Measurement of Torsion from Multitemporal Images of the Eye Using Digital Signal Processing Techniques

Two methods of measuring ocular torsion from digital images of the eyes were developed and tested. One method measures torsion from the translation of two landmarks using a rectilinear coordinate system. The second method measures torsion from the translation of two landmarks using a polar coordinate system. The center for the polar sampling is the center of the pupil. After thresholding and filtering the images, landmark translation is measured from the interpolated peak in the normalized cross correlation of the reference landmark with the image.     

Simple narrow-linewidth 1.5 ?m InGaAsP DFB external-cavity laser

An external-cavity laser consisting of a 1.5 ?m-wavelength antireflection-coated DFB laser chip, a microscope objective and a mirror provides a stable, single-frequency, narrow-linewidth (?f=40 kHz) output. Because the laser operates in the strong feedback regime, it is immune to external optical perturbations. Single-longitudinal-mode operation is maintained by the DFB grating, and the linewidth is reduced by the extended passive cavity.     

Adsorption of the endocrine-active compound estrone on microfiltration hollow fiber membranes

Results of studies reported here show that adsorption could result in considerable accumulation of hormones on hydrophobic hollow fiber membrane surfaces during filtration of trace-hormone-containing feed solutions with a linear adsorption isotherm applicable over the majority of the estrone concentration range examined (2.6-154 ng/L). Models based on both diffusion and surface reaction limitation were used to describe the kinetics of estrone adsorption to the membranes tested. Results indicate that the rate of adsorption of estrone to the hollow fiber membranes was limited principally by surface reaction rate rather than the rate of diffusive transport to membrane surface sites. Both adsorption and desorption kinetics were satisfactorily described by pseudo-first-order expressions. These results are of environmental significance, especially in drinking water applications, where contaminants such as natural and synthetic hormones may accumulate on the membranes and desorb during backwashing and membrane cleaning.     

Toxic and behavioural effects of different modified diatomaceous earths on the German cockroach, Blattella germanica (L.) (Orthoptera: Blattellidae) under simulated field conditions

Defined populations of German cockroaches were observed after exposure to deposits (25 g/m²) of various modified and un-modified diatomaceous earth (DE) formulations by using a computer-aided device measuring motility, circadian rhythm, and mortality under defined environmental and climatic field-simulating conditions. In a humid climate (85% r.h.) with water and food offered ad libitum, complete population eradication could be achieved within 10 days with three out of seven DE formulations tested. Results revealed two basic factors affecting mortality: (a) formulations containing freshwater diatoms from Spain were significantly more effective than those originating from marine diatoms purchased from Fur Island, Denmark (P<0.0001), and (b) the higher the degree of coating with a silica-aerogel to increase oil-carrying capacity, the greater the efficacy (P<0.0001 to 0.07). Exposure to DEs resulted in complete disruption of the species-specific circadian rhythm of German cockroach populations with six out of seven DE formulations investigated. A remaining rudimentary circadian rhythm was found after exposure to one formulation. It is concluded that strongly hydrophobic formulations of DE can be used for effective cockroach control even in tropical environments, especially as part of a least-toxic Integrated Pest Management control strategy. Nevertheless, it remains unclear to what extent newly developed DEs, coated or formulated with different chemical compounds resulting in modified surface characteristics, could potentially produce adverse health effects to humans.     

The flavour components of plum

Summary Gas chromatographic and gas chromatographic-mass spectrometric examination of the aroma components of canned plums obtained by both atmospheric distillation and headspace techniques showed them to be both quantitatively and qualitatively different from those of fresh plums. 25 components were identified, the major ones being 3-hydroxy-butan-2-one, benzaldehyde, nonanal and 2-furaldehyde. Benzaldehyde and nonanal together with benzyl acetate are believed to make a significant contribution to the aroma of canned plums.

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Die Geschmackskomponenten der Pflaume:Eine Untersuchung über die flüchtigen Inhaltsstoffe der Pflaumen in Dosen

Zusammenfassung Gaschromatographische und gaschromatographische-massenspektrometrische Analysen zeigten, daß die Aromastoffe der dosenkonservier ten Pflaumen, sowohl durch atmosphärische Destillation als auch nach der Kopfraum-Technik erhalten, quantitativ sowie qualitativ verschieden von denen der frischen Pflaumen sind. Es wurden 25 Komponenten identifiziert, darunter als Hauptbestandteile 3-Hydroxy-butan-2-on, Benzaldehyd, Nonanal und 2-Furfurol. Benzaldehyd und Nonanal zusammen mit Benzylacetat stellen einen bedeutsamen Beitrag zum Aroma dosenkonservierter Pflaumen dar.

     

A biochemical basis for obligate methylotrophy: properties of a mutant of Pseudomonas AM1 lacking 2-oxoglutarate dehydrogenase

The effects of PGE1 on the dog heart were studied using the blood-perfused sinus node and papillary muscle preparations isolated separately from the same animal. PGE1 administered into the papillary muscle artery as bolus injections in doses of 1-1000 ng caused a dose-dependent increase of the developed tension and dT/dt of the papillary muscle. The effect was not inhibited by the beta-adrenoceptor blocking agent pindolol. PGE1 injected into the sinus node artery in doses of 3-300 ng did not change the rate of contraction of the sinus node preparation. PGE1 in the blood concentrations of 4.4 X 10(-9) to 1.7 X 10(-7) M enhanced the positive inotropic responses to noradrenalin and field stimulation as well as to calcium. The influence of PGE1 on the positive inotropic effect of perivascular nerve stimulation was not consistent: the action of perivascular nerve stimulation was enhanced by PGE1 in the majority of preparations but was reduced in one third of preparations. PGE1 in the same blood concentrations as used in the papillary muscle significantly depressed the positive chronotropic responses to noradrenaline and dopamine. The present results indicate that PGE1 induces multiple actions on the dog heart. Its predominant effect on the ventricular myocardium appears to be enhancement of the adrenergic stimuli probably via the facilitation of calcium movement through the myocardial cell membrane. In addition, PGE1 may decrease the sensitivity of beta-adrenoceptors to adrenergic stimuli in the sinus node.     

Vibrio mimicus infection associated with crayfish consumption, Spokane, Washington, 2010

We report a cluster of severe diarrheal disease caused by Vibrio mimicus infection among four persons who had consumed leftover crayfish the day after a private crayfish boil. Gastrointestinal illness caused by Vibrio mimicus has not been reported previously in Washington State. Three cases were laboratory confirmed by stool culture; using PCR, isolates were found to have ctx genes that encode cholera toxin (CT). Two of the cases were hospitalized under intensive care with a cholera-like illness. The illnesses were most likely caused by cross-contamination of cooked crayfish with uncooked crayfish; however, V. mimicus was not isolated nor were CT genes detected by PCR in leftover samples of frozen crayfish. Clinicians should be aware that V. mimicus can produce CT and that V. mimicus infection can cause severe illness.     

Validation of genomic predictions for wellness traits in US Holstein cows

The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of wellness trait genetic predictions in commercial herds of US Holstein cows from herds that do not contribute phenotypic information to the evaluation. Tissue samples for DNA extraction were collected from more than 3,400 randomly selected pregnant Holstein females in 11 herds and 2 age groups (69% nulliparous, 31% primiparous) approximately 30 to 60 d before their expected calving date. Lactation records from cows that calved between September 1, 2015, and December 31, 2015, were included in the analysis. Genomically enhanced predicted transmitting abilities for the wellness traits of retained placenta, metritis, ketosis, displaced abomasum, mastitis, and lameness were estimated by the Zoetis genetic evaluation and converted into standardized transmitting abilities. Mean reliabilities of the animals in the study ranged between 45 and 47% for each of the 6 traits. Animals were ranked by their standardized transmitting abilities within herd and age group then assigned to 1 of 4 groups of percentile-based genetic groups of equal size. Adverse health events, including retained placenta, metritis, ketosis, displaced abomasum, mastitis, and lameness, were collected from on-farm herd management software, and animal phenotype was coded as either healthy (0), diseased (1), or excluded for each of the 6 outcomes of interest. Statistical analysis was performed using a generalized linear mixed model with genetic group, age group, and lactation as fixed effects, whereas herd and animal nested within herd were set as random effects. Results of the analysis indicated that the wellness trait predictions were associated with differences in phenotypic disease incidence between the worst and best genetic groups. The difference between the worst and best genetic groups in recorded disease incidence was 2.9% for retained placenta, 10.8% for metritis, 1.1% for displaced abomasum, 1.7% for ketosis, 7.4% for mastitis, and 3.9% for lameness. Odds ratio estimates between the highest and lowest genetic groups ranged from 1.6 (lameness) to 17.1 (displaced abomasum) for the 6 traits analyzed. These results indicate that wellness trait information of young calves and heifers can be used to effectively predict meaningful differences in future health performance. Improving wellness traits through direct genetic selection presents a compelling opportunity for dairy producers to help reduce disease incidence and improve profitability when coupled with sound management practices.     

Atmospheric mercury emissions and speciation at the sulphur bank mercury mine superfund site, Northern California

One pathway for release of mercury (Hg) from naturally enriched sites is emission to the atmosphere. Elemental Hg, when emitted, will enter the global atmospheric pool. In contrast, if reactive gaseous Hg or Hg2+ (as HgCl2, HgBr2, or HgOH2) is formed, it will most likely be deposited locally. This study focused on the measurement of elemental Hg flux and reactive gaseous Hg concentrations at the Sulphur Bank Superfund Site, an area of natural Hg enrichment with anthropogenic disturbance and ongoing geothermal activity. Mean Hg emissions ranged from 14 to 11000 ng m(-2) h(-1), with the highest emissions from anthropogenically disturbed materials. Reactive gaseous Hg concentrations were the highest ever reported for a natural setting (0.3-76 ng m(-3)). Measured Hg fluxes were used within a Geographic Information System to estimate mercury releases to the atmosphere from the site. Results indicated approximately 17 kg of Hg y(-1) of is emitted to the atmosphere from the 3.8 km2 area, with half from mine waste, ore, and tailing piles and half from relatively undisturbed naturally enriched substrate.