Vector-host interactions governing epidemiology of West Nile virus in Southern California

Southern California remains an important focus of West Nile virus (WNV) activity, with persistently elevated incidence after invasion by the virus in 2003 and subsequent amplification to epidemic levels in 2004. Eco-epidemiological studies of vectors-hosts-pathogen interactions are of paramount importance for better understanding of the transmission dynamics of WNV and other emerging mosquito-borne arboviruses. We investigated vector-host interactions and host-feeding patterns of 531 blood-engorged mosquitoes in four competent mosquito vectors by using a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method targeting mitochondrial DNA to identify vertebrate hosts of blood-fed mosquitoes. Diagnostic testing by cell culture, real-time reverse transcriptase-PCR, and immunoassays were used to examine WNV infection in blood-fed mosquitoes, mosquito pools, dead birds, and mammals. Prevalence of WNV antibodies among wild birds was estimated by using a blocking enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Analyses of engorged Culex quinquefasciatus revealed that this mosquito species acquired 88.4% of the blood meals from avian and 11.6% from mammalian hosts, including humans. Similarly, Culex tarsalis fed 82% on birds and 18% on mammals. Culex erythrothorax fed on both birds (59%) and mammals (41%). In contrast, Culex stigmatosoma acquired all blood meals from avian hosts. House finches and a few other mostly passeriform birds served as the main hosts for the blood-seeking mosquitoes. Evidence of WNV infection was detected in mosquito pools, wild birds, dead birds, and mammals, including human fatalities during the study period. Our results emphasize the important role of house finches and several other passeriform birds in the maintenance and amplification of WNV in southern California, with Cx. quinquefasciatus acting as both the principal enzootic and "bridge vector" responsible for the spillover of WNV to humans. Other mosquito species, such as Cx. tarsalis and Cx. stigmatosoma, are important but less widely distributed, and also contribute to spatial and temporal transmission of WNV in southern California.

Serologic evidence of a Rickettsia akari-like infection among wild-caught rodents in Orange County and humans in Los Angeles County, California

We detected antibodies reactive with Rickettsia akari, the etiologic agent of rickettsialpox in humans and in 83 of 359 (23%) rodents belonging to several species, collected in Orange County, CA. Reciprocal antibody titers >1:16 to R. akari were detected in native mice and rats (Peromyscus maniculatus, P. eremicus, and Neotoma fuscipes) and in Old World mice and rats (Mus musculus, Rattus rattus, and R. norvegicus), representing the first time that antibodies reactive with this agent have been detected in four of these species and the first report of these antibodies in rodents and humans west of the Mississippi River. We then tested serum samples from individuals who used a free clinic in downtown Los Angeles and found that 25 of 299 (8%) of these individuals had antibody titers >1:64 to R. akari. Serologic evidence suggested that R. akari or a closely related rickettsia is prevalent among several rodent species at these localities and that infection spills over into certain segments of the human population. Isolation or molecular confirmation of the agent is needed to conclusively state that R. akari is the etiologic agent infecting these rodents.

Vector competence of Culex tarsalis from Orange County, California, for West Nile virus

To evaluate the vector competence of Culex tarsalis Coquillett for West Nile virus (WN), females reared from larvae collected in Huntington Beach, Orange County, CA, were fed on 2-3-day-old chickens previously inoculated with a New York strain (Crow 397-99) of WN. The Cx. tarsalis mosquitoes were efficient laboratory vectors of WN, with estimated transmission rates of 81% and 91% for mosquitoes that ingested 10(6.5) or 10(7.3) plaque-forming units of WN/mL of blood, respectively. Based on efficiency of viral transmission and the role of this species in the transmission of the closely related St. Louis encephalitis virus, Cx. tarsalis should be considered a potentially important vector of WN in the western United States.

Spatial and temporal distribution of mosquitoes in underground storm drain systems in Orange County, California

Underground storm drain systems in urban areas of Orange County include thousands of miles of gutters and underground pipelines, plus hundreds of thousands of catch basins and manhole chambers, all of which drain runoff water from residential, business and commercial establishments as well as highways and streets. These systems serve as major developmental and resting sites for anthropophilic and zoophilic mosquitoes. Investigations on spatial and temporal distribution of mosquitoes in these systems were conducted during November 1999 to October 2001. Immature mosquitoes were sampled by dipper or dipping net and adult mosquitoes by non-attractive CDC traps in manhole chambers, catch basins and a large drain. Culex quinquefasciatus Say prevailed at all 15 structures of the study in 4 cities of Orange County as the predominant species (> 99.9%). Larvae and pupae were present from April to October, peaking from May to September. The population density of adults was the lowest in February with 2 peaks of abundance occurring from May to July and from September to October. Manhole chambers and catch basins harbored more mosquitoes than did the large drain. Minimum and maximum temperatures during a 24 h sampling period was an important factor influencing adult mosquito activity and catches; more mosquitoes were caught in traps when it was warmer, especially when the minimum temperatures were higher. The proportion of females to males in general increased during winter and early spring an ddeclined during summer. The proportion of gravid females to empty females was higher during the winter than in summer. Other dipteran taxa such as psychodid moth flies and chironomid midges exhibited somewhat similar seasonal patterns as did mosquito populations. Average water temperature was relatively stable throughout the year, and water quality in underground drain systems was characterized by low dissolved oxygen, coupled with above normal electrical conductivity and salinity levels that were more pronounced during the summer. The episodes of measurable rains that occurred during the winter months (February and March) reduced mosquito population density (both larvae and adults) and altered water quality in the underground drain systems.

Rapid and simple method for screening wild rodents for antibodies to Sin Nombre hantavirus

Sin Nombre hantavirus (SNV) is the primary etiologic agent of hantavirus cardiopulmonary syndrome (HCPS) in the United States and Canada. Hantavirus cardiopulmonary syndrome is a zoonotic disease. The most common reservoir is the deer mouse (Peromyscus maniculatus), although numerous other species of wild rodent can carry the viruses that cause HCPS throughout the Americas. Infected rodents show no signs of clinical disease but they develop persistent infection. Sin Nombre virus can be contracted by exposure to feces, urine, or saliva of its rodent reservoirs. Detection of infection in rodents is most often based upon detection of specific antibodies; many laboratories use enzyme linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs), which require a specialized electrical ELISA reader. Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay readers are not readily amenable to field usage. We describe a portable test, the strip immunoblot assay (SIA), which we have utilized in field diagnosis. The test can be conducted in approximately 6 hr during the day or can be conducted overnight. The test can be used to detect rodents positive for SNV antibody while they are in traps. We show that results with the SIA have excellent concordance with western blot and reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction tests.

Bear Canyon virus: an arenavirus naturally associated with the California mouse (Peromyscus californicus)

Thirty-four rodents captured in southern California were studied to increase our knowledge of the arenaviruses indigenous to the western United States. An infectious arenavirus was isolated from 5 of 27 California mice but none of the 7 other rodents. Analyses of viral nucleocapsid protein gene sequence data indicated that the isolates from the California mice are strains of a novel Tacaribe serocomplex virus (proposed name "Bear Canyon") that is phylogenetically most closely related to Whitewater Arroyo and Tamiami viruses, the only other Tacaribe serocomplex viruses known to occur in North America. The discovery of Bear Canyon virus is the first unequivocal evidence that the virus family Arenaviridae is naturally associated with the rodent genus Peromyscus and that a Tacaribe serocomplex virus occurs in California.

Arenavirus antibody in rodents indigenous to coastal southern California

The purpose of this study was to extend our knowledge on the geographic and natural rodent host ranges of New World arenaviruses in California. Sera from 1,094 sigmodontine and 112 murine rodents were tested for antibody against Whitewater Arroyo and Amapari viruses. Antibody was found in 55 (4.6%) of the 1,206 rodents: 4 from northwestern San Diego County, 3 from Los Angeles County, and 48 from Orange County. The antibody-positive rodents included 8 (7.8%) of 103 Neotoma fuscipes, 1 (0.6%) of 180 Neotoma lepida, 1 (3.1%) of 32 Peromyscus boylii, 8 (11.0%) of 73 Peromyscus californicus, 1 (1.2%) of 85 Peromyscus eremicus, 30 (8.5%) of 353 Peromyscus maniculatus, and 6 (2.2%) of 268 Reithrodontomys megalotis. This study provides the first evidence that New World arenaviruses occur in Los Angeles and Orange counties and northwestern San Diego County, and the first evidence that Peromyscus and Reithrodontomys species are naturally infected with New World arenaviruses.

For those who wait.... Care of the status 1 patient awaiting cardiac transplantation

In conclusion, successfully bridging a Status 1 patient to the time of heart transplant requires a variety of skills. Vigilance is key in averting potential complications and addressing patient issues. Also, health care professionals will be called on to use their knowledge and expertise to deal with psychosocial and medical matters. When skillfully executed, the result of a successful transplant is an improved quality of life and a longer life. A successful transplant reflects a job well done by the professionals and is the ultimate goals for all of those who care for those who wait.

Role of peridomestic birds in the transmission of St. Louis encephalitis virus in southern California

In response to the 1984 St. Louis encephalitis (SLE) epidemic in the Los Angeles Basin of southern California (USA), an investigative program was initiated to evaluate the interactive components of the SLE virus transmission cycle. From 1987 through 1996 (10 yr), 52,589 birds were bled and their sera tested for SLE and western equine encephalomyelitis (WEE) virus antibodies by the hemagglutination inhibition (HAI) test. Eighty-three percent of the birds tested were house finches (Carpodacus mexicanus) (48.7%) and house sparrows (Passer domesticus) (34.6%); 1.1% of these birds were positive for SLE antibodies. Prevalence of WEE antibodies was negligible. The analysis of 5,481 sera from rock doves (Columbia livia) yielded 3.6% SLE positives and 0.4% WEE positives. Collection sites were maintained as study sites when identified as positive bird, mosquito, and SLE virus activity localities; others were abandoned. Serial serum samples from 7,749 banded house sparrows and 9,428 banded house finches from these selected sites demonstrated year-round SLE virus transmission. One location exhibited significant numbers of house finches undergoing annual SLE seroconversion and a number of seroconversion-reversion-reconversion sequences suggesting either viral reinfection from mosquitoes or recrudescence by latent virus. A proportion of both bird species also lived for longer than 1 yr, thus, increasing the possibility of virus carry-over from autumn to spring. Assessment of concurrently collected mosquitoes indicated no correlative association between mosquito populations and SLE seroconversion and reconversion. European house sparrows introduced in the 1800's may have provided a supplemental link to the existing SLE virus enzootic cycle involving endemic house finches. Meteorological factors are reviewed as possible important correlates of SLE epidemics. The house finch/house sparrow serosurveillance system is also evaluated for use as an "Early Warning" indicator of SLE virus activity.

Abrocomaphthirus hoplai, a new genus and species of sucking louse from Chile and its relevance to zoogeography

Both sexes of Abrocomaphthirus hoplai, new genus and new species (Anoplura: Polyplacidae), are described and illustrated. The endemic Chilean chinchilla rat Abrocoma bennetti Waterhouse (Rodentia: Abrocomidae) is the type host. The definition of the family Polyplacidae is amended to accommodate the new genus. Polyplax longa (Werneck), also referred to in the literature as Neohaematopinus longus Werneck, is reassigned to Abrocomaphthirus. The host of A. longus comb.n., is Abrocoma cinerea Thomas, another chinchilla rat, which inhabits parts of Argentina, Bolivia, Chile and Peru. The erection of Abrocomaphthirus as a distinct genus has important zoogeographical and evolutionary implications. The tenuous anomaly of P. longa being the sole native representative of the genus Polyplax in South America, possibly with African affinities, is now refuted. Instead, partial colonization of the neotropics by native species of both Polyplax and Neohaematopinus appears to have been relatively recent and from North America. The phylogenetic affinities of Abrocomaphthirus are unknown, but it appears to be closely related to other, more ancient, native South American polyplacid louse genera, such as Cuyana, Eulinognathus, Galeophthirus, and Lagidiophthirus. Arguments are presented in support of an ancestral zoogeographical link to Africa for these louse genera.

Hantavirus (Bunyaviridae) infections in rodents from Orange and San Diego counties, California

During a screening program to determine the extent of hantavirus activity in Orange and San Diego Counties, California, serum samples from 2,365 rodents representing nine genera and 15 species were tested for hantavirus antibodies. A reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction on selected seropositive rodents was used to identify the specific hantavirus. Rodents positive for Sin Nombre virus (SNV) antibodies by Western blot included 86 (9.1%) of 948 deer mice (Peromyscus maniculatus), four (1.5%) of 275 California mice (Peromyscus californicus), one (0.5%) of 196 cactus mice (Peromyscus eremicus), 51 (12.2%) of 417 harvest mice (Reithrodontomys megalotis), and five (12.5%) of 40 California voles (Microtus californicus). All other specimens tested were negative for hantavirus antibodies. There was a correlation between age and sex of the reservoir host and prevalence of SNV antibody, especially among male deer mice and harvest mice. Few seasonal trends in antibody prevalence were observed and continued maintenance of SNV and El Moro Canyon virus was found at several foci over a 4-5-year period. Isla Vista virus was also found in voles and represents the first recorded in Orange County. Microhabitat selection on the part of these rodents based on plant density, plant height, and availability of food plants may explain, to some extent, all of the hantavirus-positive foci throughout the study area over a broad geographic range and the lack of antibody-positive rodents in dense chaparral, woodland, and riparian areas. The majority of rodents positive for SNV was identified from localities along coastal bluffs and the foothills of the Santa Ana Mountains, where trap success was high and P. maniculatus represented 43% of all rodents collected. Several residential, commercial, and industrial sites exist in these areas and the potential health risk should not be overlooked. This study represents an in-depth analysis of the prevalence, host distribution, and characteristics of rodent populations infected by three hantaviruses within a small, well-defined, geographic area.

Smoking initiation in youth: the roles of gender, race, socioeconomics, and developmental status

PURPOSE

To describe smoking initiation, and to investigate factors that predict the early initiation of smoking in schoolchildren using a longitudinal approach.

METHODS

A prospective study of smoking habits of children from the third and fourth grades through the eighth and ninth grades. The initial study population was 1970; 79.8% were white and 20.2% were African-American. Children were classified as "nonsmokers," "experimental smokers," or "current smokers" at five time points over 6 years. Multivariate regression models examined relationships of demographic and developmental factors with smoking initiation.

RESULTS

Experimental smoking increased from 4% at Grades 3-4 to 42% at Grades 8-9, and current smoking prevalence rose from 0.4% to 9% over the same period. The mean age of initiation of smoking was 12.3 years. Smoking initiation (experimental smoking) was significantly different by racial group, socioeconomic status (SES), and pubertal development. White children and those of low SES were more likely to be experimental smokers, and also started earlier than African-American children and children of high SES. Once they started, white children advanced more rapidly to become current smokers. Boys had a higher prevalence of experimental smoking than girls at all time points. Children in rural areas were more likely than urban children to start smoking after age 12 years. Children who were at a higher pubertal stage than their peers were also more likely to experiment with smoking.

CONCLUSIONS

Race, SES, and pubertal stage are important predictors of initiation of smoking in schoolchildren. This study indicates a need for smoking prevention classes in elementary and middle school, especially in areas with large numbers of white and low-SES youth. Also, smoking cessation programs, as well as smoking prevention classes, would be useful for middle school and high school students.

Comparison of a computerized physical activity recall with a triaxial motion sensor in middle-school youth

PURPOSE

To develop and test a computerized activity recall (CAR) for capturing activity and energy expenditure (EE) in youth and to further our understanding of the use of the three-dimensional accelerometer (Tritrac) for studying activity and EE.

METHODS

Forty-five students (25 girls and 20 boys) in grade 6-8, completed 5 consecutive days of the CAR and were randomly assigned to wear the Tritrac during 1 day in which they also completed the CAR. Twenty-two subjects also repeated 5 d of the CAR and 1 d of Tritrac monitoring 1-2 wk later.

RESULTS

The correlation between CAR and Tritrac for total EE was significant (r = 0.510, P = 0.0003). However, the total EE computed from the Tritrac was significantly greater than the CAR (1941 +/- 273 kcal vs 1576 +/- 343 kcal (8.14 +/- 1.14 vs 6.60 +/- 1.44 MJ); P < 0.001). The EE of activities was similar for the Tritrac and CAR, approximately 670 kcal (2.80 MJ), suggesting that the difference between the two methods was their estimates of resting EE. Comparison of the CAR and Tritrac for classifying active and inactive subjects indicated that both methods similarly classified 35 of the 45 subjects or 78% (P = 0.0038). Although significant, the Kappa statistic (kappa = 0.398) indicated a low-level of agreement between methods. The Tritrac indicated 50.4 +/- 29.2 min.d-1 of activities of > or = 3 METs, whereas the CAR indicated 76.7 +/- 71.9 min.d-1 (P = 0.02). The week 1 vs 2 test-retest correlation was 0.0485 (P = 0.022) for the Tritrac and 0.820 (P = 0.0001) for the CAR.

CONCLUSIONS

It appears that both methods have acceptable reliability. However, the validity of each method to measure total and activity EE remains unclear, as the Tritrac appears to overestimate resting energy expenditure, whereas the CAR overestimates total minutes of activity.

Family member discrepancies in report of a child's race

This paper describes the types of discrepancies in self report of a child's race in a research study of cardiovascular health in school age children. Researchers sometimes make conclusions based on the percentage of subjects from each racial group included in the study. This is particular concern because in intervention studies researchers may report differing responses to treatment based on the race variable. This study increases awareness of issues surrounding assigning race of children participating in research studies.

Ehrlichia phagocytophila genogroup rickettsiae in ixodid ticks from California collected in 1995 and 1996

A total of 1,246 ixodid ticks collected in 1995 and 1996 from seven California counties were examined for the presence of Ehrlichia phagocytophila genogroup rickettsiae by using a nested PCR technique. Of 1,112 adult Ixodes pacificus Cooley and Kohls ticks tested, nine pools, each containing five ticks, were positive (minimum percentage of ticks harboring detectable ehrlichiae, 0.8%). Positive ticks were limited to four of the seven counties (Sonoma, El Dorado, Santa Cruz, and Orange). In Santa Cruz County, three positive pools were identified at the home of an individual with prior confirmed human granulocytic ehrlichiosis. In El Dorado County, positive ticks were found at sites where cases of granulocytic ehrlichiosis in a horse and a llama had recently occurred. Among 47 nymphal I. pacificus ticks collected in Sonoma County, one positive pool was identified. Fifty-seven adult Dermacentor occidentalis Marx and 30 adult D. variabilis Say ticks, collected chiefly in southern California, were negative. These data, although preliminary, suggest that the prevalence of E. phagocytophila genogroup rickettsiae in ixodid ticks of California may be lower than in cognate vector populations (i.e., I. scapularis Say = I. dammini Spielman, Clifford, Piesman, and Corwin) in the eastern and midwestern United States.

Spatial and circadian oviposition patterns in an urban population of Culex quinquefasciatus

A transect of infusion-baited oviposition tubs was used at the Orange County (CA) Vector Control District facility to determine the circadian periodicity and the influence of urban habitat factors, such as buildings, ornamental plantings, and mercury vapor lights on Culex quinquefasciatus oviposition activity. The peak oviposition activity occurred during the first 2 h after sunset. Nearly 80% of egg rafts deposited were laid within the first 4 h after sunset and no morning ovipositional peak was detected. Urban and physical habitat factors considered had no effect on tub selection by ovipositing females. Linear analysis indicated that eggs were laid randomly among tubs. Eighty-eight percent of the rafts collected were Cx. quinquefasciatus. The remaining egg rafts were laid by Culex tarsalis, Culex stigmatosoma, and Culieseta incidens.

A reappraisal of 'osmotic' evidence for intact peptide absorption

1. The validity of evidence for intact peptide absorption, derived from analysis of the relation of water and total solute absorption, has been tested.

2. Solute and water absorption from saline solutions of the disaccharide maltose have been studied in the normal human jejunum, using a double-lumen perfusion technique with a proximal occlusive balloon. It was expected that maltose would yield very different results from peptides, because maltose is virtually completely hydrolysed before absorption, whereas a proportion at least of some peptides is transported into the intestinal mucosal cells before hydrolysis. This expectation was not confirmed by experiment.

3. The assumption that the absorbate is always isotonic with plasma has been tested by altering the osmolality of glucose/saline solutions perfused in the jejunal lumen. This assumption was not substantiated by experiment, as when the luminal fluid was hypertonic to plasma, so was the absorbate.

4. It is suggested that our findings with peptides and saccharides could be explained by the production of a hypertonic absorbate by hydrolysis of these solutes to their monomer units. We therefore conclude that analyses of the relation of net solute and water absorption cannot be used to predict the form in which peptides enter the mucosal cells.

A study of relations between the absorption of amino acids, dipeptides, water and electrolytes in the normal human jejunum

1. A double-lumen perfusion technique was used to study the effect of a wide range of concentrations of the dipeptide glycyl-L-alanine and its constituent amino acids on water and electrolyte absorption from iso-osmotic solutions in the upper jejunum of normal human subjects. 2. There was no significant absorption of water and electrolytes from sodium chloride solution (150 mmol/l) but the presence of the dipeptide or its constituent amino acids stimulated water and electrolyte absorption. 3. Water absorption reached a peak at increasing amino acid and dipeptide concentrations and then tailed off. Our data suggest that the tailing off is not solely due to the diminished sodium content of the solutions. 4. During perfusion of the dipeptide-sodium chloride and amino acid-sodium chloride solutions solute and water were absorbed as an iso-osmotic solution. Analysis of the results indicates that this could occur at high dipeptide concentrations only if the majority of the dipeptide enters the cell intact.

Ileal function in patients with untreated adult coeliac disease

A double-lumen perfusion technique has been used to investigate jejunal and ileal absorption of glucose, water, and electrolytes in a group of patients with untreated adult coeliac disease. Correct positioning of the tube was confirmed by measuring the differential jejunal and ileal handling of bicarbonate. Eight control subjects and eight patients with coeliac disease were perfused with an isotonic electrolyte solution containing 50 mM glucose and 25 mM bicarbonate. The group of coeliac patients had impaired jejunal absorption of glucose (P less than 0.001), water (P less than 0.01), sodium (P less than 0.02), and chloride (P greater than 0.05) compared with the control group. In contrast the group of coeliac patients had normal ileal glucose and water absorption and increased ileal sodium (P greater than 0.01) and chloride (P greater than 0.05) absorption compared with the controls. Evidence for ileal adaptation was found in three individual patients who had absorptive values outside 2SD of the normal mean. The results indicate that the distal small intestine in coeliac disease has the ability to adopt to the damage and loss of absorptive capacity in the proximal small intestine.

Functional differentiation of human jejunum and ileum: a comparison of the handling of glucose, peptides, and amino acids

The characteristics of glucose, glycine, L-alanine, and glycyl-L-alanine absorption from the jejunum and ileum have been compared in normal human subjects. A perfusion technique has been used, and correct positioning of the perfusion tube has been confirmed by measuring the differential jejunal and ileal handling of bicarbonate. Glucose and glycine were absorbed faster from the jejunum than from the ileum of all subjects studied, and L-alanine was absorbed faster from the jejunum than from the ileum in five out of six subjects studied. In contrast, the dipeptide glycyl-L-alanine was absorbed at comparable rates from the jejunum and ileum. Higher concentrations of free amino acids were detected in the luminal contents aspirated during the ileal dipeptide perfusions.These results emphasize the importance of oligopeptide transport in the absorption of protein digestion products, especially in the human ileum, and the practical implications of these findings are discussed.

Absorption of two tripeptides by the human small intestine: a study using a perfusion technique

1. A double-lumen perfusion technique has been used in man to study intestinal absorption of two tripeptides, glycyl-glycyl-glycine and l-alanyl-glycyl-glycine. Intraluminal tripeptide hydrolysis has been investigated by incubating both tripeptides in vitro with fresh uncentrifuged saline aspirates.

2. Glycine was absorbed faster from a glycyl-glycyl-glycine solution (3·3 mmol/l) than from an equivalent (10 mmol/l) glycine solution, and both l-alanine and glycine were absorbed faster from 10 mmol/l l-alanyl-glycyl-glycine than from the equivalent amino acid mixture. Free amino acids and dipeptides were aspirated during the tripeptide perfusions.

3. l-Alanyl-glycyl-glycine was hydrolysed faster than glycyl-glycyl-glycine in vitro, and results indicated that hydrolysis of the tripeptides occurred from the N-terminal end of the molecule. Intraluminal tripeptide hydrolysis was not sufficient to account for the concentrations of free amino acids and dipeptides liberated during the tripeptide perfusion experiments in vivo.

4. It is suggested that the liberated amino acids and dipeptides either diffused back into the luminal contents after hydrolysis in the brush border had taken place, or effluxed from the mucosal cell after intracellular tripeptide hydrolysis.

Flashtube-pumped dye laser with multiple-prism tuning

A four-prism tuning system has been built and tested in a flashtube-pumped rhodamine 6G dye-solution laser. Equations for calculating reflection losses and prism dimensions are given, and performance characteristics of the tuned laser are presented. The half-power points of the tuning range were 571 nm and 615 nm, and the output bandwidth at peak power was 0.17 nm at half-maximum. The energy output at 595 nm was 0.14 J.