Associations between neutering and idiopathic epilepsy in Labrador retrievers and Border collies under primary veterinary care in the UK

There are sparse published scientific data on associations between neutering and the severity and survival of dogs with idiopathic epilepsy. This study aimed to explore the timing of neutering with respect to onset of seizures in dogs with idiopathic epilepsy. Associations between neutering and both age of onset of seizures and the occurrence of cluster seizures or status epilepticus were examined. Survival analysis investigated the effects of sex-neuter categories. The median survival time of Border collies was compared with data previously reported in literature. The study included veterinary primary-care clinical data on 117 Labrador retrievers and 57 Border collies diagnosed with idiopathic epilepsy from the VetCompass project in the UK. The majority (74.2%; P ≤ 0.001) of neutered cases were neutered before the onset of seizures. Age (years) at onset of seizures did not differ between dogs intact at time of onset and dogs neutered before onset of seizures (males 3.6 vs. 3.7; P = 0.468 and females 3.4 vs. 4.1; P = 0.154). Neuter status was not associated with the occurrence of cluster seizures (males P = 0.947 and females P = 0.844). Dogs intact at onset of seizures had longer median survival times than dogs neutered before onset of seizures (males, 1436 days vs. 1234 days; P = 0.019; females, 1778.5 days vs. 1261 days; P = 0.027). Median survival time of 1393 days for Border collies was longer than previously reported (P ≤ 0.001). These results do not support recommendations to neuter dogs with idiopathic epilepsy within an evidence-based treatment plan

Effect of compost-, sand-, or gypsum-amended waste foundry sands on turfgrass yield and nutrient content

To prevent the 7 to 11 million metric tons of waste foundry sand (WFS) produced annually in the USA from entering landfi lls, current research is focused on the reuse of WFSs as soil amendments. Th e eff ects of diff erent WFS-containing amendments on turfgrass growth and nutrient content were tested by planting perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) and tall fescue (Schedonorus phoenix (Scop.) Holub) in diff erent blends containing WFS. Blends of WFS were created with compost or acid-washed sand (AWS) at varying percent by volume with WFS or by amendment with gypsum (9.6 g gypsum kg–1 WFS). Measurements of soil strength, shoot and root dry weight, plant surface coverage, and micronutrients (Al, Fe, Mn, Cu, Zn, B, Na) and macronutrients (N, P, K, S, Ca, Mg) were performed for each blend and compared with pure WFS and with a commercial potting media control. Results showed that strength was not a factor for any of the parameters studied, but the K/Na base saturation ratio of WFS:compost mixes was highly correlated with total shoot dry weight for perennial ryegrass (r = 0.995) and tall fescue (r = 0.94). Th is was further substantiated because total shoot dry weight was also correlated with shoot K/Na concentration of perennial ryegrass (r = 0.99) and tall fescue (r = 0.95). A compost blend containing 40% WFS was determined to be the optimal amendment for the reuse of WFS because it incorporated the greatest possible amount of WFS without major reduction in turfgrass growth

Process for cleaning and removal of sulfur compounds from low BTU gases. Quarterly summary report, January--March 1977

Assembly and erection of the new support structure for the PDU was completed. This work included removal of portions of the old structure, relocation of one large pot furnace, and addition of 20 ft to the stack. All pipe and equipment assembled and mounted on the support structure. This was a preliminary check of fit. All of this equipment was then disassembled and crated and shipped to Alon Processing, Inc. (Tarentum, PA) for ''alonizing,'' a process which provides corrosion protection. Procurement activities continued. Orders have been placed for all electrical gear with which to power the trace heaters, all electrical controllers, and all electric signal measuring equipment. In addition a tar trap, all Grayloc fittings, all gaskets, all thermocouple wire, ceramic beads, and ceramic thermocouple sheaths have been ordered. Much of this equipment has been received. Requirements for gas and liquid sampling have been analyzed. It is planned to assemble the analytical equipment and analyze synthetic samples to resolve problems and train personnel. Theoretical analysis to devise a computer model of the process useful in data analysis and operating guidance is proceeding. Revisions to the Precedence Diagram indicate additional schedule slippage occurred due to delays in receipt of Grayloc flange components and difficulties with preliminary assembly of equipment

Oxygen/steam gasification of wood

Yields from fixed-bed gasification of stoker fuel, pressed planar shavings, are presented for air/steam operation and oxygen/steam operation at four different compositions. The wood carbon distributes between gas products and liquid products in the respective ranges of 75 to 80 wt% and 20 to 25 wt%. The cold gas efficiencies, defined as the combustible energy in the gas divided by the heat of combustion of the wood, were 60% for operation with an air-to-steam weight ratio of 10, 52%, 61%, 59%, and 52% for operation with oxygen-to-steam weight ratios of 1/2, 1, 2, and 4 respectively. The other energy inputs to the system are less than the energy output in tar products so that the above efficiencies are about the same as the overall efficiencies. Concentrations of the gas at various heights in the fixed bed are presented. Conclusions about the height of the various zones can be inferred. Temperature profiles are also presented. Stoker fuel was used instead of wood chips because its bulk density was greater by a factor of 4. Limitations on the maximum volumetric input rate were such that only 50 lb/hr of wood chips could be added. Since gasification rates exceeded this amount, stoker fuel was used. Rates for stoker fuel gasification are presented for the different conditions. The results indicate that the maximum weight fraction of methanol from dry wood is 0.45 at an oxygen-to-steam weight ratio of 1 with reforming of the methane in the product gas, or a yield of 135 gallons of methanol per ton of dry wood. The maximum methane yield is obtained at the same oxygen-to-steam weight ratio of 1 and is 8600 scf/dry ton (270 NM/sup 3//dry MT)

Process for cleaning and removal of sulfur compounds from low Btu gases. Quarterly summary report, July--September 1977

The Process Development Unit (PDU) is being remodeled by incorporation of appropriate subsystems to permit operation in continuous process mode. The PDU will be operated for a period of time sufficient to demonstrate process viability. The subcontract to Alon Processing Inc. was completed some six weeks behind schedule but all ''Alonized'' pipe, fittings, and vessels have now been returned to us. This material has been assembled and mounted on the support structure. A major part of the electrical work including assembly of relay and circuit breaker enclosures, installation of screwcover wireway, and installation of large transformers has been completed. Installation of thermocouples and electrical heating elements by Battelle-Northwest's crafts personnel is completed and final wiring is nearly complete. Installation of high-temperature insulation (Kaowool) and a final waterproof outer covering is 90% complete. Test operation of individual equipment items is proceeding as rapidly as these become operational

Process for cleaning and removal of sulfur compounds from low Btu gases. Quarterly summary report, October--December 1977

Problems which occurred in the startup of the remodelled process development unit are described. The extraction section of the plant performed well with sulfur recoveries exceeding the design value of 95%. (LTN

The zyxin-related protein TRIP6 interacts with PDZ motifs in the adaptor protein RIL and the protein tyrosine phosphatase PTP-BL

The small adaptor protein RIL consists of two segments, the C-terminal LIM and the N-terminal PDZ domain, which mediate multiple protein-protein interactions. The RIL LIM domain can interact with PDZ domains in the protein tyrosine phosphatase PTP-BL and with the PDZ domain of RIL itself. Here, we describe and characterise the interaction of the RIL PDZ domain with the zyxin-related protein TRIP6, a protein containing three C-terminal LIM domains. The second LIM domain in TRIP6 is sufficient for a strong interaction with RIL. A weaker interaction with the third LIM domain in TRIP6, including the proper C-terminus, is also evident. TRIP6 also interacts with the second out of five PDZ motifs in PTP-BL. For this interaction to occur both the third LIM domain and the proper C-terminus are necessary. RNA expression analysis revealed overlapping patterns of expression for TRIP6, RIL and PTP-BL, most notably in tissues of epithelial origin. Furthermore, in transfected epithelial cells TRIP6 can be co-precipitated with RIL and PTP-BL PDZ polypeptides, and a co-localisation of TRIP6 and RIL with Factin structures is evident. Taken together, PTP-BL, RIL and TRIP6 may function as components of multi-protein complexes at actin-based sub-cellular structures