Insect Signature Indicating Corpse Movement from Urban to Rural Areas of Northeast Ohio

The distribution of insects geographically may provide evidence that indicates the movement of human remains from one location to another. The aims of this study were: (1) to observe insect succession in an urban and rural area in northeastern Ohio to document differences in the entomofaunal succession, and (2) to determine if there is an insect signature associated with a body moved from an urban to a rural area. It was hypothesized that there would be a difference in species composition between the urban and rural sites and the body moved would retain insect evidence indicating initial exposure to an urban insect community. The insect signature of a moved corpse should differ from that of the urban and rural corpses. Six 12-19 kg domestic pig carcasses were obtained and placed in the following locations: two in a rural area of Cuyahoga County, and four in an urban area on Cleveland State University campus. After 24 hours, two of the carcasses from the urban location were moved to the rural location. Each carcass was sampled by hand sorting, aerial sweep netting and pitfall traps from 16 June 2009 to 1 August 2009. Most of the specimens were collected within the first four weeks of the study and included both adult and larval samples. All three carcass types supported a similar array of blow flies (Diptera: Calliphoridae) and beetles (Coleoptera). The dominant calliphorid, Phormia regina, represented approximately 66 of all specimens collected and was similarly represented on all carcass types. Although there were a few species unique to the urban or rural treatments, statistically there was no significant difference in insect composition between the treatments. Our analysis revealed that although species dominance and presence/absence of taxa may not indicate body movement in northeast Ohio, it does provide a database of forensically important insects which may be useful in future investigation

Insect Signature Indicating Corpse Movement from Urban to Rural Areas of Northeast Ohio

The distribution of insects geographically may provide evidence that indicates the movement of human remains from one location to another. The aims of this study were: (1) to observe insect succession in an urban and rural area in northeastern Ohio to document differences in the entomofaunal succession, and (2) to determine if there is an insect signature associated with a body moved from an urban to a rural area. It was hypothesized that there would be a difference in species composition between the urban and rural sites and the body moved would retain insect evidence indicating initial exposure to an urban insect community. The insect signature of a moved corpse should differ from that of the urban and rural corpses. Six 12-19 kg domestic pig carcasses were obtained and placed in the following locations: two in a rural area of Cuyahoga County, and four in an urban area on Cleveland State University campus. After 24 hours, two of the carcasses from the urban location were moved to the rural location. Each carcass was sampled by hand sorting, aerial sweep netting and pitfall traps from 16 June 2009 to 1 August 2009. Most of the specimens were collected within the first four weeks of the study and included both adult and larval samples. All three carcass types supported a similar array of blow flies (Diptera: Calliphoridae) and beetles (Coleoptera). The dominant calliphorid, Phormia regina, represented approximately 66 of all specimens collected and was similarly represented on all carcass types. Although there were a few species unique to the urban or rural treatments, statistically there was no significant difference in insect composition between the treatments. Our analysis revealed that although species dominance and presence/absence of taxa may not indicate body movement in northeast Ohio, it does provide a database of forensically important insects which may be useful in future investigation

Regulation of MYCN expression in human neuroblastoma cells

Contains fulltext : 81722.pdf (publisher's version ) (Open Access)BACKGROUND: Amplification of the MYCN gene in neuroblastoma (NB) is associated with a poor prognosis. However, MYCN-amplification does not automatically result in higher expression of MYCN in children with NB. We hypothesized that the discrepancy between MYCN gene expression and prognosis in these children might be explained by the expression of either MYCN-opposite strand (MYCNOS) or the shortened MYCN-isoform (DeltaMYCN) that was recently identified in fetal tissues. Both MYCNOS and DeltaMYCN are potential inhibitors of MYCN either at the mRNA or at the protein level. METHODS: Expression of MYCN, MYCNOS and DeltaMYCN was measured in human NB tissues of different stages. Transcript levels were quantified using a real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction assay (QPCR). In addition, relative expression of these three transcripts was compared to the number of MYCN copies, which was determined by genomic real-time PCR (gQPCR). RESULTS: Both DeltaMYCN and MYCNOS are expressed in all NBs examined. In NBs with MYCN-amplification, these transcripts are significantly higher expressed. The ratio of MYCN:DeltaMYCN expression was identical in all tested NBs. This indicates that DeltaMYCN and MYCN are co-regulated, which suggests that DeltaMYCN is not a regulator of MYCN in NB. However, the ratio of MYCNOS:MYCN expression is directly correlated with NB disease stage (p = 0.007). In the more advanced NB stages and NBs with MYCN-amplification, relatively more MYCNOS is present as compared to MYCN. Expression of the antisense gene MYCNOS might be relevant to the progression of NB, potentially by directly inhibiting MYCN transcription by transcriptional interference at the DNA level. CONCLUSION: The MYCNOS:MYCN-ratio in NBs is significantly correlated with both MYCN-amplification and NB-stage. Our data indicate that in NB, MYCN expression levels might be influenced by MYCNOS but not by DeltaMYCN

Global maps of soil temperature

Research in global change ecology relies heavily on global climatic grids derived from estimates of air temperature in open areas at around 2 m above the ground. These climatic grids do not reflect conditions below vegetation canopies and near the ground surface, where critical ecosystem functions occur and most terrestrial species reside. Here, we provide global maps of soil temperature and bioclimatic variables at a 1-km2 resolution for 0–5 and 5–15 cm soil depth. These maps were created by calculating the difference (i.e. offset) between in situ soil temperature measurements, based on time series from over 1200 1-km2 pixels (summarized from 8519 unique temperature sensors) across all the world\u27s major terrestrial biomes, and coarse-grained air temperature estimates from ERA5-Land (an atmospheric reanalysis by the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts). We show that mean annual soil temperature differs markedly from the corresponding gridded air temperature, by up to 10°C (mean = 3.0 ± 2.1°C), with substantial variation across biomes and seasons. Over the year, soils in cold and/or dry biomes are substantially warmer (+3.6 ± 2.3°C) than gridded air temperature, whereas soils in warm and humid environments are on average slightly cooler (−0.7 ± 2.3°C). The observed substantial and biome-specific offsets emphasize that the projected impacts of climate and climate change on near-surface biodiversity and ecosystem functioning are inaccurately assessed when air rather than soil temperature is used, especially in cold environments. The global soil-related bioclimatic variables provided here are an important step forward for any application in ecology and related disciplines. Nevertheless, we highlight the need to fill remaining geographic gaps by collecting more in situ measurements of microclimate conditions to further enhance the spatiotemporal resolution of global soil temperature products for ecological applications

Global maps of soil temperature

Research in global change ecology relies heavily on global climatic grids derived from estimates of air temperature in open areas at around 2 m above the ground. These climatic grids do not reflect conditions below vegetation canopies and near the ground surface, where critical ecosystem functions occur and most terrestrial species reside. Here, we provide global maps of soil temperature and bioclimatic variables at a 1-km² resolution for 0–5 and 5–15 cm soil depth. These maps were created by calculating the difference (i.e., offset) between in-situ soil temperature measurements, based on time series from over 1200 1-km² pixels (summarized from 8500 unique temperature sensors) across all the world’s major terrestrial biomes, and coarse-grained air temperature estimates from ERA5-Land (an atmospheric reanalysis by the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts). We show that mean annual soil temperature differs markedly from the corresponding gridded air temperature, by up to 10°C (mean = 3.0 ± 2.1°C), with substantial variation across biomes and seasons. Over the year, soils in cold and/or dry biomes are substantially warmer (+3.6 ± 2.3°C) than gridded air temperature, whereas soils in warm and humid environments are on average slightly cooler (-0.7 ± 2.3°C). The observed substantial and biome-specific offsets emphasize that the projected impacts of climate and climate change on near-surface biodiversity and ecosystem functioning are inaccurately assessed when air rather than soil temperature is used, especially in cold environments. The global soil-related bioclimatic variables provided here are an important step forward for any application in ecology and related disciplines. Nevertheless, we highlight the need to fill remaining geographic gaps by collecting more in-situ measurements of microclimate conditions to further enhance the spatiotemporal resolution of global soil temperature products for ecological applications

Factors Associated with Revision Surgery after Internal Fixation of Hip Fractures

Background: Femoral neck fractures are associated with high rates of revision surgery after management with internal fixation. Using data from the Fixation using Alternative Implants for the Treatment of Hip fractures (FAITH) trial evaluating methods of internal fixation in patients with femoral neck fractures, we investigated associations between baseline and surgical factors and the need for revision surgery to promote healing, relieve pain, treat infection or improve function over 24 months postsurgery. Additionally, we investigated factors associated with (1) hardware removal and (2) implant exchange from cancellous screws (CS) or sliding hip screw (SHS) to total hip arthroplasty, hemiarthroplasty, or another internal fixation device. Methods: We identified 15 potential factors a priori that may be associated with revision surgery, 7 with hardware removal, and 14 with implant exchange. We used multivariable Cox proportional hazards analyses in our investigation. Results: Factors associated with increased risk of revision surgery included: female sex, [hazard ratio (HR) 1.79, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.25-2.50; P = 0.001], higher body mass index (fo

Global maps of soil temperature.

Research in global change ecology relies heavily on global climatic grids derived from estimates of air temperature in open areas at around 2 m above the ground. These climatic grids do not reflect conditions below vegetation canopies and near the ground surface, where critical ecosystem functions occur and most terrestrial species reside. Here, we provide global maps of soil temperature and bioclimatic variables at a 1-km2 resolution for 0-5 and 5-15 cm soil depth. These maps were created by calculating the difference (i.e. offset) between in situ soil temperature measurements, based on time series from over 1200 1-km2 pixels (summarized from 8519 unique temperature sensors) across all the world's major terrestrial biomes, and coarse-grained air temperature estimates from ERA5-Land (an atmospheric reanalysis by the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts). We show that mean annual soil temperature differs markedly from the corresponding gridded air temperature, by up to 10°C (mean = 3.0 ± 2.1°C), with substantial variation across biomes and seasons. Over the year, soils in cold and/or dry biomes are substantially warmer (+3.6 ± 2.3°C) than gridded air temperature, whereas soils in warm and humid environments are on average slightly cooler (-0.7 ± 2.3°C). The observed substantial and biome-specific offsets emphasize that the projected impacts of climate and climate change on near-surface biodiversity and ecosystem functioning are inaccurately assessed when air rather than soil temperature is used, especially in cold environments. The global soil-related bioclimatic variables provided here are an important step forward for any application in ecology and related disciplines. Nevertheless, we highlight the need to fill remaining geographic gaps by collecting more in situ measurements of microclimate conditions to further enhance the spatiotemporal resolution of global soil temperature products for ecological applications

Insect Signature Indicating Corpse Movement from Urban to Rural Areas of Northeast Ohio

The distribution of insects geographically may provide evidence that indicates the movement of human remains from one location to another. The aims of this study were: (1) to observe insect succession in an urban and rural area in northeastern Ohio to document differences in the entomofaunal succession, and (2) to determine if there is an insect signature associated with a body moved from an urban to a rural area. It was hypothesized that there would be a difference in species composition between the urban and rural sites and the body moved would retain insect evidence indicating initial exposure to an urban insect community. The insect signature of a moved corpse should differ from that of the urban and rural corpses. Six 12-19 kg domestic pig carcasses were obtained and placed in the following locations: two in a rural area of Cuyahoga County, and four in an urban area on Cleveland State University campus. After 24 hours, two of the carcasses from the urban location were moved to the rural location. Each carcass was sampled by hand sorting, aerial sweep netting and pitfall traps from 16 June 2009 to 1 August 2009. Most of the specimens were collected within the first four weeks of the study and included both adult and larval samples. All three carcass types supported a similar array of blow flies (Diptera: Calliphoridae) and beetles (Coleoptera). The dominant calliphorid, Phormia regina, represented approximately 66 of all specimens collected and was similarly represented on all carcass types. Although there were a few species unique to the urban or rural treatments, statistically there was no significant difference in insect composition between the treatments. Our analysis revealed that although species dominance and presence/absence of taxa may not indicate body movement in northeast Ohio, it does provide a database of forensically important insects which may be useful in future investigation

Feline Forensics: Revealing the Unique Decomposition of Cats

Limited data about the differences between the decomposition of animals with fur exist within the forensic veterinary medicine discipline. Due to the sheer number of animals used as animal models and the number of animals that exist, determining stages of decomposition that are applicable for all species is difficult. Typically, assessing what stage of decomposition a decedent is in is subjective due to the visual assessment of decomposition changes. A method developed to rectify this issue was the total body score (TBS) method, which assigns a numerical value based on the degree of decomposition to the head, torso, and limbs. The purpose of this study was to examine the decomposition of cats, identify any unique decomposition characteristics, and determine the rate of decomposition using total body score and accumulated degree days (ADDs). Twelve domestic short-haired cats were placed in a grassy field in West Lafayette, IN. An assessment of TBS was documented for each cat and each experimental group. An exponential relationship between TBS and ADD was documented. Overall, there was not a significant difference in the rate of decomposition or total body scores between the groups (Z = −91.00, p = 0.0672)

Data from: Effect of temperature on oviposition behavior and egg load of blow flies (Diptera: Calliphoridae)

Making optimal oviposition decisions is especially important for female carrion colonizing insects whose larvae often depend on ephemeral resources. Oviposition can be influenced by a variety of factors, including temperature. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of temperature on the oviposition behavior and egg load of two blow fly species native to southern Ontario: Phormia regina Meigen and Lucilia sericata Meigen (Diptera: Calliphoridae). Using fetal pig carcasses as an oviposition substrate, we assessed the length of time until the first oviposition event, preferred oviposition sites, and the total number of eggs oviposited. For each of the two species, five different temperature treatments ranging from 15° to 35°C were used. Temperature influenced time to the first oviposition event, as well as the number of eggs deposited by L. sericata and P. regina. As temperature increased, oviposition occurred faster with more eggs deposited for these two species. Female P. regina, in particular, demonstrated a higher egg load with increasing temperature. Differences in optimal temperatures for reproduction, including egg load and oviposition, may be a mechanism driving seasonal temporal resource partitioning leading to species co-existence utilizing ephemeral resources