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An expert system for optimizing computer aided design of post frame buildings
Get PDFA procedure has been developed to optimize designs of metal-clad post-frame buildings using an expert system. The novel part of the study is the development of a procedure that extends the solution of an engineering problem from a conventional algorithmic Computer Aided Design (CAD) program to be used by the knowledge base of an expert system. The expert system then uses this information to optimize the design based on specified rules. The system shows a procedure for linking and sharing information between CAD and expert system programs.This is the publisher’s final pdf. The published article is copyrighted by the American Society of Agricultural Engineers and can be found at: http://elibrary.asabe.org/toc_landing.asp?conf=aeaj.Keywords: Knowledge base, Decision making, CAD, Frame analysisKeywords: Knowledge base, Decision making, CAD, Frame analysi
Data mining multiple stakeholders’ responses to declining schizothorax fishery in the lakes of Kashmir, India
Get PDFThis study documented the historical perspective of lake fisheries in Kashmir, India, estimated the trends in fish production using the Kane’s cross impact analysis and the stakeholders’ willingness to pay (WTP) for the restoration of Schizothorax fishery in the lakes of Kashmir. The cross impacts of introduction of carps in the lakes of Kashmir on Schizothorax fishery and total fish production are evaluated by Kane’s cross impact analysis. Considering the obvious shortcomings of logistic regression, Classification and Regression Trees (CART) has been used for data mining multiple stakeholders’ responses to make a case for sustainable development of the Schizothorax fishery in the lakes of Kashmir. On the whole, time spent on the lakes to earn their livelihoods emerged as the root node, as the single most important variable that determined WTP of stakeholders followed by income, type of stakeholder and age in the tree model. The CART analysis not only yielded the variables that determined the WTP but the pruned tree gave the hierarchy of the variables that determined WTP. The results of the study strongly made a case for a concerted multi-institutional action plan for the restoration of Schizothorax fishery in the lakes of Kashmir.Keywords: Modeling and Economic Theory, Environment: Valuation, Fisheries Economic
Diet variability of forage fishes in the Northern California Current System
Get PDFAs fisheries management shifts to an ecosystem-based approach, understanding energy pathways and trophic relationships in the Northern California Current (NCC) will become increasingly important for predictive modeling and understanding ecosystem response to changing ocean conditions. In the NCC, pelagic forage fishes are a critical link between seasonal and interannual variation in primary production and upper trophic groups. We compared diets among dominant forage fish (sardines, anchovies, herring, and smelts) in the NCC collected in May and June of 2011 and June 2012, and found high diet variability between and within species on seasonal and annual time scales, and also on decadal scales when compared to results of past studies conducted in the early 2000s. Copepoda were a large proportion by weight of several forage fish diets in 2011 and 2012, which differed from a preponderance of Euphausiidae found in previous studies, even though all years exhibited cool ocean conditions. We also examined diet overlap among these species and with co-occurring subyearling Chinook salmon and found that surf smelt diets overlapped more with subyearling Chinook diets than any other forage fish. Herring and sardine diets overlapped the most with each other in our interdecadal comparisons and some prey items were common to all forage fish diets. Forage fish that show plasticity in diet may be more adapted to ocean conditions of low productivity or anomalous prey fields. These findings highlight the variable and not well-understood connections between ocean conditions and energy pathways within the NCC.Keywords: Pelagic nekton, Forage fish diet composition, Juvenile salmon diets, Seasonal variability, Diet overlap, Interannual variabilit
MEF-Aging Poster.pdf
No full textPrevious studies have suggested that negatively valenced faces (e.g., angry faces) automatically capture attention away from faces with other emotional valences (e.g., happy faces and neutral faces). The present study evaluated two experiments with age-related differences: the first assessed recognition memory for pictures of faces and how it is modulated by emotional expression. The significance of the second study was to find whether memory facilitation by negative emotions improved general memory of a person’s identity, or only memory for the specific features of that specific image. In the first experiment, participants first performed a gender discrimination task on a face expressing either an angry emotion or a happy emotion (study phase), unaware that they would later be tested on their recognition of those faces. They were then given a 20-minute distraction task, in which they played object-matching games. Finally, they were given the recognition task, judging whether the faces shown were previously shown in the gender identification task (old identity vs. new identity). In support of results from previous studies, we found that face recognition was higher overall, and was significantly higher in young adults. In the second experiment, participants performed the same procedures as in the first experiment, except for in the recognition phase they were shown neutral faces of new and old faces instead of the emotionally valenced faces from the study phase. The findings suggested that negative emotional expressions improve memory for the specific features of those specific images, without improving general memory of the person’s identity. For older adults, however, no memory facilitation was found by angry faces in either experiment. Implications for false memory and eyewitness testimony will be discussed
Exploring the Possible Role of Small-Scale Terrain Drag on Stable Boundary Layers over Land
Get PDFThis paper addresses the possible role of unresolved terrain drag, relative to the turbulent drag on the development of the stable atmospheric boundary layer over land. Adding a first-order estimate for terrain drag to the turbulent drag appears to provide drag that is similar to the enhanced turbulent drag obtained with the so-called long-tail mixing functions. These functions are currently used in many operational models for weather and climate, although they lack a clear physical basis. Consequently, a simple and practical quasi-empirical parameterization of terrain drag divergence for use in large-scale models is proposed and is tested in a column mode. As an outcome, the cross-isobaric mass flow (a measure for cyclone filling) with the new scheme, using realistic turbulent drag, appears to be equal to what is found with the unphysical long-tail scheme. At the same time, the new scheme produces a much more realistic less-deep boundary layer than is obtained by using the long-tail mixing function.Keywords: Land surface, Small scale processes, Boundary layerKeywords: Land surface, Small scale processes, Boundary laye
Non-wadeable river bioassessment: spatial variation of benthic diatom assemblages in Pacific Northwest rivers, USA
Get PDFCurrent bioassessment efforts are focused on small wadeable streams, at least partly because assessing ecological conditions in non-wadeable large rivers poses many additional challenges. In this study, we sampled 20 sites in each of seven large rivers in the Pacific Northwest, USA, to characterize variation of benthic diatom assemblages among and within rivers relative to environmental conditions. Analysis of similarity (ANOSIM) indicated that diatom assemblages were significantly different among all the seven rivers draining different ecoregions. Longitudinal patterns in diatom assemblages showed river-specific features. Bray–Curtis dissimilarity index values did not increase as a function of spatial distance among the sampled reaches within any river but the Malheur. Standardized Mantel r of association between assemblage similarity and spatial distance among sites ranged from a high of 0.69 (Malheur) to a low of 0.18 (Chehalis). In the Malheur River, % monoraphids, nitrogen-tolerant taxa, and beta-mesosaprobous taxa all decreased longitudinally while % motile taxa, especially Nitzschia, showed an opposite trend, reflecting a strong in-stream water quality gradient. Similar longitudinal trends in water quality were observed in other rivers but benthic diatom assemblages showed either weak response patterns or no patterns. Our study indicated that benthic diatom assemblages can clearly reflect among-river factors. The relationships between benthic diatom assemblages and water quality within each river may depend on the strength of the water quality gradients, interactive effects of water quality and habitat conditions, and diatom sampling design.Keywords: River littoral zones, Pacific Northwest, Non-wadeable rivers, Benthic diatomsKeywords: River littoral zones, Pacific Northwest, Non-wadeable rivers, Benthic diatom
SpitsbergenJanMicrobiologyOncogenicKRASPromotes.pdf
No full textBACKGROUND: Zebrafish have been used as a vertebrate model to study human cancers such as melanoma,
rhabdomyosarcoma, liver cancer, and leukemia as well as for high-throughput screening of small molecules of
therapeutic value. However, they are just emerging as a model for human brain tumors, which are among the most
devastating and difficult to treat. In this study, we evaluated zebrafish as a brain tumor model by overexpressing a
human version of oncogenic KRAS (KRAS[superscript G12V]).
METHODS: Using zebrafish cytokeratin 5 (krt5) and glial fibrillary acidic protein (gfap) gene promoters, we activated
Ras signaling in the zebrafish central nervous system (CNS) through transient and stable transgenic overexpression.
Immunohistochemical analyses were performed to identify activated pathways in the resulting brain tumors. The
effects of the MEK inhibitor U0126 on oncogenic KRAS were evaluated.
RESULTS: We demonstrated that transient transgenic expression of KRAS[superscript G12V] in putative neural stem and/or progenitor cells induced brain tumorigenesis. When expressed under the control of the krt5 gene promoter, KRAS[superscript G12V] induced brain tumors in ventricular zones (VZ) at low frequency. The majority of other tumors were composed mostly of spindle and epithelioid cells, reminiscent of malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNSTs). In contrast, when expressed under the control of the gfap gene promoter, KRAS[superscript G12V] induced brain tumors in both VZs and brain parenchyma at higher frequency. Immunohistochemical analyses indicated prominent activation of the canonical RAS-RAF-ERK pathway, variable activation of the mTOR pathway, but no activation of the PI3K-AKT pathway. In a krt5-derived stable and inducible transgenic line, expression of oncogenic KRAS resulted in skin hyperplasia, and the MEK inhibitor U0126 effectively suppressed this pro-proliferative effects. In a gfap-derived stable and inducible line, expression of oncogenic KRAS led to significantly increased mitotic index in the spinal cord.
CONCLUSIONS: Our studies demonstrate that zebrafish could be explored to study cellular origins and molecular
mechanisms of brain tumorigenesis and could also be used as a platform for studying human oncogene function and
for discovering oncogenic RAS inhibitors.Keywords: gfap, Drug screening, Zebrafish, krt5, Brain tumors, Oncogenic KRAS (KRAS[superscript G12V]
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No full textUpper Cambrian through Middle Devonian carbonate andclastic sequences of the northern part of the Fish Creek Rangerepresent shallow-shelf sedimentation in the Cordilleranmiogeosyncline. The lower and middle Paleozoic section exposedin the northern Fish Creek Range fits well within regional facies patterns and paleogeographic reconstructions.The Upper Cambrian Dunderberg Shale was deposited in amuddy outer shelf embayment which extended eastward into theEureka area. The embayment was eliminated as seas regressed inlate Dresbachian time and marine carbonate sedimentation (represented by the Catlin Member o-f the Wind-fall Formation) wasestablished. The argillaceous Bullwhacker Member of theWindfall was deposited in deeper shelf waters as the seatransgressed briefly during Trempeleauian time.Shallow-shelf carbonates of the Lower Ordovician GoodwinLimestone are succeeded by Ninemile Formation strata representing deposition in a muddy embaymentUpper Cambrian through Middle Devonian carbonate andclastic sequences of the northern part of the Fish Creek Rangerepresent shallow-shelf sedimentation in the Cordilleranmiogeosyncline. The lower and middle Paleozoic section exposedin the northern Fish Creek Range fits well within regional facies patterns and paleogeographic reconstructions.The Upper Cambrian Dunderberg Shale was deposited in amuddy outer shelf embayment which extended eastward into theEureka area. The embayment was eliminated as seas regressed inlate Dresbachian time and marine carbonate sedimentation (represented by the Catlin Member o-f the Wind-fall Formation) wasestablished. The argillaceous Bullwhacker Member of theWindfall was deposited in deeper shelf waters as the seatransgressed briefly during Trempeleauian time.Shallow-shelf carbonates of the Lower Ordovician GoodwinLimestone are succeeded by Ninemile Formation strata representing deposition in a muddy embayment, similar to the LateCambrian embayment in the Eureka area. Regression followed, anda shallow-water Girvanella-rich carbonate bank prograded westward during Whiterockian (early Middle Ordovician) time,represented by the lower part of the Antelope Valley Limestone.Mudstone and wackestone of the upper part of the Antelope ValleyLimestone was deposited in quieter, deeper, or more protectedenvironments shoreward of the bank margin.Basal sands of the Eureka Quartzite prograded westwardacross the carbonate shelf during the Middle Ordovician.Carbonate sedimentation persisted in some areas in siltyembayments, and is represented by the Copenhagen Formation.Transgression began during Eureka deposition, and shelf-lagooncarbonates of the Hanson Creek Formation were deposited astransgression continued during Late Ordovician and earliestSilurian time .The lower part of the Silurian-Lower Devonian Lone MountainDolomite in the Fish Creek Range is transitional to outerplatform carbonate-bank deposits at the type section to thenorthwest, and to restricted, inner-platform deposits of thepartly correlative Laketown Dolomite to the east. Rhythmicallyalternating, shallow subtidal and restricted peritidal depositsform the upper part of the Lone Mountain in the study area, andreflect progradation of peritidal environments as the earliestDevonian sea regressed.Younger Devonian rocks in the Fish Creek Range lie within anorth-trending transitional belt in which shallow, eastern lithofacies(predominantly dolomite) and deeper-water, limestonelithofacies intertongue. Peritidal deposits of the Beacon PeakDolomite prograded westward during the mid-Early Devonian. Subtidal, fossiliferous limestone of the Bartine Member of theMcColley Canyon Formation was deposited as transgression beganduring Emsian time (qronberoi to inversus conodont Zones). Limemudstone, wackestone, and packstone of the Coils Creek Member ofthe McColley Canyon Formation was deposited in quieter, slightlydeeper, shelf waters during late Emsian time (inversus Zone).Regression followed during latest Emsian time (serotinusZone). Dolomite and crinoidal dolomite of the Sadler RanchFormation (latest Emsian to Eifelian) was deposited in shallowwaters of the outer shelf. The overlying Coarse CrystallineMember of the Oxyoke Canyon Sandstone is a regressive sequence ofquartzose dolomite and dolomite-cemented sandstone deposited onthe inner platform, where beach and intertidal environments wereseparated by a low-relief coastline.Thick-bedded, peritidal dolomite of the lower part of theSentinel Mountain-Bay State interval represents progradation ofperitidal facies across the shallow platform during early MiddleDevonian time. The upper part of the Sentinel Mountain-Bay Stateinterval was deposited in more circulated, shallow-marinecarbonate-bank environments.The lower part of the Devils Gate Limestone in the study areareflects deposition in shallow, agitated shelf waters and quieter,deeper, shelf lagoons and embayments. Inundation of the carbonateplatform followed and is reflected by a shift to deeper waterfacies during Frasnian (early Late Devonian) time.The Fish Creek Range was affected by Sevier hinterland deformation during the Late Mesozoic; N to N15E-trending folds reflect overall east-west compression. Upper Cretaceous granitic rockswere emplaced at depth beneath the southwest side of the studyarea, where conodont alteration indices from Paleozoic collectionsindicate paleotemperatures of 500-600 C. Two-mica granitic dikes,exposed at McCulloughs Butte, intrude Ordovician rocks.Thermal effects may have promoted initial gravity slidingof the Silurian-Devonian section off of the Ordovician sectionat the Hanson Creek level (Upper Ordovician-Lower Silurian).Low-angle normal faulting within this stratigraphic level ispervasive in the northern part of the Fish Creek Range. It isinterpreted that faulting at the Hanson Creek level wasinitiated at about the same time that the Upper Cretaceousintrusion was emplaced. Movement along the faults may havecontinued or been renewed during Oligocene extension.Low-angle normal faulting at the Silurian and LowerDevonian levels post-dates faulting at the Upper Ordovicianlevel. It is interpreted that these faults developed duringOligocene uplift and extension.Volcanism and shallow intrusive activity affected thenorthern Fish Creek Range during earliest Oligocene time, and isrepresented by the Ratto Springs Rhyodacite. High-angle normalfaults typical of basin-and-range extension are common throughout the area and represent the most recent phase of deformation
The Wavenumber–Frequency Content of Resonantly Excited Equatorial Waves
Get PDFThe theoretical resonant excitation of equatorial inertia–gravity waves and mixed Rossby–gravity waves is examined. Contrary to occasionally published expectations, solutions show that winds that are broadband in both zonal wavenumber and frequency do not in general produce peaks in the wavenumber–frequency spectrum of sea surface height (SSH) at wavenumbers associated with vanishing zonal group velocity.
Excitation of total wave energy in inertia–gravity modes by broadband zonal winds is virtually wavenumber independent when the meridional structure of the winds does not impose a bias toward negative or positive zonal wavenumbers. With increasing wavenumber magnitude |k|, inertia–gravity waves asymptote toward zonally propagating pure gravity waves, in which the magnitude of meridional velocity υ becomes progressively smaller relative to the magnitude of zonal velocity u and pressure p. When the total wave energy is independent of wavenumber, this effect produces a peak in |υ|² near the wavenumber where group velocity vanishes, but a trough in |p|² (or SSH variance). Another consequence of the shift toward pure gravity wave structure is that broadband meridional winds excite inertia–gravity modes progressively less efficiently as |k| increases and υ becomes less important to the wave structure. Broadband meridional winds produce a low-wavenumber peak in total wave energy leading to a subtle elevation of |p|² at low wavenumbers, but this is due entirely to the decrease in the forcing efficiency of meridional winds with increasing |k|, rather than to the vanishing of the group velocity. Physical conditions that might alter the above conclusions are discussed.This is the publisher’s final pdf. The published article is copyrighted by the American Meteorological Society and can be found at: http://journals.ametsoc.org/loi/phoc.Keywords: Ocean dynamics, Inertia-gravity wavesKeywords: Ocean dynamics, Inertia-gravity wave
ConleyAgingSerumMCP1Table1.xlsx
No full textIntroduction. Age is the primary risk factor for major human chronic diseases, including cardiovascular disorders, cancer, type 2 diabetes, and neurodegenerative diseases. Chronic, low-grade, systemic inflammation is associated with aging and the progression of immunosenescence. Immunosenescence may play an important role in the development of age-related chronic disease and the widely observed phenomenon of increased production of inflammatory mediators that accompany this process, referred to as “inflammaging.” While it has been demonstrated that the gut microbiome and immune system interact, the relationship between the gut microbiome and age remains to be clearly defined, particularly in the context of inflammation. The aim of our study was to clarify the associations between age, the gut microbiome, and pro-inflammatory marker serum MCP-1 in a C57BL/6 murine model.
Results. We used 16S rRNA gene sequencing to profile the composition of fecal microbiota associated with young and aged mice. Our analysis identified an association between microbiome structure and mouse age and revealed specific groups of taxa whose abundances stratify young and aged mice. This includes the Ruminococcaceae, Clostridiaceae, and Enterobacteriaceae. We also profiled pro-inflammatory serum MCP-1 levels of each mouse and found that aged mice exhibited elevated serum MCP-1, a phenotype consistent with inflammaging. Robust correlation tests identified several taxa whose abundance in the microbiome associates with serum MCP-1 status, indicating that they may interact with the mouse immune system. We find that taxonomically similar organisms can exhibit differing, even opposite, patterns of association with the host immune system. We also find that many of the OTUs that associate with serum MCP-1 stratify individuals by age.
Discussion. Our results demonstrate that gut microbiome composition is associated with age and the pro-inflammatory marker, serum MCP-1. The correlation between age, relative abundance of specific taxa in the gut microbiome, and serum MCP-1 status in mice indicates that the gut microbiome may play a modulating role in age-related inflammatory processes. These findings warrant further investigation of taxa associated with the inflammaging phenotype and the role of gut microbiome in the health status and immune function of aged individuals.Keywords: Inflammation, Aging, Immunosenescence, Microbiome, Inflammaging, Mice, ImmunityKeywords: Inflammation, Aging, Immunosenescence, Microbiome, Inflammaging, Mice, Immunit