Texte remanié de: Th. doct.--Buffalo--State university of New York, 1997. / Bibliogr. p. 121-144. Index.

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White-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) in the Big Cypress Basin of South Florida must cope with top-down and bottom-up forces, including frequent pyrogenic and hydrological disturbances and the threat of predation. These forces affect their space use, behavior, and survival. Recent changes to the regional hydrology and increased abundances the Florida panther (Puma concolor coryi), their primary predator in this system, call for a renewed look at how these forces affect this deer herd. To assess the effects of these forces on seasonal space use, behavior, and survival of deer, I analyzed GPS telemetry and camera trap data, highlighting the factors influencing deer space use across hydrological and biological seasons, and connected behavioral data captured on camera traps to female deer survival. Space use is primarily a function of intrinsic sex affects and landscape composition and configuration, and varies as resources and reproductive cycles fluctuate across seasons. Disturbance has little effect on space use, suggesting deer are well adapted to these disturbance regimes. Temperament in foraging behavior in female deer impacted survival, influencing prey catchability and potentially buffering prey populations against cycles of predation. / Master of Science / White-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) in the Big Cypress Basin of South Florida must cope with a changing landscape of resources caused by frequent fire and flooding, while avoiding predation by their primary predator in this system, the Florida panther (Puma concolor coryi). Recent changes to water flow across this landscape and increasing numbers of Florida panthers call for a renewed look at how disturbance, landscape features, and predation influence the seasonal space use, behavior, and survival of deer in this system. Differences from sex and landscape features most explain seasonal space use of deer, while the influence of fire and flooding is limited. Variability in vigilance of female deer led to differences in female survival, suggesting a tradeoff between acquiring resource and safety when foraging under predation risk.

The purpose of this research project has been to shed light on the experiences of Black women in Afrocentric groups' Nation of Gods and Earths, the Black Panther Party, and Rastafarians' that operated on the fringes of society during the 1960s through the early 2000s. This work articulates the gender dynamics between the men and women of the groups. In it, I trace the history of Black nationalism and identity in the United States in the late 19th century to the 20th century which set the framework for the formation of the Nation of Gods and Earths (NGE), the Black Panther Party(BPP), and Rastafarianism and its members to see themselves as a part of the Black nation or community and the women of these groups to see their identity tied in with the goals and desires of the group not as one set on individualistic ambitions. The Africana womanist did not see herself as an individual but rather a vital part of the entire Black community. From a feminist perspective, it would appear as though the women of these Afrocentric fringe groups were marginalized and oppressed by the men but this perspective fails to give credence to the fact that Rasta women, Earths—the female members of the NGE—and women Panthers saw race and racism as a more pressing issue than that of sexism. That is not to say that women in these groups did not question or challenge some of the sexist actions of their male counterparts. When there was a challenge it was done so in a way that reminded the men of the tenets of their respective group and their responsibility to uphold those principles; principles that required the men to consider the women as equally valuable in the cause of the group and deserving of just treatment. While adhering to a gender order that afforded the male members a more visible position, the women of this study did not view their positions as mothers, wives, and sister members as a hindrance to their own personal joy or freedom. In fact, using an Africana womanist point of view, they would argue that it was in the best interest of the entire Rasta, NGE, or BPP and by extension, the Black community for them to own their statuses as a form of empowerment. For it was through their wombs and nurturing that the next generation would be born, through their providing a stable home that would allow their husbands to focus their attentions on the issues concerning their communities outward and through their role as supportive "sisters" encouraging the men that the community could advance socially. / Master of Arts

Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG) har successivt utvecklat resistens mot många antimikrobiella medel och betraktas som ett av de tre reella hoten bland antibiotikaresistenta bakterier. Ciprofloxacin är ett bredspektrum-antibiotikum tillhörande gruppen kinoloner som, förutom att behandla urinvägsinfektioner, används mot NG och infektioner i mage och tarm. Dock har det rapporterats att ca 30 % av NG-isolat som samlats in genom gonokock-isolatövervakningsprojekt (GISP) under 2017 var resistenta mot ciprofloxacin. På molekylnivå är resistens mot ciprofloxacin starkt associerad med en enda mutation i kodon 91 i gyras-genen (gyrA). Detta projekt har undersökt om det går att använda molekylärbiologiska metoder för att detektera NG-isolat med gyrA mutationen. Analysen gjordes med två olika PCR-system, ”7500 Fast Real-Time PCR System” från Applied Biosystems (ABI) och Panther Fusion från Hologic. Proberna som användes designades för påvisning av vildtyp gyrA (ciprofloxacin-känslig) och mutant gyrA (ciprofloxacin-resistent) hos NG. I projektet analyserades 50 NG-positiva prov (analyserade med screeningtest APTIMA COMBO2 från Hologic), från 43 patienter som provtagits under januari-februari 2020 i Region Skåne. Några patienter testades flera gånger vid olika tillfällen. NG-odling hade utförts parallellt från motsvarande tagna prov från patienterna. ABI-metoden påvisade genen hos 90 % (45/50) av NG-positiva prover (APTIMA COMBO2) medan endast 24 av de 49 proven (49 %) kunde odlas med traditionell metodik för att därefter resistensbestämmas. Av de 45 prov där gyras-genen kunde detekteras med ABI-metoden, uppvisade 28 (62 %) av proven en muterad gen och därmed en potentiell resistens för ciprofloxacin. Panther Fusion-metoden påvisade genen hos 80 % (40/50) av NG-positiva prover (APTIMA COMBO2), och såsom tidigare nämnts, kunde endast 24 av de 49 proven (49 %) odlas med traditionell metodik för att därefter resistensbestämmas. Av de 40 prov där gyras-genen kunde detekteras med Panther Fusion-metoden, uppvisade 26 av proven (65 %) en muterad gen och därmed en potentiell resistens för ciprofloxacin. En jämförelse mellan resultaten från PCR-metoderna och odlingarna visar att av de 24 odlingarna som kunde resistensbestämmas fick ABI-metoden resultat för 23 och Panther Fusion för 22. PCR-metodernas resultat överensstämde perfekt med resultaten från odling med samma 8 känsliga och 15 respektive 14 resistenta NG-isolat som odling. De båda PCR-metoderna och traditionell odling uppvisade jämförbara resultat. Av de 24 prov som kunde odlas och därmed resistensbestämmas, detekterades med ABI-metoden gyras-genen i 23 av dessa prov och i 22 av proven med Panther Fusion-metoden. Resistens mot ciprofloxacin uppvisades genom odling i 16 av de 24 odlingsbara prov, och av dessa 24 odlingsbara prov uppvisade ABI-metoden en muterad gen i 15 av proven och Panther Fusion-metoden en muterad gen i 14 av proven. Traditionell odling kunde bara genomföras på 24 av proven och PCR-metoderna identifierade signifikant fler prov innehållande vildtyp eller muterad gyras-gen, 45 respektive 40 prov. Projektet visade tydligt att PCR-metoderna kan identifiera fler prov än genom traditionell odling och kan därmed upptäcka fler prov med förväntad ciprofloxacin-resistens än vad som kan bestämmas genom traditionell odling. / Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG) has been developing a resistance towards several different antibiotics and is viewed as one of the three real threats among resistant bacteria. Ciprofloxacin is a broad-spectrum-antibiotic belonging to the group quinolone antibiotics which, in addition to being used to treat urinal infections, is used to treat NG and infections in the stomach and intestines. However, it has been reported that 30 % of NG-isolates that have been gathered through the Gonococcal Isolate Surveillance Project (GISP) throughout 2017 were resistant to ciprofloxacin. On a molecular level, resistance to ciprofloxacin is strongly associated with a single mutation in kodon 91 in the gyras-gene (gyrA). This project sought to examine if it is possible to use methods from molecular biology to detect which NG that have the gyrA-mutation. The test was done using two different PCR-systems, ”7500 Fast Real-Time PCR System” from Applied Biosystems (ABI) and Panther Fusion from Hologic. The probes used were designed to show wild type gyrA (ciprofloxacin sensitive), and mutated gyrA (ciprofloxacin resistant) in NG. In this project 50 NG-positive samples (analysed with screentest APTIMA COMBO2 from Hologic), from 43 patients that had been tested during January-February 2020 in Region Skåne, were analysed. Some patients were tested several times, within the time period. NG-cultivation had been done in parallel from corresponding samples taken from the patients. The ABI-method showed the gene in 90 % (45/50) of NG-positive samples (APTIMA COMBO2) while only 24 of the 49 samples (49 %) could be cultivated by traditional methodology, and then tested for resistance. Of the 45 samples where the gyras-gene could be detected with the ABI-method, 28 samples (62 %) exhibited a mutated gene and thus a potential resistance to ciprofloxacin. The Panther fusion-method showed the gene in 80 % (40/50) of NG-positive samples (APTIMA COMBO2), and as mentioned earlier, only 24 of the 49 samples (49 %) could be cultivated by traditional methodology to then be tested for resistance. Of the 40 samples where the gyras-gene could be detected with the Panther Fusion-method, 26 samples (65 %) exhibited a mutated gene and thus a potential resistance to ciprofloxacin. The two PCR-methods and traditional cultivation exhibited comparable results. Of the 24 samples that could be cultivated and thus tested for resistance, the ABI-method detected the gyras-gene in 23 of these samples and the Panther Fusion-method detected the gene in 22 of the samples. Cultivation exhibited resistance to ciprofloxacin in 16 of the 24 samples that could be cultivated, and of these 24 cultivatable samples the ABI method exhibited a mutated gene in 15 of the samples and the Panther Fusion-method exhibited a mutated gene in 14 of the samples. Traditional cultivation could only be done on 24 of the samples and the PCR-methods could identify significantly more samples containing either wild type or mutated gyras-gene, 45 and 40 samples, respectively. The project clearly showed that more samples can be identified with the PCR-methods than through traditional cultivation, and thereby discover more samples with expected ciprofloxacin-resistance, than can be determined through traditional cultivation.

Thesis (M.A.)--University of California, San Diego, 2010. / Title from first page of PDF file (viewed April 15, 2010). Available via ProQuest Digital Dissertations. Includes bibliographical references (p. 92-100).

Panther Fusion® system är ett fullständigt automatiserat in vitro diagnostiksystem som har högt flöde av prov-till-resultat och tillåter utförandet av in vitro diagnostiska tester genom användning av realtids Polymerase Chain Reaction (realtids-PCR). Syftet med detta projekt är att validera om det finns möjlighet att använda ett kit från Amplidiag på Panther fusion open access för att diagnostisera vankomycin resistenta enterokocker (VRE) samt att utvärdera analys direkt på E-swab prover istället för anrikningsbuljong. Det är viktigt att kunna detektera vanA-och vanB-generna i prover för att VRE hyser dessa gener. Sensitivitet och effektivitet av Panther fusion open access undersöktes genom att analysera proverna parallellt med Bio-Rad CFX384/96-PCR som är rutinmetoden för VRE-diagnostik på Klinisk mikrobiologi i Lund. Specificitet av en tidigare publicerad PCR-mix (PCR-mix) som kan detektera vanA och vanB i prover jämfördes med Amplidiag assay mix 2 som används i rutinmetoden. För att kunna utvärdera skillnaden av specificiteten och känsligheten mellan E-swab och anrikningsbuljong utfördes analysen på både E-swab och anrikningsbulong med både Panther fusion open access och Bio-Rad CFX384/96-PCR. MgCl2- koncentration optimerades till 3,0 mM. Sensitivitet och effektivitet av Panther fusion open access var högre med PCR-mix än Amplidiag assay mix 2 och uppvisade optimalt linjäritet. Specificitetstest av PCR-mixen visade att den bara kunde detektera vanA och vanB. Resultaten av spikade VRE-negativa patientprover (E-swab) visade sig vara orimliga då flera av proverna och kontrollerna gav resultat för båda generna. För att ersätta VRE-diagnostik på Bio-Rad CFX384/96 med Panther fusion open access behöver ytterligare experiment genomföras direkt på E-swab och vankomycine variabla enterokocker (VVE)-prover på Panther fusion open access. / Panther Fusion® system is a fully automated in vitro diagnostic system that has a high flow of sample-to-results and allows the performance of in vitro diagnostics tests using real-time Polymerase Chain Reaction (real-time PCR). The purpose of this project is to validate whether it is possible to use a kit from Amplidiag on Panther fusion open access to diagnose vancomycin resistant enterococcus (VRE). In addition, this project aims to evaluate and analyze E-swab samples directly instead of enrichment broth. It is important to be able to detect VanA and VanB genes in samples because VRE harbors these genes. Sensitivity and efficiency of Panther fusion open access were tested by analyzing the samples simultaneously with Bio-Rad CFX384/96 which is the routine method for VRE diagnostic at Clinical Microbiology in Lund. Specificity of a previously published PCR-mix (PCR-mix) that can detect VanA and VanB genes in samples was compared with Amplidiag assay mix 2 used in the routine method. In order to evaluate the difference in specificity and sensitivity between E-swab and enrichment broth, the analysis was performed on both E-swab and enrichment broth with both Panther fusion open access and Bio-Rad CFX384/96-PCR. MgCl2 concentration was optimized to 3,0 mM. Both sensitivity and efficiency of Panther fusion open access were higher with PCR-mix than those with Amplidiag assay mix 2 and it showed optimal linearity. Specificity test of PCR-mix detected only VanA and VanB genes. The results of inoculated the negative VRE-patient samples (E-swab) indicated that they were unreasonable because some of the samples and controls gave results of both genes. Replacement of the VRE-diagnostic method on Bio-Rad CFX384/96 with Panther fusion open access requires performing additional experiments directly on E-swab and vancomycin variable enterococcus (VVE) samples using Panther fusion open access.

Abstract Prevalence of Trichomonas vaginalis in STI-samples from Västra Götaland county with Aptima™ TV Assay on Panther™ System Also, evaluation of Aptima™ TV Assay on Panther™ System with comparison with Xpert® TV Kit on GeneXpert® Trichomonas vaginalis is a parasite that is spread by sexual contact, it is also the biggest sexually transmitted infection in both the United States and Europe. The prevalence in Sweden today is unknown as no national basic data exist. The routine procedure of identification is Wet-Smear although nucleic acid amplification enable a higher level of specificity and sensitivity. Panther™ System and GeneXpert® are two systems using RNA respectively DNA for analysis. The objective of the study was primarily to investigate the prevalence of Trichomonas vaginalis in STI-samples from Västra Götaland county with Aptima™ TV Assay on Panther™ System and secondarily to evaluate Aptima™ TV Assay with comparison to Xpert® TV Kit on GeneXpert®. The evaluation and prevalence study took place at Clinical Microbiology, Unilabs AB, Skaraborgs Hospital Skövde during the period of April-May 2017. The results of the evaluation indicate that Aptima™ TV Assay is specific for Trichomonas vaginalis and that the sensitivity falls within the detection limits for the kit. Therefore, the kit is suitable for use in the prevalence study. The prevalence study displayed a positive outcome on two out of 606 analyzed patient samples, corresponding to 0.3%. The conclusion is that the prevalence is enough for further studies.

This dissertation situates concerns of food access and nutrition at the center of United States struggles for racial justice during the long civil rights era. The persistence of widespread hunger amidst agricultural abundance created a need and an organizing opportunity that proponents of black freedom readily seized, recognizing the capacity of food to perpetuate oppression and to promote human equality. These efforts took many forms. Chapter One examines the dietary laws and food economy of Elijah Muhammad's Nation of Islam. Muhammad's prohibition of pork, processed commodities, and "soul food" aimed to improve the health of black Americans while elevating them morally and spiritually. Muslim food enterprises established to provision the Black Muslim diet encouraged black industry, autonomy, and self-help by mirroring the white capitalist food system. Chapter Two analyzes the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee's Food for Freedom campaign of the early 1960s. In response to local efforts to thwart voter registration by withholding federal food aid from Mississippi sharecroppers, SNCC launched a nationwide food drive. SNCC's assessment of food security as a civil right, directly linked to the ability of the rural poor to exercise the franchise, resonated with northern sympathizers, prompting the development of Friends of SNCC chapters to support those starving for freedom. Chapter Three investigates the Black Panther Party's community food initiatives. Beginning with free breakfast programs for schoolchildren and culminating in spectacular food giveaways, these endeavors worked to neutralize the power of hunger to inhibit the physical development, educational advancement, and political engagement of the urban poor. In doing so, the Panthers forged unlikely alliances while sparking police and FBI repression. Programs and campaigns such as these acknowledged and resisted the function of hunger in maintaining structures of white privilege and black oppression, politicizing hunger and malnutrition by construing them as intended outcomes of institutional racism. This study offers revealing historical precursors to twenty-first century debates about hunger, food security, food deserts, childhood nutrition, obesity, agricultural subsidies, and federal food aid, investigating the civil rights era through the lens of food politics while adding historical context to scholarship of food justice.

With shows such as Big Bang Theory and the increased mainstreaming of San Diego Comic-con, now more than ever before, it is acceptable to be a “nerd”. The question now becomes what efforts are being made to appeal to fans of color in traditional “nerd” activities, specifically comic books (this can include television shows and movies based on comic book characters), anime, and science fiction. Throughout the decades, there have been various attempts to have a discourse about the lack of diversity in nerd culture, both among its creators and characters from various properties considered beloved to nerds. Only, at the time of this writing, in recent years does there seem to be an increase among fans of color discussing these issues in the world at large, and not just in their own social group(s). This research will discover how minority fans feel about representation, or lack thereof, in the three above fandom. It will examine how minority fans feel about specific instants involving race and ethnicity in fandom from the past year. What I have discovered is that, issues of race are not discussed among the majority of fans and creators. Occasionally, when such issues are discussed there is an amount of hostility from white fans.