Extra Plate Research Articles

Pleurocystites? scylla, a new species of pleurocystitid rhombiferan, and comments on early echinoderm teratologies

AbstractPleurocystitid echinoderms are known to have consistent plating in the theca or body. However, many specimens with aberrant plating are known among glyptocystitoids (Glyptocystella, Hadrocystis, Tyrridiocystis, and so on) as well as the new Ordovician species Pleurocystites? scylla, described here from the Benbolt Formation near Thorn Hill, Tennessee, USA. The presence of an extra plate in the holotype of P? scylla is most likely teratological. While teratology is often misconstrued as parasitism and pathology, it is easily recognized among glyptocystitoid rhombiferans because of the conservative nature of plate arrangements found in these taxa. Teratologic features in stemmed echinoderm thecae appear only to alter suture positioning and not significantly change the thecal shape or diminish the diagnosability of a specimen taxonomically.UUID: http://zoobank.org/287bb0b9-2df5-4b9a-b1ea-0d3cd7923826

Phenotypic Detection of Plasmid-Mediated Colistin Resistance in Enterobacteriaceae.

The aim of this work was to evaluate an easy-to-perform assay based upon inhibition of mobile colistin resistance (MCR) activity by EDTA. We included 92 nonrelated isolates of Enterobacteriaceae (74 Escherichia coli, 17 Klebsiella pneumoniae, and 1 Serratia marcescens). Our proposed method is based on a modification of the colistin agar-spot screening test (CAST), a plate containing 3 μg/ml colistin, by adding an extra plate of colistin agar-spot supplemented with EDTA (eCAST). Bacterial growth was evaluated after 24 h of incubation at 35°C. All the colistin-resistant isolates showed development on the CAST plates. Colistin-resistant K. pneumoniae without mcr-1 and S. marcescens also grew on the eCAST plates. In contrast, colistin-resistant MCR-producing E. coli was not able to grow in eCAST plates. The combined CAST/eCAST test could provide a simple and easy-to-perform method to differentiate MCR-producing Enterobacteriaceae from those in which colistin resistance is mediated by chromosomal mechanisms.

Buckling of sandwich panels with transversely flexible core: Correction of the equivalent single-layer model using thick-faces effect

Modeling a periodic structure as a homogeneous continuum allows for an effective structural analysis. This approach represents a sandwich panel as a two-dimensional plate of equivalent stiffness. Known as the equivalent single-layer, the method is used here to analyze bifurcation buckling of three types of sandwich panels with unidirectional stiffeners in the core: truss-core, web-core and corrugated-core panels made of an isotropic material. The transverse shear stiffnesses of these panels can differ by several orders of magnitude, which cause incorrect buckling analysis when using the equivalent single-layer model with the first-order shear deformation theory. Analytical solution of the problem predicts critical buckling loads that feature infinite number of half-waves in the direction perpendicular to the stiffeners. Finite element model also predicts buckling modes that have non-physical, saw-tooth shape with infinite curvature at nodes. However, such unrealistic behavior is not observed when using detailed three-dimensional finite element models. The error in the prediction of the critical buckling load is up to 85% for the cases considered here. The correction of the equivalent single-layer model is proposed by modeling the thick-faces effect to ensure finite curvature. This is performed in the finite element setting by introducing an additional plate with tied deflections to the equivalent single-layer plate. The extra plate is represented with bending and transverse shear stiffness of the face plates. As a result, global buckling is predicted accurately. Guidelines are proposed to identify the sandwich panels where ordinary model is incorrect. Truss-core and web-core sandwich panels need the correction. Corrugated-core panels without a gap between plates in the core have smaller shear orthotropy and do not need the correction. Modeling the thick-faces effect ensures correct results for all cases considered in this study, and thus one should resort to this approach in case of uncertainty whether the ordinary equivalent single-layer model is valid.

Letters to Lord Ganesha

Letters to Lord Ganesha

Comparison of novel infrared heating plates and conventional warm water plates for piglets' creep areas in farrowing pens

On a conventionally managed piglet-producing farm, novel infrared (IR) heating plates for piglets in the farrowing pens were tested for their suitability and compared with common warm-water (WW) heating plates. In total, 134 litters (summer n = 82, winter n = 52) were investigated, which were housed on IR or WW heating plates, respectively, with or without an extra cover plate (groups 1-4). To determine the influence of the different heat sources, the wound healing after castration and tail docking, the umbilical regression and the weight gain of the piglets were investigated. Additionally, the lying behavior of the piglets and the position of the sows' udder at the time of farrowing were examined with regard to the heating plates. Furthermore, the energy consumption and costs were compared. The piglets housed on IR heating plates displayed better wound healing after castration and tail docking than the piglets housed on WW plates. The best results were obtained in piglets kept on IR heating plates with an extra cover plate. In addition, significant benefits were demonstrated for the usage of IR heating plates regarding umbilical regression. The piglets kept on IR heating plates had a slightly better weight gain in summer, whereas there were no differences between groups during winter. The lying behavior in the creep areas was similar in all groups. In general, with increasing age the percentage of time piglets spent in the lying position on the plates decreased. The percentage of time lying on the plates was higher in winter than in summer. At farrowing, 74.6% of all investigated sows directed their udder towards the heating plates. With the IR heating plates, this behavior occurred significantly more often. The energy consumption (kWh) per litter was significantly lower for the IR heating plates (electric power) both in winter and summer in comparison with the WW plates (gas). The energy costs were comparable in summer, but were higher for the IR heating plates in winter. IR radiation of heating plates has a positive influence on wound healing after castration and tail docking as well as on umbilical regression. In addition, the lying behavior of sows at farrowing is influenced by the IR radiation. Despite the lower energy consumption of the IR heating plates, the most profitable system has to be determined individually for each farm.

GIOVE-B solar radiation pressure modeling for precise orbit determination

Previous studies have identified systematic errors in the orbit and clock estimates of the GIOVE and Galileo IOV satellites in the order of ±20cm. These errors are visible as periodic variations in the Satellite Laser Ranging (SLR) and clock residuals. For IOV, these variations could be attributed to the contribution of a stretched satellite body and it was shown that a simple a priori box model for the solar radiation pressure can significantly reduce these errors. GIOVE-B has similar dimensions as the IOV satellites but its orientation is different: for GIOVE-B the narrow side of the satellite points to the Earth rather than the longitudinal side. In addition, an extra plate carrying, amongst others, the laser retro reflector array is mounted on the spacecraft introducing shadowing effects. These features are considered with a simple box-plate model. This model reduces the periodic clock errors and the SLR residual RMS of GIOVE-B by a factor of two. Most importantly, the box-plate model reduces the SLR offset from 11cm to less than 1cm. The largest part of this reduction comes from considering the plate and its shadowing effects.

Improved cooler design of electric arc furnace refractory in mining industry using thermal analysis modeling and simulation

Production of steel and nickel using the electric arc furnace should be focused on the intensification of energy. Improvement of energy efficiency of the most consuming facilities was achieved by improving the use of alternative energy minimization such as reducing the heat lost of hot gases, minimizing the heat radiated through refractory linings of metallurgical furnaces, and cooling the highly thermally stressed components. The refractory of electric arc furnace should be modified to achieve the best cooling system of the furnace. In this physical modeling and simulation works, four modification scenarios of wall refractory designs were simulated, i.e. refractory with basic design, refractory with deep plate coolers, refractory with extra plate coolers, and refractory with wall falling film coolers. Finally, the use of deep plate cooler and the existing waffle cooler system was considered to be the best design of efficient electric arc furnace operationally.

199 平板素子の付加による風車翼の性能向上に関する研究(動力エネルギーシステム/宇宙工学,一般講演)

199 平板素子の付加による風車翼の性能向上に関する研究(動力エネルギーシステム/宇宙工学,一般講演)

ABNORMALITIES IN THE LOWER ORDOVICIAN CORNUTE PHYLLOCYSTIS THORAL, 1935 (ECHINODERMATA: STYLOPHORA) FROM MONTAGNE NOIRE (SOUTHERN FRANCE): IMPLICATIONS FOR PLATE HOMOLOGY AND PHYLOGENY

Two specimens of the cornute Phyllocystis crassimarginataThoral, 1935 from the Lower Ordovician of Southern Montagne Noire (Languedoc, France) showing abnormal numbers of marginal plates are described. The first one (UM 310) is characterized by the insertion of one extra plate between the fourth right marginal and the zygal plate Z. Comparison with a new, undescribed Tremadoc boot-shaped cornute suggests that 1) the extra plate of UM 310 is equivalent to M4, and 2) the three right marginals located between M1 and Z in “normal” specimens of Phyllocystis can be identified as M2, Mc, and M3. Plate configurations of the right thecal margin are thus identical in “normal” Phyllocystis, chauvelicystids, and cothurnocystids. This result indicates that Phyllocystis is probably more closely related to these two clades than to scotiaecystids. Consequently, the identification of the four marginals forming the left thecal margin of Phyllocystis (M′2, M′3, M′5, and M5) is deduced from a comparison with the cothurnocystid plate pattern. The second abnormal specimen of P. crassimarginata (R64546) is characterized by the loss of M′3. It confirms that reduction in the number of marginals is a general trend in boot-shaped cornutes.

On the dynamics of the Juan de Fuca plate

The Juan de Fuca plate is currently fragmenting along the Nootka fault zone in the north, while the Gorda region in the south shows no evidence of fragmentation. This difference is surprising, as both the northern and southern regions are young relative to the central Juan de Fuca plate. We develop stress models for the Juan de Fuca plate to understand this pattern of breakup. Another objective of our study follows from our hypothesis that small plates are partially driven by larger neighbor plates. The transform push force has been proposed to be such a dynamic interaction between the small Juan de Fuca plate and the Pacific plate. We aim to establish the relative importance of transform push for Juan de Fuca dynamics. Balancing torques from plate tectonic forces like slab pull, ridge push and various resistive forces, we first derive two groups of force models: models which require transform push across the Mendocino Transform fault and models which do not. Intraplate stress orientations computed on the basis of the force models are all close to identical. Orientations of predicted stresses are in agreement with observations. Stress magnitudes are sensitive to the force model we use, but as we have no stress magnitude observations we have no means of discriminating between force models. Model stresses in the north and the south of the Juan de Fuca plate are similar. Breakup along the Nootka fault zone, and not in the Gorda region, can be explained if the local strength of a lithosphere column depends on lithospheric age. Stresses are invariant to whether or not transform push is acting on the Mendocino Transform fault. We therefore conclude that the introduction of this extra plate driving force is not required by observations for the Juan de Fuca plate.

The Text of the Old Testament: An Introduction to the Biblia Hebraica (review)

Hebrew Studies 38 (1997) 94 Reviews biblical text. Exegetical procedures, as envisaged in the book, would serve these aims well. But if the intention is textual interpretation with practical and existential implications, historical procedures which lead only to an understanding of the genesis of the text are not always of equal importance. This criticism does not disregard the valuable contribution of the present book to the scientific articulation of exegetical work. The insistence of Steck on the fact that a particular view of the text must be based on verifiable argumentation, especially in terms of the exegetical procedures followed, can be appreciated. Those who take seriously the scientific dimension of exegesis will fmd the English version of Steck's work an important tool. I cannot think of a better explanation of critical exegetical procedure. Philip J. Nel University ofthe Free State Bloemfontein. South Africa THE TEXT OF THE OLD TESTAMENT: AN INTRODUCTION TO THE BIBLIA HEBRAICA. By Ernst Wtirthwein. 2nd edition. Pp. xiv + 293. Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 1995. Paper. Generations of students have been introduced to the Hebrew Bible by Ernst Wtirthwein's Introduction, which first appeared in German in 1952 and in English translation in 1957; a second English edition appeared in 1979 (based on the 1973 German fourth edition) and was updated in 1985. The present work is a revised and enlarged second edition of the English translation by Erroll F. Rhodes, based on the fifth German edition which appeared in 1988. This revised English edition contains a useful appendix not found in the German edition, "Resources for Textual Research," by Harold P. Scanlin. The number of plates has been increased from the German edition as well: 48 in the 1988 German, 49 in the 1995 English (the extra plate is a picture and transcription of the Izbet Sartah abecedary added by the translator). Since this work is a re-edition of Wtirthwein's well-known introduction, it is not necessary to give a general description of the book. I will limit myself for the most part to a discussion of some of the changes which have been introduced in this second edition. Hebrew Studies 38 (1997) 95 Reviews The discussion of the consonantal text of the Masoretic Text (pp. 130 has been modified somewhat in order to show that Kahle's view of how the authoritative text of the Torah came into existence has been questioned. Of special significance is the observation by Emanuel Tov that "independent texts" such as those found among the Dead Sea Scrolls must be taken into account, along with any attempt at classification according to "text types," in order to account for the variety of readings, even though the relationships between these independent texts may be complex (The Text-Critical Use of the Septuagint in Biblical Research [Jerusalem, 1981], p. 274). Wiirthwein rightly notes that "more clarification is needed, some of which may come from the yet unpublished texts from Qumran Cave 4, before reliable conclusions may be drawn about the plurality of texts" (p. 15). Now that these texts are available in microfiche (E. Tov, The Dead Sea Scrolls on Microfiche: A Comprehensive Facsimile Edition of the Texts from the Judean Desert [Leiden: Brill, 1993]), this process of recognition may speed up. The multiplicity of the texts discovered at Qumran and the other Dead Sea locations should, at the same time, however, make us cautious in proposing theories which are too iron clad; the texts which have survived may alert us even more to the possibility of the existence of yet other texts which have not survived. On page 67, Wiirthwein returns to Tov's assessment of the significance of the variety of the Qumran material in order to conclude to the necessity of avoiding generalized judgments, especially with regard to 1 and 2 Samuel, Joshua, Ezekiel 40-48, Jeremiah, and Esther. Under the heading "Revisions and Later Greek Versions" (pp. 54-57), Wiirthwein mentions the kaige (or Palestinian) recension, as found in the Greek scroll of the Twelve Prophets found at Nal)al ijever. While Wiirthwein is correct in stating that it, along with the Papyrus Fuad 266, "demonstrates that even prior to Jewish-Christian discussions there had been...

THE USE OF COMPUTERIZED CONTRAST SENSITIVITY, ARDEN GRATINGS AND LOW CONTRAST LETTER CHARTS IN THE ASSESSMENT OF AMBLYOPIA

Contrast sensitivity measured with an electronic display was compared with Arden gratings and low contrast letter charts in normal and amblyopic children and adults. The low contrast letter charts and the Arden gratings used in the conventional manner revealed no additional information over that obtained by conventional Snellen acuity. However, the interocular differences found with each plate of the Arden gratings compared favourably with the computerized CSF. With the addition of an extra plate to test at a higher spatial frequency, the Arden gratings would be a useful technique for monitoring amblyopia therapy.

The Life, Letters and Labours of Francis Galton . By Karl Pearson, Galton Professor, University of London. Vol. III A Correlation, Personal Identification and Eugenics. Pp. xii + 438. Frontispiece, extra plate; tail piece, 42 plates, and two loose charts. Vol. III B Characterisation, especially by Letters, Index. Pp. 4 unnumbered + 232 numbered 441- 672. 17 plates. Cambridge (University

<i>The Life, Letters and Labours of Francis Galton</i> . By Karl Pearson, Galton Professor, University of London. Vol. III ^A Correlation, Personal Identification and Eugenics. Pp. xii + 438. Frontispiece, extra plate; tail piece, 42 plates, and two loose charts. Vol. III ^B Characterisation, especially by Letters, Index. Pp. 4 unnumbered + 232 numbered 441- 672. 17 plates. Cambridge (University

Solar, Gas-Flame, and Electric-Light Spectra

IN answer to Mr. J. Hopkins Walters' inquiry contained in NATURE, vol. xxv. p. 103, the spectroscope declares that all these three spectra have for their base a continuous strip or band of light; in the case of gas-flame (the bright part) crossed by the sodium lines only; in that of the sun by the well-known Frauenhofer dark lines; and of the electric (arc) light by the bright lines of carbon. The illuminating power of each of these sources of light is thus shown to be due to the incandescence of their several solid and gaseous constituents, concerning which a volume might be written. The relative effect of the sun's bright golden glare, the gas-flame's duller yellow tint, and the electric-light's moon-like whiteness, on the optic nerve; have not, as far as I am aware, been yet made the subject of special research. Popular opinion assigns injurious results to the whiter light. Mr. Walters will find in “Photographed Spectra,” on Pl. xv., Fig. 4, and the extra plate, the solar spectrum, and on Pl. v., Figs. 3 and 4, the spectrum of the electric arc between carbon points specially prepared to insure purity. In Dr. Marshall Watt's “Index of Spectra” the spectrum of the blue base of candle-flame is represented by the graphical diagram and description, Carbon I. The illuminating portion of a gas-flame presents in the spectroscope the appearance of a dull sun spectrum without the dark lines.