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The anniversary of the publication of 'One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest' by Ken Kesey offers an opportunity for reflection on the use of neurosurgery in psychiatry. We used a narrative, historical and dialectical method to deliver an account of the controversial subject. A balanced representation of the negative and positive aspects, acknowledging some of the questionable ethical practices while describing well-reasoned applications is provided. It includes neurosurgeons, psychiatrists who have embraced these procedures with unwarranted enthusiasm and those who have opposed. Neurosurgical techniques for the treatment of severe mental disorders have evolved from rudimentary procedures which were used to 'correct' unwanted behaviours associated with a wide range of severe mental disorders to more refined and selective approaches used as a last resort to treat specific mental health conditions. In the absence of specific aetiological models to guide ablative surgical targets, non-ablative, stimulatory techniques have more recently been developed to allow reversibility when surgical treatment fails to obtain a sizeable improvement in quality of life. The subject is concretely illustrated by two eloquent clinical images: one on a series of brain computed tomography scans carried out on a Canadian population of subjects, who underwent leukotomy decades ago, and the other more contemporary on an implantation surgery to epidural stimulation. Alongside technical advances in psychosurgery, a regulatory framework has gradually developed to ensure vigilance in the appropriateness of patients' selection. Nevertheless, harmonisation of protocols around the world is necessary to ensure consistency in obtaining and maintaining the highest possible ethical standards for the benefit of patients. If the neurosciences promise today, in their new, better framed, and reversible applications, to provide answers to unmet therapeutic needs, we still must remain attentive to drifts linked the introduction of intrusive technologies for purposes of domination or behaviour modification that would impede our individual freedom. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ion temperature gradient mode nonlinear structures are studied with stationary charged dust. The dynamical role here is played by heavy ions. The small amplitude limit influence of various plasma parameters shows that the phase velocity of the mode modifies the overall plasma dynamics. Further, from the solution of the model equations we obtain Kortweg-de-Vries (KdV) and Korteweg-de-Vries Burger (KdVB) like equations, the solution of which gives solitary and shock wave nonlinear structures. Numerical analysis of these nonlinear structures shows that dust number density and polarity have a substantial impact on these structures. The present observation may be beneficial in space and laboratory plasma investigations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A theoretical investigation of the modulational stability of the ion temperature gradient (ITG) mode in electron–ion plasma is presented. To examine linear features of dynamic species in plasma, we used reduction perturbation to solve Braginskii’s transportation equations and get phase and group velocities. The results reveal that ion species velocities are affected by plasma factors such as ion temperature, density, and ion temperature gradient coefficient, among others. We also find a nonlinear Schrodinger equation. This equation shows that the plasma dynamics depends on the coefficients of nonlinearity and dissipation of the nonlinear Schrodinger equation. These coefficients are strongly related to the plasma variables. The present investigation may be helpful in space and laboratory plasma, e.g., fusion confinement devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ordered structure of the MgO–ZnO alloy system is a versatile tunable optical material, which is promising for diverse optoelectronic applications. However, isovalent and isostructural alloy compositions of MgO–ZnO are generally unstable at ambient conditions. Using state-of-the-art ab initio evolutionary simulations, we predict and study the properties of stable phases of MgO–ZnO. We establish the dynamical stability of the predicted crystal structures through phonon and Raman spectroscopy. Detailed analyses of two of the most stable structures reveal highly tunable properties that could be explored for photonic and optical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Crimean–Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) disease cases are registered annually in endemic regions of Kazakhstan. To study the prevalence of various Crimean–Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV) genotypes, a total of 694 ticks were collected from southern regions of Kazakhstan in 2021. Hyalomma marginatum (n = 323) (46.5%), Hyalomma anatolicum (n = 138) (19.9%), Hyalomma asiaticum (n = 126) (18.2%), Hyalomma scupense (n = 80) (11.5%) and Ixodes ricinus (n = 27) (3.9%) were collected using the standardized flagging technique from the environment. All the tick samples were analyzed for the presence of CCHFV RNA by RT-PCR. The CCHF-positive samples were found within three Hyalomma asiaticum and one Ixodes ricinus tick sample. For the first time in Kazakhstan, infection of the Ixodes ricinus tick with CCHFV was detected. The results of sequencing and analysis of the S-gene fragment showed that the Asia 1 and Asia 2 CCHF genotypes circulate in the southern regions of Kazakhstan. Viruses isolated in the Zhambyl and Turkestan regions are assigned to the Asia-2 genotype, whereas the virus isolated in the Kyzylorda region to the Asia-1 genotype. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The specific role of ion heat flux on the characteristics of the linear and nonlinear ion temperature gradient (ηi) driven mode in inhomogeneous electron-positron-ion plasma is presented. Inhomogeneity in density, temperature, and the magnetic field is considered. A modified linear dispersion relation is obtained, and its different limiting cases are when ηi » 2/3, ωD(gradient in magnetic field) = 0 and β(density ratio of plasma species) = 1 are discussed. Furthermore, an expression for the anomalous transport coefficient of the present model is obtained. Nonlinear structure solutions in the form of solitons and shocks show that mode dynamics enhance in the presence of ion heat flux in electron-positron-ion plasma. The present study is essential in energy confinement devices such as tokamak because the heat flux observed experimentally in tokamak plasma is much higher than those described by collisions. Further, it could be helpful to understand the nonlinear electrostatic excitations in the interstellar medium. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a condition which causes great sufferance to the individuals affected. The occurrence of comorbidities in PTSD is a frequent event with a negative impact on outcome. This study investigated the frequency of PTSD in relation to comorbidities by analyzing the results of the 2007 'Adult Psychiatric Morbidity Survey' in the English population, which included data on comorbidities. A population study conducted in the United Kingdom, this survey investigated the frequency of PTSD in the community and the relationship to comorbidities by adopting a random design to minimize selection bias, stratified by region and socioeconomic characteristics, and weighted according to design and non-response. The survey interviewed 7403 adults living in private households. Socio-demographic characteristics and psychiatric morbidity were systematically assessed. Results indicated that PTSD prevalence was 2.9%, with an excess in women (3.3%) compared to men (2.4%) as reported by the 2007 survey. Comorbidity was a very frequent occurrence in PTSD reaching 78.5% in affected cases. Major depression was the commonest condition and its frequency increased with symptoms severity up to 54%. Among anxiety disorders, social phobia was the most frequent, followed by generalized anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, agoraphobia and panic disorder. Substance use disorders were also common. The presence of psychotic symptoms was particularly significant with over 30% prevalence in PTSD. These results indicate that attention needs to be devoted to the presence of comorbidities. In view of the impact of comorbidities on PTSD severity, chronicity and functional impairment, early detection and treatment are likely to improve outcome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study describes the registration of the first cases of lumpy skin disease in July 2016 in the Republic of Kazakhstan. In the rural district of Makash, Kurmangazinsky district of Atyrau region, 459 cattle fell ill and 34 died (morbidity 12.9% and mortality 0.96%). To determine the cause of the disease, samples were taken from sick and dead animals, as well as from insects and ticks. LSDV DNA was detected by PCR in all samples from dead animals and ticks (Dermacentor marginatus and Hyalomma asiaticum), in 14.29% of samples from horseflies (Tabanus bromius), and in one of the samples from two Stomoxys calcitrans flies. The reproductive LSD virus was isolated from organs of dead cattle and insects in the culture of LT and MDBK cells. The virus accumulated in cell cultures of LT and MDBK at the level of the third passage with titers in the range of 5.5–5.75 log 10 TCID50/cm3. Sequencing of the GPCR gene allowed us to identify this virus as a lumpy skin disease virus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present paper, using the discrete analogue of the operator d 6 / d x 6 − 1 , we construct an interpolation spline that minimizes the quantity ∫ 0 1 (φ ‴ (x) + φ (x)) 2 d x in the Hilbert space W 2 (3 , 0) . We obtain explicit formulas for the coefficients of the interpolation spline. The obtained interpolation spline is exact for the exponential-trigonometric functions e − x , e x 2 cos (3 2 x) , and e x 2 sin (3 2 x) . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Selection of appropriate image texture properties is one of the major issues in texture classification. This paper presents an optimization technique for automatic selection of multi-scale discrete wavelet transform features using artificial bee colony algorithm for robust texture classification performance. In this paper, an artificial bee colony algorithm has been used to find the best combination of wavelet filters with the correct number of decomposition level in the discrete wavelet transform. The multi-layered perceptron neural network is employed as an image texture classifier. The proposed method tested on a high-resolution database of UMD texture. The texture classification results show that the proposed method could provide an automated approach for finding the best input parameters combination setting for discrete wavelet transform features that lead to the best classification accuracy performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The original JSEG algorithm has proved to be very useful and robust in variety of image segmentation case studies.However, when it is applied into the underwater coral reef images, the original JSEG algorithm produces over-segementation problem, thus making this algorithm futile in such a situation. In this paper, an approach to reduce the over-segmentation problem occurred in the underwater coral reef image segmentation is presented. The approach works by replacing the color histogram computation in region merge stage of the original JSEG algorithm with the new computation of color and texture features in the similarity measurement. Based on the perceptual observation results of the test images, the proposed modified JSEG algorithm could automatically segment the regions better than the original JSEG algorithm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gulf of Suez area which characterized by a moderate seismic activity is consider as a very important area in Egypt. Nearly 75% of the national oil production is covered from this area. Seismic hazard (both probabilistic and deterministic) was carried out to study the possibility of earthquake damage in the area; a new seismic model was used taking into account the seismo-tectonic framework of the region. The hazard calculations utilized at strength and ductility level periods at the whole area of the Gulf of Suez. Fundamentally, the hazard calculations were performed at bedrock conditions, and the spectrum was estimated over the period range of 0.001-12 s. At Abou Zeniama area, where many oil platforms exist, the hazard was calculated at the sea floor, at depth 4.7 m and at depth 26.0 m. The maximum spectral accelerations at strength level earthquakes (SLEs) are found to be 0.260 (g), 0.203 (g), and 0.156 (g) for 90.48% chance, of non-exceedance in 50 years (return period 500 year) at sea floor, at depth 4.7 m and at depth 26 m, respectively. While the ductility level earthquake (DLE) are found to be 0.30 (g), 0.23 (g), and 0.18 (g) for 95.12% chance of non-exceedance in 50 years (return period 1000 year) at sea floor, at depth 4.7 m, and at depth 26 m, respectively. The deterministic hazard calculation was estimated at 50th and 84th percentile levels for the median peak ground acceleration. The study target initiated from the importance of studying the seismic hazard, SLE, and DLE in the area which contain most of the Egyptian oil industry with many off shore platforms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Mak nyahs (male-to-female transgenders) often consume feminizing hormones to achieve and maintain the female physical appearance. They do it without professional prescription/advise, and often take excessive doses. This renders them at risk of developing complications of hormone consumption. This paper provides some quantitative data on hormone consumption among mak nyahs in Kuantan, Pahang, in Malaysia. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out from July to August in 2015 among 35 mak nyahs. Convenience sampling was used. Participants who gave consent answered an interview-guided questionnaire which documents socio-demographic profile, hormone usage, and morbidities as a result of hormone consumption. Data was analysed using SPSS, Version 16.0. (version 16). Results: Majority of the subjects were Malays (91.4%) and Muslims (97.1%), their median (IQR) age being 31 (±17) years, more than half (57.1%) were between 20 to 40 years old. Most (80.0%) of them are sex workers. Oral hormone was most commonly used (88.6%), while more than half (67.7%) of them added hormone injections. Almost all subjects purchased hormones over the counter from local pharmacies (94.2%). However, many received information on hormone from non-professional sources. Possible adverse effects of hormones reported among subjects were hypertension, ischemic heart disease, diabetes mellitus, and venous thrombo-embolism. Conclusion: Hormone consumption was very common among the subjects in this study, and may be associated with certain medical problems. Medical personnel must pay more attention in educating the mak nyahs on adverse effects of hormones consumption. Mak nyahs should also be screened for complications every time they seek medical attention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Regional flood frequency analysis (RFFA) is used to estimate design floods in ungauged and data poor gauged catchments, which involves the transfer of flood characteristics from gauged to ungauged catchments. In Australia, RFFA methods have focused on the application of empirical methods based on linear forms of traditional models such as the probabilistic rational method, the index flood method and the quantile regression technique (QRT). In contrast to these traditional linear-models, non-linear methods such as artificial neural networks (ANNs) and gene expression programming (GEP) can be applied to RFFA problems. The particular advantage of these techniques is that they do not impose a model structure on the data, and they can better deal with non-linearity of the input and output relationship in regional flood modelling. These non-linear techniques have been applied successfully in a wide range of hydrological problems; however, there have been only limited applications of these techniques in RFFA problems, particularly in Australia. This paper focuses on the development and testing of the ANNs and GEP based RFFA models for eastern parts of Australia. This involves relating flood quantiles to catchment characteristics so that the developed prediction models can be used to estimate design floods in ungauged site. A data set comprising of 452 stations from eastern Australia was used to develop the new RFFA models. An independent testing shows that the non-linear methods are quite successful in RFFA and can be used as an alternative method to the more traditional approaches currently used in eastern Australia. The results based on ANN and GEP-based RFFA techniques have been found to outperform the ordinary least squares based QRT (linear technique). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Kuwait State is branded by the recurrent dust storms and high pollution level. It has the highest dust concentration and surface temperature in Peninsula. The aim of the present study was to assess the respirable particulates during days with and without dust storms in two residential areas in Kuwait State. Materials and Methods: This time-series comparative study was accomplished during the period from 1 January 2013 to 31 December 2013. It was conducted by recording the local meteorological data in the two sampling stations at Mansoria (A) and Ali Sabah Al-Salem (B) residential areas, in addition to the sampling and analysis of respirable particulates (PM10) using the SOP-10 High-Volume PM10 Samplers' Standard Method. Results: There were 256 and 278 measurement days (70.1 and 75.1% of the yearly days) in monitoring stations A and B, respectively, with a total of 119 (46.5%) and 134 (48.2%) days with dust storms, respectively. The daily concentrations of PM10 were higher than the National Ambient Air Quality Standards of Kuwait State (150 µg/m3) at the two stations. The annual PM10 concentration of B station [192.5 (264.5) µg/m3] was nonsignificantly higher than that of A [191.2 (182.7) µg/m3]. At the two stations, the levels of PM10 during days with dust storms were significantly higher than that during days without. Conclusion: Respirable particulate is slightly higher in Ali Sabah Al-Salem than in Mansoria. Days with dust storms have significantly greater PM10 levels than those without. The study recommends application of land-use planning, and windbreaks, combating desertification, and enhancing stoppage of outdoor activities during dust storms among public. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The oscillating drop technique is a well-established method for the measurement of surface tension. In this work an electromagnetic levitation device is used to measure the surface tension of nickel by means of the oscillating drop technique. An electromagnetic levitation device employs an inhomogeneous radio-frequency electromagnetic field inside a levitation coil to heat and position the specimen. Induced eddy currents heat up the material into the liquid phase and exert a Lorentz force, pushing it towards regions of lower field strength. The levitating specimen is investigated by optical setups to provide a contactless measurement. Investigations of nickel have been carried out by the thermophysics and metalphysics group at TU Graz. The temperature dependence of the surface tension presented in this work is ... in the temperature range from 1700 K to 2020 K. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil and water degradation put crucial impact on the global ecosystems and human health. The paper focuses on the principal chemical and physical attributes serving as indicator of soil and water quality of the grassland and wetland of Makra Meadows (Elevation 3089 m) and Kallar Kahar, (Elevation 554 m) Pakistan. Soil samples were collected from the topsoil, at a depth of 30 cm and 60 cm from both locations while water samples were collected from the natural lakes present in both ecosystems. Practiced indicators considered in soil analysis at three different depths and gradients of soil embrace EC, pH, organic matter, phosphorus, potassium, and texture and percentage saturation while the water quality assessment comprised of electrical conductivity, Ca++ and Mg++, Na+, Cl-, carbonates, and bicarbonates. Soil and water data is presented to provide necessary information about natural ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Auxin, one of the most important phytohormones enhances the root architecture, nutrient acquisition and plant growth. Present study provides the screening, characterization and optimization of auxin producing bacteria from wheat rhizosphere. Effects of auxin producing isolates on seed germination and growth of T. aestivum were also evaluated. The Bacillus megaterium, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumonia and Bacillus marinus (AUX36, AUX53, AUX137 and AUX142 respectively) were selected by salkowski reagent as auxin producers. Colorimetric analysis showed that all selected isolates produced maximum auxin in the presence of tryptophan at 37 °C and pH 7 after 72 hours of incubation. AUX36 and AUX137 produced maximum auxin at 0.98% (w/v) NaCl concentration, while AUX53 and AUX142 at 2% NaCl. Glucose supplementation enhanced the auxin in the culture filtrate of AUX53 and AUX137, while addition of sucrose in the growth medium enhanced the auxin production for all isolates except AUX142. The AUX36, AUX53 and AUX137, produced highest concentration of auxin at 0.1% peptone. Seed germination experiments using surface sterilized seeds of T. aestivum revealed that all isolates could increase root length of seedlings as compared to control. Comparison of various growth parameters after 15 days of growth showed that plant growth was significantly improved by bacterial treatments. All isolates had significant effect on root and shoot length of T. aestivum. It is concluded that Bacillus megaterium AUX36, Escherichia coli AUX53, Klebsiella pneumonia AUX137 and Bacillus marinus AUX142 may be used to develop indigenous biofertilizers in future after further investigations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Manganin is the trademark name of the alloy Cu86Mn12Ni2. Despite its frequent usage in manufacturing processes, literature data are scarce particularly at higher temperatures. This work presents a set of thermophysical data of this alloy in a temperature range above its classic area of application up to the end of its liquid phase. For investigating the alloy, four examination setups were employed. Using differential thermal analysis, solidus and liquidus temperatures were obtained. In the solid phase, the electrical resistivity as a function of temperature was determined by a four-point probe positioned in a furnace. Thermal expansion was measured with a high-resolution two-beam laser dilatometer based on Michelson-interferometry and thereby density was calculated. The liquid state was investigated using a $$\upmu $$ s-ohmic-pulse-heating setup. Wire-shaped specimens were resistively volume heated as part of an electrical discharge circuit. Measured quantities were the current through the specimen, the voltage drop along the specimen, the surface radiance by a pyrometer, and the thermal expansion with an adapted CCD camera system. On the basis of these measurements, temperature-dependent thermophysical properties of enthalpy, isobaric heat capacity, electrical resistivity, and density are obtained. Additionally the thermal conductivity and thermal diffusivity are estimated in the high-temperature range applying the Wiedemann-Franz law. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background:If an infant fails to initiate spontaneous breathing after birth, international guidelines recommend a positive pressure ventilation (PPV). However, PPV by face mask is frequently inadequate because of leak between the face and mask. Despite a variety of available face masks, none have been prospectively compared in a randomized fashion. We aimed to evaluate and compare leak between two commercially available round face masks (Fisher & Paykel (F&P) and Laerdal) in preterm infants <33 weeks gestational age in the delivery room.Methods:Infants born at the Royal Alexandra Hospital from April to September 2013 at <33 weeks gestational age who received mask PPV in the delivery room routinely had a flow sensor placed between the mask and T-piece resuscitator. Infants were randomly assigned to receive PPV with either a F&P or Laerdal face mask. All resuscitators were trained in the use of both face masks. We compared mask leak, airway pressures, tidal volume and ventilation rate between the two groups.Results:Fifty-six preterm infants (n=28 in each group) were enrolled; mean±s.d. gestational age 28±3 weeks; birth weight 1210±448 g; and 30 (52%) were male. Apgar scores at 1 and 5 min were 5±3 and 7±2, respectively. Infants randomized to the F&P face mask and Laerdal face mask had similar mask leak (30 (25-38) versus 35 (24-46)%, median (interquartile range), respectively, P=0.40) and tidal volume (7.1 (4.9-8.9) versus 6.6 (5.2-8.9) ml kg−1, P=0.69) during PPV. There were no significant differences in ventilation rate, inflation time or airway pressures between groups.Conclusion:The use of either face mask during PPV in the delivery room yields similar mask leak in preterm infants <33 weeks gestational age. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background:The six-item cognitive impairment test (6CIT) is a brief cognitive screening instrument (CSI) recommended for use in primary care settings. There are very few studies of 6CIT performance in secondary care settings.Methods:We undertook a pragmatic diagnostic accuracy study of 6CIT in consecutive patients referred over the course of one year to a neurology-led cognitive function clinic, and compared its performance for the diagnosis of dementia and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) to that of the simultaneously administered Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE).Results:In a cohort of 245 patients with dementia prevalence around 20%, 6CIT proved quick and easy to use and acceptable to patients. It had good sensitivity (0.88) and specificity (0.78) for dementia diagnosis; it was more sensitive than MMSE (0.59) but less specific (0.85). For MCI diagnosis, 6CIT was again more sensitive (0.66) than MMSE (0.51) but less specific (0.70 vs. 0.75). Weighted comparisons showed net benefit for 6CIT compared to MMSE for both dementia and MCI diagnosis. 6CIT effect sizes (Cohen's d) were large for dementia diagnosis and moderate for MCI diagnosis.Conclusions:6CIT is an acceptable and accurate test for the assessment of cognitive problems, its performance being more sensitive than the MMSE. 6CIT use should be considered as a viable alternative to MMSE in the secondary care setting. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Phytase is an enzyme which breakdown the complex organic (unavailable) forms of phosphorous such as phytic acid into simpler inorganic (available) forms. Aim of the present study was to isolate, characterize and optimize physicochemical conditions of phytase producing bacteria. Phytase producing bacterial isolates were screened on phosphate solubilizing media. Isolates (PHY02, PHY03, PHY06, PHY07, PHY12, and PHY30) were identified by morphological, microscopic, and biochemical characteristics as Lactobacillus casei, Enterobacter intermedius, Bacillus badius, Escherichia coli, Shigella spp., and Klebsiella spp., respectively. All isolates (PHY02, PHY03, PHY06, PHY07, PHY12, and PHY30) produced optimum level of phytase on 37°C (27, 9, 19, 40, 19, and 32 IU/ml, respectively), pH 6.5 (26, 15, 19, 41, 19, and 32 IU/ml, respectively) and 1% NaCl (27, 15, 17, 41, 18, and 32 IU/ml, respectively). PHY03, PHY06, PHY07 and PHY12 had significantly higher (P<0.05) enzyme production when glucose was used as sole source of corbon, while 0.3% lactose was preferred by PHY02 and PHY30. Peptone was preferred nitrogen sources for PHY02, PHY12, PHY07 and PHY30, while tryptone was preferred by PHY03 and PHY06, respectively. Phytase producing bacterial isolates may be further analyzed and developed as indigenous biofertilizers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper focuses on the development and testing of the genetic algorithm (GA)-based regional flood frequency analysis (RFFA) models for eastern parts of Australia. The GA-based techniques do not impose a fixed model structure on the data and can better deal with nonlinearity of the input and output relationship. These nonlinear techniques have been applied successfully in many hydrologic problems; however, there have been only limited applications of these techniques in RFFA problems, particularly in Australia. A data set comprising of 452 stations is used to test the GA for artificial neural networks (ANN) optimization known as GAANN. The results from GAANN were compared with the results from back-propagation for ANN optimization known as BPANN. An independent testing shows that both the GAANN and BPANN methods are quite successful in RFFA and can be used as alternative methods to check the validity of the traditional linear models such as quantile regression technique. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Maize is a very important cereal and grown globally across wide range of altitude and latitude. Among abiotic stresses, low temperature is a sever threat for spring maize in Pakistan during early growth stages. This study was planned to sort out tolerant and susceptible maize accessions by evaluation of available maize germplasm against low temperature stress and assessment of genetic diversity among them. At low temperature stress, early emergence of maize and improved photosynthetic performance are the good indicators of early seedling stand. The objectives of this study were (i) to characterize maize accessions for early emergence and photosynthesis related traits at 10/08°C (day/night), (ii) to explain relationship between different low temperature related traits and (iii) to identify best performing accessions under low temperature to be used in hybridization to evolve chilling tolerant hybrids. The effect of low temperature stress was studied on emergence potential, root/shoot ratio, chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, °-carotenoids and ascorbic acid contents. Significant differences were observed among maize accessions for studied traits under low temperature stress. Using biplot analysis, genetically distant accessions showed variable responses to low temperature stress. Maize accessions; 2(EV-7004Q), 5(F-150), 23(F-118), 26(B-308), 46(EV-338), 34(POP-2007), and 18(EV-329) showed superior performance for emergence whereas, 69(EV-134), 59(B-304), 56(F-151), 58(B-313), 73(F-143) and 63(F122) performed well regarding post emergence parameters by maintaining higher values for subjected traits. Chlorophyll contents reflected photosynthesis efficiency of any plant and showed significant positive association with emergence of plants therefore proved a good indicator against low temperature stress. Selection on the basis of combination of emergence related traits and chlorophyll contents provided a sound base to identify early emergence and healthy seedling development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]