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Impact cratering is one of the most important processes shaping planetary surfaces, offering valuable clues about the target body's geologic history and composition. However, crater mapping has historically been done manually, a process that has proven to be both arduous and time consuming. This paper outlines a machine learning crater mapping approach for bodies with limited elevation data available (Digital Elevation Models). We applied a Convolutional Neural Network for the detection and morphometry of impact craters on Saturn's moon Enceladus using light‐shadow labels trained on data from the Cassini Imaging Science Subsystem. Our algorithm identified a total of 5,240 features which were used to quantify crater distribution; this included the highest number of small craters (<1–2 km in diameter) recorded on Enceladus by any previous published study. The pool of features was later down‐selected to craters between 0 and 30°N (latitude) imaged at high incidence (>60°) and phase angles (>26°). The down selection was necessary to accurately perform diameter measurements and derive depths from shadow estimation techniques to calculate depth–diameter ratios (d/D); a well‐studied relationship used to constrain planetary surface properties. Results show that the d/D ratio of craters in the equatorial region of Enceladus range from ∼0.06 to 0.37, with a median of 0.19. Our results will inform efforts to constrain the surface properties of this region of Enceladus, potentially also supporting future mission concept design for the Saturnian moon. Future work will explore the simple‐to‐complex crater transition and differences between this area's d/D and Enceladus' northern and southern latitudes. Plain Language Summary: Saturn's moon Enceladus epitomizes the statement "tiny but mighty." A mere ∼500 km in diameter, this body boasts a remarkable array of diverse terrains, a subsurface ocean, and is a strong candidate in the search for extraterrestrial life. As such, it is no surprise that it was named a top research priority in the 2023–2032 Planetary Decadal Survey. The study of impact craters is regarded as one of the most important tools in the study of planetary surfaces, providing insights into the history of celestial bodies. However, traditional manual approaches have proven to be arduous and time intensive. Motivated by the abundance of Cassini mission imagery, the lack of updated studies of Enceladus' cratered terrains and seeking a method to avoid intensive hand‐mapping, we developed a machine learning approach for crater identification and morphometry determination on Enceladus. This approach recorded more smaller craters (<1–2 km in diameter) on Enceladus than any previous published study and supports a history of intense geologic activity and heat flow in the leading and trailing hemispheres. Our method also allowed us to calculate the depth‐diameter relationship for craters in the equatorial region, a relationship that will inform the community's knowledge of the geological characteristics of the region. Key Points: Crater counting and identification provides information about a planet's history and properties, but is time‐consuming when done by handWe used a machine learning approach to map over 5,000 craters on the surface of Enceladus, using highlight‐shadow labelsWe present the depth–diameter ratio for craters on Enceladus' equator to aid future efforts to constrain surface properties of the region [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cities are increasingly acknowledged as crucial when facing climate change—and the environmental crisis more in general—, offering challenges and opportunities in terms of both mitigation and adaptation. Climate change‐sensitive urban governance requires proactive, integrated, and contextualized approaches, making room for the complex, multilayered, multiscalar, and dynamic processes constituting a city. The notion of "resilience" has been acquiring growing recognition as a flexible and powerful concept to respond to these challenges. Resilience itself, however, is also a polysemic notion, often treated as little more than a catchword or a wishful aim or superimposed with other climate‐related terms, such as risk, vulnerability, or adaptation. To promote a stronger integration among different problem‐settings and epistemic communities, this paper advances six analytical distinctions aiming to provide structure and articulation to existing definitions of the concept of "resilience." Likewise, it offers an integrated analytical framework and methodological pipeline to streamline resilience analysis in the context of urban climate risk assessment. The framework is specially defined to link up with the definition of climate risk provided by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) latest Assessment Reports and is illustrated through examples derived from the recent experience of the Chilean Climate Risk Atlas. Plain Language Summary: This paper offers an integrated terminology, analytical framework, and procedure to measure and predict a city's resilience in the face of climate threats. Based on a thorough review and discussion of the literature on the topic, the proposal is designed to articulate existing approaches, usages, and interpretations of the concept. It aims to guide scholars, practitioners, and policymakers to employ resilience as a tool for urban planning and governance. Key Points: We advance six analytical distinctions and a methodological pipeline to streamline resilience in urban climate risk assessmentOur framework promotes integrated and interdisciplinary efforts toward climate‐sensitive urban risk assessment and planningPolycentric governance is required to balance autonomy and coherence across the systems constituting urban Systems‐of‐Systems [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Changes in climate are usually considered in terms of trends or differences over time. However, for many impacts requiring adaptation, it is the amplitude of the change relative to the local amplitude of climate variability which is more relevant. Here, we develop the concept of "signal‐to‐noise" in observations of local temperature, highlighting that many regions are already experiencing a climate which would be "unknown" by late 19th century standards. The emergence of observed temperature changes over both land and ocean is clearest in tropical regions, in contrast to the regions of largest change which are in the northern extratropics—broadly consistent with climate model simulations. Significant increases and decreases in rainfall have also already emerged in different regions with the United Kingdom experiencing a shift toward more extreme rainfall events, a signal which is emerging more clearly in some places than the changes in mean rainfall. Plain Language Summary: Changes in climate are translated into impacts on society not just though the amount of change, but how this change compares to the variations in climate that society is used to. Here we demonstrate that significant changes, when compared to the size of past variations, are present in both temperature and rainfall observations over many parts of the world. Key Points: The signal of changes in observed temperature and rainfall due to global warming has clearly emerged in many regions and at mesoscalesTropical regions have experienced the largest changes in temperature relative to the amplitude of internal variabilitySignals of increasing extreme rainfall are emerging more quickly than signals in mean rainfall over many parts of the United Kingdom [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Wide international variation in the prevalence of disabling low back pain (LBP) among working populations is not explained by known risk factors. It would be useful to know whether the drivers of this variation are specific to the spine or factors that predispose to musculoskeletal pain more generally.Methods: Baseline information about musculoskeletal pain and risk factors was elicited from 11 710 participants aged 20-59 years, who were sampled from 45 occupational groups in 18 countries. Wider propensity to pain was characterized by the number of anatomical sites outside the low back that had been painful in the 12 months before baseline ('pain propensity index'). After a mean interval of 14 months, 9055 participants (77.3%) provided follow-up data on disabling LBP in the past month. Baseline risk factors for disabling LBP at follow-up were assessed by random intercept Poisson regression.Results: After allowance for other known and suspected risk factors, pain propensity showed the strongest association with disabling LBP (prevalence rate ratios up to 2.6, 95% CI: 2.2-3.1; population attributable fraction 39.8%). Across the 45 occupational groups, the prevalence of disabling LBP varied sevenfold (much more than within-country differences between nurses and office workers), and correlated with mean pain propensity index (r = 0.58).Conclusions: Within our study, major international variation in the prevalence of disabling LBP appeared to be driven largely by factors predisposing to musculoskeletal pain at multiple anatomical sites rather than by risk factors specific to the spine.Significance: Our findings indicate that differences in general propensity to musculoskeletal pain are a major driver of large international variation in the prevalence of disabling low back pain among people of working age. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To quantify Substance P (SP) and Calcitonin gene‐related peptide (CGRP) expression in healthy human periodontal ligament from premolars after root canal preparation with Reciproc Blue, WaveOne Gold, XP EndoShaper and hand files. Methodology: A total of 50 human periodontal ligament samples were obtained from healthy mandibular premolars where extraction was indicated for orthodontic reasons. Prior to extraction, 40 of these premolars were equally divided into four groups, and root canals were prepared using four different systems: Reciproc Blue, WaveOne Gold, XP EndoShaper and a hand instrumentation technique. The remaining 10 healthy premolars were extracted without treatment and served as a negative control group. All periodontal ligament samples were processed, and SP and CGRP were measured by radioimmunoassay. The Kruskal–Wallis test was used to establish significant differences between groups and LSD post hoc comparisons were also performed. Results: Greater SP and CGRP values were found in the hand instrumentation group, followed by the XP EndoShaper, WaveOne Gold and the Reciproc groups. The lower SP and CGRP values were for the healthy periodontal ligament group. The Kruskal–Wallis test revealed significant differences between groups (P < 0.05). Post hoc Least Significant Difference (LSD) tests revealed significant differences (P < 0.05) in SP and CGRP expression between all the comparisons except for the Reciproc Blue and WaveOne Gold group (P > 0.05). Conclusion: All the root canal preparation techniques tested increased SP and CGRP expression in human periodontal ligament, with hand files and XP EndoShaper instruments being associated with greater neuropeptide release compared to Reciproc Blue and WaveOne Gold files. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To improve the understanding of the piscirickettsiosis pathogenesis, the in vivo apoptosis modulation of peritoneal macrophages and lymphocytes was studied in juvenile Salmo salar intraperitoneally injected with Piscirickettsia salmonis. Five fish were sampled at post-exposure days 1, 5, 8 (preclinical), 20 (clinical) and 40 (post-clinical period of the disease), and the leucocytes of their coelomic washings were analysed by flow cytometry (using the JC-1 cationic dye), TUNEL and cytology to detect apoptotic cells. A selective and temporal pattern of apoptosis modulation by P. salmonis infection was observed. Apoptosis in lymphocytes was not affected, whereas it was inhibited in macrophages but only during the preclinical stage of the induced piscirickettsiosis. Hence, it is postulated that P. salmonis inhibits macrophage apoptosis at the beginning of the disease development to survive, multiply and probably be transported inside these phagocytes; once this process is complete, macrophage apoptosis is no longer inhibited, thus facilitating the exit of the bacteria from the infected cells for continuing their life cycle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The release of DNA into the extracellular milieu by neutrophil during a process called NETosis has been postulated as an additional source of autoantigens; a process believed to be important in the pathogenesis of some autoimmune disease, such as systemic lupus erythematosus ( SLE). However, it is not established if the B and T cells undergo the release of DNA to the extracellular milleu, in response to different stimuli. In this study, it was observed that the treatment of B and T cells with PMA, ionomycin and the serum from patients with SLE induced the extracellular DNA presence in B and T cells. These findings suggest that the phenomenon were similar to those observed in neutrophil's Etosis; B and T cells also released their DNA into the extracellular milieu. The findings express that serum from patients with SLE and SLEDAI ≤ 8 triggers the release of extracellular DNA in neutrophils, B and T cells, that suggested the presence of soluble factors in the serum that favoured this phenomenon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Objective To assess the effectiveness of laser surgery in fetuses with a cystic lung lesion with systemic arterial blood supply (hybrid lung lesion) at risk of perinatal death. Methods A cohort of five consecutive fetuses with a large hybrid lung lesion associated with hydrops and/or pleural effusion with severe lung compression was selected for percutaneous ultrasound-guided fetal laser ablation of the feeding artery ( FLAFA) before 32 weeks' gestation in a single tertiary national referral center in Queretaro, Mexico. The primary outcomes were survival and need for postnatal surgery. Results FLAFA was performed successfully in all cases at a median gestational age of 24.9 (range, 24.4-31.7) weeks. After fetal intervention, dimensions in both lungs increased and fluid effusions resolved in all cases. All cases were delivered liveborn at term at a median gestational age of 39.6 (range, 38.0-39.7) weeks, without respiratory morbidity or need for oxygen support, resulting in perinatal survival of 100%. During follow-up, three (60%) cases showed progressive regression of the entire lung mass and did not require postnatal surgery, whereas in two (40%) cases a progressive decrease in size of the mass was observed but a cystic portion of the lung mass persisted and postnatal lobectomy was required. Conclusion In fetuses with large hybrid lung lesions at risk of perinatal death, FLAFA is feasible and could improve survival and decrease the need for postnatal surgery. Copyright © 2016 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite technological improvements in its production process, the sanitary ware industry inevitably generates a certain volume of discards, products whose quality is not up to standard. The present paper is the first to scientifically explore clay-based sanitary ware waste ( SW) with a view to its valorization as an addition in the design of new, more environmentally friendly cements. The focus is on characterization of the waste and its pozzolanicity, as well as the structural and microstructural changes taking place in the pozzolan/Ca( OH)2 system in the first 90 d of reaction. The findings show that pozzolanicity in clay-based waste is comparable to the activity observed in silica fume (SF) and higher than that found in other clay-based materials and fly ash (FA). The microstructural study of the clay-based waste/Ca( OH)2 system, in turn, reveals that the proportion of C-S-H gels rises with hydration time. These gels are characterized by long mean chain lengths (MCL) and low Ca/Si ratios. The intrinsic characteristics of this thermally activated clay-based waste qualify it as a type Q pozzolans as defined in the European cement standards, making it apt for use in the manufacture of CEM II, IV, and V cements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A letter to the editor is presented regarding the difference between capillary and venous blood cell counts in adult patients with haematological disease with the use of nonautomated lancet.

Conclusions The most common congenital abnormalities are cardiac diseases followed by CNS and urogenital malformations. To describe the prevalence of prenatally diagnosed congenital abnormalities at a reference centre. EP24.12: Prenatal diagnosis of congenital abnormalities: a landscape of the CETO, Léon, Mexico. [Extracted from the article]

An abstract of the article "The independent effect of maternal height and weight on cervical length" by M. Cruz-Martinez is presented.

The article discusses the study which investigates Piscirickettsia salmonis's infectivity in immersion-bath exposed rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss (Walbaum) fry. The study examined the SLGO-95 strain of P. salmonis in which the strain's bacteria were cultured and titered using end-point dilution assay. The results showed that infectivity of P. salmonis in rainbow trout fry has three major stages such as rapid attachment to epithelial cells.

Background The relationship between helminthiases and allergy is a matter of considerable interest and research. In the tropics, house dust mite exposure, a known risk factor for asthma, is frequently concurrent with helminth infections. It remains to be defined whether infection with the common roundworm Ascaris or its bystander immunological effects influence the prevalence and pathogenesis of asthma independently of mite sensitization. Objective To investigate the relationship between the IgE responses to Ascaris and its purified allergens and the risk of asthma in a tropical country. Methods A nested case-control study was performed in 356 subjects who reported current and past asthma symptoms (asthmatics) and 435 controls that had never experienced such symptoms. They were tested for serum levels of total IgE and specific IgE to Ascaris extract, Asc s 1 ( ABA-1), Asc l 3 (tropomyosin) and GST (glutathione transferase). In addition, specific IgE to Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, Blomia tropicalis and their tropomyosins Der p 10 and Blo t 10 was measured. Sensitization was defined as a positive specific IgE result to any extract or recombinant allergen. Results Sensitization to Ascaris and D. pteronyssinus was independently associated with asthma after adjustment for age, gender, socio-economic stratum, city and other IgE levels (adjusted ORs: 2.17; 95% CI 1.37-3.42 and 2.46; 95% CI 1.54-3.92), respectively. There was also a significant association with sensitization to the highly allergenic and cross-reactive tropomyosins Asc l 3, Blo t 10 and Der p10 ( aORs: 1.76; 95% CI 1.21-2.57, 1.64; 95% CI 1.14-2.35 and 1.51; 95% CI 1.02-2.24), respectively. Conclusion and Clinical Relevance IgE responses to Ascaris are associated with asthma symptoms in a population living in the tropics. Sensitization to the cross-reactive Ascaris and mite tropomyosins partially underlies this finding. These results have potential relevance in asthma diagnosis and management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article examines the effect of Piscirickettsia salmonis inoculation on the ASK continuous cell line in Coho Salmons in salmonid species in the South Pacific Ocean in Chile. The research explores the Piscirickettsia salmonis bacteria exposure to infectivity assays wherein titration of ASK cell supernatants were detected. It conclude that ASK cells were permissive to the Piscirickettsia salmonis infection.

During the last few decades, land use changes have largely affected the global warming process through emissions of CO2. However, C sequestration in terrestrial ecosystems could contribute to the decrease of atmospheric CO2 rates. Although Mediterranean areas show a high potential for C sequestration, only a few studies have been carried out in these systems. In this study, we propose a methodology to assess the impact of land use and land cover change dynamics on soil organic C stocks at different depths. Soil C sequestration rates are provided for different land cover changes and soil types in Andalusia (southern Spain). Our research is based on the analysis of detailed soil databases containing data from 1357 soil profiles, the Soil Map of Andalusia and the Land Use and Land Cover Map of Andalusia. Land use and land cover changes between 1956 and 2007 implied soil organic C losses in all soil groups, resulting in a total loss of 16·8 Tg (approximately 0·33 Tg y−1). Afforestation increased soil organic C mostly in the topsoil, and forest contributed to sequestration of 8·62 Mg ha−1 of soil organic C (25·4 per cent). Deforestation processes implied important C losses, particularly in Cambisols, Luvisols and Vertisols. The information generated in this study will be a useful basis for designing management strategies for stabilizing the increasing atmospheric CO2 concentrations by preservation of C stocks and C sequestration. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The lady beetle Coleomegilla maculata De Geer is an omnivorous predator that could help suppress aphid and spider mite populations on plants in greenhouses, plantscapes or interiorscapes. We are assessing the nutritional requirements and feeding behavior of C. maculata on target prey (spider mites) and factitious (unnatural) food. Our ultimate goal is to develop an efficacious diet to mass produce C. maculata. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that Tetranychus urticae Koch (two-spotted spider mite) is not suitable prey for development and reproduction of naïve C. maculata (i.e., with no prior exposure to T. urticae). Our objectives were to (i) provide baseline data on the effects of consuming T. urticae on C. maculata life history, (ii) to compare the effects of consuming all stages of T. urticae versus eggs of Musca domestica L. (common housefly), and (iii) to determine if the consumption of plant products was beneficial. We used C. maculata from a colony reared only on Ephestia kuehniella Zeller (Mediterranean flour moth) eggs. In experiments, C. maculata larvae were reared from the first instar to adult stage with prey/food in replicated arenas; adult females were paired with a single male with prey/food. The results showed that naïve C. maculata readily attacked and consumed T. urticae. Nevertheless, T. urticae was less suitable than M. domestica eggs for C. maculata development and reproduction. Applying a synthetic pollen- Chlorella alga powder (SPCA) in arenas containing T. urticae appeared to boost C. maculata female development and reproduction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Piscirickettsia salmonis is the aetiological agent of piscirickettsiosis, a disease which affects a variety of teleost species and that is particularly severe in salmonid fish. Bacterial-free supernatants, obtained from cultures of three isolates of Piscirickettsia salmonis, were inoculated in Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar L., and in three continuous cell lines in an effort to determine the presence of secretion of extracellular products ( ECPs) by this microorganism. Although steatosis was found in some liver samples, no mortalities or clinical signs occurred in the inoculated fish. Clear cytotoxicity was observed after inoculation in the cell lines CHSE-214 and ASK, derived from salmonid tissues, but not in MDBK, which is of mammalian origin. The degree of cytotoxicity of the ECPs was different among the P. salmonis isolates tested. The isolate that evidenced the highest cytotoxicity in its ECPs exhibited only an intermediate virulence level after challenging fish with bacterial suspensions of the three P. salmonis isolates. Almost complete inhibition of the cytotoxic activity of ECPs was seen after proteinase K treatment, indicating their peptidic nature, and a total preclusion of the cytotoxicity was shown after their incubation at 50 °C for 30 min. Results show that P. salmonis can produce ECPs and at least some of them are thermolabile exotoxins that probably play a role in the pathogenesis of piscirickettsiosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The transformation process of clay minerals into pozzolanic products for use as active additives in cement matrixes has been closely studied by both the scientific community and the cement industry. Sourcing these additions from recycled waste products is widely prioritized in environmental policies, because of their associated environmental benefits. This article reports an exhaustive analysis of slate waste in Spain, for its eventual use as an alternative source of pozzolans, based on activated phyllosilicates. The analysis examines the effect of activation conditions on mineralogy and the formation and evolution of the hydrated phases that form during the pozzolanic reaction at 28 days. The results show good pozzolanic activity in the starting slate wastes activated between 800°C and 1100°C of temperature for 2 h of retention, on which basis 1000°C and 2 h were recommended as the more suitable activation conditions for these activated slate wastes ( ASW), as total destruction of all phyllosilicates is ensured under those conditions. The hydrated phases formed during the pozzolanic reaction in the ASW/ Ca(\ OH)2 system were calcium silicate hydrate gels (CSH), randomly interstratified chlorite ( Cl) /smectite with variables containing chlorite/smectite ratios 30% chlorite, 40% chlorite, 50% chlorite, 60% chlorite, respectively, and monosulfoaluminate ( C3 A· SO4 Ca·12 H2 O) directly related to the activation process used in this article. All of these findings support the viability of slate waste for use as a pozzolanic addition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The reactions of diethyl 4-nitrophenyl phosphate ( 1) with a series of nucleophiles: phenoxides, secondary alicyclic (SA) amines, and pyridines are subjected to a kinetic study. Under excess of nucleophile, all the reactions obey pseudo-first-order kinetics and are first order in the nucleophile. The nucleophilic rate constants ( kN) obtained are pH independent for all the reactions studied. The Brønsted-type plot (log kN vs. p Ka nucleophile) obtained for the phenolysis is linear with slope β=0.21; no break was found at p Ka 7.5, consistent with a concerted mechanism. The Brønsted-type plots for the SA aminolysis and pyridinolysis are linear with slopes β=0.39 and 0.43, respectively, also suggesting concerted processes. The concerted mechanisms for the latter reactions are proposed on the basis of the lack of break in the Brønsted-type plots and the instability of the hypothetical pentacoordinate intermediates formed in these reactions. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Chem Kinet 43: 708-714, 2011 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to determine whether recycling of the enhancement solution would increase the microbial load in the solution and in enhanced steaks, and whether sodium lactate (SL) or a sodium lactate/diacetate mixture would counteract this microbial buildup. Strip loins were cut into 7.5-cm-thick strip steaks, then inoculated with 104 cfu/mL Escherichia coli K12. Five steaks were injected to 110% over initial weight with each of three enhancement solutions: 0.4% salt + 0.4% phosphate (C; control), salt + phosphate + 3% SL or salt + phosphate + SL + 0.25% sodium diacetate. After injection, the enhancement solution runoff from the steaks was returned to the feed tank, and the injection process was repeated three more times recycling the solution each time. Total plate counts (TPCs) and coliform counts were determined on the enhancement solution runoff from the steaks, the enhancement solution in the feed tank and the enhanced steaks. Shelf life-enhancing ingredients had no inhibitory effects on the initial TPCs when compared with the control. The enhancement solution feed tank had significantly more total bacteria after each recycling round than during the previous recycling round. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS Total plate counts (TPCs) in steaks were affected by both enhancement solution ingredients and by the number of times the enhancement solution was recycled. Steaks had higher TPCs after the solution had been recycled two or three times than prior to recycling or after the solution was recycled once. Steaks enhanced with the salt + phosphate (no shelf life enhancers) solution had higher TPCs than those enhanced with the solutions containing sodium lactate and sodium lactate/sodium diacetate. Using shelf life enhancers in enhancement solutions had positive effects on plate counts. Recycling, possibly because of microbial dilution, did not appear to result in buildup of microbes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research study shows for the first time the hydration reaction of Activated Art Paper Sludge (AAPS)-lime mixtures cured at 20°C. Two mixtures series were prepared using weight ratios of 3:1 and 1:1 for AAPS/lime. The kinetics of the hydration reaction was investigated by characterization techniques such as X-ray diffraction, thermo-gravimetrical and differential thermal analysis, 27Al and 29Si {1H} magic angle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance. Results show higher quantity of hydrated phases formed with the increase of the AAPS/lime ratio (such as calcium silicates hydrates (C–S–H), hydrated tetracalcium monocarboaluminate , and hydrotalcite-like phases), specially C–S–H exhibiting a major incorporation of Al3+ into silicate chains, increasing its medium chain length. It becomes demonstrated that mechanical performance of the studied mixtures will be directly influenced by all these parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inbreeding offers numerous advantages but also presents some problems for the genetic improvement of cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz). One of the concerns is that inbreeding depression (ID) may be too drastic for (even partially) inbred materials to survive. A large experiment was conducted to quantify ID in cassava. S1 families from eight elite cultivars, each represented mostly by over 90 cloned genotypes, were produced and evaluated in a replicated trial at one location. The results from this evaluation allowed measurement of ID levels for key traits such as fresh root yield (63.9%), fresh foliage yield (37.9%), harvest index (26.5%), plant height (10.1%), and dry matter content in the roots (5.3%). Results also indicated (as expected) that ID, for a given trait, was not uniform among the eight families evaluated. For reasons provided in the article, the ID levels measured in this study may have been overestimated. Compared with the first experiences introducing inbreeding in temperate and tropical maize (Zea mays L.), we concluded that the use of homozygous progenitors in future cassava genetic enhancement is feasible. The average ID and frequency distributions within S1 families for different traits correlated well with the relative importance of nonadditive genetic effects controlling their inheritance as reported in the literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objectives of this study were to evaluate consumer attitudes regarding the safety of the food supply, relate food safety concern levels with groups of specific items, regulatory issues and prioritization of food safety funding areas, and to evaluate attitudes and behaviors toward specific food safety issues. As general level of concern with food safety increased, so did concern with chemical, microbiological and regulatory issues. Concern with microbiological issues was higher than in previous studies. Only about 15% of the consumers thought they had contracted a foodborne illness during the last year; > 40% thought the source was restaurant food and > 25% thought the source was a school or church event. Concerns with cholesterol, salt and sugar were significantly higher than in previous studies. Consumers were very concerned about the inspection of imported foods and restaurant sanitation; however, they did not assign a high priority to funding of regulatory issues such as hiring more inspectors. The majority of consumers surveyed think that genetically modified foods, irradiated foods, food from animals treated with hormones or treated with antibiotics found safe by the Food and Drug Administration, are safe to eat (80, 77, 72 and 74%, respectively); however, about one-third would not purchase them, and more than 20% have reduced their consumption of some foods because they think they are irradiated, contain genetically modified organisms or are derived from animals treated with hormones or antibiotics. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS Half the 400 consumers surveyed considered their food very safe, about a 10% decrease since 2002. As far as “chemical issues,” consumers were most concerned with pesticide residues, hormones in poultry and meat, and preservatives. Concern with “microbiological issues” was substantially higher than in past studies. This may be because of the awareness of recent foodborne illness outbreaks linked to restaurant sanitation and meat being thoroughly cooked. Even though consumers were increasingly concerned about microbiological and regulatory issues, the priority for funding more inspectors for foodservice and manufacturing facilities was not higher. Consumers who were very concerned with food safety generally gave moderately high priority to funding mandatory labeling of foods containing genetically modified organisms (GMOs), and human health studies to understand the risks of hormones in food animals. If the Food and Drug Administration determined that irradiated foods, those containing GMOs and products derived from animals treated with either antibiotics or hormones are safe, more than 70% of consumers believe they are safe to eat; however, 18–28% have reduced their consumption of these foods and more than one-third would pay more for products guaranteed not to have been so treated. These findings demonstrate that consumer concerns about food safety are a moving target and that concern, attitudes and behaviors are inconsistent. This implies that while general food safety education programs may be effective in establishing an overall knowledge base, often the food industry and regulatory agencies must respond “after the fact” to specific issues, such as Escherichia coli. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Industrial waste fired clay materials, which are good pozzolans, can be used in place of cement in the manufacture of precast concrete products. This paper analyzes the use of industrial waste fired clay as pozzolanic materials for the manufacture of concrete roofing tiles, exploring the microstructure and morphology of the resulting concrete and their impact on product properties and performance. All trials and measurements were taken on an industrial ceramic product subsequently used in a second industrial process to manufacture concrete tiles, which were found to meet market standards. Porosity was observed to be greater in the waste fired clay product in only one trial, while the proportion of pores with larger diameters was found to decline. The microstructural studies revealed the existence of pozzolanic reaction products and an incomplete cement reaction, as in the control specimens, due to the processing conditions. This effect caused an increase in flexural strength after 28 days. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to determine whether sodium lactate (SL) or an SL/diacetate (SLDA) mixture added to an enhancement solution would effectively reduce microbial loads in surface-inoculated, enhanced beef. Strip loins were cut into strip steaks (7.5 cm thick), then dipped into an inoculum containing either 103 or 106 cfu/mL Escherichia coli K12. Steaks were injected to a target of 110% over initial weight with one of three enhancement solutions to target final concentrations of: 0.3% salt + 0.3% phosphate (control), salt + phosphate + 0.3% SL or salt + phosphate + SL + 0.25% sodium diacetate. Steaks were vacuum packaged then held at 4C for up to 14 days. Plate counts, pH and color of steaks were determined after 0, 7 and 14 days. The SLDA mixture resulted in the greatest log reduction of coliforms in steaks. Both SL and SLDA resulted in darker steaks. The SL- and SLDA-containing solutions also stabilized pH and decreased purge loss over time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper describes the research run on ceramic materials, and more specifically fired clay roof tiles, ground to a fineness suitable for use as an active replacement for portland cements (PCs). The utilization of waste products from calcined clay roof tiles as a pozzolanic material in the cement manufacture is studied. One of the first materials used as pozzolans in the history was thermal-treated clay, a material similar to the calcined clay precast elements. For this study, the materials selected are clay products that have been eliminated for different reasons: a wrong temperature inside the kiln, dimensional and mechanical failures, and durability loss. The results showed that these products have good pozzolanic properties; at an early age, the pozzolanic activity was found to be higher than fly ash, although it was lower than silica fume. The morphology of clay tile–PC pastes are similar to the morphology of the pastes containing other pozzolanic materials. Hydrated calcium aluminate products are generated when the preparation method yields less compact pastes with a greater voids' volume to accommodate these products. The hydrated calcium aluminate phases were analyzed using scanning electronic microscopy and X-ray diffraction techniques. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the last 9 years, epizootics of an icterus condition has affected coho salmon, Oncorhynchus kisutch (Walbaum), reared in seawater cages in southern regions of Chile. At necropsy, fish from field cases exhibited signs of jaundice accompanied by pale light-brown livers and dark spleens. Histopathological and haematological results indicated that these fish presented haemolytic anaemia. After microbiological examination no bacterial or viral agents could be identified as aetiological agents of this disease. In an infectivity trial, coho salmon, Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar L., and rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss (Walbaum), were inoculated intraperitoneally with a filtrate of an organ homogenate (0.45 μm) from a diseased coho salmon and held for 60 days in tanks supplied with fresh water. The disease was only reproduced in coho salmon in which mortalities, beginning at day 23 post-inoculation (p.i.), reached a cumulative value of 24% at day 27 p.i. This condition was transmitted to non-inoculated cohabiting coho salmon suggesting that it is a waterborne disease. Thus, this icteric condition is caused by an infectious form of haemolytic anaemia, probably of viral aetiology, and coho salmon are more susceptible than either Atlantic salmon or rainbow trout. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To determine the longitudinal behaviour of fetal cardiac morphometric and functional parameters throughout gestation in fetuses with autoimmune associated congenital atrioventricular block (AVB). A total of 31 ultrasound evaluations were performed on 9 AVB fetuses, with a median of 3 measurements per fetus. AVB fetuses' conventional Doppler parameters (umbilical artery, middle cerebral artery (MCA) pulsatility index (PI) and cerebroplacental ratio) were stable during evaluations. [Extracted from the article]

Babesiosis is a tick-borne disease of cattle caused by Babesia bigemina and Babesia bovis and is transmitted by the tick vector Boophilus microplus. In this study, we investigate B. bigemina infection regarding the clinical infection, T cell distribution, and cytokine profile during the acute phase of an experimental infection in pregnant cows. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report a case of Klippel–Trenaunay–Weber syndrome presenting prenatally as a massive congenital lymphangiohemangioma of the thigh. Routine ultrasonographic examination revealed multiple distorted cystic areas extending from the right flank through the right lower extremity of a 30-week fetus. A diagnosis of cystic lymphangioma of the thigh was suspected prenatally. Neonatal evaluation confirmed the prenatal findings. Neonatal color Doppler imaging revealed blood vessels within the tumor. The differential diagnosis is discussed together with available therapeutic procedures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]