Morphology of the Reproductive System of Tetrix arenosa angusta (Hancock) (Orthoptera, Tetrigidae)

The internal reproductive organs of the male include a pair of testes, each composed of about 37 follicles and connected to a short vas efferens; a pair of vasa deferentia; about 12 paired accessory glands; a twice folded ejaculatory duct and a membranous, extensible intromittent organ. The external structures of the male include a chitinous collar, pallial complex and ninth abdominal sternum. The internal reproductive organs of the female include a pair of ovaries, each composed of 11 ovarioles; paired lateral oviducts; a short median oviduct; a terminal genital chamber; a trilobed spermatheca attached to a spermathecal gland, and a pair of median glands. The external structures of the female include the ovipositor and its related sclerites and apodemes

A Report of Wing Hooks on the Abdomen of Mullein Thrips

This report is a result of observations made while doing laboratory exercises on external insect morphology. In working with the Mullein Thrips it was found quite difficult to spread the wings perpendicular to the body for study. Close observation under high power of a binocular microscope revealed that the hairs of the wings were held in the resting position by two small hooks on each side of each abdominal tergite except on segments one, eight, nine and ten. When the bodies of the thrips were cleared by boiling them in a five percent solution of potassium hydroxide for one hour the hooks could be seen quite easily

Global transcriptional response of Escherichia coli O157:H7 to growth transitions in glucose minimal medium

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background:</p> <p>Global patterns of gene expression of <it>Escherichia coli </it>K-12 during growth transitions have been deeply investigated, however, comparable studies of <it>E. coli </it>O157:H7 have not been explored, particularly with respect to factors regulating virulence genes and genomic islands specific to this pathogen. To examine the impact of growth phase on the dynamics of the transcriptome, O157:H7 Sakai strain was cultured in MOPS minimal media (0.1% glucose), RNA harvested at 10 time points from early exponential to full stationary phase, and relative gene expression was measured by co-hybridization on high-density DNA microarrays. Expression levels of 14 genes, including those encoding Shiga toxins and other virulence factors associated with the locus of enterocyte effacement (LEE), were confirmed by Q-PCR.</p> <p>Results:</p> <p>Analysis of variance (R/MAANOVA, Fs test) identified 442 (36%) of 1239 O157-specific ORFs and 2110 (59%) of 3647 backbone ORFs that changed in expression significantly over time. QT cluster analysis placed 2468 of the 2552 significant ORFs into 12 groups; each group representing a distinct expression pattern. ORFs from the largest cluster (<it>n </it>= 1078) decreased in expression from late exponential to early stationary phase: most of these ORFs are involved in functions associated with steady state growth. Also represented in this cluster are ORFs of the TAI island, encoding tellurite resistance and urease activity, which decreased ~4-fold. Most ORFs of the LEE pathogenicity island also decreased ~2-fold by early stationary phase. The ORFs encoding proteins secreted via the LEE encoded type III secretion system, such as <it>tccP </it>and <it>espJ</it>, also decreased in expression from exponential to stationary phase. Three of the clusters (<it>n </it>= 154) comprised genes that are transiently upregulated at the transition into stationary phase and included genes involved in nutrient scavenging. Upregulated genes with an increase in mRNA levels from late exponential to early stationary phase belonged to one cluster (<it>n </it>= 923) which includes genes involved in stress responses (e.g. <it>gadAB</it>, <it>osmBC</it>, and <it>dps</it>). These transcript levels remained relatively high for > 3 h in stationary phase. The Shiga toxin genes (<it>stx</it>1AB and <it>stx</it>2B) were significantly induced after transition into stationary phase.</p> <p>Conclusion:</p> <p>Expression of more than 300 O157-specific ORFs, many implicated in virulence of the O157 pathogen, was modulated in a growth dependent manner. These results provide a baseline transcriptional profile that can be compared to patterns of gene expression of this important foodborne pathogen under adverse environmental conditions.</p

Multidisciplinary Group Clinic Appointments: The Self-Management and Care of Heart Failure (SMAC-HF) Trial

Background—This trial tested the effects of multidisciplinary group clinic appointments on the primary outcome of time to first heart failure (HF) rehospitalization or death. Methods and Results—HF patients (n=198) were randomly assigned to standard care or standard care plus multidisciplinary group clinics. The group intervention consisted of 4 weekly clinic appointments and 1 booster clinic at month 6, where multidisciplinary professionals engaged patients in HF self-management skills. Data were collected prospectively for 12 months beginning after completion of the first 4 group clinic appointments (2 months post randomization). The intervention was associated with greater adherence to recommended vasodilators (P=0.04). The primary outcome (first HF-related hospitalization or death) was experienced by 22 (24%) in the intervention group and 30 (28%) in standard care. The total HF-related hospitalizations, including repeat hospitalizations after the first time, were 28 in the intervention group and 45 among those receiving standard care. The effects of treatment on rehospitalization varied significantly over time. From 2 to 7 months post randomization, there was a significantly longer hospitalization-free time in the intervention group (Cox proportional hazard ratio=0.45 (95% confidence interval, 0.21–0.98; P=0.04). No significant difference between groups was found from month 8 to 12 (hazard ratio=1.7; 95% confidence interval, 0.7–4.1). Conclusions—Multidisciplinary group clinic appointments were associated with greater adherence to selected HF medications and longer hospitalization-free survival during the time that the intervention was underway. Larger studies will be needed to confirm the benefits seen in this trial and identify methods to sustain these benefits

Cultivating Agricultural Literacy: Challenge for the Liberal Arts

A review and analysis of 11 pacesetting experiments funded by the W. K. Kellogg Foundation to generate greater awareness among liberal arts students and faculty about the role and importance ofthe agriculture enterprise to the nation

Deep Underground Science and Engineering Laboratory - Preliminary Design Report

The DUSEL Project has produced the Preliminary Design of the Deep Underground Science and Engineering Laboratory (DUSEL) at the rehabilitated former Homestake mine in South Dakota. The Facility design calls for, on the surface, two new buildings - one a visitor and education center, the other an experiment assembly hall - and multiple repurposed existing buildings. To support underground research activities, the design includes two laboratory modules and additional spaces at a level 4,850 feet underground for physics, biology, engineering, and Earth science experiments. On the same level, the design includes a Department of Energy-shepherded Large Cavity supporting the Long Baseline Neutrino Experiment. At the 7,400-feet level, the design incorporates one laboratory module and additional spaces for physics and Earth science efforts. With input from some 25 science and engineering collaborations, the Project has designed critical experimental space and infrastructure needs, including space for a suite of multidisciplinary experiments in a laboratory whose projected life span is at least 30 years. From these experiments, a critical suite of experiments is outlined, whose construction will be funded along with the facility. The Facility design permits expansion and evolution, as may be driven by future science requirements, and enables participation by other agencies. The design leverages South Dakota's substantial investment in facility infrastructure, risk retirement, and operation of its Sanford Laboratory at Homestake. The Project is planning education and outreach programs, and has initiated efforts to establish regional partnerships with underserved populations - regional American Indian and rural populations