60 research outputs found
Fiber-Optic Imaging in an Internal Combustion Engine Test Rig
The formation of particulate matter (PM/soot), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and other byproducts of the combustion process in diesel engines is controlled by spatiotemporally varying quantities within the engine cylinders which traditional sensors cannot resolve. This study explores the use of an advanced sensing technique using an optical probe which can be used to produce highly spatiotemporally resolved in cylinder images of the flame formation during the combustion stroke. Using a fiber optic cable and custom lensing system adapted to fit a pre-existing pressure transducer port, light from within the cylinder can be transmitted through the imaging probe to a high speed camera where high resolution images of the flame are captured. This method enables no modifications to the engine geometry or materials, which ensures that the combustion and heat transfer characteristics are the same in the operating engine as they would be without the sensor implementation. Simulation results of an optical system to meet the desired design constraints are presented and discussed in addition to models of the imaging probe design. These results showed that an effective imaging system could be packaged within a narrow design envelope and produce high resolution images for a wide field of view
Maternal pomegranate juice intake and brain structure and function in infants with intrauterine growth restriction: A randomized controlled pilot study.
Polyphenol-rich pomegranate juice has been shown to have benefit as a neuroprotectant in animal models of neonatal hypoxic-ischemia. No published studies have investigated maternal polyphenol administration as a potential neuroprotectant in at-risk newborns, such as those with intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). This was a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind pilot study to investigate the impact of maternal pomegranate juice intake in pregnancies with IUGR, on newborn brain structure and function at term-equivalent age (TEA). Mothers with IUGR at 24-34 weeks\u27 gestation were recruited from Barnes-Jewish Hospital obstetrical clinic. Consented mothers were randomized to treatment (8 oz. pomegranate juice) or placebo (8 oz. polyphenol-free juice) and continued to take juice daily from enrollment until delivery (mean 20.1 and 27.1 days, respectively). Infants underwent brain MRI at TEA (36-41 weeks\u27 gestation). Brain measures were compared between groups including: brain injury score, brain metrics, brain volumes, diffusion tensor imaging and resting state functional connectivity. Statistical analyses were undertaken as modified intention-to-treat (including randomized participants who received their allocated intervention and whose infants received brain MRI) and per-protocol (including participants who strictly adhered to the protocol, based on metabolite status). Seventy-seven mothers were randomized to treatment (n = 40) or placebo (n = 37). Of these, 28 and 27 infants, respectively, underwent term-equivalent MRI. There were no group differences in brain injury, metrics or volumes. However, treatment subjects displayed reduced diffusivity within the anterior and posterior limbs of the internal capsule compared with placebo. Resting state functional connectivity demonstrated increased correlation and covariance within several networks in treatment subjects, with alterations most apparent in the visual network in per-protocol analyses. Direct effects on health were not found. In conclusion, maternal pomegranate juice intake in pregnancies with known IUGR was associated with altered white matter organization and functional connectivity in the infant brain, suggesting differences in brain structure and function following in utero pomegranate juice exposure, warranting continued investigation. Clinical trial registration. NCT00788866, registered November 11, 2008, initial participant enrollment August 21, 2012
Rooting Out Genetic Structure of Invasive Wild Pigs in Texas
Invasive wild pigs (Sus scrofa), also called feral swine or wild hogs, are recognized as among the most destructive invasive species in the world. Throughout the United States, invasive wild pigs have expanded rapidly over the past 40 years with populations now established in 38 states. Of the estimated 6.9 million wild pigs distributed throughout the United States, Texas supports approximately 40% of the population and similarly bears disproportionate ecological and economic costs. Genetic analyses are an effective tool for understanding invasion pathways and tracking dispersal of invasive species such as wild pigs and have been used recently in California and Florida, USA, which have similarly long-established populations and high densities of wild pigs. Our goals were to use molecular approaches to elucidate invasion and migration processes shaping wild pig populations throughout Texas, compare our results with patterns of genetic structure observed in California and Florida, and provide insights for effective management of this invasive species. We used a high-density single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) array to evaluate population genetic structure. Genetic clusters of wild pigs throughout Texas demonstrate 2 distinct patterns: weakly resolved, spatially dispersed clusters and well-resolved, spatially localized clusters. The disparity in patterns of genetic structure suggests disparate processes are differentially shaping wild pig populations in various localities throughout the state. Our results differed from the patterns of genetic structure observed in California and Florida, which were characterized by localized genetic clusters. These differences suggest distinct biological and perhaps anthropogenic processes are shaping genetic structure in Texas. Further, these disparities demonstrate the need for location-specific management strategies for controlling wild pig populations and mitigating associated ecological and economic costs
Assessing the utility of metabarcoding for diet analyses of the omnivorous wild pig (\u3ci\u3eSus scrofa\u3c/i\u3e)
Wild pigs (Sus scrofa) are an invasive species descended from both domestic swine and Eurasian wild boar that was introduced to North America during the early 1500s. Wild pigs have since become the most abundant free-ranging exotic ungulate in the United States. Large and ever-increasing populations of wild pigs negatively impact agriculture, sport hunting, and native ecosystems with costs estimated to exceed $1.5 billion/ year within the United States. Wild pigs are recognized as generalist feeders, able to exploit a broad array of locally available food resources, yet their feeding behaviors remain poorly understood as partially digested material is often unidentifiable through traditional stomach content analyses. To overcome the limitation of stomach content analyses, we developed a DNA sequencing-based protocol to describe the plant and animal diet composition of wild pigs. Additionally, we developed and evaluated blocking primers to reduce the amplification and sequencing of host DNA, thus providing greater returns of sequences from diet items. We demonstrate that the use of blocking primers produces significantly more sequencing reads per sample from diet items, which increases the robustness of ascertaining animal diet composition with molecular tools. Further, we show that the overall plant and animal diet composition is significantly different between the three areas sampled, demonstrating this approach is suitable for describing differences in diet composition among the locations
Invasion ecology of wild pigs (Sus scrofa) in Florida, USA: the role of humans in the expansion and colonization of an invasive wild ungulate
Wild pigs (Sus scrofa) are the most widely distributed invasive wild ungulate in the United States, yet the factors that influence wild pig dispersal and colonization at the regional level are poorly understood. Our objective was to use a population genetic approach to describe patterns of dispersal and colonization among populations to gain a greater understanding of the invasion process contributing to the expansion of this species. We used 52 microsatellite loci to produce individual genotypes for 482 swine sampled at 39 locations between 2014 and 2016. Our data revealed the existence of genetically distinct subpopulations (FST = 0.1170, p\0.05). We found evidence of both fine-scale subdivision among the sampling locations, as well as evidence of long term genetic isolation. Several locations exhibited significant admixture (interbreeding) suggesting frequent mixing of individuals among locations; up to 14% of animals were immigrants from other populations. This pattern of admixture suggested successive rounds of human-assisted translocation and subsequent expansion across Florida. We also found evidence of genetically distinct populations that were isolated from nearby populations, suggesting recent introduction by humans. In addition, proximity to wild pig holding facilities was associated with higher migration rates and admixture, likely due to the escape or release of animals. Taken together, these results suggest that human-assisted movement plays a major role in the ecology and rapid population growth of wild pigs in Florida
An allometric scaling relationship in the brain of preterm infants
Allometry has been used to demonstrate a power–law scaling relationship in the brain of premature born infants. Forty-nine preterm infants underwent neonatal MRI scans and neurodevelopmental testing at age 2. Measures of cortical surface area and total cerebral volume demonstrated a power–law scaling relationship (α = 1.27). No associations were identified between these measures and investigated clinical variables. Term equivalent cortical surface area and total cerebral volume measures and scaling exponents were not related to outcome. These findings confirm a previously reported allometric scaling relationship in the preterm brain, and suggest that scaling is not a sensitive indicator of aberrant cortical maturation
Optimizing management of invasions in an uncertain world using dynamic spatial models
Dispersal drives invasion dynamics of nonnative species and pathogens. Applying knowledge of dispersal to optimize the management of invasions can mean the difference between a failed and a successful control program and dramatically improve the return on investment of control efforts. A common approach to identifying optimal management solutions for invasions is to optimize dynamic spatial models that incorporate dispersal. Optimizing these spatial models can be very challenging because the interaction of time, space, and uncertainty rapidly amplifies the number of dimensions being considered. Addressing such problems requires advances in and the integration of techniques from multiple fields, including ecology, decision analysis, bioeconomics, natural resource management, and optimization. By synthesizing recent advances from these diverse fields, we provide a workflow for applying ecological theory to advance optimal management science and highlight priorities for optimizing the control of invasions. One of the striking gaps we identify is the extremely limited consideration of dispersal uncertainty in optimal management frameworks, even though dispersal estimates are highly uncertain and greatly influence invasion outcomes. In addition, optimization frameworks rarely consider multiple types of uncertainty (we describe five major types) and their interrelationships. Thus, feedbacks from management or other sources that could magnify uncertainty in dispersal are rarely considered. Incorporating uncertainty is crucial for improving transparency in decision risks and identifying optimal management strategies. We discuss gaps and solutions to the challenges of optimization using dynamic spatial models to increase the practical application of these important tools and improve the consistency and robustness of management recommendations for invasions
Recommended from our members
Assessing the utility of metabarcoding for diet analyses of the omnivorous wild pig (
Wild pigs
Caregiver Behavior Change for Child Survival and Development in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: An Examination of the Evidence
In June of 2012, representatives from more than 80 countries promulgated a Child Survival Call to Action, which called for reducing child mortality to 20 or fewer child deaths per 1,000 live births in every country by 2035. To address the problem of ending preventable child deaths, the U.S. Agency for International Development and the United Nations Children’s Fund convened, on June 3–4, 2013, an Evidence Summit on Enhancing Child Survival and Development in Lower- and Middle-Income Countries by Achieving Population-Level Behavior Change. Six evidence review teams were established on different topics related to child survival and healthy development to identify the relevant evidence-based interventions and to prepare reports. This article was developed by the evidence review team responsible for identifying the research literature on caregiver change for child survival and development. This article is organized into childhood developmental periods and cross-cutting issues that affect child survival and healthy early development across all these periods. On the basis of this review, the authors present evidence-based recommendations for programs focused on caregivers to increase child survival and promote healthy development. Last, promising directions for future research to change caregivers’ behaviors are given
The Vehicle, Spring 1974
Table of Contents
PhotoJim Painterpage 1
Six Poems of the LandRay Schmuddepage 5
At Last to Find FreedomJann Briesacherpage 7
The Last IrisMarjorie Thoelepage 9
(Untitled)Melinda E. Recordpage 10
MenJan Schroederpage 10
ImpressionsJudy Bardpage 11
ScaredAnita Surpage 11
Loved and LostJan Schroederpage 12
Dripped-Over WaxAnita Surpage 13
The Crowded RoomWilliam E. Uteschpage 14
A River in IllinoisJames Jonespage 14
Sneeze SeasonDarlene A. Moorepage 14
ChangesMark Chianakaspage 15
PhotoJim Painterpage 16
Wedding VowsJann Briesacherpage 17
PhotoJim Painterpage 18
PhotoJim Painterpage 19
PhotoJim Painterpage 20
PhotoJim Painterpage 21
PhotoJim Painterpage 22
PhotoLarry Smyserpage 23
From Outside ColoradoRay Schmuddepage 24
Dairy QueenGayle Gleichmanpage 26
With Sunstreaks in our HairNancy Broom Brownpage 33
PhotoJim Painterpage 34
Water\u27s EdgeMarjorie Thoelepage 35
My 665th Illusion of SanityGordon Glessnerpage 36
Is it my turn to do the laundry again??? Jann Briesacherpage 38
TV Teachingbobbdoddpage 39
GuidanceWendy Diane Wielandpage 40
PhotoJim Painterpage 41
RaindropsJane Ann Beerspage 42
WaitingJan Schroederpage 42
To JonJudy Bardpage 43
One Autumn Day in 1971E. Christmanpage 43
More Surely Than Picture AlbumsMarjorie Thoelepage 44
WingspanningNancy Broom Brownpage 45
ReligionMelinda E. Recordpage 45
Rosalie StevensonMark Holleypage 46
PhotoJim Painterpage 47
WhiteShirley A. Rardinpage 48
The Beginning of a Perfect DayShirley A. Rardinpage 49
PhotoMichael Chenpage 50
Rosethorn Wall of June 17bobbdoddpage 51
ManJan Schroederpage 51
HaikuJudy Bardpage 51
You know it leaves me emptyJames Osbornepage 52
For JesseJames Osbornepage 52
EndingsMark Chianakaspage 53
ConfusionGary L. Owenspage 53
PhotoMichael Chenpage 54
PoemsJann Briesacherpage 54
Journey of just oneNancy Broom Brownpage 55
Blackbirds in IllinoisJames Jonespage 56
PoemsJann Briesacherpage 56
PhotoMichael Chenpage 57
I am a poemDarlene A. Moorepage 57
A Glimpse of ParadiseJann Briesacherpage 57
PhotoJim Painterpage 58
PoemSheila Marie Foorpage 59
In my windowBarbara S. Meyerpage 59
Section 4., Draft 3bobbdoddpage 60
PhotoJim Painterpage 61
PoemJann Briesacherpage 61
PhotoGary Deanpage 62
I amWilliam E. Uteschpage 62
To a tank-car in IllinoisJames Jonespage 63
PoemJane Ann Beerspage 63
PoemsJann Briesacherpage 63
Editor\u27s Pagepage 64https://thekeep.eiu.edu/vehicle/1031/thumbnail.jp
- …