The Great Barrier Reef (GBR) is a continental archipelagic system of 5000 reefs and shoals stretching >2000 km along the east Australia coast. The interconnectivity of these reefs should determine the choice of biological management units, which for most biota will reflect the dispersal of their eggs and/or larvae. A comparative approach using population genetics was used to ask whether the along-shore dispersal of coral reef fishes is influenced by the duration of this mobile phase. Seven species of coral reef fish, selected from three families to provide a range of taxonomic diversity and pelagic larval durations, were tested for genetic homogeneity between two regions of the GBR separated by 1000 km. A spectrum of potential dispersal capabilities was analyzed from that of Acanthochromis polyacanthus, a damselfish with brood care that uniquely lacks pelagic larvae, to that of Ctenochaetus striatus, a surgeonfish with large, specialized larvae that spend several months in the plankton. A total of 19 enzyme systems and general proteins were examined from multiple populations in each region to provide a base of 32 loci for these comparisons. With one exception, species sampled from different coral reefs within regions showed statistically significant heterogeneities across multiple loci, indicative of chaotic genetic patchiness among the samples. The exception was an anemonefish, Amphiprion melanopus, that had to be collected from large areas on each reef because of its low densities. The homogeneity of allele frequencies at local scales for this species suggests that the genetic patchiness observed in others may be a within-reef phenomenon that was manifested at the reef scale by our pseudoreplicated sampling strategy. After pooling local variability, all but two species showed significant regional differ- ences. The exceptions were the pair (Ctenochaetus striatus, Pterocaesio chrysozona) with the longest larval durations. Acanthochromis polyacanthus showed increased variation at this larger scale, consistent with a major stock division between the two regions. The logarithm of genetic variation between northern and southern populations (measured by Weir and Cockerham's Fst)was correlated with mean larval duration by an inverse linear relationship that explained 85% of the variance in the global data set. Comparison with an outgroup (Amphiprion melanopus from the Chesterfield Reefs, 1000 km east in the Coral Sea) confirmed the genetic cohesion of mainland populations for the species with shortest larval duration and shows that our empirical relationship applies only within the context of the highly connected GBR. On this basis, calculations of gene flow (Nem, the number of effective migrants per generation) between geographic regions predict panmixis for species with larval durations exceeding 1 mo. Many common species have shorter dispersal times, from which classical "isolation-by-distance" models predict differentiation between northern and southern pop- ulations at genetic equilibrium. Given that modern populations on the GBR are <10000 yr old, however, there has not been sufficient time for such differences to evolve in situ and we consider alternative scenarios for the observed heterogeneities. Comparisons with invertebrate taxa sampled over the same spatial scales imply lower gene flows in fish despite longer pelagic durations. This suggests that fish larvae may use their greater mobility to retard, rather than enhance, dispersal due to hydrodynamic advection.


Copper solubility and its bioavailability to Phaseolus vulgaris in long-term copper-contaminated soils, uncontaminated soils, and copper-spiked soils were studied. The role of plant factors, total copper load in soils, and/or the aging effect on the uptake of copper was explored so as to assess health risks through contamination of the food chain associated with growing the crop on such soils. Contaminated soils and clean soils were collected from coffee-growing fields in Kilimanjaro and Arusha, Tanzania. Two bean seeds were sown per pot, replicated three times, and arranged in a randomized design in a glass house. Copper spiking significantly increased extractable copper, as expected. For all of the treatments except for the Mwanga and Arumeru control soils, the addition of CuSO4 did not significantly increase the humic-acid-bound copper, but it significantly increased the fulvic-acid-bound copper (p = 0.05). Moshi soils had significantly higher concentrations of copper in the bean shoots than was the case with other treatments (p = 0.05). For the respective soil types, there was no significant difference in the concentrations of copper in bean leaves between spiked and unspiked treatments (p = 0.05). Bean shoots did not accumulate copper beyond the normal concentrations.


This report is the proceedings of a topical meeting on the recovery of uranium from seawater, held at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology on December 1-2, 1980. The meeting was sponsored by the United States Department of Energy and hosted by the MIT Energy Laboratory and Nuclear Engineering Department. Workers from six different countries presented a total of sixteen papers in three major categories: the state-of-the-art resulting from past efforts; detailed results from sorber preparation and performance experiments; and overall system design aspects. Sorbers discussed include hydrous titanium oxide, ion exchange resins, chitosan, humic acids and activated carbon. Systems for contacting seawater with the sorber include actively pumped, current and wave-powered concepts. Filter configurations include thin multilayer stacks, fluidized beds and free falling particles. Several of the researchers estimated eventual production costs in the 200 to 400 $/lb U/sub 3/O/sub 8/ range, although values as high as 2000 $/lb were also quoted. The bulk of the proceedings is comprised of the unedited papers, as provided by the authors. The proceedings also include edited transcripts of the discussions on all papers and the panel and concluding discussions. All papers have been abstracted separately.


We consider spherically symmetric accretion onto a small, possibly primordial, black hole residing at the center of a neutron star governed by a cold nuclear equation of state (EOS). We generalize the relativistic Bondi solution for such EOSs, approximated by piecewise polytropes, and thereby obtain analytical expressions for the steady-state matter profiles and accretion rates. We compare these rates with those found by time-dependent, general relativistic hydrodynamical simulations upon relaxation and find excellent agreement. We consider several different candidate EOSs, neutron star masses and central densities and find that the accretion rates vary only little, resulting in an accretion rate that depends primarily on the black hole mass, and only weakly on the properties of the neutron star.


This paper reports on the first qualitative part of a study designed to investigate factors related to the use of condoms among African-American and Hispanic adolescents and young adults in Detroit. This paper describes who young, urban, African-American and Hispanic persons talk to about AIDS and condoms and what they are learning. The paper provides data on attitudes and beliefs about AIDS and condoms that are needed for further research and for prevention programs.


Excessive repetitive impacts in football are linked to chronic and non-contact injuries. Number of factors (extrinsic and intrinsic) play roles on such injuries. Purpose: Our study aimed to investigate the effect of midsoles, surfaces and speci�c football movements on peak vertical ground reaction force (VGRF). Materials and Methods: The studs of two football boots, arti�cial turf boots (ATB) and natural grass boots (NGB), used in this study were removed, after which the soles were smoothed and covered with abrasive paper. 17 male subjects 26 (±6) years old, 181(±7) cm, 79 (±11) kg performed two speci�c football movements (cutting 135° and penalty kick) on arti�cial turf (AT) and natural grass (NG) with ATB and NGB. The cushioning characteristics of the two football boots and resilience modulus of the two surfaces NG and AT were measured with an impactor machine and light falling weight de�ectometer. Results: Peak VGRF was measured with insole measurement system for all possible conditions. Our �ndings determined that the ATB (softer midsole) generates greater VGRF (2.25BW) than the NGB (1.95BW) – an increase of 15%. In terms of the surface, the AT with higher resilience modulus results in higher VGRF. Moreover, the peak VGRF of the cutting movement (2.28BW) differed signi�cantly compared to the penalty kick (1.99BW). Conclusion: Our results indicate that in boot-surface interaction, the effect of midsole boot cushioning on VGRF is more tangible than surface resilience. However, this study motivates boot developers to design a football boot based on all three variables: midsole hardness, movements and surface hardness.


The solubility property of the Zn(NO3)2—Val—H2O system at 25°C in the whole composition range has been investigated by the semimicrophase equilibrium method. The corresponding phase diagrams and refractive index diagrams were constructed. From the phase equilibrium results, the incongruently soluble compounds Zn(Val)(NO3)2 ·2H2O, Zn(Val)2(NO3)2 ·H2O, and Zn(Val)3(NO3)2·H2O were synthesized and characterized by IR, XRD, TG—DTG, as well as chemical and elemental analyses. The constant-volume combustion energies of the compounds, ΔcE, determined by a precision rotating bomb calorimeter at 298.15 K, were (−10064.24 ± 5.41) J g−1, (−13523.98 ± 7.54) J g−1, and (−16116.13 ± 7.58) J g−1, respectively. The standard enthalpies of combustion for these compounds, ΔcH, were calculated to be (−3442.21 ± 2.25) kJ mol −1, (−5971.2 ± 3.32) kJ mol−1, and (−9007.26 ± 4.24) kJ mol−1 while the standard enthalpies of formation were (−1017.34± 2.00) kJ mol−1, (−1742.93 ± 3.61) kJ mol−1, and (−2245.70 ± 4.73) kJ mol−1. The enthalpies of solution in condition of simulating human gastric juice (37°C, pH = 1, the solution of hydrochloric acid), which were also measured by a microcalorimeter, were (22.17 ± 0.05) kJ mol−1, (14.89 ± 0.04) kJ mol−1, and (6.85 ± 0.07) kJ mol−1, respectively.


This paper sketches a conceptual framework for thinking about perception. By identifying certain signi cant aspects of key empirical studies, I endorse and defend the increasingly in uential view that perception should be conceptualized an an activity performed by an autonomous agent in the context of some adaptive behaviour. I then draw upon insights from ecological, dynamical and enactive views on the relationship between perceiving agents and their environments to develop a philosophical account of active perception. Finally I suggest how the mechanisms identi ed by the previously mentioned empirical work t into the conceptual framework.


Crossostephium chinense is a traditional Chinese medicinal herb and it is often cultivated as an ornamental plant. Previous studies on this species mainly focused on its chemical composition and it was represented rarely and marginally in genetic studies, which limited knowledge about its genetic background, and thus genomic resources remain scarce. To develop both chloroplast and nuclear polymorphic microsatellites for C. chinense, potential microsatellites were screened from genome skimming data of two individuals of C. chinense. Sixty-four and 63 cpSSR markers were identified from two chloroplast genomes of C. chinense. This study performed for the first-ever study on employment of genome skimming data and CandiSSR, consequently a total of 133 polymorphic nSSRs were developed. Ten nSSRs were randomly selected to test their transferability across 35 individuals from three populations of C. chinense, and 20 individuals each of Artemisia stolonifera and A. argyi. Cross-amplifications were successful done for C. chinense, and were partially successful amplified for both Artemisia species. The number of alleles varied from two to nine. The observed heterozygosity and expected heterozygosity per locus ranged from 0.000 to 0.286 and from 0.029 to 0.755, respectively. These genomic resources will be valuable for population genetics and conservation studies in C. chinense and Artemisia.


Understanding why some regions have higher levels of diversity and which factors are driving the occurrence of species in a particular area is crucial for environmental management and for the development of species conservation strategies. In this study, we studied seven species of the Caesalpinioideae that are endemic in Central Africa (Democratic Republic of the Congo, Burundi and Rwanda). The objectives of this study were to identify the environmental factors that constrain their distribution, to determine the potential areas where each species could be present, to assess the current conservation status of each species and to evaluate how well the species are protected by the protected areas in the region. Distributions were analyzed and potential distributions predicted using the Maxent species distribution algorithm with climatic (precipitation and temperature) and non-climatic predictor variables (soil, elevation, and slope). Environmental variables and species occurrence data were obtained respectively from the WorldClim database and from herbarium specimens kept at the National Botanic Garden of Belgium and the Universite Libre de Bruxelles. Our results suggest that the distribution of endemic species is influenced by a combination of climatic and non-climatic variables. Soil type, temperature annual range and precipitation of the driest month were the most important predictor variables. Overlaying the potential distributions of the seven selected species indicated three areas of concentration of endemic species which should be given particular conservation attention. Comparing the potential distributions to the current Central African protected areas showed that the endemic species are not well protected, as 97% of their potential habitat is localized outside protected areas. Hence, additional reserves should be created to improve the protection of these endemic plant species.

 Key words: Caesalpinioideae, maxent, species distribution model, species response curve, protected area.


The Fairbanks North seismic refraction/ wide-angle reflection profile, collected by the U.S. Geological Survey Trans-Alaska Crustal Transect (TACT) project in 1987, crosses the complex region between the Yukon-Tanana and Ruby terranes in interior Alaska. This region is occupied by numerous small terranes elongated in a northeast-southwest direction. These seismic data reveal a crustal velocity structure that is divided into three upper-crustal and at least two middle- to lower-crustal domains. The upper-crustal domains are delineated by two steeply dipping low-velocity anomalies that are interpreted as signatures of the Victoria Creek fault, and the Beaver Creek fault or a fault buried by the Beaver Creek fault. This tripartite upper crust extends to 8-10 km depth where a subhorizontal interface undercuts the northern and central domains. Beneath the northern domain, this interface is interpreted as the southeastwardly dipping boundary between the Tozina and Ruby terranes. The continuation of this interface beneath the central domain suggests that it may represent the detachment or basal thrust for thin-skinned tectonic amalgamation of the terranes caught between the Yukon-Tanana and Ruby terranes. The lower crust and Moho reflection exhibit differences from north to south that define at least two lower-crustal domains, interpreted as the Yukon-Tanana and Ruby terranes. Finally, the crustal thickness along the profile is nearly uniform and ranges from 31 to 34 km. Our data suggest that after initial thin-skinned amalgamation of the various terranes, this region experienced thick-skinned tectonic reorganization via strike-slip faulting. This interpretation supports a model in which at least one strand of the Tintina fault exists in this important region of Alaska.


Behavioural standards, that is, stipulations that parties will act according to principles of good faith, loyalty, trustworthiness and the like, appear regularly in commercial contracts. Contract law doesn't appear to take them very seriously. Legal reticence over enforcement is understandable, given the difficulty of determining what the parties hope to achieve by including these provisions in their agreements. This article examines some aspects of behavioural standards and the contract law response to them. It suggests some reasons why contract law adopts a cautious approach to enforcement, and argues that, while often not appearing to create any kind of legal obligation, such provisions may play an important role in the interpretation of the agreement, particularly in what might broadly be identified as 'relational' contract settings.


We investigate to what extent estimated relationships of the IMF's monetary model and their policy implications are sample dependent. This model constitutes the core of the IMF's financial programming models for developing and emerging economies. We observe that estimates of the model's key parameters and model-based measures of macroeconomic disequilibria are highly dependent on data vintage employed. Changes in parameter estimates solely due to data revisions are found to be much smaller than those owing to parameter instability, which may be due to model misspecification. Moreover, instability in parameter estimates contributes to more uncertainty in evaluations of macroeconomic excesses than data revisions. It is shown that analyses based on a version of the model in difference form are more robust across data vintages than those based on the model with variables in levels. Well specified models that take into account known data revisions may also have relatively stable parameter estimates and hence more robust policy implications.


Audience participation has become a salient component of contemporary digital news environments, challenging traditional boundaries between readers and journalists. In this paper, we present an analytical framework for the evaluation of participation features in news websites, consisting of five axes: Chronology—the stage of news production; Visibility—transparency and prominence; Agency—users' and editors' level of activity; Integration—segregation versus embeddedness of participatory features; and Share-ability—inner, public and social circles of activity. This framework was developed in a cross-cultural study based on a grounded theory approach. We examined participation features in 15 prominent news websites in the United Kingdom, the United States and Israel, and conducted a cross-national and cross-organizational analysis. Other than the use of advanced social plugins, no significant cross-national differences were found in the implementation of participatory features. However, the differences discovered between news organizations require further investigation into the factors shaping the selection and construction of news-based participatory features.


OBJECTIVE
To discuss the role of FLOW 800 innovative software for analytical color visualization and objective evaluation of fluorescence videos obtained by microscope-integrated intraoperative indocyanine green (ICG) fluorescence angiography in arteriovenous malformations (AVM) surgery.

MATERIALS AND METHODS
Microscope-integrated intraoperative FLOW 800 was used and evaluated in three consecutive AVM surgeries over a period of two months. The role of FLOW 800 to distinguish feeding arteries from arterialized veins and other arteries was evaluated. Its advantages and limitations over conventional intraoperative ICG angiography were evaluated.

RESULTS
This software was found to be useful in identifying arterial feeders, arterialized veins and other arteries in all the three patients and it gives additional information on the status of AVM before and after clipping suspected feeders which is sometimes difficult to interpret on conventional ICG angiography.

CONCLUSION
Flow 800 is a reliable and useful addition to microscope-integrated color ICG video angiography. Although its role is limited in deep-seated AVMs, if properly dissected and exposed it can give useful information which can be easily interpretable and reproducible.


The river's ability in flowing water has been there naturally. The benchmarks of river ability in carrying out the function are mentioned as the river performance; however, the benchmarks of river infrastructure ability in carrying out the function are mentioned as the river infrastructure performance. This study intends to review some aspects of the previous research related to river performance and infrastructure. The methodology consists of reviewing several acts and relevant previous research that some aspects have been proved to influence the river performance and infrastructure. The aspects are classified into two categories: 1) technical aspect that is directly affecting the river performance (come from the nature condition); and 2) non-technical aspect that is indirectly affecting the river performance (come from human intervention). The result shows that: 1) The technical aspects affecting the river performance and infrastructure are erosion, sedimentation, slope, infiltration, morphology, and vegetation surrounding the river; 2) The non-technical aspects that are affecting the river performance and infrastructure consists of land use, residential density, trash, operation and maintenance of river, human activity, and government policy.


Decades of apartheid policies have resulted in marked racial inequalities in health in South Africa. The black:white rate ratio of diarrhoea among children aged less than five years, one of the five most common causes of infant and child deaths, stood at 6.5 in 1998. Using data from the 1998 South African Demographic and Health Survey, this paper examines the mechanisms of this racial disparity. The research confirms the presence of persistent racial inequalities in access to safe drinking-water and sanitation and in maternal education and household wealth, with the black population constituting the most disadvantaged group. While the living environment and access to safe drinking-water explain the excessive risk of diarrhoea among the black population compared to the coloured and Indian populations, the excessive risk of diarrhoea among the black population compared to the white population cannot be explained by disparities in the living environment, hygiene levels, and socioeconomic factors.


In this paper the development of a high-power pulsed LED line light and its use to apply particle image velocimetry (PIV) during wave impact measurements are described. An electrical circuit that generates high-current pulses is designed and built, which is used to overdrive a number of commercially available LEDs. The limit for this overdrive-capacity is determined as function of pulse duration for various commercial available LEDs. Two systems of cylindrical convex lenses are designed to act as a collimator and reduce divergence of the LED bundle and the resulting light sheet properties (maximum light intensity and sheet thickness) are investigated. An array of LEDs of 60 cm length (referred to as the LED line light) is designed and manufactured. For the two lens systems, the LED line light provides proper light sheet conditions to illuminate measurement regions in the order of either 0.3 × 0.3 m2, or 1 × 1 m2, at a sufficiently constant light sheet thickness of 5 mm. The application of the LED line light is demonstrated by quantifying the instantaneous flow field of a wave impacting on a blunt object in a wave flume. PIV measurements are conducted at an acquisition rate of 25 frame pairs per second, quantifying maximum flow velocities in the order of 1.0 m s−1 at a LED pulse width of 200 μs. The system, consisting of the LED line light, a CMOS camera and open source PIV processing software provides the possibility to perform 2D planar PIV measurements for a fraction of the costs of a commercially available laser based PIV system.


This paper recounts our experience on the use of a modified Lytic-cocktail regime in the management of eclampsia at the University Obstetric Unit, General Hospital, Kandy, Sri Lanka. Our results have been compared with those obtained with the original Lytic-cocktail use by earlier workers and the regime, though studied only in a small series, has proved to be effective. We recommend that our modified Lytic-cocktail regime be widely adopted in the management of eclampsia.


Spacecraft materials on orbit are subjected to the harsh weather of space. In particular, high-energy electrons alter the chemical structure of polymers and cause charge accumulation. Understanding the mechanisms of damage and charge dissipation is critical to spacecraft construction and operational anomaly resolution. Energetic particles in space plasma break molecular bonds in polymers and create radicals that can act as space charge traps. These electron-induced chemical changes also result in changes to the spectral absorption profile of polymers on orbit. Radicals react over time, either recreating identical bonds to those in the pristine material, leading to material recovery, or creating new bonds, resulting in a new material with new physical properties. Lack of knowledge about this dynamic aging is a major impediment to accurate modeling of spacecraft behavior over its mission life. This chapter first presents an investigation of the chemical and physical properties of polyimide films (PI, Kapton-H®) during and after irradiation with high-energy (90 keV) electrons. Second, the deleterious effects of space plasma on a spacecraft component level are presented. The results of this physical/chemical collaboration demonstrate the correlation of chemical changes in PI with the dynamic nature of spacecraft material aging.


Background: In addition to the socioeconomic problems, COVID-19 related lockdown may have profound mental health consequences. Aims and Objectives: The objectives were to assess the influence of lockdown on lifestyle, psychosocial stresses, and experienced quality of life (QOL). The study also assesses the association of the socio-demographic variables with lifestyle, psychosocial stress, and QOL. Methodology: An online survey on the lifestyle changes, psychosocial stress, and QOL were conducted using a validated questionnaire via the Google forms platform. The data collected were analysed using parametric and nonparametric tests. Results: The study included 263 respondents. The fear of developing COVID-19 was reported by 67.7%, 31.2% experienced weight gain, internet use was increased in 66.9%, and alcoholism and smoking decreased by 83.3% and 58.8%, respectively. Lockdown upset 48.3% moderately, and 36.1% experienced anxiety, 23.4% feared job loss, and 51.3% had financial worries. 91.1% of the study population reported fair to good QOL. Females showed significantly more religiosity, (Χ 7.81; p= 0.02) did lesser exercise, (Χ 10.9; p= 0.023) and had poor mood. (t=2.68; p=0.009) Older people were less afraid of COVID-19 infection and were less upset by the lockdown. The urban population was more fearful of COVID19 and were more upset by the lockdown. Conclusion: Lockdown had a major effect on lifestyle and increased psychosocial stress, but people still experienced a fair QOL during this period.


A multicentre study involving 36 out of 38 German medico-legal Institutes discovered 784 non-natural fatalities among 78,000 external examinations before cremation (1%) in 1995. These included 169 accidents, 16 suicides, 3 homicides and 589 deaths in connection with medical treatment. In the remaining 7 cases, a belated differentiation between homicide and accident was not successful. A linear projection results in 1980 non-natural fatalities among all 197,000 external examinations before cremation. This number includes 8 homicides but due to considerable inhomogeneities, a number of 40 homicides appears to be realistic. Consequently, abolishing the mandatory external examination before cremation would be equivalent to an official renouncement of solving relevant non-natural deaths. In case of a thorough external examination, a total of 18,000 non-natural fatalities including approximately 180 homicides could be detected per year during the first external examinations (n = 885,000).


The Netherlands is one of the countries where the Englishization of higher
 education is most evident. The percentage of bachelor's and master's
 programmes at Dutch universities through the medium of English is among
 the highest in Europe. This chapter addresses the concern and public
 controversy generated by the preponderance of English. It illustrates how
 language policy encapsulates the changes in Dutch universities and the
 impacts these have on stakeholders and compares these with a study of
 students' perceptions of EMI. The analysis contends that Englishization
 can only be understood in the light of the impact of neoliberalism on
 academia, highlighting the incongruity between the critical voices in
 the public controversy and the discourse of university administrators.


Bioimpedance (BIA) is the most frequently used technology for body composition assessment at a daily clinical level, mostly due to its low price and user-friendly operation. However, many doubts persist regarding its physiological meaning and applicability. The present study aimed to compare one BIA system and the Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DXA) for the characterization of body composition in a previously selected cohort of healthy adult participants. A descriptive observational cross-sectional study included a final sample of 121 participants, 93 women and 28 men, with a mean age of 28.26 ± 9.72 years old and a mean body mass index (BMI) of 22.68 ± 3.13 kg/m2. Statistics involved paired t-tests and agreement analysis by the Bland-Altman method. BIA underestimated the percent body fat (%BF) by 5.56% and overestimated Fat-Free Mass (FFM) by 2.90 kg. A strong positive correlation between both technologies was found for FFM (r = 0.980) and the %BF (r = 0.932), but the disagreement was statistically significant (p < 0.001). Although DXA and BIA seem to correlate, these technologies are not congruent. Therefore, the risk of (mis)interpretation and bias is clear with BIA, potentially impacting the nutritional planning of clinical dietitians and the further results of its patients.


This paper proposes a design method of a quadratically stabilizing state feedback controller with a time-varying gain for a class of discrete-time uncertain systems. Our aim is to improve the closed-loop performance by using the time-varying gain as a tuning parameter. It is required to achieve the ideal responses that we solve an optimization problem and estimate the plant parameter within one sample time. Since the implementation is considered to be almost impossible, a restricted method is introduced which does not always yield the optimal solution. However, the method shows acceptable results in the numerical simulations.


Factors affecting reliable plant regeneration from unfertilized ovule culture of gentians (Gentiana spp.) were examined. Cold pretreatment (4°C) of flower buds enhanced or maintained production of embryo-like structure (ELS). When 43 genotypes were surveyed in two different labs, 40 of them produced ELSs ranging from 0.01 to 26.5 ELSs per flower bud. No ELSs could be obtained in three genotypes. A significant correlation (r = 0.64) was observed between the number of ELS per flower and the frequency of responding flower buds. Eight genotypes of G. triflora, which were used as common materials in two different labs, produced ELSs in both labs. The ploidy levels of a total of 1,515 regenerated plantlets were determined, revealing that the majority of these plants consisted of haploids (57.9%) and diploids (34.3%). However, the frequency of haploids and diploids was different between G. triflora and G. scabra, and G. triflora showed higher frequencies of haploids than G. scabra. When haploids were treated with oryzalin for chromosome doubling, diploids and tetraploids were obtained. These results demonstrate that the unfertilized ovule culture technique of gentians is a powerful tool for obtaining haploids and DHs because of its reproducible and reliable nature and application to a wide range of genotypes.


A fuel-based approach is used to estimate long-term trends (1990-2010) in carbon monoxide (CO) emissions from motor vehicles. Non-methane hydrocarbons (NMHC) are estimated using ambient NMHC/CO ratios after controlling for nonvehicular sources. Despite increases in fuel use of ∼10-40%, CO running exhaust emissions from on-road vehicles decreased by ∼80-90% in Los Angeles, Houston, and New York City, between 1990 and 2010. The ratio of NMHC/CO was found to be 0.24 ± 0.04 mol C/mol CO over time in Los Angeles, indicating that both pollutants decreased at a similar rate and were improved by similar emission controls, whereas on-road data from other cities suggest rates of reduction in NMHC versus CO emissions may differ somewhat. Emission ratios of CO/NOx (nitrogen oxides = NO + NO2) and NMHC/NOx decreased by a factor of ∼4 between 1990 and 2007 due to changes in the relative emission rates of passenger cars versus diesel trucks, and slight uptick thereafter, consistent across all urban areas considered here. These pollutant ratios are expected to increase in future years due to (1) slowing rates of decrease in CO and NMHC emissions from gasoline vehicles and (2) significant advances in control of diesel NOx emissions.


We consider a one-dimensional Ising model in a transverse magnetic field coupled to a dissipative heat bath. The phase diagram and the critical exponents are determined from extensive Monte Carlo simulations. It is shown that the character of the quantum phase transition is radically altered from the corresponding nondissipative model and the double well coupled to a dissipative heat bath with linear friction. Spatial couplings and the dissipative dynamics combine to form a new quantum criticality which is independent of dissipation strength.


By allowing people to share what they already know and utilize it with others, museums are able to use their collections and related programs as catalysts for dialogue and learning, encouraging active participation, exchange of views, social interaction and critical reflection, which are fundamental to adult education. In such a context, the learning experience that is acquired in the museum can be seen as a cultural achievement against social exclusion and social discrimination. In this sense, the museum exhibiting the lifelong learning represents different cultures/ identities and motivates us to give them our own meaning. That is, we see identities as social achievements in the context of civic understanding and social connectedness, embedded in their contexts, and not outside of them. In the present paper we aim to explain how the interaction with the Xeniseum's exhibits can lead to the development of the visitors' citizenship. In that framework, we examine the role of the museum regarding an individual's education. Specific museum activities are also reported. Finally, a more specified museum application is described, aspiring to the achievement of a cross cultural dialogue.


Dynamics and separation of mixed chiral microswimmers are numerically investigated in a channel with regular arrays of rigid half-circle obstacles. For zero shear flow, transport behaviors are the same for different chiral particles: the average velocity decreases with increase of the rotational diffusion coefficient, the direction of the transport can be reversed by tuning the angular velocity, and there exists an optimal value of the packing fraction at which the average velocity takes its maximal value. However, when the shear flow is considered, different chiral particles show different behaviors. By suitably tailoring parameters, particles with different chiralities can move in different directions and can be separated. In addition, we also proposed a space separation method by introducing a constant load, where counterclockwise and clockwise particles stay in different regions of the channel.


Abstract Background: Most identified drug transporters belong to the ATP-binding cassette (ABC) and solute carrier (SLC) families. Recent research indicates that these transporters play an important role in the absorption, distribution and excretion of drugs, and are involved in clinically relevant drug-drug interactions for systemic drugs. However, very little is known about the role of drug transporters in human skin, especially in the disposition of topically applied drugs, and their involvement in drug-drug interactions. The aim of this work was to characterize the ABC transporters in human skin. Methods: Expressions of ABCB1 multidrug resistance protein 1 (MDR1) also known as P-gp, ABCC1 and ABCC2 multidrug resistance-associated protein 1 and 2 (MRP1 and MRP2), and ABCG2 brest cancer resistance protein (BCRP) in human skin tissues were analyzed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The modulations of ABCB1 and ABCC1 expressions were analyzed after ex vivo treatment of human skin with rifampicin and dexamethasone. The localization of the major transporter MRP1 in human skin was analyzed by immunohistochemistry. Finally, functional analysis of MRP1 in human skin was performed using different specific substrates and inhibitors. Results: The expressions of ABCB1, ABCC1, ABCC2, and ABCG2 were all detected in human skin, of which the expression of ABCC1 was considered the most important. The comparison of human skin with human hepatocytes and kidneys shows that the expression of ABCC1 increased 15-fold in skin than in hepatocytes. Immunohistochemistry revealed marked expressions of MRP1 within the hair follicle, sweat gland and muscle, as well as moderate expression in the basal epidermis. Functional analysis demonstrated that the skin absorptions of rhodamine 123, [3H]-vinblastine, and [3H]-LTC4 were markedly decreased in the presence of MRP1 inhibitors (verapamil and MK571), thus supporting the role of MRP1 in the uptake of compounds from the epidermal compartment as well as their secretion into the bloodstream and sweat ducts. Conclusions: The present findings are the first to demonstrate the involvement of MRP1 in drug uptake in human skin.


Purpose

The purpose of this work is to analyze the current state of implementation of sustainability development (SD) in Portuguese higher education institutions (HEIs).

Design/methodology/approach

A questionnaire was developed to measure the level of implementation of SD practices in HEIs as well as the number of rankings, certifications and declarations of these institutions. The questionnaire was sent by e-mail to all rectors, presidents, directors of faculties, departments and schools of Portuguese universities and polytechnics. A sample of 53 leaders was obtained.

Findings

Portuguese HEIs are mainly engaged in the social dimension of sustainability. The economic dimension emerges in second place and the institutional in third; the environmental dimension is the least developed. Except for a few specific topics (e.g. related to research on SD, and the offer of degree courses in SD), there are no significant differences between universities and polytechnics in the implementation of SD practices. Only 11 per cent of HEIs are innovators in the implementation of SD practices, and a majority of HEIs have implemented less than 34 per cent of the SD practices studied.

Research limitations/implications

This research has a national scope, and the results should be interpreted only in the Portuguese context. Future studies should include a larger range of institutional actors within the faculty.

Practical implications

This study provides valuable insights and theoretical and methodological guidance for future implementation processes supporting the transition to sustainability in HEIs.

Originality/value

This is the first study conducted in Portuguese HEIs with the aim of determining their efforts to implement and promote sustainability.


INTRODUCTION: In some individual's suffering from hypertension, coronary artery disease, cerebrovascular disease, myocardial infarction and thyrotoxicosis, these hemodynamic stress responses can turn into life-threatening conditions like left ventricular failure, myocardial ischemia, cerebral hemorrhage, and ruptured cerebral aneurysm. Different drugs like lidocaine, vasodilator agents inhibiting sympathoadrenal response, α-and β-adrenergic blockers, and opioids can be administered prior to tracheal intubation to prevent hemodynamic responses. But higher dose of lignocaine may lead to hypotension, bradycardia, and hypoxia in patients. Due to various effect of these drugs on hemodynamic changes in patients this study was carried out to evaluate the effects of IV esmolol, lignocaine, and labetalol for attenuation of hemodynamic response to laryngoscopy and intubation.
MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 90 consecutive patients were included in the study and were grouped in to, lignocaine group, labetalol and esmolol group containing 30 patients each. Age group 21–65 years of either sex or American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) Grade I or II scheduled for various general surgical procedures under endotracheal anesthesia were included in this study. Patients excluded were pregnant and lactating women, morbid obesity, and hypertension. RESULTS: Mean Age in Group 1, group2 and group 3 was 40.38 ± 7.25, 43.8 ± 9.24 and 42.56 ± 8.71 respectively while weight was 62.41 ± 7.32, 63.63 ± 8.11 and 60.74 ± 6.92 respectively. There were 17 male and 13 female in group 1, 19 male and 11 female in group 2 and 16 male and 14 female in group 3. Attenuation of blood pressure was more in labetalol group. Reduction of heart rate in labetalol group was significant. It is seen that Labetalol was more effective at attenuation of diastolic blood pressure among all drugs. Mean arterial pressure was not much reduced lignocaine and esmolol group as compared to labetalol.
CONCLUSION: Haemodynamic alterations are usually observed during laryngoscopy and endotracheal intubation. In our study it was found that as labetalol is a safe and effective drug, for attenuation of sympathomimetic response.


The present study was conducted by using mixed methods design to investigate the role of language aptitude in second language acquisition (SLA). The quantitative method involved Hungarian adults (N = 27) of two kinds of schools: a technical school and three different universities. These adults participated in completing the aptitude test called Hungarian Language Aptitude Test (HUNLAT). The qualitative part included an in-depth interview, which was conducted with six participants mainly focussing on their learning habits in order to examine if there is any correspondence between aptitude and language learning habits in this sample. Within this sample, males achieved significantly higher scores on the Grammar analysis task and older students scored significantly higher on three tasks; additionally, they scored significantly higher on the total score of the HUNLAT. Furthermore, those students who scored high on the aptitude test regard themselves to be successful and those who scored low regard themselves less successful language learners. The major pedagogical implication that can be drawn from this particular research is that there are many constructs that may influence language aptitude including language learning habits, motivation, and language learning strategies; thus, EFL teachers may reconsider the role of this construct in SLA.


have purposely been arranged in order of increasing difficulty. Suggested topics or questions for discussion also follow most of the examples. This is done with the goal of directing or inspiring investigation into the solutions of the problems. The chapters all end with sections devoted to the solutions, discussion of the solutions and occasionally commentaries. The authors can be commended for their unique and enlightening approach to this dreaded subject. Any practicing therapist or student will read this text and get something out of it. However, one feels strongly that unless the readers high school math skills are fresh, then fully comprehending the solutions and conclusions will be uncertain. Therefore, possibly this book would be more effective as a teaching tool for instructors because necessary mathematical skills are more intact for students than practising therapists, for example, who have not had occasion to use their algebra math for some time. This book demonstrates principles of biomechanics which occupational therapy instructors and clinical supervisors can apply to such issues as prevocational assessment, splinting, and the therapeutic use of activities. In summary, this book can act as a vehicle by which therapists come to better understand biomechanics and use it more regularly and comfortably, as one firmly believes it is the only way we can effectively upgrade the care of our patients.


Using high-speed solar wind data recorded by the Ulysses spacecraft, we investigate and estimate the anisotropic inertial range scaling of the interplanetary magnetic field. We apply the method of the magnetic structure function (MSF), S(τ ) = 〈|b(t + τ ) − b(t)|n〉 ∝ τ ζ (n), to analyze the scaling of solar wind turbulence over the range from 1 s to 104 s. By sorting the fluctuations according to the direction of the local mean magnetic field, we obtain a second-order structure function in (r, Θ) coordinates that reveals the scale-dependent anisotropy of the power spectrum. The scale-dependent anisotropy of the MSF indicates that the fluctuation energy tends to cascade toward the direction perpendicular to the local field. The dependence of the MSF scaling index ζ on the direction of the local field is found to be similar to that reported in Horbury et al. and Podesta, with ζ⊥ = 0.53 ± 0.18 and ζ‖ = 1.00 ± 0.14. Furthermore, we estimate and find the scaling law between the perpendicular and parallel scales r‖ ∝ r0.614 ⊥ , which implies the elongation along the parallel direction as the turbulence eddy evolves toward the small lengthscales. These results are in agreement with the predictions of magnetohydrodynamic turbulence theory.


While technology has the potential to create opportunities for transformative learning in higher education, it is often used to merely reinforce didactic teaching that aims to control access to expert knowledge. Instead, educators should consider using technology to enhance communication and provide richer, more meaningful platforms for the social construction of knowledge. By using technology to engage in shared learning experiences that extend beyond the walls of the classroom, we can create opportunities to develop the patterns of thinking that students need to participate in complex, real world situations. We used authentic learning as a framework to guide the implementation of a JOUR-based, blended module in a South African physiotherapy department. Google Drive was used as a collaborative online authoring environment in which small groups of students used clinical JOURs to create their own content, guided by a team of facilitators. This paper describes an innovative approach to clinical education using authentic learning as a guiding framework, and Google Drive as an implementation platform. We believe that this approach led to the transformation of student learning practices, altered power relationships in the classroom and facilitated the development of critical attitudes towards knowledge and authority. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]


To design efficient flapping wing micro air vehicles (FWMAVs), a comprehensive sizing method based on theoretical and statistical analyses is proposed and experimentally verified. This method is composed of five steps including defining and analyzing the MAV mission, determining the flying modes, defining the wing shape and aspect ratio of the wing, applying the constraint analysis based on the defined mission, and estimating the weights of the electrical and structural components the bio-inspired flapping wing micro air vehicle. To define the vehicle mission and flight plan, path analysis is performed based on the defined mission, the speed of cruise and turning, the turning radius and climatic conditions in the flight area. Following the defined mission analysis, the appropriate modes of flying for the flapping wing bird are recognized. After that, the wing shape and the wing aspect ratio are determined based on the defined flight modes. To estimate the wing loading, a constraint analysis is exploited. Along with the four listed steps, statistical method is employed to estimate the FWMAV weight. Based on the proposed method for wing sizing of flapping wings, a FWMAV named Thunder I has been designed, fabricated, and tested. This developed methodology is very beneficial by giving guidelines for the design of efficient bioinspired FWMAVs.


Continuous, remote monitoring of patients using wearable sensors can facilitate early detection of many conditions and can help to manage the growing healthcare crisis worldwide. A remote patient monitoring application consists of many emerging services such as wireless wearable sensor configuration, patient registration and authentication, collaborative consultation of doctors, storage and maintenance of electronic health record. The provision of these services requires the development and maintenance of a remote healthcare monitoring application (HMA) that includes a body area wireless sensor network (BASWN) and Health Applications (HA) to detect specific health issues. In addition, the deployment of HMAs for different hospitals is not easily scalable owing to the heterogeneous nature of hardware and software involved. Cloud computing overcomes this aspect by allowing simple and easy maintenance of ICT infrastructure. In this work, we report a real-time-like cloud based architecture known as Assistive Patient monitoring cloud Platform for Active healthcare applications (AppA) using a delegate pattern. The built AppA is highly scalable and capable of spawning new instances based on monitoring requirements from the health care providers, and are aligned with scalable economic models.


We reported a male patient with X-linked myotubular myopathy in whom MTM 1 gene mutation was first identified in Japan. The patient had 9-nucleotide insertion between exons 11 and 12 due to aberrant splicing. The patient showed severe hypotonia and generalized muscle weakness at birth. Mechanical ventilation and tube feeding were necessary because of poor spontaneous respiration and sucking. On muscle biopsy, most of the muscle fibers were small and round, and had peripheral halos, showing immaturity. He had a moderate ventricular dilatation and mild brain atrophy on brain CT and MRI. However, whether these findings are causally related to the splice-site mutation remained obscure.


Recently, Li proposed an authenticated key exchange AKE scheme based on elliptic curve cryptosystem with smart cards in two versions. We point out that the two versions of Li's scheme are not secure and then we present an improved authentication scheme to overcome general disadvantages. Also, we deem that the notion of forward security is old for modern AKE schemes based on smart cards and enhance it as strong forward security. We prove that our scheme is secure with a formal security model containing the feature of strong forward security. Then, via the concrete security analysis and comparison, our scheme resists common attacks and has general security characters. Compared with other schemes, our scheme has low time, storage, and communication cost. It is suitable for communicating applications in network. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.


To the Editor:— The rules imposed by the intensive care units of hospitals require the immediate family to limit visiting to very brief periods of time. This restriction is most unfavorable to good medical care. The critically-ill patient mainly has the right to die quietly. A man in his last moments certainly deserves to be left alone with his family. The few doubtful hours of a hapless soul are made speechless, helpless, and lifeless by the blood pressure cuff, the electrocardiogram electrodes, the central venous pressure, intravenous, rectal, and nasogastric tubes, the urinary catheter, the oral airway and tracheostomy tubes, or by large doses of sedatives or hypnotics. These surely are not worth more than a few moments spent by a mother caressing a loved one. The moan of the patient in the adjacent bed, the bustling nurse, the rushing intern, the beep of the cardiac monitor, the hum of


The dynamic production budgets and the volatile metal prices in the current mining industry have stimulated and strengthened a continuous search for operating efficiency in all areas of the production process, with reliability of the earth moving equipment being one of the core aspects. Unpredicted breakdown of earth moving machine major components usually cause serious consequences such as loss of production, extra cost and deviation from mine plans. From a financial perspective, these components are one of the key cost drivers among the top Mine cost centers and success in managing them (achieving expected life cycle and operational cost) is essential in meeting maintenance and production cost (cost/ton) of the equipment. Whereas relatively small and frequent repairs largely affect availability, operational cost is directly affected by major component failure. In trying to maximize the operating efficiency of earth moving equipment, various maintenance strategies and methodologies have been tried, tested and initiated. However, the challenge in most, if not all operations, has been to find an accurate method to determine the exact expected replacement point of major components. This phenomenon has been challenging, though a number of operations engage in a time-based replaced strategy as recommended by most equipment manufacturers, replacement schedules are rarely executed as panned. The norm however, has been to draw up a calendar of parts to be replaced each year during budgeting time and scheduled intervals of replacement are set following the Original Equipment Manufacturers' (OEM) recommendation. Nevertheless, these schedules have not conclusively determined the point at which the replacement is economically justified. This study therefore, highlights the challenges of the traditional time-based component replacement strategy and recommends an approachbased on condition assessment.The data used in this study are obtained from different Mines as well as the experience of the researcher(ethnological study in the industry). The study concludes that, to realize optimum utility from a component, a component management strategy must start right from equipment selection and purchase decisions. Thus, criticalcomponents, which require preventive replacement, need to be identified and monitored through condition monitoring. Condition inspections must bescheduled in such a way that they do not adversely affect the availability of the equipment.


AIDS is one of the most widely prevalent diseases affecting the paediatric population and the treatment becomes difficult due to the age related barriers. Further, anti-retroviral therapy has been less effective due to lack of efficacy and other drug related issues. A patient friendly dosage form is the need of the hour as a part of the effective ART plan of WHO. Nanoparticles loaded buccal patches were prepared to cater the requirements of the paediatric population. Buccal patches were prepared using mucoadhesive polymer, viz. hydroxpropyl methyl cellulose (HPMC) E15 Lv in a concentration of 15% w/w along with polyethylene glycol (PEG) 400 and Propylene glycol (PG) as plasticizer. The prepared buccal patches were evaluated for various technological parameters like thickness, folding endurance, moisture uptake, in-vitro disintegration time etc. Further, in-vitro and ex-vivo drug release studies were also conducted to understand the pattern of drug release and the time required to attain the maximum drug release. Cellular uptake studies showed a greater internalisation of NP's in the A 431 cells hence supporting the greater permeation of nanoparticles from the patches, proving to be a excellent platform technology with superior qualities like enhanced patient compliance and effective drug therapy.


Modified xanthan gum is often used in a variety of industries such as pharmaceuticals, the food industry, and the oil industry. The use of modified xanthan gum in emulsions can solve two problems, stabilize and thicken. This work is dedicated to the study of oil-in-water emulsion stability. The continuous phase of the emulsion consists of aqueous solutions of modified xanthan gum (XG-g-MMA), alkyl polyglycoside (APG), and silicon dioxide nanoparticles (SiO2), and kerosene was used as a dispersed phase. Modified XG was prepared by grafting with methyl methacrylate to improve its properties. To determine the stability, the stratification time was monitored, and rheological properties and droplet sizes of emulsions were determined. The results showed that the emulsions based on XG-g-MMA and APG have better properties than the emulsions based on XG and sodium lauryl ethoxy-sulphate (SLES). Emulsions with 0.3% XG-g-MMA, 5% APG and 0.2% SiO2 demonstrated stability for up to 2 years, whereas emulsions with 0.3% XG stay stable for up to 1 year.


Introduction Studies have suggested that faecal calprotectin (FC) levels may increase early in inflammatory bowel disease relapse before the patient is symptomatic and thus may be useful to identify patients at a higher risk of relapsing. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the role of FC in predicting relapse in patients followed up for a minimum of 12 months and to ascertain the best cut-off for this in our cohort of adult patients with quiescent Crohn's disease (CD). Methods Patients with CD in clinical remission were recruited and followed up prospectively for a minimum of 12 months. Participants provided stool for FC concentration analysis and the study was terminated once the last recruited patient reached a follow up period of 365 days. Remission was defined as a Crohn's disease activity index (CDAI) of < 150. Relapse was defined as either a need for escalation of medical therapy, surgery for active CD or progression of disease phenotype using the Montreal classification. The study was approved by the West of Scotland Research Ethics Service (REC reference 10/S0704/1). The Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve of relapse by 12 months, based on FC value at baseline, was calculated. Kaplan-Meier curves of time to relapse, some of which were longer than 12 months, were based on the resulting best FC cut-off value for predicting relapse (with patients who had not relapsed being censored at end of follow-up) and compared using the log-rank tests. Results 98 patients were recruited. One patient was lost to follow up, 1 died and the care of 3 patients was transferred to another centre, before either relapsing or being followed up for 12 months. Of the 93 remaining patients 11 (12%) had relapsed by 12 months. The median FC was lower for non-relapsers, 96 µg/g (IQR 39–237), than for relapsers, 328 µg/g (IQR 189–574), (p = 0.008). The area under the ROC curve to predict relapse using FC was 74.8% (Figure 1). A cut-off FC value of 240 µg/g to predict relapse of quiescent Crohn's disease over the course of one year was associated with a sensitivity of 72.7% and specificity of 74.3%. Negative predictive value was high at 95.3% and positive predictive value was 27.6%.There was a significant difference in time to relapse for those with the first FC value below or above 240 µg/g (p = 0.011). Conclusion In this prospective dataset, FC appears to be a useful, non-invasive tool to help identify quiescent Crohn's disease patients at a low risk of relapse over the ensuing 12 months. A FC value of 240 µg/g was deemed the best cut-off value in our patients. Disclosure of Interest None Declared.


Air pollution has been on the rise and poses a severe problem that needs the public's attention and action. There is an urgency to raise awareness about air pollution among the people. Computer games can be used as a medium to raise awareness about topics of interest, such as air pollution. We have conducted an online preliminary survey among public members through random sampling to study their awareness level on air pollution and general opinion about a computer game. From the survey, we have found that the public has inaccurate knowledge about air pollution, and some of them were not aware that they have directly contributed to air pollution as well. The survey has also revealed that there is a need for role-playing game (RPG) educative games for the public. Thus, an edutainment RPG computer game entitled "AirXorcist" was developed using the Agile methodology to raise awareness about air pollution. We have also employed a story-telling method in the game to educate players about air pollution. Two tests, namely pre-game and post-game tests, were conducted to determine whether the game can raise public awareness about air pollution. From the analysis, we obtained the t-test statistics = -7.072 and pvalue = -0.000002. The result shows sufficient evidence to suggest that the AirXorcist game has successfully helped relay information and raise public awareness about air pollution.


Ovarian cancer remains the most lethal of gynecological malignancies, with the 5-year survival below 50%. Currently there is no simple and effective pre-surgical diagnosis or triage for patients with malignancy, particularly those with early-stage or low-volume tumors. Recently we discovered that CXCL10 can be processed to an inactive form in ovarian cancers and that its measurement has diagnostic significance. In this study we evaluated the addition of processed CXCL10 to a biomarker panel for the discrimination of benign from malignant disease. Multiple biomarkers were measured in retrospectively collected plasma samples (n = 334) from patients diagnosed with benign or malignant disease, and a classifier model was developed using CA125, HE4, Il6 and CXCL10 (active and total). The model provided 95% sensitivity/95% specificity for discrimination of benign from malignant disease. Positive predictive performance exceeded that of "gold standard" scoring systems including CA125, RMI and ROMA% and was independent of menopausal status. In addition, 80% of stage I-II cancers in the cohort were correctly identified using the multi-marker scoring system. Our data suggest the multi-marker panel and associated scoring algorithm provides a useful measurement to assist in pre-surgical diagnosis and triage of patients with suspected ovarian cancer.


Goat production is one of the activities included in integrated farming in the Philippines. Goats are raised for its meat and regardless of breed the animal is slaughtered for this purpose. In order to document the carcass yield of different goats slaughtered, five (5) different breeds of goats to include Purebred Boer and Anglo-nubian, Crossbred Boer and Anglo-nubian and Philippine Native goat were used in the study. Data on slaughter parameters, carcass characteristics, and sensory evaluation were gathered and analyzed using Complete Random Design (CRD) at 5% level of significance and the results of carcass conformation were assessed descriptively. Results showed that slaughter data such as slaughter/live weight, hot and chilled carcass weights, dressing percentage and percentage drip loss were significantly different (P>0.05) among breeds. On carcass and meat characteristics, pure breed and upgraded Boer were found to be moderately muscular while Native goat was rated as thin muscular. The color of the carcass also revealed that Purebred and crossbred Boer were described dark red, while Native goat was noted to be slightly pale. On sensory evaluation, the results indicated that there was no significant difference (P>0.05) among breeds evaluated. It is therefore concluded that purebred goat has heavier carcass, while both purebred Boer and upgrade are rated slightly muscular. It is further confirms that regardless of breed, goat will have the same sensory characteristics. Thus, it is recommended to slaughter heavier goats to obtain more carcasses with better conformation and quality. Keywords—Carcass quality, goat, sensory evaluation, slaughter.


Abstract Aims To analyse 90-day mortality in atrial fibrillation (AF) patients after a stroke or a severe bleed and assess associations with the type of antithrombotic treatment at the event. Methods and results From the Stockholm Healthcare database, we selected 6017 patients with a known history of AF who were diagnosed with ischaemic stroke, 3006 with intracranial haemorrhage, and 4291 with a severe gastrointestinal bleed (GIB). The 90-day mortality rates were 25.1% after ischaemic stroke, 31.6% after intracranial haemorrhage, and 16.2% after severe GIB. We used Cox regression and propensity score-matched analyses to test the association between antithrombotic treatment at the event and 90-day mortality. After intracranial haemorrhage, there was a significantly higher mortality rate in warfarin compared to non-vitamin K oral anticoagulant (NOAC)-treated patients [adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) 1.36, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.04–1.78]. After an ischaemic stroke and a severe GIB, patients receiving antiplatelets or no antithrombotic treatment had significantly higher mortality rates compared to patients on NOACs, but there was no difference comparing warfarin to NOACs (aHR 0.84, CI 0.63–1.12 after ischaemic stroke, aHR 0.91, CI 0.66–1.25 after severe GIB). Propensity score-matched analysis yielded similar results. Conclusion Mortality rates were high in AF patients suffering from an ischaemic stroke, an intracranial haemorrhage, or a severe GIB. NOAC treatment was associated with a lower 90-day mortality after intracranial haemorrhage than warfarin.


Objectives: To assess efficacy of L-dopa treatment on aggression, frontal lobe and task switching deficits in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD).
Study Design: Prospective comparative study.
Place and Duration of Study: Bahawal Victoria Hospital and Civil Hospital Bahawalpur, Pakistan, from Apr 2016 to Oct 2017.
Methodology: Seventy-five healthy individuals and seventy-five PD patients participated in the study. This study was completed in two testing sessions. Healthy participants had single testing session whereas patients were tested twice (pre and post L-dopa treatment). Participants completed Frontal Assessment Battery, part B TMT, and Buss-Perry Aggression Questionnaire.
Results: PD patients (6.13 ± 0.81) showed deficient frontal lobe functioning F (1,48)=14489.66, p<0.001, ηp2=0.99 than healthy individuals (17.93 ± 0.25). Patients (283.05 ± 6.02) had inferior task switching abilities F (1, 48) = 65397.85, p<0.001, ηp2=0.99 than healthy individuals (78.37 ± 3.43). The level of aggression was higher F (1,48)=2369.24, p<0.001, ηp2=0.94 in patients (131.12 ± 12.57) compared with healthy individuals (43.33 ± 9.26). Post L-dopa treatment testing session showed significant improvement in frontal lobe functioning (6.13 ± 0.81 vs. 13.46 ± 1.45), task switching abilities (216.80 ± 13.74 vs. 283.05 ± 6.02) in patients. In addition, aggression was reduced in patients (106.06 ± 1.07 vs. 131.12 ± 12.57).
Conclusion: L-dopa was found beneficial to reduce aggression, frontal lobe cognitive and task switching deficits in patients with PD.


Abstract Pulmonary sonography can be a valuable aid in the differential diagnosis of a variety of cardiopulmonary diseases, including patients with COVID-19. Pulmonary sonography is an examination method that is also quickly available at the bedside without additional risks for the patient. When COVID-19 is suspected, lung sonography is a valuable component of initial diagnosis when used systematically, performed hygienically and correctly. However, the findings of pulmonary sonography must be placed in the clinical context; sonography does not replace the gold standard of PCR diagnosis. The article shows how this sonography is performed and which findings in COVID-19 are relevant.


The continuing adverse labor market effects of the Great Recession have intensified interest in policy efforts to spur job creation. In periods when labor demand and supply are in balance, either hiring credits or worker subsidies can be used to boost employment - hiring credits by reducing labor costs for employers, and worker subsidies by raising the economic returns to work. Historically, both types of policies have been used in pursuit of distributional goals as well, with hiring credits targeting employment of disadvantaged workers, and worker subsidies targeting low-income families. Hiring credits targeting the disadvantaged have generally been regarded as ineffective at both creating jobs and increasing incomes of low-income families, whereas worker subsidies have been viewed as more successful at both. However, in the context of the Great Recession - and severe recessions more generally - hiring credits may be particularly effective at spurring job creation, but only if they are designed quite differently from past hiring credits targeting the disadvantaged. Moreover, establishing a national hiring credit that kicks in during and after recessions may be an effective countercyclical measure - a useful addition to the "automatic stabilizers" already in place, and one that specifically targets job creation.


Objective: To investigate if the genetic structure of admixed subjects is correlated with a distribution of genetic polymorphisms hypertension-associated. Design and method: DNA samples obtained from 178 normotensive and 113 hypertensive individuals were genotyped for four polymorphisms hypertension-associated [Insertion/Deletion angiotensin-I converting enzyme (I/D ACE), Ser49Gly and Arg389Gly of beta1-adrenergic receptor and M235T of angiotensinogen] and 46 ancestry informative markers (AIMs-Indels); their genotypic and allelic frequencies and ancestry estimates were calculated and compared between the clinical groups. Results: Normotensive and hypertensive individuals have a similar genetic diversity for both genetic polymorphisms (44.59% and 44.95% and for AIMs (38.85% and 40.37%), whereas the European alleles were over-represented in both clinical groups (48–60%), followed by the African (25–39%) and, finally, Amerindians (12–14%). The presence of hypertension was detected in 68.8% of Afro-descendants, 47.5% of mixed-race and only 33.3% of euro-descendants (&khgr;2 = 8,420; p = 0.015). There was no difference in the distribution of the genotypes of Arg389Gly and Ser49Gly between normotensives and hypertensives (p = 0.702 and p = 0.574, respectively), but there was difference in M235T where the MM genotype was more prevalent in normotensives while the TT genotype was more prevalent in hypertensives (30.8%; 41.9%; &khgr;2 = 18,375; p = 0.000). A higher prevalence of the II genotype was observed in hypertensive when compared to normotensive (21.9% versus 8.3%; &khgr;2 = 9,944; p = 0.007). Ultimately, the ancestry genomic of individuals showed that only the TT genotype of the M235T polymorphism presented different distribution between groups, which was the most frequent genotype in afro-descendants (56.3%; &khgr;2 = 12,993; p = 0.011). Conclusions: The findings suggest that African ancestry exhibited influence on the prevalence of hypertension in the sample and that despite the polymorphisms ACE and M235T have presented different distributions between the groups, the ancestry genomy of the individuals revealed that only one of the four markers evaluated showed association with an ethnic group without any influence on the distribution of the other one.


Purpose To evaluate the compatibility of corneal curvature and astigmatism, and higher-order aberrations (HOAs) measured by the Scheimpflug camera Pentacam HR and the swept-source optical coherence tomography ANTERION. Methods This prospective study included normal subjects with no ophthalmic history. Steep keratometry (K), flat K, astigmatism and its axis of the anterior and posterior surfaces, total corneal power, and HOAs using the two instruments were compared. To compare the mean values of the measurements, a paired t-test was used. Bland-Altman analysis was applied to assess the agreement between the two devices. Results Fifty-three eyes of 53 subjects were evaluated. There were statistically significant differences for steep K, astigmatism, and vector J0, J45 in the anterior surface and total corneal power between the two devices (p < 0.05). There were also significant differences in the most of the keratometric values of the posterior corneal surface (p < 0.05) except J0 (p = 0.410). Both devices showed strong positive correlations in steep K, flat K, astigmatism (r > 0.81, p < 0.001) with wide ranges of a 95% limit of agreement. Vectoral components were significantly correlated (r > 0.78, p < 0.001) with narrow 95% limit of agreement, except J45 of the posterior surface (r = 0.39, p = 0.004). In the corneal HOAs, there were statistically significant differences in the vertical coma, horizontal trefoil, spherical aberration, and root mean square of each fifth- and sixth-order Zernike coefficient (p = 0.043, p = 0.041, p < 0.001, p < 0.001, and p < 0.001, respectively). Other HOAs showed moderate to strong positive correlations (r > 0.37, p < 0.05). Most HOAs, except for the horizontal trefoil, showed clinically acceptable agreements. The total root mean square of HOAs was not significantly different between the two devices (p = 0.122). Conclusions Most of the keratometric values cannot be used interchangeably. However, the vectoral component of astigmatism showed clinically good agreement. Several HOAs have statistically significant differences; however, almost all HOAs showed acceptable agreements, except for the horizontal trefoil.


AbstractThis article addresses the way in which, in spite of their accepted drawbacks (which often include an over-emphasis on male informants), folklore archives can be used to reconstruct the oral traditions of women from earlier times, especially when used in combination with other archival sources that are increasingly becoming available online. In Iceland, the recorded interviews by the folklore collector Hallfreður Orn Eiriksson in the 1960s and 1970s have proven to be a particularly useful source for engaging with the reconstruction of women's narrative traditions in Iceland. These interviews not only provide us with women's narratives told in their own voices, but also yield a wide range of additional information about the context of women's storytelling within the rural society of previous centuries.


Theories of jus post bellum have tended to be what I call `restricted', in that they have focussed on the norms to govern the ending and immediate aftermath of a just war. But the goal of building a just peace, which is the ultimate aim of a just war, often places rather longer-term responsibilities on the shoulders of the victorious just, especially where occupation of the defeated unjust state is required (the scenario on which I concentrate). Given the variety of possible post-conflict situations, then, we should expect there to be various conceptions of jus post bellum, sensitive to the context-specific demands of the `just peace' objective. This article therefore sets out the case for an `extended' theory of jus post bellum which is likely to be required in, for example, occupation scenarios. But, having argued that `restricted' conceptions do not fully lay out what might be reasonably expected of just occupiers, the article then contends that the `extended' considerations may be in significant tension with another post- bellum requirement, namely, the obligation to restore sovereignty to the occupied state as soon as is reasonably feasible. Various ways of negotiating the tension are discussed and found to be wanting. Given that just war theory in general is supposed to be action-guiding, the concern is that an extended jus post bellum may be unhelpfully action-disorienting. The ostensibly strong case for it is therefore cast into some doubt and some implications for how the obligations of peacebuilding for just occupiers should theorised are considered.


In recent decades, there has been an increase in the use of robotics in home automation environments. That, joined to the interest in efficient consumption of energy, is the base of the research exposed next. Nowadays, the increase of robotic systems in human daily activities has facilitated its integration and diversification and, due to this, new needs have come up. An example of this situation is the case of service robots that, as well as give comfort to the user, they can provide an energy efficient consumption. The aim of this work is to lay the concept of energy and Smart Grids in a smart home interoperability protocol like DHCompliant. This will make possible a greater energy and economic saving, providing the user the possibility of making strategic decisions regarding their energy consumption.


Part of the Mersey-Forth hydro-electric scheme, Tasmania, Lakes Rowallan and Barrington are oligotrophic, slightly humic, warm monomictic reservoirs. Their flooded vegetation, shelter and deep V-section lead to pronounced clinograde oxygen profiles despite meagre autochthonous production. With surprising rapidity, Lake Barrington developed a monomolimnetic pool which, when destroyed by severe floods, soon reformed. Though crenogenic and triptogenic elements may participate, principal causes of this partial meromixis are flooded vegetation and basin morphometry. The monimolimnion exhibits unusually large temperature rises and considerable enrichment of such chemical species as iron, manganese, hydrogen suiphide and bicarbonate. Iron is a major factor in the meromixis and largely accounts for marked monimolimnetic rises in electrical conductivity. The sharp upper monimolimnetic boundary is an almost horizontal chemocline, above which the mixolimnion behaves as a warm monomictic lake. Winter ventilation of its hypolimnion is tardy but complete. The monimolimnion is therefore maintained by decomposition and basin morphometry, not climate. Attendant chemical phenomena of prolonged anoxia in hypolimnetic or monimolimnetic water pose alleviable problems when that water is used domestically, industrially or for power generation.


Background and Aims Human milk (HM) has a number of antioxidant constituents which may protect newborns against oxidative damage. Poor HM production is the most frequent cause of breastfeeding failure. Galactagogues are believed to stimulate initiation and maintenance of HM production. Herbal tea containing fenugreek has recently been presented in the market. We aimed to compare global oxidant and antioxidant capacity of HM among mothers drinking galactagogue herbal tea or not. Methods Volunteer mothers 18–35 years of age without any antenatal or perinatal risk factors. Milk samples were collected in the first day after delivery. Mothers were randomly assigned to receive galactagogue herbal tea (Humana still-tee®) 3 cups/day or same amount of water as placebo. Second samples were obtained 7–10 days later. The total antioxidant capacity (TAC), total oxidant status (TOS) and the oxidative stress index (OSI) were compared between groups. Results Subjects were randomly assigned to herbal tea (n=40) and placebo (n=40) groups. In first and second samples TAC, TOS and OSI were similar in both groups. TAC (p=0.375 and p=0.058) was lower and TOS (p=0.382 and p=0.118) was higher in second samples compared to first samples in both groups but not significantly. In second samples OSI (p=0.024 and p=0.007) increased significantly compared to first day in each group. Conclusions Galactagogue herbal tea used in this study has no effect on global oxidant and antioxidant status of HM. Oxidative stress index increases in course of lactation compared to colostrum.


As there is a great improvement in technology, the demand for innovative ways of delivering education is increasing and this has led to changes in learning and teaching methods. Distance education, which is so different from traditional education, consists of studying from home where students and teachers are physically distant while classroom learning is the type of education system in which the learners and the teachers work under one roof. Electronic means are used to keep students in touch with teachers, provide access to communication between students and bridge the gap and distribute educational material though distance learning programs. Both learning systems have their own advantages and disadvantages. Choosing between these two learning methods highly depends on learners' requirements. In this paper, the researcher aims to discuss history and theories of distance learning, review literature on distant learning, state advantages and disadvantages of distance learning, express implications of the study to learners and teachers, and finally mention suggestions for improving distance learning.


In this paper, I explore the mechanics of social disclosure in Canada. In section II, I review the extent to which Canadian companies have been reporting social information. In section III, I canvass the degree to which such disclosure is actually required under securities law vis-a`-vis the continuous disclosure obligation that requires public companies to provide periodic and timely disclosure to investors. I focus on three of the key components of periodic disclosure - quarterly/annual financial statements, the management discussion and analysis and, most importantly, the annual information form. Although many firms are underreporting, it is clear that a sufficient legal basis exists to compel the disclosure of material social information. However, various weaknesses limit the potential of existing provisions and arguably facilitate corporate opacity. As such, in section IV I provide a set of recommendations that I hope will serve to enhance the social disclosure landscape.


Climate change is expected to shift species distributions as populations grow in favourable habitats and decline in harsh ones. Montane animals escape warming conditions at low elevation by moving upslope, but may be physiologically constrained by conditions there. Effects of elevation were studied for montane populations of the leaf beetle Chrysomela aeneicollis, where allele frequencies at nuclear genes and the mitochondrion vary along latitudinal and altitudinal gradients. A population presence survey conducted along a steep altitudinal transect (1,600–3,800 m) from 1981 to 2018 revealed that populations expand to low elevation following wet winters and retreat during drought. Quantitative surveys of a 45‐site population network conducted from 2012 to 2018 along multiple altitudinal transects show that when beetles are abundant, population size peaks at 3,135 m, highest altitude populations are at the southern edge of the range, and populations decline and extirpate during drought, especially at low elevation. To examine effects of elevation on measures of performance and fitness, beetles from a genetically introgressed population (Bishop Creek) were examined. In nature, fecundity of females transplanted along natural altitudinal transects was measured, as was thorax cytochrome c oxidase (CytOx) activity. To examine effects of environmental hypoxia independent of other factors limiting persistence at high elevation, development rate and activity of malate dehydrogenase (MDH) were measured for larvae reared under otherwise common garden conditions at low (1,250 m) and high (3,800 m) elevation. In nature, fecundity declined with increasing elevation, independent of air temperature. CytOx activity was higher at high than low elevation, especially for individuals possessing genotypes of southern origin. Laboratory‐reared larvae with southern mitochondrial haplotypes developed equally well at both elevations, but larvae with northern haplotypes developed more slowly at high elevation. MDH activity showed a similar pattern, suggesting that slower development rates at high elevation may be due to reduction in metabolic rate. These findings suggest that physiological effects of environmental hypoxia may contribute to other factors known to restrict insects' ability to persist at high elevation, ultimately disrupting associated ecological communities. However, some populations may possess genetic variation that allows for local adaption to high elevation. A plain language summary is available for this article.


Dissemination of Salmonella from hatchery to broiler farm and from broiler farm to processing plant was assessed. Bacteriological examination of fluff and meconium at the hatchery, feed and litter at the farm, and carcass rinsing at the plant level was conducted. When fluff and/or meconium were contaminated with Salmonella, litter and carcasses were contaminated with the same serotypes. Properly pelleted feed does not seem to be an important source of infection. Stress (feed and water deprivation) and some effect on shedding of Salmonella. Fluff and meconium at hatchery, feces from 3-to-7-day-old chicks, and litter at 3 and 6 weeks can be used as an indicator of flock infection and thus carcass contamination.


beta gamma Subunits of heterotrimeric GTP-binding proteins (G beta gamma) activate the inwardly rectifying muscarinic K+ channel, GIRK1. The significant role for the carboxyl (C) terminus of GIRK1 in this interaction has been suggested. However, it is still unknown whether G beta gamma directly interacts with GIRK1. To elucidate the molecular basis of G beta gamma-activation of GIRK1, we examined the binding properties of G beta gamma to the C terminus of GIRK1 cloned from mouse brain cDNA library (MB-GIRK1). The C terminus of MB-GIRK1 fused with glutathione S-transferase directly bound to purified G beta gamma. Incubation of the C terminus with Gi pretreated with GTP gamma S, but not with GDP, resulted in the binding of Gi beta gamma to the protein. Purified G alpha-GDP, but not G alpha-GTP gamma S, inhibited the binding of G beta gamma to the fusion protein. These results indicate that G beta gamma dissociated from G alpha may directly bind to the C terminus of GIRK1.


In acute experiments on rats adapted for 4 weeks to the altitude of 2100 m it was found that at the early period of altitude adaptation the left ventricular systolic pressure and the maximal rates of pressure rise and fall considerably exceeded the values of control tests conducted in Moscow. Later on the parameters of the cardiac contractile function stabilized gradually. In 4 weeks the heart of adapted animals showed a greater increment of the contractility parameters in response to noradrenaline injection and a higher stability of the contractile function at very high heart rates.


Cardiac hemangiomas are a rare benign primary tumor with an estimated incidence of no more than 10% of cases of primary cardiac tumors. They can arise in any location but most of them occur predominantly in the right ventricle. Heart hemangiomas are usually asymptomatic and accidentally diagnosed by imaging methods such as echocardiography or nuclear magnetic resonance; however they can cause symptoms resulting from obstruction of blood flow, interference with the heart valves, arrhythmias or embolization. Surgical resection is the treatment of choice and long-term prognosis is favorable after total resection of the tumor. The authors present a case of cardiac hemangioma whose clinical diagnosis was triggered by exertional dyspnea and culminating with complete resection of the tumor. In this context, a review of this entity is made with special emphasis on imaging modalities used for diagnosis.


The high rates of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) recurrence after initially successful curative therapy emphasize ongoing unmet needs to prevent or reduce HCC recurrence. Retinoid acid (RA), a metabolite of vitamin A and its related analogues (termed retinoids) has been suggested as a promising chemotherapeutic agent in cancer treatment. The synthetic oral retinoid peretinoin is the only agent for the secondary chemoprevention of HCC after curative therapy that is currently well applied into clinical development. Here we present an updated summary of the molecular pathogenesis of HCC and of preclinical and clinical findings with peretinoin, including its clinical characteristics, safety and tolerability profile and future perspectives for clinical use.


One of the main objectives of the Ethiopian Poverty Reduction Strategy (2002-05) was to expand primary school enrolment and provide more equitable and higher quality education. However, only the access-related targets set out in the Education Sector Development Plans I (1996-2001) and II (2002-05), have been achieved. The quality of primary education has mostly declined, with marked shortages of qualified primary school teachers and textbooks, and increasing class sizes and dropout rates. There is little information on the possible determinants of educational attainment outcomes in Ethiopia, yet it is crucial to understand factors affecting the quality of education. This paper addresses some key factors influencing children's education completion rates and achievement scores. It looks at the relative importance of the school and family environment and individual child characteristics in determining child grade completion or dropout in primary school; the relative importance of investment in school quality in determining students' educational achievement; and the extent to which the Education Sector Development Programme reflects the determinants of children's primary school completion rates and educational achievement scores identified in this paper. Based on quantitative and qualitative data collected by the Ethiopia Young Lives study on childhood poverty, this paper involves survey data from 1,000 households with eight-year-old children collected in 2002 and qualitative data collected in 2005. Its key findings are that school completion rates are shaped by birth order, sex of the child, household wealth, household composition, parental education, school access, school quality and post-1996 policy changes. Additionally, it presents findings that children's educational achievement is significantly affected by sex of the child, child labour, child satisfaction with school, caregiver social capital (social networks and support), parental education levels and household wealth. The author draws on research findings to propose a number of implications for the second round of the Education Sector Development Programme. These include measures to combat poverty, improve childcare and school systems and promote gender equality, adult education, educational quality, community mobilisation and child participation.


Acoustic tweezers enable contactless, dynamic, precise, and multifunctional manipulation of bioparticles in Petri dishes. Acoustic tweezers are a promising technology for the biocompatible, precise manipulation of delicate bioparticles ranging from nanometer-sized exosomes to millimeter-sized zebrafish larva. However, their widespread usage is hindered by their low compatibility with the workflows in biological laboratories. Here, we present multifunctional acoustic tweezers that can manipulate bioparticles in a disposable Petri dish. Various functionalities including cell patterning, tissue engineering, concentrating particles, translating cells, stimulating cells, and cell lysis are demonstrated. Moreover, leaky surface acoustic wave–based holography is achieved by encoding required phases in electrode profiles of interdigitated transducers. This overcomes the frequency and resolution limits of previous holographic techniques to control three-dimensional acoustic beams in microscale. This study presents a favorable technique for noncontact and label-free manipulation of bioparticles in commonly used Petri dishes. It can be readily adopted by the biological and medical communities for cell studies, tissue generation, and regenerative medicine.


Fiction is an imaginative story rather than being a documentation of any historical fact. However, fiction,as a branch of literature,reflects the author's society. This is why fiction is believed to be a mirror through which a society is seen. Since fiction is something that mirrors society, facts and imagination are always well blended by the author. What this means is that historical and realistic facts are always the writer's source of inspiration. The question now is how well has the writer blended facts and imaginations in his work? This research work therefore aims to ascertain how well Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie has blended facts and imagination in her Purple Hibiscus . The researcher has equally reviewed scholar's opinions on the concept "Fiction." This he believes would aid him pass judgment on Adichie's work. To consolidate his work and make it very categorical, the researcher draws copious excerpts from the novel. This he believes will enable the reader to understand the work with ease. In analyzing the work, the researcher believes that among other approaches, sociological approach is more adequate in analysis of the fiction.


The brain is unquestionably the most fascinating organ. Despite tremendous progress, current knowledge falls short of being able to explain its function. An emerging approach toward improved understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying brain function is neuroproteomics. Today's neuroscientists have access to a battery of versatile technologies both in transcriptomics and proteomics. The challenge is to choose the right strategy in order to generate new hypotheses on how the brain works. The goal of this review is therefore two‐fold: first we recall the bewildering cellular, molecular, and functional complexity in the brain, as this knowledge is fundamental to any study design. In fact, an impressive complexity on the molecular level has recently re‐emerged as a central theme in large‐scale analyses. Then we review transcriptomics and proteomics technologies, as both are complementary. Finally, we comment on the most widely used proteomics techniques and their respective strengths and drawbacks. We conclude that for the time being, neuroproteomics should focus on its strengths, namely the identification of posttranslational modifications and protein–protein interactions, as well as the characterization of highly purified subproteomes. For global expression profiling, emphasis should be put on further development to significantly increase coverage.


Several reports have related Legionella pneumophila with pneumonia in renal transplant patients, however this association has not been systematically documented in Brazil. Therefore this paper reports the incidence, by serological assays, of Legionella pneumophila serogroup 1 in these patients during a five year period. For this purpose sera from blood samples of 70 hospitalized patients with pneumonia from the Renal Transplant Unit of Hospital das Clinicas, FMUSP collected at the acute and convalescent phase of infection were submitted to indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA) to demonstrate anti-Legionella pneumophila serogroup 1 antibodies. Of these 70 patients studied during the period of 1988 to 1993, 18 (25.71%) had significant rises in specific antibody titers for Legionella pneumophila serogroup 1. Incidence was interrupted following Hospital water decontamination procedures, with recurrence of infections after treatment interruption. In this study, the high susceptibility (25.71%) of immunodepressed renal transplant patients to Legionella pneumophila serogroup 1 nosocomial infections is documented. The importance of the implementation and maintenance of water decontamination measures for prophylaxis of the infection is also clearly evident.


Background Although early life factors are associated with increased suicide risk in youth, there is a dearth of research on these associations for individuals growing up in disadvantaged socioeconomic contexts, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). We documented the association between individual, familial, and environmental factors in childhood with suicidal ideation among South African youth. Methods and findings We used data from 2,020 participants in the Birth to Twenty Plus (Bt20+) study, a South African cohort following children born in Soweto, Johannesburg from birth (1990) to age 28 years (2018). Suicidal ideation was self-reported at ages 14, 17, 22, and 28 years, and the primary outcome of interest was suicidal ideation reported at any age. We assessed individual, familial, and socioeconomic characteristics at childbirth and during infancy, adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) between ages 5 and 13 years, and externalizing and internalizing problems between 5 and 10 years. We estimated odds ratios (ORs) of suicidal ideation for individuals exposed to selected childhood factors using logistic regression. Lifetime suicidal ideation was reported by 469 (23.2%) participants, with a 1.7:1 female/male ratio. Suicidal ideation rates peaked at age 17 and decreased thereafter. Socioeconomic adversity, low birth weight, higher birth order (i.e., increase in the order of birth in the family: first, second, third, fourth, or later born child), ACEs, and childhood externalizing problems were associated with suicidal ideation, differently patterned among males and females. Socioeconomic adversity (OR 1.13, CI 1.01 to 1.27, P = 0.031) was significantly associated with suicidal ideation among males only, while birth weight (OR 1.20, CI 1.02 to 1.41, P = 0.03), ACEs (OR 1.11, CI 1.01 to 1.21, P = 0.030), and higher birth order (OR 1.15, CI 1.07 to 1.243, P < 0.001) were significantly associated with suicidal ideation among females only. Externalizing problems in childhood were significantly associated with suicidal ideation among both males (OR 1.23, 1.08 to 1.40, P = 0.002) and females (OR 1.16, CI 1.03 to 1.30, P = 0.011). Main limitations of the study are the high attrition rate (62% of the original sample was included in this analysis) and the heterogeneity in the measurements of suicidal ideation. Conclusions In this study from South Africa, we observed that early life social and environmental adversities as well as childhood externalizing problems are associated with increased risk of suicidal ideation during adolescence and early adulthood.