Relative effects of mammal herbivory and plant spacing on seedling recruitment following fire and mining

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>There is much debate concerning which ecological constraints are the most limiting factors to seedling recruitment in disturbed communities. We provide the first comparison between selective herbivory and plant competition effects among two post-mined forest ecosystems (primary succession) and one post-fire woodland ecosystem (secondary succession). Animal exclosure assessments of nine common species across eight sites were performed for comparison within three locations separated by up to 200 km. Additionally, we asked whether pre-browsed plants differed in nutrient content between or within species in the separate systems.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Among the nine common species, seven of these were affected by mammal herbivory while five shared a similar vulnerability to predation regardless of system. One species was limited by competition (planting density). There was a strong linear correlation between herbivore selectivity (% browsed) and impact (biomass loss) on the fertilized minesites, but not post-fire sites. Phosphorus and potassium were higher for most species in the post-mined system. Principal components analyses revealed that nutrients in shortest supply may be the most likely components of selection within each system. Among all locations, species with highest levels of phosphorus, ADF and leaf water content were often favoured, while high tannins and nitrogen content were generally selected against.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Herbivory, rather than seedling competition, was the limiting factor for plant performance among post-fire and post-mined reclamation areas. The post-fire seedlings were smaller and more water and nutrient limited, nevertheless browsing prevalence was equivalent at all locations with nearly all seedlings predated. Kangaroo density in the post-fire community declined from the beginning of the experiment, while numbers in the post-mined revegetation increased fourfold within one year. Differences in water and nutrient availability may explain why herbivores are more likely to be attracted to post-mined communities.</p

Techniques to Facilitate the Acquisition of Accurate Spectral Measurements and Multispectral Imagery of Plant Foliage Under Artificial Lighting Conditions

Spectral measurements obtained in the laboratory under artificial lighting sources have been used for many years to develop spectral ‘libraries’ for various soil types, rocks and minerals, and other inanimate features occurring on or near the earth’s surface. Quartz halogen lamps have been shown to emit all of the electromagnetic (EMR) wavelengths required for the acquisition of quality multispectral imagery, and various techniques have been developed to facilitate the acquisition of accurate spectral measurements using such artificial lighting sources. Our objectives in this study were to evaluate the several factors of critical importance in obtaining accurate spectral measurements for plant foliage in the laboratory, including the effects of leaf orientation, excision, and background reflectance on reflectance of visible and NIR wavelengths. Results demonstrated that accurate spectral measurements and imagery of various types of foliage may be obtained using quartz halogen lighting provided that excised leaf samples are placed on an NIR-absorbent background and samples are maintained in containers designed to minimize desiccation

Impact of functional status on outcomes of simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplantation: Risks and opportunities for patient benefit

Background. The impact of functional status on survival among simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplant (SPKT) candidates and recipients is not well described. Methods. We examined national Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients (SRTR) data for patients listed for SPKT in the United States (2006-2019). Functional status was categorized by center-reported Karnofsky Performance Score (KPS). We used Cox regression to quantify associations of KPS at listing and transplant with subsequent patient survival, adjusted for baseline patient and transplant factors (adjusted hazard ratio,(95% LCL)aHR(95%UCL)). We also explored time-dependent associations of SPKT with survival risk after listing compared with continued waiting in each functional status group. Results. KPS distributions among candidates (N = 16 822) and recipients (N = 10 316), respectively, were normal (KPS 80-100), 62.0% and 57.8%; capable of self-care (KPS 70), 23.5% and 24.7%; requires assistance (KPS 50-60), 12.4% and 14.2%; and disabled (KPS 10-40), 2.1% and 3.3%. There was a graded increase in mortality after listing and after transplant with lower functional levels. Compared with normal functioning, mortality after SPKT rose progressively for patients capable of self-care (aHR,(1.00)1.18(1.41)), requiring assistance (aHR,(1.06)1.31(1.60)), and disabled (aHR,(1.10)1.55(2.19)). In time-dependent regression, compared with waiting, SPKT was associated with 2-fold mortality risk within 30 days of transplant. However, beyond 30 days, SPKT was associated with reduced mortality, from 52% for disabled patients (aHR,(0.26)0.48(0.88)) to 70% for patients with normal functioning (aHR,(0.26)0.30(0.34)). Conclusions. While lower functional status is associated with increased mortality risk among SPKT candidates and recipients, SPKT can provide long-term survival benefit across functional status levels in those selected for transplant

Dimensions of Liberal Education at Brockport

Editor: H. Larry Humm (College at Brockport emeritus). Editorial board: Robert W. Strayer (professor emeritus, College at Brockport) ; W. Bruce Leslie, (College at Brockport faculty member) ; Robert S. Getz (professor emeritus, College at Brockport) ; J. Douglas Hickerson (former Director of Student Affairs, College at Brockport), Kenneth L. Jones (former College at Brockport faculty member) ; Charles R. Edwards (professor emeritus, College at Brockport). Also includes chapters by the following emeriti and former faculty members and professionals of The College at Brockport: Donald S. Douglas (former provost), Harold L. Rakov (emeritus), Roger M. Weir (emeritus), Owen S. Ireland (current), Edward J. Gucker (emeritus), Warren Fraleigh (emeritus), Lynn H. Parsons (emeritus), Ian H. Henderson (emeritus), Robert J. Gemmett (emeritus), J. Emory Morris (emeritus), Beth E. VanFossen (former faculty member), Peter L. Marchant (emeritus), Gladdys W. Church (former Director of the Learning Skills Center). An instructional development project of the Educational Communications Center, State University College at Brockport, Brockport, New York. Contents: On coming to college for the first time : Great expectations, yours and ours / Donald S. Douglas -- High school and college, what’s the difference? / Harold L. Rakov -- Living in a college community / Roger M. Weir -- A liberal arts education: what, why and how: The liberating arts and personal freedom / J. Douglas Hickerson -- The liberal arts, preparation for a career / Roger M. Weir -- Liberally educated people, knowing them when you see them: Perspective 1, Gaining knowledge, discipline, and values / Owen S. Ireland -- Perspective 2, Nurturing curiosity, creativity, and commitment / Edward J. Gucker -- Perspective 3, Cultivating freedom / Warren Fraleigh -- Democracy and the liberal arts, Is there a connection? / Lynn H. Parsons -- From Socrates to Brockport, your place in a long tradition / W. Bruce Leslie -- Why study the fine arts? / Ian H. Henderson -- Why study the humanities? / Robert J. Gemmett -- Why study the sciences? / J. Emory Morris -- Why study the social sciences? / Beth E. VanFossen -- More than making it: getting the most out of college : Where am I going? How do I get there? Some thoughts on academic planning / Robert S. Getz -- Thinking about thinking / H. Larry Humm -- How not to be a victim of time, a first letter to an anxious student / Peter L. Marchant -- Reading in college, more than turning pages / Charles R. Edwards -- Going to class-- being there is not enough / H. Larry Humm -- How not to be a victim of essay assignments, a second letter to an anxious student / Peter L. Marchant -- Making the most of tests / Gladdys W. Church.https://digitalcommons.brockport.edu/bookshelf/1328/thumbnail.jp

Somatic mutations in the chromatin remodeling gene ARID1A occur in several tumor types

Mutations in the chromatin remodeling gene ARID1A have recently been identified in the majority of ovarian clear cell carcinomas (OCCCs). To determine the prevalence of mutations in other tumor types, we evaluated 759 malignant neoplasms including those of the pancreas, breast, colon, stomach, lung, prostate, brain, and blood (leukemias). We identified truncating mutations in 6% of the neoplasms studied; nontruncating somatic mutations were identified in an additional 0.4% of neoplasms. Mutations were most commonly found in gastrointestinal samples with 12 of 119 (10%) colorectal and 10 of 100 (10%) gastric neoplasms, respectively, harboring changes. More than half of the mutated colorectal and gastric cancers displayed microsatellite instability (MSI) and the mutations in these tumors were out‐of‐frame insertions or deletions at mononucleotide repeats. Mutations were also identified in 2–8% of tumors of the pancreas, breast, brain (medulloblastomas), prostate, and lung, and none of these tumors displayed MSI. These findings suggest that the aberrant chromatin remodeling consequent to ARID1A inactivation contributes to a variety of different types of neoplasms. Hum Mutat 33:100–103, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/89516/1/humu_21633_sm_Mat.pdfhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/89516/2/21633_ftp.pd

Does humeral fixation technique affect long-term outcomes of total shoulder arthroplasty?

Background For anatomic total arthroscopic repair, cementless humeral fixation has recently gained popularity. However, few studies have compared clinical, radiographic, and patient-reported outcomes between cemented and press-fit humeral fixation, and none have performed follow-up for longer than 5 years. In this study, we compared long-term postoperative outcomes in patients receiving a cemented versus press-fit humeral stem anatomic arthroscopic repair. Methods This study retrospectively analyzed 169 shoulders that required primary anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty (aTSA). Shoulders were stratified by humeral stem fixation technique: cementation or press-fit. Data were collected pre- and postoperatively. Primary outcome measures included range of motion, patient reported outcomes, and radiographic measures. Results One hundred thirty-eight cemented humeral stems and 31 press-fit stems were included. Significant improvements in range of motion were seen in all aTSA patients with no significant differences between final cemented and press-fit stems (forward elevation: P=0.12, external rotation: P=0.60, and internal rotation: P=0.77). Patient reported outcome metrics also exhibited sustained improvement through final follow-up. However, at final follow-up, the press-fit stem cohort had significantly better overall scores when compared to the cemented cohort (visual analog score: P=0.04, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeon Score: P<0.01, Simple Shoulder Test score: P=0.03). Humeral radiolucency was noted in two cemented implants and one press-fit implant. No significant differences in implant survival were observed between the two cohorts (P=0.75). Conclusions In this series, we found that irrespective of humeral fixation technique, aTSA significantly improves shoulder function. However, within this cohort, press-fit stems provided significantly better outcomes than cemented stems in terms of patient reported outcome scores. Level of evidenceIII

Air quality and error quantity: pollution and performance in a high-skilled, quality-focused occupation

We provide the first evidence that short-term exposure to air pollution affects the work performance of a group of highly-skilled, quality-focused employees. We repeatedly observe the decision-making of individual professional baseball umpires, quasi-randomly assigned to varying air quality across time and space. Unique characteristics of this setting combined with high-frequency data disentangle effects of multiple pollutants and identify previously under-explored acute effects. We find a 1 ppm increase in 3-hour CO causes an 11.5% increase in the propensity of umpires to make incorrect calls and a 10 mg/m3 increase in 12-hour PM2.5 causes a 2.6% increase. We control carefully for a variety of potential confounders and results are supported by robustness and falsification checks

LSST: from Science Drivers to Reference Design and Anticipated Data Products

(Abridged) We describe here the most ambitious survey currently planned in the optical, the Large Synoptic Survey Telescope (LSST). A vast array of science will be enabled by a single wide-deep-fast sky survey, and LSST will have unique survey capability in the faint time domain. The LSST design is driven by four main science themes: probing dark energy and dark matter, taking an inventory of the Solar System, exploring the transient optical sky, and mapping the Milky Way. LSST will be a wide-field ground-based system sited at Cerro Pach\'{o}n in northern Chile. The telescope will have an 8.4 m (6.5 m effective) primary mirror, a 9.6 deg$^2$ field of view, and a 3.2 Gigapixel camera. The standard observing sequence will consist of pairs of 15-second exposures in a given field, with two such visits in each pointing in a given night. With these repeats, the LSST system is capable of imaging about 10,000 square degrees of sky in a single filter in three nights. The typical 5$\sigma$ point-source depth in a single visit in $r$ will be $\sim 24.5$ (AB). The project is in the construction phase and will begin regular survey operations by 2022. The survey area will be contained within 30,000 deg$^2$ with $\delta<+34.5^\circ$, and will be imaged multiple times in six bands, $ugrizy$, covering the wavelength range 320--1050 nm. About 90\% of the observing time will be devoted to a deep-wide-fast survey mode which will uniformly observe a 18,000 deg$^2$ region about 800 times (summed over all six bands) during the anticipated 10 years of operations, and yield a coadded map to $r\sim27.5$. The remaining 10\% of the observing time will be allocated to projects such as a Very Deep and Fast time domain survey. The goal is to make LSST data products, including a relational database of about 32 trillion observations of 40 billion objects, available to the public and scientists around the world.Comment: 57 pages, 32 color figures, version with high-resolution figures available from https://www.lsst.org/overvie