Search

The United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) designated the years between 2022 and 2032 as the International Decade of Indigenous Languages in an attempt to promote language "preservation, revitalization and promotion." Such statements convey more than advocacy; they also convey complex politics and histories surrounding settler-colonial and Indigenous encounters through, with, and for Indigenous languages and community practices. What will those encounters look and sound like at the end of the decade? This review traces trajectories toward possible outcomes and political configurations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI), considered as the prodromal stage of Alzheimer's disease, is characterized by isolated memory impairment and cerebral gray matter volume (GMV) alterations. Previous structural MRI studies in aMCI have been mainly based on univariate statistics using voxel-based morphometry. Objective: We investigated structural network differences between aMCI patients and cognitively normal older adults by using source-based morphometry, a multivariate approach that considers the relationship between voxels of various parts of the brain. Methods: Ninety-one aMCI patients and 80 cognitively normal controls underwent structural MRI and neuropsychological assessment. Spatially independent components (ICs) that covaried between participants were estimated and a multivariate analysis of covariance was performed with ICs as dependent variables, diagnosis as independent variable, and age, sex, education level, and site as covariates. Results: aMCI patients exhibited reduced GMV in the precentral, temporo-cerebellar, frontal, and temporal network, and increased GMV in the left superior parietal network compared to controls (pFWER < 0.05, Holm-Bonferroni correction). Moreover, we found that diagnosis, more specifically aMCI, moderated the positive relationship between occipital network and Mini-Mental State Examination scores (pFWER < 0.05, Holm-Bonferroni correction). Conclusions: Our results showed GMV alterations in temporo-fronto-parieto-cerebellar networks in aMCI, extending previous results obtained with univariate approaches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Immune checkpoint inhibitors can stimulate antitumor immunity but can also induce toxicities termed immune-related adverse events (irAEs). Colitis is a common and severe irAE that can lead to treatment discontinuation. Mechanistic understanding of gut irAEs has been hampered because robust colitis is not observed in laboratory mice treated with checkpoint inhibitors. We report here that this limitation can be overcome by using mice harboring the microbiota of wild-caught mice, which develop overt colitis following treatment with anti-CTLA-4 antibodies. Intestinal inflammation is driven by unrestrained activation of IFNg-producing CD4+ T cells and depletion of peripherally induced regulatory T cells through Fcγ receptor signaling. Accordingly, anti-CTLA-4 nanobodies that lack an Fc domain can promote antitumor responses without triggering colitis. This work suggests a strategy for mitigating gut irAEs while preserving antitumor stimulating effects of CTLA-4 blockade. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Host Reproduction Number (HRN) is a measure of the number of adult fruit flies that can emerge from one kilogram of fruit. HRN is a useful tool in surveillance, management and trade. I reviewed the literature for Queensland fruit fly (Qfly) and found data on 297 hosts. There were 81 Qfly hosts with HRN data and 216 Qfly hosts with no HRN data. The HRN will help to inform and triage hosts for target surveillance and management programs. Additionally, HRN will inform disinfestation activities pertaining to incursion response management, risk mitigation and trade options. There is a need for scientists to report HRN in a consistent manner so that Qfly management programs and trade protocols might be optimised. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Effective, sustained collaboration between clinical and public health professionals can lead to improved individual and population health. The concept of clinical public health promotes collaboration between clinical medicine and public health to address complex, real-world health challenges. In this commentary, we describe the concept of clinical public health, the types of complex problems that require collaboration between individual and population health, and the barriers towards and applications of clinical public health that have become evident during the COVID-19 pandemic. Rationale: The focus of clinical medicine on the health of individuals and the aims of public health to promote and protect the health of populations are complementary. Interdisciplinary collaborations at both levels of health interventions are needed to address complex health problems. However, there is a need to address the disciplinary, cultural and financial barriers to achieving greater and sustained collaboration. Recent successes, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, provide a model for such collaboration between clinicians and public health practitioners. Conclusion: A public health approach that fosters ongoing collaboration between clinical and public health professionals in the face of complex health threats will have greater impact than the sum of the parts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High particle temperature and low particle velocity are required to successfully deposit polymer particles by cold spray process. To increase the particle temperature, a solution is to use a relatively long nozzle to increase the particle resident time inside the nozzle and limit the expansion of the supersonic flow. However, to do this, due to manufacturing limitations, several nozzles must be attached in series (until the desired length is reached), or alternatively, irregularities must be introduced into the inner shape of the nozzle. In this study, we aim to analyze the effect of 20% nozzle reduction of cross-section area at the center of a 240-mm-long nozzle using computational fluid dynamics (CFD). At the intersection between the two sections, several phenomena take place: (i) the flow chokes and (ii) particles rebound at the intersection leading them to go upstream. For particles with a diameter larger than 30 µm, 20 to 25% of the particles rebound inside the nozzle due to the larger influence of the inertia and the Saffman lift force. For these particles, larger temperature and lower velocity is recorded. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tephritid fruit flies are major economic pests for fruit production and are an impediment to trade. Different host fruits are known to vary in their capacity or suitability for fruit flies to complete their life cycle and this is particularly important for regional and local fruit fly management. The capacity of host fruit to support the full life cycle of fruit flies is measured by the number of adults produced from one kg of fruit. This metric is termed the Host Reproduction Number (HRN) and values range from zero for non-hosts to many hundreds for highly suitable hosts. Twenty-one published papers were reviewed to extract fly-host data. Here, the HRN was used to divide host status into six Host Suitability Index (HSI) categories. The HRN and HSI concept was applied to 21 host status papers covering 211 hosts and nine species of polyphagous fruit flies in Africa. Preferably, field infestation rate was used, rather than laboratory experiments. The HRN and HSI may be a useful concept in developing management strategies that recognise varying host status, for determining surveillance and detection protocols for potential incursions, and to guide the appropriate regulatory response during endemic fruit fly outbreaks and exotic incursions. HRN and HSI could be used for exports and imports and the associated levels of risk mitigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fruit fly surveillance remains important for international and domestic trade. The cuelure baited dry Lynfield trap has been the standard since the early 1990's. Here, we tested the Biotrap (two versions) and two other internationally recognized traps (Susbin trap and Multi lure trap) against the Lynfield trap. There were no statistical differences and all traps were equivalent to the Lynfield trap under our test conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to determine and analyze the influence of organizational culture on employee performance at the Maluku Provincial Social Service. The method used in this study is associative research method using observation, interviews, questionnaires, and literature studies to 77 respondents. Based on the results of the analysis using the product moment correlation formula, the data shows that the correlation between Organizational Culture (X) and Employee Performance (Y) is 0.435, there is a moderate relationship because it is in the range 0.400 – 0.599. and the significance level test shows that the t-count is greater than the t-table (4.185 > 1.671) meaning that there is a significant influence between organizational culture on employee performance. While the coefficient of Determinant (R2) the influence of independent variables on changes in the dependent variable is 18.9%, while the remaining 81.1% is influenced by variables other than organizational culture variables that are not included in this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fruit flies are among the most destructive horticultural pests. For Queensland fruit fly (Qfly), Bactrocera tryoni (Froggatt) (Diptera: Tephritidae), the sterile insect technique (SIT) is the main control method used in southeastern Australia. SIT involves the mass rearing of Qfly, sterilisation of pupae by irradiation, transport to release centres, and release of sterile Qfly to disperse into the environment. Mating of sterile and wild flies results in no offspring; thus, the wild population rapidly decreases. Previously, research has mainly focused on improvements within the production facility. However, transport from production facility to release sites is also an essential component in all SIT programs. Here, we examined historical records from the Victorian SIT program between 2002 and 2013 in three seasons (spring, summer, and autumn). We compared quality control (QC) data of irradiated fly pupae at the mass‐rearing facility in New South Wales (limited transport) to those of pupae transported to a release centre in Victoria (extensive transport). After extensive transport, pupal weight (−0.3 mg, or −3%) and flight ability (an overall 26% decline) were lower across all seasons, but particularly in spring. Adult emergence was lower across all seasons (an overall 23% decline), but particularly in summer. All three QC parameters were more variable after extensive transport. We discuss potential causes of the observed decreased pupal quality and avenues of future research to mitigate transport losses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Incomplete spinal cord injury (SCI) may result in muscle weakness and difficulties with force gradation. Although these impairments arise from the injury and subsequent changes at spinal levels, changes have also been demonstrated in the brain. Blood-oxygen-level dependent (BOLD) imaging was used to investigate these changes in brain activation in the context of unimanual contractions with the first dorsal interosseous muscle. BOLD- and force data were obtained in 19 individuals with SCI (AISA Impairment Scale [AIS] C/D, level C4–C8) and 24 able-bodied controls during maximal voluntary contractions (MVCs). To assess force modulation, participants performed 12 submaximal contractions with each hand (at 10, 30, 50, and 70% MVC) by matching their force level to a visual target. MVCs were weaker in the SCI group (both hands p < 0.001), but BOLD activation did not differ between SCI and control groups. For the submaximal contractions, force (as %MVC) was similar across groups. However, SCI participants showed increased activity of the ipsilateral motor cortex and contralateral cerebellum across all contractions, with no differential effect of force level. Activity of ipsilateral M1 was best explained by force of the target hand (vs. the non-target hand). In conclusion, the data suggest that after incomplete cervical SCI, individuals remain capable of producing maximal supraspinal drive and are able to modulate this drive adequately. Activity of the ipsilateral motor network appears to be task related, although it remains uncertain how this activity contributes to task performance and whether this effect could potentially be harnessed to improve motor functioning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sterile insect technique is an effective tool to manage a range of pest insects, including the true fruit flies (Diptera: Tephritidae). As part of the process, pupae are dispatched from a mass‐rearing facility for several hundred km to a rearing out centre typically located near the release sites. Transportation of Queensland fruit fly (Qfly), Bactrocera tryoni (Froggatt), pupae from mass production facilities to field release sites is known to negatively affect fly quality. To determine which quality parameters are affected, we assessed adult emergence, flight ability, and rate of fliers between irradiated and non‐irradiated flies that were or were not transported long distance. Pupal weight was not affected by irradiation or transport. We found that transportation and irradiation of pupae resulted in a decrease in percentage fly emergence, flight ability, and fliers. Transportation and irradiation both resulted in 8% reduction in emergence of flies. Additionally, we found that transportation resulted in an increase in the rate of deformity by 65% and irradiation could increase deformity by 75%. Compounding these losses, both transportation and irradiation resulted in the decline of number of fliers by approximately 23% each. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To solve complex health issues, an innovative and multidisciplinary framework is necessary. The Clinical Public Health (CPH) Division was established at the University of Toronto (UofT), Canada to foster inte-gration of primary care, preventive medicine and public health in education, practice and research. To better understand how the construct of CPH might be applied, we surveyed clinicians, researchers and public health professionals affiliated with the CPH Division to assess their understanding of the CPH concept and its utility in fostering broad collaboration.Methods: A two-wave anonymous survey of the active faculty of the CPH Division, UofT was conducted across Canada. Wave 1 participants (n = 187; 2016) were asked to define CPH, while Wave 2 participants (n = 192; 2017) were provided a synthesis of Wave 1 results and asked to rank each definition. Both waves were asked about the need for a common definition, and to comment on CPH.Results: Response rates for the first and second waves were 25% and 22%, respectively. Of the six definitions of CPH from Wave 1, "the intersection of clinical practice and public health," was most highly ranked by Wave 2 participants. Positive perceptions of CPH included multidisciplinary collaboration, new fields and insights, forward thinking and innovation. Negative perceptions included CPH being a confusing term, too narrow in scope or too clinical.Conclusion: The concept of Clinical Public Health can foster multidisciplinary collaboration to address com-plex health issues because it provides a useful framework for bringing together key disciplines and diverse professional specialties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mammalian intestine is colonized by trillions of microorganisms that have co-evolved with the host in a symbiotic relationship. Although the influence of the gut microbiota on intestinal physiology and immunity is well known, mounting evidence suggests a key role for intestinal symbionts in controlling immune cell responses and development outside the gut. Although the underlying mechanisms by which the gut symbionts influence systemic immune responses remain poorly understood, there is evidence for both direct and indirect effects. In addition, the gut microbiota can contribute to immune responses associated with diseases outside the intestine. Understanding the complex interactions between the gut microbiota and the host is thus of fundamental importance to understand both immunity and human health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An introduction is presented in which the editor discusses various reports within the issue on topics including the labour process, labour policy and the lived history of labourers in Namibia.

This article considers the history of labour relations within Namibia's agricultural sector, with specific emphasis on the karakul sheep industry. It examines debates concerning shortages of shepherds and the increasing efforts on the part of (white) sheep farmers in southern Namibia to import contract labourers from northern Namibia and southern Angola. The ability of local Nama labourers in southern Namibia to desert abusive employers and return to reserves (albeit overcrowded) caused farmers to rely increasingly, from the late 1930s, on migrant shepherds, with illegally recruited Angolans rising in importance – making up over 40 per cent of total recruits throughout the mid 20th century. The reopening of Namibia's mines and industries after the Second World War, alongside increased Portuguese recruitment of Angolans from Cunene province for their own karakul industry (founded with smuggled rams), caused white farmers to change strategy abruptly from the mid 1950s. With heavy subsidies from the South West Africa Administration, farmers invested in labour-saving technological improvements on the sheep farms themselves, particularly jackal-proof fencing, transforming a shepherd-intensive industry into a near shepherdless one in less than a decade. This, along with the development of homeland structures, gave white farmers the leverage to reinvigorate informal, ad hoc labour hire. Using Namibian, Angolan and South African sources, this article reconstructs the transnational political economy of labour in Namibia's sheep-farming sector, and it considers how transformations in agricultural technology restructures labour hire, often away from 'formal' contract waged labour towards other forms of exploitative labour relations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Atrophy and White Matter Hyperintensities were prevalent in Senegalese people aged ≥50. • No clear HIV impact was observed. • The role of comorbidities, such as hypertension, was highlighted. • Brain MRI studies are encouraged in this population living in West Africa. To cross-sectionally describe brain alterations in PLHIV aged above 50 years old, receiving antiretroviral treatment (ART) and living in Senegal compared to HIV-negative subjects. Twenty PLHIV and 26 HIV-negative subjects with comparable socio-demographic and clinical characteristics underwent an MRI exam (3D-T1 and FLAIR sequences). Global atrophy and White Matter Hyperintensities (WMH) were evaluated. After assessing the feasibility and acceptability of MRI scans in this population, we described atrophy and WHM prevalence and associated factors using logistic regressions. Overall, 43.5% of the study sample were aged ≥60 years, 58.7% were women, and 28.3% had hypertension. The overall prevalence of atrophy and WMH was 19.6% [95% CI: 8.1–31.1] and 30.4% [95% CI: 17.1–43.7]. HIV status had no significant effect on atrophy or WMH. Unemployment and hypertension were significantly associated with atrophy, whereas women were less likely to present atrophy. Aged ≥60 years was the only factor associated with WMH. A high prevalence of atrophy and WMH was observed in West African adults aged over 50 years without a clear HIV impact. As brain MRI studies are critical to better understand cognitive and emotional outcomes, we encourage those studies in older PLHIV in West Africa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Guava (Psidium guajava) is grown throughout the world and particularly in the tropics and subtropics. Fruit and other plant parts are used in folk and traditional medicine to treat a wide range of medical aliments. Guava is attractive to tephritids and a high percentage of crops are infested. I conducted a literature review to identify the host suitability index of ten tephritids. Most tephritids were reported in the highest category of "very good", supporting >100 adults per kg of fruit. More research is required to further assess if guava is a very good host for other tephritids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Society for the Teaching of Psychology (STP) is celebrating its 75th anniversary as a division of the American Psychological Association. During its history, it has served as a repository of materials for the teaching of psychology. This article highlights the discussion among longtime STP members and officers who played key roles in the evolution of the repository and provides some suggestions as to its future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Apathy, a common neuropsychiatric (NPS) in patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and Alzheimer's disease (AD), is associated with structural and metabolic brain changes. However, functional connectivity changes across the brain in association with apathy remain unclear. In this study, graph theoretical measures of integration and segregation from resting state functional connectivity in MCI and AD patients with low depression scores, and healthy controls.Methods: In MCI and AD patients with low depression scores, graph theoretical measures of integration and segregation were derived from resting state functional connectivity in patients, which were compared between those with apathy (NPS_A, n = 21) to those without NPS (NPS_None, n = 28) and those with NPS other than apathy (NPS_NA, n = 38). Additionally, the same measures were compared between AD patients and healthy controls (amyloid uptake below threshold levels).Results: Altered whole brain global efficiency and reduced local efficiency were found in NPS_A compared to NPS_None and NPS_NA. In similar contrasts, apathy was associated with increased participation coefficient in the frontoparietal and cingulo-opercular template-based networks. A study-specific network definition also showed similar results. In comparison, AD patients showed higher modularity compared to controls at the whole brain level and higher participation coefficient in the ventral attention network.Limitations: The severity and dimensions of apathy were not assessed.Conclusions: Loss of segregation in the frontoparietal and cingulo-opercular network, which are involved in the control of goal-directed behavior, was associated with apathy in MCI/AD. The results also suggest that network-level changes in AD patients may underlie specific NPS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In November 2017, the mobile digital Surveillance Outbreak Response Management and Analysis System was deployed in 30 districts in Nigeria in response to an outbreak of monkeypox. Adaptation and activation of the system took 14 days, and its use improved timeliness, completeness, and overall capacity of the response. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Queensland fruit fly (Qfly) is a native Australian species originally endemic to Queensland and coastal northern New South Wales. Horticultural production of imported hosts has contributed to Qfly spreading to all eastern Australian states. Market access for horticultural production was protected by the creation of pest-free areas such as the Fruit Fly Exclusion Zone (FFEZ) and Greater Sunraysia Pest Free Area (GSPFA) to assist trade from south eastern Australia. These zones had hot, dry summers and cold winters which were less likely to support Qfly establishment and persistence. Eradication was therefore more likely. In recent years, the FFEZ and GSPFA experienced an increase in Qfly outbreaks during the growing season, which may be attributed to an increased summer rainfall and warmer winters. This is an observed change in Australia's climate since the year 2000. Such climatic conditions enhance the suitability of southern Australian regions for Qfly establishment and proliferation. To assess this, the potential current and future distribution and abundance of Qfly was modelled using two global climate models and two emission scenarios. Results indicated that climate change is likely to cause a southern and coa stal shift in the climatic suitability and support an increase in abundance. Horticultural production areas that are currently modelled as marginal for Qfly infestation were projected to become suitable by 2030, with areas that are currently unsuitable projected to become marginal. This change will place horticultural production areas under increasing pressure from Qfly. This change will place new challenges on area wide management and require the development of alternative control measures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tephritid fruit flies are major economic pests and are an impediment to trade. Different host fruits are known to vary in their capacity for fruit flies to complete their life cycle. However, currently there are few reports that identify the capacity for Queensland fruit fly (Qfly) (Bactrocera tryoni (Froggatt)) to complete their life cycle in different hosts. Here, we harvested backyard fruit from infested areas and assessed how many adult flies could be produced from a kilogram of fruit after field infestation. We found loquat, kumquat, peaches and nectarines (in that order) produced the highest number of Qfly adults (>175 adults per kg). This knowledge will assist pest managers and the development of trade standards. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ethyl formate (EF) is a historical fumigant of dried fruit, with uses extended over time to horticulture and cereal grains. EF is effective against stored product insects and has a synergist effect when applied as a non-flammable EF/carbon dioxide (CO2) mix on stored grain insects. Additionally, EF is efficacious on horticulture insect pests. EF is an effective bulk grain fumigant with sorption issues being accommodated by rapid dispensing. The lower toxicity EF usually requires relatively high dose (70g/m³) however its predominant attribute, like methyl bromide (MBr), is short exposure times i.e. hours not days. EF can be used a much lower temperatures than most other fumigants. The volatile and flammable EF is a proven fumigant and a candidate replacement for the ozone depleting MBr. Mixing with an inert gas is required to achieve a non-flammable mixture. Our review found 78 insects that could be controlled by EF, albeit at different rates or exposure times, or in combination with other gases. These insects include five weevils, six aphids, six thrips, seven moths, 18 scale and mealy bugs, and ten beetles. Of these, EF is registered in Australia to control 41 of these pests. The brown marmorated stink bug, Khapra beetle, tomato potato psyllid, tramp ants and other biosecurity threats are good candidates for EF fumigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) are critical for host defense and tissue repair but can also contribute to chronic inflammatory diseases. The transcription factor RORα is required for ILC2 development but is also highly expressed by other ILC subsets where its function remains poorly defined. We previously reported that Rorasg/sg bone marrow chimeric mice (C57BL/6J) were protected from Salmonella-induced intestinal fibrosis due to defective ILC3 responses. In this study, single-cell RNA analysis of ILCs isolated from inflamed tissues indicates that RORα perturbation led to a reduction in ILC3 lineages. Furthermore, residual Rorasg/sg ILC3s have decreased expression of key signature genes, including Rorc and activating cytokine receptors. Collectively, our data suggest that RORα plays a key role in preserving functional ILC3s by modulating their ability to integrate environmental cues to efficiently produce cytokines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An introduction is presented in which the author discusses articles in the journal and his thoughts about the subject of a research agenda focused upon participatory language and climate justice.

Lake Dziani Dzaha (Mayotte Island, Indian Ocean) is a tropical thalassohaline lake which geochemical and biological conditions make it a unique aquatic ecosystem considered as a modern analogue of Precambrian environments. In the present study, we focused on the diversity of phytoplanktonic communities, which produce very high and stable biomass (mean2014–2015 = 652 ± 179 μg chlorophyll a L−1). As predicted by classical community ecology paradigms, and as observed in similar environments, a single species is expected to dominate the phytoplanktonic communities. To test this hypothesis, we sampled water column in the deepest part of the lake (18 m) during rainy and dry seasons for two consecutive years. Phytoplanktonic communities were characterized using a combination of metagenomic, microscopy-based and flow cytometry approaches, and we used statistical modeling to identify the environmental factors determining the abundance of dominant organisms. As hypothesized, the overall diversity of the phytoplanktonic communities was very low (15 OTUs), but we observed a co-dominance of two, and not only one, OTUs, viz., Arthrospira fusiformis (Cyanobacteria) and Picocystis salinarum (Chlorophyta). We observed a decrease in the abundance of these co-dominant taxa along the depth profile and identified the adverse environmental factors driving this decline. The functional traits measured on isolated strains of these two taxa (i.e., size, pigment composition, and concentration) are then compared and discussed to explain their capacity to cope with the extreme environmental conditions encountered in the aphotic, anoxic, and sulfidic layers of the water column of Lake Dziani Dzaha. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Increase in biodiversity increases biological and environmental fitness. • The Janus Hypothesis explains how fitness is optimized by maximizing total system throughflow (TST) and storage (TSS). • Autonomy, biodiversity, and connectivity are three key ingredients in the process. Abstract Adam Smith's classic, The Wealth of Nations (Smith, 1776), laid down the foundations for free-market, and later growth, economics. Goals, resources, currencies, labor, and skills in human enterprise all have parallels in the economy of nature: ▪ Self-interested people have counterparts in survival-driven species; ▪ Opportunities and markets are reflected in resource and habitat niches; ▪ Division of labor is expressed in role niches and biodiversity; ▪ Persistence of economic growth is matched in that of biological growth; ▪ Growth in money-flow mirrors matter- and energy-flow in ecosystems; ▪ Capital accumulation as monetary profit in economics is expressed as the standing stocks of natural capital in ecology; and finally, ▪ Smith's invisible hand , generating "greatest goods for the greatest many", finds specificity in the utility theory and mathematics of ecology's network environ analysis. These parallels, and the fact that man is a part of nature also, suggest the same laws direct both ecology and economics. This paper summarizes the Janus Hypothesis (Patten, 2016) as a candidate theory determining natural (and human) economics. The hypothesis holds that three relational " ABC "s— a utonomy, b iodiversity, and c onnectivity—self-organize to maximize biological and environmental fitness in the transactional economy of nature. Applicability to human economics is axiomatic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The cytokine IL-22 is rapidly induced at barrier surfaces where it regulates host-protective antimicrobial immunity and tissue repair but can also enhance disease severity in some chronic inflammatory settings. Using the chronic Salmonella gastroenteritis model, Ab-mediated neutralization of IL-22 impaired intestinal epithelial barrier integrity and, consequently, exaggerated expression of proinflammatory cytokines. As disease normally resolved, neutralization of IL-22 caused luminal narrowing of the cecum-a feature reminiscent of fibrotic strictures seen in Crohn disease patients. Corresponding to the exaggerated immunopathology caused by IL-22 suppression, Salmonella burdens in the gut were reduced. This enhanced inflammation and pathogen clearance was associated with alterations in gut microbiome composition, including the overgrowth of Bacteroides acidifaciens. Our findings thus indicate that IL-22 plays a protective role by limiting infection-induced gut immunopathology but can also lead to persistent pathogen colonization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Studies using health administrative databases (HAD) may lead to biased results since information on potential confounders is often missing. Methods that integrate confounder data from cohort studies, such as multivariate imputation by chained equations (MICE) and two-stage calibration (TSC), aim to reduce confounding bias. We provide new insights into their behavior under different deviations from representativeness of the cohort. Methods: We conducted an extensive simulation study to assess the performance of these two methods under different deviations from representativeness of the cohort. We illustrate these approaches by studying the association between benzodiazepine use and fractures in the elderly using the general sample of French health insurance beneficiaries (EGB) as main database and two French cohorts (Paquid and 3C) as validation samples. Results: When the cohort was representative from the same population as the HAD, the two methods are unbiased. TSC was more efficient and faster but its variance could be slightly underestimated when confounders were non-Gaussian. If the cohort was a subsample of the HAD (internal validation) with the probability of the subject being included in the cohort depending on both exposure and outcome, MICE was unbiased while TSC was biased. The two methods appeared biased when the inclusion probability in the cohort depended on unobserved confounders. Conclusion: When choosing the most appropriate method, epidemiologists should consider the origin of the cohort (internal or external validation) as well as the (anticipated or observed) selection biases of the validation sample. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract This study addresses the influence of as-cast spherulites, which may be present in the glassy matrix of a bulk metallic glass owing to the processing conditions, on its fracture behaviour. The fracture toughness of a Zr 55 Cu 30 Al 10 Ni 5 glass containing a low fraction as-cast spherulites (∼ 1 % volume fraction) is investigated by means of bending tests. The resulting mode-I fracture toughness values, around 72 MPa m , reveal the moderate detrimental effect of the spherulites. This result is compared to previous results for flawless and dendrite-containing glasses of the same composition, as well as with results from literature. The role played by the spherulites in crack propagation, under mode I and II, and fracture is finally addressed by means of fractography observations and finite element computations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The results of an SCF/SDCI treatment are presented for selected portions of the ground state potential energy surface for the Cu3 molecule. For equilateral triangle geometries (D3h) the lowest state is 2E’ arising from 4sa’214se’1. The 2E’ state exhibits strong Jahn–Teller distortion, leading to 2A1 (acute angle) and 2B2 (obtuse angle) minima in C2v symmetry. Here the 2B2 minimum is a true minimum on the surface while the 2A1 minimum is a saddle point or very shallow secondary minimum connecting adjacent 2B2 minima. This strong Jahn–Teller distortion is consistent with the observed ground state vibrational levels in the gas phase spectroscopic studies of Morse, Hopkins, Langridge-Smith, and Smalley and in the matrix Raman studies of Moskovits. The 2B2 minimum is also consistent with the observed ESR spectrum of Cu3 in a matrix, which has been interpreted as an obtuse angle structure with most of the spin density on the end Cu atoms. A linear 2Σ+u state is found to be 0.26 eV higher. Two possible candidates have been found for the upper state in the spectrum of Morse et al. (i) a 3s Rydberg state of 2A1 symmetry and (ii) a 3d→4s state of 2E‘ symmetry. Both of these states are consistent with the observed selection rules. The 2E‘ state would be expected to be weakly Jahn–Teller distorted in agreement with the fit to the upper state levels by Morse et al. and by Thompson, Truhlar, and Mead. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have examined the structure, torsional potentials, vibrational spectra, and harmonic force fields for the s-cis and s-trans isomers of methacryloyl fluoride with the aim of understanding some of the conformational properties of these molecules and their relationship to macroscopic polymer properties. The calculations have been performed at the SCF level with a split valence basis set. We find the structure to be in reasonably good agreement with experiment and as expected find the structural variations between the two isomers to be slight. However, we do suggest a reexamination of the carbonyl geometry in light of our studies. Our calculations show the energy difference between the s-cis and the s-trans isomers to be less than 1 kcal/mol at both the split valence and the split valence polarized levels, favoring the s-trans form. An examination of the torsional potential reveals that a rigid rotor approximation provides an adequate description of the motion of either the methyl group, or of the COF moiety. For the methyl group we find a barrier of 1.5 kcal/mol, with the preferred conformation having the hydrogen atom eclipsed with respect to the carbon–carbon double bond. Our best calculations show that the torsional barrier to interconvert the s-trans to the s-cis form is 7.0 kcal/mol, somewhat higher than the recent experimental values of 6.5 and 5.1 kcal/mol. This study also points out the need to include the difference in zero point energies between reactants and the transition state when evaluating torsional potentials. Our calculated vibrational spectra show the similarities and differences between these two isomers, and suggest areas where the assignments should be further examined. In particular, we suggest that some of the low frequency torsional modes deserve further scrutiny. A fit of our data to a three term Fourier series shows that we are able to reproduce the experimentally derived barrier, even though a direct determination shows that... [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plasticization of polymers largely contributed to their worldwide utilization, especially for automotive crashworthiness, by making them a more ductile material. For such applications, a clear understanding of the mechanical properties evolution over a large range of strain rate and temperature is needed. In this study, we investigate a plasticized poly(vinyl chloride) manufactured through a multilayered process for the automotive industry. Analysis of the microstructure before and after mechanical testing, at different temperature and strain rate, highlighted the presence of sodium aluminosilicate within material microstructure. After thermal degradation analysis, these particles seem to be the only one to remain at high temperature. Moreover, it is important to mention that for the possible applications of this material, the temperature range is around the glass transition region leading. Thus, careful attention should be focused on the evolution of the material properties and on the way to model them. Numerical prediction of the storage modulus and yield stress using homemade models show a good agreement with the experimental data. More, these models will make reliable the use of these materials over a wide range of temperatures and strain rates that are difficult to obtain by experience, such as intermediate strain rates between quasi-static and dynamic loading. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article examines three aspect of the U.S. National Industrial Recovery Act (NIRA) of 1933. It attempts to justify why did the Roosevelt Administration think that collusion, high wages, and shorter work hours would promote recovery from the Great Depression. It notes that the precursors to the NIRA as well as the evolution of the economic thinking on the issue led to the passage of NIRA on June 16,1933.

The aim of this study is to see if the centre of pressure (COP) measurements on the postural stability can be used to represent the electromyography (EMG) measurement on the activity data of lower limb muscles. If so, the cost-effective COP data measurements can be used to indicate the level of postural stability and lower limb muscle activity. The Hilbert-Huang Transform method was used to analyse the data from the experimental designed to examine the correlation between lower-limb muscles and postural stability. We randomly selected 24 university students to participate in eight scenarios and simultaneously measured their COP and EMG signals during the experiments. The Empirical Mode Decomposition was used to identify the intrinsic-mode functions (IMF) that can distinguish between the COP and EMG at different states. Subsequently, similarity indices and synchronization analyses were used to calculate the correlation between the lower-limb muscle strength and the postural stability. The IMF5 of the COP signals and the IMF6 of the EMG signals were not significantly different and the average frequency was 0.8 Hz, with a range of 0-2 Hz. When the postural stability was poor, the COP and EMG had a high synchronization with index values within the range of 0.010-0.015. With good postural stability, the synchronization indices were between 0.006 and 0.080 and both exhibited low synchronization. The COP signals and the low frequency EMG signals were highly correlated. In conclusion, we demonstrated that the COP may provide enough information on postural stability without the EMG data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Under a correlation constraint the optimal constant/fixed-mix portfolio consists of the market portfolio, the riskless bond and the benchmark [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

For over 40 years, Professor Bernie Patten, offered a course on Field Systems Ecology at the University of Georgia in Athens, Georgia, USA. The course combined systems analysis approaches and natural field ecology in a way that gave the students new perspectives on making conceptual and formal models of the natural world. The course employed extensive use of outdoor field laboratories at a nearby park, which had multiple ecological habitats. The main progression was to go from simple observations to “seeing systems” to modeling by learning how to ask pertinent systems-oriented questions. This started with a structured walk through the six identified subsystems (forest ridgetop, forest slope, field, lake, stream, and wetland) and proceeded to specific field sampling techniques for the terrestrial and aquatic environments. In addition to the field labs, the course required two weekend camping trips, one to the Great Smokey Mountain National Park in the Appalachian Mountains and one to the Okefenokee Swamp/Cumberland Island National Seashore. The idea was to use the two weekend trips to frame the local watershed scale processes at the continental scale. In this manner, students could observe and measure ecosystem processes and interactions at multiple scales. The notes, which are reproduced below, have been further modified for use at Towson University which utilizes a local park in Baltimore County called Oregon Ridge Park and weekend trips to Catoctin National Park and Chesapeake Bay. The general approach of these notes should have universal appeal to anyone teaching or taking a systems ecology course. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A dedicated fatigue pre-cracking method, performed successively under mode II and mode I, has been set up to initiate and propagate a crack close to the notch plane, which is particularly difficult to achieve using pure mode I loading on some ultra pure bulk metallic glasses, free from oxygen contamination. This method, was applied to a pure Zr 55 Cu 30 Al 10 Ni 5 (at.%) amorphous alloy, and allowed successful pre-cracking and reliable measurement of the apparent mode I fracture toughness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Variable lymphocyte receptors (VLRs), the leucine-rich repeat (LRR)-based antigen receptors of jawless fish, have great utility in a wide variety of biochemical and biological applications, similar to classical Ig-based antibodies. VLR-based reagents may be particularly useful when traditional antibodies are not available. An anti-idiotype lamprey VLR, VLR39, has previously been identified that recognizes the heavy-chain CDR3 of the B-cell receptor (BCR) of a leukemic clone from a patient with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). VLR39 was used successfully to track the re-emergence of this clone in the patient following chemotherapy. Here, the crystal structure of VLR39 is presented at 1.5 Å resolution and compared with those of other protein-specific VLRs. VLR39 adopts a curved solenoid fold and exhibits substantial structural similarity to other protein-binding VLRs. VLR39 has a short LRRCT loop that protrudes outwards away from the concave face and is similar to those of its protein-specific VLR counterparts. Analysis of the VLR39-BCR interaction by size-exclusion chromatography and biolayer interferometry using the scFv version of the BCR confirms that VLR39 recognizes the BCR Fv region. Such VLR-based reagents may be useful for identifying and monitoring leukemia in CLL patients and in other clinical diagnostic assays. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper is a qualitative case study that focuses on defining the grief experiences, coping mechanisms, and support systems of those people who have experienced parent loss after being separated for a long period of time. Four (4) individuals aged 19-40 years are interviewed through online platforms in order to gather necessary information. The findings revealed that physical time spent with parent prior to its death could impact the grieving experience and process of the bereaved child. Part also of the grief experience of the participants is the recollection of memories that maintained their relationship with their departed parents. Participants in this study denoted that reliving and recollecting the positive image of their parents helped them to deal with their grief, inspired them to continue life and be closer to their departed parents. Engaging with a strong support system can help a grieving individual in better coping and maintaining their physical and mental well-being. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

La réticulohistiocytose multicentrique (RHM) est une histiocytose non Langherhansienne rare, à manifestations cutanées et ostéoarticulaires prédominantes. D'étiologie inconnue, une malignité sous-jacente est cependant observée dans 25 % des cas. Nous rapportons l'observation d'une patiente âgée de 82 ans sans antécédents particuliers en dehors d'une HTA, ayant présenté un tableau clinique de polyarthrite fébrile associé à lésions cutanées papulonodulaires rosées, siégeant principalement en regard des articulations interphalangiennes distales, en périunguéal, face d'extension des coudes ainsi qu'au niveau péri buccale et de la racine du nez (cf. photos), faisant suspecter dans un premier temps une connectivite type lupus érythémateux systémique, dermatomyosite ou une polyarthrite rhumatoïde. Les ACAN étaient positifs à 1/320 sans anti-ENA ni anti-DNA natifs. FR et anti-CCP étaient négatifs de même que les APL et les ANCA. Le DOT myosite était faiblement positif anti-KU et anti-SRP. Pas d'érosions radiologiques. Une première biopsie cutanée avait conclue à une dermatose granulomateuse compatible avec un granulome annulaire interstitiel. Dans l'hypothèse d'une connectivite, un traitement associant plaquenil et prednisone à raison de 1 mg/kg/jour a été débuté n'ayant amélioré que partiellement la patiente avec une corticodépendance à 20 mg/jour. Cette dernière avait également fait une intolérance aux corticoïdes locaux nécessitant l'arrêt du traitement. Une deuxième biopsie cutanée des lésions nodulaires a finalement permis de faire le diagnostic de réticulohistiocytose multicentrique, en mettant en évidence un derme massivement infiltré par des histiocytes avec un cytoplasme abondant et éosinophile parfois d'aspect granuleux avec un marquage CD68(+), CD163(+), S100(−) et CD1A(−). L'étude immunohistochimique complémentaire a révélé une forte expression nucléaire et cytoplasmique de ALK par les histiocytes. Absence de variant pathogène détecté sur le codon V600 de BRAF ainsi que sur les gènes BRAF , MAP2K1 , NRAS , KRAS et les gènes de la voie des MAP Kinases. Il n'a pas été détecté de fusion des gènes KIF5B-ALK en étude biomoléculaire complémentaire, une analyse par RNAseq est en cours. Par ailleurs, dans le cadre du bilan paranéoplasique, un scanner TAP et un PET scanner étaient revenus négatifs mais la mammographie avait retrouvé une tumeur du sein droit classé ACR4. La biopsie mammaire est venue confirmer le diagnostic de carcinome lobulaire infiltrant peu différencié de grade SBRII, récepteurs hormonaux positifs, HER 2−, sans envahissement ganglionnaire. La patiente a bénéficié d'une tumerectomie avec curage ganglionnaire et est en cours de radiothérapie complémentaire en plus d'une hormonothérapie par antiaromatases. Sur le plan articulaire, un traitement par méthotrexate a été ajouté à la corticothérapie. Les anti-TNF alpha, qui font partie de l'arsenal thérapeutique, ne sont pas envisageable dans son cas étant donné la néoplasie évolutive actuelle. L'histiocytose ALK-positive est un sous-type rare des histiocytoses, décrit pour la première fois en 2008, l'entité a ensuite été documentée dans des rapports de cas et des séries pour occuper un plus large spectre clinicopathologique avec des fusions récurrentes KIF5B-ALK mais l'ensemble reste cependant mal caractérisé. Cette observation illustre l'intérêt d'évoquer la RHM devant l'association de signes cutanés évocateurs (papulonodules de couleur chair, rosée ou violacée, touchant particulièrement les mains, donnant un aspect en « perles de corail » en périunguéal) à des manifestations articulaires. Savoir répéter les biopsies cutanées surtout en cas de corticorésistance. L'association RHM et cancer du sein, conforte l'hypothèse que cette histiocytose fait partie des syndromes paranéoplasiques surtout dans cette tranche d'âge. Une malignité sous-jacente doit donc, être traquée. La prise en charge thérapeutique reste limitée et l'amélioration après traitement du cancer n'est pas systématique. Cependant, un traitement par inhibiteur de l'ALK serait une option thérapeutique intéressante pour cette entité rare dont l'éventail thérapeutique est restreint d'autant plus qu'elle est associée à une néoplasie. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]