Quantifying rates of climate change in mountain regions is of considerable interest, not least because mountains are viewed as climate “hotspots” where change can anticipate or amplify what is ...occurring elsewhere. Accelerating mountain climate change has extensive environmental impacts, including depletion of snow/ice reserves, critical for the world's water supply. Whilst the concept of elevation‐dependent warming (EDW), whereby warming rates are stratified by elevation, is widely accepted, no consistent EDW profile at the global scale has been identified. Past assessments have also neglected elevation‐dependent changes in precipitation. In this comprehensive analysis, both in situ station temperature and precipitation data from mountain regions, and global gridded data sets (observations, reanalyses, and model hindcasts) are employed to examine the elevation dependency of temperature and precipitation changes since 1900. In situ observations in paired studies (using adjacent stations) show a tendency toward enhanced warming at higher elevations. However, when all mountain/lowland studies are pooled into two groups, no systematic difference in high versus low elevation group warming rates is found. Precipitation changes based on station data are inconsistent with no systematic contrast between mountain and lowland precipitation trends. Gridded data sets (CRU, GISTEMP, GPCC, ERA5, and CMIP5) show increased warming rates at higher elevations in some regions, but on a global scale there is no universal amplification of warming in mountains. Increases in mountain precipitation are weaker than for low elevations worldwide, meaning reduced elevation‐dependency of precipitation, especially in midlatitudes. Agreement on elevation‐dependent changes between gridded data sets is weak for temperature but stronger for precipitation.
Plain Language SummaryMountains cover a large part of the Earth's surface and harbor distinct ecosystems, hold most of snow and ice outside the polar regions, and provide water for billions of people. This research looks at recent climate changes in mountains and compares them with simultaneous changes in lowland regions using weather station data, large global data sets, and climate models. We examine changes since 1900, but also concentrate on the last 40 years since this is when many changes have started to accelerate. Nearly all regions of the globe are getting warmer. When we make local comparisons, mountain sites are usually warming faster than lower areas nearby. However, when we average data from all global mountains and compare them with those from all lowland areas, there is no significant difference. Rainfall/snowfall on the other hand is decreasing in some areas, and increasing in others. In nearly all cases the strongest increase is occurring in the lowland areas, with increases in the mountains being more subdued (if at all). One consequence of our findings is that stores of mountain snow and ice may decline even faster than previously assumed due to the combination of enhanced mountain warming and reduced elevation dependency of rainfall/snowfall.
Key PointsUsing station and gridded data sets, we compare global precipitation and temperature trends by elevationLocal comparisons of paired stations and regional comparisons using gridded data often show faster mountain than lowland warmingPrecipitation differences between mountains and adjacent lowlands are reducing, often driven by stronger precipitation increase in lowlands
The authors review existing structural and functional neuroimaging studies of patients with bipolar disorder and discuss how these investigations enhance our understanding of the neurophysiology of ...this illness. Findings from structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies suggest that some abnormalities, such as those in prefrontal cortical areas (SGPFC), striatum and amygdala exist early in the course of illness and, therefore, potentially, predate illness onset. In contrast, other abnormalities, such as those found in the cerebellar vermis, lateral ventricles and other prefrontal regions (eg, left inferior), appear to develop with repeated affective episodes, and may represent the effects of illness progression and associated factors. Magnetic resonance spectroscopy investigations have revealed abnormalities of membrane and second messenger metabolism, as well as bioenergetics, in striatum and prefrontal cortex. Functional imaging studies report activation differences between bipolar and healthy controls in these same anterior limibic regions. Together, these studies support a model of bipolar disorder that involves dysfunction within subcortical (striatal-thalamic)-prefrontal networks and the associated limbic modulating regions (amygdala, midline cerebellum). These studies suggest that, in bipolar disorder, there may be diminished prefrontal modulation of subcortical and medial temporal structures within the anterior limbic network (eg, amygdala, anterior striatum and thalamus) that results in dysregulation of mood. Future prospective and longitudinal studies focusing on these specific relationships are necessary to clarify the functional neuroanatomy of bipolar disorder.
Poultry activity measurements are often associated with expensive equipment or time-consuming behavior observations. Since low-cost accelerometers are available, the current study validated the ...FitBark (FitBark 2, FitBark Inc., Kansas City, MO) accelerometer for use on 30 to 32-d-old male Ross 708 broilers. The FitBark provides aggregated activity levels based on tri-axial accelerometer technology. Broilers were housed in 5 rooms, each divided into 12 2 × 2.3 m pens (60 birds per pen, 31 kg m−2 final density). From 30 to 32 d, 1 broiler per room (n = 5) was randomly selected and equipped with a 13 g FitBark. Elastic loops were placed around the wings to secure the FitBark medially on the back. During the same time, validity was assessed via ceiling-mounted video cameras. The video recordings were analyzed using 20-min continuous sampling during the photo phase at 8 time periods per bird. Behavior was assessed every second using an ethogram (9,600 data points per bird). In the first step, the FitBark data were matched and correlated with the corresponding video-based observed activity (OA) data. The FitBark and OA data were not normally distributed (1-sample KS test, all n = 800, ZFitBark = 0.21, ZOA = 0.24, all P < 0.001). Therefore, data were transformed, and a repeated measures correlation was performed for each bird, showing a positive correlation between the FitBark and OA data (rrm = 0.76, 95% CI = 0.72−0.78, df = 794, P < 0.001). In the second step, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), and accuracy were calculated. The FitBark correctly identified 91% (sensitivity) of the active and 74% (specificity) of the inactive birds. When the FitBark detected an active or inactive bird, there was a probability of 89% (PPV) and 78% (NPV) that the bird was observed to be active or inactive based on the OA data. Accuracy was at 86%. Overall, FitBark are useful for 1-min interval activity measurements in 30 to 32-d-old male Ross 708 broilers. Further research should focus on validating the FitBark at other ages and in different poultry species.
We evaluated quantitative EEG (QEEG) measures as predictive biomarkers for the development of dementia in Parkinson disease (PD). Preliminary work shows that QEEG measures correlate with current PD ...cognitive state. A reliable predictive QEEG biomarker for PD dementia (PD-D) incidence would be valuable for studying PD-D, including treatment trials aimed at preventing cognitive decline in PD.
A cohort of subjects with PD in our brain donation program utilizes annual premortem longitudinal movement and cognitive evaluation. These subjects also undergo biennial EEG recording. EEG from subjects with PD without dementia with follow-up cognitive evaluation was analyzed for QEEG measures of background rhythm frequency and relative power in δ, , α, and β bands. The relationship between the time to onset of dementia and QEEG and other possible predictors was assessed by using Cox regression.
The hazard of developing dementia was 13 times higher for those with low background rhythm frequency (lower than the grand median of 8.5 Hz) than for those with high background rhythm frequency (p < 0.001). Hazard ratios (HRs) were also significant for > median bandpower (HR = 3.0; p = 0.004) compared to below, and for certain neuropsychological measures. The HRs for δ, α, and β bandpower as well as baseline demographic and clinical characteristics were not significant.
The QEEG measures of background rhythm frequency and relative power in the band are potential predictive biomarkers for dementia incidence in PD. These QEEG biomarkers may be useful in complementing neuropsychological testing for studying PD-D incidence.
1. Past studies have shown that fibre-based feed supplements, such as silage, are well accepted by laying hens and can reduce feather pecking and cannibalism. What is uncertain is whether ...fermentation and moisture characteristics, edibility or particle size influence the hen's choice for a fibre-based feed supplement or if there are more preferred materials.
2. The study included three experiments on fermentation and moisture characteristics (Experiment 1), edibility (consumable; Experiment 2) and particle size (Experiment 3) on laying hen preference for different supplements.
3. Experiments were conducted in conventional cages, where two cages formed one replication (six replicates per treatment) and each feeding area was subdivided into a trough (basal diet) and a supplement insert (supplements). Since the hens had a free choice between the basal diet and the supplements, feed consumption and the percentage of time hens spent at the supplement insert indicated the strength of preference. The basal diet dry matter (DM) consumption was assessed for all experiments and the supplement and total DM consumption was documented for Experiments 1 and 3. In addition, the percentage of the observed time hens spent at the trough or supplement insert was observed for Experiments 2 and 3.
4. There was an increase in the supplement DM consumption for non-fermented and moist supplements (P < 0.05) and, in some cases, a smaller particle size (P < 0.05). Furthermore, hens spent more time with edible (P < 0.05) and small-sized (P < 0.05) supplements. It was concluded that a preferred material in addition to the basal diet could increase the time hens spend at the feeder by up to 1 hour per photoperiod.
To assess pathologic changes in prospectively characterized subjects with essential tremor (ET).
Subjects enrolled in the Sun Health Research Institute Brain and Body Donation Program were examined ...annually by a movement disorders neurologist, and semiannually by a behavioral neurologist and neuropsychologist. Twenty-four subjects without a prior diagnosis of dementia or other major movement disorder met clinical criteria for ET and came to autopsy. Subjects with mild cognitive impairment (n = 3) were included. These subjects were compared with 21 controls. Brains were examined postmortem according to standardized protocols for assessment of age-related changes and specific pathologic conditions (e.g., Parkinson disease, Alzheimer disease).
Subjects had a mean age of 86.2 years and a mean duration of tremor of 11.1 years. Seven subjects had evidence for cerebellar pathology (Purkinje cell loss, cerebellar cortical sclerosis, and proliferation of Bergmann glia). Pigmented neurons were qualitatively depleted in the locus ceruleus in eight subjects and in the substantia nigra in five subjects. Of these, three had Lewy bodies, one subject had brainstem predominant disease, and two had limbic stage. Three subjects had a nonspecific cerebral tauopathy and another met pathologic criteria for progressive supranuclear palsy. However, when compared with controls, only changes in the locus ceruleus and gliosis of the cerebellum remained significant findings.
This study supports previous findings of heterogenous pathology in essential tremor (ET). There is an increased frequency of cerebellar gliosis and locus ceruleus depletion. We did not find an increased incidence of Lewy bodies in subjects with ET.
Germany was reported to have higher blood pressure (BP) and lower awareness, treatment and control of BP than other western countries based on 1998 data. BP distribution and hypertension management ...were examined for 1998 and 2008-11 in 7108 adult participants of the German National Health Interview and Examination Survey 1998 (GNHIES98) and in 7095 adult participants the German Health Interview and Examination Survey for Adults 2008-11 (DEGS1) aged 18-79 years. Age- and sex-standardized mean systolic BP (SBP) dropped from 129.0 to 124.1 mm Hg (women 127.3-120.8, men 130.7-127.4), mean diastolic BP (DBP) from 78.3 to 73.2 mm Hg (women 78.0-71.2, men 78.5-75.3). Mean SBP and DBP decreased most in treated hypertensives but were also lower in participants without hypertension. The overall prevalence of hypertension, including controlled hypertension, remained almost unchanged (30% vs 32%). Uncontrolled hypertension (BP⩾140/90 mm Hg) decreased from 23% to 15% (women 22-13%, men 24-18%). Among hypertensives, awareness increased from 69% to 82% (women 74-87%, men 65-78%), treatment increased from 55% to 72% (women 62-79%, men 48-65%) and control increased from 23% to 51% (women 25-58%, men 20-45%). However, men aged 18-29 years had an opposite trend with 1.5 mm Hg higher SBP and increased prevalence of hypertension, which was mostly uncontrolled. These findings suggest that BP has decreased substantially in Germany, while leaving a persistent gender gap in management and room for further improvement of prevention and treatment, particularly in men.
Trees and other woody plants are hierarchically structured to achieve a wide range of mechanical properties-necessary for their survival under various and varying loading conditions-with a narrow ...range of chemical composition. The hierarchical level understood to be directly responsible for modulating the longitudinal elastic modulus and yielding behavior is that of the composition of the cell walls, which consists of crystalline cellulose fibrils embedded in an amorphous matrix of hemicellulose and lignin. Here we report a simple coarse-grained model of the cellulose fibrils and hemicellulose chains to provide a bottom-up description of the mechanics. We identify the mechanical behaviors for varying fibril angles, plot force-strain relationships and compare the data with experimental results and theoretical predictions, providing insight into fundamental structure-property relations of wood. Our model shows that hemicellulose deforms in a stick-slip motion as the fibrils shear, resulting in permanent deformation without causing material damage, and leading to the characteristic softening of wood as deformation is increased. The main contribution of this work is the development of a model that can be fine-tuned and adapted to other applications. While it presents simple formulation, it can successfully describe several key phenomena, specifically the three regimes of mechanical behavior: elastic, plastic, and high-strain stiffening, as well as the dependence of modulus on the microfibril angle, and as such provides a bottom-up mechanistic approach to wood mechanics.
The recovery of genetic material from preserved hard skeletal remains is an essential part of ancient DNA, archaeological and forensic research. However, there is little understanding about the ...relative concentrations of DNA within different tissues, the impact of sampling methods on extracted DNA, or the role of environmentally-determined degradation rates on DNA survival in specimens. We examine these issues by characterizing the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) content of different hard and soft tissues in 42 ancient human and bovid specimens at a range of fragment lengths (77–235 bp) using real-time PCR. Remarkably, the standard drill speeds used to sample skeletal material (
c. 1000 RPM) were found to decrease mtDNA yields up to 30 times (by 3.1 × 10
5 mtDNA copies on average) compared to pulverization in a bone mill. This dramatic negative impact appears to relate to heat damage, and disappeared at very low drill speeds (e.g. 100 RPM). Consequently, many ancient DNA and forensic studies may have obtained false negative results, especially from important specimens which are commonly sampled with drills to minimize signs of damage. The mtDNA content of tooth cementum was found to be five times higher than the commonly used dentine (141 bp,
p = 0.01), making the cementum-rich root tip the best sample for ancient human material. Lastly, mtDNA was found to display a consistent pattern of exponential fragmentation across many depositional environments, with different rates for geographic areas and tissue types, improving the ability to predict and understand DNA survival in preserved specimens.
► Skeletal material drilled at standard speed reduces mtDNA yields versus pulverization. ► The negative impact of drilling disappears at very low drill speeds. ► The mtDNA content of cementum was found to be five times higher than dentine. ► MtDNA displayed an exponential pattern of fragmentation across many environments. ► The rate of mtDNA fragmentation varied across geographic areas and tissue types.
Alternative flooring designs in broiler housing have been the subject of intensive research. Research comparing different floor types with a focus on animal-based welfare indicators might be of ...special interest to meet the animal's needs. This case–control study investigated the effect of a partially perforated vs. a littered flooring system on health- and behavior-based welfare indicators of fast-growing Ross 308 broilers. Furthermore, production performance was assessed. The experimental barn was partially (50%) equipped with a perforated floor directly underneath the feeders and water lines accessible by perforated ramps. Conventional wood shavings were used in the control barn, as usual in practice. There were 4 fattening periods (repetitions) of 31 to 32 D performed with 500 animals per barn (final density of 39 kg m−2). Beside the flooring system, management conditions were identical. Health- and behavior-based welfare indicators were assessed weekly. Production performance indicators were measured continuously during animal control. During the avoidance distance test, animals were less fearful on day 21 (P = 0.010) and tended to be less fearful on day 28 (P = 0.083) in the barn with the partially perforated flooring system compared to the littered control barn. More animals around the novel object were also assessed in the barn with the partially perforated flooring system during the novel object test on day 1 (P < 0.001) and a tendency was found on day 28 (P = 0.064). Results showed that the partially perforated flooring system had a positive influence on foot pad dermatitis from day 14 (all P ≤ 0.007) and hock burn on day 28 (P < 0.001). With regard to the production performance, animals showed no differences in final body weight for both floor types. In this study, the partially perforated flooring system had a positive effect on animal health and behavior as indicated by welfare indicators without a reduction in production performance.
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