Several Miscanthus species are cultivated in the U.S. Midwest and Northeast, and feral populations can displace the native plant community and potentially negatively affect ecosystem processes. The monetary cost of eradicating feral Miscanthus populations is unknown, but quantifying eradication costs will inform decisions on whether eradication is a feasible goal and should be considered when totaling the economic damage of invasive species. We managed experimental populations of eulaliagrass (Miscanthus sinensis Andersson) and the giant Miscanthus hybrid (Miscanthus × giganteus J.M. Greef & Deuter ex Hodkinson & Renvoize) in three floodplain forest and three old field sites in central Illinois with the goal of eradication. We recorded the time invested in eradication efforts and tracked survival of Miscanthus plants over a 5-yr period, then estimated the costs associated with eradicating these Miscanthus populations. Finally, we used these estimates to predict the total monetary costs of eradicating existing M. sinensis populations reported on EDDMapS. Miscanthus populations in the old field sites were harder to eradicate, resulting in an average of 290% greater estimated eradication costs compared with the floodplain forest sites. However, the cost and time needed to eradicate Miscanthus populations were similar between Miscanthus species. On-site eradication costs ranged from $390 to $3,316 per site (or $1.3 to $11 m−2) in the old field sites, compared with only $85 to $547 (or $0.92 to $1.82 m−2) to eradicate populations within the floodplain forests, with labor comprising the largest share of these costs. Using our M. sinensis eradication cost estimates in Illinois, we predict that the potential costs to eradicate populations reported on EDDMapS would range from $10 to $37 million, with a median predicted cost of $22 million. The monetary costs of eradicating feral Miscanthus populations should be weighed against the benefits of cultivating these species to provide a comprehensive picture of the relative costs and benefits of adding these species to our landscapes.

Diets varying in SFA and MUFA content can impact glycaemic control; however, whether underlying differences in genetic make-up can influence blood glucose responses to these dietary fatty acids is unknown. We examined the impact of dietary oils varying in SFA/MUFA content on changes in blood glucose levels (primary outcome) and whether these changes were modified by variants in the stearoyl-CoA desaturase (SCD) gene (secondary outcome). Obese men and women participating in the randomised, crossover, isoenergetic, controlled-feeding Canola Oil Multicenter Intervention Trial II consumed three dietary oils for 6 weeks, with washout periods of ˜6 weeks between each treatment. Diets studied included a high SFA/low MUFA Control oil (36·6 % SFA/28·2 % MUFA), a conventional canola oil (6·2 % SFA/63·1 % MUFA) and a high-oleic acid canola oil (5·8 % SFA/74·7 % MUFA). No differences in fasting blood glucose were observed following the consumption of the dietary oils. However, when stratified by SCD genotypes, significant SNP-by-treatment interactions on blood glucose response were found with additive models for rs1502593 (P = 0·01), rs3071 (P = 0·02) and rs522951 (P = 0·03). The interaction for rs3071 remained significant (P = 0·005) when analysed with a recessive model, where individuals carrying the CC genotype showed an increase (0·14 (sem 0·09) mmol/l) in blood glucose levels with the Control oil diet, but reductions in blood glucose with both MUFA oil diets. Individuals carrying the AA and AC genotypes experienced reductions in blood glucose in response to all three oils. These findings identify a potential new target for personalised nutrition approaches aimed at improving glycaemic control.

The preservation of Military Macaw Ara militaris in Mexico required the implementation of a nationwide assessment evaluating its vulnerability using IUCN criteria. With the combined effort of several institutions, the abundance, location, dispersion, habitat availability, and climatic conditions of areas occupied by the species were determined. Although the species’ extent of occurrence is extensive (263,919 km2) only 29% of this constitutes area of occupancy. Published estimates indicate a series of isolated populations containing from four macaws to 215. Macaws occurred in 35 populations in four regions of 16 states containing an estimated 1,563–3,263 macaws; lower than required for long-term viability. Within regions, neighbouring populations were separated by an average of 68 km. The extent of occurrence is heterogeneous, and macaws inhabit areas that differ in elevation, precipitation, temperature, and forest cover. Higher local abundances occur in landscapes where annual precipitation is ≥1,100 mm, and primary forest availability ≥1,800 km2. Although the existence of undetected macaw groups in Mexico is possible, these are likely to contain only small numbers of individuals, as most detected areas with macaws contain less than 40 individuals, and larger concentrations are more likely to be noticed due to their conspicuous behaviour. The species is threatened primarily by its low overall abundance, fragmented distribution, and forest loss around populations with the highest abundance. With the information generated, it is possible to design and implement specific management and conservation strategies at different geographic scales for the recovery and maintenance of the species in Mexico. It is necessary to strengthen collaborative programmes among conservation organizations, government agencies, and local communities in each region of the country to organize and finance community-based actions such as monitoring, habitat restoration, protection from poaching and the creation of a network of conservation corridors and macaw reserves focused on conservation.

To investigate the manipulation of electromagnetic properties of two-dimensional materials, this effort characterizes charge transfer behavior of colloidal COF-5 (covalent organic framework) in the presence of various metal ions. A series of metal chloride compounds was introduced to COF-5 in solution and solid film phases and the interaction of the material with electromagnetic radiation was monitored across the visible region using electronic absorption spectroscopy. Notable changes were observed, quantified, and discussed for copper (II) chloride (CuCl2), chromium (III) chloride (CrCl3), and iron (III) chloride (FeCl3) with COF-5. Ligand-to-metal and metal-to-ligand charge transfer are explored as a possible mechanism for the observed electronic behaviors.

Trace element variations in stream sediments from an area of 76 000 km2 in central Colorado are used to identify uraniferous granitoids on the basis of whole rock geochemical criteria developed to distinguish barren from metalliferous granitoids in Britain. These criteria (which include enhanced Ba, Be, Cs, Cs/Ba, K, La/Eu, Li, Lu/Eu, Nb, Rb, Rb/K, low Sr and Mg, and RE patterns with marked negative Eu anomalies) are used to formulate an index based on the Pikes Peak batholith of the Front Range as a type uranium source rock.

Uraniferous granitoids in Colorado, which are associated with sedimentary basins containing major uranium mineralization, are identified using this index which may be applicable to the interpretation of stream sediments from elsewhere. The use of stream sediment geochemistry as an exploration method for similar uranium source rocks, which may indicate potential uranium provinces, is thus possible.

Extinction is the complete loss of a species, but the accuracy of that status depends on the overall information about the species. Dracaena umbraculifera was described in 1797 from a cultivated plant attributed to Mauritius, but repeated surveys failed to relocate it and it was categorized as Extinct on the IUCN Red List. However, several individuals labelled as D. umbraculifera grow in botanical gardens, suggesting that the species’ IUCN status may be inaccurate. The goal of this study was to understand (1) where D. umbraculifera originated, (2) which species are its close relatives, (3) whether it is extinct, and (4) the identity of the botanical garden accessions and whether they have conservation value. We sequenced a cpDNA region of Dracaena from Mauritius, botanical garden accessions labelled as D. umbraculifera, and individuals confirmed to be D. umbraculifera based on morphology, one of which is a living plant in a private garden. We included GenBank accessions of Dracaena from Madagascar and other locations and reconstructed the phylogeny using Bayesian and parsimony approaches. Phylogenies indicated that D. umbraculifera is more closely related to Dracaena reflexa from Madagascar than to Mauritian Dracaena. As anecdotal information indicated that the living D. umbraculifera originated from Madagascar, we conducted field expeditions there and located five wild populations; the species’ IUCN status should therefore be Critically Endangered because < 50 wild individuals remain. Although the identity of many botanical garden samples remains unresolved, this study highlights the importance of living collections for facilitating new discoveries and the importance of documenting and conserving the flora of Madagascar.

Carbon nanotube arrays were grown in the presence of an applied mechanical stress (30 min, 60 mN/mm2 mechanical pressure) and dispersed in aqueous solution (0.08 - 2.3 mm2/mL). Optical (450-950 nm) transmission and right angle scattering measurements were performed on these dispersions and on an analogous set of conventional (non-stressed) carbon nanotubes. Results show similar transmission behavior and different right angle scattering dependence on concentration for stress-grown and conventional carbon nanotubes. This investigation provides the first evidence of differentiation between stress-grown and conventional carbon nanotubes in the optical regime, suggesting a point of departure for future applications.

We describe eleven mid-western Canadian aboriginal infants with a unique, progressive muscle disorder. All except one had muscle biopsy and/or autopsy. The infants were normal newborns who rapidly developed rigidity of all skeletal muscles, with early, respiratory insufficiency. Death occurred before 18 months of age. Electromyography showed increased insertion activity and profuse fibrillation potentials; motor unit potentials and interference pattern are normal until late in the course. Pathologic features include progressive, granular to powdery Z-band transformation, myofibrillar loss, and muscle regeneration. SDS-gel electrophoresis of one muscle sample revealed increased 54kDa and reduced 80kDa protein fractions. This disease differs from other conditions with Z-band alterations because of continuous muscle activity and relentless clinical progression. The clinical features, elevated serum creatine kinase, electromyographic and muscle biopsy findings suggest a dystrophic process. The recognition of this condition as an autosomal recessive disorder allows appropriate genetic counselling.

An enormous effort is underway worldwide to attempt to detect gravitational waves. If successful, this will open a new frontier in astronomy. An essential portion of this effort is being carried out in Australia by the Australian Consortium for Interferometric Gravitational Astronomy (ACIGA), with research teams working at the Australia National University, University of Western Australia, and University of Adelaide involving scientists and students representing many more institutions and nations. ACIGA is developing ultrastable high-power continuous-wave lasers for the next generation interferometric gravity wave detectors; researching the problems associated with high optical power in resonant cavities; opening frontiers in advanced interferometry configurations, quantum optics, and signal extraction; and is the world's leader in high-performance vibration isolation and suspension design. ACIGA has also been active in theoretical research and modelling of potential astronomical gravitational wave sources, and in developing data analysis detection algorithms. ACIGA has opened a research facility north of Perth, Western Australia, which will be the culmination of these efforts. This paper briefly reviews ACIGA's research activities and the prospects for gravitational wave astronomy in the southern hemisphere.

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are appealing materials for biomedical applications due to their unique chemical, electrical and mechanical properties. The emphasis of the present work is on controlling the structure and symmetry of carbon nanotubes by imposing an applied stress at the CNT growth site. CNTs were grown under these conditions using standard chemical vapor deposition (CVD) techniques and were subsequently characterized with a scanning electron microscope; the methodology and implications of this approach are discussed herein.

In the Esmeraldas focus of onchocerciasis in Ecuador, the larvae of the primary vector Simulium exiguum Roubaud are found in sympatry with the non-vector S. gonzalezi Vargas & Díaz Nájera. Distinguishing the pre-ultimate stage larvae of these two species usually relies on the pattern of markings on the cephalic apotome. These patterns appear either as dark spots against a pale cuticle (positive head pattern) or as pale spots within a darkened area of the cuticle (negative head pattern). Larvae of S. exiguum s.l. usually exhibit positive or no head patterns whilst those of S. gonzalezi usually have negative head patterns. The purpose of this paper was to investigate head pattern variation (scored in one of six categories) in (polytene) chromosomally identified larvae of the two species and cytotypes of S. exiguum from three collection sites in Ecuador (including one in the onchocerciasis focus). The head patterns of a total of 1183 larvae were studied. Chromosomal identification of penultimate instar larvae revealed only the presence of the Cayapa and Quevedo cytotypes of S. exiguum (n=208). Both cytotypes exhibited a wide range of head patterns from positive to negative. The results indicate that negative head patterns cannot be used to reliably distinguish between larvae of S. exiguum s.l. and S. gonzalezi. All except one larva with negative head patterns were females (n=53), suggesting that head pattern in this species complex might be a sex-linked character.

Laboratory and field-cage studies were conducted in Texas in 1965 to evaluate treatments of the systemic insecticides, Azodrin (3-hydroxy-N-methyl-cis-crotonamide dimethyl phosphate), Bidrin (3-hydroxy-N, N dimethyl-cis-crotonamide dimethyl phosphate), American Cyanamid CL-47031 (cyclic ethylene (diethoxy-phosphinyl) dithioimidocarbonate) and Temik (2-methyl-2-(methylthio) propion-aldehyde O-(methylcarbamoyl) oxime), applied incorporated in lanolin to the stems of cotton plants against Heliothis zea (Boddie) and H. virescens (F.). Reductions in numbers of developing larvae of H. zea were substantial on individual plants the stems of which had been treated with Azodrin or CL-47031 and which were artificially infested with eggs. When first-instar larvae of H. zea or H. virescens were caged on plants 3, 7 or 14 days after stem treatment with 2.5, 5.0 or 100 mg. Azodrin, Bidrin or CL-47031 per plant, net mortalities ranged from 21 to 80 per cent after three days. The mortality of adults of H. zea provided with sucrose solutions containing 1 p.p.m. of the systemic insecticides indicated that Azodrin and Bidrin were about equally toxic and much more so than CL-47031 and Temik, and that of adults caged on individual plants in flower that had been treated with Azodrin or CL-47031 suggested that the moths may be killed by the systemic action of these insecticides translocated to the nectar. When adults of H. virescens were released on plants each treated with Azodrin at 25 or 30 mg. in large field cages, reductions in the numbers of eggs deposited, attributed to the effect on the moths of the insecticide in the nectar, and in the numbers of developing larvae, were substantial. Azodrin was the most consistently effective of the four insecticides evaluated.

For several decades historians have expressed reservations about how scholars of American studies have embraced theory and its jargons. The program for a recent American studies convention seems to confirm the field's turn from history and its embrace of the paradigms and practices of cultural studies. The nature of this gap is complicated by comparing scholarly work published since 2000 on the Gilded Age and Progressive Era in the respective flagship journals of each field. Scholars in both fields are committed to the study of culture, but they differ in how they understand historical agency and subjectivity. A historical overview of American studies scholars' engagement with cultural critique as well as a critical analysis of how two exemplary books in the field engage with historical change offer historians a way to understand such work not only as complementary to their own objectives, but necessary for a full understanding of the past and our relation to it.