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Despite its small area, Araçá Bay (AB) holds cultural, historical, and economic value and displays great benthic biodiversity. Thus, it is crucial to monitor its environmental health, including knowing the main groups of phytoplankton and their temporal variability. The shallow waters of Araçá Bay are continuously modified by the complex hydrography of the adjacent São Sebastião channel (SSC), challenging standard experimental designs for phytoplankton collection. Here we report changes in phytoplankton composition at intervals of five to six weeks from September 2013 to August 2014 in both Araçá Bay and SSC. Samples were collected twice daily for three consecutive days to increase taxonomic resolution. Our goal was to provide an inventory of species occurrences to aid future public policies and environmental management of the area. Analyses revealed high species richness and 166 different phytoplankton taxa. Diatoms and dinoflagellates were always numerically dominant, but taxa occurrence changed markedly. Diatoms of the genera Pseudo-nitzschia were abundant during spring and summer concurrently to signatures of South Atlantic Central Water in the SSC, while Thalassiosira occurred when waters displayed relatively lower salinity. The inventory demonstrated several potentially harmful species of microalgae and cyanobacteria, strongly suggesting investments in monitoring programs in this area that currently experience an increase in population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Two rewetted raised bogs were assessed for restoration success. • Differences observed in GHG exchange and species composition. • Rewetting may be a balancing act between biodiversity or climate benefits. Abstract Globally, peatlands are under threat from a range of land use related factors that have a significant impact on the provision of ecosystem services, such as biodiversity and carbon (C) sequestration/storage. In Ireland, approximately 84% of raised bogs (a priority habitat listed in Annex I of the EU Habitats Directive) have been affected by peat extraction. While restoration implies the return of ecosystem services that were characteristic of the pre-disturbed ecosystem, achieving this goal is often a challenge in degraded peatlands as post-drainage conditions vary considerably between sites. Here, we present multi-year greenhouse gas (GHG) and vegetation dynamics data from two former raised bogs in Ireland that were drained and either industrially extracted (milled) or cut on the margins for domestic use and subsequently rewetted (with no further management). When upscaled to the ecosystem level, the rewetted nutrient poor domestic cutover peatland was a net sink of carbon dioxide (CO 2) (−49 ± 66 g C m−2 yr−1) and a source of methane (CH 4) (19.7 ± 5 g C m−2 yr−1), while the nutrient rich industrial cutaway was a net source of CO 2 (0.66 ± 168 g C m−2 yr−1) and CH 4 (5.0 ± 2.2 g C m−2 yr−1). The rewetted domestic cutover site exhibited the expected range of micro-habitats and species composition found in natural (non-degraded) counterparts. In contrast, despite successful rewetting, the industrially extracted peatland did not exhibit typical raised bog flora. This study demonstrated that environmental and management variables can influence species composition and, therefore, the regeneration of species typical of natural sites, and has highlighted the climate benefits from rewetting degraded peatlands in terms of reduced GHG emissions. However, rewetting of degraded peatlands is a major challenge and in some cases reintroduction of bryophytes typical of natural raised bogs may be more difficult than the achievement of proper GHG emission savings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We propose a stochastic model which describes vibrational broadening of Raman lines in binary mixtures. The line broadening by a dynamic environment is included by considering two-particle exchange processes in the nearest neighbor shell of the reference molecule. Different environment states influence the vibration of the reference molecule. A finite interaction time between the molecules leads to finite correlation times in the vibrational relaxation. As a result the symmetric band shapes in the neat liquids deviate from Lorentzian profiles. Experimentally this is observed for the symmetric C–H stretching vibration in neat CH2I2. The model represents an extension of the model proposed by Knapp and Fischer, which reproduces Lorentzian shapes in the neat liquids. A quantitative comparison of both models with experimental data for the C–H stretching vibration in CH2I2/CCl4 mixtures is performed at several mole fractions. © 1995 American Institute of Physics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The vibrational band shapes and their parameters of the C–H vibration of CH2I2 diluted with liquid CCl4 were measured as a function of composition. The linewidth increases from 8.7 cm-1 with decreasing mole fraction X of CH2I2 reaches a maximum value of 15.92 cm-1 near X=0.4 and decreases again in the limit of the diluted case. The frequency of the band center increases with decreasing X from 2965.37 to 2984.75 cm-1. These results are compared with the model of Knapp and Fischer for the concentration dependence of the vibrational linewidths and shifts. For the line shift, good agreement is found between theory and experiment by introducing a microscopic mole fraction. The model can be used to get an estimation on the difference between macroscopic and microscopic concentration. The predictions for the band shape are rather satisfactory in the whole concentration range. Deviations are due to the assumption that the band shapes in the model are Lorentzian for both neat liquids, whereas the experimental line shape in neat CH2I2 is not. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Study Question: How is histiotrophic nutrition of the embryo secured during the first trimester of pregnancy?Summary Answer: Rather than specifically focusing on invasion into spiral arteries, extravillous trophoblasts also invade into uterine glands (endoglandular trophoblast) from the very beginning and open them toward the intervillous space.What Is Known Already: Extravillous trophoblasts can be found in close contact and within the lumen of uterine glands, sometimes replacing glandular epithelial cells.Study Design, Size, Duration: As well as extensive screening of specimens from first trimester placentation sites in situ we used a previously established three-dimensional co-culture in vitro model system of first trimester villous explants with non-invaded decidua parietalis.Participants/materials, Setting, Methods: First trimester placentas were obtained from elective terminations of pregnancies (n = 48) at 5-11 weeks of gestational age. A subset was processed for confrontation co-culture (n = 31). Invaded decidua basalis was obtained from 20 placentas. All tissues were sectioned, subsequently immunostained and immunodoublestained with antibodies against keratin 7 (KRT7), major histocompatibility complex, class I, G (HLA-G), matrix metallopeptidase 9 (MMP9), von Willebrand factor (VWF) and the appropriate Immunoglobulin G (IgG) negative controls. Replacement of endothelial/epithelial cells by extravillous trophoblasts was quantified semi-quantitatively. Additionally, hematoxylin and eosin-stained archival specimens from early implantation sites were assessed.Main Results and the Role Of Chance: The earliest available specimen was from around Day 10 after conception; already at this stage trophoblasts had penetrated into uterine glands and had started to replace the epithelium of the glands. Endoglandular trophoblasts replaced uterine glands in vitro and in situ and could be found in the lumen of invaded glands. Quantitative analysis revealed significantly more replacement of epithelial cells in glands (63.8 ± 22.1%) compared with endothelial cells in vessels (26.4 ± 8.8%). Accumulated detached glandular epithelial cells could be repeatedly observed in the lumen of invaded glands. Additionally, in areas of trophoblast invasion the glandular epithelium seemed to be completely disintegrated compared with glandular epithelium in the non-invaded parts of the decidua. Whole tissue specimens were used in vitro and in situ instead of cell lines; these systems mostly maintain the context of the in vivo situation.Limitations, Reasons For Caution: This is a descriptive study supported by in vitro experiments. However, a histological section will always only be a snapshot and quantification from histological sections has its limitations.Wider Implications Of the Findings: This study further strengthens the hypothesis of histiotrophic nutrition of the embryo prior to the establishment of the maternal blood flow toward the placenta. Invasion of uterine glands by endoglandular trophoblasts may have more impact on the outcome of early pregnancy than assumed up to now. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Time scale ratios play an important role in critical dynamics. Their fixed point values govern the dynamical scaling behavior of the relevant fields and their dynamic correlation functions as well as the hydrodynamic transport coefficients. As an example for a system with several time scale ratios we consider a magnetic liquid near the gas-liquid transition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Routes of trophoblast invasion seem to be clear, whereas specific invasive pathways need further elucidation. Extravillous trophoblasts (EVTs) transform spiral arteries to guarantee appropriate blood flow to the placenta in the second trimester. Embryo nutrition during the first trimester is thought to be histiotrophic, whereas proof that EVTs also invade uterine glands is lacking. We developed novel three-dimensional confrontation co-culture models to elucidate invasion of EVTs into uterine glands. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Linkage and QTL maps of Sus scrofa chromosome 11 (SSC11) have been produced based on four microsatellite markers genotyped in three F2 families from Wild Boar (W), Meishan (M) and Pietrain (P) crosses. The maps were similar across the families and in agreement with already published maps. Quantitative Trait Loci (QTLs) were identified in the W x M family and not in the M × P and W × P families. The QTLs affected live weight, loin and neck meat weight, back-fat depth and food consumption, and explained up to 4.7% of the F2 phenotypic variance. Additive and dominance effects were similar in size. The Wild Boar QTL alleles led to higher trait values in comparison with Meishan alleles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Linkage and QTL maps of Sus scrofa chromosome 10 (SSC10) were constructed by genotyping six microsatellite markers in three F2 families based on Wild Boar (W), Meishan (M) and Pietrain (P) crosses. The linkage maps were similar for the families and in agreement with the published maps. Quantitative Trait Loci (QTLs) were found in the M × P and W × M families, but not in the W × P family. In both these families, QTLs for the number of teats were mapped on distal SSC10. Further, QTLs in the W × M family affect the weight of head, live weight and carcass weight traits and were mapped proximally on SSC10 near SW830. The QTLs on SSC10 explained up to 6.5% of F2 phenotypic variance. QTL effects for some traits were overdominant. Except for the weight of head, Wild Boar alleles slightly increased weight traits and, unexpectedly, markedly increased teat numbers in comparison with Meishan alleles. In the M × P family, however, teat number was increased by Meishan alleles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Linkage maps of Sus scrofa chromosome 8 (SSC8) were constructed using seven markers in three F2 families based on Meishan (M), Pietrain (P) and Wild Boar (W) crosses. The maps were similar for the pedigrees and in agreement with published maps. Most quantitative trait loci (QTLs) were found for the W × P family, while only minor QTLs were detected in the M × P and W × M families. SSC8 harbours QTLs mapped in the interval SW905 to SW933 explaining up to 6% of the F2 phenotypic variance for body conformation, carcass and growth traits. Pietrain alleles positively influenced carcass traits, with additive effects often larger than dominance effects. For food conversion ratio a large dominance QTL effect was observed in the M × P family. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The diversity and community structure of the β-proteobacterial ammonia oxidising bacteria (AOB) in a range of different lab-scale industrial wastewater treatment reactors were compared. Three of the reactors treat waste from mixed domestic and industrial sources whereas the other reactor treats waste solely of industrial origin. PCR with AOB selective primers was combined with denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis to allow comparative analysis of the dominant AOB populations and the phylogenetic affiliation of the dominant AOB was determined by cloning and sequencing or direct sequencing of bands excised from DGGE gels. Different AOB were found within and between different reactors. All AOB sequences identified were grouped within the genus Nitrosomonas. Within the lab-scale reactors there appeared to be selection for a low diversity of AOB and predominance of a single AOB population. Furthermore, the industrial input in both effluents apparently selected for salt tolerant AOB, most closely related to Nitrosococcus mobilis and Nitrosomonas halophila. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Examines the model of the absorption and desorption of lipophilic organic pollutants in the human gastrointestinal tract. Exploration of the influence of the dietary intake of chemical; Variability in the sorption properties of the feces; Concentration of octachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin in the blood.

Investigates the genetic diversity between European Wild Boar, Pietrain and Meishan and their crossbred generations. Focus on performance traits for growth, carcass composition and meat quality; Range of values for the specified breeds; Analysis of genes.

Facing rising atmospheric CO 2 concentrations, subsoils may play an important role in the global carbon (C) cycle due to the presence of unsaturated mineral surfaces. Further, macroaggregation is considered a crucial process influencing C sequestration. However, analyses on subsoil aggregation and C retention processes under long-term elevated CO 2 (eCO 2 ) are lacking. In this study we investigated the long-term effect of +20% above ambient CO 2 concentration (corresponds to conditions reached 2035–2045) in a temperate grassland ecosystem at the Giessen Free Air CO 2 Enrichment (Gi-FACE), Germany. A depth-dependent response of macroaggregation to eCO 2 was observed: While in subsoil (15–45 cm depth) macroaggregation increased under eCO 2 , no CO 2 induced change in macroaggregation was detected in topsoil (0–15 cm). Increased macroaggregation in subsoil coincided with higher SOC content of large macroaggregates (LM). Mean residence time (MRT) of SOC in aggregate-size classes were not different among each other under eCO 2 . However, macroaggregates and bulk soil differed in their MRT between soil depths. Despite increased macroaggregation and an estimated high SOC sequestration potential in subsoil we could not observe an increase in SOC content of bulk soil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study of values placed on wildlife by Bantu and Yaka Pygmy forest dwellers ( n = 200) in Northern Congo identified and analyzed two wildlife value orientations - 'anthropocentric' and 'biocentric.' The former, strongly displayed across all segments of both societies, was likely motivated by heavy reliance on bushmeat and human-wildlife conflicts, and was linked to attitudes approving the killing of animals for human benefit. The 'biocentric' orientation was more common among formally educated male respondents who do not hunt and positively linked to attitudes favoring conservation. Wildlife management strategies should consider including 1) sustainable local wildlife exploitation, 2) livelihood projects that provide a real alternative to hunting, and 3) human-wildlife conflict mitigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nutrient-poor organic soils under maritime grassland are often located in remote wet locations in the landscape. Leaving these soils without drainage maintenance often raise the water table but continuous management (grazing) means they could remain a source of carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) while also turning into a small source of methane (CH 4 ). Due to geographical and socio-economic reasons, removing these sites from agricultural production may be an option to mitigate greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. To test this hypothesis we measured GHG fluxes over a four year period, at a drained and a rewetted organic soil under grassland, which were both grazed for the first two years and not grazed for the following two years. Statistical response functions estimated for gross primary production (GPP) and ecosystem respiration ( R eco ) were used to reconstruct annual CO 2 –C balances using site-specific models driven by soil temperature, solar radiation, soil water table (WT) and leaf area index (LAI). Annually, soil CO 2 emissions were comparable when grazed, although the rewetted site had a lower net ecosystem carbon balance (NECB) despite displaying higher CH 4 emissions. Both sites have lower CO 2 emissions than typical drained organic soils due to management practices: extensive grazing, no fertilisation and mean annual water tables above −25 cm. When grazing stopped, GPP and R eco increased dramatically driven by vigorous growth of vegetation at both sites. The shallow drained site remained a source of CO 2 and small source of CH 4 while the rewetted site became either neutral or a small sink of CO 2 with decreased CH 4 emissions compared to the grazing period. Nitrous oxide (N 2 O) emissions were negligible at either site. Removing grazing significantly reduced the NECB at both sites but in terms of global warming potential (GWP), the greatest GHG mitigation was in the rewetted site which exerted a cooling effect in the second year after the management shift. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biochar and hydrochar application to soil holds promise for climate change mitigation. This study provides first insights into the nutrient concentration and removal of grassland vegetation after addition of various carbon compounds together with pig slurry. Four treatments: control (no carbon application), feedstock, hydrochar and biochar from Miscanthus x giganteus were applied at a permanent grassland site near Giessen, Germany. Changes in plant functional groups, biomass production and nutrition status were monitored over 2 years. Total biomass production was not affected by the carbon amendments. However, biochar favoured growth of forbs over grasses, while legume growth was increased by all carbon amendments. The initial nutrient concentrations of the carbon compounds were enriched according to their degree of carbonization, potentially providing nutrients to plants. The plant biomass from hydro- and biochar amended plots, added up over 2 years, exhibited higher potassium concentrations compared to biomass from feedstock and control plots. All carbon amendments led to lower sodium concentrations in total biomass, compared to the control. Uncarbonized feedstock led to increased manganese concentrations in total biomass, while the concentrations of all other heavy metals were not influenced by any carbon amendment, compared to the control. From a plant and animal nutritional point of view, none of the carbon amendments reduced grassland yield or fodder quality. The study suggests that hydrochar and, even more so, biochar may provide a source of potassium to plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The nucleotide sequence data referred to in this paper have been submitted to GenBank and have been assigned the accession number X97040.c-myc is an ubiquitous nuclear phosphoprotein involved in the regulation of cell-growth, differentiation and apoptosis. Higher nuclear levels of c-myc block adipogenesis and trigger the onset of myogenesis and folliculogenesis. The c-myc proto-oncogene has the potential of a mediator between second messengers such as calcium and cAMP and gene expression. As both are involved in stress-susceptibility and carcass quality in the pig, this study investigates associations between c-myc genotypes and carcass quality traits as well as interactions with the Ryr1 genotype in this species. An association between c-myc and carcass fat traits was evident, but did not reach genome-wide significance levels. Significance niveaus, explained variance and mean differences between the homozygotes of the Ryr1-gene which clearly decreased from the AA-genotype to the BB-genotype of c-myc are indicating a gene interaction between both genes. Mean differences in lean percentage (expressed in SD) decreased by 89.2% in ME × PI and by 86.3% in WS × PI. The existing but weakly developed significances of the association between c-myc and carcass fat traits are discussed under the aspect of epistatic nullification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

STUDY QUESTION Do decidual natural killer (dNK) cells and decidual macrophages (dMph) become enriched in the vicinity of the trophoblast invasion front? SUMMARY ANSWER Morphometric image analysis and areal cell density calculations, which excluded observer bias, showed an enrichment of decidual leukocytes in the neighbourhood of the trophoblast invasion front. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY In previous studies, the number of decidual leukocytes was visually counted in medium- or high power fields. These methods, however, cannot reveal the exact spatial relationship between leukocytes and invasive trophoblast cells, and are therefore prone to subjective errors. Thus, a more objective approach is required. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION Applying a new method of morphometric image analysis, leukocyte populations were studied in human tissue fragments derived from first trimester placentation sites (n = 7) as well as in co-cultures of first trimester decidual tissue with placental villi of the same pregnancy representing an appropriate in vitro model of trophoblast invasion (n = 15). PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTINGS, METHODS First trimester decidual tissue was obtained from women undergoing elective terminations of pregnancy at 7–10 weeks of gestational age. Tissue sections were double-stained immunohistochemically for markers of dNK cells or dMph on one hand, and for invasive extravillous trophoblast cells on the other. To analyse the distribution of leukocytes, distinct cell compartments as well as cell neighbourhood areas were defined. Finally, relative areal cell densities were calculated and these data were compared with those of an in vitro model of trophoblast invasion as well as with tissue fragments derived from decidua parietalis without trophoblast cells. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE At first trimester placentation sites, a higher density of dNK cells as well as of dMph was found in close proximity to the invasive trophoblast (P ≤ 0.01), compared with the average areal cell density of decidual leukocytes in the tissue with exclusion of the trophoblast. The highest areal cell density of leukocytes was determined up to a distance of 20 μm from the trophoblast cells, whereas in more distant regions it was even lower than average, indicating a migration of these leukocytes towards the trophoblast invasion front. In the three-dimensional co-culture model, however, we found an enrichment of dMph (P ≤ 0.01) but not of dNK cells (P > 0,05) in the neighbourhood of the invasive trophoblast. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION The morphometric image analysis depends on intense immunohistochemical staining that is free of background and cross-reactivity. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS The presented method will be useful not only for the investigation of recurrent miscarriage but also in the fields of tumour immunology and inflammation. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) The study was supported by the European Commission (Network of Excellence ‘The Control of Embryo Implantation (EMBIC)’, FP6-512040, lead researcher: P.S.), and by the Franz Lanyar Foundation of the Medical University of Graz, Austria (Grant #347). None of the authors declared a conflict of interests. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This article concludes a series of papers [Folk, Holovatch, and Moser, Phys. Rev. E 78, 041124 (2008); 78, 041125 (2008); 79, 031109 (2009)] where the tools of the field theoretical renormalization group were employed to explain and quantitatively describe different types of static and dynamic behavior in the vicinity of multicritical points. Here we give the complete two-loop calculation and analysis of the dynamic renormalization-group flow equations at the multicritical point in anisotropic antiferromagnets in an external magnetic field. We find that the time scales of the order parameters characterizing the parallel and perpendicular ordering with respect to the external field scale in the same way. This holds independent whether the Heisenberg fixed point or the biconical fixed point in statics is the stable one. The nonasymptotic analysis of the dynamic flow equations shows that due to cancellation effects the critical behavior is described, in distances from the critical point accessible to experiments, by the critical behavior qualitatively found in one-loop order. Although one may conclude from the effective dynamic exponents (taking almost their one-loop values) that weak scaling for the order parameter components is valid, the flow of the time-scale ratios is quite different, and they do not reach their asymptotic values. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The SSC12 (Sus scrofa chromosome 12) linkage and QTL maps were generated using 11 markers, of which seven to 10 have been used in the three F2 families based on Wild Boar (W), Meishan (M) and Pietrain (P) crosses. Linkage maps showed identical marker order among the families, but differed in total lengths. They were in agreement with the already published maps, except for the order SWR1021SW605. Most quantitative trait loci (QTLs) affected fat or meat content in carcass, but were also found for some other traits (heart weight, CK20 values and teat number). They explained up to 5.4% of F2 phenotypic variance. Meishan alleles had stimulating effects on fat deposition and decreasing effects on lean content and CK20 value. The QTL profiles differed between families, with QTL effects in the vicinity of the GH1 locus found solely in the M x P family. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Linkage maps of Sus scrofa chromosome 3 (SSC3) were established on the basis of eight marker loci using three F2 families generated from crosses of Meishan (M), Pietrain (P) and Wild Boar (W) founders. The maps were similar for the three families and in agreement with the published linkage maps. Recombination was significantly higher in maternal than in paternal meioses. Quantitative trait loci (QTLs), explaining up to 6.0% of the F2 phenotypic variance, were mapped for daily gain, carcass traits and meat quality in proximal and central intervals of SSC3. The QTLs detected were often family-specific. Pietrain QTL alleles were superior for muscle traits in comparison with Meishan alleles, and Wild Boar QTL alleles caused lower values for fatness than Pietrain alleles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Linkage maps of Sus scrofa chromosome 1 (SSC1) have been produced using 10 markers in three different F2 families based on crosses of Meishan (M), Pietrain (P) and Wild Boar (W). The maps were similar for the different families and show higher paternal recombination, especially in the interval SW2130-SW803. Quantitative trait loci (QTLs) affecting body conformation, carcass composition, fat deposition and numbers of teats were identified in all three families. Major QTLs were mapped in chromosomal intervals centred at approximately 60, 120 and 170 cM. The QTLs explain up to 8.4% of phenotypic variance in the F2 generation. Pietrain QTL alleles were superior in comparison with Wild Boar andMeishan alleles for most of the trait values. Meishan alleles were associated with highest fat deposition. Additive gene effects were generally larger than dominance effects. QTL profiles on SSC1 differed between families, with the W x P family being most distinct. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three informative pig F2 families based on European Wild Boar (W), Meishan (M) and Pietrain (P) crosses have been used for genome-wide linkage and quantitative trait loci (QTL) analysis. Altogether 129 microsatellites, 56 type I loci and 46 trait definitions (specific to growth, fattening, fat deposition, muscling, meat quality, stress resistance and body conformation) were included in the study. In the linkage maps of M × P, W × P and W × M families, average spacing of markers were 18.4, 19.7 and 18.8 cM, the numbers of informative meioses were 582, 534 and 625, and the total lengths of autosomes measured were 27.3, 26.0 and 26.2 Morgan units, respectively. Maternal maps were on average 1.3 times longer than paternal maps. QTLs contributing more than 3% of F2 phenotypic variance could be identified at p < 0.05 chromosome-wide level. Differences in the numbers and positions of QTLs were observed between families. Genome-wide significant QTL effects were mapped for growth and fattening traits on eight chromosomes (1, 2, 4, 13, 14, 17, 18 and X), for fat deposition traits on seven chromosomes (1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7 and X), for muscling traits on 11 chromosomes (1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 12, 14, 15 and X), for meat quality and stress resistance traits on seven chromosomes (2, 3, 6, 13, 16, 18 and X), and QTLs for body-conformation traits were detected on 14 chromosomes. Closely correlated traits showed similar QTL profiles within families. Major QTL effects for meat quality and stress resistance traits were found on SSC6 in the interval RYR1-A1BG in the W × P and M × P families, and could be attributed to segregation of the RYR1 allele T derived from Pietrain, whereas no effect in the corresponding SSC6 interval was found in family W × M, where Wild Boar and Meishan both contributed the RYR1 allele C. QTL positions were mostly similar in two of the three families for body conformation traits and for growth, fattening, fat deposition and muscling traits, especially on SSC4 (interval SW1073-NGFB). QTLs with large effects were also mapped on SSC7 in the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) (interval CYP21A2-S0102) and affected body length, weight of head and many other traits. The identification of DNA variants in genes causative for the QTLs requires further fine mapping of QTL intervals and a positional cloning. However, for these subsequent steps, the genome-wide QTL mapping in F2 families represents an essential starting point and is therefore significant for animal breeding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fibre traits and glycolytic metabolites in musculus longissimus dorsi of European Wild Boar, Pietrain and Meishan as well as their F1 and F2 crossbred generations were evaluated and compared. Pietrain had the highest relative number of white fibres and the largest muscle fibres. Wild Boar showed the smallest muscle fibres. The R -value and lactate level of Wild Boar and Meishan were low, whereas Pietrain had high R -values and lactate levels. The glycogen level was highest in Wild Boar and lowest in Meishan. The F1 - and F2 -crossbreds often had trait values between those of their founder breeds. Several antagonistic relations between fibre characteristics, muscle metabolites and performance traits for carcass and meat quality have been found. They are family-specific and strongest within the crossbreds of the Pietrain-based families. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Vocal fold (VF) scarring remains a therapeutic dilemma and challenge in modern laryngology. To facilitate corresponding research, we aimed to establish an in vitro fibrogenesis model employing human VF fibroblasts (hVFF) and the principles of macromolecular crowding (MMC).Methods: Fibrogenesis was promoted by addition of transforming growth factor-β1 to standard medium and medium containing inert macromolecules (MMC). Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) and Botox type A were tested for their antifibrotic properties in various doses. Experiments were analyzed with respect to the biosynthesis of collagen, fibronectin, and α-smooth muscle actin using immunofluorescence, silver stain and western blot.Results: MMC led to favourable enhanced deposition of collagen and other extracellular matrix components, reflecting fibrotic conditions. Low doses of HGF were able to dampen profibrotic effects. This could not be observed for higher HGF concentrations. Botox type A did not show any effects.Conclusion: Based on the principles of MMC we could successfully establish a laryngeal fibrogenesis model employing hVFF. Our finding of dose-dependent HGF effects is important before going into clinical trials in humans and has never been shown before. Our model provides a novel option to screen various potential antifibrotic compounds under standardized conditions in a short time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The field-theoreticalmodel describingmulticritical phenomena with two coupled order parameters with nǁ and n components and of O(nǁ)⊕O(n) symmetry is considered. Conditions for realization of different types of multicritical behaviour are studied within the field-theoretical renormalization group approach. Surfaces separating stability regions for certain types of multicritical behaviour in parametric space of order parameter dimensions and space dimension d are calculated using the two-loop renormalization group functions. Series for the order parameter marginal dimensions that control the crossover between different universality classes are extracted up to the fourth order in " = 4-d and to the fifth order in a pseudo-" parameter using the known high-order perturbative expansions for isotropic and cubicmodels. Special attention is paid to a particular case of O(1)⊕O(2) symmetric model relevant for description of anisotropic antiferromagnets in an external magnetic field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fusion of cytotrophoblasts with the overlying syncytiotrophoblast is an integral step in differentiation of the human placental villous trophoblast. Multiple factors, such as growth factors, hormones, cytokines, protein kinases, transcription factors and structural membrane proteins, were described to modulate trophoblast fusion. However, the knowledge on remodelling of the membrane-associated cytoskeleton during trophoblast fusion is very limited. This study describes the link between remodelling of spectrin-like α-fodrin and intercellular trophoblast fusion. Experiments with primary trophoblasts isolated from term placentas and the choriocarcinoma cell line BeWo revealed a biphasic strategy of the cells to achieve reorganization of α-fodrin. Syncytialization of trophoblasts was accompanied by down-regulation of α-fodrin mRNA, whereas the full-length α-fodrin protein was cleaved into 120 and 150 kDa fragments. Application of calpeptin and calpain inhibitor III did not affect α-fodrin fragmentation in primary term trophoblasts and forskolin-treated BeWo cells, but decreased secretion of β human chorionic gonadotropin. In contrast, inhibitors of caspases 3, 8 and 9 attenuated generation of the 120 kDa fragment and a general caspase inhibitor completely blocked fragmentation, suggesting an exclusive function of caspases in α-fodrin remodelling. Immunofluorescence double staining of human placenta revealed co-localization of active caspase 8 with α-fodrin positive vesicles in fusing villous cytotrophoblasts. These results suggest that caspase-dependent fragmentation of α-fodrin may be important for reorganization of the sub-membranous cytoskeleton during trophoblast fusion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This third section of the European Crohn's and Colitis Organisation (ECCO) Consensus on the management of Crohn's disease concerns postoperative recurrence, fistulating disease, paediatrics, pregnancy, psychosomatics, extraintestinal manifestations, and alternative therapy. The first section on definitions and diagnosis reports on the aims and methods of the consensus, as well as sections on diagnosis, pathology, and classification of Crohn's disease. The second section on current management addresses treatment of active disease, maintenance of medically induced remission, and surgery of Crohn's disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reports on the catalysis of the deamination of adenosine monophosphate deaminase (AMPD) to IMP in skeletal muscle and plays an important role in the purine nucleotide cycle. Design of degenerate polymerase chain reaction (PCR) primers to study the porcine AMPD1 gene; Primer sequences observed.

The Sus scrofa chromosome X (SSCX) linkage and QTL maps, based on 11 markers, were investigated in F2 families generated from Wild Boar (W), Meishan (M) and Pietrain (P) crosses. The linkage maps were similar for the three families and to the published USDA-MARC.2 linkage map. Strongly supported quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for growth, fattening, meat quality and weight of head were mapped in the proximal part of SSCX of the M × P and W × P families, whilst QTLs for fat deposition andmuscling mainly were assigned to the mid part of SSCX in the W × M and M × P families. The QTLs explained up to 13.7% of F2 phenotypic variance. Meishan QTL alleles led to increased fatness traits, while those of Pietrain tended to increased carcass and meat weights and to decreased meat quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Linkage and QTL maps of Sus scrofa chromosome 18 (SSC18) were generated using five markers in three F2 families based on Wild Boar (W), Pietrain (P) and Meishan (P) crosses. The linkage maps were similar for the three families and confirm the published map. Quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for meat content, fat-to-meat ratio, weight of liver and food conversion ratio were mapped in the W × M family. A QTL for pH value 24 h after slaughter in Musculus semimembranosus was found in the M × P family. The QTL for carcass meat content and fat-to-meat ratio in the W × M family were localized near the leptin gene (LEP). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Linkage and QTL maps of Sus scrofa chromosome 17 (SSC17) were analysed with five markers and in three F2 families basedon Wild Boar (W), Meishan (M) and Pietrain (P) crosses. The maps were similar across the three families and agree well with published maps. In the M × P family, new quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for growth and fat deposition were locatedin the vicinity of GHRH, whereas in the W × P family one minor QTLs for daily gain was detected. No QTL was found in the W x M family. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Sus scrofa chromosome 15 (SSC15) linkage maps were produced with six markers in three F2 families based on Wild Boar (W), Meishan (M) and Pietrain (P) crosses. The maps were similar for the different families, with a higher rate of maternal recombination than paternal only in the M x P family. Quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for carcass composition (dressing yield, lean cuts and fat depth) explained up to 9% of F2 phenotypic variance in the W × P family and mapped near the marker S0148 (0 cM). Similar QTLs for fat depth were observed in the W × M family, where a minor QTL for dressing yield was mapped in the interval EAG-SW964 (approximately at 25 cM). No SSC15 QTL was found in the M × P family. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Sus scrofa chromosome 14 (SSC14) linkage maps, constructed using eight markers in three F2families based on Wild Boar (W), Meishan (M) and Pietrain (P) crosses, were similar for the different families. The detected quantitative trait loci (QTLs) explained up to 8.2% of the F2 phenotypic variance for carcass traits. They were located in the interval SW540 to SW2488 (containing the candidate loci ACTN2 and ACTA1) in the M × P and W x P families. A QTL for body weight at 35 days was mapped close to the candidate locus ACTN2 in the W × M family. In comparison with Pietrain QTL alleles, the effects of Meishan and Wild Boar alleles reduced meat content. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For Sus scrofa chromosome 13 (SSC13) eleven markers were genotyped to generate linkage and QTL maps in three F2 families based on Wild Boar (W), Meishan (M) and Pietrain (P) crosses. Results of linkage maps were similar and agreed with published maps. Quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for body weights, meat conductivity and fat deposition were mapped in the M × P family to the interval S0076S0068 (40-80 cM) and near the locus SW38 (120-150 cM). QTLs for the same traits were observed in the W × M family in different intervals explaining up to 5.3% of the F2 phenotypic variance. No significant QTLs for the traits under investigation were found in the W × P family. The effects of QTL alleles were mostly dominant. In the M x P and W x M families alleles inherited from Meishan were generally associated with high values of live weights, food consumption and fat deposition and low values of meat conductivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Linkage maps of Sus scrofa chromosome 16 (SSC16) were produced using five markers and three F2 families based on Wild Boar (W), Meishan (M) and Pietrain (P) crosses. The maps were similar for the different families and in agreement with published maps. Quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for fattening, growth, meat quality and stress resistance were found in the M × P and W × P families, but not in the W × M family. QTLs for fattening and growth were mapped to the proximal end of SSC16, whereas QTLs for meat quality were located centrally or distally. The QTLs explained up to 5.9% of the F2 phenotypic variance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Linkage and QTL maps of Sus scrofa chromosome 9 (SSC9) were constructed using 16 markers, with 13 to 15 used in three F2 families based on Wild Boar (W), Meishan (M) and Pietrain (P) crosses. The LPR and SLN loci were integrated into the linkage map of SSC9 for the first time. Only a few quantitative trait loci (QTLs), explaining up to 5.1% of the F2 phenotypic variance, were identified on SSC9 with chromosome-wide significant effects on growth and fattening in the W x P family and on weight of liver, growth and fat-to-meat ratio in the W x M family. No QTLs were found in the M x P family. Gene effects were mainly dominant in the W x P family. In the W × M family, Wild Boar QTL alleles for weight of liver were superior over Meishan alleles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sus scrofa chromosome 2 (SSC2) linkage maps were generated from three F2 families involving Meishan (M), Pietrain (P) and Wild Boar (W) crosses and the same 10 marker loci. SSC2 linkage maps were similar between families and correspond to published maps. Quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for carcass traits, daily gain and heart weight were identified on SSC2, especially in the intervals 0-20 and 80-90 cM in the M × P family, the intervals 20-50 and 125-140 cM in the W × P family, and the interval 15-70 cM in the W × M family. QTL presence and position varied among families. QTL effects explained up to 10% of F2 phenotypic variance. Pietrain QTL alleles were associated with high muscle and heart mass, high daily gain and low fat deposition and Meishan alleles with high carcass fat content. Wild Boar alleles were associated with leaner carcass but lower daily gain than Meishan alleles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Linkage maps have been constructed for Sus scrofa chromosome 6 (SSC6) based on 17 markers, of which 10 were used in all three F2 families of Wild Boar (W), Meishan (M) and Pietrain (P) crosses. The coverage of the linkage maps of SSC6 was almost complete. All loci were ordered identically in the families, but two intervals (RYR1-A1BG-EAH, S0146-S0003-SW824) differed from published maps. Major quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for meat quality, stress resistance and carcass composition explaining up to 59% of F2 phenotypic variance have been mapped in the M x P and W x P families centred on the segregating R YR1 T and C alleles. In the W × M family, which was homozygous for the RYR1 C allele, no QTL effects for meat quality and stress-resistance, but moderate effects for carcass composition have been observed in this region. These findings indicate further loci closely linked with the RYR1 or/and further alleles at the RYR1 locus, involved in the variation of carcass and growth traits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Linkage maps of Sus scrofa chromosome 4 (SSC4) based on 19 markers were similar in lengths for three F2-families [Wild Boar (W), Meishan (M) and Pietrain (P) crosses] and in agreement with the previously published maps. Quantitative trait loci (QTLs) on SSC4 affect mainly muscle and fat mass. Compared with others, Pietrain alleles were associated with longer carcass, higher body weight and higher meat content. In all three families, the profiles of F ratio values for these traits showed peaks close to the positions of candidate genes V-ATPase, ATP1A2 and ATP1B1. Additional more proximally mapped QTLs, significant at the p < 0.05 chromosome-wide level, were found in the M x P and W x P families. The W × M family revealed highly significant QTLs located in the vicinity of AMPD1 and NGFB. The SSC4 QTLs explained up to 12% of F2 phenotypic variance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Linkage maps of Sus scrofa chromosome 7 (SSC7) for three informative F2 families, based on Wild Boar (W), Meishan (M) and Pietrain (P) crosses, were constructed using 16 marker loci. Maps were consistent for the families, except the order of the markers PI2-PO1A-S0212 in the W × M family which was inverted in the M x P and W x P families. Important quantitative trait loci (QTLs) were localized in the region of the SLA complex in the M x P and W × M families. These explained up to 16% of F2 phenotypic variance for body conformation, fat deposition and muscling. In the W × P family, minor QTLs were mapped outside the SLA region. The highly significant QTL alleles were mainly additive (a > d). The Meishan alleles for QTL located in the SLA region were associated with higher head weights and carcass lengths, but with lower carcass fat contents than those from Wild Boar and Pietrain. The cryptic Meishan QTL allele, which reduces carcass fat, provides one of the first examples of transgressive segregation in animals and emphasizes that usefulgenetic variation can be hidden in the genetic background of a breed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Linkage maps of Sus scrofa chromosome 5 (SSC5) were constructed using up to 10 markers in three informative F2 families based on Wild Boar (W), Meishan (M) and Pietrain (P) crosses. The map lengths differed among the families. In the M × P family, the MYF5 locus was linkage mapped between SW995 and SW967. Relatively few quantitative trait loci (QTLs) were observed on SSC5 explaining a maximum of 5.8% of phenotypic variance in the F2 generation. The presence and position of QTLs were not consistent among families. The Meishan and Wild Boar QTL allele effects were inferior compared with Pietrain allele effects. The additive effects were small and reasonably strong dominance-effects were observed. QTLs affecting conductivity in the W × M family and food conversion ratio in the M x P family mapped near MYF5, while the QTL affecting conductivity in the M x P family was located near IGF1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Extracorporeal photochemotherapy has been proven effective in selected T-cell mediated diseases. Aim: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of extracorporeal photochemotherapy in patients with steroid-dependent Crohn’s disease by an open, monocentric trial in three phases of 24 weeks each. Methods: In phase 1 standardized steroid tapering was initiated in patients with a history of steroid-dependent Crohn’s disease. Those with a prospectively evaluated maintenance dose of at least 10 mg/day prednisolone continued steroid-withdrawal under the application of extracorporeal photochemotherapy in phase 2. The duration of remission or response was followed during phase 3. Colonic tissue bioptically obtained before and after extracorporeal photochemotherapy was studied by immunofluorescence microscopy for the presence of photoadduct positive cells. Results: Out of 24 patients included in phase 1, 10 entered phase 2 for extracorporeal photochemotherapy. Four subjects achieved remission and four others response. Significant reductions in serum C-reactive protein levels and intestinal permeability were measured, as well as increases in quality of life and plasma adrenocorticotropic hormone levels. No major side-effects were observed. Remission remained stable in three out of four patients during phase 3. In three patients, positive nuclear stainings of photoadducts were detected in colonic mononuclear cells after extracorporeal photochemotherapy. Conclusions: Extracorporeal photochemotherapy represents a safe steroid-sparing approach in patients with Crohn’s disease and is associated with intestinal homing of photopheresed cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]