Live Status Research Articles

223 THE EFFECT OF IN VITRO FERTILIZATION MEDIA AND THE CAPACITATION AGENT ON EPIDIDYMAL WHITE-TAILED DEER SPERMATOZOA

To determine the requirements for in vitro production of white-tailed deer embryos, media components that induce sperm capacitation and an acrosome reaction (AR) should first be identified. Typically, in vitro production protocols are species specific with regard to media composition and capacitating agents (CA). Comparison of the bovine and red deer systems revealed a distinct difference in the CA utilised [heparin v. 20% sheep serum (SS), respectively] and in the amount of bicarbonate and Ca2+ necessary for fertilization to occur. The aim of this study was to evaluate the ability of 2 CA (heparin and SS) to induce the capacitation of white-tailed deer epididymal sperm in either a standard bovine (BIVF) or red deer-formulated (DSOF) fertilization medium. Epididymal spermatozoa were collected from fair-chase bucks (n = 15), extended with Triladyl (48 to 147 × 106 sperm mL–1), and frozen in LN2 vapor. Live spermatozoa were selected from frozen–thawed semen samples from each buck and reconstituted (55 × 106 sperm mL–1) in either BIVF or DSOF and supplemented with either heparin (10 µg mL–1) or SS, or were nontreated controls. Samples were then incubated at 37°C for either zero [treatment (T) 0], 2 (T2), or 4 (T4) hours and the AR was artificially induced using lysophosphatidylcholine (100 µg mL–1). After AR induction, treatments were labelled with PI/PNA and M540/YoPro-1 so that live cells, acrosomal status, and membrane lipid disorders could be analysed by flow cytometry after each incubation period (T0, T2, and T4). The media (P = 0.42), CA (P = 0.38), or their interaction (P = 0.68) did not affect the percentage of live acrosome-intact spermatozoa across time (P = 0.73). The percentage of lipid disruption was higher (P < 0.001) in SS and changed (P = 0.005) across time. Data obtained from this study showed that unlike for red deer, increased bicarbonate and Ca2+ are not necessary to induce capacitation of white-tailed deer epididymal spermatozoa. Although SS did not appear to affect the number of live acrosome-intact spermatozoa, its presence did alter the lipid architecture of the sperm plasma membrane.

Effect of nutrition from mid-pregnancy to parturition on the live weight of twin-bearing hoggets and the live weight and survival of their lambs

This experiment investigated the effect of two nutritional levels (medium and ad libitum) from day 85 of pregnancy until parturition on the live weight and metabolic status of twin-bearing hoggets, and the gamma-glutamyl transferase and glucose concentration on the day of lambing (L1), survival and live weight of their offspring until L29. The mean live weight of the ad libitum treatment hoggets (66.3±0.6 kg) was greater (P<0.05) at P145 than that of medium treatment hoggets (63.6±0.5 kg). Hogget live weight did not differ (P>0.05) between treatments at L29 (60.9±0.9 vs 60.0±1.0 kg for the medium and ad libitum treatment hoggets, respectively). The birth weight of lambs born to ad libitum ewes (4.0±0.1 kg) was greater (P<0.05) than that of lambs born to medium treatment ewes (3.7±0.1 kg). At L29, lamb live weight did not differ (P>0.05) between treatments (11.2±0.3 vs 11.3±0.3 for the medium and ad libitum treatments, respectively). Lamb survival did not differ (P>0.05) between treatments. There was no difference between treatments in the efficiency of lamb live weight produced. These results indicate that offering twin-bearing hoggets ad libitum levels of herbage from day 85 of pregnancy until parturition is not an efficient technique to increase lamb production from these hoggets. Farmers should, therefore, offer 1000–1400 kg DM/ha to optimize lamb production from twin-bearing hoggets.

Amphioxus CaVPT and creatine kinase are crucial immune-related molecules in response to bacterial infection and immunization

Although a great progress has been made, our understanding of innate immunity is incomplete. Here, we hypothesize that the innate immune response to pathogens is attributed into a group of functional proteins. The group contains information on host status post bacterial entry (infection or immunity) and bacterial species (Gram-positive or Gram-negative bacteria). Investigation of the group of proteins may result in disclosing of biomarkers identifying the status and species. For this regard, differential proteomics approach coupled with the pattern recognition methods are used to identify biomarkers from the proteins that being specifically regulated during the innate immune response of amphioxus to Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria with live or dead status. Four proteins, Calcium vector protein (CaVP), sarcoplasmic calcium-binding protein (SCP), CaVP-target protein (CaVPT) and creatine kinase (CK), are selected as the key biomarkers. Since immunoprotection of CaVP and SCP has been reported, the role of CaVPT and CK are further investigated. Gut CaVPT appears in dying amphioxus, whereas humoral fluid CK downregulates and gut CK keep no change in animals with immunity. The responses are stronger in Gram-negative than Gram-positive bacteria. These results indicate that CaVPT, CK, CaVP and SCP are the most important biomarkers to uncover amphioxus innate immunity to bacteria, and the approach is an efficient way to identify key biomarkers.

Species, live status, and diameter are important tree features for diversity and abundance of tree microhabitats in subnatural montane beech–fir forests1This article is one of a selection of papers from the International Symposium on Dynamics and Ecological Services of Deadwood in Forest Ecosystems.

Because quantitative data on the distribution of whole microhabitat sets are still lacking to indirectly assess taxonomic biodiversity in forests, we studied the distribution of seven key microhabitat types in 10 montane European beech ( Fagus sylvatica L.) – silver fir ( Abies alba Mill.) forests (Pyrénées, France) that had not been harvested for several decades. We examined 2105 live trees and 526 snags. Frequencies of cavities and dendrothelms were significantly higher on live beech than on fir. Sap runs were strictly found on live fir. Frequencies of cracks and saproxylic fungi were significantly higher on snags than on live trees. Seventy percent of live beeches but only 18% of firs carried one or more microhabitats. For both beech and fir and for each microhabitat type, we found, using the recursive partitioning method, one to three diameter thresholds that each corresponded to a significant change in the probability of microhabitat presence. When considering the whole microhabitat set, the most significant diameter thresholds were 42, 60, 73, and 89 cm for beech and 99 cm for fir. We suggest that forest managers conserve (i) mixed stands and (ii) beech with a diameter at breast height &gt;90 cm and fir &gt;100 cm. These rules should be adapted for each forest ecosystem.

Artificial neural network models for lot-sizing problem: a case study

Lot-sizing is one of the most difficult problems in production planning. The main purpose of this study is to propose a new lot-sizing based on artificial neural network (ANN), which may lead to a better performance than commonly used lot-sizing heuristics (SM, EOQ, PPB, LUC, and LTC). The data obtained are the results of years 2004 thru 2009 for 186 different types of stock items from the 2nd Air Supply and Maintenance Centre Command, a state-funded factory in Kayseri, Turkey. Factual data were applied under the coverage of the study, and the system from which the data have been obtained is still in live and active status. In the study, the purchasing costs, holding costs, and set-up costs were taken into consideration. These data were obtained from the administration data system of the enterprise. The solutions of this lot-sizing heuristics were found by WinQSB software accordingly. The ANN was constituted by using the NeuroSolutions software. The criterion of deviation from the optimum solution and the criterion of percentage of times obtaining the optimum order pattern were taken into account for the comparison purposes. The performance values of 400 ANNs were compared to lot-sizing methods. MS Excel and Visual Basic Macro were utilized for all calculations applied after this stage. The results showed that the proposed ANN-based method outperformed all lot-sizing methods taken into account in this study.

Suicide in Australian pesticide-exposed workers

Epidemiological research has observed that workers with exposure to anticholinesterase pesticides, and particularly those with a history of acute overexposure, may be at increased risk of depression. However, there is little published research about the risk of suicide in relation to pesticide exposure. To investigate risk of suicide in relation to metrics of pesticide exposure and type of work. A nested case-control study was performed within a retrospective cohort study of pesticide-exposed workers from various industries. Ninety male suicide deaths and 270 male controls were matched by age bands, state of residence and live status. Cholinesterase inhibition was determined using subject-specific biomonitoring records collected at the time of exposure. Suicide risk was not significantly elevated in relation to exposure to any particular pesticide classes nor in relation to pesticide overexposure, confirmed by blood test. While the risk of suicide associated with a history of cholinesterase inhibition was raised, this was not significant (odds ratio = 1.90, 95% confidence interval = 0.73-4.93). This study did not find an elevated suicide risk associated with use of any major class of pesticide and there was little evidence that overexposure was associated with increased risk of suicide. A non-significant association between overexposure to anticholinesterase pesticides may be consistent with previous research showing increased depression in workers with a history of cholinesterase inhibition and warrants further investigation.

Chronic Kidney Disease in Kidney Transplant Recipients—Is It Different From Chronic Native Kidney Disease?

The rate of change in estimated glomerular filtration rate (ΔeGFR), factors influencing ΔeGFR, and its association with mortality has not been well studied in renal transplant recipients. METHODS.: Adult kidney-only recipients between January 2001 and December 2004, with surviving grafts 1 year after transplantation, from England and Wales were followed up till 31 December 2006, graft failure or death. The four variable modification of diet in renal disease equation was used to estimate GFR and ΔeGFR assessed using linear least square regression. ΔeGFR of -1 mL/min/1.73m per year and above was considered to be stable or improving function. Linear regression and Cox regression analyses were used to examine factors influencing ΔeGFR and its association with mortality, respectively. Of the 2, 927 patients included, ΔeGFR was -1.3±6.0 mL/min/1.73 m per year and eGFR remained stable or improved in the majority (54.8%). Baseline graft function at 1 year or live donor status did not influence ΔeGFR. Male donor to female recipient transplantation, younger recipients, diabetes, white race, and human leukocyte antigen mismatch were associated with faster decline in eGFR. ΔeGFR was not associated with mortality when censored for graft failure. Majority of renal transplant recipients experienced stable or improved graft function. Specific donor and recipient characteristics influenced the rate of decline in eGFR. The lack of association of ΔeGFR with mortality, the stability of eGFR in the majority, and influence of donor characteristics on ΔeGFR suggest caution when applying prognosis knowledge from the native kidney disease to the kidney transplant population.

Nucleometric Study of Anisonucleosis, Diabetes and Oxidative Damage in Liver Biopsies of Orthotopic Liver Transplant Recipients with Chronic Hepatitis C Virus Infection

Anisonucleosis is defined as a morphological manifestation of nuclear injury characterized by variation in the size of the cell nuclei. It has been described in variety of benign conditions and is most pronounced in dysplasia and malignancy. To better understand the pathogenesis of anisonucleosis in liver diseases, this study focused on hepatocyte anisonucleosis in biopsies of liver transplant recipients who developed recurrent chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Post transplant surveillance liver biopsy specimens were evaluated employing light microscopy, immunohistochemistry, digital image analysis, and nucleometry for histopathological analyses, measurement of nuclear size, and quantification of tissue expression of oxidative marker 8-hydroxy-2'deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG). Our aim in this study was to determine whether there were any independent associations between hepatocyte anisonucleosis and various clinicopathological parameters. These features included patient age, body mass index, gender, race, donor age, live versus cadaveric donor status, history of diabetes mellitus, history of tacrolimus and cyclosporine therapy, duration post transplant and parameters of hepatitis activity index, fibrosis index, steatosis, and oxidative tissue damage in formalin fixed paraffin embedded (FFPE) liver biopsies as determined by immunohistochemistry using 8-OHdG, an indicator of hydroxyl radical mediated tissue damage. Our findings suggested that in liver transplant recipients with recurrent chronic HCV infection, hepatocyte anisonucleosis is more pronounced in individuals with diabetes mellitus (p = 0.0016), and among those who have heightened hepatic expression of the oxidative damage marker 8-OHdG (p = 0.0053). Further studies are necessary to determine whether anisonucleosis is an independent marker for diabetes or oxidative damage.

Epigallocatechin-3-gallate supplementation can improve antioxidant status in stressed quail

1. Heat stress causes oxidative stress, which decreases plasma antioxidants in poultry. Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), the most abundant polyphenol in green tea, is a powerful antioxidant against lipid peroxidation. This experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of dietary EGCG supplementation on performance, carcase characteristics, concentrations of malondialdehyde, lipid peroxidation indicator, vitamins C, E, A, cholesterol, triglyceride, and glucose in Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica) exposed to a high ambient temperature of 34°C. 2. One hundred and eighty Japanese quails (10 d old) were assigned at random to 6 treatment groups consisting of 10 replicates of three birds. Birds were kept in cages in a temperature-controlled room at either 22°C (thermo-neutral) or 34°C (heat stress) for 8 h/d. Birds were fed either a basal diet or the diet supplemented with 200 or 400 mg of EGCG/kg of diet. 3. EGCG supplementation linearly increased feed intake, live weight gain, feed efficiency, cold carcase weight and yield under heat stress conditions but did not show the same effect at thermoneutral conditions. Serum vitamin C, E, and A concentrations increased in birds reared at high temperature while non-significant changes occurred in thermo-neutral groups. Malondialdehyde concentrations in serum and liver decreased in all birds of both thermo-neutral and heat stressed groups as dietary EGCG supplementation increased. Heat stress-induced increase in serum cholesterol, triglycerides and glucose concentrations were linearly reversed by EGCG supplementation. 4. The results indicate that EGCG supplementation improved the live performance and antioxidant status of heat-stressed Japanese quail.

Response of fattening rabbits reared under different housing conditions. 1. Live performance and health status

In a 2 × 2 × 2 factorial experiment the effects of housing system (pair caged (cage): 2 rabbits/0.122 m 2 vs open top pen housed (pen): 13 rabbits/0.86 m 2; same stocking density), floor type (wire mesh vs plastic net) and environmental enrichment (with vs without gnawing stick) were studied on live performance, health status and welfare (ear lesions) of growing rabbits ( n = 176). The housing system significantly influenced the body weight at 11 weeks of age (2630 vs 2557 g; in cage or pen, respectively) and the feed conversion (3.12 vs 3.38 g/g; in cage or pen, respectively). Floor type did not affect the traits tested. Gnawing stick consumption affected the body weight at 11 weeks of age (2553 vs 2622 g; without or with gnawing stick, respectively), the percentage of ear lesions (18.5 vs 1.20%; without or with gnawing stick, respectively). Some of the live performance traits of rabbits reared in pens was slightly lower. The presence of gnawing stick, especially in pens, reduced the aggressive behaviour and improved the welfare.

Are perceptions of the local environment related to neighbourhood satisfaction and mental health in adults?

Background Perceptions of environmental attributes can influence satisfaction with where people live and mental health status. We examined the association between perceived environmental characteristics, neighbourhood satisfaction, and self-rated mental health. Methods We report cross-sectional data from the Physical Activity in Localities and Community Environments (PLACE) study in Australia ( n = 2194). Self-report data included socio-demographics, perceived attributes of the environment, neighbourhood satisfaction (NS) and mental health status. Neighbourhood SES was obtained through census data. Factor analysis was used to identify dimensions of NS. Generalized linear models were used to examine associations between NS and perceived environment characteristics and whether aspects of NS were independently associated with mental health. Results NS factors identified were safety and walkability, access to destinations, social network, travel network, and traffic and noise. Perceived environmental characteristics of aesthetics and greenery, land use mix – diversity, street connectivity, traffic safety, infrastructure for walking, access to services and barriers to walking were found to be positively associated with these factors. Traffic load and crime were negatively associated. Three NS factors (safety and walkability, social network, and traffic and noise) were independent predictors of mental health. Conclusions Neighbourhood satisfaction may mediate the association between perceived environmental characteristics and measures of mental health in adults.

A novel and simple cell-based detection system with a collagen-encapsulated B-lymphocyte cell line as a biosensor for rapid detection of pathogens and toxins

Cell-based biosensors (CBBs) are becoming important tools for biosecurity applications and rapid diagnostics in food microbiology for their unique capability of detecting physiologically hazardous materials. A multi-well plate-based biosensor containing B-cell hybridoma, Ped-2E9, encapsulated in type I collagen matrix, was developed for rapid detection of viable cells of pathogenic Listeria, the toxin listeriolysin O, and the enterotoxin from Bacillus species. This sensor measures the alkaline phosphatase release from infected Ped-2E9 cells colorimetrically. Pathogenic L. monocytogenes cells and toxin preparations from L. monocytogenes or B. cereus showed cytotoxicity ranging from 24 to 98% at 3–6 h postinfection. In contrast, nonpathogenic L. innocua (F4247) and B. subtilis induced minimal cytotoxicity, ranging only 0.4–7.6%. Laser scanning cytometry and cryo-nano scanning electron microscopy confirmed the live or dead status of the infected Ped-2E9 cells in gel matrix. This paper presents the first example of a cell-based sensing system using collagen-encapsulated mammalian cells for rapid detection of pathogenic bacteria or toxin, and demonstrates a potential for onsite use as a portable detection system.

Web based electronic logbook and experiment run database viewer for Alcator C-Mod

Since 1991, the scientists and engineers at the Alcator C-Mod experiment at MIT have been recording text entries about the experiments being performed in an electronic logbook. In addition, separate documents such as run plans, run summaries and experimental proposals have been created and stored in a variety of formats in computer files. This information has now been organized and made available via any modern web browser. The new web based interface permits the user to browse through all the logbook entries, run information and even view some key data traces of the experiment. Since this information is being catalogued by Internet search engines, these tools can also be used to quickly locate information. The web based logbook and run information interface provides some additional capabilities. Once logged into the web site, users can add, delete or modify logbook entries directly from their browser. The logbook window on their browser also provides dynamic updating when any new logbook entries are made. There is also live C-Mod operation status information with optional audio announcements available. The user can receive the same state change announcements such as “entering init” or “entering pulse” as they would if they were sitting in the C-Mod control room. This paper will describe the functionality of the web based logbook and how it was implemented.

Influence of Sperm Pretreatment on the Efficiency of Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection in Pigs

The purpose of this study was to determine the influence of sperm pretreatment on the efficiency of intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) in pigs. This was done by examining the effect of 1) the conservation method (fresh vs frozen); 2) the sperm treatment preinjection (resuspension in Dulbecco phosphate-buffered saline (DPBS) vs selection by a Percoll gradient); and 3) the acrosomal and live or dead status of the spermatozoa (by incubation with or without calcium ionophore, 1 muM and 5 muM). In vitro matured porcine oocytes were injected with treated spermatozoa according to each experiment. All the experiments were done with non-artificially activated oocytes. The percentages of activation and cleavage were higher (68% vs 43% and 63% vs 43%, respectively, P < .05) in oocytes injected with fresh vs frozen spermatozoa. The DPBS treatment allowed higher cleavage proportions than the Percoll treatment (P < .05). Moreover, a boar effect was observed in the percentage of developing blastocysts. None of the studied parameters was affected by the acrosomal or the live or dead status of the spermatozoa injected. In conclusion, the use of fresh semen is recommended for porcine ICSI, as well as careful selection of the boar; Percoll treatment is only recommended for poor-quality samples or for removing toxic agents, and no exogenous form of activation or induction of the acrosome reaction is necessary for porcine oocytes to develop a male pronucleus and cleave up to the 2-cell stage after ICSI, although experimental conditions to reach the blastocyst stage need to be investigated further.

Live Performance and Immune Responses of Straight-Run Broilers: Influences of Zinc Source in Broiler Breeder Hen and Progeny Diets and Ambient Temperature During the Broiler Production Period

Supplemental zinc in broiler diets has been reported to be more available to the chick when provided as a zinc-amino acid complex rather than an inorganic source. Previous work with broiler breeder and turkey hens has indicated that supplementing diets with zinc-amino acid complexes enhances immune status and livability of progeny. This study examined the effects of supplemental dietary zinc source [ZnSO4 or Availa Zn 100 zinc-amino acid complex (ZnAA)] provided to broiler breeder hens and their progeny on live performance and immune status of broilers. Broiler breeder and progeny diets were supplemented with 160 and 140 ppm zinc, respectively. In addition to the dietary treatments, the broilers were subjected to either optimum or suboptimum temperatures during the first weeks of production. Supplementing broiler breeder hen and progeny diets with ZnAA and ZnAA + ZnSO4, respectively, improved cumulative feed conversion (FC) of broilers. Providing diets supplemented with ZnSO4 to hens or exposing broilers to optimum temperatures enhanced humoral immune response of progeny. Subjecting broilers to suboptimum brooding temperatures increased feed intake, but a higher incidence of mortality occurred primarily encompassing the first week of the growout. These data indicate that brooding temperature affected broiler performance, whereas the response to dietary zinc source was less pronounced.

7UTILIZATION OF CELL PROFILING TO EVALUATE BOVINE SPERMATOZOA IN NORMAL AND SIMULATED MICROGRAVITY

We developed a method to evaluate bovine sperm membranes in normal (1G) and simulated microgravity (Sim-μG). Bovine spermatozoa are used as a model system because they have cellular membranes analogous to those of other cell types, and yet are much simpler because they have no cytoplasm and do not participate in DNA transcription or mRNA translation. They can be cultured as single cells and are easily evaluated for membrane characteristics using flow cytometry. These features make the mammalian spermatozoon a useful model for exploring the principles of membrane structure/function in the presence of a variety of environmental challenges such as simulated microgravity. Cryopreserved, washed beef bull sperm (4–8×106mL−1)were incubated under non-capacitating conditions (modified glucose-free Tyrode’s medium containing low bicarbonate, HEPES buffer, pyruvate and 3mgmL−1 BSA V; 23°C in air), and these spermatozoa remained alive for 24–48h at 1G. To simulate μG, spermatozoa were incubated under the same conditions, in a HARV 10 rotating wall vessel (RWV, Synthecon, Inc, Houston, TX, USA) at 9rpms. Spermatozoa were incubated in 1G and Sim-μG environments for 2.5–4.5h and subsequently exposed to 0, 60 or 80μgmL−1 LC for 0, 4, 8, 12, 16 and 20min. Three fluorochrome combinations were used as probes at each [LC]/time point: (1) propidium Iodide (dead status)+SYBR 14 (live status); (2) PI+FITC-PSA (acrosome reactions [ARs]); (3) PI+MitoTracker Deep Red (mitochondrial activity). Approximately 1million spermatozoa from 3 bulls were evaluated over 4 days. Data were acquired on a FACSVantage SE flow cytometer, and initially analyzed (quality control) using the bundled FACSVantage SE software package (Cell Quest, BD BioSciences, San Jose, CA, USA). This provided graphics of simple cell relations (fluorescence v. LC exposure time). For further statistical analysis, and incorporation of non-parametric statistical tools (including pattern recognition using Support Vector Machines), the data were processed using a collection of Perl scripts and C programs. Results: Live/dead status: When Sim-μG+60μgmL−1 LC sperm were compared to 1G+60μgmL−1LC, and 80μgmL−1 LC sperm, their profiles were more similar to the 1G 80μgmL−1 LC profiles. AR status: the Sim-μG+60μgmL−1 LC profiles were similar to the 1G+60μgmL−1 LC profiles. Mitochondrial Status: the Sim-μG+60μgmL−1LC profiles were more similar to 1G+80μgmL−1 LC profiles. Summary: although Sim-μG sperm lost their motility within 3h, they were alive. Cell profiles indicate that Sim-μG sperm nuclear membranes are less stable and their mitochondria are less functional than the 1G controls, but their acrosomes are intact indicating that fertilizing potential may remain. Additional experiments are needed to determine the time course for Sim-μG, induced changes, and whether Sim-μG sperm can penetrate eggs. Funding: NASA (2002)-Stennis-24 and The University of New Orleans.

Illusions in advanced cancer: the effect of belief systems and attitudes on quality of life.

Patients with advanced cancer frequently express positive attitudes and can be unduly optimistic about the potential benefits of treatment. In order to evaluate an illusory domain in the context of advanced cancer, we developed a scale of will to live and characterized the beliefs that patients held about the curability of their cancer, and how committed they were to using alternative treatments. A measure of quality of life was used as the dependent variable in order to assess the association between these attributes. After a preliminary exploration confirmed the presence of an illusory domain, these concepts were prospectively tested in 149 ambulant patients with advanced cancer who attended for palliative systemic treatment, radiation treatment or supportive care. The scale of global quality of life was reliable (Cronbach's alpha coefficient 0.72). The distribution of the scores of will to live was skewed, with no respondent scoring poorly, and the scale was reliable (Cronbach's alpha coefficient 0.82). The scale of belief in curability showed diverse beliefs. In some cases, there was a discrepancy between respondents' beliefs in curability and what they believed to be the report by their doctors. There was also an association between a committed use of alternative treatments and a belief in the curability of the cancer (p<0.001). In a multiple regression analysis, both will to live and performance status remained associated with better quality of life scores after adjustment for other relevant variables (p<0.05 and <0.001, respectively). These results suggest that positive illusory beliefs can be measured and are an important component of adaption for some patients with advanced cancer. Furthermore, this illusory domain may influence the perception and measurement of quality of life.

A Logistic Regression Model for Estimating Turbine Mortality at Hydroelectric Generating Stations

Abstract We present a method that allows separation of fish mortality caused by handling and capture techniques from that caused by passage through a turbine. Fish that are naturally entrained into the turbine tube are captured with nets deployed in the turbine tailrace for varying lengths of time. The live or dead status of captured fish is modeled as a binomial response that is a function of the duration of net deployment. Within this model, the intercept is an estimate of the mortality of fish that have spent zero time in the net. For species that do not suffer high mortality from other components of the capture process (such as removal from the net), this intercept may be interpreted as an estimate of turbine mortality. If mortality from other components is high, the intercept cannot be interpreted as turbine mortality without correction for mortality from the other sources. We suggest a modification to the model that allows estimation of mortality from these components. We demonstrate the method with...

Intelligent Supervisory Control and Reactive Scheduling for Event Sensitive Dynamic Manufacturing Environment

Challenge of rapid changes in manufacturing shop-floors raises high demands in today companies for a level of intelligence and responsiveness in planning and controlling their shop operations to be competitive. For meeting these demands in IMSs, an intelligent supervisory control system of ability for reactive revision/repair of shop floor schedules to keep them in line with live status of processes, and thus improve the manufacturing systems’ performance is proposed in the paper.

A methodology for real time fault detection, isolation and correction

Mission critical timelines and availability requirements of large, complex ground stations demand some form of a distributed real-time system with an embedded rule-based expert advisor for recognizing and responding to changes within the system. The failure management optimization support system (FMOSS), which develops unique sets of status values, is discussed. The live status returned from the segment hardware forms a set of values, or signature vector, for each equipment string. The signature vector is compared to the signature that occurs when the equipment string is operational. If the processed status signatures do not match the signature that indicates the equipment string is operational, the expert advisor notifies the command center that a fault has been detected. The expert advisor continues processing until it has found a match from the pool of preengineered failure-mode signature vectors. Based on the match, Boolean logic is used to perform fault isolation and correction, with results provided to the command center.< <ETX xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">&gt;</ETX>