Variation In Growth Patterns Research Articles

Regional height growth models for Scots pine in Poland

Site productivity remains a fundamental concern in forestry as a significant driver of resource availability for tree growth. The site index (SI) reflects the overall impact of all environmental factors that determine tree height growth and is the most commonly used indirect proxy for forest site productivity estimated using stand age and height. The SI concept challenges are local variations in climate, soil, and genotype-environmental interactions that lead to variable height growth patterns among ecoregions and cause inappropriate estimation of site productivity. Developing regional models allow us to determine forest growth and SI more appropriately. This study aimed to develop height growth models for the Scots pine in Poland, considering the natural forest region effect. For height growth modelling, we used the growth trajectory data of 855 sample trees, representing the Scots pine entire range of geographic locations and site conditions in Poland. We compared the development of regional height growth models using nonlinear-fixed-effects (NFE) and nonlinear-mixed-effects (NME) modelling approaches. Our results indicate a slightly better fit to the data of the model built using NFE approach. The results showed significant differences between Scots pine growth in natural forest regions I, II, and III located in northern Poland and natural forest regions IV, V, and VI in southern Poland. We compared the development of regional height growth models using NFE and NME modelling approaches. Our results indicate a slightly better fit to the data of the model built using the NFE approach. The developed models show differences in height growth patterns of Scots pines in Poland and revealed that acknowledgement of region as the independent variable could improve the growth prediction and quality of the SI estimation. Differences in climate and soil conditions that distinguish natural forest regions affect Scots pine height growth patterns. Therefore, extending this research to models that directly describe height growth interactions with site variables, such as climate, soil properties, and topography, can provide valuable forest management information.

Age and size outperform topographic effects on growth-climate responses of trees in two Central European coniferous forest types

Trees do not respond to climatic conditions uniformly, but instead show individualistic growth responses. The extent of and causes behind this within-stand variability represents significant uncertainty in predictions of how forests will respond to future climate change. We analyzed patterns of individualistic tree growth within two types of conifer stands of Central Europe – high-elevation Picea abies and low-elevation Pinus sylvestris forests. We quantified the relative effect of age, size, and topographic conditions on variability in growth patterns and climate-growth responses using principal component analysis and linear models, considering both year-to-year and decadal growth variability. Our results show that Picea abies stands with dominant temperature limitation exhibit greater growth coherency than Pinus sylvestris stands characterized by drought-limited growth. Growth variability and individual climate-growth responses in both forest types were mainly driven by tree size and age, while the effect of topographic conditions was less important. The effect of size and age variables was dominant considering decadal growth trends, whereas intermediate importance of topographic variables was observed for high-frequency growth variability and climate-growth responses. Our results highlight that between-tree variability in climatic signal and growth trends also reflects the specific distribution of the age/size and topographic parameters within the stand. We suggest careful selection of datasets used for large-scale assessments of growth trends and climate-growth responses which should consider the age and size representation of sampled trees.

Looking Beyond Diabetes: A Case of Worsening Hyperglycemia as a Manifestation of Ectopic Cushing’s Syndrome Secondary to an Adrenocorticotropic Hormone-Producing Pheochromocytoma

A 76-year-old woman presented with worsening fasting hyperglycemia on routine blood sugar measurement, previously well-controlled on Metformin, requiring initiation of insulin. Her medical history included type 2 diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and aortic stenosis. Over the next few weeks, she developed bilateral upper and lower extremity proximal muscle weakness, episodes of confusion, rapid weight loss and increasing lower extremity edema. She did not have typical Cushingoid features of moon facies, easy bruising, centripetal obesity, abdominal striae, dorsocervical fat padding, or hyperpigmentation. Laboratory data revealed severe hypokalemia, elevated cortisol of 138 (3.7–19.4 ug/dL) and ACTH of 368 (6–50 pg/mL) consistent with ACTH-dependent Cushing’s syndrome. She was hospitalized for emergent therapy with etomidate infusion, potassium supplementation, and started on spironolactone. 24-hour urinary analysis demonstrated elevated catecholamines and metanephrines: epinephrine 552 (2–16 mcg/g cr), norepinephrine 1881 (7-5 mcg/g cr), metanephrine 4095 (21–153 mcg/g cr), normetanephrine 3920 (108–524 mcg/g cr).CT abdomen showed 3.8 cm mass in the left adrenal gland with enhancing walls and central hypoattenuation and a normal contralateral adrenal gland. MR brain showed a partial empty sella without any mass. 123I-metaiodobenzylguanidine scintigraphy showed uptake in the left adrenal mass. Once cortisol was reduced to <25 ug/dL, she was transitioned from etomidate to metyrapone; alpha-methyltyrosine and prazosin was also begun. Following left laparoscopic adrenalectomy, ACTH decreased to <5 pg/mL confirming that the pheochromocytoma was the source of ectopic Cushing’s. Gross examination of the mass was notable for a spongy, tan, roughly spherical medullary neoplasm (3 cm in diameter) with a rim of brown and focally yellow adrenal cortex up to 4 mm thick. Marked diffuse adrenal cortical hyperplasia was noted. The tumor showed varied growth patterns, including solid areas and spongy, angioma-like areas with prominent small blood vessels. Immunohistochemical staining was positive for somatostatin receptor 2A, tyrosine hydroxylase and ACTH in tumor cells and negative for T-PIT. She was discharged on replacement hydrocortisone therapy, minimal insulin for diabetes and has shown substantial clinical improvement.Cushing’s syndrome due to ectopic ACTH-producing pheochromocytoma is rare. Worsening hyperglycemia in the presence of hypertension, even without typical clinical findings of Cushing’s, should prompt further hormonal work up. The absence of the transcription factor TPIT, which is a lineage determinant for pituitary corticotrophs, suggests that novel pathways are involved in differentiation of cells that produce ectopic ACTH.

Impact of Thermal Properties on Crystalline Structure, Polymorphism and Morphology of Polymer Matrices in Composites.

Morphological analysis at different levels is fundamental to understand properties of materials, as these latter are dictated not only by the chemical composition but also by the shape. Solid structures arise from a balance between thermodynamic and kinetic factors, which, especially for polymer composites, depend also on interactions amongst components. In particular, morphology is strongly affected by the heat transfer pattern during crystallization and by the difference in thermal behavior between polymer matrix and filler. Polymers show a spherulitic structure, arising from the start of crystallization in several points of the liquid phase. Within a general rounded shape, spherulites show variability in growth patterns, morphology, and geometry of boundaries. The appearance and the number of spherulites, as well as their growth mechanism, may vary not only in dependence of the chemical composition and the crystalline structures but also, for a same polymer, in consequence of experimental conditions and incorporation of fillers. This article reviews the crystallization process of polymer matrices in the framework of crystal growth and heat transport theories, and explains microstructural differences between composites and neat matrices on the basis of the differences in thermal capacity and conductivity between polymers and additives.

Identifying longitudinal-growth patterns from infancy to childhood: a study comparing multiple clustering techniques.

Most studies on children evaluate longitudinal growth as an important health indicator. Different methods have been used to detect growth patterns across childhood, but with no comparison between them to evaluate result consistency. We explored the variation in growth patterns as detected by different clustering and latent class modelling techniques. Moreover, we investigated how the characteristics/features (e.g. slope, tempo, velocity) of longitudinal growth influence pattern detection. We studied 1134 children from The Applied Research Group for Kids cohort with longitudinal-growth measurements [height, weight, body mass index (BMI)] available from birth until 12 years of age. Growth patterns were identified by latent class mixed models (LCMM) and time-series clustering (TSC) using various algorithms and distance measures. Time-invariant features were extracted from all growth measures. A random forest classifier was used to predict the identified growth patterns for each growth measure using the extracted features. Overall, 72 TSC configurations were tested. For BMI, we identified three growth patterns by both TSC and LCMM. The clustering agreement was 58% between LCMM and TS clusters, whereas it varied between 30.8% and 93.3% within the TSC configurations. The extracted features (n = 67) predicted the identified patterns for each growth measure with accuracy of 82%-89%. Specific feature categories were identified as the most important predictors for patterns of all tested growth measures. Growth-pattern detection is affected by the method employed. This can impact on comparisons across different populations or associations between growth patterns and health outcomes. Growth features can be reliably used as predictors of growth patterns.

Growth patterns of the pan-European freshwater mussel, Anodonta anatina (Linnaeus, 1758) (Bivalvia: Unionidae), vary with sex and mortality in populations.

Post‐maturation growth leading to indeterminate growth patterns is widespread in nature. However, its adaptive value is unclear. Life history theory suggests this allocation strategy may be favored by temporal pulses in the intensity of mortality and/or the capacity to produce new tissues.Addressing the origin of indeterminate growth and the variability of growth patterns, we studied the growth of duck mussels, Anodonta anatina, a pan‐European unionid, in 18 Polish lakes. For each population, the sex, size, and age of collected mussels were measured to estimate Bertalanffy's growth curve parameters. We integrated information on A. anatina mortality rates, lake trophy, biofouling by zebra mussels, Dreissena polymorpha, and the prevalence of parasitic trematode larvae to identify selective conditions in lakes.We found two sources of mortality in A. anatina populations, pertaining to adverse effects of zebra mussel biofouling and trophy state on mussel survival. Additionally, populations with heavier biofouling presented a smaller abundance of parasites, indicative of a relationship between filtering intensity and contraction of water‐borne trematode larvae by filtering A. anatina.Consistently for each sex, populations with a greater trophy‐related mortality were characterized in A. anatina by a smaller asymptotic size Lmax, indicative of a life history response to mortality risk involving early maturation at a smaller body size. In all populations, females featured higher mortality and larger asymptotic size versus males.Our findings support a theoretical view that adaptive responses to selection involve adjustments in the lifetime resource allocation patterns. These adjustments should be considered drivers of the origin of indeterminate growth strategy in species taking parental care by offspring brooding in body cavities.

Spatial patterns of Posidonia oceanica structural and functional features in the Eastern Mediterranean (Aegean and E. Ionian Seas) in relation to large-scale environmental factors

In the context of general ecosystem monitoring of the Greek coastal marine environment, a total of 22 descriptors of Posidonia oceanica meadows were studied in 69 study sites. Spatial variation of P. oceanica meadows' features in relation to specific environmental factors (i.e., light, physical exposure, temperature, and nutrients) controlling their dynamics was assessed in three sub-ecoregions of the Hellenic seas (Eastern Ionian, North Aegean, and South Aegean). The studied meadows differentiated by exhibiting varying growth patterns at both the local and sub-ecoregional scale. Significant differences in morphological and demographic descriptors were observed for meadows of the N. Aegean Sea as compared to those of the S. Aegean and the Eastern Ionian Seas. Light limitation was determined as the main driver differentiating the P. oceanica meadows' distribution (i.e., lower limit depth), demography (i.e., shoot density, meadow cover) and shoots' biometry (i.e., shoot length, shoot leaf surface and leaf biomass) along the mainland coastal zone of the N. Aegean Sea. Considering the projected decline of P. oceanica in the face of increasing natural and human impacts, this study offers a crucial ecological baseline that can enhance our understanding of P. oceanica meadows’ trends, against which the efficiency of conservation plans and management actions may be monitored.

From the Adriatic to Northern Norway—geographic differences in moult increment and moult probability of the European lobster (Homarus gammarus), across the natural range

Abstract This study collated existing data on lobster moult increment from studies across the range of Homarus gammarus, together with new tagging data from Orkney, United Kingdom. Generalized additive models were used to investigate geographical differences in absolute moult increment and moult probability. Absolute moult increment was seen to differ significantly between regions and between sexes and showed a non-linear relationship with pre-moult size. Smaller absolute moult increments were observed at southern and northern latitudes with larger increments observed in the centre of the species range. Temperature was identified as a significant factor explaining differences in absolute moult increment between regions, consistent with there being a thermal optimum for growth for in H. gammarus. Moult and double moult probabilities decline with pre-moult size, with greatest probability of moulting occurring around day 250. Probability of double moulting increased with mean annual sea surface temperature. Regionally variable growth patterns, and localized adaptation to abiotic variables such as temperature, should therefore be taken into account when defining lobster stock assessment and fishery management areas.

Comparison of Hyoid Bone Position in Skeletal Class I Subjects with Varying Growth Patterns: A Cephalometric Study

Abstract Introduction Hyoid bone plays a significant role in physiological functions of craniofacial region, and its position adapts to changes of the head posture. The objective of this study was to evaluate the hyoid bone position among skeletal Class I subjects with various growth patterns. Materials and Methods 90 subjects of north Indian origin, aged between 16 to 30 years, having skeletal class I relation were selected for the study. Subjects were then subdivided into three groups, that is, Group I (n = 30; normodivergent), Group II (n = 30; hypodivergent) and Group III (n = 30; hyperdivergent), based on their vertical growth pattern. Lateral cephalograms were traced and analyzed manually for evaluation of hyoid bone position. Result The sagittal position of the hyoid bone shows no significant difference with varying growth patterns. The vertical relation G-C3Chor distance showed significant difference in hypodivergent subjects. The axial inclination of the hyoid bone showed no significant difference between different growth patterns. Conclusion The anteroposterior position of the hyoid bone does not change with different growth patterns in skeletal class I subjects. The G-C3Chor distance was found to be statistically significant when the three groups were compared.

Lip profile changes in patients with Class II Division 1 malocclusion of varied growth patterns treated with maxillary premolar extractions: A pilot study

This retrospective pilot study assessed the pre- and posttreatment lip profile changes among adult patients with Class II Division 1 malocclusion of varied growth patterns and compared these changes with patients with a skeletal Class I relationship, to identify the dental, skeletal, and soft tissue cephalometric variables that altered the posttreatment lip profile. A total of 33 digital cephalograms were divided into 4 study groups based on the mandibular plane (Mp-SN) angle: group 1 (control, skeletal Class I; mean angle=21.5°) (n=8), group 2 (Class II Division 1 malocclusion; low angle=<26°) (n=8), group 3 (Class II Division 1 malocclusion; intermediate angle=26°-38°) (n=9), and group 4 (Class II Division 1 malocclusion; high angle=>38°) (n=8). We observed a significant decrease in SNA, ANB, maxillary incisor to NA (degrees and millimeters), and soft tissue parameters, especially lip strain and lower lip to E line and upper lip to E line. Posttreatment intergroup comparison showed a significant increase of Mp-SN, and this increase was greater in group 3, followed by group 4 as compared with group 1. In addition, statistically significant differences in SNA, ANB, mandibular incisor to NB (degrees) and IMPA, and H angle in groups 2-4 were observed. Patients with Class II Division 1 malocclusion showed a significant decrease in SNA, ANB, maxillary incisor to NA, and all soft tissue parameters in posttreatment compared with group 1. Thus, the soft tissue changes resulted in a similar profile to patients in group 1, who are considered to have an aesthetically pleasing posttreatment profile.

Nodular Lymphocyte Predominant Hodgkin’s Lymphoma with T Cell/ Histiocyte Rich Large B Cell Lymphoma Like Transformation

Nodular lymphocyte predominant Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NLPHL) is an uncommon variant form of Hodgkin’s lymphoma with a worldwide incidence of 5%. 1 It has long been recognized that NLPHL can have varied growth patterns, including some with diffuse areas and/or numerous T cells.2 NLPHL may evolve to a completely diffuse T-cell–rich proliferation lacking any follicular dendritic cells which would be consistent with a T-cell histiocyte-rich large B-cell lymphoma (THRLBCL) or can be associated with such a proliferation at a separate site. Recent data indicate that progression to a process with features of THRLBCL is associated with a more aggressive clinical course, and requires different management, hence the significance of diagnosing correctly THRLBCL-like transformation of NLPHL. We report a case of THRLBCL-like transformation of NLPHL in an 11-year old male child.

The acceptability and feasibility of using a 3D body size scale to initiate conversations about weight in toddlerhood: a mixed-methods study.

Health Care Professionals struggle to initiate conversations about overweight in toddlerhood. A novel 3D body size scale (3D BSS) may facilitate engagement with this topic during pediatric appointments. To explore barriers and facilitators to using the 3D BSS through a mixed-methods design. For the qualitative phase, parents of toddlers (n = 38) participated in semi-structured interviews introducing the 3D BSS of 4-5-year-old children. For the quantitative phase, pre- and post-interview questionnaires were administered to ascertain the acceptability of the 3D BSS. Parents rated the 3D BSS as "very" (n = 20, 52.6%) to "moderately" (n = 12, 31.6%) acceptable. Thematic analysis revealed four barriers to acceptability: i) the sensitive nature of child weight, ii) the belief that weight does not determine health, iii) the visual normalisation of overweight and iv) the need to account for individual variation in growth patterns. However, these barriers could be overcome through three facilitators: i) the provision of expert guidance ii) the value of simple tools, and iii) tailoring conversations to familial needs. Parents considered the 3D BSS an acceptable visual resource to discuss child weight during routine appointments. However, the acceptability of the tool was conditional on a sensitive, collaborative, and tailored delivery approach.

Using random regression models to estimate genetic variation in growth pattern and its association with sexual maturity of Thai native chickens

ABSTRACT 1. Genetic (co)variances and parameters between body weights (BW) across the growth trajectory were estimated using a univariate random regression (RR) animal model. The effect of growth rates (GH) on age at first egg (AFE) and egg weight at first egg (EWFE) were explored using a series of univariate and bivariate analyses. 2. Body weights were taken from Thai native chickens at hatch day to 168 days of age. The model included interactions between age with hatch nested within year and sex as fixed effects, and random effects of direct additive genetic, direct permanent environmental, maternal genetic and maternal permanent environmental effects. All random effects were fitted as regressions to animals’ age via quadratic Legendre polynomials and fitting six classes of residual variances was identified as an optimal variance structure to estimate parameters. 3. Genetic and phenotypic variances for BW increased with increasing age. Estimated heritabilities for direct additive (h2 a) and maternal genetic (h2 m) effects on BW traits ranged from 0.34 to 0.54, and 0.04 to 0.06, respectively. Estimated variance ratios for direct (c2 ape) and maternal permanent environmental (c2 mpe) effects ranged from 0.19 to 0.48 and 0.10 to 0.12, respectively. Estimated correlations between weights at different ages were high for all random effects. 4. Estimated h2 a for six GH traits ranged from 0.06 to 0.28, while for AFE and EWFE these were 0.24 and 0.16, respectively. Estimated h2 m and c2 mpe were low for GH. Estimated genetic correlations between GH and AFE ranged from −0.22 to 0.02 and, between GH and EWFE, ranged from −0.05 to 0.40. These estimates suggested that selecting high GH chickens at 28 days of age can be expected to reduce AFE and to increase EWFE.

Growth and development of North Pacific gray whales (Eschrichtius robustus).

Understanding variability in growth patterns of marine mammals provides insights into the health of individuals and status of populations. Body growth of gray whales (Eschrichtius robustus) has been described for particular life stages, but has not been quantified across all ages. We derived a comprehensive growth equation for gray whales by fitting a two-phased growth model to age-specific length data of eastern North Pacific gray whales that were captured, stranded, or harvested between 1926 and 1997. To predict mass-at-age, we used the allometric relationship between mass and length. We found that on average (± SD), calves were 4.6 ± 0.043 m and 972 ± 26 kg at birth, and reached 8.5 ± 0.095 m and 6,019 ± 196 kg by the end of their first year of life (n = 118). Thus, calves almost double (2×) in length and octuple (8×) in mass while nursing, and are effectively about two-thirds of their asymptotic adult length and one-third of their maximum mass when weaned. The large sample of aged individuals (n = 730) indicates that gray whales live up to ~48 years and have a life expectancy of < 30 years. Adult females attain a mean (± SD) asymptotic size of 13.1 ± 0.048 m and 20,758 ± 222 kg, while the smaller males average 12.6 ± 0.048 m and 19,938 ± 222 kg at ~40 years of age. Females are thereby ~4% longer and heavier than males. These age-specific estimates of body size can be used to estimate food requirements and assess nutritional status of individuals.

Clinical study of endoscopic treatment of a sellar pituitary adenomas with sellar diaphragm defect

BackgroundInvasive growth of pituitary macroadenomas to the suprasellar region occurs commonly. Pituitary adenomas show varying growth patterns when the sellar diaphragm is absent, and they are often confused with other common tumors in the sellar region. This article explores the clinical features of suprasellar pituitary adenomas with defects of the sellar diaphragm (SPADSD) and evaluates the efficacy of the endoscopic endonasal approach (EEA) for treatment of such tumors.MethodsWe performed a detailed examination of records from 19 patients collected prior to surgery. After relevant diseases were excluded, the tumor properties were evaluated according to imaging characteristics. Diagnoses were verified using EEA surgery. The concept of SPADSD was put forward. Postoperative recovery was followed to determine whether EEA is suitable for the treatment of such tumors.ResultsIn the 19 patients with SPADSD, we found that the tumors were less stressed on the pituitary, and tumors in the suprasellar region often had irregular shapes. During surgery, we took extended supra-saddle approaches and confirmed that unrestricted growth of the tumor was caused by defects in the diaphragm of the sella turcica to the suprasellar region. Recovery was good after surgery, confirming the efficacy of EEA for treatment of these tumors.ConclusionSPADSD has different clinical features from those of other pituitary tumors and requires careful screening prior to surgery. Endoscopic surgery is the preferred procedure for this type of tumor.

39. HPV-related multiphenotypic sinonasal carcinoma, an emerging entity in an unusual location: A case report

Background: Human papillomavirus (HPV)–related multiphenotypic sinonasal carcinoma (HMSC), originally known as HPV-related carcinoma with adenoid cystic carcinoma-like features, is a distinct tumour recently described in the sinonasal tract. This peculiar tumour exhibits morphologic features of a salivary gland tumour including admixed ductal and myoepithelial elements, as well as displays an unusual pattern of surface involvement with atypical squamous cells. It is associated with high-risk HPV. Most cases usually present as a large and destructive sinonasal mass with high-grade histologic features. Aim: We present a case report of HMSC arising in the floor of mouth of a 57-year-old Chinese man. Methods (clinical history): The patient was an ex-smoker who presented with a floor of mouth ulcer. The lesion was biopsy and was called a submucosal adenoid cystic carcinoma. Subsequently, the patient underwent wide resection of floor of mouth tumour, marginal mandibulectomy and neck dissection. Results (pathological findings): Macroscopic examination revealed an ulcerative tumour measuring 2.5 cm, extending to the margins. Microscopically, the tumour was composed of basaloid cells showing variable growth patterns including a cribriforming pattern that closely resembles adenoid cystic carcinoma. It was continuous with the mucosa that showed dysplastic squamous epithelium. On immunohistochemistry, the myoepithelial cells were positive for the myoepithelial markers. p16 was positive in both squamous and epithelial components. Metastatic carcinoma was present in two of the harvested lymph nodes. The patient developed pulmonary and liver metastases after two years of follow-up, which were confirmed histologically. Conclusions: This is the first case of HMSC reported in the floor of mouth, which behaves more aggressively as opposed to those arise from the sinonasal tract. It is important to recognise HMSC as they have a different clinical behaviour. The clue to the diagnosis is recognising the atypical squamous cells on the surface, corroborated by p16 positivity in tumour cells.

Ecosystem-specific growth responses to climate pattern by a temperate freshwater fish

Abstract Somatic growth patterns among animal populations are maintained through complex processes that vary among ecosystems. Changes in growth patterns may be concomitant with changes in climate; however, understanding how growth will manifest among ecosystems is limited. Information embedded within fish hard-parts (i.e., otoliths, spines, vertebrae) can account for variation in growth patterns resulting from changing climate conditions. Channel catfish Ictalurus punctatus is a freshwater fish species widely distributed across North America with limited information regarding climate influences on growth and differences in climate-growth relations among ecological systems. We assessed growth (total length) response to changing climate conditions for channel catfish among three waterbody types—pit lakes, irrigation and power-generation reservoirs, and flood-control reservoirs in Nebraska, USA. We used linear mixed-effect models and an information theoretic approach to assess the relative strengths among competing hypotheses. The most supported linear mixed-effect model of channel catfish growth was a function of fish age and an interaction between waterbody type and growing-degree-day (GDD). A positive trend existed in GDD from 1990 through 2008 whereby the predicted increase in GDD among waterbody types ranged from 182 GDD to 189 GDD. The predicted change in channel catfish growth resulting from increased GDD ranged from 1% to 39% among waterbody types. Channel catfish population rate functions, thus, may not respond similarly to climate conditions across ecosystem types. Changes in climate variables may contribute to system-specific responses in population dynamics for channel catfish as well as other similar freshwater species. The establishment of relations between climate and growth variables for a freshwater generalist with a plastic diet and broad temperature tolerance serves as an indication of the breadth of responses possible for freshwater fishes under global changes in climate conditions.

Changing with the tides: fine-scale larval fish prey availability and predation pressure near a tidally modulated river plume

Tidally controlled river plumes form distinct frontal boundaries that can alter the spatial distributions of larval fishes and their planktonic prey and predators. Variable in nature, they may expose larval fishes to different trophic environments over small spatio-temporal scales, with unknown consequences for survival and recruitment. In the northern California Current, the Columbia River Plume is strongly influenced by twice-daily freshwater injections that create a highly dynamic coastal environment. Using the In situ Ichthyoplankton Imaging System, we examined changes in the fine-scale horizontal and vertical distributions of larval fishes, their prey, and their predators over space and time (ebb/flood tide). In total, 6095 fish larvae and ~1.5 million prey/predator zooplankton were imaged and measured. Plume regions provided substantially higher concentrations of prey and enhanced spatial overlap between larval fishes and their prey relative to oceanic waters. The functionality of river plumes as a refuge from predators was less clear. Predator concentrations were also higher in plume regions, but overlap with larval fishes was taxon-specific and varied with the tide. Notably, regions of high zooplankton concentrations did not necessarily confer high spatial overlap on small scales (meters vertical, kms horizontal) relevant to trophic interactions. Surface salinity and chlorophyll a were the most important factors influencing the spatial overlap of zooplankton with larval fishes. In the vicinity of river plumes, larval fishes experience a diversity of unique prey and predator fields over short spatio-temporal scales, which likely contribute to variable growth and mortality patterns at much finer scales than previously thought.

High frequency of pathogenic ACAN variants including an intragenic deletion in selected individuals with short stature.

ContextDefining the underlying etiology of idiopathic short stature (ISS) improves the overall management of an individual.ObjectiveTo assess the frequency of pathogenic ACAN variants in selected individuals.DesignThe single-center cohort study was conducted at a tertiary university children’s hospital. From 51 unrelated patients with ISS, the 16 probands aged between 3 and 18 years (12 females) with advanced bone age and/or autosomal dominant inheritance pattern of short stature were selected for the study. Fifteen family members of ACAN-positive probands were included. Exome sequencing was performed in all probands, and additional copy number variation (CNV) detection was applied in selected probands with a distinct ACAN-associated phenotype.ResultsSystematic phenotyping of the study cohort yielded 37.5% (6/16) ACAN-positive probands, with all novel pathogenic variants, including a 6.082 kb large intragenic deletion, detected by array comparative genomic hybridization (array CGH) and exome data analysis. All variants were co-segregated with short stature phenotype, except in one family member with the intragenic deletion who had an unexpected growth pattern within the normal range (−0.5 SDS). One patient presented with otosclerosis, a sign not previously associated with aggrecanopathy.ConclusionsACAN pathogenic variants presented a common cause of familial ISS. The selection criteria used in our study were suggested for a personalized approach to genetic testing of the ACAN gene in clinical practice. Our results expanded the number of pathogenic ACAN variants, including the first intragenic deletion, and suggested CNV evaluation in patients with typical clinical features of aggrecanopathy as reasonable. Intra-familial phenotypic variability in growth patterns should be considered.

Drought Effects on Tectona grandis Water Regulation Are Mediated by Thinning, but the Effects of Thinning Are Temporary

Results from tropical planted forests have demonstrated that tree plantations can have variable growth and water use patterns in response to drought. Yet research on how specific species will perform during a drought and whether this response can be mediated through forest management is still poorly understood. We took advantage of the 2015-2016 El Nino drought in central Panama to test the effects of thinning on sap flux density, transpiration, and growth of planted Tectona grandis (teak), a non-native species introduced to Panama for timber production. Despite a reduction in growth of teak during drought for control and thinned sites, tree sap flux density of thinned sites significantly temporarily increased after the thinning. Sap flux density (Js) for teak is strongly driven by changes in vapor pressure deficit (VPD), temperature, and radiation; however, Js declines as temperature rises above 28C and VPD is above 0.5, suggesting a temperature threshold that could be problematic as droughts and temperatures increase in unison in the future. At the stand-level, all sites reduced transpiration during the drought. Although diameter growth and transpiration declined during drought, the leaf area index after the drought ended returned to pre-drought levels.