Radio Deregulation and the Public Interest in the Omaha Market

The deregulation of the radio industry started, not in 1980 with the Reagan administration, but in 1972 when the Federal Communications Commission began an in-house study to examine all technical broadcast regulations. With this study, the F.C.C. started to review the scope of all its regulations related to radio. This review led to formalized rulemaking which began on September 27, 1979, when the Commission issued a Notice of Inquiry and Proposed Rulemaking: In the Matter of Deregulation of Radio. The rulemaking process culminated on February 24, 1981, with a Report and Order (Proceeding Terminated): In the Matter of Deregulation of Radio. The Report and Order deregulated radio in the areas of nonentertainment programming, ascertainment of issues of concerns to the community of license, amount (total time) of commercials per hour and program logs

Synthesis of L-ascorbic acid in the phloem

BACKGROUND: Although plants are the main source of vitamin C in the human diet, we still have a limited understanding of how plants synthesise L-ascorbic acid (AsA) and what regulates its concentration in different plant tissues. In particular, the enormous variability in the vitamin C content of storage organs from different plants remains unexplained. Possible sources of AsA in plant storage organs include in situ synthesis and long-distance transport of AsA synthesised in other tissues via the phloem. In this paper we examine a third possibility, that of synthesis within the phloem. RESULTS: We provide evidence for the presence of AsA in the phloem sap of a wide range of crop species using aphid stylectomy and histochemical approaches. The activity of almost all the enzymes of the primary AsA biosynthetic pathway were detected in phloem-rich vascular exudates from Cucurbita pepo fruits and AsA biosynthesis was demonstrated in isolated phloem strands from Apium graveolens petioles incubated with a range of precursors (D-glucose, D-mannose, L-galactose and L-galactono-1,4-lactone). Phloem uptake of D-[U-(14)C]mannose and L-[1-(14)C]galactose (intermediates of the AsA biosynthetic pathway) as well as L-[1-(14)C]AsA and L-[1-(14)C]DHA, was observed in Nicotiana benthamiana leaf discs. CONCLUSIONS: We present the novel finding that active AsA biosynthesis occurs in the phloem. This process must now be considered in the context of mechanisms implicated in whole plant AsA distribution. This work should provoke studies aimed at elucidation of the in vivo substrates for phloem AsA biosynthesis and its contribution to AsA accumulation in plant storage organs

Polarization of macrophages toward M2 phenotype is favored by reduction in iPLA2β (group VIA phospholipase A2)*

Macrophages are important in innate and adaptive immunity. Macrophage participation in inflammation or tissue repair is directed by various extracellular signals and mediated by multiple intracellular pathways. Activation of group VIA phospholipase A2 (iPLA2β) causes accumulation of arachidonic acid, lysophospholipids, and eicosanoids that can promote inflammation and pathologic states. We examined the role of iPLA2β in peritoneal macrophage immune function by comparing wild type (WT) and iPLA2β−/− mouse macrophages. Compared with WT, iPLA2β−/− macrophages exhibited reduced proinflammatory M1 markers when classically activated. In contrast, anti-inflammatory M2 markers were elevated under naïve conditions and induced to higher levels by alternative activation in iPLA2β−/− macrophages compared with WT. Induction of eicosanoid (12-lipoxygenase (12-LO) and cyclooxygenase 2 (COX2))- and reactive oxygen species (NADPH oxidase 4 (NOX4))-generating enzymes by classical activation pathways was also blunted in iPLA2β−/− macrophages compared with WT. The effects of inhibitors of iPLA2β, COX2, or 12-LO to reduce M1 polarization were greater than those to enhance M2 polarization. Certain lipids (lysophosphatidylcholine, lysophosphatidic acid, and prostaglandin E2) recapitulated M1 phenotype in iPLA2β−/− macrophages, but none tested promoted M2 phenotype. These findings suggest that (a) lipids generated by iPLA2β and subsequently oxidized by cyclooxygenase and 12-LO favor macrophage inflammatory M1 polarization, and (b) the absence of iPLA2β promotes macrophage M2 polarization. Reducing macrophage iPLA2β activity and thereby attenuating macrophage M1 polarization might cause a shift from an inflammatory to a recovery/repair milieu

Long-distance transport of L-ascorbic acid in potato

BACKGROUND: Following on from recent advances in plant AsA biosynthesis there is increasing interest in elucidating the factors contributing to the L-ascorbic acid (AsA) content of edible crops. One main objective is to establish whether in sink organs such as fruits and tubers, AsA is synthesised in situ from imported photoassimilates or synthesised in source tissues and translocated via the phloem. In the current work we test the hypothesis that long-distance transport is involved in AsA accumulation within the potato tuber, the most significant source of AsA in the European diet. RESULTS: Using the EDTA exudation technique we confirm the presence of AsA in the phloem of potato plants and demonstrate a correlation between changes in the AsA content of source leaves and that of phloem exudates. Comparison of carboxyflourescein and AgNO(3 )staining is suggestive of symplastic unloading of AsA in developing tubers. This hypothesis was further supported by the changes in AsA distribution during tuber development which closely resembled those of imported photoassimilates. Manipulation of leaf AsA content by supply of precursors to source leaves resulted in increased AsA content of developing tubers. CONCLUSION: Our data provide strong support to the hypothesis that long-distance transport of AsA occurs in potato. We also show that phloem AsA content and AsA accumulation in sink organs can be directly increased via manipulation of AsA content in the foliage. We are now attempting to establish the quantitative contribution of imported AsA to overall AsA accumulation in developing potato tubers via transgenic approaches

Effects of alternative soy sources on growth performance in early-weaned pigs

A total of 144 pigs (initial body wt of 10.4 lb) was used in a 56-d growth assay to determine the effects of different soybean preparations on growth performance and cost of gain in nursery pigs. Experimental diets were fed in three phases from d 0 to 35 postweaning (Le., d 0 to 7, 7 to 21, and 21 to 35). Treatments were a soybean meal-based regimen; a dry-extruded whole soybeans (mill-run) regimen; and a specially processed soy products regimen (Le., soy isolate in Phase I, soy concentrate in Phase 11, and extruded soy flour in Phase Ill). All diets were formulated to 1. 55, 1. 25, and 1.15% lysine for Phases I, 11, and III, respectively. Fat additions to the soybean meal and specialty soy product treatments were 2, 2, and 3%, for Phases I, 11, and III, respectively. The diets with extruded soybeans had more total fat (2.5, 3.8, and 4.8% greater percentage ether extract in Phases I, 11, and III, respectively) than the soybean meal-based control. On d 35 postweaning, the pigs were switched to the same soybean meal-based grower diet (.9% lysine) for a period of 3 wk. During Phase I (d 0 to 7 postweaning), pigs fed soybean meal gained 25% less and were 22% less efficient than those fed extruded soybeans and the specially processed soy products. Average daily feed intake was not affected by dietary treatment; however, pigs fed the specially processed soy product had the greatest ADG of any treatment, and numerically, the best efficiencies of gain. No statistical differences were found for ADG, ADFI, or F/G among treatments from d 7 to 21, 21 to 35, or 35 to 56 of the experiment. Thus, overall (from d 0 to 56 postweaning), pigs fed the various soybean protein sources had similar growth performance. However, overall costs per pound of gain were $.33,$.34, and $.42 for pigs fed extruded soybeans, soybean meal, and the specialty soy products, respectively. In conclusion, although the specially processed soy products regimen (Le., soy isolate) supported the greatest growth performance immediately after weaning (d 0 to 7), the best cost of gain was achieved by feeding extruded soybeans. However, the additional fat provided by extruded soybeans did not influence pig performance in this experiment.; Swine Day, Manhattan, KS, November 17, 199

Wheat gluten and spray-dried plasma protein blends for nursery pigs

Using a 50:50 blend of spray-dried plasma protein (SDPP):spray-dried wheat gluten (WG) (i.e., with each as approximately 4% of the diet) gave the greatest ADG and ADFI, while reducing diet costs compared to the control diet (i.e., 8% SDPP). Even with a slight decrease in efficiency of gain, the marked decrease in diet cost will yield better cost of gain with a 50:50 blend versus using only SDPP.; Swine Day, Manhattan, KS, November 16, 199

Muscle Mitochondrial Function at Different Phases of the Menstrual Cycle

The effect of menstrual cycle (MC) phase on muscle recovery from damage has been studied using markers of strength and soreness, but remains inconclusive. Mitochondrial function is essential for muscle recovery, and has been found to be influenced by estradiol (E2). Understanding the relationship between MC phase and mitochondria can provide further insight into women’s muscle health. The PURPOSE of this study was to determine how MC phase affects markers of muscle damage and recovery, with emphasis on mitochondrial function, following electrically-stimulated muscle contractions. METHODS: 22 premenopausal females were recruited and split into two groups, early follicular (EF) and late follicular (LF). After menstrual cycle tracking and phase confirmation, subjects performed a baseline maximum voluntary knee extension contraction (MVC) and provided a muscle biopsy one week prior to test day. On test day, subjects underwent 200 electrically stimulated eccentric muscle contractions (ES). Subjects reported for follow-up strength tests on days 2, 4, and 7 post damage, and gave a final biopsy on day 7. RESULTS: MVC decreased an average of 14 ± 6% immediately following ES and recovered to 6 ± 7% below baseline by day 4, with no differences between groups for percent decrease in MVC (p=.67). Average peak soreness was 4.0 ± 1.9, with no differences between groups (p=.91). Average change in max coupled mitochondrial respiration was -14.3 ± 15.5 pmolO2ᐧs-1ᐧmg-1 for the EF group and 1.3 ± 22.3 pmolO2ᐧs-1ᐧmg-1 for the LF group (p=.03). Average change in fatty acid supported respiration was -3.6 ± 7.4 pmolO2ᐧs-1ᐧmg-1 for the EF group and 7.5 ± 10.5 pmolO2ᐧs-1ᐧmg-1 for the LF group (p=.046). However, these results are complicated by baseline differences in respiration, with max coupled respiration being significantly higher (p=.02) in the mid-luteal phase (EF group baseline) than the early-follicular phase (LF group baseline). CONCLUSIONS: Results show novel findings that baseline mitochondrial respiration and mitochondrial response to damage differ between MC phases. This finding supports previous research relating mitochondrial function and E2 levels, and suggests further research on mitochondrial function throughout the menstrual cycle

Elucidating the genetic basis of antioxidant status in lettuce (Lactuca sativa).

A diet rich in phytonutrients from fruit and vegetables has been acknowledged to afford protection against a range of human diseases, but many of the most popular vegetables are low in phytonutrients. Wild relatives of crops may contain allelic variation for genes determining the concentrations of these beneficial phytonutrients, and therefore understanding the genetic basis of this variation is important for breeding efforts to enhance nutritional quality. In this study, lettuce recombinant inbred lines, generated from a cross between wild and cultivated lettuce (Lactuca serriola and Lactuca sativa, respectively), were analysed for antioxidant (AO) potential and important phytonutrients including carotenoids, chlorophyll and phenolic compounds. When grown in two environments, 96 quantitative trait loci (QTL) were identified for these nutritional traits: 4 for AO potential, 2 for carotenoid content, 3 for total chlorophyll content and 87 for individual phenolic compounds (two per compound on average). Most often, the L. serriola alleles conferred an increase in total AOs and metabolites. Candidate genes underlying these QTL were identified by BLASTn searches; in several cases, these had functions suggesting involvement in phytonutrient biosynthetic pathways. Analysis of a QTL on linkage group 3, which accounted for >30% of the variation in AO potential, revealed several candidate genes encoding multiple MYB transcription factors which regulate flavonoid biosynthesis and flavanone 3-hydroxylase, an enzyme involved in the biosynthesis of the flavonoids quercetin and kaempferol, which are known to have powerful AO activity. Follow-up quantitative RT-PCR of these candidates revealed that 5 out of 10 genes investigated were significantly differentially expressed between the wild and cultivated parents, providing further evidence of their potential involvement in determining the contrasting phenotypes. These results offer exciting opportunities to improve the nutritional content and health benefits of lettuce through marker-assisted breeding

Effects of dry-extruded whole soybeans on growth performance of nursery pigs and growth performance, carcass characteristics, and stomach morphology of finishing pigs

In a 3 I-d nursery experiment, replacing soybean meal (SBM) with dry-extruded whole soybeans (DEWS) tended to improve F/G (6% overall difference), but ADG was not affected. Adjusting the diet with DEWS to the nutrient:calorie ratio of the diet with SBM did not greatly improve growth performance compared to the diet that was simply formulated to the same concentration of lysine as the diet with SBM. In a second experiment (with finishing pigs), 50 and 100% of the SBM in a corn-based diet was replaced with DEWS. Replacement resulted in 2% greater ADG and 8% better F/G, without significantly increasing carcass fatness or the incidence of stomach ulcers. Our data suggest that DEWS are an acceptable (if not superior) alternative to SBM in diets for nursery and finishing pigs.; Swine Day, Manhattan, KS, November 16, 199