Performance of abamectin bait formulations against German cockroaches (Dictyoptera: Blattellidae)

Commercial and experimental formulations of abamectin-based baits were evaluated in laboratory and field studies against the German cockroach, Blattella germanica (L.). In continuous exposure tests with adult males, toxicity and presumably bait consumption varied with the design of the bioassay. LT50s ranged from approximately 0.9 to > 41 d for an aerosol gel formulation for males deprived of water for 72 h before the test and for undeprived males tested with alternative food and water, respectively. Dry formulations had lower LT50s than water containing formulations for nondeprived males. There was no difference in bait toxicity between males deprived of food or water, but in arena tests, moist formulations were preferred by mixed-stage populations of cockroaches. Powder formulations were more repellent (approximately 14.9%) than moist formulations (approximately 6.4%) in Ebeling choice boxes assays, but all abamectin formulations had positive performance indices. A powder formulation reduced cockroach trap catch in infested apartments more rapidly when applied to 50, rather than 12 sites, even when the same amount of bait was applied per apartment. When applied at approximately 50 sites as a series of thin smears, an aerosol formulation provided nearly an 80% reduction in trap catch. Other abamectin formulations provided substantial, but smaller reductions in trap catch. Abamectin-based baits can reduce German cockroach populations when properly applied.     

烧结过程智能优化控制方法及应用(下)

2烧结过程热状态优化控制 烧结是一个机理复杂、参数众多的物理化学过程.烧结过程热状态的好坏直接影响烧结矿的质量和产量.一般来讲,反映烧结终点的热状态参数主要有烧结终点(BTP)和点火温度.     

烧结过程智能优化控制方法及应用(上)

以国内外烧结过程控制技术发展状况为背景,论述了烧结过程智能优化控制的方法及应用,即烧结配料优化方法和烧结过程热状态优化控制(包括烧结终点控制和点火燃烧控制)。分析了上述三个优化控制问题的复杂性,指出了采用模糊控制、神经网络、专家系统等智能方法可以实现烧结过程的优化控制。将提出的智能优化控制方法应用于工业现场,运行结果表明:该方法不仅能在满足烧结矿质量要求的前提下,有效降低配料成本,而且显著改善了工况波动情况,提高了烧结机利用系数及烧结矿质量指标,降低了燃料消耗。最后简要展望了烧结过程控制技术今后的发展方向。     

Evaluation of serological methods for diagnosis of Puumala hantavirus infection (nephropathia epidemica)

Nephropathia epidemica (NE), Puumala (PUU) virus infection, is a febrile disease which is commonly associated with acute renal impairment. To differentiate NE from other acute febrile illnesses, a rapid and reliable serological diagnosis is important, and a number of different protocols have recently been introduced. In the present report we describe a comparative evaluation of six PUU virus immunoglobulin M (IgM) and seven IgG enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) protocols based on native, Escherichia coli-expressed, or baculovirus-expressed nucleocapsid protein (N). Neutralization and immunofluorescence assays were included for comparison. Equally high sensitivities and specificities were obtained with three mu-capture-based IgM ELISAs using native, baculovirus-expressed, and E. coli-expressed N antigens, respectively, and by an ELISA based on purified E. coli-expressed full-length N adsorbed to solid phase. The assays based on truncated amino-terminal N proteins, including a commercially available PUU virus IgM ELISA, all showed lower sensitivities. For detection of PUU virus-specific IgG, ELISAs based on monoclonal antibody-captured native or baculovirus-expressed N antigens showed optimal sensitivities and specificities, while the assays based on E. coli-expressed N did not detect all PUU virus IgG-positive serum samples. A commercially available PUU virus IgG ELISA based on E. coli-expressed amino-terminal N showed a significantly lower sensitivity than those of all other IgG assays.     

Absence of rDNA amplification in the uninucleolate oocyte of the cockroach Blattella germanica (Oorthoptera: Blattidae)

1. Three resorcinol derivatives with N-isopropyl (orciprenaline), N-t-butyl (terbutaline) and N-p-hydroxypheny-t-butyl (Me506) amine substituents have been compared with (--)-isoprenaline for their ability to produce beta-receptor mediated reductions in serotonin-induced increases in pulmonary resistance, decreases in soleus muscle contractility and increases in heart rate in anaesthetized cats. 2. For all parameters studied the four compounds produced similar maximal responses and dose-response curves were close to parallel. From the graphs doses of the compounds producing 50% of the maximal response (ED50) were interpolated, and from these dose-ratios with respect to (--)-isoprenaline [drug ED50:(--)-isoprenaline ED50] were calculated on a molar basis. 3. Increasing the size of the amine substituent from N-isopropyl to N-t-butyl led to an increase in beta-receptor stimulant activity in bronchial and skeletal muscle, but not in the heart. The change from N-t-butyl to N-p-hydroxyphenyl-t-butyl did not further affect stimulant activity in any of the parameters studied. 4. Calculation of selectivity ratios [molar dose-ratio (heart): molar dose-ratio (pulmonary resistance)] showed that orciprenaline was non-selective, and that terbutaline and Me506 showed a similar degree of selectivity for beta2- as opposed to beta1-receptor mediated actions.     

Stochastic response surface methods (SRSMs) for uncertainty propagation: application to environmental and biological systems

Indicators of self-efficacy and motivation to change (stage of change) with regard to drinking and to drinking and driving were examined in a sample of Driving Under the Influence (DUI) offenders in a court-mandated intervention program. Self-administered questionnaires that contained pertinent measures were completed by 210 consenting offenders (34 of whom were female) during the intervention program. A factor analysis of efficacy and stages of change items showed distinct factors for the respective constructs; however, drinking and drinking-and-driving items of the same type (e.g., efficacy or stages of change) tended to codefine common factors, and the factor pattern suggested that motivations and efficacy for changing drinking behavior are critical for avoiding the drinking-and-driving sequence. Most participants were classified into the action stage in both drinking and drinking-and-driving domains. In regression analysis, contemplation of action and self-efficacy measures pertaining to drinking and driving predicted prior crashes and arrests; however, after accounting for recent alcohol problems, action items pertaining to drinking and driving were the best predictors of recent drinking-and-driving incidents.     

Evaluation of three (Z)-9-tricosene formulations for control of Musca domestica (Diptera: Muscidae) in caged-layer poultry units

A field trial comparing the effectiveness of toxic targets impregnated with different formulations of the Musca domestica L. female sex pheromone (Z)-9-tricosene was conducted in a caged-layer, deep-pit poultry unit in southern England. Targets baited with 5 g of technical grade (Z)-9-tricosene, or 5 g of a 40% polymer bead formulation, caught significantly greater numbers of M. domestica than control targets. This increase in attractiveness of the pheromone-impregnated targets persisted for at least 24 wk. However, mean daily catch rates of M. domestica at targets baited with 5 g of a 2% wettable powder formulation did not significantly differ from control levels. Technical grade and bead formulations of the pheromone attracted significantly more males than females. However, the catches of female M. domestica at these pheromone-impregnated targets were significantly greater than female catches at control targets. Monitoring with sticky cards indicated that the introduction of toxic targets successfully suppressed adult M. domestica population density for up to 13 wk. Possible hypotheses explaining the effect of (Z)-9-tricosene on female attraction are discussed.     

Field trial of cyfluthrin as an effective and safe insecticide for control of malaria vectors in triple insecticide resistant areas

Cyfluthrin (Solfac**) 10 wp, a synthetic pyrethroid was evaluated for its efficacy in malaria control through primary health centre approach, and for its acceptance by the community and effect on human health, and non target organisms, in predominantly tribal areas of Maharashtra and Gujarat from 1988 to 1990. Two dosage schedules; 2 rounds of indoor residual sparying a year, at 25 mg/sq. m2 in Maharashtra, and 3 rounds a year at 15 mg/sq. m2, in Gujarat were followed. There was significant reduction in per man hour densities of An. culicifacies the principal malaria vector, and collaterally of C. quinquefasciatus also. Significant reductions in slide positivity rates and slide falciparum rates were observed in both the areas as compared to the controls. The community acceptance of Cyfluthrin in terms of room coverage was 96% in Gujarat, and 89% in Maharashtra, as against average 68.5% and 55% in case of DDT and Malathion respectively. There were no reported ill-effects on humans or non-target organisms.     

Evaluation of metabolic control in a summer camp for diabetic children (Villarcayo 1991)

The relevance of the diabetological education in the treatment of diabetis mellitus must be a prioritary goal in order to reach a proper metabolic control and to avoid as much as possible both acute metabolic complications and long-term vascular and neurological complications, achieving thus a total integration of the diabetic patient in the society. We have monitored during 15 days a group of diabetic children with IDDM in a summer camp, assessing in all of them several clinical and biochemical parameters. The results have been statistically analyzed using the Student's test. After the stay in the summer camp, we observed a significant reduction in the total dose of insulin (p < 0.001) and in the number of hypoglycemias (p < 0.001) and an increase in the average levels of capillary glycemia at the end of the study period when compared with the beginning, with p < 0.001 (breakfast preprandial), p < 0.05 (lunch preprandial) and p < 0.01 (dinner and night preprandial). We did not observe any significant differences in the other parameters studied. In inclusion, the stay in the summer camp of this group had a positive effect, achieving a better metabolic control with lower doses of insulin.     

Original article (II): materials and methods

We experienced five patients with prostate cancer with disseminated intravascular coagulation syndrome (DIC) at the first presentation at Gunma University Hospital and affiliated institutions between 1991 and 1997. Their average age was 68 years, average DIC score at the first presentation was 10 and prostate specific antigen (PSA) level was more than 700 ng/ml. All of them had multiple bone metastases. The therapy for DIC and hormonal therapy for prostate cancer were simultaneously started at the first presentation before prostate needle biopsy, but all patients died. The average number of days from the start of DIC to death was 685 days. The patients initially showed a good response to therapy, but their conditions soon aggravated. The prognosis was extremely poor, but some proper therapies lead to the prognosis which was equal to that of prostate cancer in Stage D2 without DIC.     

核函数方法(下)

２主分量分析法２．１经典的主分量分析法［５］主分量分析 (ＰＣＡ)是一种经典的统计方法 ,它对多元统计观测数据的协方差结构进行分析 ,以期求出能简约地表达这些数据依赖关系的主分量。具体地说 ,通过线性变换将原始ｎ维观测矢量化为个数相同的一组新特征 ,即每一个新特征都是原始特征的线性组合 ,如果这些新特征互不相关 ,其中少数ｍ个（ｍ ｎ）包含了原始数据主要信息的最重要的特征就是主分量。因此 ,主分量分析是一种特征抽取的方法 ,也可以认为是一种数据压缩 (降维 )的方法。设以ｍ个正交矢量｛ｕｉ∈Ｒｎ；ｉ＝１，２，… ,ｍ｝…     

Evaluation of selective spraying of bendiocarb (Ficam VC) for the control of Anopheles flavirostris in the Philippines

The effectiveness of selective and complete spray applications of bendiocarb for the control of the major malaria vector, Anopheles flavirostris, was compared in an experimental hut trial in the Philippines. Selective spraying involved treatment of the vector's preferred indoor resting sites, namely, the lower wall areas, wall areas immediately surrounding the doors and windows, and eaves. Complete spraying involved treatment of all internal wall and ceiling areas, and the eaves. At intervals over a 6-month period, mosquitoes were released into the huts and recaptured within 13 h, either inside the huts, or within the interior of net traps placed over the huts. Mortality levels differed by < 8% between the spray regimens over the posttreatment period, with both regimens giving 75-100% kill of An. flavirostris during the initial 3 months. The time spent spraying and spray volume used during treatment of village houses were respectively 36 and 49% less under the selective spraying regime. Selective application of bendiocarb therefore shows considerable promise, both in terms of efficacy and cost effectiveness, for the control of An. flavirostris in the Philippines.     

A critical review of ultralow-volume aerosols of insecticide applied with vehicle-mounted generators for adult mosquito control

This review of ultralow-volume (ULV) ground aerosols for adult mosquito control includes discussion on application volume, aerosol generators, droplet size, meteorology, swath, dispersal speed, assay methods, insecticide efficacy, and nontarget effects. It summarizes the efficacy of ULV insecticidal aerosols against many important pest and disease-bearing species of mosquitoes in a wide range of locations and habitats in the United States and in some countries of Asia and the Americas. Fourteen conclusions were drawn from the review. 1) ULV ground aerosol applications of insecticide are as efficacious against adult mosquitoes as high- or low-volume aerosols. 2) ULV aerosols with an optimum droplet size spectrum can be produced by several types of nozzles including vortex, pneumatic, and rotary. Droplet size of a particular insecticide formulation is dependent primarily on nozzle air pressure or rotation speed and secondarily on insecticide flow rate. 3) Label flow rates of insecticide for ULV aerosol application can be delivered accurately during routine operations with speed-correlated metering systems within a calibrated speed range, usually not exceeding 20 mph. 4) The most economical and convenient method of droplet size determination for ULV aerosols of insecticide is the waved-slide technique. 5) The efficacy of ULV ground aerosols against adult mosquitoes is related to droplet size because it governs air transport and impingement. The optimum droplet size for mosquito adulticiding is 8-15 microns volume median diameter (VMD) on the basis of laboratory wind-tunnel tests and field research with caged mosquitoes. 6) In general, ULV aerosols should be applied following sunset when mosquitoes are active and meteorological conditions are favorable for achieving maximum levels of control. Application can be made during daytime hours when conditions permit, but rates may have to be increased. The critical meteorological factors are wind velocity and direction, temperature, and atmospheric stability and turbulence. 7) Maximum effective swaths are obtained with aerosols in the optimum VMD range during favorable meteorological conditions in open to moderately open terrain. The insecticide dosage must be increased in proportion to increased swath to maintain the same level of mosquito control. 8) Dispersal speed within a range of 2.5-20 mph is not a factor affecting efficacy if insecticide rate and optimum droplet size are maintained. 9) The results of caged mosquito assays are comparable with reductions in free-flying natural populations. 10) The field efficacies of mosquito adulticides applied as ULV ground aerosols are predictable from the results of laboratory wind-tunnel tests. 11) Results of field tests in open to moderately open terrain during favorable meteorological conditions indicated that ULV insecticidal aerosol application rates producing 90% or more control of Anopheles, Culex, and Psorophora spp. are below or approximately equal to maximum United States Environmental Protection Agency label rates. Against some Aedes spp., some pyrethroid insecticides must be synergized to produce 90% control at label rates. 12) Results of field tests in residential areas with moderate to dense vegetation and in citrus groves or other densely wooded areas showed that insecticide rates of ULV ground aerosols must be increased 2-3-fold to obtain 90% or more control of adult mosquitoes. However, the maximum rates on some insecticide labels would have to be increased to allow higher application rates. 13) Applications of ULV ground aerosols of insecticide in accordance with label directions following sunset do not pose a serious threat to humans, nontarget beneficial animals, or automotive paints. 14) Some aerosol generators operated at high RPM levels exceed the OSHA 8-h hearing hazard criteria of 90 dBA and may require hearing protectors for operators.     

Studies of the usefulness of Beauveria bassiana for eradication of cockroaches (Blattella germanica L.)

The ability of killing cockroaches (Blattella germanica L.) by various strains of the mushroom Beauveria bassiana was studied, including also strains obtained by passaging. The study was conducted using adult insects, of varying age and sex, derived from laboratory cultures or caught in hospital rooms. The obtained results pointed out differences in the pathogenicity of B. bassiana strains for the studied populations of insects. The per cent of mortality among the insects depended on the pathogenic properties of B. bassiana strains, the density of mushroom spores in the food and on the sex of the insects. Passaging was found to be useful in case of strains with low pathogenicity for the insects since the passaged strains were more effective in their action on the insects than before passaging. Out of the studied strains the 23rd strain was most effective in reducing the number of the insects.     

Tolerance of the Mediterranean fly (Ceratitis capitata, Wiedmann) to malathion insecticide

pupae of Ceratitis capitata that were about to hatch were sterilized with Gamma(10 krds). Residual Malathionr was applied at 0.001, 0.01, 0.1, 1.0 and 10 micrograms/ml. A level of 0.0904 produced the highest mortality in females that reached sexual maturity and were irradiated as pupae (lowest for mature, non-irradiated males).     

Different methods for measuring endogenous digitalis-like factor(s)

It is well recognized that one of the difficulties in the search for endogenous ligand(s) with digitalis-like properties (endogenous digitalis-like factor(s), EDLF) in mammals has been the lack of a unique, specific method for the accurate measurement of EDLF. Using C18 solid-phase extracts of plasma from normal adults and various patient groups, and purified extracts from umbilical cord plasma by affinity resin chromatography and HPLC, different methods to measure EDLF were evaluated. These were: (a) a human placenta radioreceptor assay (RRA) developed on the premise that competition for cardiac glycoside receptors was an absolute requirement for EDLF; (b) the inhibition of 86Rb uptake in human erythrocytes to estimate the potassium transport by the sodium pump; (c) an enzyme immunoassay specific for ouabain recently introduced in the market (DuPont Ouabain EIA Reagent Pack). The human placenta RRA was found to have the same ease of application as immunoassay, but could have major advantages in detecting active molecules, being "biologically more meaningful". Ouabain immunoreactivity correlated with EDLF values obtained by RRA, but in some instances the two assays were completely unrelated. Moreover, the high specificity of the DuPont antibody for ouabain (< 3% cross reactivity with digoxin) could be disadvantageous to detect EDLF not strictly resembling ouabain. The 86Rb uptake inhibition method correlated with RRA for EDLF purified by HPLC. It tested the complete enzymatic cycle and could therefore better reflect the in-vivo inhibitory activity of EDLF. However, it appeared not suitable for the routine EDLF evaluation in clinical studies since it was susceptible to sample osmolarity and required daily isolation of human erythrocytes possibly from the same donor. Results of the present study demonstrate that every assay has its limitations, and would suggest the use of multiple assays for EDLF detection.     

Development of insecticide resistance in Piophila casei (Diptera: Piophilidae) strains selected with low doses of deltamethrin

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Comparison of reports of the functional results of middle-ear surgery is difficult because there are no standardized criteria, such as; auditory activity, histology, evaluation of functional results, follow-up period, etc. Moreover, surgeons and patients often disagree over the results obtained. The functional results obtained in 246 middle-ear operations performed in our department for postotorrhea sequelae were analyzed. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Using the SMYTH and PATTERSON criteria, benefits were analyzed in 246 patients for whom functional results were available. RESULTS: Benefits were analyzed by type of surgery, type of ossiculoplasty, presence or absence of stapedial superstructure, and subjective patient assessment. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: Results were analyzed as surgical evaluation of functional outcome in relation to subjective patient assessment. Guidelines for standardizing criteria for the functional evaluation of middle-ear surgery are proposed.