DNA assays for detection, identification, and individualization of select agent microorganisms.

The purpose of this article is to review the status of DNA assays used for the detection, identification, and individualization of Bacillus anthracis, Yersinia pestis, Francisella tularensis, Burkholderia mallei, and Brucella abortus. These select agent microorganisms are historically significant as they have either been used or experimented with as a bioweapon or as a terrorist agent and are the subject of intense research in the areas of biodefense and bioforensics. If the presence of a biological agent is suspected, sensitive and specific assays for rapid detection and identification are necessary.

Accommodative responses to chronic irradiation: effects of dose, dose rate, and pharmacological response modifiers.

Low-level radiation exposures are expected to have long-term health implications but few near-term effects that would impair function. These assumptions are based on extrapolation from acute exposure responses, not on studies of a larger array of exposure scenarios (e.g.