Getting a handle on learning anatomy with interactive three-dimensional graphics.

In 2 experiments, participants learned bone anatomy by using a handheld controller to rotate an on-screen 3-dimensional bone model. The on-screen bone either included orientation references, which consisted of visible lines marking its axes (orientation reference condition), or did not include such references (no–orientation reference condition). The learning task involved rotating the on-screen bone to match target orientations. Learning outcomes were assessed by asking participants to identify anatomical features from different orientations. On the learning task, the orientation reference group performed more accurately, directly, and quickly than did the control group, and high-spatial-ability individuals outperformed low-spatial-ability individuals. Assessments of anatomy learning indicated that under more challenging conditions, orientation references elevated learning by low-spatial-ability individuals to a level near that of high-spatial-ability individuals. The authors propose that orientation references assist this learning process by defining the object’s main axes or providing distinguishable features. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Amino and organic acids of the prickly pear cactus (Opuntia ficus indica L.)

The amino acids of prickly pear (Opuntia ficus indica L.) proteins, free amino acids and nonvolatile organic acids were determined on fresh and lyophilised young pads. The calculated biological value of prickly pear protein was 72.6, relative to egg protein. Trace amounts of malonic, malic and citric acids in material collected at 1800 hours; traces 0.95 and 0.31 mg g^?1, respectively. In similar material analysed at 0600 hours, the concentrations of those acids were 0.36, 9.85, and 1.78 mg g^?1, respectively. Since there was a significant accumulation of the acids during the evening, crassulacean-type metabolism is suggested.     

DISTRIBUTION OF KAOLIN AND BAUXITE OF THE COASTAL PLAIN OF GEORGIA1

The commercial deposits of sedimentary kaolins and bauxites occur in the Lower Cretaceous of the Coastal Plain. The kaolins vary from “hard clay” to flint clay on one hand to “soft clay” on the other. The hardness of the clays apparently depends on the free silicic acid content. They are difficult to slake and filter-press. The soft clays are washed for the filler and ceramic trades. Evidently the clays were originally hard clays, the soft clays originating from the hard clays by leaching out of the free silicic acid. The bauxites were evidently derived from soft kaolin through decomposition and removal of the silica. The bauxites occur as lenses embedded in larger lenses of kaolin. These bauxites were probably derived from soft clay by laterization. A proposed classification of the sedimentary kaolins and bauxites is given.     

WASHING TESTS OF GEORGIA CLAYS1

The Whirlpool Classifier .—A device is described by which the impurity in a clay can be separated more efficiently than is possible by simple elutriation processes. Washing Plants .—A semi-commercial plant used to wash 1000-lb. samples is described, together with a suggested plan for a commercial plant. Beneficiation of Georgia Clays .—Results obtained on several Georgia sedimentary clays are given. The washed clays are reported free from grit and material producing specks in burned ware as well as improved in color, both in the raw and burned state.     

Regulatory segments of Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinases

Catalytic cores of skeletal and smooth muscle myosin light chain kinases and Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II are regulated intrasterically by different regulatory segments containing autoinhibitory and calmodulin-binding sequences. The functional properties of these regulatory segments were examined in chimeric kinases containing either the catalytic core of skeletal muscle myosin light chain kinase or Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II with different regulatory segments. Recognition of protein substrates by the catalytic core of skeletal muscle myosin light chain kinase was altered with the regulatory segment of protein kinase II but not with smooth muscle myosin light chain kinase. Similarly, the catalytic properties of the protein kinase II were altered with regulatory segments from either myosin light chain kinase. All chimeric kinases were dependent on Ca2+/calmodulin for activity. The apparent Ca2+/calmodulin activation constant was similarly low with all chimeras containing the skeletal muscle catalytic core. The activation constant was greater with chimeric kinases containing the catalytic core of Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II with its endogenous or myosin light chain kinase regulatory segments. Thus, heterologous regulatory segments affect substrate recognition and kinase activity. Furthermore, the sensitivity to calmodulin activation is determined primarily by the respective catalytic cores, not the calmodulin-binding sequences.     

Relation between Mastitis Test Score,Mineral Composition of Milk,and Blood Electrolyte Profiles in Holstein Cows

The relationship between mastitis, mineral composition of milk, and blood electrolyte profiles was investigated in 54 Holstein cows. Sodium potassium, calcium, magnesium, and chloride in blood and milk were compared under two indices of mastitis, a milk quality test and a milk somatic cell count. Milk from cows with evidence of udder infection had higher sodium and chloride and lower potassium than cows free of mastitis. Although there was a correlation between blood calcium and milk calcium and between milk calcium and milk somatic cell count, as well as differences in mean potassium and calcium in blood between mastitic and nonmastitic cows, there was no direct relationship between the indices of mastitis and electrolyte profiles of blood.