Bio-monitoring the genotoxicity of populations of Scots pine in the vicinity of a radioactive waste storage facility

Results of a long-term (1997-2002) study of the Scots pine populations growing in the vicinity of the radioactive waste storage facility ('Radon' LWPE) are presented. Cytogenetic disturbances in reproductive (seeds) and vegetative (needles) tissues sampled from Scots pine populations were studied to examine whether Scots pine trees have experienced environmental stress in areas with relatively low levels of pollution. The data clearly indicate the presence of mutagenic contaminants in the environment of the pine trees. An increased number of mitotic abnormalities, especially multipolar mitoses was found in the pine tree populations submitted to man-made exposure, which suggests that the cytogenetic damage is mainly caused by chemical contamination. A higher radioresistance of the Scots pine seeds from the impacted populations was shown by use of acute gamma-irradiation. During the observation period 1997-2002, pine trees exposed to anthropogenic pollution showed a steady increase of cytogenetic alterations in the root meristem cells.     

Conscious Augmentation of Creative State Enhances “Real” Creativity in Open-Ended Analogical Reasoning

Humans have an impressive ability to augment their creative state (i.e., to consciously try and succeed at thinking more creatively). Though this “thinking cap” phenomenon is commonly experienced, the range of its potential has not been fully explored by creativity research, which has often focused instead on creativity as a trait. A key question concerns the extent to which conscious augmentation of state creativity can improve creative reasoning. Although artistic creativity is also of great interest, it is creative reasoning that frequently leads to innovative advances in science and industry. Here, we studied state creativity in analogical reasoning, a form of relational reasoning that spans the conceptual divide between intelligence and creativity and is a core mechanism for creative innovation. Participants performed a novel Analogy Finding Task paradigm in which they sought valid analogical connections in a matrix of word-pairs. An explicit creativity cue elicited formation of substantially more creative analogical connections (measured via latent semantic analysis). Critically, the increase in creative analogy formation was not due to a generally more liberal criterion for analogy formation (that is, it appeared to reflect “real” creativity rather than divergence at the expense of appropriateness). The use of an online sample provided evidence that state creativity augmentation can be successfully elicited by remote cuing in an online environment. Analysis of an intelligence measure provided preliminary indication that the influential “threshold hypothesis,” which has been proposed to characterize the relationship between intelligence and trait creativity, may be extensible to the new domain of state creativity.     

Utilization of a State Run Public Private Emergency Transportation Service Exclusively for Childbirth: The Janani (Maternal) Express Program in Madhya Pradesh,India

Background

In 2009 the state government of Madhya Pradesh, India launched an emergency obstetric transportation service, Janani Express Yojana (JEY), to support the cash transfer program that promotes institutional delivery. JEY, a large scale public private partnership, lowers geographical access barriers to facility based care. The state contracts and pays private agencies to provide emergency transportation at no cost to the user. The objective was to study (a) the utilization of JEY among women delivering in health facilities, (b) factors associated with usage, (c) the timeliness of the service.

Methods

A cross sectional facility based study was conducted in facilities that carried out > ten deliveries a month. Researchers who spent five days in each facility administered a questionnaire to all women who gave birth there to elicit socio-demographic characteristics and transport related details.

Results

35% of women utilised JEY to reach a facility, however utilization varied between study districts. Uptake was highest among women from rural areas (44%), scheduled tribes (55%), and poorly educated women (40%). Living in rural areas and belonging to scheduled tribes were significant predictors for JEY usage. Almost 1/3 of JEY users (n = 104) experienced a transport related delay.

Discussion

The JEY service model complements the cash transfer program by providing transport to a facility to give birth. A study of the distribution of utilization in population subgroups suggests the intervention was successful in reaching the most vulnerable population, promoting equity in access. While 1/3 of women utilized the service and it saved them money; 30% experienced significant transport related delays in reaching a facility, which is comparable to women using public transportation. Further research is needed to understand why utilization is low, to explore if there is a need for service expansion at the community level and to improve the overall time efficiency of JEY.     

Analysis of flexibility with rationing for a mix of manufacturing facilities

A major competitive advantage of a flexible manufacturing facility is its ability to cope with uncertainties in demand. At a strategic level, capacity-size decisions for a mix of flexible facilities (each not necessarily producing the same combination of products) are made based on aggregates of product types. Such an approach overlooks possible capacity-devouring by some products, arising at the operational level, when the aggregate demand for the period exceeds the available capacity. A rationing policy is required to ensure that the available aggregate capacity of the facilities is shared equitably. In this article, it is shown that such a rationing policy has an impact on the required capacity size and, therefore, must be integrated with the decisions at the strategic level. Several properties indicating the relative preferences of certain facility strategies are also established.     

Dynamics of the structure of the plasma current sheath in a plasma focus discharge

The study is aimed at investigating the fine structure of the plasma current sheath (PCS) in the PF-3 plasma focus facility. The PCS dynamics in a deuterium discharge was studied. The PCS parameters were measured using absolutely calibrated magnetic probes installed at different positions with respect to the facility axis and the anode surface. A magneto-optical probe recording both the magnetic signal and the PCS optical luminosity was first applied to analyze the PCS structure. This made it possible to spatially resolve the current and shock-wave regions. It is demonstrated that the current distribution is different in different discharge stages. It is shown that the neutron yield is determined by the value of the current compressed toward the axis, rather then the amplitude of the total discharge current.     

Carrying BioMath Education in a Leaky Bucket

In this paper, we describe a project-based mathematical lab implemented in our Applied Mathematics in Biology course. The Leaky Bucket Lab allows students to parameterize and test Torricelli's law and develop and compare their own alternative models to describe the dynamics of water draining from perforated containers. In the context of this lab students build facility in a variety of applied biomathematical tools and gain confidence in applying these tools in data-driven environments. We survey analytic approaches developed by students to illustrate the creativity this encourages as well as prepare other instructors to scaffold the student learning experience. Pedagogical results based on classroom videography support the notion that the Biology-Applied Math Instructional Model, the teaching framework encompassing the lab, is effective in encouraging and maintaining high-level cognition among students. Research-based pedagogical approaches that support the lab are discussed.     

The role of pattern recognition in creative problem solving: A case study in search of new mathematics for biology

Rosen classified sciences into two categories: formalizable and unformalizable. Whereas formalizable sciences expressed in terms of mathematical theories were highly valued by Rutherford, Hutchins pointed out that unformalizable parts of soft sciences are of genuine interest and importance. Attempts to build mathematical theories for biology in the past century was met with modest and sporadic successes, and only in simple systems. In this article, a qualitative model of humans' high creativity is presented as a starting point to consider whether the gap between soft and hard sciences is bridgeable. Simonton's chance-configuration theory, which mimics the process of evolution, was modified and improved. By treating problem solving as a process of pattern recognition, the known dichotomy of visual thinking vs. verbal thinking can be recast in terms of analog pattern recognition (non-algorithmic process) and digital pattern recognition (algorithmic process), respectively. Additional concepts commonly encountered in computer science, operations research and artificial intelligence were also invoked: heuristic searching, parallel and sequential processing. The refurbished chance-configuration model is now capable of explaining several long-standing puzzles in human cognition: a) why novel discoveries often came without prior warning, b) why some creators had no ideas about the source of inspiration even after the fact, c) why some creators were consistently luckier than others, and, last but not least, d) why it was so difficult to explain what intuition, inspiration, insight, hunch, serendipity, etc. are all about. The predictive power of the present model was tested by means of resolving Zeno's paradox of Achilles and the Tortoise after one deliberately invoked visual thinking. Additional evidence of its predictive power must await future large-scale field studies. The analysis was further generalized to constructions of scientific theories in general. This approach is in line with Campbell's evolutionary epistemology. Instead of treating science as immutable Natural Laws, which already existed and which were just waiting to be discovered, scientific theories are regarded as humans' mental constructs, which must be invented to reconcile with observed natural phenomena. In this way, the pursuit of science is shifted from diligent and systematic (or random) searching for existing Natural Laws to firing up humans' imagination to comprehend Nature's behavioral pattern. The insights gained in understanding human creativity indicated that new mathematics that is capable of handling effectively parallel processing and human subjectivity is sorely needed. The past classification of formalizability vs. non-formalizability was made in reference to contemporary mathematics. Rosen's conclusion did not preclude future inventions of new biology-friendly mathematics.     

Furunculosis in cultured American eel Anguilla rostrata (Le Sueur)

Diseased American eels, Anguilla rostrata , were collected from an eel culture facility in South Carolina and examined. The disease was characterized by skin lesions located on the body. A bacterium identified as Aeromonas salmonicida was isolated from the lesions and shown to be the causative agent. The bacterium was also isolated from the kidney during later stages of the disease.     

A new model for rheumatoid arthritis?

A chance observation has led to the development of a new murine model for inflammatory arthritis. Arthritis is induced, and transferred, by T-cell-dependent antibodies to glucose-6-phosphate isomerase. This enzyme is expressed in all cells, and is detectable in serum. There are several similarities to rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in the murine disease. This elegant model raises several questions as to how and why a systemic response focuses inflammation so strongly on synovial joints. The model also re-introduces the possibility that antibodies to widely expressed self-proteins may play a role in the pathogenesis of RA.     

Value of Routine Cardiac Monitoring in the Management of Acute Myocardial Infarction outside a Coronary Care Unit

In a coronary care unit patients and electrocardiographic monitors are under almost continuous observation by trained personnel. This paper suggests that in a general medical ward without this facility routine cardiac monitoring with E.C.G. oscilloscopes is unlikely to lower the overall mortality from acute myocardial infarction. A mortality of 25% for acute myocardial infarction was the same for a hospital without a coronary care unit where monitoring was routinely performed and for two neighbouring hospitals which did not routinely use monitoring during the period of analysis.The need to train personnel in the recognition of E.C.G. monitor tracings and the difficulties associated with monitor alarm systems are emphasized.     

Detection of Industrial Pollutants and Toxic Chemical Wastes in Sewage Treatment Plant Influents by Use of a Biological Monitor

Heterogeneous mixtures of toxic chemical wastes affecting the normal operations of a sewage treatment facility employing anaerobic digestion were detected by dark-field observation of uncoordinate flagellar orientation patterns displayed by cells of Spirillum volutans. These results were compared with plant parameters determined by gas production, volatile fatty acids, and alkalinity measurements.     

The hydrolysis of some N-acylaspartic and N-acylglutamic monoamides in dilute mineral acid.

The release of ammonia by hydrolysis of N-benzoyl-L-asparagine, glycyl-DL-asparagine, L-asparagine, and succinamic acid, and of aniline from N-benzoyl-L-glutamic-alpha-anilide, N-benzoyl-L-aspartic-alpha-anilide, L-aspartic-alpha-anilide, and the monoanilides of succinic and glutaric acids is first-order with respect to substrate in dilute (0.4-0.03 M) aqueous hydrochloric acid at 100 degrees C. The first-order rate constants (kobs) for these reactions can be expressed as kobs = kintra + k2[H+]. The above hydrolyses are used as models for developing a tentative mechanism to account for the selective release of aspartic acid from proteins under these condiditons. The data are also used to suggest reasons why glutamic acid is not released with equal facility.     

Aspergillus Fabm Encodes an Essential Product That Is Related to Poly(a)-Binding Proteins and Activates Development When Overexpressed

Overexpression of several different Aspergillus nidulans developmental regulatory genes has been shown to cause inappropriate developmental activation and growth inhibition. We previously exploited this observation that induced development caused growth inhibition in designing a screen to identify other genes that could activate development when overexpressed. We identified 16 mutants in which induced expression of different random genomic DNA sequences caused growth inhibition, accumulation of mRNA corresponding to the brlA developmental regulatory locus, and in several cases sporulation. This phenotype was designated FAB for Forced expression Activation of brlA and the genes were called fabA through fabP. Here we describe one of these genes, fabM, which is predicted to encode a poly(A)-binding protein (PABP) that is constitutively expressed and is essential for viability. While it is unclear why overexpression of the fabM caused sporulation, we showed that this activity required other known early developmental regulators including brlAβ, flbA, flbB, flbC, and fluG. We propose that fabM is an example of a gene that is not only required for growth, but also has specific functions early in development that assist developmental induction, presumably by allowing translation of specific mRNAs like brlA.     

Relating Inter-Individual Differences in Verbal Creative Thinking to Cerebral Structures: An Optimal Voxel-Based Morphometry Study

Creativity can be defined the capacity of an individual to produce something original and useful. An important measurable component of creativity is divergent thinking. Despite existing studies on creativity-related cerebral structural basis, no study has used a large sample to investigate the relationship between individual verbal creativity and regional gray matter volumes (GMVs) and white matter volumes (WMVs). In the present work, optimal voxel-based morphometry (VBM) was employed to identify the structure that correlates verbal creativity (measured by the verbal form of Torrance Tests of Creative Thinking) across the brain in young healthy subjects. Verbal creativity was found to be significantly positively correlated with regional GMV in the left inferior frontal gyrus (IFG), which is believed to be responsible for language production and comprehension, new semantic representation, and memory retrieval, and in the right IFG, which may involve inhibitory control and attention switching. A relationship between verbal creativity and regional WMV in the left and right IFG was also observed. Overall, a highly verbal creative individual with superior verbal skills may demonstrate a greater computational efficiency in the brain areas involved in high-level cognitive processes including language production, semantic representation and cognitive control.     

“Prey Play”: Learning about Predators and Prey through an Interactive,Role-Play Game

“Prey Play” is an interactive role-play activity that provides fifth-grade students with opportunities to examine predator–prey interactions. This four-part, role-play activity allows students to take on the role of a predator and prey as they reflect on the behaviors animals exhibit as they collect food and interact with one another, as well as limiting factors. Through this activity, students will enhance their communication and observation skills and showcase their creativity.     

The gene-orientation structure of eukaryotes

It is shown that the sequence of gene orientations of four eukaryotes-for those that are presently known-are well modeled by a two-state, two-parameter (first order) Markov chain. These include the six chromosomes of nematodes (C. elegans), the 16 chromosomes of yeast (S. cerevisiae), the five chromosomes of Arabidopsis (A. thaliana), and the 19 scaffolds of fruit flies (D. melanogaster). Moreover, they are reasonably well modeled, more simply, by a one-parameter symmetric version of the Markov chain. Further, compelling statistical evidence is presented which suggests that the parameters particularizing the Markov chain are organism dependent rather than merely chromosome dependent. This surprising observation begs an appropriate biological explanation. Does there exist some kind of mechanism of "communication" among a eukaryote's chromosomes that serves to maintain common values for all of the chromosomal parameters? Or are the common parameter values merely a consequence of a common environment of origin for all of the chromosomes of an organism? (If so, why so?) A third possible explanation is ruled out: while there exists within the class of Markov chain models under consideration, a case that could be described as equivalent to "flipping a fair coin," a thorough-random-shuffling-of-the-genes explanation, via mutations, does not hold up to statistical scrutiny.     

A Measurement of Creativity in Western Civilization

It is surprising that anthropologists have neglected the study of creativity (artistic and philosophical) in the higher civilizations and the clustering at times of genius—especially strange that almost no one has followed up Kroeber's analysis of this in his Configurations of Culture Growth. The epicyclical theory made possible the prediction of the curve of creativity during the evolutions of Graeco-Roman and Western civilizations. A five-year empirical, quantitative study of creativity in Western civilization, with resultant name lists attached as on appendix to this paper, resulted in a curve of creativity substantially as predicted; it proved almost identical with Kroeber's conclusions in his Configurations. An earlier study (1958) for Graeco-Roman civilization had had the same results, as Kroeber had acknowledged.     

Basic mechanisms for graded persistent activity: discrete attractors,continuous attractors,and dynamic representations

Persistent neural activity is observed in many systems, and is thought to be a neural substrate for holding memories over time delays of a few seconds. Recent work has addressed two issues. First, how can networks of neurons robustly hold such an active memory? Computer systems obtain significant robustness to noise by approximating analogue quantities with discrete digital representations. In a similar manner, theoretical models of persistent activity in spiking neurons have shown that the most robust and stable way to store the short-term memory of a continuous parameter is to approximate it with a discrete representation. This general idea applies very broadly to mechanisms that range from biochemical networks to single cells and to large circuits of neurons. Second, why is it commonly observed that persistent activity in the cortex can be strongly time-varying? This observation is almost ubiquitous, and therefore must be taken into account in our models and our understanding of how short-term memories are held in the cortex.     

The molecular basis of retinoic acid induced night blindness

Drugs which affect the processing of vitamin A in the retina or pigment epithelium can cause ocular toxicity. It is shown here that the retinoic acids, which are used in the treatment of skin disorders and which cause night blindness, inhibit the ocular retinol dehydrogenases in an in vitro system. This is shown to lead to a decrease in the formation of the visual chromophore 11-cis-retinal, thus explaining why night blindness might occur.     

Microcosm responses to environmental perturbants

A flow-through microcosm facility using unfiltered ocean source water is described. “Stagnation” cleaning has proven to be a simple and effective way of maintaining seawater distribution systems free of fouling organisms and is recommended. A valveless system for regulating water flow is also recommended. The microcosm facility has been used experimentally as an extension of field surveys being conducted in Hawaiian harbors. Examples of two essentially different types of microcosm experiments are presented to illustrate this interactive approach to environmental research. One approach disturbs an established microcosm community with specific environmental perturbants and follows both the community response and recovery over prolonged time periods. Examples of perturbation by elevated nutrients and by elevated copper concentrations are given. The ability of reef flat communities to trap and retain phosphorus even in a flow-through system is demonstrated. Added copper is shown to result in a number of responses not seen in the legislatively-preferred copper toxicity tests. The second approach involves transferring substrates from the field into the microcosm and following response with time. Again, two examples are given—one involving the transfer of fouling panels, the other, of sediments. Profound changes are seen when fouling panels are transferred from a high-nutrient into a low-nutrient environment. Nutrient-rich sediments, however, are shown not to influence water-column nutrient concentrations in the microcosms, but do acquire increased infaunal populations over a 3-month period. Finally, an example of how the findings of the microcosm experiments are applied in the field is provided. The case is made that although this approach necessarily involves multivariate experimental preparations which sometimes lack precision, it is nevertheless a required and fruitful procedure in the search for better understanding of the environmental dynamics of harbor communities.