Soil Response of Helicopter Liming in the Monongahela National Forest

Soils in the Monongahela National Forest (MNF) are acidic due to sandstone parent material, acid deposition, uptake of base cations by vegetation, and release of organic acids by organic matter (OM) decomposition. Increases in soil acidity have caused declines in forest health and changed species composition and nutrient status. Liming can neutralize soil acidity, but no large-scale liming projects have been done on acid forest soils in the USA. In anticipation of acquiring funding for a proposed liming project in the MNF, in 2007 and 2009 10 sites were selected to sample and analyze soils before lime was applied. In 2018, funds were approved and a total of 284 ha (700 ac) were limed by helicopter in the MNF near Richwood, WV. Liming material particle size varied from small sand to small gravel chips and the liming rate was targeted for 6.7 to 11.2 Mg/ha (3 to 5 tons/ac). These same 10 sampling sites representing Limed and Unlimed areas were then resampled in 2019 (previous sampling dates were simplified to 2009) using the same procedures and analyses. On Unlimed soils in 2019, pH in the O, A, and B horizons was 4.6, 4.3, and 4.8, respectively. Acidity values averaged 11, 11, and 7 cmol+/kg and aluminum (Al) concentrations were high in these acid soils at 261, 627, and 464 mg/kg in O, A, and B horizons. Average Ca concentrations varied from 7.9, 0.5, and 0.1 cmol+/kg, while average % organic matter (OM) ranged from 58, 14, and 7% in O, A, and B horizons. When comparing Unlimed sites sampled in 2009 and 2019, differences in measured parameters were small. In Limed soils in 2019, pH in the O, A, and B horizons was 5.9, 4.6, and 4.7, a significant rise in the O horizon. Average acidity values were reduced by 73% in O horizons, and less so in A and B horizons. Average Al concentrations were drastically reduced in O and A horizons (261 mg/kg in 2009 to 58 mg/kg in 2019; 627 mg/kg in 2009 vs 325 mg/kg in 2019), with similar values in the B horizon (~475 mg/kg). Average Ca concentrations in 2019 Limed sites were at least three times higher at 27.2, 3.2, and 0.4 cmol+/kg in O, A, and B horizons compared to Unlimed sites. Average concentrations for K, Mg, and P were very similar to Unlimed soils in O, A, and B horizons. Average ECEC values increased slightly in O horizons (33 compared to 22 cmol+/kg) due to liming but were similar in A and B horizons. Average OM values decreased from 58% to 35% in O Horizons, but again, little change in A and B horizons. Based on these first-year results, liming had a significant effect on several properties in O and A horizons. However, lime particles in the O horizon (which were observed during sampling of O horizons) caused these increases in soil pH, Ca, ECEC concentrations, along with decreases in acidity and aluminum. These changes are an artificial effect due to collecting undissolved lime particles during our sampling. As lime dissolves and is integrated into the soil, these parameters will change and more accurately reflect the effect of the liming on the O and A horizons

Variability with WISE

Wise mapped the entire sky in four bands during its approximately 7-month cryogenic mission. The number of exposures for each point on the sky increased with ecliptic latitude, and ranged from ~12 on the ecliptic to over 1000 at the ecliptic poles. The observing cadence is well suited to studying variable objects with periods between ~2 hours to ~2 days on the ecliptic, with the maximum period increasing up to several weeks near the ecliptic poles. We present the method used to identify several types of variables in the Wise Preliminary Release Database, and the mid-IR light curves of several objects. Many of these objects are new, and include RR Lyr, Algol, W UMa, Mira, BL Lac and YSO-type variables, as well as some unknown objects

β1-adrenoceptor blockade treatment of right ventricular dysfunction caused by pulmonary hypertension

Failure of the right ventricle (or ventricular) (RV) is the leading cause of death in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), however no treatments specifically target the failing RV. β1-adrenoceptor blockers (β-blockers, BB) reduce mortality in left heart failure but current clinical guidelines caution against their use in PAH. Recent studies suggest β-blockers may be beneficial in PAH however the mechanisms remain unknown. The present study sought to establish whether the β1- blocker metoprolol (10 mg/kg/day) improved survival and function in a rat model of PAH induced by monocrotaline (60 mg/kg, MCT), and to elucidate the mechanisms responsible. Daily metoprolol or placebo was administered 15 days post-monocrotaline injection. PAH resulted in severe RV hypertrophy, dysfunction and heart failure by median day 23 in placebo treated rats (FAIL), whereas metoprolol extended the median survival to day 31 (MCT+BB). RV function measured by echocardiography and catheterisation was severely impaired in FAIL, but was partially restored in MCT+BB on day 23±1. Metoprolol appeared to act primarily on the myocardium and not the vasculature. Contractile abnormalities in isolated FAIL RV cardiomyocytes included increased cell volume, negative force and Ca2+ transient response to faster pacing, increased stiffness to stretch and shorter resting sarcomere length. Reduced creatine kinase activity was found in FAIL; creatine kinase inhibition reproduced characteristics of FAIL in healthy cells, whereas exogeneous creatine kinase reversed the shorter sarcomere length in FAIL cells. Contractile and Ca2+ handling properties of MCT+BB cells were partially or fully restored relative to healthy cells. Capillary density was reduced in FAIL and partially restored in MCT+BB; computer modelling indicated fewer areas of hypoxia in MCT+BB RV. Assessment of FAIL RV mitochondria revealed reduced creatine-coupled respiration but no other detectable defects. Metoprolol improved survival, Ca2+-handling, contractility, oxygen delivery and diastolic properties of PAH rats. β-blockers represent a novel myocardium-specific therapy to target the failing RV in PAH

Performance in pursuit and compensatory tracking tasks as a function of rate and predictability

Call number: LD2668 .T4 1966 F786Master of Scienc

Molecular, subcellular, and arrhythmogenic mechanisms in genetic RyR2 disease

The ryanodine receptor (RyR2) has a critical role in controlling Ca2+ release from the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) throughout the cardiac cycle. RyR2 protein has multiple functional domains with specific roles, and four of these RyR2 protomers are required to form the quaternary structure that comprises the functional channel. Numerous mutations in the gene encoding RyR2 protein have been identified and many are linked to a wide spectrum of arrhythmic heart disease. Gain of function mutations (GoF) result in a hyperactive channel that causes excessive spontaneous SR Ca2+ release. This is the predominant cause of the inherited syndrome catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (CPVT). Recently, rare hypoactive loss of function (LoF) mutations have been identified that produce atypical effects on cardiac Ca2+ handling that has been termed calcium release deficiency syndrome (CRDS). Aberrant Ca2+ release resulting from both GoF and LoF mutations can result in arrhythmias through the Na+/Ca2+ exchange mechanism. This mini-review discusses recent findings regarding the role of RyR2 domains and endogenous regulators that influence RyR2 gating normally and with GoF/LoF mutations. The arrhythmogenic consequences of GoF/LoF mutations will then be discussed at the macromolecular and cellular level

Systematic reviews of and integrated report on the quantitative, qualitative and economic evidence base for the management of obesity in men

<b>Background</b><p></p> Obesity increases the risk of many serious illnesses such as coronary heart disease, type 2 diabetes and osteoarthritis. More men than women are overweight or obese in the UK but men are less likely to perceive their weight as a problem and less likely to engage with weight-loss services.<p></p> <b>Objective</b><p></p> The aim of this study was to systematically review evidence-based management strategies for treating obesity in men and investigate how to engage men in obesity services by integrating the quantitative, qualitative and health economic evidence base.<p></p> <b>Data sources</b><p></p> Electronic databases including MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, the Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effects and the NHS Economic Evaluation Database were searched from inception to January 2012, with a limited update search in July 2012. Subject-specific websites, reference lists and professional health-care and commercial organisations were also consulted.<p></p> <b>Review methods</b><p></p> Six systematic reviews were conducted to consider the clinical effectiveness, cost-effectiveness and qualitative evidence on interventions for treating obesity in men, and men in contrast to women, and the effectiveness of interventions to engage men in their weight reduction. Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) with follow-up data of at least 1 year, or any study design and length of follow-up for UK studies, were included. Qualitative and mixed-method studies linked to RCTs and non-randomised intervention studies, and UK-based, men-only qualitative studies not linked to interventions were included. One reviewer extracted data from the included studies and a second reviewer checked data for omissions or inaccuracies. Two reviewers carried out quality assessment. We undertook meta-analysis of quantitative data and a realist approach to integrating the qualitative and quantitative evidence synthesis.<p></p> <b>Results</b><p></p> From a total of 12,764 titles reviewed, 33 RCTs with 12 linked reports, 24 non-randomised reports, five economic evaluations with two linked reports, and 22 qualitative studies were included. Men were more likely than women to benefit if physical activity was part of a weight-loss programme. Reducing diets tended to produce more favourable weight loss than physical activity alone (mean weight change after 1 year from a reducing diet compared with an exercise programme -3.2 kg, 95% CI -4.8 kg to -1.6 kg). The type of reducing diet did not affect long-term weight loss. A reducing diet plus physical activity and behaviour change gave the most effective results. Low-fat reducing diets, some with meal replacements, combined with physical activity and behaviour change training gave the most effective long-term weight change in men [-5.2 kg (standard error 0.2 kg) after 4 years]. Such trials may prevent type 2 diabetes in men and improve erectile dysfunction. Although fewer men joined weight-loss programmes, once recruited they were less likely to drop out than women (difference 11%, 95% CI 8% to 14%). The perception of having a health problem (e.g. being defined as obese by a health professional), the impact of weight loss on health problems and desire to improve personal appearance without looking too thin were motivators for weight loss amongst men. The key components differ from those found for women, with men preferring more factual information on how to lose weight and more emphasis on physical activity programmes. Interventions delivered in social settings were preferred to those delivered in health-care settings. Group-based programmes showed benefits by facilitating support for men with similar health problems, and some individual tailoring of advice assisted weight loss in some studies. Generally, men preferred interventions that were individualised, fact-based and flexible, which used business-like language and which included simple to understand information. Preferences for men-only versus mixed-sex weight-loss group programmes were divided. In terms of context, programmes which were cited in a sporting context where participants have a strong sense of affiliation showed low drop out rates and high satisfaction. Although some men preferred weight-loss programmes delivered in an NHS context, the evidence comparing NHS and commercial programmes for men was unclear. The effect of family and friends on participants in weight-loss programmes was inconsistent in the evidence reviewed - benefits were shown in some cases, but the social role of food in maintaining relationships may also act as a barrier to weight loss. Evidence on the economics of managing obesity in men was limited and heterogeneous.<p></p> <b>Limitations</b><p></p> The main limitations were the limited quantity and quality of the evidence base and narrow outcome reporting, particularly for men from disadvantaged and minority groups. Few of the studies were undertaken in the UK.<p></p> <b>Conclusions</b><p></p> Weight reduction for men is best achieved and maintained with the combination of a reducing diet, physical activity advice or a physical activity programme, and behaviour change techniques. Tailoring interventions and settings for men may enhance effectiveness, though further research is needed to better understand the influence of context and content. Future studies should include cost-effectiveness analyses in the UK setting

Interface of forest and agriculture in nonpoint pollution control

BookManagement practices of agriculture, including conservation and tillage options, recently have received a great deal of attention with respect to their impact upon the environment. Research efforts have focused both on the direct impacts of reduced on-site productivity resulting from the erosion of topsoil and on determining the indirect impacts of suspended sediment in the nation's waterways [102]