonged. We concluded that, over a broad geographic range, aquatic food webs of tank bromeliads are mostly allochthonous-based, but the relative importance of allochthonous subsidies decreases when light incidence favors autochthonous primary production. These results suggest that, for other freshwater systems, some of the between-study variation in the importance of allochthonous subsidies may similarly be driven by the relative availability of autochthonous resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Local habitat size has been shown to influence colonization and extinction processes of species in patchy environments. However, species differ in body size, mobility, and trophic level, andmay not respond in the same way to habitat size. Thus far, we have a limited understanding of how habitat size influences the structure of multitrophic communities and to what extent the effects may be generalizable over a broad geographic range. Here, we usedwater-filled bromeliads of different sizes as a natural model systemto examine the effects of habitat size on the trophic structure of their inhabiting invertebrate communities. We collected composition and biomass data from 651 bromeliad communities from eight sites across Central and South America differing in environmental conditions, species pools, and the presence of large-bodied odonate predators. We found that trophic structure in the communities changed dramatically with changes in habitat (bromeliad) size. Detritivore : resource ratios showed a consistent negative relationship with habitat size across sites. In contrast, changes in predator : detritivore (prey) ratios depended on the presence of odonates as dominant predators in the regional pool. At sites without odonates, predator : detritivore biomass ratios decreasedwith increasing habitat size. At sites with odonates, we found odonates to bemore frequently present in large than in small bromeliads, and predator : detritivore biomass ratios increased with increasing habitat size to the point where some trophic pyramids became inverted. Our results show that the distribution of biomass amongst food-web levels depends strongly on habitat size, largely irrespective of geographic differences in environmental conditions or detritivore species compositions. However, the presence of largebodied predators in the regional species pool may fundamentally alter this relationship between habitat size and trophic structure. We conclude that taking into account the response andmultitrophic effects of dominant, mobile species may be critical when predicting changes in community structure along a habitat-size gradient. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A general approach is proposed that allows for quantifying the relative toxic contribution of ions released from metallic nanoparticles and of the particles themselves, as exemplified for the case of differently shaped zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles (NPs) exposed to zebrafish embryos. First of all, the toxicity of suspensions of ZnO nanoparticles (NP(total))-nanospheres, nanosticks, cuboidal submicron particles (SMPs), and Zn(NO3)2-to the embryos was assessed. The observed toxicity of ZnO NP(total) is assumed to result from the combined effect of the particles present in the suspensions (NP(particle)) and of the dissolved Zn2+ ions released from the particles (NP(ion)). Different addition models were used to explicitly account for the toxicity of NP(particle). The median lethal concentrations (LC50) of NP(particle) of nanospheres, nanosticks, and SMPs were found to range between 7.1 mg Zn/L and 11.9 mg Zn/L (i.e., to differ by a factor of 1.7). Behavioral performance showed no significant differences among all types of the NP(particle). The median effective concentrations (EC50) of the particles were found to range between 1.0 mg Zn/L and 2.2 mg Zn/L. At the LC50 of each particle suspension, the main contribution to lethality to zebrafish embryos was from the NP(particle) (52%-72%). For hatching inhibition, the NP(particle) was responsible for 38% to 83% of the adverse effects observed. The ZnO nanosticks were more toxic than any of the other NPs with regard to the endpoints mortality and hatching inhibition. The main contribution to toxicity to zebrafish embryos was from the NP(particle) at the LC50 and EC50 of each particle suspension. Environ Toxicol Chem 2014;33:2859-2868. © 2014 SETAC [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three sizes of copper nanoparticles (Cu NPs; 25 nm, 50 nm, and 100 nm), 1 submicron-sized particle, and Cu(NO3)2 were added to the culture buffer of zebrafish embryos from 24 h postfertilization to 120 h postfertilization. In suspensions of Cu NPs and the Cu submicron-sized particle, the main contribution to the toxicity to zebrafish embryos was from the particle form of Cu particles (Cu NPparticle, >71%) rather than from dissolved Cu from the Cu particles (Cu NPion). All particles tested as well as copper nitrate inhibited hatching, altered behavioral responses, and increased the incidence of malformations. Different kinds of abnormalities were observed in the morphology and behavior of the zebrafish embryos, depending on the particle size of the Cu suspensions tested. The median lethal concentrations of Cu NPparticle (25 nm, 50 nm, and 100 nm), the submicron-sized particle, and copper nitrate were 0.58 mg/L, 1.65 mg/L, 1.90 mg/L, 0.35 mg/L, and 0.70 mg/L, respectively. Submicron-sized particles and copper nitrate were more toxic than Cu NPs, and smaller Cu NPs were more toxic than larger Cu NPs. Dissolution of Cu NPs and the subsequent ion toxicity was not the primary mechanism of Cu NP toxicity in zebrafish embryos. Environ Toxicol Chem 2014;33:1774-1782. © 2014 SETAC [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The humerus of fossorial moles has a highly derived anatomy, reflecting the ecological specialization of these animals for digging. It is short and broad, with enlarged muscle attachment sites and pronounced articulations compared to non-fossorial sister taxa and other mammals. Both condyles are rotated in opposite directions, resulting in a torsion which is unique among eutherian mammals. The development of this exceptional bone was studied in embryonic stages of the fossorial Iberian mole ( Talpa occidentalis) from mesenchymal condensation to incipient ossification based on histological serial sections using 3D reconstruction methods. For comparison, embryonic stages of the semi-fossorial Japanese shrew mole ( Urotrichus talpoides) as well as a sister taxon of moles, the terrestrial North American least shrew ( Cryptotis parva), were studied. Results show that the humerus of Talpa already shows its derived anatomy with broadened muscle attachment sites and distinct articulations at early cartilaginous stages, when ossification has just started in the mid-diaphyseal region. The torsion takes place simultaneously with the medial rotation of the forelimbs. The supracondylar foramen is closed in all studied Talpa embryos, but patent in Cryptotis and Urotrichus. This is an example of developmental penetrance, suggesting that variation of adult elements can be found at early stages as well. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mixtures of turfgrass species are commonly used throughout the world when establishing cool-season grasses from seed. However, there have been limited studies investigating how various species compete with each other as the turf matures. A study was conducted in Padova, Italy, to investigate the performance and species composition of four mixtures that contained a single cultivar of Kentucky bluegrass (KB; Poa pratensis L.) and two rhizomatous or two nonrhizomatous tall fescue (TF; Festuca arundinacea Schreb.) cultivars. The trial was seeded in September 2010. Three mowing heights (20, 32, and 62 mm) were also applied to all the mixtures. General turfgrass performance of the mixtures was monitored through the 2011 growing season, and species composition was measured regularly to determine the abundance of both species in the mixture. Throughout the study, the mixtures containing the rhizomatous TF consistently had higher turfgrass quality and turfgrass density than mixtures containing the nonrhizomatous types. Mowing height had less effect on the performance of the mixtures, but the lower mowing heights (20 and 32 mm) performed more consistently than the plots mowed at the highest (62 mm) mowing height. Species composition of the mixtures was significantly influenced by the different TF cultivars, in that KB was less abundant in mixtures containing rhizomatous TF cultivars compared to nonrhizomatous cultivars, suggesting an increased competitive ability of rhizomatous TF lines. Mowing height also influenced the species composition, in that KB was significantly more abundant at lower mowing heights. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of sod to establish turf on sand-based root zones often leads to layering of contrasting soil textures within the root zone, causing adverse effects on soil drainage and moisture. These issues may be alleviated by alternative establishment methods and post-establishment cultural practices. Objectives of this study were to test the effects of sod establishment method, aerification, and sand topdressing on water infiltration, soil moisture, root mass, and divot resistance of Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis L.) on sand-capped and native soil root zones. In 2010, cultivar Midnight Kentucky bluegrass was established in Fayetteville, AR, using standard (soil-based), washed, and pre-harvest, core-aerified sod on a sand-capped and a native silt loam root zone. After establishment, core aerification treatments (non-cultivated vs. 20% surface area affected annually) and topdressing treatments (0.6-cm sand applied one vs. four times yr-1) were imposed. The washed sod resulted in lower volumetric water content (VWC) (-3 to 4%) for both the root zones in 2010 and only for the sand-capped system in 2011. Core-aerification improved water infiltration rate (13% increase) and reduced the VWC (-44% at end of study) of the sand-capped root zone. The effects ofcultural practices on root mass density and divot resistance were oflimited practical importance. Core-aerification and topdressing appeared effective for managing layered root zones and would likely improve the long-term quality of golf and sports turfs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Predator density and productivity can be influenced by ecological and anthropogenic factors. Given the controversy over predators impacting on prey of economic and conservation importance, it is essential that these relationships are understood to provide a sound scientific basis for their conservation and management., We compared numbers and productivity of hen harriers Circus cyaneus, a protected specialist predator of conservation importance, in relation to a change in generalist predator management at Langholm, a moor managed for red grouse Lagopus lagopus scoticus shooting in southern Scotland between 1992 and 2007. During 1992-1999, the moor was managed for grouse and keepers legally controlled predators, thereafter keepering ceased., Following full protection being given to nesting harriers, their numbers increased from two breeding females in 1992 to 20 in 1997, when predation by harriers limited numbers of grouse available for shooting. After grouse management stopped in 1999, carrion crows Corvus corone and red foxes Vulpes vulpes increased and numbers of female harriers dropped to below five from 2002 onwards., Numbers of breeding harriers were negatively correlated with meadow pipit Anthus pratensis, crow, and July grouse abundance during the keepered period and positively with spring grouse abundance. Harrier clutch size was positively correlated with vole abundance., Harrier clutch survival and productivity were higher when the moor was keepered. Predation by foxes was the main cause of harrier breeding failure., Synthesis and applications. We consider this study to be the first that quantifies how control of generalist predators as part of grouse moor management can benefit harrier productivity. This adds to the importance of finding ways to ensure that grouse moors are managed for harriers, but are still economically viable. If techniques can be devised and put in place to reduce the impact of harriers on grouse, then the control of generalist predators may be viewed as a more acceptable component of conservation management for ground-nesting birds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The marine snail peptide ziconotide (ω-conotoxin MVIIA) is used as an analgesic in cancer patients refractory to opioids, but may induce severe adverse effects. Animal venoms represent a rich source of novel drugs, so we investigated the analgesic effects and the side-effects of spider peptide Phα1β in a model of cancer pain in mice with or without tolerance to morphine analgesia. Cancer pain was induced by the inoculation of melanoma B16- F10 cells into the hind paw of C57 BL/6 mice. After 14 days, painful hypersensitivity was detected and Phα1β or ω-conotoxin MVIIA (10-100 pmol/site) was intrathecally injected to evaluate the development of antinociception and side-effects in control and morphine-tolerant mice. The treatment with Phα1β or ω-conotoxin MVIIA fully reversed cancer-related painful hypersensitivity, with long-lasting results, at effective doses 50% of 48 (32-72) or 33 (21-53) pmol/site, respectively. Phα1β produced only mild adverse effects, whereas ω-conotoxin MVIIA induced dose-related side-effects in mice at analgesic doses (estimated toxic dose 50% of 30 pmol/site). In addition, we observed that Phα1β was capable of controlling cancer-related pain even in mice tolerant to morphine antinociception (100% of inhibition) and was able to partially restore morphine analgesia in such animals (56 ± 5% of inhibition). In this study, Phα1β was as efficacious as ω-conotoxin MVIIA in inducing analgesia in a model of cancer pain without producing severe adverse effects or losing efficacy in opioid-tolerant mice, indicating that Phα1β has a good profile for the treatment of cancer pain in patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Foliar N fertilization often makes up a major portion of the total N inputs applied to creeping bentgrass (Agrostis stolonifera L.) golf greens. Many such applications are made using fertilizers that have been formulated and marketed as specialty foliar fertilizers. Various forms of inorganic and organic N are included in these specialty products. However, little is currently known about the foliar absorption efficiency among different chemical N forms routinely applied to putting greens. This project was conducted to evaluate the foliar uptake of N from several 15N-labeled inorganic and organic sources. Three common N fertilizer forms {urea (NH2CONH2), ammonium sulfate [(NH4)2SO4], and potassium nitrate (KNO3)} were used in the trial along with three amino acids (glycine, l-glutamic acid, and l-proline). All treatments were applied at a rate of 0.5 g N m-2 on 18 Sept. 2008, 14 Oct. 2008, and 24 June 2010 to plots within a 'Penn G2' creeping bentgrass research green. Plant tissue samples were taken 1 and 8 h after application for N analysis. Foliar uptake of the various N compounds ranged from 31 to 56% of the N applied at the final sampling time of 8 h after application. Nitrogen source had a significant effect on the amount of N fertilizer recovered within plant leaves and shoots. Foliar absorption of KNO3 into aerial plant parts was lower than most of the chemical forms tested while most of the compounds supplied N to the plant in similar proportions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the transition zone, a primary concern in managing warm-season turfgrasses is turf survival under low temperatures. The objectives of this study were to determine the effects of three N fertilization schedules on stolon carbohydrates and crude protein (CP) reserves of four bermudagrasses [Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers.] and a seashore paspalum (Paspalum vaginatum Sw.). A field trial was performed at the agricultural experimental farm of Padova University (northeastern Italy). Bermudagrass cultivars Princess-77, Riviera, SWI 1014, and Yukon and seashore paspalum 'Sea Spray' were compared under three N fertilization schedules: (i) 6.7 g N m-2 on 15 May, 15 June, and 15 August, (ii) 5 g N m-2 on 15 May, 15 June, 15 August, and 15 October, and (iii) 4 g N m-2 on 15 May, 15 June, 15 August, 15 September, and 15 October. Turf samples measuring 20 by 20 by 4 (depth) cm were collected monthly from September to April 2009 to 2010 and 2010 to 2011. The stolons were separated from the remainder of the samples and starch, water-soluble carbohydrates (WSC), and CP were determined on a dry matter basis. The bermudagrass cultivar Riviera was characterized by high stolon density and showed highest carbohydrates (starch and WSC) content along with Yukon. Late-season applications of N had limited influence on carbohydrates content but increased the concentrations of CP from November through April. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A primary concern in managing warm-season turfgrasses within the transition zone is the lengthy dormant period, during which these swards lack green color. The objectives of this study were to determine the effects of three N fertilization schedules on spring green-up and fall color retention of bermudagrass [Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers.] and seashore paspalum (Paspalum vaginatum Sw.). A field trial was performed at the agricultural experimental farm of Padova University (northeastern Italy). Bermudagrass cultivars Princess-77, Riviera, SWI 1014, and Yukon and seashore paspalum 'Sea Spray' were compared under three N fertilization schedules: (i) 6.7 g N m-2 on 15 May, 15 June, and 15 August, (ii) 5 g N m-2 on 15 May, 15 June, 15 August, and 15 October, and (iii) 4 g N m-2 on 15 May, 15 June, 15 August, 15 September, and 15 October. Spring green-up was estimated weekly as a percent green turfgrass coverage from 15 March to 15 June of 2010 and 2011. Fall color retention was visually rated from September to November of 2010 and 2011. Sea Spray seashore paspalum had later spring green-up and better fall color than the bermudagrass cultivars, which differed widely in terms of spring green-up and fall color retention. Fall-applied N enhanced green-up of all the grasses tested and extended fall color retention of bermudagrass cultivars. This study revealed that protracting applications of N fertilizer until late season may improve quality performance of warm-season grasses without increasing annual N applied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To accept that cognition is embodied is to question many of the beliefs traditionally held by cognitive scientists. One key question regards the localization of cognitive faculties. Here we argue that for cognition to be embodied and sometimes embedded, means that the cognitive faculty cannot be localized in a brain area alone. We review recent research on neural reuse, the 1/f structure of human activity, tool use, group cognition, and social coordination dynamics that we believe demonstrates how the boundary between the different areas of the brain, the brain and body, and the body and environment is not only blurred but indeterminate. In turn, we propose that cognition is supported by a nested structure of task-specific synergies, which are softly assembled from a variety of neural, bodily, and environmental components (including other individuals), and exhibit interaction dominant dynamics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]