Search

New lamprey-friendly fishways feature inclined ramps that facilitate passage of Pacific lampreys ( Lampetra tridentata (Richardson, 1836)) over Bonneville Dam on the Columbia River, USA. We observed the lampreys moving against water at two flow volumes and on two ramps of 45° and 18° angles relative to horizontal. We documented climbing movements using high-speed video (125 frames/s). Lampreys advanced on the ramps by repeated cycles of attaching to the ramps by their sucker mouths (resting phase), bending their bodies into a W shape (stage II), and then, rapidly straightening the body to propel themselves up the ramp, with simultaneous brief (20–140 ms) release of suction (stage III). We inferred that lampreys were using burst swimming to propel themselves up the ramp, because we observed inflection points in the body curvature traveling toward the posterior of the body and the center of mass moving up, during stage III. This climbing behavior is not described for any other fish species. Vertical motion, relative to the ground, during each cycle of movement was greatest in the 45° ramp – low water flow volume treatment (mean of 0.07 L/cycle), but the movement upstream along the ramp plane was greatest on the 18° ramp, regardless of flow volume. These findings can be used to develop ramp designs that maximize lamprey climbing performance.

Hintergrund und Ziel In den letzten Jahren hat Palmol als Bioenergietrager immer mehr an Bedeutung gewonnen, da es aufgrund seines hohen Flachenertrags auserst kostengunstig produziert werden kann. Gleichzeitig gerat Palmol vermehrt in die Kritik, weil neue Studien die okologisch nachteiligen Folgen des Anbaus hoher einschatzen als ursprunglich vermutet. Aufgrund der grosen Nachfrage nach Palmol werden die okologisch vertraglichen Anbauflachen zunehmend knapp. Daher wird Naturwald gerodet, um neue Plantagen anzulegen, was zu einem Verlust an Biodiversitat und zur Emission von Treibhausgasen fuhrt. Mithilfe einer Okobilanz konnen die gesamten Umweltauswirkungen, die sich bei der Produktion und Nutzung von Palmol ergeben, erfasst werden. Ein Teilaspekt der Okobilanz ist die Treibhausgasbilanz, die aufgrund des Klimawandels zurzeit besonders grundlich betrachtet wird. Bei Palmol liese sich diese Treibhausgasbilanz entscheidend verbessern, wenn die Palmolgewinnung optimiert wurde. Das Ziel des Artikels ist es daher, die Optimierungspotenziale fur Palmol hinsichtlich Ressourcenschonung und Klimaschutz im Einzelnen darzustellen. Ergebnisse und Diskussion Sowohl bei bestehenden Plantagen als auch bei Neuanlagen konnen enorme Mengen an Treibhausgasen gegenuber heute eingespart werden, indem zum einen die Plantagen effektiver betrieben und die anfallenden Reststoffe vollstandig genutzt werden, und zum anderen eine Neuanlage von Plantagen auf Brachflachen erfolgt, anstatt Regenwald zu roden oder andere Plantagen umzuwidmen. Die Ergebnisse zeigen, dass das Gesamtpotenzial zur Optimierung hoch ist. Zum einen erhalt man eine bessere Treibhausgasbilanz, wenn das Plantagenmanagement effizienter gestaltet wird. Zum anderen konnen grose Mengen an Reststoffen, die bei der Palmolherstellung anfallen, genutzt werden. Vor allem die Fasern und Schalen der Olpalmenfruchte sowie die Nutzung des bei der Aufbereitung der Olmuhlenabwasser entstehenden Biogases konnen zur Stromerzeugung verwendet werden und so die Okobilanz entscheidend verbessern. Bei optimierter Bewirtschaftung lassen sich auf bestehenden Plantagen jahrlich etwa 4,8 t an Treibhausgasen pro Hektar und Jahr auf der Basis von CO2-Aquivalenten einsparen, was sich vor allem auf die Reduktion von Methan aus den Olmuhlenabwassern zuruckfuhren lasst. Emissionen werden ebenfalls entscheidend gesenkt, wenn neue Plantagen auf vorhandenen Brachflachen anstelle von Naturwaldflachen angelegt werden. Damit ist eine weitere Einsparung von 4,8 t CO2-Aquivalenten pro Hektar und Jahr moglich. Die Errichtung einer Plantage auf Brachflachen ist zwar kostenintensiver als die Errichtung auf Naturwaldflachen, tragt aber nicht nur zu einer positiveren Treibhausgasbilanz von Palmol, sondern auch zum Schutz der Biodiversitat bei. Nutzt man also das gesamte Potenzial vollstandig aus, so lassen sich jahrlich 10,2 t mehr an CO2-Aquivalenten pro Hektar einsparen als bei der heute ublichen Produktion und Nutzung von Palmol. Schlussfolgerungen und Ausblick Da die okologisch vertraglichen Anbauflachen aufgrund der grosen Nachfrage nach Palmol auf dem Weltmarkt zunehmend knapp werden, ist eine Optimierung der bislang ungenutzten Potenziale aus okologischer, aber auch aus okonomischer Sicht unbedingt erstrebenswert. So sollte auf das Errichten von Neuplantagen auf Naturwaldflachen zugunsten einer Anlage auf Brachflachen verzichtet werden. Zudem sollte das Plantagenmanagement optimiert und ein effizientes Konzept zur Reststoffverwertung und Abwasserbehandlung erstellt werden. Eine wichtige Voraussetzung fur eine nachhaltige Palmolproduktion ist, die vorhandenen Optimierungspotenziale auch auszuschopfen. Da dies aufgrund hoher Anfangsinvestitionskosten zur Zeit nicht geschieht, ist es ratsam, entsprechende Masnahmen zur Realisierung der genannten Optimierungspotenziale zu ergreifen, so z. B. moglichst rasch ein international gultiges Zertifizierungssystem zu verabschieden und damit Anreize zu bieten, okologisch verbessert zu produzieren.

To determine whether infection with Loa loa could be prevented in temporary residents of endemic areas, we conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of diethylcarbamazine as a chemoprophylactic agent. Diethylcarbamazine (300 mg) or placebo was taken orally once a week by Peace Corps volunteers serving in Gabon, Cameroon, and the Central African Republic. The participants were assessed clinically and with serologic and parasitologic testing before and yearly during their two years of service. One hundred one persons satisfactorily completed the study. In Gabon (where exposure to the parasite was heaviest), 6 of 20 volunteers (30 percent) in the placebo group had clinical disease, as compared with none of 16 (0 percent) in the diethylcarbamazine-treated group (P less than 0.02). Of those taking placebo, 10 of 20 (50 percent) became seropositive for antifilarial IgG antibody, as compared with 2 of 16 (12 percent) in the drug-treated group (P less than 0.02). Exposure to the parasite appeared to be much lower among the 65 Peace Corps volunteers in Cameroon and the Central African Republic. No volunteer in either group in these countries had overt loiasis; 2 of 40 (5 percent) in the placebo groups in Cameroon and the Central African Republic seroconverted, as compared with none of 25 (0 percent) of those receiving diethylcarbamazine. Occasional nausea was the only symptom significantly associated with the prophylactic drug regimen. We conclude that diethylcarbamazine given orally once weekly can be an effective, acceptable chemoprophylactic agent to prevent loiasis in temporary residents of regions of Africa where Loa loa is endemic.

If one were to fly along the Rio Grande downstream from the city of El Paso, Texas, one would see stretching ahead for almost one hundred miles the construction works of an artificial river channel designed to replace the tortuous and meandering course of the old river. The rectification of rivers for purposes of flood control and general stability is an interesting but not a novel application of hydraulic engineering. This particular rectification project, however, enjoys the distinction of involving an international stream. One need not suggest the number of complex questions which must inevitably arise between two States undertaking to modify in this way a common arcifinious frontier. The background and development of this international plan, together with the treaty formulated to provide for and regulate the execution of the project, constitute a most interesting and unique example of contemporary international cooperation.

The first cases of human brucellosis in Tonga are discussed with emphasis on a general review of the disease. The need for awareness and animal screening is highlighted.

CSP #221 is a randomized multiinstitutional clinical trial to assess the efficacy of 10 d of perioperative total parenteral nutrition (TPN) in reducing morbidity and mortality in malnourished patients undergoing intraperitoneal and/or intrathoracic operations. In this paper a detailed protocol for the clinical efficacy trial is presented primarily as a reference document for use in interpretation of the results of the clinical trial. It is also anticipated, however, that review of this protocol may be useful to other investigators planning future clinical nutrition intervention trials.

Seventy-two malignant and 19 benign tumors were seen at the Veterans Administration Hospital, Hines, Illinois, from 1950 to 1976. Of these, 44 malignant and 14 benign tumors were seen in the clinical setting--the remainder were found at autopsy. Carcinoid tumors were the most common malignant tumors, followed by adenocarcinoma, lymphoma and leiomyosarcoma. Patients with malignant tumors usually presented with abdominal pain, vomiting and weight loss. The most common clinical signs were anemia, abdominal tenderness and abdominal distention. The most useful diagnostic tests were upper GI series and plain x-ray of the abdomen. Twenty-one (50%) five year survivals and 14 (33%) ten year survivals were obtained with small bowel malignancies. The majority of the five and ten year survivals were patients who had carcinoid tumors and lymphoma. Various theories on the causation of small bowel malignancies are discussed.

The peritoneovenous shunt of LeVeen can be safely performed under local anesthesia in patients with advanced cirrhosis and ascites. The results of the technique described have proved satisfactory in 25 diuretic resistant ascites in selected patients. The rapid, downhill course of the patient with severe hepatic encephalopathy or coma is probably unchanged by the presence of the valve. Eighteen surviving patients discharged with shunts in place are under continuing study.

Autogenous ascitic fluid infusion was found to be a safe and practical method in dealing with patients suffering advanced liver cirrhosis complicated by massive ascites.

During the five-year interval from January 1, 1971 to January 1, 1976 118 seriously ill adults received 2916 patient days of TPN therapy with an average infection rate of 7.6%. All patients received the benefit of a well-defined TPN catheter care protocol which emphasized regular (every 48 hours) catheter dressing changes. The lowest risk of infection, 2.7%, was seen in 73 patients who received an amino acid-glucose solution through a silicone elastomer catheter protected by an iodophor dressing. When catheter-related sepsis occurred, Staphlylococcus aureus and Candida albicans were the most common organisms cultured.

An evaluation of overjet and attrition in skulls of aboriginal California populations, finding a strong negative correlation.

To determine whether infection with Loa loa could be prevented in temporary residents of endemic areas, we conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of diethylcarbamazine as a chemoprophylactic agent. Diethylcarbamazine (300 mg) or placebo was taken orally once a week by Peace Corps volunteers serving in Gabon, Cameroon, and the Central African Republic. The participants were assessed clinically and with serologic and parasitologic testing before and yearly during their two years of service. One hundred one persons satisfactorily completed the study. In Gabon (where exposure to the parasite was heaviest), 6 of 20 volunteers (30 percent) in the placebo group had clinical disease, as compared with none of 16 (0 percent) in the diethylcarbamazine-treated group (P less than 0.02). Of those taking placebo, 10 of 20 (50 percent) became seropositive for antifilarial IgG antibody, as compared with 2 of 16 (12 percent) in the drug-treated group (P less than 0.02). Exposure to the parasite appeared to be much lower among the 65 Peace Corps volunteers in Cameroon and the Central African Republic. No volunteer in either group in these countries had overt loiasis; 2 of 40 (5 percent) in the placebo groups in Cameroon and the Central African Republic seroconverted, as compared with none of 25 (0 percent) of those receiving diethylcarbamazine. Occasional nausea was the only symptom significantly associated with the prophylactic drug regimen. We conclude that diethylcarbamazine given orally once weekly can be an effective, acceptable chemoprophylactic agent to prevent loiasis in temporary residents of regions of Africa where Loa loa is endemic.

The rationale for a large-scale clinical trial of preoperative total parenteral nutrition (TPN) is described in the context of previous clinical trials that have attempted to demonstrate reduction of operative morbidity with preoperative TPN. Defects in study design or execution potentially compromising the validity of these studies are analyzed. Results of a single-institution pilot study performed during the planning phase of the multiinstitutional preoperative TPN trial are presented. This literature review and pilot study provided the data necessary to permit appropriate design of many critical elements in the protocol for the clinical trial including sample size, eligibility criteria, duration and intensity of treatment regimens, and end-point criteria. The rationale underlying critical decisions in protocol design are presented in detail to allow more meaningful interpretation of the results of the clinical trial. Am J C/in Nutr l988;47:357-65.

This study uses quantitative cultures and immunofluorescent demonstration of antibody-coated bacteria to differentiate colonizing from infecting bacteria in lower respiratory secretions obtained by fiberoptic bronchoscopy. The fiberoptic bronchoscope was passed transnasally without the use of a nasotracheal tube, and a single-sheath cytology brush dipped in lower respiratory secretions served as inoculum for quantitative cultures. Secretions were also collected by aspiration through the bronchoscope side channel for fluorescent examination. None of 60 control patients had greater than 4,000 colony-forming units (CFU) per brush of a single bacterium on quantitative culture. In contrast, more than 4,000 CFU per brush were isolated from 29 of 33 episodes of clinically defined lower respiratory infection (p less than 0.001). Only 1 of 60 control patients had antibody-coated bacteria in their lower respiratory secretions, but antibody coating was demonstrated in association with 24 of 33 episodes of infection (p less than 0.001).

An optical radar for detecting targets in natural waters was built and tested in the Gulf of Mexico. The transmitter consists of a Q-switched neodymium-glass laser, with output amplified and doubled in KDP to 0.53 micrometer wavelength. The receiver incorporates a novel optical spatial filter to reduce the dynamic range required of the photodetector to a reasonable value. Detection of targets to a depth of 84 feet was achieved with a considerable sensitivity margin. The sensitivity of the radar is highly dependent on the optical attenuation coefficient. In general, measured returns fell between the values predicted on the basis of monopath and multipath attenuation. By means of simple physical arguments a radar equation for the system was derived. To validate this theoretical model, measurements of optical attenuation and of water surface behavior were also instrumented, and some of these results are given. Volumetric backscatter was measurable over the entire depth range; such radars should therefore be useful for monitoring natural water quality. Airborne bottom-profiling is another application.

It is the purpose of this paper to indicate briefly some of the requirements of an efficient public health officer, and to point out the work that is being done for the instruction of the public, and the opportunities for the professional training of a public health administrator and the places where they may be found. To educate the average citizen or the special officer in the business of public health is not so easy as it sounds, for it includes the difficult task of educating the educated as well as the ignorant; it demands great unselfishness of the practicing physician; it imposes radical readjustment on our educational system, and it robs the average citizen of many dear beliefs, while urging on him new and unaccustomed actions. Among physicians it is no longer disputed that work in public health cannot be relegated to a political sideline. The day has passed