Megagametogenesis and nuclear DNA content estimation in Halophila (Hydrocaritaceae)

Megagametogenesis has been identified in the seagrass Halophila johnsonii, a species with no known seeds, using DAPI staining and manual sectioning methods. Developmental stages were documented and compared with megagametogenesis stages in Halophila decipiens, a related species widely reported to produce viable seeds. Present observations suggest that meiosis occurs in the megasporocyte and, therefore, sexual reproduction should be possible in H. johnsonii. Results of this study, which was part of a multi-level threatened-species recovery plan sponsored by NOAA, are encouraging and suggest that two additional management-related inquiries, 1) the search for male reproductive structures and 2) hybridization with related species are worthwhile. Quantification of the nuclear DNA of nine Halophila taxa was conducted to better understand interspecific genome size variation within the genus. Results suggest that three polyploidy events may have accompanied evolution in this genus. Data for 2C and 4C values are reported with H. engelmanii having the largest content of 2C = 27 pg and H. stipulacea having the lowest, 2C = 7.5 pg

An exhibition of paintings

This thesis is in the form of an exhibition of paintings and the following statement presents a point of view held by the artist in relation to this particular group of paintings. Accompanying these brief notes is a catalogue and 35mm (2" x 2") color slide photographs of the paintings exhibited. The paintings are two-dimensional and were executed in a polymer (plastic) medium on stretched canvas. The artist has become involved in a process of painting that can perhaps be described as inner directed. More than anything else he is seeking to develop an iconography that is clearly a statement of his individuality. This can be done through an intuitive approach rather than consciously reasoning out his every decision. The landscape as well as the figure has been adopted as a part of the artist's visual vocabulary. He does not work through observation of nature or the model, but almost wholly from memory so that the figures take on an impersonal or anonymous appearance in a generalized setting of trees, sky, and ground. The figures are apt to repeat themselves from some impression long since committed to his subconscious

Comparative interpretations of religious symbolism in the design on a textile dated 1680

This study of religious symbolism was limited to consideration of the symbolic significance of the motifs and other forms and spaces in the design which borders a white linen embroidered textile, dated 1680, in the historic collection of The School of Home Economics at The University of North Carolina at Greensboro. Works specifically relevant to the objectives of this study were examined to establish an historic background for further research. The review of literature included: a survey of Christian symbols in art; a review of needlework for the church; and a survey of the historical development of religious symbolism, and the Passion symbols and their significance. Five versions of the Four Gospels were consulted for statements concerning the group of Passion symbols that are embroidered on this historic textile. The four twentieth century publications chosen for study included the King James Version, the Revised Standard Version, the J. B. Phillip's Version, and The New Enqlish Version of The Holy Bible. A seventeenth century Geneva Version of the Bible was used to establish a standard to which later translations could be compared

Forest biomass diversion in the Sierra Nevada: Energy, economics and emissions

As an alternative to open pile burning, use of forest wastes from fuel hazard reduction projects at Blodgett Forest Research Station for electricity production was shown to produce energy and emission benefits: energy (diesel fuel) expended for processing and transport was 2.5% of the biomass fuel (energy equivalent); based on measurements from a large pile burn, air emissions reductions were 98%-99% for PM2.5, CO (carbon monoxide), NMOC (nonmethane organic compounds), CH4 (methane) and BC (black carbon), and 20% for NOx and CO2-equivalent greenhouse gases. Due to transport challenges and delays, delivered cost was $70 per bone dry ton (BDT) - comprised of collection and processing ($34/BDT) and transport ($36/BDT) for 79 miles one way - which exceeded the biomass plant gate price of$45/BDT. Under typical conditions, the break-even haul distance would be approximately 30 miles one way, with a collection and processing cost of $30/BDT and a transport cost of$16/BDT. Revenue generated from monetization of the reductions in air emissions has the potential to make forest fuel reduction projects more economically viable

A Global Meta-Analysis of Forest Bioenergy Greenhouse Gas Emission Accounting Studies

The potential greenhouse gas benefits of displacing fossil energy with biofuels are driving policy development in the absence of complete information. The potential carbon neutrality of forest biomass is a source of considerable scientific debate because of the complexity of dynamic forest ecosystems, varied feedstock types, and multiple energy production pathways. The lack of scientific consensus leaves decision makers struggling with contradicting technical advice. Analyzing previously published studies, our goal was to identify and prioritize those attributes of bioenergy greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions analysis that are most influential on length of carbon payback period. We investigated outcomes of 59 previously published forest biomass greenhouse gas emissions research studies published between 1991 and 2014. We identified attributes for each study and classified study cases by attributes. Using classification and regression tree analysis, we identified those attributes that are strong predictors of carbon payback period (e.g. the time required by the forest to recover through sequestration the carbon dioxide from biomass combusted for energy). The inclusion of wildfire dynamics proved to be the most influential in determining carbon payback period length compared to other factors such as feedstock type, baseline choice, and the incorporation of leakage calculations. Additionally, we demonstrate that evaluation criteria consistency is required to facilitate equitable comparison between projects. For carbon payback period calculations to provide operational insights to decision makers, future research should focus on creating common accounting principles for the most influential fac

Invisible Diaspora?:English Ethnicity in the United States before 1920

The article presents an examination into the English population of the United States during the 19th and early 20th centuries, examining their ethnic identity as a diaspora community. Introductory details are given noting the relative lack of attention given to English Americans as an ethnic group. Topics addressed include reasons behind the invisibility of the English immigrant identity in the U.S., the existence of English ethnic organizations, and an overview of their activities

Angel investor's selection criteria: a comparative institutional perspective

Despite the important role of angel investors as critical financial providers for new ventures, little is known regarding how institutions make their investment decisions. While angels make decisions based on selection criteria during the first stage, they are also embedded within and affected by different institutional settings and as a result weight these criteria differently than other investors. We compare angel investors' selection criteria in China and Denmark using the comparative institutional perspective. We use a policy capturing approach and hierarchy linear modeling, revealing that since Chinese angels are embedded within relationship-based institutional settings they tend to reply more on strong ties such as family and friends in management team, as well as weighting risks less compared to Danish angels operating within more rule-based institutional contexts