Molekularna sistematika i evolucija lacertidnih guštera

In recent years there has been an exponential increase in the amount of published DNA sequences, as it has become one of the most popular sources of data for reconstructing phylogenies. A number of studies have attempted to resolve the relationships of groups of lacertids using mitochondrial DNA sequence data, in particular Podarcis and Gallotia (e.g. THORPE et al., 1994; 1996; GONZALEZ et al., 1996; FU et al., 1997; HARRIS, 1997; HARRIS et al., 1998a; 1999; CASTILLA et al., 1999a,b). Reassessment of these data suggest some alternative phylogenies to those previously published, and also highlight possible problems. Two studies have attempted to unravel the phylogeny of the whole family using mitochondrial DNA sequences (FU, 1998; HARRIS et al., 1998b). By combining these essentially congruent data sets, and reanalysing levels of support for the phylogenies produced, a more complete estimate of relationships across the family is produced. This is then compared to alternative sources of evidence, primarily morphological (ARNOLD, 1989), biochemical (MAYER & BENYR, 1994) and karyological (OLMO et al., 1993). Reasons for discrepancies are discussed, as are the relative advantages and disadvantages of the different sources of phylogenetic inference.Posljednjih godina objavljuje se sve veći broj DNA sekvencija, što je postalo jednim od najpopularnijih izvora podataka pri rekonstrukciji filogenije. Više radova pokušalo je riješiti odnose skupina lacertida koristeći sekvence mitohondrijske DNA, posebno Podarcis i Gallotia (npr. THORPE et al., 1994; 1996; GONZALEZ et al., 1996; FU et al., 1997; HARRIS, 1997; HARRIS et al., 1998a; 1999; CASTILLA et al., 1999a,b). Ponovno proučavanje tih podataka sugerira neke alternativne filogenije u odnosu na one koje su prethodno objavljene, a također i naglašava moguće probleme. Dva rada pokušala su objasniti filogeniju cijele porodice koristeći sekvencije mitohondrijske DNA (FU, 1998; HARRIS et al., 1998b). Kombinacijom tih zapravo sukladnih podataka, i ponovnom analizom stupnjeva potpore proizašlih filogenija, stvorena je potpunija procjena odnosa u porodici. Ona je tada uspoređena s alternativnim izvorima podataka, prvenstveno morfološkim (ARNOLD, 1989), biokemijskim (MAYER & BENYR, 1994) i kariološkim (OLMO et al., 1993). Raspravlja se o razlozima razilaženja, kao što su relativne prednosti i nedostaci različitih izvora filogenetičkih zaključaka

Observations of jersey and holstein calves with special attention to rumination and rumen development

The rumen plays an important part in the digestive process of the bovine species. Here the feed after being swallowed is stored, mixed, and softened with water and saliva, as well as subjected to bacterial action which aids in digestion. Because of the very important role of the rumen in bovine nutrition, it becomes increasingly important to study the development of this organ in the young animal. A study of the young bovine stomach is of interest as it may relate to early feeding possibilities and to potential development and function. The earlier calvescan he induced to efficiently utilize roughage the more economical a calf feeding program will be. Economy and efficiency in feeding the ruminant are based fundamentally on taking full advantage of rumen function with particular emphasis on the development which results in better digestion of roughages and the synthesis of high quality proteins and vitamins. Although there has been extensive research on ruminants of various ages there is only a limited amount of critical knowledge of the factors affecting the development of the fore-stomach of calves and the importance that should be attached to this development. No reports based upon direct observations have been found which specifically outline the development of rumination. In the investigation reported here young Jersey and Holstein calves were observed at intervals during early growth to note the various activities with special emphasis upon rumination. From these observations it was possible to get a picture of the progression of rumination as the calf matured. Several young ruminating and non ruminating calves were slaughtered for observations of the development of the digestive organs. The amount of glucose in the blood of a group of calves was determined and these data also were used as an indication of rumen development

Molekularna sistematika i evolucija lacertidnih guštera

In recent years there has been an exponential increase in the amount of published DNA sequences, as it has become one of the most popular sources of data for reconstructing phylogenies. A number of studies have attempted to resolve the relationships of groups of lacertids using mitochondrial DNA sequence data, in particular Podarcis and Gallotia (e.g. THORPE et al., 1994; 1996; GONZALEZ et al., 1996; FU et al., 1997; HARRIS, 1997; HARRIS et al., 1998a; 1999; CASTILLA et al., 1999a,b). Reassessment of these data suggest some alternative phylogenies to those previously published, and also highlight possible problems. Two studies have attempted to unravel the phylogeny of the whole family using mitochondrial DNA sequences (FU, 1998; HARRIS et al., 1998b). By combining these essentially congruent data sets, and reanalysing levels of support for the phylogenies produced, a more complete estimate of relationships across the family is produced. This is then compared to alternative sources of evidence, primarily morphological (ARNOLD, 1989), biochemical (MAYER & BENYR, 1994) and karyological (OLMO et al., 1993). Reasons for discrepancies are discussed, as are the relative advantages and disadvantages of the different sources of phylogenetic inference.Posljednjih godina objavljuje se sve veći broj DNA sekvencija, što je postalo jednim od najpopularnijih izvora podataka pri rekonstrukciji filogenije. Više radova pokušalo je riješiti odnose skupina lacertida koristeći sekvence mitohondrijske DNA, posebno Podarcis i Gallotia (npr. THORPE et al., 1994; 1996; GONZALEZ et al., 1996; FU et al., 1997; HARRIS, 1997; HARRIS et al., 1998a; 1999; CASTILLA et al., 1999a,b). Ponovno proučavanje tih podataka sugerira neke alternativne filogenije u odnosu na one koje su prethodno objavljene, a također i naglašava moguće probleme. Dva rada pokušala su objasniti filogeniju cijele porodice koristeći sekvencije mitohondrijske DNA (FU, 1998; HARRIS et al., 1998b). Kombinacijom tih zapravo sukladnih podataka, i ponovnom analizom stupnjeva potpore proizašlih filogenija, stvorena je potpunija procjena odnosa u porodici. Ona je tada uspoređena s alternativnim izvorima podataka, prvenstveno morfološkim (ARNOLD, 1989), biokemijskim (MAYER & BENYR, 1994) i kariološkim (OLMO et al., 1993). Raspravlja se o razlozima razilaženja, kao što su relativne prednosti i nedostaci različitih izvora filogenetičkih zaključaka

Application of expert systems in project management decision aiding

The feasibility of developing an expert systems-based project management decision aid to enhance the performance of NASA project managers was assessed. The research effort included extensive literature reviews in the areas of project management, project management decision aiding, expert systems technology, and human-computer interface engineering. Literature reviews were augmented by focused interviews with NASA managers. Time estimation for project scheduling was identified as the target activity for decision augmentation, and a design was developed for an Integrated NASA System for Intelligent Time Estimation (INSITE). The proposed INSITE design was judged feasible with a low level of risk. A partial proof-of-concept experiment was performed and was successful. Specific conclusions drawn from the research and analyses are included. The INSITE concept is potentially applicable in any management sphere, commercial or government, where time estimation is required for project scheduling. As project scheduling is a nearly universal management activity, the range of possibilities is considerable. The INSITE concept also holds potential for enhancing other management tasks, especially in areas such as cost estimation, where estimation-by-analogy is already a proven method

Realistically evaluating Small Scale SFD Programmes Professionalisation and Praxis

Within the last decade a lack of evidence discourse (Nichols et al, 2010) has emerged raising issues around limited Monitoring and Evaluation (M and E) practice and capacity of Sport For Development (SFD) programmes to elicit change. Critics (Coalter, 2013; Harris and Adams, 2016) have argued that a deeper understanding of what works for whom and why (Pawson and Tilley, 1997) is required when evaluating SFD interventions. This thesis explored practitioner involvement in M and E, and drew upon a realist participatory M and E framework (delivered in two phases), developed to train student sport development practitioners (SSDPs) to make sense of how and why their SFD interventions worked. The framework was evaluated at each phase, utilizing Realist Evaluation (RE) to ascertain if, how, and why the framework worked for SSDPs. The evaluation at phase one (involving interviews, blogs, and questionnaires) led to a series of context mechanism and outcome (CMO) configurations explaining how and why the framework worked for SSDPs. This led to refinements of the framework at phase two embedding Schula et al’s (2016) collaborative principles of evaluation. Evaluation of phase two embedded Q factor analysis (Watts and Stenner, 2012), interviews and reflective blogs. Findings emerged surrounding the value of RE for SSDPs. Schula et al’s (2016) principles enabled practical and transformational characteristics to unfold for SSDPs within the framework. Four sub groups of practitioners emerged depicting how the framework worked. These sub groups were made up of ‘travelling far in M and E competency’, ‘polished problem solvers’, ‘passive passengers’, and ‘proficient yet skeptical practitioners’. These were underpinned by holistic narratives demonstrating subjective views about the framework. A new compilation of CMO configurations informing refinements to the framework followed. In conclusion, participatory approaches of M and E can work with practitioners and should be embedded to enable application of RE

Cambrian Hydrocarbon Potential Indicated in Kentucky\u27s Rome Trough

A recent gas discovery in the Rome Trough has resulted in a new phase of deep exploration in eastern Kentucky. This activity is located in Elliott County, near the northern boundary fault of the Cambrian Rome Trough graben. The Carson Associates No. 1 Kazee well was drilled in 1994, and blew out with a reported uncontrolled flow of 11 million cubic feet of gas per day. Although completed at a much lower rate, this well renewed interest in the deep gas potential of the Rome Trough, which has seen sporadic drilling activity since the 1940\u27s. Gas production in the Rome Trough is from marine sandstones and fractured shales assigned to the Cambrian Rome Formation or Conasauga Group. These units are significantly thicker in the fault-bounded extensional graben that trends west-southwest to northeast in eastern Kentucky and continues through West Virginia and Pennsylvania into New York. Recent mapping of the Precambrian basement surface has refined the structure of eastern Kentucky and the Rome Trough. Reservoir fades include fine- to very fine-grained, micaceous, and glauconitic sandstones and fractured shales. Coarser sandstones may occur near border faults, in fan-delta deposits. Traps are primarily structural, and faulting was contemporaneous with deposition. Stratigraphic traps may also exist in the trough, but have not been proven by drilling to date. Stratigraphic traps may include sandstones deposited in turbidite fans in deeper parts of the graben. Potential hydrocarbon source rocks have not been identified. Limited geochemical analyses of well and outcrop samples from the Rome and Conasauga intervals show poor hydrocarbon source potential. Composition of gas produced from the Rome Trough varies significantly in eastern Kentucky. Several occurrences of gas high in nitrogen and helium content were found in the western part of the trough, and may be related to proximity to the Grenville Front. Gas of commercial quality is typical in the eastern part of the trough, where several wells are producing gas with Btu values over 1,000. Significant hydrocarbon potential remains in the Rome Trough, but this play is characterized by complex faulting that influenced the deposition and distribution of potential reservoir rocks. Interpretation of high-quality seismic data will be a key factor to future success in this play

The WASp-like protein Scar regulates macropinocytosis, phagocytosis and endosomal membrane flow in Dictyostelium

Scar, a member of the WASp protein family, was discovered in Dictyostelium discoideum during a genetic screen for second-site mutations that suppressed a developmental defect. Disruption of the scar gene reduced the levels of cellular F-actin by 50%. To investigate the role of Scar in endocytosis, phagocytosis and endocytic membrane trafficking, processes that depend on actin polymerization, we have analyzed a Dictyostelium cell line that is genetically null for Scar. Rates of fluid phase macropinocytosis and phagocytosis are significantly reduced in the scar- cell-line. In addition, exocytosis of fluid phase is delayed in these cells and movement of fluid phase from lysosomes to post-lysosomes is also delayed. Inhibition of actin polymerization with cytochalasin A resulted in similar phenotypes, suggesting that Scar-mediated polymerization of the actin cytoskeleton was important in the regulation of these processes. Supporting this conclusion, fluorescence microscopy revealed that some endo-lysosomes were ringed with F-actin in control cells but no F-actin was detected associated with endo-lysosomes in Scar null cells. Disruption of the two genes encoding the actin monomer sequestering protein profilin in wild-type cells causes defects in the rate of pinocytosis and fluid phase efflux. Consistent with a predicted physical interaction between Scar and profilin, disrupting the scar gene in the profilin null background results in greater decreases in the rate of fluid phase internalization and fluid phase release compared to either mutant alone. Taken together, these data support a model in which Scar and profilin functionally interact to regulate internalization of fluid and particles and later steps in the endosomal pathway, probably through regulation of actin cytoskeleton polymerization

Quantum geometry of 2d gravity coupled to unitary matter

We show that there exists a divergent correlation length in 2d quantum gravity for the matter fields close to the critical point provided one uses the invariant geodesic distance as the measure of distance. The corresponding reparameterization invariant two-point functions satisfy all scaling relations known from the ordinary theory of critical phenomena and the KPZ exponents are determined by the power-like fall off of these two-point functions. The only difference compared to flat space is the appearance of a dynamically generated fractal dimension d_h in the scaling relations. We analyze numerically the fractal properties of space-time for Ising and three-states Potts model coupled to 2d dimensional quantum gravity using finite size scaling as well as small distance scaling of invariant correlation functions. Our data are consistent with d_h=4, but we cannot rule out completely the conjecture d_H = -2\alpha_1/\alpha_{-1}, where \alpha_{-n} is the gravitational dressing exponent of a spin-less primary field of conformal weight (n+1,n+1). We compute the moments and the loop-length distribution function and show that the fractal properties associated with these observables are identical, with good accuracy, to the pure gravity case.Comment: LaTeX2e, 38 pages, 13 figures, 32 eps files, added one referenc