Mechanisms of cross-modal plasticity in early-blind subjects.

A variety of studies have demonstrated enhanced blood oxygenation level dependent responses to auditory and tactile stimuli within occipital cortex as a result of early blindness. However, little is known about the organizational principles that drive this cross-modal plasticity. We compared BOLD responses to a wide variety of auditory and tactile tasks (vs. rest) in early-blind and sighted subjects. As expected, cross-modal responses were larger in blind than in sighted subjects in occipital cortex for all tasks (cross-modal plasticity). Within both blind and sighted subject groups, we found patterns of cross-modal activity that were remarkably similar across tasks: a large proportion of cross-modal responses within occipital cortex are neither task nor stimulus specific. We next examined the mechanisms underlying enhanced BOLD responses within early-blind subjects. We found that the enhancement of cross-modal responses due to early blindness was best described as an additive shift, suggesting that cross-modal plasticity within blind subjects does not originate from either a scaling or unmasking of cross-modal responsivities found in sighted subjects.

Experience with angiotensin II antagonists in hypertensive patients.

1. The availability of orally active specific angiotensin receptor antagonists (AT1 antagonists) has opened new therapeutic choices and provided probes to test the specific role of the renin-angiotensin system in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular disease. 2. The data available so far suggest that the antihypertensive efficacy of angiotensin receptor antagonists is comparable to that of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors. This provides further evidence that this latter class of drugs exerts its effect mainly through blockade of the renin-angiotensin enzymatic cascade. As expected, the association of a diuretic exerts an equally strong additive effect to the antihypertensive efficacy of both classes of drugs. 3. The most common side effect of ACE inhibitors, dry cough, does not occur with AT1 antagonists, which confirms the long-held view that this untoward effect of the ACE inhibitors is due to renin-angiotensin-independent mechanisms. 4. Long-term studies with morbidity/mortality outcome results are needed, before a definite position can be assigned to this newcomer in the orchestra of modern antihypertensive drugs. Notwithstanding, this new class of agents already represents an exciting new addition to our therapeutic armamentarium.

Selenium uptake by edible plants from enriched peat.

As a constituent of selenoproteins, selenium (Se) is considered an essential element for human health.The main way that Se enters the body is via the consumption of vegetables, whose concentration of thiselement depends on soil Se content. We grew cabbage, lettuce, chard and parsley, in peat enriched in Seby means of the additive Selcote Ultra®and Na2SeO3and Na2SeO4. Total Se in plants was determinedby acidic digestion and Se speciation by an enzymatic extraction. Both were measured by ICP/MS. Theconcentration ranges were between 0.1 mg Se kg−1and 30 mg Se kg−1for plants grown in Selcote Ultra®media, and between 0.4 mg Se kg−1and 1606 mg Se kg−1for those grown in peat enriched with Se sodiumsalts. We found Se (IV), Se (VI) and SeMet in all the extracts. Peat fortified with Selcote Ultra®gave slightlyhigher Se concentration than natural content values. For plants grown with selenium sodium salts, Secontent increases with the Se added and part of the inorganic Se was converted mainly to SeMet. A highSe fortification can damage or inhibit plant growth. Cabbage showed the greatest tolerance to Se.

Phenotypic plasticity in salmonid embryos : characterizing pathogen-induced stress effects on heritable variation in traits and reaction norms

Les pressions écologiques peuvent varier tant en nature qu'en intensité dans le temps et l'espace. C'est pourquoi, un phénotype unique ne peut pas forcément conférer la meilleure valeur sélective. La plasticité phénotypique peut être un moyen de s'accommoder de cette situation, en augmentant globalement la tolérance aux changements environnementaux. Comme pour tout trait de caractère, une variation génétique doit persister pour qu'évoluent les traits plastiques dans une population donnée. Cependant, les pressions extérieures peuvent affecter l'héritabilité, et la direction de ces changements peut dépendre du caractère en question, de l'espèce mais aussi du type de stress. Dans la présente thèse, nous avons cherché à élucider les effets des pressions pathogéniques sur les phénotypes et la génétique quantitative de plusieurs traits plastiques chez les embryons de deux salmonidés, la palée (Coregonus palaea), et la truite de rivière (Salmo trutta). Les salmonidés se prêtent à de telles études du fait de leur extraordinaire variabilité morphologique, comportementale et des traits d'histoire de vie. Par ailleurs, avec le déclin des salmonidés dans le monde, il est important de savoir combien la variabilité génétique persiste dans les normes de réaction afin d'aider à prédire leur capacité à répondre aux changements de leur milieu. Nous avons observé qu'une augmentation de la croissance des communautés microbiennes symbiotiques entraînait une mortalité accrue et une éclosion précoce chez la palée, et dévoilait la variance génétique additive pour ces deux caractères (Chapitres 1-2). Bien qu'aucune variation génétique n'ait été trouvée pour les normes de réaction, nous avons observé une variabilité de la plasticité d'éclosion. Néanmoins, on a trouvé que les temps d'éclosion étaient corrélés entre les environnements, ce qui pourrait limiter l'évolution de la norme de réaction. Le temps d'éclosion des embryons est lié à la taille des géniteurs mâles, ce qui indique des effets pléiotropiques. Dans le Chapitre 3, nous avons montré qu'une interaction triple entre la souche bactérienne {Pseudomonas fluorescens}, l'état de dévelopement de l'hôte ainsi que ses gènes ont une influence sur la mortalité, le temps d'éclosion et la taille des alevins de la palée. Nous avons démontré qu'une variation génétique subsistait généralement dans les normes de réaction des temps d'éclosion, mais rarement pour la taille des alevins, et jamais pour la mortalité. Dans le même temps, nous avons exhibé que des corrélations entre environnements dépendaient des caractères phénotypiques, mais contrairement au Chapitre 2, nous n'avons pas trouvé de preuve de corrélations transgénérationnelles. Le Chapitre 4 complète le chapitre précédent, en se plaçant du point de vue moléculaire, et décrit comment le traitement d'embryons avec P. fluorescens s'est traduit par une régulation négative d'expression du CMH-I indépendemment de la souche bactérienne. Nous avons non seulement trouvé une variation génétique des caractères phénotypiques moyens, mais aussi de la plasticité. Les deux derniers chapitres traitent de l'investigation, chez la truite de rivière, des différences spécifiques entre populations pour des normes de réaction induites par les pathogènes. Dans le Chapitre 5, nous avons illustré que le métissage entre des populations génétiquement distinctes n'affectait en rien la hauteur ou la forme des normes de réaction d'un trait précoce d'histoire de vie suite au traitement pathogénique. De surcroît, en dépit de l'éclosion tardive et de la réduction de la taille des alevins, le traitement n'a pas modifié la variation héritable des traits de caractère. D'autre part, dans le Chapitre 6, nous avons démontré que le traitement d'embryons avec des stimuli contenus dans l'eau de conspécifiques infectés a entraîné des réponses propre à chaque population en terme de temps d'éclosion ; néanmoins, nous avons observé peu de variabilité génétique des normes de réaction pour ce temps d'éclosion au sein des populations. - Ecological stressors can vary in type and intensity over space and time, and as such, a single phenotype may not confer the highest fitness. Phenotypic plasticity can act as a means to accommodate this situation, increasing overall tolerance to environmental change. As with any trait, for plastic traits to evolve in a population, genetic variation must persist. However, environmental stress can alter trait heritability, and the direction of this shift can be trait, species, and stressor-dependent. In this thesis, we sought to understand the effects of pathogen stressors on the phenotypes and genetic architecture of several plastic traits in the embryos of two salmonids, the whitefish (Coregonus palaea), and the brown trout (Salmo trutta). Salmonids lend themselves to such studies because their extraordinary variability in morphological, behavioral, and life-history traits. Also, with declines in salmonids worldwide, knowing how much genetic variability persists in reaction norms may help predict their ability to respond to environmental change. We found that increasing growth of symbiotic microbial communities increased mortality and induced hatching in whitefish, and released additive genetic variance for both traits (Chapters 1-2). While no genetic variation was found for survival reaction norms, we did find variability in hatching plasticity. Nevertheless, hatching time was correlated across environments, which could constrain evolution of the reaction norm. Hatching time in the induced environment was also correlated to sire size, indicating pleiotropic effects. In Chapter 3 we report that a three-way interaction between bacterial strain (Pseudomonas fluorescens), host developmental stage, and host genetics impacted mortality, hatching time, and hatchling size in whitefish. We also showed that genetic variation generally persisted in hatching age reaction norms, but rarely for hatchling length, and never for mortality. At the same time, we demonstrated that cross-environmental correlations were trait-dependent, and unlike Chapter 2, we found no evidence of cross-generational correlations. Chapter 4 expands on the previous chapter, moving to the molecular level, and describes how treatment of embryos with P. fluorescens resulted in strain-independent downregulation of MHC class I. Genetic variation was evident not only in trait means, but also in plasticity. In the last two chapters, we investigated population level differences in pathogen- induced reaction norms in brown trout. In Chapter 5, we found that interbreeding between genetically distinct populations did not affect the elevation or shapes of the reaction norms of early life-history traits after pathogen challenge. Moreover, despite delaying hatching and reducing larval length, treatment produced no discernable shifts in heritable variation in traits. On the other hand, in Chapter 6, we found that treatment of embryos with water-borne cues from infected conspecifics elicited population-specific responses in terms of hatching time; however, we found little evidence of genetic variability in hatching reaction norms within populations. We have made considerable progress in understanding how pathogen stressors affect various early life-history traits in salmonid embryos. We have demonstrated that the effect of a particular stressor on heritable variation in these traits can vary according to the trait and species under consideration, in addition to the developmental stage of the host. Moreover, we found evidence of genetic variability in some, but not all reaction norms in whitefish and brown trout.

Empirics of the international inequality in CO2 emissions intensity: explanatory factors according to complementary decomposition methodologies

This paper analyses the international inequalities in CO2 emissions intensity for the period 1971–2009 and assesses explanatory factors. Multiplicative, group and additive methodologies of inequality decomposition are employed. The first allows us to clarify the separated role of the carbonisation index and the energy intensity in the pattern observed for inequalities in CO2 intensities; the second allows us to understand the role of regional groups; and the third allows us to investigate the role of different fossil energy sources (coal, oil and gas). The results show that, first, the reduction in global emissions intensity has coincided with a significant reduction in international inequality. Second, the bulk of this inequality and its reduction are attributed to differences between the groups of countries considered. Third, coal is the main energy source explaining these inequalities, although the growth in the relative contribution of gas is also remarkable. Fourth, the bulk of inequalities between countries and its decline are explained by differences in energy intensities, although there are significant differences in the patterns demonstrated by different groups of countries. JEL codes: D39; Q43; Q56. Key words: CO2 international distribution, inequality decomposition, CO2 emissions intensity

Diallel analysis for frogeye leaf spot resistance in soybean

Seven soybean cultivars (Bossier, Cristalina, Davis, Kent, Lincoln, Paraná and Uberaba), with different levels of resistance to Cercospora sojina, were crossed in a diallel design to determine the general (GCA) and specific (SCA) combining abilities relative to the inheritance of the resistance. Race 04 of the fungus was inoculated in the parents and in the 21 F1 hybrids in a greenhouse in a completely randomized design, with 12 replications. The reactions to the disease were evaluated 20 days after the inoculation, always on the most infected leaflet. Both GCA and SCA were significant for all the evaluated characters, being inferred that, for the expression of the characters, the additive, dominant and, possibly, epistatic genic actions were important. The largest values of estimated SCA effect (ij) were observed in the hybrid combinations where at least one parent presented high GCA. Cristalina, Davis and Uberaba cultivars showed the largest estimates for GCA effect (i), and from the analysis of ii, the contribution of these parents to heterosis of their hybrids will be towards the reduction of the disease symptoms. Therefore, these cultivars are indicated as parents in breeding programs that seek the development of soybean cultivars with resistance to frogeye leaf spot.

Are niche-based species distribution models transferable in space?

Aim To assess the geographical transferability of niche-based species distribution models fitted with two modelling techniques. Location Two distinct geographical study areas in Switzerland and Austria, in the subalpine and alpine belts. Methods Generalized linear and generalized additive models (GLM and GAM) with a binomial probability distribution and a logit link were fitted for 54 plant species, based on topoclimatic predictor variables. These models were then evaluated quantitatively and used for spatially explicit predictions within (internal evaluation and prediction) and between (external evaluation and prediction) the two regions. Comparisons of evaluations and spatial predictions between regions and models were conducted in order to test if species and methods meet the criteria of full transferability. By full transferability, we mean that: (1) the internal evaluation of models fitted in region A and B must be similar; (2) a model fitted in region A must at least retain a comparable external evaluation when projected into region B, and vice-versa; and (3) internal and external spatial predictions have to match within both regions. Results The measures of model fit are, on average, 24% higher for GAMs than for GLMs in both regions. However, the differences between internal and external evaluations (AUC coefficient) are also higher for GAMs than for GLMs (a difference of 30% for models fitted in Switzerland and 54% for models fitted in Austria). Transferability, as measured with the AUC evaluation, fails for 68% of the species in Switzerland and 55% in Austria for GLMs (respectively for 67% and 53% of the species for GAMs). For both GAMs and GLMs, the agreement between internal and external predictions is rather weak on average (Kulczynski's coefficient in the range 0.3-0.4), but varies widely among individual species. The dominant pattern is an asymmetrical transferability between the two study regions (a mean decrease of 20% for the AUC coefficient when the models are transferred from Switzerland and 13% when they are transferred from Austria). Main conclusions The large inter-specific variability observed among the 54 study species underlines the need to consider more than a few species to test properly the transferability of species distribution models. The pronounced asymmetry in transferability between the two study regions may be due to peculiarities of these regions, such as differences in the ranges of environmental predictors or the varied impact of land-use history, or to species-specific reasons like differential phenotypic plasticity, existence of ecotypes or varied dependence on biotic interactions that are not properly incorporated into niche-based models. The lower variation between internal and external evaluation of GLMs compared to GAMs further suggests that overfitting may reduce transferability. Overall, a limited geographical transferability calls for caution when projecting niche-based models for assessing the fate of species in future environments.

Métodos estatísticos para estudo de adaptabilidade e estabilidade fenotípica em soja

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar os métodos estatísticos de análise da interação de genótipos com ambientes (GxA), enfatizando a adaptabilidade e a estabilidade fenotípica. Utilizaram-se dados de produtividade de grãos de soja de sete experimentos em Goiás, testando 28 genótipos, dos quais quatro cultivares comerciais. Avaliaram-se os métodos Tradicional, Plaisted & Peterson, Wricke, Finlay & Wilkinson, Eberhart & Russell, Verma, Chahal & Murty, Toler, AMMI (additive main effect and multiplicative interaction), Hühn, Annicchiarico e Lin & Binns. Avaliou-se a associação entre os métodos pela correlação de Spearman. Observou-se forte associação entre os de Plaisted & Peterson e Wricke, cujo uso concomitante foi contra-indicado. A mesma conclusão é atribuída aos métodos Annicchiarico e Lin & Binns, também fortemente associados, o que implica em classificações fenotípicas muito semelhantes. O uso de um deles, entretanto, é recomendado. Métodos baseados, exclusivamente, em coeficientes de regressão, devem ser utilizados em associação com outro, fundamentado na variância da interação GxA, ou em medidas estatísticas como a variância dos desvios da regressão. O uso combinado do método de Eberhart & Russell e AMMI é outra indicação, em razão de suas correlações significativas com a maioria dos outros métodos e uma associação relativamente fraca entre eles.

The protective effect of the obesity-associated rs9939609 A variant in fat mass- and obesity-associated gene on depression.

Candidate gene and genome-wide association studies have not identified common variants, which are reliably associated with depression. The recent identification of obesity predisposing genes that are highly expressed in the brain raises the possibility of their genetic contribution to depression. As variation in the intron 1 of the fat mass- and obesity-associated (FTO) gene contributes to polygenic obesity, we assessed the possibility that FTO gene may contribute to depression in a cross-sectional multi-ethnic sample of 6561 depression cases and 21 932 controls selected from the EpiDREAM, INTERHEART, DeCC (depression case-control study) and Cohorte Lausannoise (CoLaus) studies. Major depression was defined according to DSM IV diagnostic criteria. Association analyses were performed under the additive genetic model. A meta-analysis of the four studies showed a significant inverse association between the obesity risk FTO rs9939609 A variant and depression (odds ratio=0.92 (0.89, 0.97), P=3 × 10(-4)) adjusted for age, sex, ethnicity/population structure and body-mass index (BMI) with no significant between-study heterogeneity (I(2)=0%, P=0.63). The FTO rs9939609 A variant was also associated with increased BMI in the four studies (β 0.30 (0.08, 0.51), P=0.0064) adjusted for age, sex and ethnicity/population structure. In conclusion, we provide the first evidence that the FTO rs9939609 A variant may be associated with a lower risk of depression independently of its effect on BMI. This study highlights the potential importance of obesity predisposing genes on depression.

Testing the effects of genetic crossing distance on embryo survival within a metapopulation of brown trout (Salmo trutta)

Predicting progeny performance from parental genetic divergence can potentially enhance the efficiency of supportive breeding programmes and facilitate risk assessment. Yet, experimental testing of the effects of breeding distance on offspring performance remains rare, especially in wild populations of vertebrates. Recent studies have demonstrated that embryos of salmonid fish are sensitive indicators of additive genetic variance for viability traits. We therefore used gametes of wild brown trout (Salmo trutta) from five genetically distinct populations of a river catchment in Switzerland, and used a full factorial design to produce over 2,000 embryos in 100 different crosses with varying genetic distances (FST range 0.005-0.035). Customized egg capsules allowed recording the survival of individual embryos until hatching under natural field conditions. Our breeding design enabled us to evaluate the role of the environment, of genetic and nongenetic parental contributions, and of interactions between these factors, on embryo viability. We found that embryo survival was strongly affected by maternal environmental (i.e. non-genetic) effects and by the microenvironment, i.e. by the location within the gravel. However, embryo survival was not predicted by population divergence, parental allelic dissimilarity, or heterozygosity, neither in the field nor under laboratory conditions. Our findings suggest that the genetic effects of inter-population hybridization within a genetically differentiated meta-population can be minor in comparison to environmental effects.

Performance of Holstein heifers fed sugarcane silages treated with urea, sodium benzoate or Lactobacillus buchneri

The objective of this work was to evaluate the performance of heifers fed sugarcane silages produced with and without additives. Thirty-two Holstein heifers were randomly assigned, in a block design, to evaluate rations (46% silage; 54% concentrate; 12% crude protein) containing silages treated with (fresh basis) urea (0.5%), sodium benzoate (0.1%) or Lactobacillus buchneri (3.64x10(5) cfu g-1 ). Inoculation with L. buchneri improved daily gain (1.24 vs. 0.94 kg day-1 ), and the addition of benzoate resulted in better feed conversion (7.6 vs. 9.4 kg of dry matter per kg of live weight), in relation to the untreated silage (control). Treatments did not affect dry matter intake (mean of 2.19% of live weight). Rations containing silages treated with benzoate or L. buchneri showed lower cost per kg of weight gain. Treatment with urea did not improve animal performance, but the cost per kg of weight gain was lower than that of the control ration.

Evaluation of Recycled Rubber in Asphalt Cement Concrete - Field Testing, Final Report for HR-330, 330A, 330B, 330C, 330D, 2002

Roughly 242 million used tires are generated annually in the United States. Many of these tires end up being landfilled or stockpiled. The stockpiles are unsightly, unsanitary, and also collect water which creates the perfect breeding ground for mosquitoes, some of which carry disease. In an effort to reduce the number of used tire stockpiles the federal government mandated the use of recycled rubber in federally funded, state implemented department of transportation (DOT) projects. This mandate required the use of recycled rubber in 5% of the asphalt cement concrete (ACC) tonnage used in federally funded projects in 1994, increasing that amount by 5% each year until 20% was reached, and remaining at 20% thereafter. The mandate was removed as part of the appropriations process in 1994, after the projects in this research had been completed. This report covers five separate projects that were constructed by the Iowa Department Of Transportation (DOT) in 1991 and 1992. These projects had all had some form of rubber incorporated into their construction and were evaluated for 5 years. The conclusion of the study is that the pavements with tire rubber added performed essentially the same as conventional ACC pavement. An exception was the use of rubber chips in a surface lift. This performed better at crack control and worse with friction values than conventional ACC. The cost of the pavement with rubber additive was significantly higher. As a result, the benefits do not outweigh the costs of using this recycled rubber process in pavements in Iowa.

Asphalt Stabilization (Asphadur)/Reduction of Reflection Cracks (Monsanto Bidim Synthetic Fabric), HR-511, 1979

ASPHALT STABILIZATION (ASPHADUR): Asphadur (now called 3M Additive 5990) was incorporated into asphaltic concrete on a lane delineation, AC resurfacing, project in Council Bluffs. The experimental feature was included in the eastbound lanes of Interstate 480, beginning at the bridge over the Missouri River and ending at the bridge over North 41st Street. The project was constructed in October 1979. The objective of the project was to investigate the manufacturer's claims of improved strength, stability and durability of an asphalt mix. REDUCTION OF REFLECTION CRACKS (MONSANTO BIDIM SYNTHETIC FABRIC): A lane delineation project was constructed in the eastbound lanes of Interstate 480 in Council Bluffs. A synthetic fabric, Monsanto Bidim C-28, was placed between the portland cement concrete and two inches of Type A asphaltic concrete resurfacing containing Asphadur. The experimental feature began at the bridge over the Missouri River and ended at the bridge over North 41st Street. The project was constructed in October 1979. The objective of this experimental project was to determine the effectiveness of the fabric in reducing reflective cracking in an asphaltic concrete overlay.

Differential effects of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines alone or in combinations on the metabolic profile of astrocytes.

We have previously reported that the pro-inflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor-α (TNFα) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) induce profound modifications of the metabolic profile of astrocytes. The present study was undertaken to further characterize the effects of cytokines in astrocytes and to determine whether similar effects could also be observed in neurons. To do so, selected pro-inflammatory (IL-6 and interferon-γ, in addition to the above-mentioned TNFα and IL-1β) and anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-4, IL-10, transforming growth factor-β1 and interferon-β) were applied to primary neuronal and astrocytic cultures, and key metabolic parameters were assessed. As a general pattern, we observed that pro-inflammatory cytokines increased glucose utilization in astrocytes while the anti-inflammatory cytokines IL-4 and IL-10 decreased astrocytic glucose utilization. In contrast, no significant change could be observed in neurons. When pairs of pro-inflammatory cytokines were co-applied in astrocytes, several additive or synergistic modifications could be observed. In contrast, IL-10 partially attenuated the effects of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Finally, the modifications of the astrocytic metabolism induced by TNFα + IL-1β and interferon-γ modulated neuronal susceptibility to an excitotoxic insult in neuron-astrocyte co-cultures. Together, these results suggest that pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines differentially affect the metabolic profile of astrocytes, and that these changes have functional consequences for surrounding neurons.

Asphalt Cement Containing AC-13, HR-522, Final Report, 1988

Stopping and turning maneuvers on high traffic volume asphalt cement concrete surfaced roads and streets often cause distortion of the pavement. Distortion may show up as excessive rutting in the wheel path, shoving of the pavement and/or rippling of the surface. Often times repeated corrective work such as cold milling or heater planing is required in these areas to maintain the pavement surface in a reasonable condition. In recent years polymer additives have been developed for asphalt cement concrete paving mixes that show promise in improving the inplace stability of the pavements. AC-13 (Styrelf 13) available from Bitucote Products Company, St. Louis, Missouri is an asphalt cement that has been modified by an additive to exhibit characteristics of very high stability in asphalt mixes.