Electrosensory basis for individual recognition in a weakly electric, mormyrid fish, Pollimyrus adspersus (Günther, 1866)

Pollimyrus adspersus discriminates the individually variable waveforms of Electric Organ Discharges (EODs) of conspecifics of only 150–250 s duration. We examined: (1) the discrimination threshold for artificially generated EODs of similar waveform, (2) the mechanism of signal analysis (spectral vs temporal) present, by determining the discrimination between different waveforms of identical amplitude spectra, and (3) the threshold field intensity and reach of discrimination. The triphasic P. adspersus EOD waveform was artificially generated by superimposing two Gaussians, one wide, the second narrow, inverted, and of threefold amplitude. The natural variability among individual EOD waveforms was simulated by phase-shifting one Gaussian relative to the other. The symmetrical waveform where the peaks of the two Gaussians coincided was used as a reference (phase shift=0, rewarded stimulus S+). Results were: (1) in food-rewarded conditioning experiments, trained fish (N=7) detected a phase-shift in artificial EOD stimuli as low as 2 s (N=2 fish), 6 s (N=1) and 10 s (N=1). (2) All fish tested (N=3) discriminated between artificial EODs of identical amplitude spectra but different waveforms (hence, different phase spectra), demonstrating a temporal mechanism of signal analysis. (3) The maximum reach of waveform discrimination was 130 cm at 4.9 V_p-p/cm and 100 S/cm water conductivity (test signal generated at natural amplitude), that is, similar to the reach of EOD detection. Therefore, among the three kinds of electroreceptor organ present in mormyrids, we consider Knollenorgane the relevant sensory organs for EOD waveform discrimination.Communicated by J. Krause     

IDENTIFYING AND MEASURING POTENTIAL CONFLICT IN WATER INSTITUTIONS1

ABSTRACT: Scarcity combined with differences in values, beliefs, and attitudes can lead to behavior differences and conflicts over water. This paper develops an index for measuring potential conflict using survey information about water attitudes and beliefs of individuals in three groups in a Florida case study. The index helps in assessing the current capability of the institution to reduce conflict. The results suggest that the current institution is effective, but changes may help to streamline the consumptive-use permitting process, to improve educational programs, and to seek improved institutional arrangements to reduce future conflict over economic uses of water.     

Early genetic amniocentesis and its relationship to respiratory difficulties in paediatric patients: A report of findings in patients and matched controls 3–5 years post-procedure

This study evaluates the long-term pulmonary complications of 25 children from a prospective, matched-control, pilot study evaluating short-term complications of early (11–14 weeks' gestation) versus traditional (15 weeks' gestation and later) genetic amniocentesis. Five children in the early amniocentesis group were found to have various respiratory difficulties, a morbidity rate comparable to that of paediatric patients in the general population. These data identify the need for larger, multicentre trials.     

Measurement of Photochemical Air Pollution with a Sensitive Monitoring Plant

With newly developed monitoring techniques, investigators used the sensitive tobacco variety, Bel-W3, as a monitor for photochemical air pollution at different locations within 75 miles of Cincinnati, Ohio. Observations during the summers of 1966 through 1968 revealed almost daily injury to monitoring plants, fairly uniform total seasonal injury at all locations, and a marked variation in both oxidant and injury from one season to another within the city. The relationship between oxidant level and injury was not found to be consistent.     

Estimation of energy demand of fermentation-based hydrogen production

The paper is concerned with estimation of heat and power consumption in a conceptual plant to produce hydrogen from sucrose-containing or starchy biomass by fermentation. A hydrogen plant connected with a sugar factory is regarded as the basic option; the sugar factory serves as a source of sucrose-containing thick juice for the hydrogen plant, where this feedstock is processed to hydrogen. As another option, a stand-alone hydrogen plant in which starch must initially be converted to fermentable glucose solution is considered. The values of key process parameters are assumed on the basis of preliminary experimental data. For both options of the hydrogen plant, heat consumption is estimated taking heat recovery in a heat exchanger network into account. Power consumption is estimated by calculating power needed for pumping of liquid and gaseous process media.     

The Effect of Analytical Method on Indicated Atmospheric SO2 Concentration

Atmospheric samples collected in several American cities were analyzed for SO₂ concentration using various analytical methods. The methods were: (1) electroconductivity, (2) West-Gaeke, (3) West-Gaeke with membrane prefdter, (4) West-Gaeke with glass-fiber prefilter, (5) hydrogen peroxide, (6) hydrogen peroxide with membrane prefilter, and (7) hydrogen peroxide with glass-fiber prefilter. The relationships among SO₂ data produced by these methods were evaluated statistically. Where statistical differences among methods, at the 95% confidence level, were determined then relationships were further delineated. Factors considered in these comparisons were: (1) location, {2) time of day, (8) concentration range, (4) particulate concentration, and (5) humidity. Laboratory evaluations of these methods show that each method is subject to different interfering substances. Laboratory evaluations of these methods show that each method is subject to different interfering substances. The relationship among methods obtained in these studies will complement these data and perhaps provide for further laboratory and field evaluation of methods used to measure SO₂. The relationship among SO₂ data produced by these methods should be useful in relating atmospheric SO₂ concentration to its effects and to those involved in establishing ambient air quality standards.