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In this paper, we present observations of two high-resolution transit data sets obtained with ESPRESSO of the bloated sub-Saturn planet WASP-131 b. We have simultaneous photometric observations with NGTS and EulerCam. In addition, we utilized photometric light curves from TESS , WASP, EulerCam, and TRAPPIST of multiple transits to fit for the planetary parameters and update the ephemeris. We spatially resolve the stellar surface of WASP-131 utilizing the Reloaded Rossiter McLaughlin technique to search for centre-to-limb convective variations, stellar differential rotation, and to determine the star–planet obliquity for the first time. We find WASP-131 is misaligned on a nearly retrograde orbit with a projected obliquity of |$\lambda = 162.4\substack{+1.3 \\ -1.2}^{\circ }$|. In addition, we determined a stellar differential rotation shear of α = 0.61 ± 0.06 and disentangled the stellar inclination (⁠|$i_* = 40.9\substack{+13.3 \\ -8.5}^{\circ }$|) from the projected rotational velocity, resulting in an equatorial velocity of |$v_{\rm {eq}} = 7.7\substack{+1.5 \\ -1.3}$| km s−1. In turn, we determined the true 3D obliquity of |$\psi = 123.7\substack{+12.8 \\ -8.0}^{\circ }$| , meaning the planet is on a perpendicular/polar orbit. Therefore, we explored possible mechanisms for the planetary system's formation and evolution. Finally, we searched for centre-to-limb convective variations where there was a null detection, indicating that centre-to-limb convective variations are not prominent in this star or are hidden within red noise. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we present high-resolution spectroscopic transit observations from ESPRESSO of the super-Neptune WASP-166 b. In addition to spectroscopic ESPRESSO data, we analyse photometric data from TESS of six WASP-166 b transits along with simultaneous NGTS observations of the ESPRESSO runs. These observations were used to fit for the planetary parameters as well as assessing the level of stellar activity (e.g. spot crossings, flares) present during the ESPRESSO observations. We utilize the reloaded Rossiter McLaughlin (RRM) technique to spatially resolve the stellar surface, characterizing the centre-to-limb convection-induced variations, and to refine the star–planet obliquity. We find WASP-166 b has a projected obliquity of |$\lambda = -15.52^{+2.85}_{-2.76}\, ^{\circ }$| and v sin (i) = 4.97 ± 0.09 km s−1 which is consistent with the literature. We were able to characterize centre-to-limb convective variations as a result of granulation on the surface of the star on the order of a few km s−1 for the first time. We modelled the centre-to-limb convective variations using a linear, quadratic, and cubic model with the cubic being preferred. In addition, by modelling the differential rotation and centre-to-limb convective variations simultaneously, we were able to retrieve a potential antisolar differential rotational shear (α ∼ −0.5) and stellar inclination (i * either 42.03 |$^{+9.13}_{-9.60}\, ^{\circ }$| or 133.64 |$^{+8.42}_{-7.98}\, ^{\circ }$| if the star is pointing towards or away from us). Finally, we investigate how the shape of the cross-correlation functions change as a function of limb angle and compare our results to magnetohydrodynamic simulations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report on our project to study the activity in both the Sun and low mass stars. Utilising high cadence, Hα observations of a filament eruption made using the CRISP spectropolarimeter mounted on the Swedish Solar Telescope has allowed us to determine 3D velocity maps of the event. To gain insight into the physical mechanism which drives the event we have qualitatively compared our observation to a 3D MHD reconnection model. Solar-type and low mass stars can be highly active producing flares with energies exceeding erg. Using K2 and TESS data we find no correlation between the number of flares and the rotation phase which is surprising. Our solar flare model can be used to aid our understanding of the origin of flares in other stars. By scaling up our solar model to replicate observed stellar flare energies, we investigate the conditions needed for such high energy flares. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Detailed studies of the Sun have shown that sunspots and solar flares are closely correlated. Photometric data from Kepler / K2 has allowed similar studies to be carried out on other stars. Here, we utilize Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) photometric 2-min cadence of 167 low-mass stars from Sectors 1 to 3 to investigate the relationship between star-spots and stellar flares. From our sample, 90 per cent show clear rotational modulation likely due to the presence of a large, dominant star-spot and we use this to determine a rotational period for each star. Additionally, each low-mass star shows one or more flares in its light curve and using Gaia Data Release 2 parallaxes and SkyMapper magnitudes we can estimate the energy of the flares in the TESS band-pass. Overall, we have 1834 flares from the 167 low-mass stars with energies from 6.0 × 1029 to 2.4 × 1035 erg. We find none of the stars in our sample show any preference for rotational phase, suggesting the lack of a correlation between the large, dominant star-spot, and flare number. We discuss this finding in greater detail and present further scenarios to account for the origin of flares on these low-mass stars. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: In spite of hand care being a dynamic segment of skin care, hands skin physiology has been receiving little attention in comparison to facial skin. In the present study, we aimed at gathering a comprehensive set of skin data from the dorsal part of the hand to study age related‐changes in two ethnic groups (Caucasian and Chinese). Methods: Skin topographic, skin colour/colour heterogeneities, skin chromophores and skin biophysical measurements of 116 Caucasian and Chinese female volunteers aged 30–65 years old were collected in Ireland and in China as part of a cross‐sectional study. Results: Topographic alterations happened at both micro and macro scales with a noticeable delay in the onset of 10 years for the Chinese cohort. Similar evolution of skin colour with ageing was observed between the two cohorts and strong dissimilarities were seen when it came to colour heterogeneities and melanin hyper concentration, with a 20‐year delay in severity for the Chinese cohort. A similar sharp drop of skin hydration occurred when reaching the 60's regardless of the group and substantial differences were recorded for skin biomechanical properties of the skin. Conclusion: These results provide additional insights about hand skin physiology in relation to ageing and ethnic differences, especially when put into perspective with what is currently known about facial ageing. This research yield additional material for hand cream product rationale and strategies for mitigating the appearance of ageing hands. Topographic, colour and biophysic ageing profile of dorsal hand skin from a Caucasian and a Chinese cohort. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Provides information on a study that examined a plasma created from a YBa[sub2]Cu[sub3]O[sub7] target under conditions applicable to thin film deposition. Methodology of the study; Results and discussion on the study.

We present high spectral resolution observations of the hot Jupiter WASP-94 A b using the HARPS instrument on ESO's 3.6-m telescope in La Silla, Chile. We probed for Na absorption in its atmosphere as well as constrained the previously reported misaligned retrograde orbit using the Rossiter–McLaughlin effect. Additionally, we undertook a combined atmospheric retrieval analysis with previously published low-resolution data. We confirm the retrograde orbit as well as constrain the orbital misalignment with our measurement of a projected spin-orbit obliquity of λ = 123.0 ± 3.0°. We find a tentative detection of Na absorption in the atmosphere of WASP-94 A b, independent of the treatment of the Rossiter–McLaughlin effect in our analysis (3.6σ and 4.4σ). We combine our HARPS high-resolution data with low-resolution data from the literature and find that while the posterior distribution of the Na abundance results in a tighter constraint than using a single data set, the detection significance does not improve (3.2σ), which we attribute to degeneracies between the low- and high-resolution data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present an analysis of K2 short cadence data of 34 M dwarfs which have spectral types in the range M0–L1. Of these stars, 31 showed flares with a duration between ∼10 and 90min. Using distances obtained from Gaia DR2 parallaxes, we determined the energy of the flares to be in the range ∼1.2 × 1029–6 × 1034 erg. In agreement with previous studies we find rapidly rotating stars tend to show more flares, with evidence for a decline in activity in stars with rotation periods longer than ∼10 d. The rotational modulation seen in M dwarf stars is widely considered to result from a starspot which rotates in and out of view. Flux minimum is therefore the rotation phase where we view the main starspot close to the stellar disc centre. Surprisingly, having determined the rotational phase of each flare in our study we find none show any preference for rotational phase. We outline three scenarios which could account for this unexpected finding. The relationship between rotation phase and flare rate will be explored further using data from wide surveys such as NGTS and TESS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accessible summary What is known on the subject? Self-harm is a relatively common occurrence in adolescents; however, there remains a lack of understanding about the motivations behind adolescent self-harm, and this poor understanding can have a negative impact on how mental health professionals respond to young people who self-harm., What does this paper add to existing knowledge? This paper identifies the reasons for self-harm in a community sample of young people and finds that the functions of self-harm differ for different people and that there may be multiple reasons for self-harm., Findings provide support for the affect-regulation model of self-harm which states that young people self-harm to regulate how they are feeling, but provides little support for the interpersonal influence model which proposes that self-harm is an attempt to influence how other people respond to them. , What are the implications for practice? Self-harm for most young people serves at least one specific function and is an indication of distress., There is a requirement for a non-pathologizing response towards young people who self-harm; self-harm should be understood as a meaningful behaviour rather than a symptom of an illness., Mental health nurses need to understand the multiple functions of self-harm. A better understanding of the individualized meaning behind self-harm can positively impact on attitudes towards young people who self-harm and provide for improved mental health service provision., Abstract Introduction Although self-harm is a relatively common occurrence in adolescents, there is a lack of understanding about the motivations behind it. A poor understanding of self-harm contributes to negative perceptions about those who self-harm and a poor healthcare experience. Aim & Methods This study identifies motivations behind self-harm in school-based adolescents using a cross-sectional survey. Motivations behind self-harm were elicited using a scale and open-ended responses. Results Of the 856 adolescents who completed the survey across 11 postprimary schools, 103 reported a history of self-harm. The most commonly endorsed reason for self-harm was to 'get relief from a terrible state of mind' (79%). Open-ended responses were consistent with scale responses with most reporting that they self-harmed to relieve distressing emotions. Discussion Findings provide support for the affect-regulation model of self-harm with support also demonstrated for the self-punishment and antidissociation models. There was little support for the interpersonal influence model suggesting that the commonly held belief that self-harm is attention-seeking is one attributed by others to young people, and not widely reported by young people themselves. Implications for practice Mental health services need to be responsive to the needs of young people who self-harm which requires eliciting and understanding the individual and multiple meanings behind self-harm to best inform treatment options. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective:The objective of this study is to determine the prevalence, causes and outcome of sepsis in hospitalized neonates in the largest neonatal unit in central Vietnam.Study Design:A 1-year prospective cohort study of newborns admitted to the neonatal unit in Da Nang. A sepsis work-up including blood culture was undertaken before commencing antibiotics for neonates with suspected sepsis.Result:Of 2555 neonatal admissions, 616 neonates had 729 episodes of suspected invasive sepsis. A pathogen was isolated from blood in 115 (16%) episodes in 106 neonates. The prevalence of early-onset sepsis (EOS) was 8 (95% confidence interval (CI): 4 to 11) per 1000 admissions, and of late-onset sepsis (LOS) was 34 (95% CI: 27 to 41) per 1000 admissions. Of 86 neonates with LOS, 69 (80%) also fulfilled the criteria for nosocomial sepsis. The commonest bacterial causes of EOS were coagulase-negative Staphylococcus (CoNS) and Staphylococcus aureus, and of LOS were Acinetobacter, CoNS and Klebsiella pneumoniae. Fungal sepsis occurred in 35 neonates of which most were nosocomial sepsis. In vitro resistance to multiple antibiotics was common among Gram-negative bacteria. Antibiotics were prescribed and given to 68% of all admissions, and 14% of all admissions received four or more different antibiotics. The case fatality rate for confirmed sepsis was 46%.Conclusion:Late-onset, nosocomial sepsis was common and associated with a high mortality in hospitalized newborns in the largest neonatal unit in central Vietnam. These findings highlighted the need for improved infection control measures and antibiotic stewardship, which have since been implemented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Pseudomonas aeruginosa, chemical deconvolution of the pyocyanin voltammetric signal allows its expression to be observed simultaneously with the quorum sensing molecule Pseudomonas quinolone signal (PQS). Such analysis has revealed that PQS might protect pyocyanin from self-oxidation, but also exert a pro-oxidative effect on pyocyanin under oxidative conditions to produce additional redox metabolites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Compulsory bovine tuberculosis testing has been implemented since 1959 in Northern Ireland. Initial rapid progress in the eradication of the disease was followed by a situation where disease levels tended to fluctuate around a low level. This study explores recrudescence of bovine tuberculosis (bTB) in Northern Ireland herds by assessing risk factors associated with time from the six-month post-outbreak skin test until a further herd breakdown. Bovine herds (n = 3377) were recruited in 2002 and 2003 and their survival analysed using Kaplan--Meier survival estimates and a Cox proportional hazards model, with follow-up extending to August 2008. Exclusion criteria applied for study entry were bTB infection in a contiguous herd, changing of post restriction test to one of a higher risk status or chronic infection. Chronic infection was defined as any situation where disclosure preceded the post-outbreak test by two years or more. The application of these exclusion criteria meant that herds recruited to the study were largely cleared of infection and not directly contiguous to other infected herds. Of the 3377 herds, 1402 (41.5%) suffered a further herd breakdown before the end of follow-up. Median survival time was 582 days (interquartile range = 336-1002 days). Breakdown severity (defined as the number of Single Intradermal Comparative Tuberculin Test (SICTT) reactors at disclosure test), local bTB prevalence, herd size and type were identified as significant risk factors (p < 0.05), as was the purchase of higher numbers (n > 27.38 per year) of cattle. Consistent with other studies this work shows bTB confirmation to not be predictive of a future herd breakdown. This work shows bTB history as not being a risk factor for a future breakdown. This result could be reflective of the exclusion criteria used in the study, which may have selected for incidents where historical status was of less importance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Objective To compare disease features in women with pre-eclampsia between those who are correctly identified (true positive) and those who are missed (false negative) when applying first-trimester prediction algorithms for pre-eclampsia to a prospectively enrolled population. Method Six first-trimester early (requiring delivery < 34 weeks' gestation) pre-eclampsia algorithms were applied to a prospective cohort of singleton pregnancies enrolled at first-trimester screening. Maternal outcomes, neonatal outcomes and severity parameters for pre-eclampsia were compared between true-positive and false-negative predictions. Results Twenty of 2446 (0.8%) women developed early pre-eclampsia, with 65% of these developing severe features and 20% HELLP syndrome. At enrollment, true-positive cases were more likely to be African-American and chronically hypertensive, while false-negative cases were more likely to be Caucasian. At delivery, true-positive cases were more likely to have pre-eclampsia superimposed on hypertension, severely elevated blood pressure and creatinine level > 1.1 mg/ dL. False-negative cases were more likely to have HELLP syndrome (all P < 0.05). Conclusion In an urban population with a high prevalence of chronic hypertension, patients who are correctly identified by first-trimester screening models are more likely to develop pre-eclampsia superimposed on chronic hypertension with severely elevated blood pressure and evidence of renal failure. In contrast, patients who are missed by these algorithms are more likely to have HELLP syndrome. Further research is needed to confirm these findings and the algorithm adjustments that may be necessary to better predict pre-eclampsia phenotypes. Copyright © 2014 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents information on a study which examined the interaction of cortical bone strength and mass in a relatively active, long-lived nineteenth-century Euro-Canadian adult population, through skeletal samples from the Saint Thomas' Anglican Church Cemetery collection from Belleville, Ontario. The effects of age, sex, and size on bone strength and relative cortical area (RCA) are discussed. It also analyzes age-related variation in strength and mass of the femur compared with the metacarpal.

Objective To determine the survival and neurological outcome at 2 years of age of extremely low birthweight (ELBW, birth weight 500-999 g) infants born in the state of Victoria compared with term controls, and contrasted with ELBW cohorts from previous eras. Design and setting A population-based cohort study of consecutive ELBW infants born during 2005 in the state of Victoria, and also in 1979-1980,1985-1987, 1991-1992 and 1997. Participants All 257 live births free of lethal malformations weighing 500-999 g in 2005, 220 randomly selected term, normal birthweight (birth weight >2499 g) controls, and equivalent cohorts born in earlier eras. Main outcome measures Survival rates and quality-adjusted survival rates at 2 years of age, contrasted between cohorts. Results Of 257 ELBW live births in 2005, 66.9% survived to 2 years of age, significantly lower than the survival rate of 75.2% for 1997 (odds ratio (OR) 0.67, 95% CI 0.45 to 0.99, p=0.046), but not after adjustment for confounders of birth weight, gestational age and gender (adjusted OR 0.73, 95% CI 0.46 to 1.16, p=0.18). This was a reversal of the steady increase in survival rates up to 1997. Rates of blindness, severe developmental delay and severe disability were significantly lower in 2005 than in ELBW survivors from previous eras. Consequently the difference in the quality-adjusted survival rates between 2005 and 1997 was only -3.8% (95% CI -11.4% to 3.7%, p=0.32). Conclusions Regional survival rates for ELBW infants have plateaued since the late 1990s, but the neurosensory outcome in survivors has improved in 2005. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Large volume neutrino telescopes require real time communications back to shore and a sizeable amount of power at the bottom to feed the detectors and the associated electronics. The telecommunications industry has developed a family of cabled products that have been cost optimized over the years. These submarine cables using optical fibres and a single copper conductor are ideal to achieve the transport of signal and energy. Sea return is required but the overall solution is far less expensive than using a bespoke multi-conductor umbilical design. The quality of neutrino detection may require photo-multipliers to be located in a relatively deep area to limit ambient light noise. This may dictate the choice of the location, which may be tens of kilometres away from the land-based station. If this distance is relatively short then high voltage AC powering can be envisaged. Yet the cable capacitance might become an issue for distances beyond 50km where the amount of power lost in the cable may become too important. Alcatel-Lucent is developing a 10kV DC solution based on the advent of a new device converting the 10kV DC into a more usable 350 or 400V DC user voltage. Alcatel-Lucent believes that a 10kV DC solution using Medium Voltage Converters can efficiently bring power to areas located up to 600km from the shore. In this case, repeaters are used to amplify the light signal along the way. Alcatel-Lucent has qualified repeaters able to sustain a permanent line current of up to 8A. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Relapse in psychotic illness is a common and serious problem for service users, and presents major challenges for staff. Louise Doyle and Brian Keogh consider how improved medication management, used as one of a number of strategies, can help reduce the likelihood of relapse. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Suicide and attempted suicide in an acute unit can have a devastating effect on staff and other patients. Fiona Bohan and Louise Doyle describe nurses' experiences of such events and their perceptions of the support they were given after the incident [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Patients presenting to the emergency department (ED) with suicidal behaviour is relatively common. While many of these patients may be referred on to specialist mental health services, many are either discharged with no psychiatric follow-up or leave before being seen. There is therefore an increasing onus on the staff of EDs to become involved in the assessment and initial management of this patient group. The aim of this study was to describe the experiences and challenges that nurses encounter when caring for patients who present to the ED with suicidal behaviour. Forty-two ED nurses completed a 15-item semi-structured questionnaire. Participants in this study identified risk assessment as part of their role but did not focus on psychosocial assessment or psychological management of this patient group. Feelings of sympathy and compassion were reported towards these patients; however, there was often a prior judgement of the perceived 'genuineness' of the presentation. Finally, challenges experienced included a lack of appropriate communication skills and insufficient resources within the ED to adequately care for this vulnerable patient group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Emergency department nurses in the Republic of Ireland need specific training to treat people who present with suicidal behaviour, say BRIAN KEOGH, LOUISE DOYLE and JEAN MORRISSEY. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studies of the transcriptome have shown that a substantial fraction of interspecific differences in gene expression is the result of sex-biased gene expression. These results suggest that sex-dependent selection may be an important force in generating differences between species but to date all studies have focused on Drosophila. We examined a sample of the transcriptome in the gonads of two species of Xenopus to provide an additional test of how sex-biased gene expression may contribute to differences in gene expression between species. In contrast to Drosophila, Xenopus provides an example of a ZW system with morphologically indistinguishable sex chromosomes. About 81% of the transcriptome was differentially expressed between X. laevis and X. muelleri and there were more genes that were male-biased compared to the number of genes that were female-biased or non-sex-biased. While there were more genes up-regulated in males of Xenopus, the largest magnitude difference in expression between species occurred in female-biased genes, and male-biased genes were proportionally more abundant for the smallest changes in expression between species. Our results suggest that more genes have a role in the function of the testis compared to the ovary and female-biased genes play a principle role in expression divergence between species. These results differ from those in the Drosophila XY system in that more female-biased genes had >4-fold difference of expression between species than male-biased genes, suggesting that ZW sex chromosomes may facilitate enhanced gene expression divergence between species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Rare earth elements (REE) concentrations of Archean and Proterozoic chemical sediments are commonly used as proxies to study secular trends in the geochemistry of Precambrian seawater. In addition, similarities in the REE signatures of Archean chemical sediments and modern seawater have led researchers to argue that some Archean rocks originated as biochemical precipitates (i.e., microbial carbonates) in shallow marine (e.g., peritidal) environments. However, terrestrial waters, including river water and groundwater, also commonly exhibit REE fractionation patterns that resemble modern seawater. Here, we present the seawater-like REE data for groundwaters from central México as additional evidence that these patterns are not unique to the marine environment. The shale-normalized REE patterns of the groundwaters are compared to those of modern seawater (open ocean and nearshore), Holocene reefal microbial carbonates and corals, and Archean chemical sediments using statistical means (i.e., ANOVA and Wilcoxon analyses) in order to quantify the similarities and/or differences in the REE patterns. Shale-normalized (SN) Ce anomalies and measures of REE fractionation [i.e., (La/Yb)SN, (Pr/Yb)SN, (Nd/Yb)SN, and (Gd/Yb)SN] of the central México groundwater samples are statistically indistinguishable from those of modern seawater. Moreover, except for differences in the Ce anomalies, which are lacking in Archean chemical sediments, the REE patterns of the central México groundwaters are also statistically similar to REE patterns of Archean chemical sediments, especially those of the 3.45Ga Strelley Pool Chert. Consequently, we suggest that without additional information, it may be premature to unequivocally conclude that Archean chemical sediments record REE signatures of an Archean ocean. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Aim: To determine neurosensory outcome at 8 years of age of extremely low birthweight (ELBW) children born in the 1990s, how it varies with birth weight, and how it compares with ELBW children born in the 1980s and 1970s. Methods: Subjects were born in the state of Victoria during 1991-92 and comprised 224 of 241 consecutive survivors with a birth weight of 500-999 g, and 223 of 262 normal birthweight (NBW) controls who had been randomly selected at birth. The comparison cohorts from earlier eras comprised 87 of 89 consecutive ELBW survivors born in 1979-80, 206 of 212 consecutive ELBW survivors born in 1985-87, and 51 of 60 randomly selected NBW survivors born in 1981-82. Survivors were assessed for neurological impairments (cerebral palsy, blindness, deafness, intellectual impairment) and disabilities at 8 years of age by paediatricians and psychologists blinded to perinatal details. Results: For the 1991-92 cohorts, the rate of neurosensory disability was substantially higher in ELBW children compared with NBW controls (p<0.0001). Within the ELBW group, neurosensory disability was more prevalent in children with a birth weight of <750 g compared with a birth weight of 750-999 g (p = 0.024). Disability rates were lower in the 1991-92 ELBW cohort compared with the ELBW cohort born in 1979-80 (p=0.046). Conclusions: Neurosensory disability rates at school age were more common in ELBW children born in the 1990s compared with NBW controls, and were significantly more common in the 500-749 g birthweight subgroup, but have improved compared with ELBW children born in earlier eras. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the differences in epidemiology, biology and therapy of lung cancer in women in the U.S. Emerging literature shows a biological basis for the differences in the pathogenesis and possibly increased susceptibility to lung cancer in women. There are also considerable data which supports small but important differences favoring women in terms of response to therapy and long-term survival after the diagnosis of lung cancer, regardless of histology or age.

Excessive synchronization of neural activity in the beta frequency band (∼20 Hz) within basal ganglia circuits might contribute to the paucity and slowness of movement in Parkinson's disease (PD). Treatment with dopaminergic drugs reduces the background level of beta frequency band synchronization in the subthalamic nucleus (STN), but has not been shown to increase the proportion of beta activity that is suppressed before voluntary movement in PD. We assessed changes in the event-related desynchronization (ERD) in the beta frequency band of local field potential signals from the region of the STN in 14 patients with PD as they performed self-paced movements of a joystick before and after levodopa administration. The dopamine precursor, levodopa, increased the duration and magnitude of the premovement beta ERD, but did not alter postmovement synchronization in the beta band. Both the latency and magnitude of the beta ERD inversely correlated with the degree of motor impairment. These findings suggest that the beta ERD recorded in the STN area reflects motor-preparative processes that are at least partly dependent on dopaminergic activity within the basal ganglia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

INTRODUCTION:: Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) has been shown to positively influence calcium and bone metabolism in experimental animals and cells in culture, but there are limited human data available. OBJECTIVE:: To investigate the effect of CLA supplementation on biomarkers of calcium and bone metabolism in healthy adult males. DESIGN:: The study consisted of a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in which 60 healthy adult males (aged 39-64?y) were randomly assigned to receive daily either 3.0?g CLA isomer blend (50:50%cis-9,trans-11:trans-10,cis-12 isomers) or a palm/bean oil blend (placebo) for 8 weeks. Urine and blood samples were collected at weeks 0 and 8 and were analysed for biomarkers of calcium and bone metabolism. RESULTS:: Supplementation with CLA or placebo for 8 weeks had no significant effects on markers of bone formation (serum osteocalcin and bone-specific alkaline phosphatase) or bone resorption (serum C-telopeptide-related fraction of type 1 collagen degradation products, urinary N-telopeptide-related fraction of type 1 collagen degradation products, urinary pyridinoline and deoxypyridinoline), or on serum or urinary calcium levels. Baseline levels of these biochemical parameters were similar in both groups of subjects. While the placebo had no effect, CLA supplementation resulted in a three-fold increase (P<0.00001) in cis-9,trans-11 CLA isomer in total plasma lipids. CONCLUSION:: Under the conditions tested in this double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in adult men, a CLA supplement of mixed isomers did not affect markers of calcium or bone metabolism. Further investigation of the effects of CLA on calcium and bone metabolism in other gender- and age-groups is warranted. SPONSORSHIP:: Irish Government.European Journal of Clinical Nutrition (2005) 59, 432-440. doi:10.1038/sj.ejcn.1602093 Published online 26 January 2005 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The eel,Anguilla anguilla, as with other fish species, recovers well from spinal cord injury. We assessed the quality of locomotion of spinally transected eels from measurements made from video recordings of individuals swimming at different speeds in a water tunnel. Following transection of the spinal cord just caudal to the anus, the animals displayed higher tail beat frequencies and lower tail beat amplitudes than before surgery, owing to the loss of power in this region. Swimming performance then progressively recovered, appearing normal within 1 month of surgery. Eels with similar transections, but given regular, repeated intraperitoneal injections (50 mg/kg) ofl-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (l-DOPA) showed an equivalent pattern of decline and recovery that was 10–20 days shorter than that seen in non-treated fish. Axonal growth into the denervated cord, as determined from anterograde labelling experiments, was also more rapid in the drug-treated fish.l-DOPA treatment increased the activity of all fish for up to 18 h, and accelerated the spontaneous movements (‘spinal swimming’) made by the denervated, caudal portion of the animal that appeared following transection. We suggest that this enhancement of locomotion underlies the accelerated axonal growth and, hence, functional recovery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: To determine the body size of extremely low birth weight (ELBW, birth weight 500-999 g) subjects in early adulthood. Methods: Cohort study examining the height and weight of 42 ELBW survivors free of cerebral palsy between birth and 20 years of age. Weight and height measurements were converted to Z (SD) scores. Results: At birth the subjects had weight Z scores substantially below zero (mean birth weight Z score -0.90, 95% Cl -1.25 to -0.54), and had been lighter than average at ages 2, 5, and 8 years. However, by 14, and again at 20 years of age their weight Z scores were not significantly different from zero. At ages 2, 5, 8, 14, and 20 years of age their height Z scores were significantly below zero. Their height at 20 years of age was, however, consistent with their parents' height. As a group they were relatively heavy for their height and their mean body mass index (BMJ) Z score was almost significantly different from zero (mean difference 0.42, 95% CI -0.02 to 0.84). Their mean BMI (kg/m2) was 24.0 (SD 5.2); 14 had a SMI >25, and four had a BMI >30. Conclusions: Despite their early small size, by early adulthood the ELBW subjects had attained an average weight, and their height was consistent with their parents' height. They were, however, relatively heavy for their height. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Observations of functional adenosine triphosphate (ATP)-dependent drug efflux in certain multidrug-resistant cancer cell lines without overexpression of P-glycoprotein or multidrug resistance protein (MRP) family members suggested the existence of another ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporter capable of causing cancer drug resistance. In one such cell line (MCF-7/AdrVp), the overexpression of a novel member of the G subfamily of ABC transporters was found. The new transporter was termed the breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP), because of its identification in MCF-7 human breast carcinoma cells. BCRP is a 655 amino-acid polypeptide, formally designated as ABCG2. Like all members of the ABC G (white) subfamily, BCRP is a half transporter. Transfection and enforced overexpression of BCRP in drug-sensitive MCF-7 or MDA-MB-231 cells recapitulates the drug-resistance phenotype of MCF-7/AdrVp cells, consistent with current evidence suggesting that functional BCRP is a homodimer. BCRP maps to chromosome 4q22, downstream from a TATA-less promoter. The spectrum of anticancer drugs effluxed by BCRP includes mitoxantrone, camptothecin-derived and indolocarbazole topoisomerase I inhibitors, methotrexate, flavopiridol, and quinazoline ErbB1 inhibitors. Transport of anthracyclines is variable and appears to depend on the presence of a BCRP mutation at codon 482. Potent and specific inhibitors of BCRP are now being developed, opening the door to clinical applications of BCRP inhibition. Owing to tissue localization in the placenta, bile canaliculi, colon, small bowel, and brain microvessel endothelium, BCRP may play a role in protecting the organism from potentially harmful xenobiotics. BCRP expression has also been demonstrated in pluripotential ‘side population’ stem cells, responsible for the characteristic ability of these cells to exclude Hoechst 33342 dye, and possibly for the maintenance of the stem cell phenotype. Studies are emerging on the role of BCRP expression in drug resistance in clinical cancers. More prospective studies are needed, preferably combining BCRP protein or mRNA quantification with functional assays, in order to determine the contribution of BCRP to drug resistance in human cancers.Oncogene (2003) 22, 7340-7358. doi:10.1038/sj.onc.1206938 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives--To determine the neurosensory outcome at 14 years of age of a regional cohort of extremely low birth-weight (ELBW) children, to contrast their prognosis with normal birthweight (NBW) controls, and to determine the predictive value of assessments earlier in childhood. Design--Geographically determined cohort study. Setting--The state of Victoria, Australia. Patients--Consecutive ELBW survivors of birth weight 500-999 g (n = 88) born during 1979-1980, and 60 randomly selected contemporaneous NBW (birth weight > 2499 g) controls. Main Outcome Measures--Rates of neurosensory impairments and disabilities at 14 years of age, and earlier in childhood. Results--Of 351 ELBW consecutive live births, 88 (25%) survived and 79 (90%) of the survivors were assessed at 14 years of age. Of the 79 ELBW children assessed, eight (10%) had cerebral palsy, five (6%) had bilateral blindness, four (5%) were deaf requiring hearing aids, and 36 (46%) had an intelligence quotient (IQ) < -1 SD compared with the mean for the NBW controls. Overall 11(14%) ELBW children were severely disabled, 12 (15%) were moderately disabled, 20 (25%) were mildly disabled, and 36 (46%) had no disability. In contrast, only one (2%) of 42 NBW children assessed had a severe disability, six (14%) had a mild disability, and the remaining 35 (83%) were not disabled. Comparing psychological test scores for ELBW children with those for NBW controls, rather than test norms, avoided bias in the assessment of disability earlier in childhood. Relative to assessments earlier in childhood, the prediction of disability at 14 years of age was highly significant at each of 2, 5, and 8 years of age, but the accuracy progressively increased with age. Conclusions--ELBW children have substantially higher rates of neurosensory impairments and disabilities at 14 years of age than NBW controls. Comparison of ELBW children with NBW controls avoids bias in the assessment of disability. Early childhood assessments are highly predictive of disability at 14 years of age. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims-To determine the respiratory health in adolescence of children of birth weight <1501 g, and to compare the results with normal birthweight controls. Methods-Prospective cohort study of children born in the Royal Women's Hospital, Melbourne. Two cohorts of preterm children (86 consecutive survivors 500-999 g birth weight, and 124 consecutive survivors 1000-1500 g birth weight) and a control group of 60 randomly selected children >2499 g birth weight were studied. Children were assessed at 14 years of age. A paediatrician determined the clinical respiratory status. Lung function was measured according to standard guidelines. Results-Of 180 preterm children seen at age 14, 42 (23%) had bronchopuhnonary dysplasia (BPD) in the newborn period. Readmission to hospital for respiratory ill health was infrequent in all groups and the rates of asthma were similar (15% in the 500-999 g birth weight group, 21% in the 1000-1500 g birth weight group, 21% in controls; 19% BPD, 18% no BPD). Overall, lung function was mostly within the normal range for all cohorts; few children had lung function abnormalities in clinically significant ranges. However, the preterm children had significantly lower values for variables reflecting flow. Lung function in children of 500-999 g birth weight was similar to children of 1000-1500 g birth weight. Preterm children with BPD had significantly lower values for variables reflecting flow than children without BPD. Conclusions-"The respiratory health of children of birth weight <1501 g at 14 years of age is comparable to that of term controls. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To compare the effectiveness of direct access referrals with standard letter referrals, and also assess the impact of the direct access system on the primary care provider, secondary sector and from the patients perspective.Design: Surgical and anaesthetic guidelines were agreed and 12 general dental practitioners were recruited to participate in the study. Each practitioner was given 100 envelopes which contained randomly allocated 50 direct and 50 standard referrals. For direct referrals, GDPs completed a pre-operative assessment and obtained an operation date by telephone from the day case unit while the patient was in the surgery. The clinical history sheet was faxed to the day unit and the radiographs posted. The only contact the patient had with the hospital was on the day of surgery. Standard referral patients were referred in the traditional way with a referral letter being sent to an out-patient clinic. Evaluation of the effectiveness of the direct referral system versus standard letter method were made via completion of questionnaires by the patients, dental practitioners, hospital clinicians, day case anaesthetist and co-ordinator.Setting: The study was carried out over 2 years commencing in 1997 at the Oral Surgery Day Case Unit at Manchester Royal Infirmary.Results: A greater number of direct access referrals (409; 90%) were treated in comparison with (312; 75%) standard referrals (P < 0.001). Eighty nine per cent of direct access records were adequate pre-operatively. More than 70% of dentists and hospital clinicians preferred the direct access referral method. Sixty-three per cent of standard letter patients were satisfied with their mode of referral compared with 87% of direct access patients.Conclusions: Given appropriate guidelines dental practitioners are able to refer directly to oral surgery day case operation lists. This has proved to be the favoured method of referral for dental practitioners, the secondary sector and patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Provides information on a study on MCF-7/AdrVp, a multidrug-resistant human breast cancer subline that displays an ATP-dependent reduction in the intracellular accumulation of anthracycline anticancer drugs. Materials used in the study; Methodology; Results of the study.

Asserts that child violence in the United States is a direct result of a significant de-facto abandonment by parents of their traditional caretaker role for their children. Progression of child violence; Information on a piece of writing `Kilroy was here' which began to appear on public lavatory walls from the late 1940s and into the fifties; Meaning of leaving marks of `having been here' in human society.

Focuses on a study that investigated the effects of magnesium supplementation on blood pressure and on biochemical markers of bone metabolism in healthy young adult females. Study design and experimental techniques; Results and discussion; Conclusions.

Reports on a study of the diet and prey selection of Desmognathus brimleyorum in south-eastern Oklahoma relative to salamander size class and availability of prey. Background information on the study; Materials and methods; Results and discussion.

This article presents information related to characteristics that distinguish abusive from nonabusive parents. Social scientists have been attempting for many years to identify those characteristics that distinguish abusive from nonabusive parents. Most of these attempts have been far from scientifically acceptable due to methodological problems. The first approach is based on a model, which postulates that the parent responds to the crying infant primarily to reduce his or her own distress. The second approach to discriminating abusive and nonabusive parents stems from the development of the Child Abuse Potential Inventory.

Presents a study which demonstrates the application of a scientific method of reinforcer selection for children and tests the hypothesis that reinforcer preference fits a hierarchical or developmental progression model. Administration of a paired-comparison questionnaire to second-, fourth-, and sixth-grade boys and girls; Analysis of data using Schonemann and Wang's (1972) model for multidimensional analysis of paired comparisons data; Determination of preference ratings.

The hot Neptune desert, a distinct lack of highly irradiated planets in the size range of Neptune, remains one of the most intriguing results of exoplanet population studies. A deeper understanding of the atmosphere of exoplanets sitting at the edge or even within the Neptune desert will allow us to better understand if planetary formation or evolution processes are at the origin of the desert. A detection of sodium in WASP-166 b was presented previously with tentative line broadening at the |$3.4\, \sigma$| with the HARPS spectrograph. We update this result with two transits observed with the ESPRESSO spectrograph, confirming the detection in each night and the broadened character of the line. This result marks the first confirmed resolved sodium detection within the Neptune desert. In this work, we additionally highlight the importance of treating low-SNR spectral regions particularly where absorption lines of stellar sodium and planetary sodium overlap at mid transit – an important caveat for future observations of the system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Brian Keogh and Louise Doyle provide mental health nurses with guidance on recognising and managing potentially fatal adverse effects of a range of medications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The association of transporter proteins and cancer drug resistance has been known for approximately 25 years, with recent discoveries pointing to an ever-increasing number of ATP binding cassette (ABC) transporter proteins involved with the response of cancer cells to pharmacotherapy. As reported in this issue of Cancer Cell, Szakács et al. couple quantitative, real-time PCR assays for all 48 human ABC transporters with chemosensitivity information mined from the NCI-60 cancer cell line database. Predictions of transporter involvement in drug effect were validated in selected cases, and furthermore produced novel leads relating ABC transporter expression and chemoresistance or chemosensitivity. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This paper describes the design, measurement, and modeling of a linear inverted-F antenna with loading to increase the impedance bandwidth. In this case, two L-shaped wire structures are connected to the open end of the inverted-F element, yielding an impedance bandwidth of 10% in the 1800 MHz band. Measurements of return loss, impedance bandwidth, and gain are presented. The radiation pattern and polarization purity are discussed. The modeling of the antenna is based on a method of moments/GTD technique. A comparison with experimental results is presented. A comparison is also made with the popular planar inverted-F antenna. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 28: 226–228, 2001. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A questionnaire-based study was used to investigate the association between the findings on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) screening for syringomyelia (SM) in 79 asymptomatic Cavalier King Charles spaniels (CKCS) and the subsequent development of clinical signs consistent with SM in later life. Owners reported clinical signs consistent with SM in 13/79 (16%) dogs at the time of the questionnaire. A significantly greater proportion of CKCS with a syrinx visible on MRI screening showed clinical signs in later life (9/25,36%) than dogs without a visible syrinx (4/54, 7%; odds ratio 6.9), Whether the findings of MRI screening can be used to indicate the likelihood of an asymptomatic CKCS developing clinical signs consistent with SM in later life warrants further prospective study in a larger cohort of dogs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A letter to the editor is presented regarding the prevention of cerebral palsy in preterm infants through the administration of antenatal magnesium sulphate, which was studied under trial sequential analysis (TSA) in the context of meta-analysis.

Objective: To determine if there is a significant difference in classification accuracy between Conners' Continuous Performance Test – II (CPT-II) and the Test of Variables of Attention (TOVA) for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). It was hypothesized the TOVA would better predict a diagnosis of ADHD, and that response time variability would have the strongest relationship with diagnosis. Method: Participants were 50 children referred for neuropsychological evaluation; 30% were female and 70% male. Mean age was 12.59 (SD = 2.87). Participants were administered the CPT-II and TOVA within the same neuropsychological evaluation. Results: The majority of the sample (86%) received a diagnosis of ADHD as a result of the evaluation. Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) was used to assess classification accuracy of various aspects of the two tests. Neither standard scores for commission errors nor omission errors of the CPT-II or the TOVA resulted in a ROC significantly above chance. ROCs for response time and response time variability were also near chance for the CPT-II but slightly better for the TOVA (AUCs of .571 and .629, respectively). The TOVA's API produced an ROC with better than chance classification (AUC = .618). When the CPT-II's confidence index was transformed into a continuous variable, the resulting ROC had an area under the curve of .687, which was the highest of any variable examined. Conclusion(s): Given the number of cognitive diagnoses which can be accompanied by attentional difficulties, the poor classification accuracies demonstrated here for ADHD are not unexpected, but the CPT-II's slightly better performance for total score was unanticipated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An abstract of the article "Bovine TB in Northern Ireland: time between post-breakdown testing and the next breakdown." by L. P. Doyle, A. W. Gordon, D. A. Abernethy, and K. Stevens is presented.