Mass Growth Rate Research Articles

Factors affecting growth parameters of White Stork nestlings in eastern Algeria

Survival and reproduction of young can be affected by growth parameters. It is thus important to estimate intraspecific growth rate variability and environmental factors affecting growth to better understand the dynamics of populations and the potential impacts of environmental changes. Growth parameters of White Stork (Ciconia ciconia) nestlings were estimated in eastern Algeria, in the southern part of the species’ range. A total of 2,756 measurements of 65 nestlings from 18 nests were taken for body mass, and tarsus, wing and bill lengths. Individual growth data were used to investigate the effects of nest occupation date, laying and hatching dates, clutch size, number of hatchlings, productivity, hatching order, and brood reduction on nestling growth patterns. Body mass and bill length growth rates were lower in the studied population than in a more northerly White Stork population. This supports the hypothesis of a geographic variation in intraspecific growth parameters. Chicks from nests occupied early reached higher asymptotic body mass but tended to grow more slowly. However, chicks from late arriving birds compensated for the difference in body mass and wing length by higher growth rates. Wing length was significantly affected by asynchrony and hatching order. Last hatched chicks had larger asymptotic wing lengths, lower wing growth rates and longer growth periods. Wings of nestlings from highly asynchronous broods grew faster but took more time to attain the inflection point. Brood reduction had a negative effect on nestling bill length at hatching. Chicks from nests with little brood reduction had a longer bill at hatching than nestlings from nests with high brood reduction.

Role of Spin-Triplet Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Soot Surface Growth.

Using density functional theory, a possible pathway of soot surface growth is studied in the low-temperature, postflame region in which spin-triplet polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) molecules with a small singlet-triplet energy gap react with unsaturated aliphatics such as acetylene via the carbon-addition-hydrogen-migration (CAHM) reaction. Results show that a PAH-core-aliphatic-shell structure is formed and the mass growth rate of this triplet soot surface growth reaction is one order of magnitude larger than that of the surface hydrogen-abstraction-carbon-addition (HACA) reaction at temperatures below 1500 K.

Wastewater treatment using integrated anaerobic baffled reactor and Bio-rack wetland planted with Phragmites sp. and Typha sp.

The purpose of this study is to examine the potential use of anaerobic baffled reactor (ABR) followed by Bio-rack wetland planted with Phragmites sp. and Typha sp. for treating domestic wastewater generated by small communities (751 mg COD/L, 500 SCOD mg/L, 348 mg BOD5/L). Two parallel laboratory-scale models showed that the process planted with Phragmites sp. and Typha sp. are capable of removing COD by 87% & 86%, SCOD by 90% & 88%, BOD5 by 93% & 92%, TSS by 88% & 86%, TN by 79% & 77%, PO4-P by 21% & 14% at an overall HRT of 21 (843 g COD/m3/day & 392 g BOD5/m3/day) and 27 (622 g COD/m3/day & 302 g BOD5/m3/day) hours, respectively. Microbial analysis indicated a high reduction in the MPN of total coliform and TVC as high as 99% at the outlet end of the processes. The vegetated system using Phragmites sp. showed significantly greater (p <0.05) pollutant removal efficiencies due to its extensive root and mass growth rate (p <0.05) of the plant compared to Typha sp. The Phragmites sp. indicated a higher relative growth rate (3.92%) than Typha sp. (0.90%). Microorganisms immobilized on the surface of the Bio-rack media (mean TVC: 2.33 × 107 cfu/cm2) were isolated, identified and observed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). This study illustrated that the present integrated processes could be an ideal approach for promoting a sustainable decentralization, however, Phragmites sp. would be more efficient rather than Typha sp.

Neandertal growth: What are the costs?

Energetic approaches have been increasingly used to address key issues in Neandertal palaeoecology and palaeobiology. Previous research has focused exclusively on the energy requirements of adults and highlights the high energy demands of these individuals compared with modern humans. Less attention has been paid to the energy requirements of sub-adult Neandertals, even though this age group could provide clues for a better understanding of Neandertal life history. Accordingly, herein, we estimate the energy costs of maintenance and growth in Neandertal infants and children from one to six years of age and compare these costs with values for modern humans. Statural growth models for two modern human populations (Beasain and Evenki) and an average Neandertal model population are used to establish weight growth models. In turn, these models of body weight growth are used to estimate key components of energetic variables (basal metabolic rate, total energy expenditure, energy of growth and daily energy requirements). Between three and six years of age, Neandertal children have slightly lower basal and growth energy costs than do modern humans of the same age, due primarily to their smaller body mass and slower growth rates. The reduction in energy allocated to growth is likely the result of metabolic adaptations to other somatic factors and thermal stress. Data from contemporary human infants and children suggest that even mild cold stress increases non-shivering thermogenesis, thus elevating metabolic needs by 50% or more. These results suggest that thermal stress likely played a strong role in shaping the delayed developmental patterns and lower energy allocated to growth during early life in Neandertals relative to Homo sapiens.

Downward flame spread over extruded polystyrene

An experimental study on the characteristics of downward flame spread of extruded polystyrene (XPS) is presented. The parameters investigated include average mass loss rate per unit of thickness ( $$ \dot{m}^{'} $$ ), average flame height (H f), average flame spread rate (v f), and mass growth rate ( $$ \dot{m}_{1} $$ ) of molten XPS. The effects of sample thickness (d), sidewalls and atmospheric pressure (p), and the combined effects of these factors on the flame spread are studied. The larger sample thickness corresponds to larger $$ \dot{m}^{'} $$ and higher flame upon most occasions. As d rises, v f and $$ \dot{m}_{1} $$ increase under all conditions; v f and d follow the equation: $$ {\text{v}}_{\text f} = A ( 1- {\text{exp(}} - {\text{Cd))}} $$ . The dimensionless heat release rate: $$ \dot{Q}^{*} \propto { \exp }( - 0. 3d) $$ . $$ \dot{m}^{'} $$ , v f , and $$ \dot{m}_{1} $$ obtained without sidewalls are higher than those with sidewalls. $$ \dot{m}^{'} $$ , v f, and H f obtained on the plain (p = 100.8 kPa) are larger than those obtained on the plateau (p = 65.5 kPa). $$ \dot{m}_{1} $$ obtained on the plain is lower than that on the plateau. In most cases without sidewalls, $$ \dot{m} \propto p^{{\text n_{0}} } $$ , where 1.9 < n 0 < 2, and $$ H_{\text f} = a + \mu p^{{\text n_{0} }} $$ . H f obtained in the cases without sidewalls is larger than that with sidewalls when the sample thickness is small, while the opposite is true for thicker samples. When sidewalls are absent, on the plain, with a rise in thickness, the increase of v f is significant for thin samples while the variation is not considerable for thick samples; on the plateau, this increase is significant for all thicknesses tested. The experimental results agree well with the theoretical analysis.

Comparing simple quasar demographics models

This paper explores several simple model variations for the connections among quasars, galaxies, and dark matter halos for redshifts 1 < z < 6. A key component of these models is that we enforce a self-consistent black hole (BH) history by tracking both BH mass and BH growth rate at all redshifts. We connect objects across redshift with a simple constant-number-density procedure, and choose a fiducial model with a relationship between BH and galaxy growth rates that is linear and evolves in a simple way with redshift. Within this fiducial model, we find the quasar luminosity function (QLF) by calculating an "intrinsic" luminosity based on either the BH mass or BH growth rate, and then choosing a model of quasar variability with either a lognormal or truncated power-law distribution of instantaneous luminosities. This gives four model variations, which we fit to the observed QLF at each redshift. With the best-fit models in hand, we undertake a detailed comparison of the four fiducial models, and explore changes to our fiducial model of the BH-galaxy relationship. Each model variation can successfully fit the observed QLF, the shape of which is generally set by the "intrinsic" luminosity at the faint end and by the scatter due to variability at the bright end. We focus on accounting for the reasons that physically different models can make such similar predictions, and on identifying what observational data or physical arguments are most essential in breaking the degeneracies among models.

Active surveillance of renal masses: an analysis of growth kinetics and clinical outcomes stratified by radiological characteristics at diagnosis.

To determine the growth rate of renal masses (RMs) under active surveillance (AS), and to describe the clinical outcome of AS patients. We conducted a retrospective review of an AS database to obtain demographics, radiological and pathologic characteristics and RM size of patients. RMs were followed at 6-12 month intervals for ≥1 year with computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or renal ultrasound. Kaplan-Meier analysis determined the annual likelihood of intervention. RMs were divided into 3 radiographic subcategories (solid, cystic, and angiomyolipoma). A linear regression model determined RM growth rates. 131 RMs in 114 patients were included. Median age, Charlson Comorbidity Index score and mean follow-up were 69.1 years, 4.0 and 4.2±2.6 years, respectively. Maximal tumor diameter (MTD) at diagnosis was 2.1 ± 1.3 cm. 49 RMs exhibited negative or zero net growth. Mean MTD growth rate for all RMs was 0.72±3.2 (95% CI: 0.16-1.28) mm/year. When stratified by MTD at diagnosis, mean RM growth rates were 0.84, 0.84, 0.44, 0.74 and 0.71 mm/year for RMs ≤1 cm, 1-≤2cm, 2-≤ 3cm, 3-≤ 4cm and ≥4cm, respectively (p≤0.01). The 5 and 10-year freedom from intervention rates were 93.1% and 88.5%, respectively. There was a single case of suspected metastases, but no deaths related to kidney cancer. RMs under AS grew slowly, and had a low incidence of requiring surgical intervention and progression. Solid enhancing masses grew slowly, and were more likely to trigger intervention. AS should be considered for selected patients with small RMs.

EFFECTS OF LARGE-SCALE ENVIRONMENT ON THE ASSEMBLY HISTORY OF CENTRAL GALAXIES

We examine whether large-scale environment affects the mass assembly history of their central galaxies. To facilitate this, we constructed dark matter halo merger trees from a cosmological N-body simulation and calculated the formation and evolution of galaxies using a semi-analytic method. We confirm earlier results that smaller halos show a notable difference in formation time with a mild dependence on large-scale environment. However, using a semi-analytic model, we found that on average the growth rate of the stellar mass of central galaxies is largely insensitive to large-scale environment. Although our results show that the star formation rate (SFR) and the stellar mass of central galaxies in smaller halos are slightly affected by the assembly bias of halos, those galaxies are faint, and the difference in the SFR is minute, and therefore it is challenging to detect it in real galaxies given the current observational accuracy. Future galaxy surveys, such as the BigBOSS experiment and the Large Synoptic Survey Telescope, which are expected to provide observational data for fainter objects, will provide a chance to test our model predictions.

Constraints on the merging channel of massive galaxies since z ∼ 1

(Abridged) We probe the merging channel of massive galaxies over the z=0.3-1.3 redshift window by studying close pairs in a sample of 238 galaxies with stellar mass >1E11Msun, from the deep (m<26.5AB, 3 sigma) SHARDS survey. SHARDS provides medium band photometry equivalent to low-resolution optical spectra (R~50), allowing us to obtain extremely accurate photometric redshifts (|Dz|/(1+z)~0.55%) and to improve the constraints on the age distribution of the stellar populations. A strong correlation is found between the age difference of central and satellite galaxy and stellar mass ratio, from negligible age differences in major mergers to age differences ~4 Gyr for 1:100 minor mergers. However, this correlation is simply a reflection of the mass-age trend in the general population. The dominant contributor to the growth of massive galaxies corresponds to mass ratios mu=Msat/Mcen>0.3, followed by a decrease in the fractional mass growth rate linearly proportional to log mu, at least down to mu~0.01, suggesting a decreasing role of mergers involving low-mass satellites, especially if dynamical friction timescales are taken into account. A simple model results in an upper limit for the average mass growth rate of massive galaxies of DM/M/Dt~ 0.08+-0.02 per Gyr, over the z<1 range, with a ~70% fractional contribution from (major) mergers with mu>0.3. The majority of the stellar mass contributed by mergers does not introduce significantly younger populations, in agreement with the small radial age gradients observed in present-day early-type galaxies.

EFFECT OF LEAD CHLORIDE ON THE GROWTH AND SURFACE PROPERTIES OF POTASSIUM CHLORIDE CRYSTALS FROM AQUEOUS SOLUTIONS

Pure potassium chloride ( KCl ) and lead chloride ( PbCl 2)-doped KCl crystals were grown from saturated aqueous solutions by a solvent evaporation process. The effects of Pb 2+ on the surface morphology, structural and mechanical properties of KCl crystal were investigated. The surface morphology of the cubic structured crystals was studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction and the elemental mappings at the microstructural level were determined by energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectroscopy. The mass growth rate was found to decrease when the Pb 2+ ions were present and the volume growth flux was also found to decrease with time and initial concentration of impurity. A Vickers micro-hardness study shows that Pb -doped KCl crystals are harder than pure KCl crystals.

Variation in age and size at sexual maturity in Kemp’s ridley sea turtles

ESR Endangered Species Research Contact the journal Facebook Twitter RSS Mailing List Subscribe to our mailing list via Mailchimp HomeLatest VolumeAbout the JournalEditorsSpecials ESR 25:57-67 (2014) - DOI: https://doi.org/10.3354/esr00608 Variation in age and size at sexual maturity in Kemp’s ridley sea turtles Karen A. Bjorndal1,*, Joe Parsons2, Walter Mustin2, Alan B. Bolten1 1Archie Carr Center for Sea Turtle Research and Department of Biology, University of Florida, Box 118525, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA 2Cayman Turtle Farm, Grand Cayman KY1-1301, Cayman Islands *Corresponding author: bjorndal@ufl.edu ABSTRACT: Age at sexual maturity (AgeSM) is one of the most serious demographic data gaps for sea turtle populations. Better estimates of AgeSM and associated variance would improve evaluation of population dynamics and responses of populations to disturbances and conservation measures. A population of Kemp’s ridleys Lepidochelys kempii was raised in captivity under the same conditions from hatchlings to several years after maturity. Data collected from 14 female Kemp’s ridleys at Cayman Turtle Farm over a 16 yr period allowed us to determine mean and variance in age, length, mass, and body condition at maturity, average pre-maturity growth rates, and post-maturity growth rates, as well as interactions among these parameters. Age, length, and mass at maturity exhibited considerable variance, with ranges of 5 to 12 yr, 47.0 to 61.0 cm, and 20.0 to 36.8 kg, respectively. Pre-maturity length growth rate is the best single predictor of AgeSM, accounting for 87% of the variation in AgeSM. Pre-maturity mass growth rate is the best single predictor of size at maturity, accounting for 51 and 65% of variation in length at maturity and mass at maturity, respectively. Although estimates of age and size at maturity from captive Kemp’s ridleys cannot be applied to wild populations because of the effect of nutrition, the amount of variation around age and size at maturity in Kemp’s ridleys from Cayman Turtle Farm is a good first approximation of inherent (or genetic) variation in these parameters for wild Kemp’s ridleys. Population models for Kemp’s ridleys that now employ a knife-edge estimate of AgeSM would be improved by incorporating a maturity schedule that reflects the variation in AgeSM. KEY WORDS: Age at sexual maturity · Size at sexual maturity · Indeterminate growth · Lepidochelys kempii · Sea turtle Full text in pdf format PreviousNextCite this article as: Bjorndal KA, Parsons J, Mustin W, Bolten AB (2014) Variation in age and size at sexual maturity in Kemp’s ridley sea turtles. Endang Species Res 25:57-67. https://doi.org/10.3354/esr00608 Export citation RSS - Facebook - Tweet - linkedIn Cited by Published in ESR Vol. 25, No. 1. Online publication date: July 31, 2014 Print ISSN: 1863-5407; Online ISSN: 1613-4796 Copyright © 2014 Inter-Research.

REVERSAL OF FORTUNE: INCREASED STAR FORMATION EFFICIENCIES IN THE EARLY HISTORIES OF DWARF GALAXIES?

On dwarf galaxy scales, the different shapes of the galaxy stellar mass function and the dark halo mass function require a star-formation efficiency (SFE) in these systems that is currently more than 1 dex lower than that of Milky Way-size halos. Here, we argue that this trend may actually be reversed at high redshift. Specifically, by combining the resolved star-formation histories of nearby isolated dwarfs with the simulated mass-growth rates of dark matter halos, we show that the assembly of these systems occurs in two phases: (1) an early, fast halo accretion phase with a rapidly deepening potential well, characterized by a high SFE; and (2) a late slow halo accretion phase where, perhaps as a consequence of reionization, the SFE is low. Nearby dwarfs have more old stars than predicted by assuming a constant or decreasing SFE with redshift, a behavior that appears to deviate qualitatively from the trends seen amongst more massive systems. Taken at face value, the data suggest that, at sufficiently early epochs, dwarf galaxy halos above the atomic cooling mass limit can be among the most efficient sites of star formation in the universe.

Preliminary Study on Biomitigation Green House Gas Carbon Dioxide in Closed System Bubble Photobioreactor: Relationship Among the Mass Transfer Rate and CO2 Removal Efficiency in High Level of CO2

Emission of carbon dioxide (CO2) is a major contributor to global warming. Biofixation of CO2 by microalgae in photobioreactors seems to be a promising strategy for CO2 mitigation. The research to determine the overall mass transfer coefficient (kLa) has been done to find the way on biomitigation CO2 emission by using biologically Carbon Capture and Sequestration method. This research was conducted according to green microalgae Scenedesmus obliquus activity, which is cultivated in a bubble photobioreactor through the mass transfer process that assumed adequate mixing occurs. Flow rate of CO2 that supplied to the system were 2 L/min, 5 L/min and 8 L/min, when each rate flowed into the photobioreactor with high CO2 concentration (v/v) of 2%, 5% and 10%. The highest CO2 removal efficiency occurred at culture that supplied with an CO2-enriched air flow rate of 5 L/min. The kLa (CO2) value is the highest in 0.3582/day at 2% CO2 concentration and flow rate of 2 L/min, while the lowest is in 0.0503/day at 5% CO2 concentration and flow rate of 8 L/min. In terms of solubility is inversely proportional to the flow rate, the less carbon dioxide is dissolved at the rate of 8 L/min as well as the value of the kLa. The results showed that the variation of flow rate will affect the amount of mass transfer coefficient, growth rate and cell biomass. Higher flow rate decreases kLa value as well as CO2 removal efficiency.

Damköhler number effects on soot formation and growth in turbulent nonpremixed flames

The effect of Damköhler number on turbulent nonpremixed sooting flames is investigated via large scale direct numerical simulation in three-dimensional n-heptane/air jet flames at a jet Reynolds number of 15,000 and at three different Damköhler numbers. A reduced chemical mechanism, which includes the soot precursor naphthalene, and a high-order method of moments are employed. At the highest Damköhler number, local extinction is negligible, while flames holes are observed in the two lowest Damköhler number cases. Compared to temperature and other species controlled by fuel oxidation chemistry, naphthalene is found to be affected more significantly by the Damköhler number. Consequently, the overall soot mass fraction decreases by more than one order of magnitude for a fourfold decrease of the Damköhler number. On the contrary, the overall number density of soot particles is approximately the same, but its distribution in mixture fraction space is different in the three cases. The total soot mass growth rate is found to be proportional to the Damköhler number. In the two lowest Da number cases, soot leakage across the flame is observed. Leveraging Lagrangian statistics, it is concluded that soot leakage is due to patches of soot that cross the stoichiometric surface through flame holes. These results show the leading order effects of turbulent mixing in controlling the dynamics of soot in turbulent flames.

Growth Rates of the Mediterranean Gecko,Hemidactylus turcicus, in Southwestern Louisiana

We captured and marked Mediterranean geckos, Hemidactylus turcicus, occupying a one-story building in southwestern Louisiana in 1999–2000 and 2002–2005 and calculated 2 estimates of growth rate: length growth rate (difference in snout—vent length [SVL] between captures divided by time between captures) and mass growth rate (difference in gecko mass between captures divided by time between captures). Both length growth rate and mass growth rate were significantly negatively correlated with gecko snout—vent length. When data from all years were combined, adult female geckos showed greater mean length growth rates and mean mass growth rates than males, but the trend was not statistically significant. Length growth rate and mass growth rate varied dramatically between years; neither correlated with yearly differences in rainfall. Comparison of our results to studies done in Texas and Florida showed that Mediterranean geckos in Louisiana had the lowest mean length growth rates and a much wider range of variation.

Functional trade-offs in succulent stems predict responses to climate change in columnar cacti.

Columnar cacti occur naturally in many habitats and environments in the Americas but are conspicuously dominant in very dry desert regions. These majestic plants are widely regarded for their cultural, economic, and ecological value and, in many ecosystems, support highly diverse communities of pollinators, seed dispersers, and frugivores. Massive amounts of water and other resources stored in the succulent photosynthetic stems of these species confer a remarkable ability to grow and reproduce during intensely hot and dry periods. Yet many columnar cacti are potentially under severe threat from environmental global changes, including climate change and loss of habitat. Stems in columnar cacti and other cylindrical-stemmed cacti are morphologically diverse; stem volume-to-surface area ratio (V:S) across these taxa varies by almost two orders of magnitude. Intrinsic functional trade-offs are examined here across a broad range of V:S in species of columnar cacti. It is proposed that variation in photosynthetic gas exchange, growth, and response to stress is highly constrained by stem V:S, establishing a mechanistic framework for understanding the sensitivity of columnar cacti to climate change and drought. Specifically, species that develop stems with low V:S, and thus have little storage capacity, are expected to express high mass specific photosynthesis and growth rates under favourable conditions compared with species with high V:S. But the trade-off of having little storage capacity is that low V:S species are likely to be less tolerant of intense or long-duration drought compared with high V:S species. The application of stable isotope measurements of cactus spines as recorders of growth, water relations, and metabolic responses to the environment across species of columnar cacti that vary in V:S is also reviewed. Taken together, our approach provides a coherent theory and required set of observations needed for predicting the responses of columnar cacti to climate change.

On “how to start a fire”, or transverse forced-convection, hyperbaric laser chemical vapor deposition of fibers and textiles

This work explores the transverse forced flow of precursor gases during hyperbaric pressure laser chemical vapor deposition (HP-LCVD). Axial and mass growth rates of carbon fibers are measured experimentally, and a numerical model is developed that provides fiber growth rates in both the mass-transport-limited (MTL) and kinetically limited (KL) regimes. It is found that the fiber’s transport-limited rate increases as the square root of the flow velocity, while simultaneously, the temperature drops with the inverse square root of the flow velocity. Growth is enhanced by forced flow so long as the reaction zone remains within the MTL regime; upon reaching a critical temperature and flow rate, however, fibers enter the KL regime, and the growth rate declines with rising flow rate. Molecular properties of the precursors employed and gas concentrations ultimately determine the range of the MTL and the locations of the critical temperature and flow rate. The growth rates of fibers can indeed be enhanced by transverse forced convection—to at least three times the zero-flow steady-state rate, provided an MTL regime exists. Complex three-dimensional structures may be grown from these fibers in a freeform manner, and the more rapidly such microstructures can be fabricated, the more practical HP-LCVD becomes for industrial use, including the fabrication of novel textiles.

Analysis of biodegradation performance of furfural and 5-hydroxymethylfurfural by Amorphotheca resinae ZN1.

BackgroundFurfural and 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) are the degradation products of lignocellulose during pretreatment operations and significantly inhibit the consequent enzymatic hydrolysis and fermentation processes. The biodetoxification fungus Amorphotheca resinae ZN1 had demonstrated its excellent capacity on degrading lignocellulose derived inhibitors and helped the fermentation processes to achieve high yield of ethanol and biochemicals. Analysis of the biological degradation performance of furfural and HMF by A. resinae ZN1 will provide essential information for their fast and complete removal from the pretreated lignocellulose materials and facilitate the consequent ethanol fermentation.ResultsThe degradation performance of furfural and HMF by A. resinae ZN1 was investigated by capturing intermediate metabolic products at various culture conditions. A. resinae ZN1 converts furfural/HMF into furfuryl/HMF alcohols and furoic/HMF acids simultaneously at aerobic condition, and only the corresponding furfuryl/HMF alcohols are obtained at anaerobic condition. The existence of glucose accelerates the degradation rate of furfural and HMF by A. resinae ZN1 and the cell mass growth rate aerobically. Remarkably, glucose is not consumed before furfural or HMF is degraded to a low threshold concentration. The finding suggests that furfural or HMF has a substrate priority of utilization by A. resinae ZN1 than glucose. This property may help the detoxification of furfural and HMF to be operated without consuming glucose.ConclusionsThe biological degradation performance of furfural and HMF by A. resinae ZN1 was investigated experimentally. Oxygen supply is important on the complete biodegradation of furfural and HMF by A. resinae ZN1. Furfural or HMF has the priority of substrate utilization than glucose by A. resinae ZN1. This study provided important information for detoxification enhancement and strain modification.

MP54-04 PARTIAL NEPHRECTOMY IS EQUIVALENT TO ACTIVE SURVEILLANCE IN PRESERVING RENAL FUNCTION FOR PATIENTS WITH SMALL RENAL MASSES

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Active surveillance (AS) for patients with a small renal mass (SRM) is considered an acceptable alternative to surgery due to the slow growth of such tumors, low risk of metastasis, and presumed retention of renal function. We previously demonstrated a moderate decline in renal function for patients on AS in the Delayed Intervention and Surveillance for Small Renal Masses (DISSRM) Registry. We now sought to compare this with the decline following extirpative modalities. We also correlated tumor growth rate with renal functional decline in AS patients. METHODS: The multi-institutional DISSRM Registry opened January 1, 2009. Patients with SRMs 4cm were entered into AS or intervention arms. Those electing AS followed an imaging protocol. Growth rates of masses were calculated based on changes in diameter. GFR was calculated with the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease formula. GFR change was calculated from the first value for surveillance patients or the pre-operative value for intervention patients, to the most recent value. Linear regression was used to determine the effects of study arm and growth rate on GFR, while controlling for the impact of demographics, comorbidities, and tumor histology. RESULTS: The difference in average GFR decline between the 66 partial nephrectomy (PN) patients and the 67 AS patients was not significant (1.9 vs 0.5, p1⁄40.270). In contrast, there was a significantly greater decline in the 15 radical nephrectomy (RN) patients compared to the AS patients (9.2 vs 0.5, p1⁄40.001). Average follow up time for AS, PN, and RN patients was 20, 19, and 16 months, respectively. On regression analysis while controlling for comorbidities, GFR was again found to decline faster in RN (p1⁄40.016) but not PN (p1⁄40.778) patients compared to AS patients. Average growth rate of masses in the AS arm was 0.19 cm/year. There was no significant difference in GFR change between AS patients whose tumors increased in size over their enrollment and those whose tumors decreased in size, as shown in the table (p1⁄40.260). On regression analysis the tumor growth rate did not significantly affect the rate of GFR decline while controlling for comorbidities (p1⁄40.915). CONCLUSIONS: AS for the small renal mass yields equivalent preservation of GFR when compared to PN, while both modalities are superior to RN. Preservation of renal function during AS is unaffected by growth rate. These renal function outcomes should be considered when making treatment decisions. N GFR Declined No change in GFR GFR Rose

Maternal and additive genetic effects contribute to variation in offspring traits in a lizard

Evolutionary responses to selection require that traits have a heritable basis, yet maternal effects (the effect of a mother's phenotype on her offspring's phenotype) can have profound effects on evolutionary processes. It is therefore essential to understand how maternal effects contribute to phenotypic variation in offspring traits and test key assumptions of additive genetic variance in evolutionary models. We measured 5 traits linked to fitness in lizards (endurance, sprint speed, snout-vent length [SVL], mass, and growth rate) and estimated the contribution of additive genetic and maternal effects in explaining variation in these traits in the Eastern water skink (Eulamprus quoyii). We estimated parentage using 6 microsatellite DNA loci from lizards taking part in a mating experiment in large seminatural enclosures and used animal models to partition variance into additive genetic and maternal effects. We found that only endurance was significantly heritable (h(2) = 0.37, 95% credible interval = 0.18-0.50), whereas all other traits were either strongly influenced by maternal effects (mass, sprint speed, SVL, and captive growth rate) or were influenced by environmental variability (wild growth rate). Our study disentangles the relative contributions of additive genetic and maternal effects in contributing to variation in offspring phenotypes and suggests that little additive genetic variance exists for traits often assumed to be heritable. Although the heritability of phenotypic traits is essential in evolutionary models, our results also highlight the important role maternal effects have in explaining variation in phenotypes.