The structural and kinematic evolution of an upper crustal transpression zone: The Lusitanian Basin, Portugal.

The Lusitanian Basin forms a long (250km), narrow (50-100km), NE-SW trending outcrop of inverted Mesozoic carbonates and elastics. The outcrop of the Mesozoic sequence is flanked by two Neogene sub-basins, the contact between which is commonly faulted indicating that the Lusitanian basin underwent inversion during the Miocene. This inversion was achieved by reactivation of Jurassic extensional faults, which were originally formed above reactivated Hercynian basement faults during the Atlantic rifting event. The Serra de Montejunto/Candeeiros fault system (SMCF) forms the eastern boundary to this inverted zone, and is dominated by the NNE trending Serra dos Candeeiros fault (SCF). Towards the northern end of this fault system is a complex, uplifted, 15x20km fault bounded block, the Candeeiros block. At the southern termination of the SMCF, the fault orientation changes abruptly from NNE to ENE. This change in fault orientation coincides with the Serra de Montejunto mountain range, a narrow zone of tectonic uplift. Detailed studies of the main fault zones and adjacent wall rock deformation, allows the kinematics and strain to be characterised. These studies have revealed a complex history of Miocene to Recent reactivation along the boundaries of the Candeeiros block. Initial reactivation of the cross-faults of the block was synthetic to the sinistral SCF. Initial sinistral motion along the cross-faults was superimposed by a late period of dextral transpression, as evidenced by the inverted Alvados pull-apart basin preserved along the Alvados/Minde cross-faults. Dextral transpressive strains along the cross faults of the Candeeiros block, appear to be intimately related to the southerly directed extrusion and anti-clockwise rotation of the block. Structural relationships suggest up to 30 of rotation has occurred. Rotation of the Candeeiros Block is believed to be associated with the change from sinistral simple shear to sinistral transpression along the SCF, during the Late Miocene. The Serra de Montejunto region also displays a complex kinematic history, initiated by N-S shortening across the range, which was superseded by a late stage of sinistral transpression. This transpressive phase manifests itself as both simple and complex transpressive strains. The overall structural geometry of the region is that of a flower structure, formed in a major restraining bend at the termination of the SMCF. The kinematic and deformation style of the early Miocene reactivation in both the Candeeiros and Montejunto regions are consistent with the application of a N-S regional shortening direction, or σ(_1), on the pre-existing Jurassic age structure of the areas. This initial phase of deformation is overprinted by a distinct late phase of deformation related to sinistral transpression along the SCF, which was probably responsible for the inversion of the Lusitanian Basin. The orientation, and chronology of the regional shortening directions responsible for the evolution of the SMCF are in agreement with the relative plate motion history for Africa-Europe (Dewey et al., 1989).A comparison of instrumental seismicity and neotectonic surface faults associated with the SMCF, suggests that the basin is undergoing basement driven sinistral deformation, which is decoupled from the cover sequence by a thick evaporate sequence. The sinistral displacement along the proposed concealed, steep, basement faults appears to be transferred laterally along the sub-horizontal evaporite horizon, for up to 20km, to the steep cover faults of the SMCF

PRELIMINARY EVALUATION OF A GRANULAR TRIMETHACARB FORMULATION FOR DETERRING GRAZING BY AMERICAN COOTS

In a 0.2 ha flight pen, groups of 4 American coots were tested to determine if their grazing activity could be affected by application of a registered granular-trimethacarb insecticide. In the 3 days following treatment (3 kg/ha, a.i.), grazing activity in the treated portions of the 200 m2 experimental plots was reduced an average of 47X. Overall use of the treated areas followed a similar pattern but was less consistent among groups. The addition of methylpyrazine, a strong odorant, produced a strong initial suppression of grazing activity in the treated halves of the plots. However, subsequent rain and a change in the coots\u27 grazing behavior prevented a definitive evaluation of the methylpyrazine treatment. Two birds that died during the trimethacarb-only portion of the study did not have abnormally low levels of brain cholinesterase. However, this finding does not preclude the possibility that they were unable to distinguish treated from untreated grass and consumed lethal amounts of trimethacarb. Additional investigation of methylpyrazine appears warranted; such materials may act to decrease the likelihood that birds will ingest lethal quantities of repellent

Virtual Battlespace Scenario Encoding for Reuse, Phase I Report

The United States Army and United States Marine Corps employ the Virtual Battlespace 2 (VBS2) commercial game for small unit training. Each service has significant investment in training scenarios constructed using VBS2 tools and conforming to the vendor's particular data formats. To move toward improved interoperability, to gain greater fiscal flexibility in addressing the statutory intent for open competition and affordability, and to protect the investment made in models, terrain, and other elements of training scenarios that are separate and distinct from the virtual and gaming environments in which the simulation executes, open standards need to be applied in place of proprietary commercial off-the-shelf architectures. In the current ( and foreseeable) environment of constrained budgets, it is ever more critical that the services protect and enhance their investments in simulation systems used for training and other purposes. Expanding capabilities for open scenario interchange will improve scenario reuse while creating greater opportunities for simulation data interchange and open competition for future gaming capabilities. The Extensible Markup Language (XML) is a wide-spread approach to describing data format and content to support efficient data processing and data interchange across systems. This report describes initial application of XML technologies to the representation of VBS2 scenario data, demonstrating feasibility for the capture and exchange of VBS2 scenario data. The report provides a plan of action for a follow-on phase of the effort to expand the representation and for use with other XML-based standards, such as the Military Scenario Definition Language (MSDL), to create opportunities for broader interchange of scenario data across a variety of combat simulations.Commander, Marine Corps Systems Command (DC SIAT)Marine Corps Systems Command, Modeling and Simulation OrganizationApproved for public release; distribution is unlimited

Evolution of Preprofessional Pharmacy Curricula

Objectives. To examine changes in preprofessional pharmacy curricular requirements and trends, and determine rationales for and implications of modifications. Methods. Prerequisite curricular requirements compiled between 2006 and 2011 from all doctor of pharmacy (PharmD) programs approved by the Accreditation Council of Pharmacy Education were reviewed to ascertain trends over the past 5 years. An online survey was conducted of 20 programs that required either 3 years of prerequisite courses or a bachelor’s degree, and a random sample of 20 programs that required 2 years of prerequisites. Standardized telephone interviews were then conducted with representatives of 9 programs. Results. In 2006, 4 programs required 3 years of prerequisite courses and none required a bachelor’s degree; by 2011, these increased to 18 programs and 7 programs, respectively. Of 40 programs surveyed, responses were received from 28 (70%), 9 (32%) of which reported having increased the number of prerequisite courses since 2006. Reasons given for changes included desire to raise the level of academic achievement of students entering the PharmD program, desire to increase incoming student maturity, and desire to add clinical sciences and experiential coursework to the pharmacy curriculum. Some colleges and schools experienced a temporary decrease in applicants. Conclusions. The preprofessional curriculum continues to evolve, with many programs increasing the number of course prerequisites. The implications of increasing prerequisites were variable and included a perceived increase in maturity and quality of applicants and, for some schools, a temporary decrease in the number of applicants

Integrating Lethal and Nonlethal Approaches for Management of Suburban Deer

Evaluations of white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) population management in suburban landscapes has included debate over lethal control (e.g., sharp-shooting and hunting). These management techniques are often stymied by political impediments, safety concerns, and public attitudes. We are implementing the novel use of surgical sterilization in combination with hunting to mitigate deer-related impacts on Cornell University lands near Ithaca, New York. The project lands are composed of 2 zones: a suburban core campus area (446 ha) and adjacent outlying areas that contain agricultural fields and natural areas where deer hunting is permitted (582 ha). Surgical sterilization will be the primary technique used to reduce deer abundance and associated impacts in the core campus zone. Population reduction in the hunting zone will focus on increased harvest of female deer. During 2007 to 2009, project staff sterilized 58 female deer; 39 adult does were marked with radio transmitters to monitor movement and survival. Ten additional control deer have been captured and radio-collared for a comparison of fawning rates and survival. Hunters harvested 69 deer in the first hunting season (Fall 2008). In spring 2009, infrared-triggered cameras (IRCs) were used to estimate deer abundance in the sterilization zone, which resulted in a density of 21 deer/km2 (56 deer per square mile). In the hunting zone, deer populations will be monitored using a deer sighting log and by data collected at a mandatory deer check station. In both zones, ongoing deer browse and deer-vehicle accident (OVA) studies will ascertain changes in deer impacts throughout the study. Our goal is to determine if deer fertility control integrated with a controlled hunting program on adjacent lands can maximize the efficiency of both techniques. If this integrated management program is successful, it may have additional applications in other communities in New York State and the Northeast

Effects of injection marination with various calcium sources and molar concentrations on display color life, tenderness, and microbial inhibition of beef loin steaks

Beef strip loins were assigned to one of 11 treatments that included injection marination (10% by weight) with three calcium salts at three molar concentrations, a distilled water control, and a non-marinated control. The effects of calcium salt and concentration were tested for retail display color life, tenderness and sensory traits, and microbial growth. Calcium lactate marinated steaks had longer color life and less microbial growth than those treated with calcium chloride or calcium ascorbate. Increasing molar concentration (.1M to .2M to .3M) caused faster color deterioration, and did not significantly improve microbial inhibition. All calcium treatments improved tenderness; however, calcium chloride treatments induced off-flavors. Considering a whole system approach that accounts for color life, microbial inhibition, shear force, and sensory traits, we recommend injecting beef longissimus with 10% of a .1M solution of calcium lactate, and do not recommend other calcium salts or concentrations

Characterization of Hypertension Risk Factors at the Committee on Temporary Shelter

Introduction: The health of homeless populations is at risk due to a high prevalence of undiagnosed hypertension (HTN) and cardiovascular disease (CVD). The interaction of housing and socioeconomic status with the risk factors for HTN and CVD remains unclear. Prevention of HTN through a healthy diet, exercise, adequate sleep, and avoidance of tobacco has been well described, but financial limitations and competing priorities for shelter and food make blood pressure (BP) control difficult for this population. By characterizing the risk factors and awareness of hypertension within the homeless population at the Committee on Temporary Shelter Daystation (COTS) in Burlington, Vermont, we may be able to identify promising avenues for therapeutic intervention.https://scholarworks.uvm.edu/comphp_gallery/1226/thumbnail.jp

Evaluation of an automated ultraviolet radiation device for decontamination of Clostridium difficile and other healthcare-associated pathogens in hospital rooms

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Environmental surfaces play an important role in transmission of healthcare-associated pathogens. There is a need for new disinfection methods that are effective against <it>Clostridium difficile </it>spores, but also safe, rapid, and automated.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>The Tru-D™ Rapid Room Disinfection device is a mobile, fully-automated room decontamination technology that utilizes ultraviolet-C irradiation to kill pathogens. We examined the efficacy of environmental disinfection using the Tru-D device in the laboratory and in rooms of hospitalized patients. Cultures for <it>C. difficile</it>, methicillin-resistant <it>Staphylococcus aureus </it>(MRSA), and vancomycin-resistant <it>Enterococcus </it>(VRE) were collected from commonly touched surfaces before and after use of Tru-D.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>On inoculated surfaces, application of Tru-D at a reflected dose of 22,000 μWs/cm²for ~45 minutes consistently reduced recovery of <it>C. difficile </it>spores and MRSA by >2-3 log₁₀colony forming units (CFU)/cm²and of VRE by >3-4 log₁₀CFU/cm². Similar killing of MRSA and VRE was achieved in ~20 minutes at a reflected dose of 12,000 μWs/cm², but killing of <it>C. difficile </it>spores was reduced. Disinfection of hospital rooms with Tru-D reduced the frequency of positive MRSA and VRE cultures by 93% and of <it>C. difficile </it>cultures by 80%. After routine hospital cleaning of the rooms of MRSA carriers, 18% of sites under the edges of bedside tables (i.e., a frequently touched site not easily amenable to manual application of disinfectant) were contaminated with MRSA, versus 0% after Tru-D (<it>P </it>< 0.001). The system required <5 minutes to set up and did not require continuous monitoring.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>The Tru-D Rapid Room Disinfection device is a novel, automated, and efficient environmental disinfection technology that significantly reduces <it>C. difficile</it>, VRE and MRSA contamination on commonly touched hospital surfaces.</p