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PURPOSE. POAG is a complex disease; therefore, families in which a glaucoma gene has been mapped may carry additional POAG genes. The goal of this study was to determine whether mutations in the myocilin (MYOC) gene on chromosome 1 are present in two POAG families, which have previously been mapped to the GLC1C locus on chromosome 3. METHODS. The three exons of MYOC were screened by denaturing (d)HPLC. Samples with heteroduplex peaks were sequenced. Clinical findings were compared with genotype status in all available family members over the age of 20 years. RESULTS. A T377M coding sequence change in MYOC was identified in family members of the Greek GLC1C family but not in the Oregon GLC1C family. Individuals carrying both the MYOC T377M variant and the GLC1C haplotype were more severely affected at an earlier age than individuals with just one of the POAG genes, suggesting that these two genes interact or that both contribute to the POAG phenotype in a cumulative way. Copyright © Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology.

Trail pheromones mediate communication among western subterranean termites, Reticulitermes hesperus Banks. Repetitive passages ofor=28 termites were required to establish a pheromone trail and trails needed to be reinforced because they lasted48 hr. The minimal threshold concentration for inducing responses from termite workers and secondary reproductives was between 0.01 and 0.1 fg/cm of (3Z,6Z,8E)-dodecatrien-1-ol (henceforth, dodecatrienol). Workers showed optimal trail-following behavior to dodecatrienol at a concentration of 10 fg/cm. Trails with concentrations10 pg/cm were repellent to workers. Workers did not detect pheromone gradients, responding equally to increasing or decreasing gradients of dodecatrienol, and termite workers were not able to differentiate between different concentrations of dodecatrienol. Termites preferred dodecatrienol trails to 2-phenoxyethanol trails. Antennae played a key role in trail pheromone perception. Dodecatrienol acted as an arrestant for worker termites (10 fg/cm2) and male alates (5 ng/cm2), whereas sternal gland extracts from females attracted male alates. Workers and alates, upon contact with filter paper disks treated with higher doses (10 fg/cm2 and 5 ng/cm2, respectively) of dodecatrienol, were highly excited (increased antennation and palpation) and repeatedly returned to the treated disks. Dodecatrienol did not act as a phagostimulant when offered on a paper towel disk. Reticulitermes hesperus is highly responsive to dodecatrienol, and it may play an important role in orientation of workers and alates.

Western subterranean termite, Reticulitermes hesperus (Banks), prefers various mono-, di-, and trisaccharides, total feeding being the greatest on paper disks treated with 5% ribose followed by 3% xylose, 2% maltose, 2% fructose, 2% arabinose, and 2% ribose. In multiple choice tests, termites were not able to discriminate between 2% ribose, 2% fructose, 2% xylose, and 2% maltose. Termites readily take up [14C] sucrose in feeding studies. Most of the sucrose is used as an energy source for respiration (89.2%), a very small proportion remains within the termite (9.3%), and an even smaller amount is excreted as solid waste (1.5%). The amount of 14C label transferred to other colony members via trophallaxis, body contact, or grooming is small and directly dependent upon the time and numbers of donors and recipients. At day 15 postmixing, the percentage of transfer was highest, 14.4 and 15.1% for both 1:1 and 2:1 donor to recipient mixing ratios, respectively. The mean amount of labeled 14C received by recipients increased from seven disintegrations per minute (dpm) on day 2 to 30 dpm on day 15 for 1:1. Overall mean radioactivity recovered from recipient termites when mixed with donor termites at 1:1 ratio (20 dpm) was significantly less than (28 dpm) when mixed with donor termites at 2:1 ratio. Sugars act as phagostimulants to the termites at concentrations much higher to those that termites naturally encounter in wood. Termites readily metabolize carbohydrates such as sucrose, and thus their use in bait matrices may increase consumption and retention at bait stations.

The susceptibility of four laboratory strains of cat fleas, Ctenocephalides felis (Bouche), to imidacloprid was determined by three different laboratories, by using a standardized bioassay protocol. The probit lines generated by the different laboratories were very similar, with LC50 values ranging from 0.32 to 0.81 ppm. Based on these data, a diagnostic dose (DD) of 3 ppm imidacloprid in larval rearing media was provisionally identified for detecting shifts in tolerance, possibly as a consequence of incipient imidacloprid resistance. None of the larvae from the susceptible laboratory strains survived the DD. Eighteen field-collected isolates were evaluated for their susceptibility to imidacloprid and to validate a DD of 3 ppm. Probit lines from 18 field-collected isolates were very similar, with LC50 values ranging from 0.14 to 1.52 ppm. When exposed to the DD, between 3 and 10% of the exposed larvae emerged as adults from only three of the 18 isolates. All other field isolates gave 100% mortality at the DD. Under the criteria established (>5% survivorship at 3 ppm), two isolates would be established on mammalian hosts and more extensive tests conducted to exclude or confirm the presence of resistance. The DD of 3 ppm is robust enough to eliminate most of the susceptible isolates collected until today, yet low enough to identify possible isolates for further testing.

Cat fleas are the most important ectoparasite of cats and dogs worldwide. During the past ten years, topical and oral applications of insecticides such as fipronil, imidacloprid, lufenuron and, most recently, selamectin have revolutionized cat-flea control. Recent studies show that these therapies eliminate the need to treat indoor and outdoor environments, and their use markedly reduces the severity and prevalence of flea allergic dermatitis. Surveys have yet to reveal the development of insecticide resistance to these chemical compounds. Extending the longevity of these effective host-targeted therapies should be a major goal of the veterinary community.

The use of undertrack storage in a 300 mm fab is evaluated and compared to stocker storage using simulation model results. Description of the simulation model used, scenarios, and results are presented

Boric acid, imidacloprid, and thiamethoxam in sucrose aqueous baits had different delayed toxicities to worker Argentine ants, Linepithema humile (Mayr). The concentrations required to produce an LT50 (time required to produce 50% mortality) within 1-4 d were 3.63-0.55% boric acid, 9.2 x 10(-3) to 7.1 x 10(-4)% imidacloprid, and 3 x 10(-4) to 2 x 10(-5)% thiamethoxam. The three toxicants were not repellent. Other laboratory trials showed that 1% boric acid, 5 x 10(-4) to 5 x 10(-3)% imidacloprid, and 1 x 10(-5) to 1 x 10(-3)% thiamethoxam had delayed toxic effects, whereas 0.5% boric acid and5 x 10(-3)% imidacloprid did not. Baits that provided an LT50 between days 1 and 4 were considered to have delayed toxic effects. The utility of aqueous sucrose baits and toxicants soluble in such systems and the negative impact of fast-acting toxicants on trail following, recruitment, trophallaxis, and control of Argentine ants are discussed.

This paper describes simulation and experimental results for a 1400 A, /spl plusmn/900 V peak rated, switch mode power supply for SNS Injection Kicker Magnets. For each magnet (13 m/spl Omega/, 160 /spl mu/H), the power supply must supply controlled pulses at 60 Hz repetition rate. The pulse current must rise from zero to maximum in less than 1 millisec in a controlled manner, flat top for up to 2 millisec, and should fall in a controlled manner to less than 4 A within 500 /spl mu/s. The low current performance during fall time is the biggest challenge in this power supply. The simulation results show that to meet the controlled fall of the current and the current ripple requirements, voltage loop bandwidth of at least 10 kHz and switching frequency of at least 100 kHz are required. To achieve high power high frequency switching with IGBT switches, a series connected topology with three phase shifted (0/spl deg/, 60/spl deg/ & 120/spl deg/) converters each with 40 kHz switching frequency (IGBT at 20 kHz), has been achieved. In this paper, the circuit topology, relevant system specifications and experimental results that meet the requirements of the power supply are described in detail. A unique six pulse SCR rectifier circuit with capacitor storage has been implemented to achieve minimum pulse width to meet required performance during current fall time below 50 A due to the very narrow pulse width and nonlinearity from IGBT turn-on/off times.

The SNS extraction fast kicker system is a very high power, high repetition rate pulsed power system. It was design and developed at Brookhaven national laboratory. This system will consist of fourteen identical high voltage, high current modulators, and their auxiliary control and charging systems. The modulators will drive fourteen extraction magnet sections located inside of the SNS accumulator ring. The required kicker field rise time is 200 ns, a pulse flattop of 700 ns, a pulse repetition rate of 60 pulse-per-second. A 2500 Ampere per modulator output is required to reach the extraction kicker magnetic field strength. This design features a Blumlein pulse-forming-network based topology, a low beam impedance termination, a fast current switching thyratron, and low inductance capacitor banks. It has a maximum charging voltage of 50 kV, an open circuit output of l00 kV, and a designed maximum pulsed current output of 4 kA per modulator. The overall system output will be multiple GVA with 60 pulse-per-second repetition rate. A prototype modulator has been successfully built and tested well above the SNS requirement. The modulator system production is in progress.

The GLC1C locus for primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) is inherited as an autosomal dominant trait. This region on chromosome 3 is 11 cM long. DNA samples from members of a Greek and an American GLC1C family were obtained to determine whether additional typing of microsatellite markers in family members might narrow the region. GLC1C family members were evaluated clinically for POAG on the basis of open angles, intraocular pressures, cupping of discs, and visual fields. DNA samples from the Greek and Oregon GLC1C families were used to further refine the GLC1C region using microsatellite markers. A total of 22 affected members were identified in the two families. Common alleles for D3S3637 and D3S3612 were present in the disease haplotype from both families, suggesting that they may have a common founder. A newly diagnosed patient in the American family had a recombination in the distal portion of the GLC1C haplotype. This recombination narrows the GLC1C region from 11 to 4 cM.

Purpose Mutations in NOD2 are responsible for Blau syndrome, a systemic disease triad involving the uvea, joints, and skin. NOD2 mutations are also associated with Crohn disease. Both Blau syndrome and Crohn disease involve granulomatous inflammation and uveitis, as does sarcoidosis. We sought to determine if NOD2 mutations were present in patients with sarcoidosis, especially those with uveitis. Methods NOD2 gene exons were sequenced from DNA obtained from sarcoidosis patients. The diagnoses of sarcoidosis and uveitis were verified from clinical records. Results NOD2 polymorphisms were found in 26 patients with sarcoidosis (13 with uveitis). There was no significant difference in allele frequencies between patients with and without uveitis. Conclusions Despite the strikingly similar pathologies of Blau syndrome and sarcoidosis, no mutations were found to be associated with sarcoidosis in a group of patients, regardless of the presence of uveitis.

The design of a 1 MV, repetition-rated modulator capable of switching 20 kJ into an 80 Omega load is presented. The design utilizes two recently developed 100 kV hollow-anode thyratrons to discharge four parallel lumped-constant Blumleins composed of two 1.0-2.0 Omega , 6-stage, type E pulse-forming networks (PFNs). The Blumleins are to be command-resonantly charged from a capacitive energy storage bank to 100 kV and then discharged through a 10:1 step-up iron core transformer to 1 MV. The primary switch thyratrons in the modulator must be able to hold off 100 kV and conduct currents up to 200 kA with as di/dt approaching 10/sup 12/ A/s total. Preliminary work has shown that the main switch tube, with PFNs, and the command charge circuits perform satisfactory at half their rated values (50 kV). >

Recent developments in dispenser cathode thyratrons have shifted the dominant life-limiting factor to the anode in high di/dt short-pulse circuits. Calculations and measurements indicate that the addition of a magnetic switch should reduce the anode temperature and the erosion rate. The addition of a saturating magnetic switch has several advantages. First, by reducing the amount of anode dissipation during the commutation phase of the thyratron, it reduces cooling requirements. Second, it reduces the switching time in a thyratron limited circuit; and third, it can decrease the amount of anode damage due to high-energy electrons associated with the commutation phase or anode fall. The saturating magnetic switch allows the anode voltage to collapse while delaying the forward current, thus reducing the electron energy to a level below that which results in erosion. >

Two insecticides, fipronil and imidacloprid, were evaluated for efficacy and longevity against Oropsylla montana (Baker), the most important vector of plague in California. Wild-caught California ground squirrels, Spermophilus beecheyi (Richardson), were individually housed in the laboratory to serve as natural hosts to O. montana and for on-animal insecticide trials. Several concentrations oftechnical grade fipronil and imidacloprid in acetone were applied to samples of clean rodent bedding to determine residual activity and longevity against fleas. Immature and adult cat fleas, Ctenocephalides felis (Bouche), were used as representative fleas for periodic assays in place of less fecund O. montana. Toxicity of treated bedding did not decrease significantly for 1 yr at all applied concentrations. Fipronil provided 100% kill for at least 1 yr at > or = 100 ppm, whereas imidacloprid required 10,000 ppm for similar performance. Laboratory squirrels were treated with topical formulations of fipronil (Frontline Top Spot) and imidacloprid (Advantage Flea Adulticide) at a dosage rate of 15 mg/kg and evaluated for residual activity every 2 wk against adult O. montana. Residual activity was determined by percent recovery of O. montana adults released on treated and untreated animals after 48 h. Frontline provided 100% kill of adult fleas for at least 10 wk, and up to 26 wk on one animal. Advantage failed to provide 100% kill of adult fleas at 2 wk, with complete loss of efficacy by week 6. Concurrent assays with bedding samples from squirrel nest boxes showed negligible toxicity transfer from treated animals to nest bedding.

Strategies for controlling cat fleas, Ctenocephalides felis felis (Bouche), have undergone dramatic changes in the past 5 yr. With the advent of on-animal treatments with residual activity the potential for the development of insecticide resistance increases. A larval bioassay was developed to determine the baseline susceptibility of field-collected strains of cat fleas to imidacloprid. All four laboratory strains tested showed a similar level of susceptibility to imidacloprid. Advantages of this bioassay are that smaller numbers of fleas are required because flea eggs are collected for the test. Insect growth regulators and other novel insecticides can also be evaluated. Using a discriminating dose, the detection of reduced susceptibility in field strains can be determined with as few as 40 eggs.

We have developed an oral bioassay to determine the toxicity of hydramethylnon to individual workers and queens of the Argentine ant, Linepithema humile. We fed seven concentrations of hydramethylnon in suspension to individual workers or queens, determined the amount of hydramethylnon ingested and evaluated the individual ants for mortality 14 days later. At concentrationsor = 0.37 g liter-1, the amount of liquid the queens ingested decreased dramatically, indicating that Argentine ant queens may detect hydramethylnon. Significantly larger volumes of the two highest concentrations of the hydramethylnon suspension were ingested by the workers, compared to the lower concentrations, suggesting that hydramethylnon may act as a feeding stimulant for the workers. Worker mortality was higher than queen mortality at the highest concentrations tested. The highest worker mortality resulted when the ants ingested 1.03 micrograms of hydramethylnon per mg of ant tissue. At the highest concentration (1.0 g liter-1) tested, workers ingested almost 12 times as much active ingredient per mg of body weight as did queens, suggesting that, in order to increase mortality of queens, multiple feedings must occur.

This chapter summarizes the various use patterns of insecticides used in and around structures to control the major urban arthropods and insects. The widespread use and need for pest management in and around structures can be directly attributed to the dislike of insects and arthropods by urban residents. Some insects such as termites and wood-destroying beetles pose a serious economic threat to structures and a few, such as cockroaches, fleas, mosquitoes, and ticks, may present a real medical or veterinary problem. However, many urban insects may be classified as occasional intruders and nuisance pests. Pyrethroid insecticides will continue to be used, but their effectiveness against German cockroaches will continue to decline because of insecticide resistance. In addition, the list of available fumigants will also decrease in the future. The popularity of baits will continue, stimulating new avenues of research dealing with the behavior and ecology of structural insect pests.

Surfactant protein D (SP-D) plays roles in pulmonary host defense and surfactant homeostasis and is increased following lung injury. Because AP-1 proteins regulate cellular responses to diverse environmental stimuli, we hypothesized that the conserved AP-1 motif (at -109) and flanking sequences in the human SP-D promoter contribute to the regulation of SP-D expression. The AP-1 sequence specifically bound to fra-1, junD, and junB in H441 lung adenocarcinoma nuclear extracts. Mutagenesis of the AP-1 motif in a chloramphenicol acetyltransferase reporter construct containing 285 base pairs of upstream sequence nearly abolished promoter activity, and co-transfection of junD significantly increased wild type but not mutant promoter activity. The sequence immediately downstream of the AP-1 element contained a binding site for HNF-3 (FOXA), and simultaneous mutation of this site (fox-d) and an upstream FoxA binding site (-277, fox-u) caused a 4-fold reduction in chloramphenicol acetyltransferase activity. Immediately upstream of the AP-1-binding site, we identified a GT box-containing positive regulatory element. Despite finding regions of limited homology to the thyroid transcription factor 1-binding site, SP-D promoter activity did not require thyroid transcription factor 1. Thus, transcriptional regulation of SP-D gene expression involves complex interactions with ubiquitous and lineage-dependent factors consistent with more generalized roles in innate immunity.

In this paper we summarize the progress made in demonstrating the application of solid state switching to accelerator power systems. We discuss in considerable detail the development of a klystron drive system for an ion linac which uses a minimal number of IGBT components to produce average power levels of 60 kW-180 kW at 125 kV and peak powers of 7.5 MW.

Objectives To identify the chromosomal location of a disease-causing gene and to describe the clinical characteristics of a large family with age-related macular degeneration (ARMD). Methods An ARMD pedigree was identified, and the disease state of family members was documented by stereoscopic fundus photography and was classified using a modified version of the Wisconsin Age-Related Maculopathy Grading System. A genome-wide screen at approximately 6-centimorgan spacing using a DNA-pooling strategy combined with shared-segment analysis was used to identify likely chromosomal regions. The entire family was then screened at each likely locus, and 1 positive locus was refined by screening with markers at an average density of 0.5 centimorgan and subjected to parametric linkage analysis. Results In the 10 affected family members, ARMD was manifest by the presence of large, soft, confluent drusen accompanied by varying degrees of retinal pigment epithelial degeneration and/or geographic atrophy. Age-related macular degeneration segregated as an autosomal-dominant trait, with the disease locus mapping to chromosome 1q25-q31 between markers D1S466 and D1S413 , with a multipoint lod score of 3.00. Conclusion Age-related macular degeneration localized to chromosome 1q25-q31 (gene symbol, ARMD1 ) as a dominant trait in a large family with a predominantly dry phenotype. Clinical Relevance Identification of ARMD genes will facilitate early diagnosis and aid in understanding the molecular pathophysiological mechanisms of ARMD. This knowledge will contribute to the development of preventive and improved treatment strategies.

The authors found transcript expression for insulin-like growth factor binding protein-5 (IGFBP-5) while screening for uniquely expressed trabecular meshwork (TM) mRNAs. Because the insulin-like growth factor (IGF) autocrine-paracrine system may provide an important signaling mechanism between TM cells and the outflow pathway, the expression of IGFBP-5 and IGF-I receptor in the TM was characterized.Poly(A+) RNA was isolated from cell cultures of human TM, ciliary body, retinal pigment epithelium, and skin fibroblasts and subjected to reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) differential display analysis. A unique 980-bp band present in the TM was cloned and sequenced. Additional PCR and Northern analyses were used to define trabecular IGFBP-5 expression. Western immunoblots and confocal immunohistochemistry were used to evaluate the protein expression patterns of IGFBP-5 and the IGF-I receptor. IGF-I and IGF-II were added to trabecular cells in culture, and matrix metalloproteinase production was evaluated.A unique differential display band was identified in the TM. Sequencing of this band identified it as the 3'-untranslated region of IGFBP-5. RT-PCR, using a variety of specific primers for IGFBP-5, Northern analysis, Western immunoblots, and immunohistochemical analysis, confirmed that IGFBP-5 was expressed in the TM. However, IGFBP-5 was also present at low levels in the ciliary body and skin fibroblasts by Northern and Western analysis, in contrast with the differential display findings. In addition, the IGF-I receptor was expressed by the TM and showed cell-surface staining by immunohistochemistry. Trabecular IGFBP-5 was distributed throughout the meshwork in the extracellular matrix and the cells with more staining in the juxtacanalicular region than in the uveal meshwork. IGF-I, but not IGF-II, modestly increased trabecular stromelysin and gelatinase B but not collagenase, gelatinase A, or tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases 1 or 2.IGFBP-5 and IGF-I receptor were expressed at significant levels by TM cells and may serve an important role in trabecular function.

In Proton Radiography, one of the goals is a motion picture of a rapidly moving object. The Los Alamos Proton Storage Ring (PSR) in its normal operating mode, delivers a single pulse approximately 120 ns wide (fwhm). In development runs at the PSR, we successfully demonstrated operation of a technique to deliver two pulses, each 40 nsec wide, with adjustable spacing.

Cat fleas, Ctenocephalides felis (Bouché), were reared at different temperatures to examine further the effects on egg-to-adult development and emergence of adults from cocoons. Three different temperatures (26.7, 21.1, and 15.5 degrees C) were used to rear fleas. Emergence of adults from cocoons was monitored using 2 experimental designs-cocoons maintained in groups and cocoons individually isolated. At cooler temperatures, cocoons kept in groups had a higher incidence of late-emerging adults than did individual cocoons. At 15.5 degrees C, adults continued to emerge from grouped cocoons up to 80 d after all had emerged from individual cocoons. Developmental time of prepupae and pupae was determined by inhibiting cocoon formation of late 3rd instars. Male prepupae and pupae developed approximately 20% slower than did females. Comparisons between emergence of adults from cocoons and from naked pupae indicate that a large percentage of adults emerge from cocoons soon after molting. The possible association of developmental temperatures and emergence from cocoons with overwintering populations is discussed.

To further study the structure and function of surfactant protein D (SP-D), recombinant human SP-D (rhSP-D) was isolated from the culture medium of Chinese hamster ovary (CHO)-K1 cells stably transfected with a full-length hSP-D cDNA. Although a significant fraction of the secreted rhSP-D was recovered as dodecamers similar to recombinant rat SP-D (rrSP-D), a major fraction accumulated as multimers of dodecamers indistinguishable from human proteinosis SP-D. As previously shown for the rat protein, rhSP-D agglutinated specific strains of influenza A virus (IAV), inhibited viral hemagglutinin activity, and protected neutrophils (PMN) from deactivation by IAV. However, the potency of rhSP-D multimers was severalfold greater than for purified dodecamers, comparable to natural, proteinosis hSP-D. Although rhSP-D multimers were also more potent than the serum collectins in mediating viral aggregation and protection of PMN, they were less potent than conglutinin in inhibiting infectivity in vitro. These studies establish that the propensity of hSP-D to form multimers of dodecamers is determined by its primary structure and demonstrate carbohydrate recognition domain valency-dependent interactions of SP-D with IAV.

Weill-Marchesani syndrome comprises short stature, brachydactyly, microspherophakia, glaucoma, and ectopia lentis is regarded as an autosomal recessive trait (McKusick 277600). We present two families each with affected individuals in 3 generations demonstrating autosomal dominant inheritance of Weill-Marchesani syndrome. Linkage analysis in these 2 families suggests a gene for Weill-Marchesani syndrome maps to 15q21.1. The dislocated lenses and connective tissue disorder in these families suggests that fibrillin-1 and microfibril-associated protein 1, which both map to 15q21.1, are candidate genes for Weill-Marchesani syndrome. Immunohistochemistry staining of skin sections from family 1 showed an apparent decrease in fibrillin staining compared to control individuals.

Surfactant protein D (SP-D) molecules are preferentially assembled as dodecamers consisting of trimeric subunits associated at their amino termini. The NH2-terminal sequence of each monomer contains two conserved cysteine residues, which participate in interchain disulfide bonds. In order to study the roles of these residues in SP-D assembly and function, we employed site-directed mutagenesis to substitute serine for cysteine 15 and 20 in recombinant rat SP-D (RrSP-D), and have expressed the mutant (RrSP-Dser15/20) in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO-K1) cells. The mutant, which was efficiently secreted, bound to maltosyl-agarose, but unlike RrSP-D, was assembled exclusively as trimers. The constituent monomers showed a decreased mobility on SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis resulting from an increase in the size and sialylation of the N-linked oligosaccharide at Asn-70. Although RrSP-Dser15/20 contained a pepsin-resistant triple helical domain, it showed a decreased Tm, and acquired susceptibility to proteolytic degradation. Like RrSP-D, RrSP-Dser15/20 bound to the hemagglutinin of influenza A. However, it showed no viral aggregation and did not enhance the binding of influenza A to neutrophils (PMN), augment PMN respiratory burst, or protect PMNs from deactivation. These studies indicate that amino-terminal disulfides are required to stabilize dodecamers, and support our hypothesis that the oligomerization of trimeric subunits contributes to the anti-microbial properties of SP-D.

Control failures and recurrences of infestation of dogs, cats and their home environment with the cat flea, Ctenocephalides felis felis are common. Attempts to control these infestations are often impaired by an inadequate understanding of the interaction of the cat flea with its hosts and environment. This review presents information on the medical and veterinary importance of the cat flea and discusses recent information on the environmental and host factors that effect its development and survival. Additionally, information is presented on the use and effectiveness of various insecticides and insect growth regulators against the four life stages.

Topical application (LD) and time-mortality response (LT) methods were used to determine resistance levels of field-collected strains of the German cockroach, Blattella germanica (L.). LD50s for chlorpyrifos were determined for seven strams. LT50s and LT90s with eight insecticides were determined for another three strains. Resistance ratios (RR) of >10 to chlorpyrifos (LD50) were directly related to a significant decrease in activity in Ebeling choice-box tests. Using the LT method, the three field-collected strains were shown to possess zero to moderate resistance at the RR50 level (0.9–5.3) to organophosphates, moderate to high resistance to (1.4–>21.0) to carbamates, moderate to high resistance (4.3–20) to cypermethrin, and high resistance (>17–>35) to synergized pyrethrins. When the three field-collected strains were tested in choice boxes, RR50s of 1.2–2.2 for chlorpyrifos and 2.5–5.3 for diazinon directly related to significantly lower efficacy. Low-level propoxur resistance (RR50 of 1.4–2.3) also reduced choice-box efficacy, but an RR50 of 0.9–1.3 for acephate did not reduce its performance. Cypermethrin deposits used in choice tests killed cockroaches exhibiting RR50s as high as 20 in the lethal time test, perhaps because resistance mechanisms could not detoxify the exceptional activity of the active ingredient formulated as a wettable powder. Because they were repellent, residual deposits of pyrethrins resulted in poor efficacy in choice tests with either susceptible or field-collected strains. Strains with low-level physiological resistance as measured by the time-mortality response method survived insecticide exposure in choice-box tests to certain organophosphate and carbamate insecticides, indicating that these compounds would not be effective in the field.

Surfactant protein D (SP-D) is a member of the family of mammalian C-type lectins. SP-D is secreted into the pulmonary airspaces by lung epithelial cells and is believed to contribute to the lung's defense against inhaled microorganisms. We have previously characterized cDNAs specific for human SP-D (hSP-D). We now describe the partial characterization of genomic clones for hSP-D and present evidence for an SP-D gene with coding sequences spanning11 kilobases on the long arm of chromosome 10. Genomic sequencing demonstrated that the signal peptide/amino-terminal domain, the carbohydrate recognition domain, and the linking sequence between the collagen domain, and carbohydrate recognition domain are each encoded by a single exon, as for surfactant protein A and the mannose-binding protein C. However, sequencing also demonstrated a unique intron-exon structure for the collagen domain which is encoded on five exons, including four tandem exons of 117 bp. The latter exons show marked conservation in the predicted distribution of hydrophilic amino acids, consistent with tandem replication of this collagen gene sequence during evolution. Segregation analysis of HindIII digests of genomic DNA using specific cDNA probes demonstrated selective hybridization of radiolabeled hSP-D cDNA to chromosome 10- and 10q-containing human/hamster somatic hybrids. The presence of SP-D gene sequences was confirmed by DNA amplification using oligomers specific for sequences within the collagen domain of the hSP-D gene. Fluorescence in situ hybridization of metaphase chromosomes using genomic probes gave selective labeling of 10q22.2-23.1. We speculate that SP-D is encoded at a locus on 10q that includes the genes for surfactant protein A.

Surfactant protein D (SP-D) is a collagenous glycoprotein that is secreted into the pulmonary airspaces by alveolar type II and nonciliated bronchiolar cells. SP-D exhibits Ca(++)-dependent carbohydrate binding in vitro and is structurally related to the collagenous C-type lectins, including serum conglutinin, serum mannose-binding proteins, and surfactant protein A. Preliminary studies showed calcium- and saccharide-dependent binding of fluorescein-conjugated or radioiodinated SP-D to a variety of microorganisms, including Gram-negative bacteria and fungi. A laboratory strain of Escherichia coli (Y1088) was chosen to further examine the mechanism(s) of binding. Binding of SP-D to Y1088 was time dependent, saturable, and inhibited by cold SP-D or competing saccharides; Scatchard analysis gave a Kd of 2 x 10(-11) M. At higher concentrations, SP-D also caused Ca(++)-dependent agglutination of Y1088 that was inhibited by alpha-glucosyl-containing saccharides, antisera to the carbohydrate-binding domain of SP-D, or Y1088 LPS. Lectin blots showed specific binding of 125I-SP-D to Y1088 LPS, as well as LPS from other several strains of enteric Gram-negative bacteria. Immunogold studies demonstrated strong and uniform surface labeling of the bacteria. Rat and human bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) caused Ca(++)-dependent agglutination of E. coli that was dose dependent and inhibited by competing saccharides or anti-SP-D. SP-D was selectively and efficiently adsorbed from rat BAL by incubation with E. coli, and incubation of E. coli with radiolabeled rat type II cell medium revealed that SP-D is the major E. coli-binding protein secreted by freshly isolated cells in culture. We suggest that SP-D plays important roles in the lung's defense against Gram-negative bacteria.

Baits, dusts, and aqueous sprays were applied to sewer shafts to control American cockroaches, Periplaneta americana (L). Boric acid and hydramethylnon baits failed to provide consistent control because of problems with mold on the baits and because large populations of cockroaches depleted the bait. Bendiocarb, boric acid powder, and a powder mixture of silica gel + synergized pyrethrins provided excellent control for at least 1 mo, but cockroaches reinfested treated shafts within 3-6 mo. Treatments made in the fall when adult cockroach populations were lowest (about 26%) provided best results. Aqueous sprays of wettable powder chlorpyrifos and microencapsulated diazinon provided outstanding control for at least 9 mo. Microencapsulated and emulsifiable concentrate chlorpyrifos sprays provided greater than 94% reductions for a year.

Infestations of this introduced pest have spread to at least 17 locations in three California counties. Localized control may be possible by surveying for infestations, inspecting cargo vehicles, applying chemicals, and trapping.

Porcine embryo production in vitrois providing the impetus for the development of cryopreservation strategies aimed at welfare-friendly domestic and international marketing and movement of stock in a manner that minimises risks of disease transmission. In the context of disease risks, defined media, which avoid the use of serum and other biohazardous products, are likely to become essential in the production of embryos for international markets. In preparing for this situation, the present comparative study investigated in vitronuclear maturation of porcine oocytes in the presence of either foetal calf serum (FCS) or polyvinyl alcohol (PVA). In addition, the effect of restricting the maturation time to 33 rather than 44 hours was examined.

In vitro embryo production strategies have been considered as possible means to protect wild and endangered animal species through assisted breeding programmes. They also offer the possibility to preserve genetic material from such stock or to facilitate breeding in captivity. The relevant technologies, however, have been developed to meet the needs of oocytes and embryos of domesticated animals and their suitability for wild species remains largely unknown. This study investigated the ability of in vitro maturation procedures, designed for oocytes of domestic pigs (Sus scrofa domesticus), to support the development of oocytes from wild boar (Sus scrofa)gilts.

1. 1. Cuticular permeability (CP) and critical thermal maxima (CTM) were determined for ten cockroach species representing three families. 2. 2. The CP ranged from 53.7 μg/cm2/hr/mm Hg for Periplaneta americana to 14.3 for Leucophaea maderae. 3. 3. CTM values were between 51.4°C for Supella longipalpa and 47.6°C for L. maderae. 4. 4. Initial water content ranged from 62.7 to 71.8%, and was distinct for several species. Per cent of total body water lost as a function of time is presented as an alternative method of examining water loss. 5. 5. CP was generally related to habitat humidity whereas CTM was related to habitat temperature. There was no association between CP and CTM. 6. 6. CP was significantly greater in blattid species indicating reduced permeability may be an advanced derived character in the Blattellidae and Blaberidae. CTM does not appear to be associated with phylogeny.