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Resistance to strawbreaker foot rot (caused by Oculimacula yallundae Crous & W. Gams and O. acuformis Crous & W. Gams), stripe rust (caused by Puccinia striiformis Westend. f. sp. tritici iformisEriks.), and Cephalosporium stripe (caused by Cephalosporium gramineum Nisikado and Ikata) are important traits for winter wheat ( Triticum aestivum L.) cultivars produced in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States. The objective of this research was to develop an adapted winter wheat cultivar with effective resistance to these diseases. ‘Puma’ (Reg. No. CV-1097, PI 670038) soft white winter wheat ( Triticum aestivum L.) was developed and released in August 2013 by the Agricultural Research Center of Washington State University. Puma was tested under the experimental designations 5J030731, 5J030731–2, and WA008134, which were assigned through progressive generations of advancement. Puma is a semidwarf cultivar adapted to intermediate to high rainfall (>400 mm of average annual precipitation), unirrigated wheat production regions of Washington. Puma is resistant to strawbreaker foot rot, has high-temperature, adult-plant resistance to the stripe rust pathogen, is tolerant to Cephalosporium stripe, is intermediate in height, has midseason maturity, and has a high test weight and grain yield potential. Puma has end-use quality properties similar or superior to those of ‘Stephens’, ‘Brundage 96’, and ‘Xerpha’.

Many of the current soft white winter (SWW) wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cultivars produced in Washington are adapted to specifi c environments. The objective of this research was to develop a high yielding, disease resistant SWW cultivar with competitive yield potential for all Washington winter wheat production environments. 'Xerpha' (Reg. No. CV-1045, PI 645605) SWW wheat was developed by the Agricultural Research Center of Washington State University (WSU) and released in 2008. It was selected from an 'Eltan'/'Estica' cross made in 1999 and advanced to the F 5 in the greenhouse by a modifi ed single seed descent breeding strategy. Successive progeny were advanced under fi eld conditions by a modifi ed pedigree-bulk breeding method under the experimental designations SSD01061 and eventually WA007973. Xerpha was the highest, or among the highest, yielding SWW cultivars in every precipitation zone in the WSU Extension Uniform Cereal Variety Testing Program (EUCVTP) trials in 2006, 2007, and 2008. It was released as a replacement for 'Madsen' and Eltan on the basis of its superior grain yield in Washington's low ( 500 mm AAP) precipitation zones; excellent grain volume weight; strong cold tolerance, and high-temperature, adult-plant (HTAP) resistance to stripe rust (caused by Puccinia striiformis Westend. f. sp. tritici).

An attempt was made to understand the physicochemical attributes that are the basis of physical differences between alkaline and salted noodle doughs. Flour and dough properties of one soft and three hard-grained wheat cultivars were observed. Doughs were made with either sodium chloride or sodium carbonate. Each formulation variant was tested at both high and low water additions. Samples for glutenin macropolymer (GMP) isolation were taken at selected noodle dough processing stages. When a 1.67% w/v Na2CO3 solution was used for mixograph testing, dough characteristics were radically altered and differences between cultivars were masked. In lubricated squeezing flow (LSF) testing, hard wheat noodle doughs had significantly (P < 0.01) longer relaxation times and higher % residual force values than soft wheat doughs in both the salted and alkaline variants. LSF maximum force and biaxial viscosity were significantly higher in alkaline doughs than salted. GMP extracted from alkaline doughs was gummy ...

Stripe rust (Puccinia striiformis Westend f. sp. tritici) resistance is an essential trait for spring wheat cultivars produced in the Pacifi c Northwest region of the United States. The objective of this research was to develop an adapted spring wheat cultivar with high levels of resistance to stripe rust. 'Whit' (Reg. No. CV-1034, PI 653841) soft white spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) was developed and released in July 2008 by the Agricultural Research Center of Washington State University. Whit was tested under the experimental designations SW2K067, S0300100U, and WA008008, which were assigned through progressive generations of advancement. Whit is an intermediate-height semidwarf cultivar adapted to the intermediate to high rainfall (>380 mm of average annual precipitation), nonirrigated wheat production regions of Washington and Idaho. Whit is resistant to the Hessian fl y (Mayetiola destructor (Say)), has high-temperature, adult-plant resistance to local races of stripe rust, is intermediate in height, is early maturing, and has high grain yield potential. Whit is a partial waxy variety with end-use quality properties similar or superior to 'Louise', 'Alpowa', and 'Alturas'.

Hard red spring (HRS) wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) grain must have high grain protein concentration (GPC) to maximize market value. The objective of this research was to develop a HRS wheat cultivar with high GPC and durable resistance to stripe rust (Puccinia striiformis Westend f. sp. tritici), a major foliar fungal disease problem of spring wheat. ‘Kelse’ (Reg. No. CV-1035, PI 653842) HRS wheat was developed and released in July 2008 by the Agricultural Research Center of Washington State University. Kelse was tested under the experimental designations of WA007954, H0100092, and HR98036, which were assigned through progressive generations of advancement. Kelse is a semidwarf cultivar adapted to the intermediate-to-high rainfall (>380 mm average annual precipitation), nonirrigated wheat production regions of Washington State. Kelse was released based on its (i) resistance to the Hessian fl y [Mayetiola destructor (Say)], (ii) hightemperature, adult-plant resistance (HTAP) to local races of stripe rust (infection type 0–3), (iii) high GPC, (iv) excellent bread-baking quality, and (v) high grain yield potential in the target production region. Kelse is the fi rst HRS wheat cultivar adapted to the Pacifi c Northwest region of the United States with HTAP resistance to stripe rust. Based on molecular marker analysis, Kelse has the Lr34/Yr18 and Lr37/Yr17/Sr38 gene clusters for rust resistance. Kelse also has exceptionally high GPC compared with HRS cultivars currently in production.

A unique structural variant of the cardiac L-type voltage-dependent calcium channel alpha 1 subunit cDNA was isolated from libraries derived from normal human heart mRNA. The deduced amino acid sequence shows significant homology to other calcium channel alpha 1 subunits. However, differences from the rabbit heart alpha 1 include a shortened N-terminus, a unique C-terminal insertion, and both forms of an alternatively spliced motif IV S3 region. The shortened N-terminus provides optimal access to consensus sequences thought to facilitate translation. Northern blot analysis revealed a single hybridizing mRNA species of 9.4 kb. The gene for the human heart alpha 1 subunit was localized specifically to the distal region of chromosome 12p13. The cloned alpha 1 subunit was expressed in Xenopus oocytes and single-channel analyses revealed native-like pharmacology and channel properties.

The temperature-sensitive cell cycle mutation bimE7 of Aspergillus nidulans causes cells to become blocked in mitosis at a restrictive temperature. Previous work has shown that this mitotic block is induced even when cells are arrested in the S or G2 phase. The mitotic block is also observed in cells carrying a null mutation in bimE, obtained by molecular disruption of the gene (Osmani, S.A., Engle, D.B., Doonan, J.H., and Morris, N.R. (1988) Cell 52, 241-251), indicating that a lack of bimE function is responsible for the phenotype. We have cloned the bimE gene by complementation of the mutant phenotype and have isolated and sequenced its corresponding cDNA. The gene product is encoded by a 6.5-7-kilobase mRNA. The deduced amino acid sequence suggests a protein with three transmembrane domains. The sequence contains numerous potential N-glycosylation sites and several putative cAMP-dependent phosphorylation sites. No homologous protein sequences were found in the common data bases. The bimE gene product is a novel component in the regulation of mitosis.

Retroclival arachnoid cyst is a rare mass lesion, with only seven cases previously reported in literature. MR is the imaging modality of choice in its evaluation and in its differentiation from epidermoid cyst. The case reported here was surgically proved and had an uncharacteristic MR signal intensity that was higher than that of cerebrospinal fluid due to previous hemorrhage.

The temperature-sensitive cell cycle mutation bimE7 of Aspergillus nidulans causes cells to become blocked in mitosis at a restrictive temperature. Previous work has shown that this mitotic block is induced even when cells are arrested in the S or G2 phase. The mitotic block is also observed in cells carrying a null mutation in bimE, obtained by molecular disruption of the gene (Osmani, S.A., Engle, D.B., Doonan, J.H., and Morris, N.R. (1988) Cell 52, 241-251), indicating that a lack of bimE function is responsible for the phenotype. We have cloned the bimE gene by complementation of the mutant phenotype and have isolated and sequenced its corresponding cDNA. The gene product is encoded by a 6.5-7-kilobase mRNA. The deduced amino acid sequence suggests a protein with three transmembrane domains. The sequence contains numerous potential N-glycosylation sites and several putative cAMP-dependent phosphorylation sites. No homologous protein sequences were found in the common data bases. The bimE gene product is a novel component in the regulation of mitosis.

Fire and its effects on rangeland plants, animals, soils, habitats, and watersheds has been studied extensively. Few studies have been devoted to fire effects on rangeland developments and no studies to our knowledge have been done on the effects of fire on barbed wire. From fire records and a known fence age at the Cross Timbers Experimental Range near Stillwater, Okla., we were able to determine the effect of varying fire frequencies on the breaking strength and zinc coating of traditional 2-point, double-stranded barbed wire. Samples from 4 burning frequency treatments, 8 locations each, of either 4 or 5-wire fencing were collected and stripped of their zinc coating for mass determination. Weight of zinc coating remaining on the wire was determined after being subjected to 0X, 1X, 2X, or 6X burn treatments over a 14-year period. A subset of 4 wires from 1X, 2X, and 6X burn treatments was tested for breaking strength. Photomicrographs and coating thickness measurements were also taken on samples from 1X, 2X, and 6X burn treatments. All tests were compared with unused wire of the same lot that had been in storage since fence installation. For the 6X burn treatment, breaking strength of 5,160 Newtons (N) and zinc coating thickness of 18.5 micrometer were equivalent to unused wire breaking strength and zinc coating (5,160 N, 16.6 micrometer respectively). It appeared that repeated fires did not adversely affect the corrosion resistance or breaking strength, and therefore service life of relatively new barbed wire fence.

Converting marginal hardwood forest to grassland has the potential of increasing economic output with livestock grazing. Nitrogen (N) management during conversion needs to be evaluated to minimize possible adverse effects on the environment. This study was conducted to determine temporal changes in quantities of N and biomass within ecosystem compartments after herbicide application in a mature post oak (Quercus stellata Wangenh.)-blackjack oak (Quercus marilandica Muenchh.) forest. The 4 treatments evaluated included; 1) no brush kill with no grass overseeding, 2) brush kill with no grass overseeding, 3) brush kill with cool-season grass overseeding, 'K-31' tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.), and 4) brush kill with warm-season grass overseeding, 'Plains' Old World bluestem [Bothriochloa ischaemum var. ischaemum (L.) Keng.]. Excellent brush kill was accomplished with 2.2 kg a.i. ha(-l) tebuthiuron (N-[5-(1,1-dimethylethyl)-1,3,4-thiadiazol-2 yl]-N,N'-dimethylurea) applied in spring 1993. Total N was measured during a 21-month period (June 1993 to February 1995), in 15- X 25-m plots, within 8 compartments; soil (0 to 60 cm), roots (0 to 60 cm), litter, top growth of herbaceous plants, woody plants 2.5 cm in diameter. Stored N in tall fescue forage was 6 to 7 times greater than in Old World bluestem or native vegetation by June 1994 and was 2 times greater in October 1994 and February 1995. Above-ground biomass of tall fescue and Old World bluestem was not different in October 1994 or February 1995, but both were greater than native vegetation. Litter biomass and total N in litter decreased, especially in the tall fescue overseeding treatment. Total N in the soil for all treatments averaged 5,100 kg ha(-1) and fluctuations were not detectable among treatments. Total N changes in other compartments were not observable or were minimal. Brush kill and overseeding with grass had little influence on total N stored within the ecosystem for 21 months after treatment. N was redistributed to the herbaceous biomass compartment and away from the litter compartment after herbicide application, regardless of the overseeding treatment applied.

In predicting interfacial area in liquid-liquid systems there are several published reports which give different results. Differences in methods of measurement of interfacial area and impeller design and location account for some of these discrepancies. For one pair of liquids, 40 parts by volume of ethylhexanol and 60 parts water, it was found that over wide ranges of impeller size to tank size ratio (0.27 to 0.67) that equal power per unit volume gave equal interfacial area per unit volume.

The recording of compound action potentials (CAPs) from peripheral nerves is a routine clinical investigative procedure in the operating room. Parameters such as amplitude, area, conduction velocity, and latency are used as measures for the functional integrety of the nerve. Pathology produces reduction in conduction velocities, desynchronization of compound nerve action potentials and, in severe disease, complete conduction block, leading to observable changes in these measurements. A number of technical difficulties exist which produce distortions in this data. For example, reliable and repeatable measurements of these parameters require careful electrodes placement. Also, changes in nerve moistness produces conductivity changes. These factors affect the amplitudes of the CAPs producing errors in the measured data (Wikswo et al, 1985).

Intraoperative computed tomography (CT) with a dedicated, therapeutic scanner facilitated resection of intracranial tumors in nine patients. Major benefits of intraoperative CT included exact, multiplanar lesion localization, maximal surgical resection and immediate recognition of potential intraoperative complications such as intracranial hemorrhage. Three cases are presented in detail to demonstrate the surgical technique. No complications related to the use of intraoperative imaging occurred. Although total resection of malignant brain neoplasms remained an unrealized goal, intraoperative CT increased the surgical accessibility of malignant and benign lesions located in critical areas of the brain.

We saw a patient who had clinical features of right-sided heart failure. Echocardiography and computed tomography findings were incorrectly interpreted as demonstrating an intracardiac mass. At surgery, a pericardial cyst externally compressing the right ventricular cavity was found. We conclude that, although noninvasive tests may play a valuable role in evaluating intracardiac masses, interpretation may be difficult and misdiagnoses are possible.

A C-ring radiolucent head holder was designed to facilitate intraoperative computed tomography (CT) during resection of various intracerebral lesions. Important features of the procedure include rigid skull and CT table fixation, cranial access, and low artifact CT imaging performed during and after operation. A case of CT-assisted resection of an arteriovenous malformation is described.

Manipulation of Gambel oak for enhanced rangeland values must be in accord with ecological principles to ensure desired success. Failures in controlling Gambel oak have occurred because the growth patterns, morphological characteristics, and carbohydrate storage patterns of the species have not been taken into account. However, recurrent control will continue to be necessary since grass dominated systems should not be considered to be climax in Gambel oak dominated systems. Existing initial and maintenance control methods appear to offer only short-term solutions, which often result in more troublesome long-term management problems. Gambel oak (Quercus gambelii) is considered a major brush problem species on millions of acres of foothill ranges in Colorado, Utah, New Mexico, and Arizona. Creating open grasslands by removal of mature stands of Gambel oak from these ranges increases watershed values and presents several advantages to the livestock producer (Marquiss 1972). The greatest benefits are an increase in forage produced for livestock and enhanced livestock handling. However, since Gambel oak is a natural part of the vegetation, recurrent treatment is required to retain these advantages. Eradication of Gambel oak is rare by any method, and without complete kill prolific sprouting may occur from roots, rhizomes, and basal stems. Treated ranges many times assume a “thicket”like appearance several years after an initial oak control effort. These sprout thickets differ from the original mature oak stands in both their structure and response to control methods. Range managers are in need of effective control methods on these previously treated areas where abundant oak sprouts are difficult to control with conventional methods and present a major management problem. We suggest here some reasons for the difficulty in controlling Gambel oak and propose some possible alternatives for dealing with the Gambel oak sprouts.