Identification and characterization of the egg-laying hormone from the neurosecretary bag cells of Aplysia

This investigation has resulted in the chemical identification and isolation of the egg-laying hormone from Aplysia californica, Aplysia vaccaria, and Aplysia dactylomela. The hormone, which was originally identified as the Bag Cell-Specific protein (BCS protein) on polyacrylamide gels, is a polypeptide of molecular weight ≈ 6000, which is localized in the neurosecretory bag cells of the parietovisceral ganglion and the surrounding connective tissue sheath which contains the bag cell axons. All three species produce a hormone of similar molecular weight, but varying electrophoretic mobility as determined on polyacrylamide gels. As tested, the hormone is completely cross-reactive among the three species.

Although the bag cells of sexually immature animals contain the active hormone, sexual maturation of the animal results in a 10-fold increase in the BCS protein content of these neurons.

A seasonal variation in the BCS protein content was also observed, with 150 times more hormone contained in the bag cells of Aplysia californica in August than in January. This correlates well with the variation in the animals' ability to lay eggs throughout the year (Strumwasser et al., 1969). There are some indications that the receptivity of the animal to the available hormone also fluctuates during the year, being lower in winter than in swmner. The seasonal rhythm of the other species, Aplysia vaccaria and Aplysia dactylomela, has not been investigated.

A polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis analysis of water-soluble proteins in Aplysia californica revealed several other nerve-specific proteins. One of these is also located in the bag cell somas and stains turquoise with Amido Schwarz. The function of this protein has not been investigated.

Preservation of fish by freezing and glazing. Pt. 1. Bacteriology of fresh, frozen and glazed fish

Microbiological investigation of fresh and frozen fishes such as pomfret, surmai and mackerel was carried out under various conditions of preservation. Glazing, block-freezing and preservation in gunny bag were affected. Determination of bacterial load and isolation, identification and classification of the resistant bacteria were made. Spore-formers of Subtilis mesentericus group were found to be resistant to freezing as well as glazing by ascorbic acid, citric acid and sodium nitrite except a mixture of sodium chloride and glucose. Bacterial load was reduced to a good extent and maintained low till the end of frozen storage period.

PLS modelling and fault detection on the Tennessee Eastman benchmark

This paper describes the application of multivariate regression techniques to the Tennessee Eastman benchmark process for modelling and fault detection. Two methods are applied : linear partial least squares, and a nonlinear variant of this procedure using a radial basis function inner relation. The performance of the RBF networks is enhanced through the use of a recently developed training algorithm which uses quasi-Newton optimization to ensure an efficient and parsimonious network; details of this algorithm can be found in this paper. The PLS and PLS/RBF methods are then used to create on-line inferential models of delayed process measurements. As these measurements relate to the final product composition, these models suggest that on-line statistical quality control analysis should be possible for this plant. The generation of `soft sensors' for these measurements has the further effect of introducing a redundant element into the system, redundancy which can then be used to generate a fault detection and isolation scheme for these sensors. This is achieved by arranging the sensors and models in a manner comparable to the dedicated estimator scheme of Clarke et al. 1975, IEEE Trans. Pero. Elect. Sys., AES-14R, 465-473. The effectiveness of this scheme is demonstrated on a series of simulated sensor and process faults, with full detection and isolation shown to be possible for sensor malfunctions, and detection feasible in the case of process faults. Suggestions for enhancing the diagnostic capacity in the latter case are covered towards the end of the paper.

Journeys into the unknown: shared schooling and social change in Quebec and Northern Ireland

This article compares experiences of shared schooling in societies with 2 distinctive traits: first, a history of intercommunity conflict and isolation; and second, a segregated school system. Drawing on Parekh’s (2006) reconceptualisation of multiculturalism, this article analyses issues arising from experiences of intercommunity contact in shared schools in Quebec and Northern Ireland—in one case, bringing Anglophones and Francophones together and, in the other, Protestants and Catholics. Research data from both contexts is drawn upon to reflect on how this experience is lived. The metaphor of a journey is used to capture what it represents for those involved. A need to clarify, recognize, and exploit the potential of shared schooling for the transformation of divided societies is identified.

Isolation basin records of late Quaternary sea-level change, central mainland British Columbia, Canada.

Isolation basin records from the Seymour-Belize Inlet Complex, a remote area of central mainland British Columbia, Canada are used to constrain post-glacial sea-level changes and provide a preliminary basis for testing geophysical model predictions of relative sea-level (RSL) change. Sedimentological and diatom data from three low-lying (<4 m elevation) basins record falling RSLs in late-glacial times and isolation from the sea by ~11,800–11,200 14C BP. A subsequent RSL rise during the early Holocene (~8000 14C BP) breached the 2.13 m sill of the lowest basin (Woods Lake), but the two more elevated basins (sill elevations of ~3.6 m) remained isolated. At ~2400 14C BP, RSL stood at 1.49 ± 0.34 m above present MTL. Falling RSLs in the late Holocene led to the final emergence of the Woods Lake basin by 1604 ± 36 14C BP. Model predictions generated using the ICE-5G model partnered with a small number of different Earth viscosity models generally show poor agreement with the observational data, indicating that the ice model and/or Earth models considered can be improved upon. The best data-model fits were achieved with relatively low values of upper mantle viscosity (5 × 1019 Pa s), which is consistent with previous modelling results from the region. The RSL data align more closely with observational records from the southeast of the region (eastern Vancouver Island, central Strait of Georgia), than the immediate north (Bella Bella–Bella Coola and Prince Rupert-Kitimat) and areas to the north-west (Queen Charlotte Sound, Hecate Strait), underlining the complexity of the regional response to glacio-isostatic recovery.

40-70 GHz 13 Gbps 1-dB loss SPST and SPDT differential switches in 0.35 μm SiGe technology

This paper presents the design and characterization of ultrafast wideband low-loss single-pole single-throw (SPST) and single-pole double-throw (SPDT) differential switches. The SPDT switch exhibits insertion loss of lower than 1.25 dB from 42 to 70 GHz and isolation of better than 20 dB from 40 to 65 GHz. Similar low-loss and broadband characteristics are also observed from the measured SPST switch. The proposed switch topologies adopting current-steering technique and implemented in 0.35 µm SiGe bipolar technology result in a switching time of only 75 ps. This suggests a maximum switching speed of 13 Gbps, the fastest ever reported at V-band.

The application of metabolomic biomarker screening tools for improved Bovine Respiratory Disease diagnosis and management

Bovine Respiratory Disease (BRD) is considered to be one of the most significant causes of economic loss in cattle worldwide. The disease has multifactorial aetiology, where viral induced respiratory damage can predispose animals to developing secondary bacterial infections. Accurate identification of viral infected animals prior to the onset of bacterial infection is necessary to reduce the overuse of antimicrobial treatments and minimize further economic losses from reduced production capacity and death. This research focuses on Bovine Parainfluenza Virus Type 3 (BPIV-3), one of the viruses involved in generating BRD. Vaccination measures for BPIV-3 can induce a level of immunity preventing disease progression, however, not all animals respond equally and immunization can complicate disease diagnosis. Alternative diagnostic approaches are required to identify animals which fail to respond to vaccination during infection outbreaks and are therefore likely to be more susceptible to secondary bacterial infections. Mass spectrometry based metabolomics was employed to identify plasma markers capable of differentiating between vaccinated and non-vaccinated calves after challenge with BPIV-3. Differentiation of vaccinated and non-vaccinated study groups (n=6) was possible as early as day 2 post-BPIV-3 challenge up until day 20 using a panel of potential metabolite markers. This study illustrates the potential for metabolomics to provide more detailed information on animal vaccination status that could be used to develop tools for improved herd health management, reduce economic loss through rapid identification and isolation of animals without immune protection (improving herd level immunity) and help reduce the usage of antimicrobial therapeutic treatments in animals.

Bearing Witness to the 'Pain of Others': Researching Power, Violence and Resistance in a Women's Prison

Addressing the dynamics of interpersonal violence, institutionalised abuses and prisoner isolation, this article consolidates critical analyses as challenges to the essentially liberal constructions and interpretations of prisoner agency and penal reformism. Grounded in long-term research with women in prison in the North of Ireland, it connects embedded, punitive responses that undermine women prisoners’ self-esteem and mental health to the brutalising manifestations of formal and informal punishments, including lockdowns and isolation. It argues that critical social research into penal policy and prison regimes has a moral duty, an ethical obligation and a political responsibility to investigate abuses of power, seek out the ‘view from below’. Challenging the revisionism implicit within the ‘healthy prison’ discourse, it argues for alternatives to prison as the foundation of decarceration and abolition.

Speaking Out Online:The Benefits and Risks of Speaking About Sexual Violence for Young People

Speaking out about sexual violence has been a fundamental part of feminist politics since the 1970s. The practice of narrating experiences of violence, either publicly or to friends and family aims to combat the culture of silence and stigmatisation that surrounds sexual violence while also helping individuals to gain a sense of empowerment and connect with other survivors. However, speaking out also contains inherent risks, especially for young people. Survivors may meet with stigmatising or disbelieving responses, and they may lose control over who knows their story and the way in which it is told and retold.
These risks and benefits are altered, and potentially exacerbated, in an online environment. While social media may increase survivors’ ability to contact and connect with others with similar experiences it also makes it harder to control when and how their story is shared. The disjuncture between online and offline environments may also increase feelings of stigmatisation and isolation.
There is a need to explore the specific risks and benefits of speaking out online given both young people’s extensive use of social media for social interactions and the increasing tendency for support and educational services targeted at young people to make use of social media and online environments. This paper draws on literature and some preliminary research to consider both risks and benefits of speaking out online and to open a conversation about the creation of supportive spaces and mechanisms for young people to speak about sexual violence in online environments.

Tecnologias de informação e comunicação e o cidadão sénior : estudo sobre o impacto em variáveis psicossociais e a conceptualização de serviços com e para o cidadão sénior

Perante uma sociedade em célere envelhecimento demográfico e permanente avanço tecnológico, justifica-se a aposta em estudos que potenciem a ação comunicativa e a diminuição do isolamento social decorrente das perdas biopsicossociais associadas à idade sénior. Esta tese possui quatro objetivos de estudo: i) pretende-se investigar qual é o impacto da utilização das Tecnologias de Informação e Comunicação (TIC) no autoconceito (AC), no ânimo e na qualidade de vida (QV) de um grupo de seniores; ii) perceber se existe e qual a relação entre as variáveis independentes sexo, idade, estado civil, escolaridade, profissão, IPSS, regime de frequência, tempo na IPSS, orientação para frequentar a IPSS, visita de familiares e visita de amigos e as variáveis dependentes AC, ânimo, QV e respetivos fatores e domínios, nos momentos de pré e pós-teste; iii) perceber se a sua participação no processo de conceptualização de um serviço de comunicação assíncrona, email, influencia a sua usabilidade ao nível das componentes eficácia, eficiência e satisfação; iv) e sugerir a componente política da comunidade online sénior em desenvolvimento no âmbito do Projeto SEDUCE. Para o desenvolvimento do estudo estabeleceram-se parcerias com quatro Instituições Particulares de Segurança Social do concelho de Aveiro, integradas no âmbito do projeto SEDUCE. Os instrumentos utilizados para a avaliação do autoconceito, do ânimo e da qualidade de vida foram o Inventário Clínico de Auto-Conceito, a Escala de Ânimo do Centro Geriátrico de Philadelphia e a Escala de Qualidade de Vida da Organização Mundial de Saúde WHOQOL-Bref, respetivamente. No processo de conceptualização do serviço de email e da componente política da comunidade online utilizou-se a observação participativa e o contextual design. O estudo envolveu a participação de 42 seniores distribuídos por duas condições experimentais: 22 seniores do grupo experimental utilizaram as TIC duas vezes por semana (em sessões de 90 minutos cada, num total de 80 sessões) e 19 seniores do grupo de controlo passivo não experimentaram qualquer intervenção. Para a avaliação das variáveis psicossociais realizaram-se dois momentos de avaliação, antes e depois de 11 meses de intervenção, de Agosto de 2011 a Julho de 2012. Ao longo das sessões de envolvimento com as TIC observou-se que os seniores apresentam, continuamente, dificuldades em: manipular o rato e percecionar a sua ação no monitor; fazer a distinção entre teclas (enter, spacebar, delete, caps lock entre outras); em utilizar duplas teclas para colocar pontuação e acentuação; iniciar atividades no Microsoft Office Word; selecionar a informação disponibilizada em motores de pesquisa; perceber quais as zonas clicáveis; falta de confiança em efetivar ações; receio em iniciar nova atividades, pela falta de conhecimento e pelo medo de errar; memorizar endereços de email e passwords; e dar continuidade às tarefas. Na utilização do serviço de email consideram importante receber resposta quando enviam uma mensagem, assim como responder sempre aos remetentes; raramente colocam assunto nas mensagens; e expressam grande satisfação ao receber mensagens de familiares e/ou amigos. O processo de desenvolvimento de serviços com a participação ativa dos seniores revela-se exequível mas é necessário adaptar as práticas: os processos devem ser iterativos; evitar linguagem formal; clarificar o objetivo; deixar os seniores pensar em voz alta; dar-lhes tempo; mantê-los focados e não conduzi-los nas tarefas. Os resultados sugerem que houve aumento significativo do domínio físico da qualidade de vida do grupo experimental. Os participantes que exprimiram maiores níveis de satisfação ao utilizar as TIC apresentam uma perspetiva mais positiva sobre a maturidade psicológica e menos solidão e insatisfação. No grupo experimental e no grupo de controlo passivo verificam-se relações entre as variáveis independentes e as variáveis dependentes, quer no momento de pré-teste como de pós-teste. Conclui-se que a participação dos seniores no processo de conceptualização do serviço de email permitiu fomentar a componente eficácia da usabilidade mas não a satisfação ao utilizar o mesmo. Os resultados sobre a eficiência são inconclusivos. Sobre a componente política os seniores validam a existência de termos de utilização que orientem o comportamento de todos os utilizadores, assim como de uma política de privacidade. A área de registo proposta é adequada ao utilizador sénior.

Improving health and wellbeing independently of GDP: dividends of greener and prosoical economies

Increases in gross domestic product (GDP) beyond a threshold of basic needs do not lead to further increases in well-being. An explanation is that material consumption (MC) also results in negative health externalities. We assess how these externalities influence six factors critical for well-being: (i) healthy food; (ii) active body; (iii) healthy mind; (iv) community links; (v) contact with nature; and (vi) attachment to possessions. If environmentally sustainable consumption (ESC) were increasingly substituted for MC, thus improving well-being and stocks of natural and social capital, and sustainable behaviours involving non-material consumption (SBs-NMC) became more prevalent, then well-being would increase regardless of levels of GDP. In the UK, the individualised annual health costs of negative consumption externalities (NCEs) currently amount to £62 billion for the National Health Service, and £184 billion for the economy (for mental ill-health, dementia, obesity, physical inactivity, diabetes, loneliness and cardiovascular disease). A dividend is available if substitution by ESC and SBs-NMC could limit the prevalence of these conditions.

METHOXYPYRAZINES AND LADYBUG TAINT IN WINES

Methoxypyrazines are aroma active compounds found in many wine varietals. These compounds can be of either grape-derived nature or can be introduced into wines via Coccinellidae beetles. Regardless of their origin, methoxypyrazines can have either a beneficial role for wine quality, contributing to the specificity of certain wine varietals (Cabernet sauvignon, Cabernet franc, Sauvignon blanc) or a detrimental role, particularly at higher concentrations, resulting in overpowering green, unripe and herbaceous notes. When methoxypyrazines of exogenous nature are responsible for these unpleasant characteristics, wines are considered to be affected by what is generally known as Ladybug taint (LBT). This is work is a collection of studies seeking to create a sensitive analytical method for the detection and quantification of methoxypyrazines in wines; to investigate the role of different Coccinellidae species in the tainting of wines with LBT and identify the main compounds in ladybug tainted wines responsible for the typical green herbaceous characteristics; to determine the human detection threshold of 2,5-dimethyl-3-methoxypyrazine in wines as well as investigate its contribution to the aroma of wines; and finally to survey methoxypyrazine concentrations in a large set of wines from around the world. In the first study, an analytical method for the detection and quantitation of methoxypyrazines in wines was created and validated. The method employs multidimensional Gas Chromatography coupled with Mass Spectrometry to detect four different methoxypyrazines (2,5-dimethyl-3-methoxypyrazine, isobutyl methoxypyrazine, secbutyl methoxypyrazine and isopropyl methoxypyrazines) in wine. The low limits of detection for the compounds of interest, improved separation and isolation capabilities, good validation data, as well as the ease of use recommend this method as a good alternative to the existing analytical methods for methoxypyrazine detection in wine. In the second study the capacity of two Coccinellidae species, found in many wine regions – Harmonia axyridis and Coccinella septempunctata - to taint wines is evaluated. Coccinella septempunctata is shown to be as capable as causing LBT in wines as Harmonia axyridis. Dimethyl methoxypyrazine, previously thought to be of exogenous nature only (from Coccinellidae haemolymph), is also detected in control (untainted) wines. The main odor active compounds in LBT wines are investigated through Aroma Extract Dilution Assay. These compounds are identified as isopropyl methoxypyrazine, sec- and iso- butyl methoxypyrazine. In the third study, the human detection threshold for dimethyl methoxypyrazine in wine is established to be 31 ng/L in the orthonasal modality and 70 ng/L retronasally. After wines spiked with various amounts of dimethyl methoxypyrazine are evaluated sensorally, dimethyl methoxypyrazine causes significant detrimental effects to wine aroma at a concentration of 120 ng/L. The final study examines methoxypyrazine (dimethyl methoxypyrazine, isopropyl methoxypyrazine, secbutyl methoxypyrazine and isobutyl methoxypyrazine) concentrations in 187 wines from around the world. Dimethyl methoxypyrazine is detected in the majority of the red wines tested. Data are interpreted through statistical analyses. A new measure for predicting greenness/herbaceousness in wines - methoxypyrazine “total impact factor” is proposed.

Cooled infrared filters and dichroics for the James Webb Space Telescope Mid-Infrared Instrument

The cooled infrared filters and dichroic beam splitters manufactured for the Mid-Infrared Instrument are key optical components for the selection and isolation of wavelengths in the study of astrophysical properties of stars, galaxies, and other planetary objects. We describe the spectral design and manufacture of the precision cooled filter coatings for the spectrometer (7 K) and imager (9 K). Details of the design methods used to achieve the spectral requirements, selection of thin film materials, deposition technique, and testing are presented together with the optical layout of the instrument. (C) 2008 Optical Society of America.

Assessing continental-scale risks for generalist and specialist pollinating bee species under climate change

Increased risks of extinction to populations of animals and plants under changing climate have now been demonstrated for many taxa. This study assesses the extinction risks to species within an important genus of pollinating bees (Colletes: Apidae) by estimating the expected changes in the area and isolation of suitable habitat under predicted climatic condition for 2050. Suitable habitat was defined on the basis of the presence of known forage plants as well as climatic suitability. To investigate whether ecological specialisation was linked to extinction risk we compared three species which were generalist pollen foragers on several plant families with three species which specialised on pollen from a single plant species. Both specialist and generalist species showed an increased risk of extinction with shifting climate, and this was particularly high for the most specialised species (Colletes anchusae and C. wolfi). The forage generalist C. impunctatus, which is associated with Boreo-Alpine environments, is potentially threatened through significant reduction in available climatic niche space. Including the distribution of the principal or sole pollen forage plant, when modelling the distribution of monolectic or narrowly oligolectic species, did not improve the predictive accuracy of our models as the plant species were considerably more widespread than the specialised bees associated with them.

Ensamhet - gemenskap : Ett spänningsfält i Vilhelm Ekelunds författarskap

For the Swedish poet, essayist and aphorist Vilhelm Ekelund, ensamhet (solitude) and gemenskap (intellectual and spiritual community) were highly complex notions, with various and often contradictory meanings. In this article, I argue that both concepts have positive as well as negative connotations in Ekelund’s texts. Solitude can be sweet and delightful and the poet/writer may long for it, but it can also appear to him as a sordid and painful state. In the same way, life with other people may be just as difficult and complicated. I show that Ekelund as a young poet both embraced solitude as a positive notion and suffered from depressing isolation. The theme of solitude also appeared in his early prose as a heroic stance fitting for an extraordinary person. According to Ekelund, the fate of the truly gifted artist is loneliness, and he will find great difficulties connecting with people around him. In fact, he will find intellectual and spiritual community only when communicating with the great precursors – in Ekelund’s case that meant the prominent figures of Greek and Roman cultural heritage. “Modern” artists interested him only in so much as they openly venerated this classicist tradition. Ekelund may have despaired at the idea of an intellectual or spiritual community with his contemporaries; he was, nevertheless, optimistic regarding the ability of later generations to understand him. He was convinced that he did not write for people in his own time but, indeed, for posterity.