Millerocaulis richmondii sp. nov., an osmundaceous fern from Mesozoic strata near Little Swanport, Tasmania, Australia

A permineralised rhizome from Mesozoic strata south of Little Swanport, Tasmania, represents a new species of Millerocaulis (M. richmondii).Its stem is 6 x 7 mm across and is surrounded by adhering leaf bases with each having a stipular expansion typical of the Osmundaceae. The xylem of the ectophloic siphonostele comprising this stem is dissected by leaf gaps and consists of 14 xylem strands in its cylinder.Twenty leaf traces occur in a transverse section of its cortices. The xylem of its leaf traces and petiolar vascular strands is generally curved adaxially with a single protoxylem cluster being median on the trace. This proroxylem cluster bifurcates into two protoxylem groups immediately after leaving the stem and upon entering the petiole. The sclerotic ring of the petiole base is uniform in width and cell-wall thickness. A mass of sclerenchyma present in the adaxial concavity of the petiolar vascular strand expands at higher levels of the petiole until it fills the concavity of the strand and becomes immediately adjacent to the sclerotic ring. A large, round cellular mass of sclerenchyma occurs in the stipular expansions midway between their sclerotic rings and their tips. Millerocaulis richmondii is an additional species in the family Osmundaceae which was very abundant in Tasmania during mid-Mesozoic time

Molecular biology of amitraz resistance in cattle ticks of the genus Rhipicephalus

Amitraz is an important product for the control of cattle ticks around the world. In comparison with other products for the control of ticks, it is quite affordable and it has a rapid knock-down effect. It binds with and activates adrenergic neuro-receptors of animals and it inhibits the action of monoamine oxidases (MAO). Resistance to amitraz has been documented in Rhipicephalus microplus, R. decoloratus and R. appendiculatus. Four mechanisms of resistance have been proposed, each of which is supported by evidence but none of which has been definitively confirmed as the cause of resistance in the field. The proposed mechanisms include genetic target site insensitivity in two G protein-coupled receptors, the beta-adrenergic octopamine receptor (BAOR) and the octopamine/tyramine receptor (OCT/Tyr), increased expression or activity of monoamine oxidases and increased expression or activity of the ATP binding cassette transporter

Mid-Mesozoic leaves from near Ida Bay, southern Tasmania, Australia

Several leaf specimens from a locality in southern Tasmania are described. They are assigned to Coniopteris websterii sp.nov., Cladophlebis indica (Oldham & Morris) Sahni & Rao, Pachypteris sp. cf. indica (Oldham & Morris) Bose & Roy, Otozamites sp., Pterophyllum? sp. and Conites sp. The specimen of Olozamiles sp. is also partially petrified and, thus, gives some indication of its internal tissues. These genera and species suggest a mid-Mesozoic, rather than a Tertiary, age for this locality

Conceptual mechanization studies for a horizon definition spacecraft attitude control subsystem, phase A, part II, 10 October 1966 - 29 May 1967

Attitude control subsystem for spin stabilized spacecraft for mapping earths infrared horizon radiance profiles in 15 micron carbon dioxide absorption ban

Inflation-hedging properties of regional Chinese real estate market: evidence from 35 cities in China

The housing markets in China have been gaining considerable interest from investors, but the inflation-hedging characteristics of housing remain ambiguous. Based on Chinese city-level data, this study evaluates different inflation-hedging properties in eastern, middle and western real estate markets using panel vector autoregressive (PVAR) models. Findings suggest middle real estate markets afford the best hedging opportunities for expected inflation, which is robust considering housing market heterogeneity, financial crisis and the 2010 purchase restriction order. Moreover, hedging efficacy of anticipated inflation differs between markets with low and high supply–demand ratio

Denosumab-induced severe hypocalcemia in a patient with Crohn's disease

Osteoporosis occurs with increased prevalence in individuals with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and as such, these patients are at risk for osteoporosis-related fractures. Although bisphosphonates remain the most commonly used class of drugs for managing osteoporosis, the effectiveness of oral bisphosphonates in patients with IBD may be diminished due to distressing gastrointestinal side effects, which hinder compliance, and also due to poor absorption by diseased intestine

Impacts of transitioning from firm fixed price to fixed price incentive firm target contracts in PEO Missiles and Space

The objective of this project is to analyze the impacts to major weapon systems programs in Program Executive Office (PEO) Missiles and Space as a result of transitioning from firm fixed price (FFP) contracts to fixed price incentive firm target (FPIF) contracts. This project presents an in-depth examination of FFP and FPIF contract types, including definitions, profit mechanisms, and advantages and disadvantages associated with each type. This project reviews three iterations of Better Buying Power, with a specific focus on profitability and the use of FPIF contracts. The project presents and analyzes data collected through interviews with PEO Missiles and Space program management and contracting personnel who support programs that have transitioned from FFP to FPIF. The project also examines defense industry profitability and considers the perspective of defense contractors regarding Department of Defense profit policy. The analysis results indicate that the PEO is appropriately applying guidance for choosing FPIF contracts in follow-on production, and that there are both benefits and challenges associated with FPIF contracts. Recommendations include continuing to assess FPIF use for production programs, obtaining actual cost data, and improving incentive contracting workforce training. Further research on the longer-term effects of transitioning to FPIF is recommended.http://archive.org/details/impactsoftransit1094550587Civilian, Department of ArmyCivilian, Department of ArmyCivilian, Department of ArmyApproved for public release; distribution is unlimited