Jupiter's X-Ray and UV Dark Polar Region.

We present 14 simultaneous Chandra X-ray Observatory (CXO)-Hubble Space Telescope (HST) observations of Jupiter's Northern X-ray and ultraviolet (UV) aurorae from 2016 to 2019. Despite the variety of dynamic UV and X-ray auroral structures, one region is conspicuous by its persistent absence of emission: the dark polar region (DPR). Previous HST observations have shown that very little UV emission is produced by the DPR. We find that the DPR also produces very few X-ray photons. For all 14 observations, the low level of X-ray emission from the DPR is consistent (within 2-standard deviations) with scattered solar emission and/or photons spread by Chandra's Point Spread Function from known X-ray-bright regions. We therefore conclude that for these 14 observations the DPR produced no statistically significant detectable X-ray signature.

Juno-UVS approach observations of Jupiter's auroras.

Juno ultraviolet spectrograph (UVS) observations of Jupiter's aurora obtained during approach are presented. Prior to the bow shock crossing on 24 June 2016, the Juno approach provided a rare opportunity to correlate local solar wind conditions with Jovian auroral emissions. Some of Jupiter's auroral emissions are expected to be controlled or modified by local solar wind conditions. Here we compare synoptic Juno-UVS observations of Jupiter's auroral emissions, acquired during 3-29 June 2016, with in situ solar wind observations, and related Jupiter observations from Earth. Four large auroral brightening events are evident in the synoptic data, in which the total emitted auroral power increases by a factor of 3-4 for a few hours. Only one of these brightening events correlates well with large transient increases in solar wind ram pressure. The brightening events which are not associated with the solar wind generally have a risetime of ~2 h and a decay time of ~5 h.

Dynamic auroral storms on Saturn as observed by the Hubble Space Telescope.

We present observations of significant dynamics within two UV auroral storms observed on Saturn using the Hubble Space Telescope in April/May 2013. Specifically, we discuss bursts of auroral emission observed at the poleward boundary of a solar wind-induced auroral storm, propagating at ∼330% rigid corotation from near ∼01 h LT toward ∼08 h LT. We suggest that these are indicative of ongoing, bursty reconnection of lobe flux in the magnetotail, providing strong evidence that Saturn's auroral storms are caused by large-scale flux closure. We also discuss the later evolution of a similar storm and show that the emission maps to the trailing region of an energetic neutral atom enhancement. We thus identify the auroral form with the upward field-aligned continuity currents flowing into the associated partial ring current.

Tigers on trails: occupancy modeling for cluster sampling.

Occupancy modeling focuses on inference about the distribution of organisms over space, using temporal or spatial replication to allow inference about the detection process. Inference based on spatial replication strictly requires that replicates be selected randomly and with replacement, but the importance of these design requirements is not well understood. This paper focuses on an increasingly popular sampling design based on spatial replicates that are not selected randomly and that are expected to exhibit Markovian dependence. We develop two new occupancy models for data collected under this sort of design, one based on an underlying Markov model for spatial dependence and the other based on a trap response model with Markovian detections. We then simulated data under the model for Markovian spatial dependence and fit the data to standard occupancy models and to the two new models. Bias of occupancy estimates was substantial for the standard models, smaller for the new trap response model, and negligible for the new spatial process model. We also fit these models to data from a large-scale tiger occupancy survey recently conducted in Karnataka State, southwestern India. In addition to providing evidence of a positive relationship between tiger occupancy and habitat, model selection statistics and estimates strongly supported the use of the model with Markovian spatial dependence. This new model provides another tool for the decomposition of the detection process, which is sometimes needed for proper estimation and which may also permit interesting biological inferences. In addition to designs employing spatial replication, we note the likely existence of temporal Markovian dependence in many designs using temporal replication. The models developed here will be useful either directly, or with minor extensions, for these designs as well. We believe that these new models represent important additions to the suite of modeling tools now available for occupancy estimation in conservation monitoring. More generally, this work represents a contribution to the topic of cluster sampling for situations in which there is a need for specific modeling (e.g., reflecting dependence) for the distribution of the variable(s) of interest among subunits.

Comparative bioavailability of aspirin and paracetamol following single dose administration of soluble and plain tablets.

In this study, the bioavailability of aspirin and paracetamol was compared in plain and soluble combination formulations in fasting, healthy volunteers. Blood samples were taken and Cmax, Tmax and AUC measured at various times following administration of single doses of the two formulations in 12 subjects. The rapidity of uptake of aspirin following administration of a soluble formulation suggests significant absorption from the stomach. There was no significant difference in the pharmacokinetic parameters of paracetamol derived from a soluble or plain formulation. A comparison of the uptake of aspirin from the soluble aspirin formulation with paracetamol from either plain or soluble tablets showed that aspirin entered the plasma and achieved peak levels significantly more quickly. However, the half life of paracetamol was significantly longer than that of aspirin. These findings suggest that onset of analgesia should be more rapid following dosing with soluble aspirin, a conclusion supported by comparative efficacy studies conducted with differing formulations of aspirin.

The influence of dosage form on aspirin kinetics: implications for acute cardiovascular use.

In this study, the pharmacokinetics of several formulations of aspirin were examined: soluble aspirin, mouth-dispersible aspirin, plain aspirin and enteric-coated aspirin granules. Blood samples were taken at frequent intervals for 24 hours after single dosing in 12 healthy volunteers and Tmax, Cmax and t1/2 measured. Cmax was significantly higher for soluble aspirin than for the other formulations and the t1/2 was shorter. The results show the rapid absorption of aspirin from a soluble formulation compared with that from plain aspirin or enteric-coated aspirin granules. Recommendations to treat patients suspected of having a heart attack as soon as possible with aspirin are now widely accepted and the present study would suggest that soluble aspirin should be the aspirin of choice in this situation.

Application of a modified colorimetric enzyme assay to monitor plasma paracetamol levels following single oral doses to non-patient volunteers.

A modified enzyme-based colorimetric method has been used to determine plasma paracetamol profiles following single dose (2 x 500 mg) administration of three dosage forms to non-patient volunteers. The assay is linear over the concentration range 0.15-60 micrograms ml-1 with a coefficient of variation of 9.1% at the 1.5 micrograms ml-1 level. It is rapid, requiring small sample volumes; compares favourably with other techniques such as HPLC; and is not subject to interference from paracetamol metabolites and other drugs. Administration of paracetamol as two different dosage forms, as a solid tablet and as a dispersible tablet, resulted in no statistically significant difference in pharmacokinetic parameters between treatments.

Determination of idazoxan in plasma by radioreceptor assay.

A radioreceptor assay to determine the plasma concentration of idazoxan, a potent, highly selective antagonist for the alpha(2)-adrenoreceptor, is described. The assay is based upon a technique in which plasma extracts containing idazoxan compete with radiolabelled ligand for binding sites on receptor-rich tissue prepared from beef brain cortex. Using a logistic data-fit the limit of detection is of the order of 1 ng ml(-1) and represents a 10-fold increase in sensitivity over that from an established HPLC procedure. Comparison of human plasma data from the two assays indicates a correlation coefficient of 0.92 (N = 27) although the chromatographic method gave consistently higher values than the binding assay. The binding assay requires no sample extraction or pretreatment of plasma and its accuracy, precision and inherent specificity are such that the method represents a useful alternative to HPLC for therapeutic drug monitoring.

A simultaneous determination of acetylsalicylic acid, salicylic acid and salicylamide in plasma by gas liquid chromatography.

A novel method for the simultaneous determination of acetylsalicylic acid, salicylic acid and salicylamide in biological fluids by gas liquid chromatography is described. The assay has been used to determine the plasma concentration of salicylates in 10 volunteers after oral ingestion of three commercially available aspirin-containing formulations. No difficulty was encountered in determining low concentrations of acetylsalicylic acid in the presence of higher concentrations of salicylic acid. The in vivo plasma half life of acetylsalicylic acid in man was found to be 15.5 min.

The comparative bioavailability of cimetidine-alginate treatments.

The comparative bioavailability of cimetidine in cimetidine-alginate combinations has been investigated in twelve healthy volunteers in an open crossover study. Each volunteer received a single oral dose of a commercially available alginate-cimetidine combination tablet (Algitec) or cimetidine tablets (Tagamet), co-administered with a commercially available alginate reflux suppressant liquid or tablet (Gaviscon). No significant differences were observed between treatments for Cmax, tmax, AUC0-12 or AUC0- infinity. The study demonstrated equivalent bioavailability of cimetidine when administered separately with alginate products and as a fixed dose combination product.

Attractor reconstruction for non-linear systems: a methodological note.

Attractor reconstruction is an important step in the process of making predictions for non-linear time-series and in the computation of certain invariant quantities used to characterize the dynamics of such series. The utility of computed predictions and invariant quantities is dependent on the accuracy of attractor reconstruction, which in turn is determined by the methods used in the reconstruction process. This paper suggests methods by which the delay and embedding dimension may be selected for a typical delay coordinate reconstruction. A comparison is drawn between the use of the autocorrelation function and mutual information in quantifying the delay. In addition, a false nearest neighbor (FNN) approach is used in minimizing the number of delay vectors needed. Results highlight the need for an accurate reconstruction in the computation of the Lyapunov spectrum and in prediction algorithms.

Small mammal populations at hazardous waste disposal sites near Houston, Texas, USA.

Small mammals were trapped, tagged and recaptured in 0.45 ha plots at six hazardous industrial waste disposal sites to determine if populations, body mass and age structures were different from paired control site plots. Low numbers of six species of small mammals were captured on industrial waste sites or control sites. Only populations of hispid cotton rats at industrial waste sites and control sites were large enough for comparisons. Overall population numbers, age structure, and body mass of adult male and female cotton rats were similar at industrial waste sites and control sites. Populations of small mammals (particularly hispid cotton rats) may not suffice as indicators of environments with hazardous industrial waste contamination.

Quantitative evaluation of hypothermia, hyperthermia, and hemodilution on coagulation.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of temperature change on the coagulation time of blood at two different hematocrit levels by using various coagulation-monitoring devices. The devices used in this study were the Bayer Rapid Point Coag Analyzers, Hemochron Jr. Signature, Hemochron Response, Medtronic ACT II, and Haemoscope Thrombelastograph. One unit of human bank blood was used in this study. The hematocrit level was adjusted to 40% and 20%. A control bath and experimental bath were set up. Control blood was maintained at 37 degrees C and tested every 45 +/- 15 min throughout the experimental period of 6 h to demonstrate the stability of the model. The experimental blood was tested at temperature points of 37, 32, 27, 32, 37, 42, and 37 degrees C. Activated clotting time (ACT) tended to increase when the temperature was initially decreased from 37 to 27 degrees C, which reached a statistically significant level when measured by the Hemochron Response at both the 20% (147 +/- 10.7 to 159.3 +/- 11.0, p < .0332) and 40% hematocrit level (130 +/- 14.9 to 152.1 +/- 19.7, p < .0148). ACT was decreased significantly (p < .05) when the temperature was increased to 42 degrees C as measured by all machines except the Hemochron Jr. Signature at the 20% hematocrit level. ACT was significantly higher (p < .05) at a 20% hematocrit level as compared to that at a 40% hematocrit level on all devices for the majority of temperature points. These data suggested that hypothermia only increased ACT when measured by a macrosample device requiring a milliliter sample (Hemochron Response). However, hemodilution induced anticoagulatory effects and hyperthermia caused an acceleration in coagulation by all devices utilized in this study.

Effects of ultrafiltration on enoxaparin: an in vitro analysis.

The use of low molecular weight heparins (LMWH) as an anticoagulant in the heparin-resistant patient poses challenges during cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). The ultrafiltrability of LMWH has not been previously examined. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of continuous ultrafiltration on the concentraton of a LMWH, enoxaparin. An in vitro analysis was performed using fresh whole human blood and an extracorporeal circuit containing four parallel ultrafiltrators and a cardiotomy reservoir with an integrated heat exchanger. Constant conditions included temperature (37 degrees C), flow (0.20 L-min(-1)) transmembrane pressure (200 mmHg), and hematocrit (25 +/- 2%). Samples were collected at the inlet, outlet, and ultrafiltrate line at one and three min for one control trial and again for each of the four hemoconcentrators following the bolus of enoxaparin. Coagulation measurements included a viscoelastic monitor (TEG), activated clotting time (ACT), activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), and quantitative analysis utilizing a membrane-based electrode for potentiometric measurement of polyanionic concentrations of enoxaparin. Enoxaparin concentration, from inlet to outlet, increased from 2.95 +/- 0.64 to 5.89 +/- 0.95 (p < .001) at 1 min and 4.24 +/- 0.49 to 7.89 +/- 0.606 (p < .001) at 3 min. Kinetic clot activity, as assessed by the TEG index, decreased from -3.8 +/- 2.5 vs. -10.5 +/- 6.0; (p < .01) pre- to postultrafiltrator samples after 3 min. ACT and aPTT results demonstrated no significant change. In conclusion, this study demonstrates enoxaparin is concentrated with the use of continuous ultrafiltration. Functional coagulation studies also indicate a concentrating effect, primarily via the TEG.

The effect of volume replacement on serum protein concentration during cardiopulmonary bypass.

Although controversy exists concerning the optimal total protein and colloid osmotic pressure that should be maintained during cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB), the primary volume expanders remain albumin and 6% hetastarch. The purpose of this study was to quantify the effect of adding boluses of volume replacement agents under various conditions to total serum protein values during CPB. A standard CPB circuit was utilized in eight 45-kg swine that had a priming volume (physiologic saline solution) of 2309 +/- 245 mL. Volumetric alterations occurred throughout the CPB period by the addition of combinations of physiologic saline solution, 6% hetastarch or 5% swine albumin. Pre- and postadministration samples were assayed for total serum protein, total protein, and albumin throughout the CPB period and at pre- and postvolume administration times. There was a significant decline in total serum protein with the initiation of CPB (6.14 +/- 0.49 g/dL vs. 3.40 +/- 0.43 g/dL, p < .0001). Addition of 12.5 g of swine albumin (N = 5) to two different swine increased total serum protein significantly when compared to adding 500 mL of 6% hetastarch (N = 6) (swine albumin 12.4 +/- 6.3% vs. hetastarch 3.3 +/- 2.1%, p < .005). A reduction in total serum protein occurred after hemodilution with varying amount of physiologic saline solution: 250-450 mL (7.4 +/- 4.5%), 451-650 mL (9.6 +/- 5.6%), and 651-1050 mL (19.4 +/- 4.0%). In summary, knowledge of total serum protein concentration and estimated circulating blood volume can be used to guide albumin and hetastarch administration following hemodilution.

Pharmacokinetics of fenclofenac following single and multiple doses.

The plasma concentration of the anti-inflammatory drug fenclofenac was investigated in volunteers following single oral doses of 200, 500 and 600 mg, as well as multiple doses of 600mg b.i.d. over five days, using gas chromatography with electron capture detection. The pharmacokinetic parameters derived were independent of dose, and the terminal half-life, t1/2, varied independently of dose between 20 and 38 hours (27.23 +/- 1.8 at 600mg). The apparent volume of distribution (Vd area) had similar values at doses of 200, 500 and 600mg of 15.2 +/- 2.6, 18.2 +/- 1.5 and 14.7 +/- 1.7 litres respectively. These small volumes of distribution indicate that fenclofenac distributes mainly into extracellular space. A mean peak plasma concentration of 63.5 +/- 4.6microgram/ml developed after 3 to4 hours following a single 600mg dose whilst a mean steady state plasma concentration (600mg b.i.d.) of 86.9 +/- 5.7 microgram/ml was achieved within four days, and this decayed with a mean terminal half-life of 25.9 +/- 4.2 hours.

Saturn's dayside ultraviolet auroras: Evidence for morphological dependence on the direction of the upstream interplanetary magnetic field.

We examine a unique data set from seven Hubble Space Telescope (HST) "visits" that imaged Saturn's northern dayside ultraviolet emissions exhibiting usual circumpolar "auroral oval" morphologies, during which Cassini measured the interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) upstream of Saturn's bow shock over intervals of several hours. The auroras generally consist of a dawn arc extending toward noon centered near ∼15° colatitude, together with intermittent patchy forms at ∼10° colatitude and poleward thereof, located between noon and dusk. The dawn arc is a persistent feature, but exhibits variations in position, width, and intensity, which have no clear relationship with the concurrent IMF. However, the patchy postnoon auroras are found to relate to the (suitably lagged and averaged) IMF Bz , being present during all four visits with positive Bz and absent during all three visits with negative Bz . The most continuous such forms occur in the case of strongest positive Bz . These results suggest that the postnoon forms are associated with reconnection and open flux production at Saturn's magnetopause, related to the similarly interpreted bifurcated auroral arc structures previously observed in this local time sector in Cassini Ultraviolet Imaging Spectrograph data, whose details remain unresolved in these HST images. One of the intervals with negative IMF Bz however exhibits a prenoon patch of very high latitude emission extending poleward of the dawn arc to the magnetic/spin pole, suggestive of the occurrence of lobe reconnection. Overall, these data provide evidence of significant IMF dependence in the morphology of Saturn's dayside auroras. KEY POINTS: We examine seven cases of joint HST Saturn auroral images and Cassini IMF dataThe persistent but variable dawn arc shows no obvious IMF dependencePatchy postnoon auroras are present for northward IMF but not for southward IMF.

Mapping the information landscape: discerning peaks and valleys for ecological monitoring.

We investigate previously unreported phenomena that have a potentially significant impact on the design of surveillance monitoring programs for ecological systems. Ecological monitoring practitioners have long recognized that different species are differentially informative of a system's dynamics, as codified in the well-known concepts of indicator or keystone species. Using a novel combination of analysis techniques from nonlinear dynamics, we describe marked variation among spatial sites in information content with respect to system dynamics in the entire region. We first observed these phenomena in a spatially extended predator-prey model, but we observed strikingly similar features in verified water-level data from a NOAA/NOS Great Lakes monitoring program. We suggest that these features may be widespread and the design of surveillance monitoring programs should reflect knowledge of their existence.

Assessing spatial coupling in complex population dynamics using mutual prediction and continuity statistics.

A number of important questions in ecology involve the possibility of interactions or "coupling" among potential components of ecological systems. The basic question of whether two components are coupled (exhibit dynamical interdependence) is relevant to investigations of movement of animals over space, population regulation, food webs and trophic interactions, and is also useful in the design of monitoring programs. For example, in spatially extended systems, coupling among populations in different locations implies the existence of redundant information in the system and the possibility of exploiting this redundancy in the development of spatial sampling designs. One approach to the identification of coupling involves study of the purported mechanisms linking system components. Another approach is based on time series of two potential components of the same system and, in previous ecological work, has relied on linear cross-correlation analysis. Here we present two different attractor-based approaches, continuity and mutual prediction, for determining the degree to which two population time series (e.g., at different spatial locations) are coupled. Both approaches are demonstrated on a one-dimensional predator-prey model system exhibiting complex dynamics. Of particular interest is the spatial asymmetry introduced into the model as linearly declining resource for the prey over the domain of the spatial coordinate. Results from these approaches are then compared to the more standard cross-correlation analysis. In contrast to cross-correlation, both continuity and mutual prediction are clearly able to discern the asymmetry in the flow of information through this system.