Weekly collections were conducted from May to December, 2007 (153 trap nights, total) in Denton, Texas, in and around large storm drains and overpass drainage facilities in residential and non-residential areas, using Centers for Disease Control (CDC) light traps and gravid traps. A total of 1964 mosquitoes were collected, representing 24 species within 6 genera: Aedes, Anopheles, Culiseta, Culex, Psorophora, and Uranotaenia. Culex was the most abundant genus, representing 75% of all mosquitoes collected; Aedes was the second most abundant, representing 12 % of all mosquitoes collected. Cx. quinquefasciatus was the dominant species collected via gravid traps; Cx. (Melanoconion) species were the dominant species collected via CDC light traps. Data of gravid traps and light traps were analyzed separately using nonparametric correlation analysis, comparing environmental data and physical characteristics to total abundance of mosquitoes. There was no significant correlation found when comparing the three dominant species collected in light traps (unidentified Cx. (Melanoconion) sp, Cx. quinquefasciatus, and Ae. vexans) to environmental characteristics and physical characteristics. Analysis of Cx. quinquefasciatus collected in gravid traps indicated no significant correlation between abundance, environmental data, and physical characteristics. Linear regression models were analyzed to determine if either environmental variables or physical characteristics of the drainage system explained the species abundance collected; no individual variable showed an association of significance. Analysis of Cx. quinquefasciatus collected in storm drains via gravid traps determined temperature to be the most important variable in determining population abundance and explained 99% of the population variability.

Thyroid storm (TS) is a rare life threatening endocrine emergency. Estimates for mortality rate for untreated TS ranges from 50%-90%[1,2].; however if managed appropriately, mortality drops to less than 20%[2]. Management can include glucocorticoids, propranolol, propylthiouracil(PTU) or methimazole and iodine solution. Each have established roles in controlling the hyperdynamic state in the storm. What is not well established is subclinical cardiomyopathy that may exist with chronic uncontrolled hyperthyroidism. We present a case in which propranolol, used appropriately, led to cardiovascular collapse during the management of a thyroid storm. 48 year old female with a medical history significant for hypertension presented with a 1 day history of severe dyspnea. On arrival vitals were: BP 177/103, pulse 127, RR 28 and pulse ox 92% on room air. She had anasarca and a GCS of 6. She was intubated for airway protection. Head CT was normal. Labs were sodium 128, bicarbonate 18, glucose 38, anion gap 14, lactic acid 5, leukocytes of 12000, Hb 7.3. ABG was pH 7.04, PCO2 45, PaO2 138 on 100% O2 at PEEP of 10, immediately after intubation. TSH was undetectable, FT4 was > 8ng/dL with FT3 of 11pg/mL. Echocardiogram showed EF of 45%, RV dilation and biatrial enlargement. She received glucocorticoids, PTU and oral propranolol. Shortly afterwards she became bradycardic, hypotensive then developed pulseless electrical activity (PEA) despite glucagon and aggressive IV fluids. ROSC was achieved after 8 minutes of ACLS protocol. Within minutes she became bradycardic and hypotensive again then became pulseless again despite glucagon and attempts at transcutaneous pacing. After ROSC with ACLS protocol, she was eventually stabilized with aggressive IV fluid, 5 vasopressors and a bicarbonate drip. That night, she had a third cardiac arrest. After ROSC, an emergency bedside laparotomy was performed for decompression of compartment syndrome. Her hospital course was complicated by hematologic abnormalities requiring multiple blood products, gastrointestinal blood loss, NSTEMI and dialysis dependent renal failure. The concept of thyrocardiac disease must be kept in mind when managing a thyroid storm. In long standing hyperthyroidism, the resulting cardiomyopathy is compensated by tachycardia and increased sensitivity to catecholamines [3]. This compensatory mechanism depends on tachycardia to maintains adequate cardiac output. Failure to consider this led to our therapeutic misadventure. Current management of TS includes the use of propranolol to lessen the adrenergic effect on the heart and to inhibit peripheral conversion of T4 to T3. This patient’s experience suggested that abrupt disruption of this compensatory state with beta blockade puts the body at risk for cardiovascular collapse. Until management guidelines are updated, it is imperative to for clinicians to avoid beta blockers or use short acting beta blockers with extreme caution when managing TS.

京都大学 / 新制・課程博士 / 博士(生命科学) / 甲第23440号 / 生博第461号 / 新制||生||61(附属図書館) / 京都大学大学院生命科学研究科統合生命科学専攻 / (主査)教授 野田 岳志, 教授 朝長 啓造, 教授 千坂 修 / 学位規則第4条第1項該当 / Doctor of Philosophy in Life Sciences / Kyoto University / DFAM

This study looks at the fluid interactions from the wake of a sail boat performing the heaving-to storm tactic in heavy weather seas with the waves. This interaction causes the wave height in the wake to be reduced. The fluid flow in the top layer of the wave is seen to move with the wake as the hull drifts with the wind. This movement of the top layer of the wave provides a vertical momentum cancelation affect with the portion of the wave that it moves over reducing the wave height. STAR-CCM+ CFD software is used to perform the simulations of the steep waves with wavelength of 25 meters, 55 meters, and 67 meters. In the simulation, a propulsive force is used to simulate the wind force on the boat. / Master of Science

The objective of this dissertation is the development of computer simulation-based models for the modeling of upper ionosphere, starting from the first principles. The models were validated by exact analytical benchmarks and are seen to be consistent with experimentally obtained results. This area of research has significant implications in the area of global communication. In addition, these models would lead to a better understanding of the physical processes taking place in the upper ionosphere.

京都大学 / 0048 / 新制・課程博士 / 博士(理学) / 甲第18640号 / 理博第4019号 / 新制||理||1579(附属図書館) / 31554 / 京都大学大学院理学研究科地球惑星科学専攻 / (主査)教授 石川 裕彦, 准教授 林 泰一, 教授 余田 成男 / 学位規則第4条第1項該当 / Doctor of Science / Kyoto University / DGAM

No description available.

There is a strong interest in rainwater harvesting (RWH) solutions as the global demand for water increases and water sources face contamination and depletion. Despite the extensive research conducted on the impact of RWH on watersheds, there is significant research to be completed to determine the relationship between the collection tank volume, roof size, and water demand satisfied by the RWH system. This thesis aims to further the understanding of the behaviour of RWH systems through a quantitative assessment of the water provided by these systems. Calculating the reliability of RWH systems in various Canadian regions allows for an evaluation of the capacity of RWH in meeting various residential water needs in Canada’s diverse climates. The results are obtained through hourly continuous simulation to provide the most accurate results and are presented in a user-friendly format through simple equations and graphs. RWH modeling through analytical equations do not require long-term historical data and are easier to use than conducting computer-aided continuous simulations. A better understating of the analytical equations’ application is developed through a comparison between the analytical and continuous simulations methods. The comparison is held for different regions within Canada, and the analysis confirms a lack of accuracy for the analytical method in some climatic conditions. Daily continuous simulations conduced for Ugandan and Canadian regions provide a perspective on the feasibility of RWH systems to meet the human right to drinking water in the two countries. A comparison of the reliability of RWH tanks in Ugandan and Canadian regions is conducted to provide insight into the impact of rainfall patterns on the reliability of RWH systems. The evaluation of RWH performance in the RRM context in Canada and Uganda is aimed to address the lack of adequate water sources in rural, remote, and otherwise marginalized (RRM) communities globally. Examining the most accurate and appropriate modeling tools and assessing the actual yield of RWH systems provides information critical to water-sensitive communities and provides a foundation for future research to further explore the most effective application of RWH in urban and water-sensitive communities. / Thesis / Master of Applied Science (MASc)

“Valparaiso, Round The Horn”, a collection of short stories, contends with the following vital concerns: How are we transported? Why do we believe each other? What is our tendency towards legend? How do we immortalize one another? What is ritual to the avowed non-believer? How can we feel such heartbreak about someone who died before we were born? Will we ever understand each other? Is there grace in misunderstanding? Is there genius in it? A long time ago, could people run as fast as horses? What is the use in anything less than myth?

No description available.