Astronomy Research and Extraterrestrial Life
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A 4 page overview of man's quest for the discovery of extraterrestrial life. The author outlines some of the criteria that astronomers believe would be necessary for life to exist and emphasizes the importance of ongoing astronomical research. Bibliography lists 2 sources.
Filename: PPextrat.rtf

Aviadenovirus
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A 5 page overview of the adenoviruses with a particular emphasis on research concerning aviadenovirus, the adenovirus which infects domestic chickens, ducks, turkey, quail and other species of fowl. Bibliography lists 4 sources.
Filename: Aviad.wps

Avian Flu 2
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This 10 page paper examines the occurrence and reporting of bird flu cases. The paper starts by looking at the different reports from the World Health Organization and what data is contained in the reports, how it is collected and the barriers to effective collection. The paper then looks at the spread and mortality rate of the disease and trends in the way the disease is spread in different patients, considering age, gender and locations, the paper also looks at the current research. The bibliography cites 2 sources.
Filename: TEbirdflu2.rtf

Avian Influenza
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This 12 page paper examines Avian Influenza, often referred to as ‘bird flu’ focusing on the H5N1 variant that is seen as the most likely A strain variant that could cause a human pandemic. The paper outlines the problem, looks at the condition, including mortality and morbidity, symptoms and clinical progression as well as geographical, seasonal and demographic factors and influences. The paper then considers the current hypotheses concerning avian influenza and looks at the potential sources of information and the current gaps in research. The bibliography cites 10 sources.
Filename: TEbirdflu.rtf

Bacterial Interactions With Plants
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An 8 page overview of the effects and interactions of bacteria on plants. Emphasizes that plants are dependent on some of these interactions but are adversely impacted by others. Includes commercial and non-commercial impacts as well as a mention of efforts to commercially capitalize on the interactions of plants and bacteria by producing strains which benefit from the positive microbial interactions and are resistant to the less beneficial interactions. Bibliography lists 8 sources.
Filename: Plantbac.wps

Bacterial Resistance to Antibiotics: Modern Lessons from Evolutionary Theory
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A 4 page discussion of the practical lessons available in evolution which are applicable to our everyday lives. The author contends that evolutionary theory can have direct application in identifying solutions for a number of real world problems, one of the most concerning of which is the recent phenomena of resistance to antibiotics being noted in some species of bacteria. Bibliography lists 6 sources.
Filename: PPbactEv.rtf

Bat Echolocation: The Perception of Distance and Depth Through the use of Sonar
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This 4 page paper provides an overview of the basic elements of bat echolocation as an process that is separate from the auditory and visual receptive capabilities of other mammals. This paper considers the prevalent biological structures and other components of bat physiology that determine the capacity for echolocation, also known as sonar. Bibliography lists 4 sources.
Filename: MHbateco.wps

Battling Cytisus scoparius in Oregon
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A 3 page paper discussing the human impact of a noxious weed common in Oregon. Cytisus scoparius (Scotch broom) was introduced into Oregon for the purpose of controlling erosion, but it led to an even larger problem. C. scoparius now is a noxious weed in Oregon and has been quite successful in surviving efforts to eradicate it. Efforts at biological control were begun in 1997, but so far have not met with great success in slowing the spread of the weed. Bibliography lists 3 sources.
Filename: KSbotScBrmOR.rtf

Behavioral Evolution and the Formation of Culture
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An 8 page discussion of behavioral evolution and the role of behavioral science in that evolution. Notes that behavioral changes occur over time on both an individual level and a cultural level. Compares these changes with biological evolution through the process of natural selection. Warns that while the intervention of behavioral science may be of positive use in correcting truly aberrant individual behavior, it could be of tremendous adverse impact to cultural evolution as a whole. Encourages cultural self-control and warns against the approach of Westernization and deliberate cultural design and intervention. Bibliography lists 3 sources.
Filename: PPcultE2.wps