The article explains why the Jeep 545RFE automatic transmission, despite being labeled as a five-speed, actually has six gears due to its internal planetary gearset design, including two second gears used for different shifting scenarios. It details the transmission's history, design features, and the benefits of its complex clutch system and adaptive learning control, highlighting its robustness and innovative engineering.
The article discusses the ecology and spread of the highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza in North America, highlighting multiple introductions from Europe and Asia, the critical role of migratory wild birds in dispersal across flyways, and the ongoing transmission dynamics involving wild and domestic birds, with implications for surveillance and outbreak control.
The Netherlands played a pioneering role in automotive transmission technology with DAF's 1959 Variomatic CVT, which used a belt and pulley system for infinite gear ratios, leading to improved fuel economy. This technology was later adapted by Subaru in 1989 with electronic controls, making CVTs more common in modern vehicles, especially hybrids. The Variomatic's legacy includes its influence on the development of automatic transmissions and its widespread use in cars and racing.
The Energy Department finalized a $1.6 billion loan guarantee for American Electric Power to upgrade and rebuild 5,000 miles of transmission lines across five states, aiming to modernize the grid, expand capacity, and support economic growth, with the project benefiting from recent policy changes and emphasizing the role of government in strategic energy infrastructure.
A CDC study suggests that the H5N1 bird flu virus is evolving to better infect mammals, though it still poses little risk to the general public. Detected in nearly 50 people in the U.S. this year, the virus has shown mild symptoms in humans but transmits easily between ferrets, a model for studying flu transmission. The study highlights the virus's potential to spread among mammals, though no human-to-human transmission has been observed. Researchers are monitoring the virus for genetic changes that could affect its behavior.
Two new cases of the Clade 1b mpox strain have been identified in London, linked to household contacts of a previously reported case. This variant, first detected in central Africa, is more easily transmissible between people. The UK Health Security Agency is monitoring the situation, emphasizing that the overall risk to the public remains low. The agency is working to identify and contact all potential contacts of the infected individuals to prevent further spread. Mpox, also known as monkeypox, spreads through close physical contact and has been declared a global health emergency by the WHO.
The five-speed transmission is nearly extinct in the U.S., with only two cars offering it, one automatic and one manual. The fifth-generation Toyota 4Runner, the last vehicle with a five-speed automatic, is being replaced with an eight-speed model, while the base-model Nissan Versa remains the only option for a five-speed manual. The shift towards more gears and the rise of CVTs in cheaper cars are contributing to the decline of the five-speed transmission, which was first introduced in 1991.
The CDC issued a health alert after a cow-to-human transmission of H5N1 bird flu in Texas, marking a concerning development in the spread of this highly pathogenic virus, which has been affecting various species globally and posing potential pandemic risks. The virus strain identified in the Texan farm worker is not readily transmissible between humans and therefore not a pandemic threat, but it's a significant development nonetheless. The article also provides background on bird flu, symptoms, food safety, and prevention measures to avoid a potential pandemic.
Hong Kong reports its first human case of B virus, also known as herpes simiae virus, transmitted from wild monkeys. The 37-year-old man was attacked and injured by monkeys at Kam Shan Country Park and is now in critical condition. The virus causes flu-like symptoms and can lead to brain damage or death. It is spread through bites, scratches, or contact with monkey tissue or fluid. There is no vaccine, and only 50 human infections have been documented since 1932, with 21 resulting in death. Treatment includes antiviral medications and, in some cases, antiretroviral therapy.
Highly pathogenic avian influenza has spread to dairy herds in Michigan and Idaho, with presumptive positive test results also reported in New Mexico, Texas, and Idaho. The virus strain appears to have been introduced by wild birds, and there is concern it may have spread to Europe as well. However, initial testing hasn't found changes to the virus that would make it more transmissible to humans, and there's no concern about the safety of the commercial milk supply.
Mpox cases in the United States have doubled compared to last year, with 511 cases reported through March 16. Experts emphasize the need to improve vaccination coverage as transmission risks rise, especially with the emergence of a more transmissible and severe subtype. Men who have sex with men and those with HIV are particularly at risk, and efforts to reach these populations are crucial. Vaccination is seen as a more sustainable measure for prevention, and the availability of the vaccine is expected to expand, but challenges remain in ensuring access and treatment amidst tight budget pressures in the sexual health field.
A reader is concerned about contracting herpes simplex virus (HSV-1) after a sexual encounter with a partner who is on antiviral medication. Dr. Keith Roach explains that the risk of transmission is reduced but not eliminated by the medication and brief exposure, and recommends using condoms. He also addresses concerns about artificial sweeteners for people with Type 2 diabetes, noting that there is no clear benefit of using natural sweeteners over synthetic ones. Additionally, he shares a success story of diagnosing takotsubo cardiomyopathy in a reader and provides advice on various personal issues in his column.
Leprosy, also known as Hansen's disease, is resurfacing in the US, particularly in parts of the southeastern region such as Florida, with an urgent need for health care providers to report new cases immediately. The disease primarily affects the skin and peripheral nervous system, causing physical deformity and desensitizing one's ability to feel pain on affected skin. While leprosy is preventable and treatable, efforts to control and eradicate it worldwide need to be enhanced, with the World Health Organization launching a plan in 2021 for achieving zero leprosy.
Head lice infestations are common among children due to frequent head-to-head contact during play and shared spaces in school environments. Lice do not discriminate based on cleanliness or socioeconomic circumstances and are transmitted through direct head-to-head contact or sharing personal items. Itching may not be experienced until weeks after infestation and scratching can lead to skin irritation and bacterial infections. Hair color or dye treatments do not affect lice infestation, and pets do not transmit head lice. Reporting infestations to school nurses and close contacts can prevent further spread and lead to recommendations for safe and efficient treatment at home.
A two-year review by researchers at McMaster University suggests that school closures may not have been necessary to prevent the spread of COVID-19, as schools and daycares were not significant sources of virus transmission when infection prevention and control measures were in place. The review, published in The Lancet Child and Adolescent Health, found that strategies such as masking, vaccinations, and test-to-stay policies were effective in reducing COVID-19 spread in educational settings, while measures like mandatory quarantining and hybrid learning showed uncertain effectiveness. The review also highlighted the negative impacts of school closures on educational disparities, social and emotional development, and mental health, and emphasized the importance of keeping schools open with appropriate measures in place.
