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Countermeasures
Kinds of Countermeasures Selected AbstractsProtective effects of exercise preconditioning on hindlimb unloading-induced atrophy of rat soleus muscleACTA PHYSIOLOGICA, Issue 1 2009H. Fujino Abstract Aim:, A chronic decrease in the activation and loading levels of skeletal muscles as occurs with hindlimb unloading (HU) results in a number of detrimental changes. Several proteolytic pathways are involved with an increase in myofibrillar protein degradation associated with HU. Exercise can be used to counter this increase in proteolytic activity and, thus, may be able to protect against some of the detrimental changes associated with chronic decreased use. The purpose of the present study was to determine the potential of a single bout of preconditioning endurance exercise in attenuating the effects of 2 weeks of HU on the mass, phenotype and force-related properties of the soleus muscle in adult rats. Methods:, Male Wistar rats were subjected to HU for 2 weeks. One half of the rats performed a single bout of treadmill exercise for 25 min immediately prior to the 2 weeks of HU. Results:, Soleus mass, maximum tetanic tension, myofibrillar protein content, fatigue resistance and percentage of type I (slow) myosin heavy chain were decreased in HU rats. In addition, markers for the cathepsin, calpain, caspase and ATP-ubiquitin-proteasome proteolytic pathways were increased. The preconditioning endurance exercise bout attenuated all of the detrimental changes associated with HU, and increased HSP72 mRNA expression and protein levels. Conclusion:, These findings indicate that exercise preconditioning may be an effective countermeasure to the detrimental effects of chronic decreases in activation and loading levels on skeletal muscles and that an elevation in HSP72 may be one of the mechanisms associated with these responses. [source] Influence of concurrent exercise or nutrition countermeasures on thigh and calf muscle size and function during 60 days of bed rest in womenACTA PHYSIOLOGICA, Issue 2 2007T. A. Trappe Abstract Aim:, The goal of this investigation was to test specific exercise and nutrition countermeasures to lower limb skeletal muscle volume and strength losses during 60 days of simulated weightlessness (6° head-down-tilt bed rest). Methods:, Twenty-four women underwent bed rest only (BR, n = 8), bed rest and a concurrent exercise training countermeasure (thigh and calf resistance training and aerobic treadmill training; BRE, n = 8), or bed rest and a nutrition countermeasure (a leucine-enriched high protein diet; BRN, n = 8). Results:, Thigh (quadriceps femoris) muscle volume was decreased (P < 0.05) in BR (,21 ± 1%) and BRN (,24 ± 2%), with BRN losing more (P < 0.05) than BR. BRE maintained (P > 0.05) thigh muscle volume. Calf (triceps surae) muscle volume was decreased (P < 0.05) to a similar extent (P > 0.05) in BR (,29 ± 1%) and BRN (,28 ± 1%), and this decrease was attenuated (P < 0.05) in BRE (,8 ± 2%). BR and BRN experienced large (P < 0.05) and similar (P > 0.05) decreases in isometric and dynamic (concentric force, eccentric force, power and work) muscle strength for supine squat (,19 to ,33%) and calf press (,26 to ,46%). BRE maintained (P > 0.05) or increased (P < 0.05) all measures of muscle strength. Conclusion:, The nutrition countermeasure was not effective in offsetting lower limb muscle volume or strength loss, and actually promoted thigh muscle volume loss. The concurrent aerobic and resistance exercise protocol was effective at preventing thigh muscle volume loss, and thigh and calf muscle strength loss. While the exercise protocol offset ,75% of the calf muscle volume loss, modification of this regimen is needed. [source] Tools for planning and coordinating development of medical countermeasures in the public sectorDRUG DEVELOPMENT RESEARCH, Issue 4 2009Ian Manger Abstract In spite of significant increases in biodefense spending in the 7 years since the 2001 anthrax attacks, the United States may not yet be fully prepared to respond effectively to many potential biothreats. The principal reasons appear to be that: (1) the problem is extremely complex, and the metrics for success are often unclear; (2) although the US Congress has allocated substantial resources for this effort, these funds are insufficient for the task as initially conceived, i.e., "one drug for each bug;" and (3) there is insufficient coordination among the many agencies working to achieve the goal of protecting the nation from biothreats. In the last few years, much of the biodefense community has come to recognize that an approach that focuses on developing and stockpiling a medical countermeasure (MCM) for each possible biothreat agent is unachievable for reasons of cost, time, and the sheer diversity of emerging threats. Promising alternative models are emerging, including broad spectrum and technology platform approaches, but the requisite cross-agency planning and coordination, although improving, is still problematic. We have developed a set of software tools and methods for using them that could support the desired coordination and that could also provide for more rapid, comprehensive, and shared identification of key enabling technologies for accomplishing the development of effective medical countermeasures in time to counter or prevent a biothreat. The tools and methods could also make possible a collaborative public-private partnership for the development of MCM, which many believe is critical to success. Drug Dev Res 70:327,334, 2009 © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Fatigue life expenditure assessment and countermeasure for turbine blades due to harmonic excitations of slip energy recovery drivesEUROPEAN TRANSACTIONS ON ELECTRICAL POWER, Issue 8 2009Jong-Ian Tsai Abstract The long-term effect of noncharacteristic harmonic currents arising from a slip energy recovery drive (SERD) on the fatigue life expenditure in turbine-generator blades is presented in this paper. Since the SERD converter can be rated at a fraction of a motor due to its static converter cascade with the wound-rotor and with high efficiency characteristics, still the feedwater pumps (FPs) in a few power plants are driven by such an induction motor (IM) drive. However, because the frequencies of the three main harmonic terms of the recovery currents are subsynchronous and offer a probability distribution due to the adjustable speed operation, a systematic fatigue estimation approach was devised by the author to investigate the long-term impact for the low-pressure (LP) turbine blades. From the simulation results, it was found that such a long-term harmonic excitation becomes a cause of turbine blade failure for single generator connected to the SERD system, even though the amplitude of these harmonic currents is normal. By the effect analysis of uncertainty, the countermeasure for the turbine integrity was then found. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Sediment infiltration traps: their use to monitor salmonid spawning habitat in headwater tributaries of the Cascapédia River, QuébecHYDROLOGICAL PROCESSES, Issue 20 2005André E. Zimmermann Abstract Sediment infiltration can clog salmon nests and reduce egg survival. As a countermeasure, environmental managers often deploy infiltration traps to monitor sediment infiltration. Traps provide a repeatable means of measuring infiltration and enable comparisons to be made between sites. Results from infiltration rates measured with traps have also been used to estimate infilling rates into salmon nests. Application of these data is questionable, as the composition of the bed and the amount of fine sediment within the bed is known to affect infiltration rates. Thus, infiltration rates measured with infiltration traps may differ from the infiltration rates occurring in redd and riffle gravels. To examine how relationships between sediment infiltration rates varied between four watersheds, we continuously monitored suspended sediment transport, shear stress and infiltration rates at four sites over 5 months. We also compared infiltration rates measured with infiltration traps with changes in the hydraulic conductivity and subsurface grain size distribution of adjacent artificially constructed salmon nests and natural riffle gravels. Among the four watersheds, clear differences in sediment infiltration rates were observed. The differences correlated with the subsurface silt content but no strong relationship existed between land-use or basin physiography/geology. Despite observing an average of 30 kg m,2 of sediment finer than 2 mm being deposited in the infiltration traps during the study, no change in redd or riffle substrate was observed. If the deposition rates measured with the traps reflect the processes in redds, enough sediment would have been deposited to inhibit egg emergence. However, no reduction in egg survival to the eyed stage was observed. In summary, our results show that infiltration traps with clean gravels can be used to detect intersite differences in sediment transport regimes. Extrapolations of sediment infiltration rates measured with such collectors to estimate infiltration rates in redds or riffles is, however, flawed. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Putative role of proteolysis and in,ammatory response in the toxicity of nerve and blister chemical warfare agents: implications for multi-threat medical countermeasures,JOURNAL OF APPLIED TOXICOLOGY, Issue 3 2003F. M. Cowan Abstract Despite the contrasts in chemistry and toxicity, for blister and nerve chemical warfare agents there may be some analogous proteolytic and in,ammatory mediators and pathological pathways that can be pharmacological targets for a single-drug multi-threat medical countermeasure. The dermal,epidermal separation caused by proteases and bullous diseases compared with that observed following exposure to the blister agent sulfur mustard (2,2,-dichlorodiethyl sul,de) has fostered the hypothesis that sulfur mustard vesication involves proteolysis and in,ammation. In conjunction with the paramount toxicological event of cholinergic crisis that causes acute toxicity and precipitates neuronal degeneration, both anaphylactoid reactions and pathological proteolytic activity have been reported in nerve-agent-intoxicated animals. Two classes of drugs already have demonstrated multi-threat activity for both nerve and blister agents. Serine protease inhibitors can prolong the survival of animals intoxicated with the nerve agent soman and can also protect against vesication caused by the blister agent sulfur mustard. Poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitors can reduce both soman-induced neuronal degeneration and sulfur-mustard-induced epidermal necrosis. Protease and PARP inhibitors, like many of the other countermeasures for blister and nerve agents, have potent primary or secondary anti-in,ammatory pharmacology. Accordingly, we hypothesize that drugs with anti-in,ammatory actions against either nerve or blister agent might also display multi-threat ef,cacy for the in,ammatory pathogenesis of both classes of chemical warfare agent. Published in 2003 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] An analysis of liquid CO2 drop formation with and without hydrate formation in static mixersAICHE JOURNAL, Issue 10 2010Hideo Tajima Abstract The formation process of CO2 drops in various types of Kenics Static Mixers was analyzed from the perspective of energy dissipation in the mixer, focusing on the formation of drop surfaces. Experimental studies on CO2 drop formation were conducted under varying temperatures, pressure, and flow rates, with and without hydrate formation. Analysis of the CO2 drop size and distribution at several locations within the static mixer was conducted, as of pressure drop in the mixer, to determine dissipation energies. In all the experimental conditions, by considering the surface energy for hydrate formation, the energy required for the formation of CO2 drops correlated well with total energy dissipation by mixer flow, which is represented by a pressure drop along the mixer. This process has important applications to the formation of liquid CO2 for ocean disposal as a countermeasure to global warming. © 2010 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2010 [source] Safety of Administration of Human Butyrylcholinesterase and its Conjugates with Soman or VX in RatsBASIC AND CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY & TOXICOLOGY, Issue 5 2010Raymond F. Genovese Rats were trained on a multiple Fixed-Ratio 32, Extinction 30 sec. (FR32, Ext30) schedule of food reinforcement and then injected (i.m.) with Hu BChE (30 mg/kg), equivalent amounts of Hu BChE,soman conjugate (GDC), Hu BChE,VX conjugate, oxotremorine (OXO) (0.316 mg/kg) or vehicle (n = 8, each group). On the day of injection and on 10 subsequent daily sessions, performance was evaluated on the FR32, Ext30 schedule. Neither conjugates nor Hu BChE produced a performance deficit under the schedule. OXO produced a substantial decrease in responding on the day of administration, with complete recovery observed on subsequent sessions. None of the treatments affected circulating acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity when evaluated 24,72 hr after injection. The dose of Hu BChE produced a 20,000-fold increase above baseline in circulating BChE activity. Pathological evaluation of organ systems approximately 2 weeks following administration of conjugates or Hu BChE alone did not show toxicity. Taken together, these results suggest that Hu BChE , nerve agent conjugates produced following bioscavenger protection against nerve agents soman and VX do not appear to be particularly toxic. These results add to the safety assessment of Hu BChE as a bioscavenger countermeasure against nerve agent exposure. [source] Influence of concurrent exercise or nutrition countermeasures on thigh and calf muscle size and function during 60 days of bed rest in womenACTA PHYSIOLOGICA, Issue 2 2007T. A. Trappe Abstract Aim:, The goal of this investigation was to test specific exercise and nutrition countermeasures to lower limb skeletal muscle volume and strength losses during 60 days of simulated weightlessness (6° head-down-tilt bed rest). Methods:, Twenty-four women underwent bed rest only (BR, n = 8), bed rest and a concurrent exercise training countermeasure (thigh and calf resistance training and aerobic treadmill training; BRE, n = 8), or bed rest and a nutrition countermeasure (a leucine-enriched high protein diet; BRN, n = 8). Results:, Thigh (quadriceps femoris) muscle volume was decreased (P < 0.05) in BR (,21 ± 1%) and BRN (,24 ± 2%), with BRN losing more (P < 0.05) than BR. BRE maintained (P > 0.05) thigh muscle volume. Calf (triceps surae) muscle volume was decreased (P < 0.05) to a similar extent (P > 0.05) in BR (,29 ± 1%) and BRN (,28 ± 1%), and this decrease was attenuated (P < 0.05) in BRE (,8 ± 2%). BR and BRN experienced large (P < 0.05) and similar (P > 0.05) decreases in isometric and dynamic (concentric force, eccentric force, power and work) muscle strength for supine squat (,19 to ,33%) and calf press (,26 to ,46%). BRE maintained (P > 0.05) or increased (P < 0.05) all measures of muscle strength. Conclusion:, The nutrition countermeasure was not effective in offsetting lower limb muscle volume or strength loss, and actually promoted thigh muscle volume loss. The concurrent aerobic and resistance exercise protocol was effective at preventing thigh muscle volume loss, and thigh and calf muscle strength loss. While the exercise protocol offset ,75% of the calf muscle volume loss, modification of this regimen is needed. [source] Developing medical countermeasures: from BioShield to BARDADRUG DEVELOPMENT RESEARCH, Issue 4 2009Jonathan B. TuckerArticle first published online: 12 JUN 200 Abstract The U.S. Congress passed the Project BioShield Act in 2004 to create market incentives for the private sector to develop medical countermeasures (MCMs) against high-priority chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear threats. Two years later, Congress patched recognized gaps in the BioShield legislation by adopting the Pandemic and All-Hazards Preparedness Act of 2006, which established the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) within the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). BARDA provides financial and managerial support for companies developing MCMs. This article examines U.S. government efforts in the MCM field and prospects for the future. Drug Dev Res 70:224,233, 2009. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Tools for planning and coordinating development of medical countermeasures in the public sectorDRUG DEVELOPMENT RESEARCH, Issue 4 2009Ian Manger Abstract In spite of significant increases in biodefense spending in the 7 years since the 2001 anthrax attacks, the United States may not yet be fully prepared to respond effectively to many potential biothreats. The principal reasons appear to be that: (1) the problem is extremely complex, and the metrics for success are often unclear; (2) although the US Congress has allocated substantial resources for this effort, these funds are insufficient for the task as initially conceived, i.e., "one drug for each bug;" and (3) there is insufficient coordination among the many agencies working to achieve the goal of protecting the nation from biothreats. In the last few years, much of the biodefense community has come to recognize that an approach that focuses on developing and stockpiling a medical countermeasure (MCM) for each possible biothreat agent is unachievable for reasons of cost, time, and the sheer diversity of emerging threats. Promising alternative models are emerging, including broad spectrum and technology platform approaches, but the requisite cross-agency planning and coordination, although improving, is still problematic. We have developed a set of software tools and methods for using them that could support the desired coordination and that could also provide for more rapid, comprehensive, and shared identification of key enabling technologies for accomplishing the development of effective medical countermeasures in time to counter or prevent a biothreat. The tools and methods could also make possible a collaborative public-private partnership for the development of MCM, which many believe is critical to success. Drug Dev Res 70:327,334, 2009 © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Evaluation of pounding countermeasures and serviceability of elevated bridges during seismic excitation using 3D modelingEARTHQUAKE ENGINEERING AND STRUCTURAL DYNAMICS, Issue 5 2004Ping Zhu Abstract This paper conducts elaborate analyses to evaluate the effectiveness of pounding countermeasures and the serviceability of elevated bridges subject to severe ground motions using detailed 3-dimensional non-linear modeling of an entire bridge structure system. A three-span elevated steel bridge is selected for a case study. The peak and residual magnitude of gaps between girders and the maximum shear deformations of bearings are computed and used in the serviceability evaluation. The results show that under proper configurations the mitigation devices work effectively in reducing pounding actions in both the longitudinal and rotational directions. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Alcohol: No Ordinary Commodity , a summary of the second editionADDICTION, Issue 5 2010Alcohol, Public Policy Group ABSTRACT This article summarizes the contents of Alcohol: No Ordinary Commodity (2nd edn). The first part of the book describes why alcohol is not an ordinary commodity, and reviews epidemiological data that establish alcohol as a major contributor to the global burden of disease, disability and death in high-, middle- and low-income countries. This section also documents how international beer and spirits production has been consolidated recently by a small number of global corporations that are expanding their operations in Eastern Europe, Asia, Africa and Latin America. In the second part of the book, the scientific evidence for strategies and interventions that can prevent or minimize alcohol-related harm is reviewed critically in seven key areas: pricing and taxation, regulating the physical availability of alcohol, modifying the drinking context, drink-driving countermeasures, restrictions on marketing, education and persuasion strategies, and treatment and early intervention services. Finally, the book addresses the policy-making process at the local, national and international levels and provides ratings of the effectiveness of strategies and interventions from a public health perspective. Overall, the strongest, most cost-effective strategies include taxation that increases prices, restrictions on the physical availability of alcohol, drink-driving countermeasures, brief interventions with at risk drinkers and treatment of drinkers with alcohol dependence. [source] Evaluation of the participant-support method for information acquisition in the "Multiplex Risk Communicator"ELECTRONICS & COMMUNICATIONS IN JAPAN, Issue 9 2009Tomohiro Watanabe Abstract In this paper, we propose a smooth risk communication support method for the Multiplex Risk Communicator. There has been a diversification of the social risks to the information-based society, leading to complex social issues, and risk communication is necessary in order to solve the complicated social problems that arise concerning stakeholders with various levels of knowledge and differing standards regarding risks. We introduce a portal system that assists participants to achieve an optimal combination of countermeasures. The characteristics of the proposed method are: first, to classify the stage when participants acquire information; second, to enable smooth transitions during the information acquisition stage; and third, to support information acquisition by offering information portals. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electron Comm Jpn, 92(9): 24,35, 2009; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/ecj.10092 [source] Low level of cuticular hydrocarbons in a parasitoid of a solitary digger wasp and its potential for concealmentENTOMOLOGICAL SCIENCE, Issue 1 2009Johannes KROISS Abstract Insect cuticular hydrocarbons (CHC) play a role as semiochemicals in many host,parasite systems and chemical mimicry or camouflage is a well-known mechanism of parasites to evade detection by the host. The cuckoo wasp Hedychrum rutilans (Hymenoptera, Chrysididae) is a parasitoid of larvae of the European beewolf Philanthus triangulum (Hymenoptera, Crabronidae). Females chemically mimic the cuticular hydrocarbons of their hosts to avoid detection and countermeasures when entering the host nest for oviposition. Here we report on a possible second mechanism of the chrysidid wasp H. rutilans to evade detection: the amount of CHC/mm2 of cuticle is only approximately one-fifth compared to its beewolf host. Furthermore, we show that surprisingly large amounts of CHC of beewolf females can be found on the walls of the underground nest. Potentially, these hydrocarbons might constitute a background odor against which the cuckoo wasps or their chemical traces have to be perceived by the beewolf. The reduction in the amount of CHC of the cuckoo wasps might be equivalent to a dilution of recognition cues, especially against the background odor of the nest walls, and might provide a means to escape detection within the nest due to "chemical insignificance". [source] Successful Cognitive-Behavioral Habituation Training Toward Photophobia in Photogenic Partial SeizuresEPILEPSIA, Issue 5 2001Meinolf Noeker Summary: We report on the cognitive-behavioral treatment of a 12-year-old boy with photogenic partial seizures with secondary generalization who had developed phobic avoidant behavior toward all kinds of situations with potential photostimulation, leading to serious impairments of life quality. Based on a behavioral analysis of seizure and anxiety reaction, a habituation training (systematic desensitization procedure) was developed and performed, while maintaining protection against seizures with antiepileptic pharmacotherapy. The treatment was to gradually increase exposure to computer monitor and television screen photostimulation, closely adjusted to the level of subjective distress and tolerance. In addition to exercising control of photogenic input by regulating the monitor control button, rapid relaxation and imagery techniques were taught and applied as countermeasures at the onset of seizure precipitants. The treatment resulted in complete remission of phobic anxieties and responses and may also have facilitated ongoing seizure control after termination of antiepileptic medication. [source] Regulation of natural genetic transformation and acquisition of transforming DNA in Streptococcus pneumoniaeFEMS MICROBIOLOGY REVIEWS, Issue 3 2009Ola Johnsborg Abstract The ability of pneumococci to take up naked DNA from the environment and permanently incorporate the DNA into their genome by recombination has been exploited as a valuable research tool for 80 years. From being viewed as a marginal phenomenon, it has become increasingly clear that horizontal gene transfer by natural transformation is a powerful mechanism for generating genetic diversity, and that it has the potential to cause severe problems for future treatment of pneumococcal disease. This process constitutes a highly efficient mechanism for spreading ,-lactam resistance determinants between streptococcal strains and species, and also threatens to undermine the effect of pneumococcal vaccines. Fortunately, great progress has been made during recent decades to elucidate the mechanism behind natural transformation at a molecular level. Increased insight into these matters will be important for future development of therapeutic strategies and countermeasures aimed at reducing the spread of hazardous traits. In this review, we focus on recent developments in our understanding of competence regulation, DNA acquisition and the role of natural transformation in the dissemination of virulence and ,-lactam resistance determinants. [source] Alpine grassland degradation and its control in the source region of the Yangtze and Yellow Rivers, ChinaGRASSLAND SCIENCE, Issue 3 2005Huakun Zhou Abstract Serious grassland degradation is endangering the environment of the source regions of the Yangtze and Yellow Rivers (SRYYR). There is an urgent need to analyze and review the grassland resources, status of grassland degradation, factors causing grassland degradation, and measures for grassland protection and restoration so as to ensure sustainable development in the SRYYR. This review shows that: (1) The alpine meadow, one of the most important grassland types in the SRYYR, can be divided into four subtypes: typical alpine meadow, alpine swamp meadow, alpine steppe meadow and alpine shrub meadow. (2) There is approximately 357.13 × 104 ha degraded grassland in this area, which is 34.34% of the area of all the investigated grasslands in the SRYYR, and heavily degraded grasslands cover an area of 74.34 × 104 ha, approximately 20.82% of the degraded grasslands. (3) Alpine grassland degradation in the SRYYR follows the following sequence: non-degraded grassland , lightly degraded grassland , moderately degraded grassland , heavily degraded grassland. (4) Grassland degradation in the SRYYR is caused by the integrated effect of anthropogenic and natural factors. The principal factors causing grassland degradation are thought to be long-term overgrazing and the destruction by rodents that follows, and climate warming, which accelerates the grassland degradation process. (5) Some effective management practices (e.g. rodent and ruderal weed control, establishment of artificial grassland, rational management of grassland, and optimizing livestock structure) and integrated countermeasures for the restoration of degraded grasslands have been developed in the SRYYR. [source] Method to improve the mitigative effectiveness of a series of check dams against debris flowsHYDROLOGICAL PROCESSES, Issue 26 2008Rabindra Osti Abstract The advance of technology has led to more competent countermeasures, but lives and properties still continue to suffer from water-induced disasters, such as floods, landslides, and debris flows. To increase the effectiveness of counter systems, improved methods of planning and designing such systems are prerequisite. This paper describes briefly a methodological approach for predicting debris flow characteristics, and proposes techniques for evaluating and improving the mitigative effectiveness of check dams against debris flows in steep mountain torrents. Additionally, a non-dimensional parameter, namely potential storage volume, is introduced to generalize the evaluation processes. As an example, the 1999 debris-flow event in the San Julian River, Venezuela, is chosen for discussion. The paper also proposes a method of evaluating the control function of a series of check dams as well as the criteria for the selection of their sizes, numbers and locations. It is hoped that this work will help to determine which combinations of check dams will fit best together for the optimal control of debris flows and available resources in any river basin. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Experimental respiratory anthrax infection in the common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus)INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL PATHOLOGY, Issue 3 2008Mark S. Lever Summary Inhalational anthrax is a rare but potentially fatal infection in man. The common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus) was evaluated as a small non-human primate (NHP) model of inhalational anthrax infection, as an alternative to larger NHP species. The marmoset was found to be susceptible to inhalational exposure to Bacillus anthracis Ames strain. The pathophysiology of infection following inhalational exposure was similar to that previously reported in the rhesus and cynomolgus macaque and humans. The calculated LD50 for B. anthracis Ames strain in the marmoset was 1.47 × 103 colony-forming units, compared with a published LD50 of 5.5 × 104 spores in the rhesus macaque and 4.13 × 103 spores in the cynomolgus macaque. This suggests that the common marmoset is an appropriate alternative NHP and will be used for the evaluation of medical countermeasures against respiratory anthrax infection. [source] Large-scale site diversity for satellite communication networksINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SATELLITE COMMUNICATIONS AND NETWORKING, Issue 4 2002M. Luglio Abstract The utilization of high frequencies, such as Ka-band and beyond, necessary to avoid the highly congested lower satellite frequencies and to get larger bandwidth availability is considered for many developing satellite systems. The new satellite low-margin systems in Ka-band will need to be designed using fade countermeasures to counteract rain attenuation. One of these techniques foresees the possibility of switching the communication link among different Earth stations spread on a very large territory to reduce the system outage time to the joint outage time of all the stations. The design of such systems depends on the probability that the Earth stations simultaneously exceed their margins. In this paper, a well-assessed model is utilized for the prediction of joint statistics of rain attenuation in multiple locations, using Monte Carlo simulation. The model is based on a pair of multi-variate normal processes whose parameters are related to those characterizing the single-location statistics and whose covariance matrices are assumed to depend only on the distances between locations. The main results concerning both the probability and margin improvement will be presented and discussed. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Propagation considerations and fading countermeasures for mobile multimedia servicesINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SATELLITE COMMUNICATIONS AND NETWORKING, Issue 3 2001Axel Jahn Abstract This paper presents a summary of land mobile satellite (LMS) channel characteristics derived from several measurement campaigns. Narrowband and wideband measurements allow a broad interpretation of the LMS channels. Channel models and its parameters have been derived from the measured data as well. Furthermore, the impact of the LMS channel on the communication service is investigated and possible countermeasures are discussed. Link margins, power control schemes and satellite diversity can compensate the fading on the transmission links. The benefit of adaptive receivers and the dependence on the signal bandwidth are investigated, too. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Updated Japanese Urological Association Guidelines on prostate-specific antigen-based screening for prostate cancer in 2010INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF UROLOGY, Issue 10 2010The Committee for Establishment of the Guidelines on Screening for Prostate Cancer Abstract The exposure rate of screening for prostate cancer using prostate-specific antigen (PSA) in Japan is still very low compared with that in the USA or western Europe. The mortality rate of prostate cancer will increase in the future and in 2020 it will be 2.8-fold higher than in 2000. Therefore, there is an urgent need to determine the best available countermeasures to decrease the rate of prostate cancer death. PSA screening, which can reduce the risk of death as a result of prostate cancer, should be offered to all men at risk of developing prostate cancer with fact sheets showing updated benefits and drawbacks of screening for prostate cancer. [source] From philosophy to action: accomplishing harmonious coexistence between man and flood,,IRRIGATION AND DRAINAGE, Issue 3 2006Liu Ning maîtrise des inondations/réduction des dommages et irrigation/drainage; dégâts des inondations; coexistence harmonieuse entre l'homme et l'inondation Abstract This paper briefly introduces the situation of flood, drought and waterlogging disasters in China. The close relations between flood control/disaster mitigation and irrigation/drainage are presented. By analysing the characteristics of flooding disasters in China, an understanding of flooding disasters is presented. Finally, in combination with current exploration and practice of new water management concepts, the philosophies and countermeasures for flood control and disaster mitigation are presented. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Cet article présente brièvement la situation des catastrophes liées aux inondations, aux sècheresses et aux engorgement de sols en Chine. Les relations étroites entre maî;trise des inondations et réductions des dommages, d'une part, et irrigation et drainage, d'autre part, y sont présentées. L'analyse des caractéristiques des inondations en Chine permet de mieux les comprendre. En conclusion, en combinaison avec les nouveaux concepts de gestion de l'eau, les philosophies et les pratiques de la gestion des inondations et de la réduction de leurs dommages sont présentées. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Variability of Endotoxin Expression in Bt Transgenic CottonJOURNAL OF AGRONOMY AND CROP SCIENCE, Issue 1 2007H. Z. Dong Abstract Transgenic cotton expressing Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) toxins is currently cultivated on a large commercial scale in many countries, but observations have shown that it behaves variably in toxin efficacy against target insects under field conditions. Understanding of the temporal and spatial variation in efficacy and the resulting mechanisms is essential for cotton protection and production. In this review, we summarize current knowledge on variability in Bt cotton efficacy, in particular on the induced variability by environmental stresses. We also discuss the resulting mechanisms and the countermeasures for the inconsistence in efficacy in Bt cotton. It is indicated that insecticidal protein content in Bt cotton is variable with plant age, plant structure or under certain environmental stresses. Variability in Bt cotton efficacy against target insect pests is mainly attributed to the changes in Bt protein content, but physiological changes associated with the production of secondary compounds in plant tissues may also play an important role. Reduction of Bt protein content in late-season cotton could be due to the overexpression of Bt gene at earlier stages, which leads to gene regulation at post-transcription levels and consequently results in gene silencing at a later stage. Methylation of the promotor may be also involved in the declined expression of endotoxin proteins. As a part of total protein, the insecticidal protein in plant tissues changes its level through inhibited synthesis, degradation or translocation to developing plant parts, particularly under environmental stresses, thus being closely correlated to N metabolism. It can be concluded that developing new cotton varieties with more powerful resistance, applying certain plant growth regulators, enhancing intra-plant defensive capability, and maintenance of general health of the transgenic crop are important in realizing the full transgenic potential in Bt cotton. [source] Difference between the spore sizes of Bacillus anthracis and other Bacillus speciesJOURNAL OF APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY, Issue 2 2007M. Carrera Abstract Aims:, To determine the size distribution of the spores of Bacillus anthracis, and compare its size with other Bacillus species grown and sporulated under similar conditions. Methods and Results:, Spores from several Bacillus species, including seven strains of B. anthracis and six close neighbours, were prepared and studied using identical media, protocols and instruments. Here, we report the spore length and diameter distributions, as determined by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). We calculated the aspect ratio and volume of each spore. All the studied strains of B. anthracis had similar diameter (mean range between 0·81 ± 0·08 ,m and 0·86 ± 0·08 ,m). The mean lengths of the spores from different B. anthracis strains fell into two significantly different groups: one with mean spore lengths 1·26 ± 0·13 ,m or shorter, and another group of strains with mean spore lengths between 1·49 and 1·67 ,m. The strains of B. anthracis that were significantly shorter also sporulated with higher yield at relatively lower temperature. The grouping of B. anthracis strains by size and sporulation temperature did not correlate with their respective virulence. Conclusions:, The spores of Bacillus subtilis and Bacillus atrophaeus (previously named Bacillus globigii), two commonly used simulants of B. anthracis, were considerably smaller in length, diameter and volume than all the B. anthracis spores studied. Although rarely used as simulants, the spores of Bacillus cereus and Bacillus thuringiensis had dimensions similar to those of B. anthracis. Significance and Impact of the Study:, Spores of nonvirulent Bacillus species are often used as simulants in the development and testing of countermeasures for biodefence against B. anthracis. The data presented here should help in the selection of simulants that better resemble the properties of B. anthracis, and thus, more accurately represent the performance of collectors, detectors and other countermeasures against this threat agent. [source] A novel approach to assessing percutaneous VX poisoning in the conscious guinea-pig,JOURNAL OF APPLIED TOXICOLOGY, Issue 5 2008Helen Mumford Abstract Nerve agents like VX (S-2-diisopropylaminoethyl-O-ethyl-methylphosphonothiolate) are potent irreversible acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitors. Following percutaneous nerve agent exposure there is a slower rate of absorption, later onset and longer duration of signs of poisoning. Relatively little is known about the physiological effects of percutaneously applied nerve agent in unanaesthetised laboratory animals. Heart rate (ECG), brain electrical activity (EEG), body temperature, locomotor activity and clinical signs were monitored following percutaneous application of VX to conscious guinea-pigs. A fall in heart rate (bradycardia) preceded incapacitation following the highest VX dose, and occurred in the absence of incapacitation at the lower doses. Following the highest dose of VX (0.592 mg kg,1) three out of four animals died within 24 h. The lower two doses of VX (0.296 and 0.148 mg kg,1), produced extended periods of bradycardia in the absence of observable signs of poisoning. Bradycardia preceded, or occurred in the absence of, a temperature decrease; seizure-like EEG changes were not observed at any of the VX doses tested. Acetylcholinesterase activity was significantly inhibited in the blood and most brain areas at 48 h. There were significant dose-related decreases in body weight at 24 and 48 h following VX. This preliminary study suggests that decreased heart rate may be an early sign of the toxic effects of VX, whereas temperature and observable clinical signs are not good early indicators of percutaneous VX poisoning in this animal model. Future studies will use this model to assess the benefit of administering medical countermeasures in response to a defined decrease in heart rate. © Crown Copyright 2007. Reproduced with the permission of the Controller of HMSO. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. This article was published online on 5 December 2007. An error was subsequently identified. This notice is included in the online and print versions to indicate that both have been corrected [30 May 2008]. [source] Putative role of proteolysis and in,ammatory response in the toxicity of nerve and blister chemical warfare agents: implications for multi-threat medical countermeasures,JOURNAL OF APPLIED TOXICOLOGY, Issue 3 2003F. M. Cowan Abstract Despite the contrasts in chemistry and toxicity, for blister and nerve chemical warfare agents there may be some analogous proteolytic and in,ammatory mediators and pathological pathways that can be pharmacological targets for a single-drug multi-threat medical countermeasure. The dermal,epidermal separation caused by proteases and bullous diseases compared with that observed following exposure to the blister agent sulfur mustard (2,2,-dichlorodiethyl sul,de) has fostered the hypothesis that sulfur mustard vesication involves proteolysis and in,ammation. In conjunction with the paramount toxicological event of cholinergic crisis that causes acute toxicity and precipitates neuronal degeneration, both anaphylactoid reactions and pathological proteolytic activity have been reported in nerve-agent-intoxicated animals. Two classes of drugs already have demonstrated multi-threat activity for both nerve and blister agents. Serine protease inhibitors can prolong the survival of animals intoxicated with the nerve agent soman and can also protect against vesication caused by the blister agent sulfur mustard. Poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitors can reduce both soman-induced neuronal degeneration and sulfur-mustard-induced epidermal necrosis. Protease and PARP inhibitors, like many of the other countermeasures for blister and nerve agents, have potent primary or secondary anti-in,ammatory pharmacology. Accordingly, we hypothesize that drugs with anti-in,ammatory actions against either nerve or blister agent might also display multi-threat ef,cacy for the in,ammatory pathogenesis of both classes of chemical warfare agent. Published in 2003 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Site-specific percutaneous absorption of methyl salicylate and VX in domestic swineJOURNAL OF APPLIED TOXICOLOGY, Issue 3 2002E. J. Scott Duncan Abstract The site specificity of the percutaneous absorption of methyl salicylate (MeS) and the organophosphate nerve agent VX (O -ethyl S -(2-diisopropylaminoethyl) methylphosphonothioate) was examined in anaesthetized domestic swine that were fully instrumented for physiological endpoints. Four different anatomical sites (ear, perineum, inguinal crease and epigastrium) were exposed to the MeS and the serum levels were measured over a 6-h time period. The dose absorbed at the ear region was 11 ,g cm,2 with an initial flux of 0.063 ,g cm,2min,1, whereas at the epigastrium region the dose absorbed was 3 ,g cm,2 with an initial flux of 0.025 ,g cm,2min,1. For this reason further studies were carried out with VX on the ear and the epigastrium only. In animals treated with agent on the epigastrium, blood cholinesterase (ChE) activity began to drop 90 min after application and continued to decline at a constant rate for the remainder of the experiment to ca. 25% of awake control activity. At this time there were negligible signs of poisoning and the medical prognosis was judged to be good. In contrast, the ChE activity in animals receiving VX on the ear decreased to 25% of awake control values within 45 min and levelled out at 5,6% by 120 min. Clinical signs of VX poisoning paralleled the ChE inhibition, progressing in severity over the duration of the exposure. It was judged that these animals would not survive. The dramatic site dependence of agent absorption leading to vastly different toxicological endpoints demonstrated in this model system has important ramifications for chemical protective suit development, threat assessment, medical countermeasures and contamination control protocols. Copyright © 2002 Crown in the right of Canada. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Protecting the Nation's Critical Infrastructure: The Vulnerability of U.S. Water Supply SystemsJOURNAL OF CONTINGENCIES AND CRISIS MANAGEMENT, Issue 2 2000Robert M. Clark Terrorism in the United States was not considered a serious threat until the second half of the 1990s. However, recent attacks both at home and abroad have forced government planners to consider the possibility that critical elements of the U.S. infrastructure might in fact be vulnerable to terrorism. The potential for chemical or biological contamination of water supply systems exists along with the possibility that such systems might be sabotaged. This article reviews the threat of biological and chemical compounds in relation to the characteristics of water supply systems. Vulnerability of such systems to terrorist attacks is examined, as well as possible physical and chemical countermeasures that could be applied. A case study is presented of an accidental contamination event that illustrates the difficulty of tracking such events in a drinking water system. It can be concluded that municipal water supplies are vulnerable. However, appropriate physical planning of such systems, including contingency back-up with separate water lines for emergencies, coupled with proactive monitoring, will significantly increase security in the face of possible terrorist attacks. [source] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||