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A nuclear spectroscopy experiment was conducted to study α-decay chains stemming from isotopes of flerovium (element Z=114). An upgraded TASISpec decay station was placed behind the gas-filled separator TASCA at the GSI Helmholtzzentrum für Schwerionenforschung in Darmstadt, Germany. The fusion-evaporation reactions ^{48}Ca+^{242}Pu and ^{48}Ca+^{244}Pu provided a total of 32 flerovium-candidate decay chains, of which two and eleven were firmly assigned to ^{286}Fl and ^{288}Fl, respectively. A prompt coincidence between a 9.60(1)-MeV α particle event and a 0.36(1)-MeV conversion electron marked the first observation of an excited state in an even-even isotope of the heaviest man-made elements, namely ^{282}Cn. Spectroscopy of ^{288}Fl decay chains fixed Q_{α}=10.06(1)  MeV. In one case, a Q_{α}=9.46(1)-MeV decay from ^{284}Cn into ^{280}Ds was observed, with ^{280}Ds fissioning after only 518  μs. The impact of these findings, aggregated with existing data on decay chains of ^{286,288}Fl, on the size of an anticipated shell gap at proton number Z=114 is discussed in light of predictions from two beyond-mean-field calculations, which take into account triaxial deformation.

A nuclear spectroscopy experiment was conducted to study α-decay chains stemming from isotopes of flerovium (element Z=114). An upgraded TASISpec decay station was placed behind the gas-filled separator TASCA at the GSI Helmholtzzentrum für Schwerionenforschung in Darmstadt, Germany. The fusion-evaporation reactions ^{48}Ca+^{242}Pu and ^{48}Ca+^{244}Pu provided a total of 32 flerovium-candidate decay chains, of which two and eleven were firmly assigned to ^{286}Fl and ^{288}Fl, respectively. A prompt coincidence between a 9.60(1)-MeV α particle event and a 0.36(1)-MeV conversion electron marked the first observation of an excited state in an even-even isotope of the heaviest man-made elements, namely ^{282}Cn. Spectroscopy of ^{288}Fl decay chains fixed Q_{α}=10.06(1)  MeV. In one case, a Q_{α}=9.46(1)-MeV decay from ^{284}Cn into ^{280}Ds was observed, with ^{280}Ds fissioning after only 518  μs. The impact of these findings, aggregated with existing data on decay chains of ^{286,288}Fl, on the size of an anticipated shell gap at proton number Z=114 is discussed in light of predictions from two beyond-mean-field calculations, which take into account triaxial deformation.

The heritability of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) cannot be fully explained by recognized genetic risk factors identified as achieving genome-wide significance. In addition, the combined contribution of genetic variation to COPD risk has not been fully explored. We sought to determine: (1) whether studies of variants from previous studies of COPD or lung function in a larger sample could identify additional associated variants, particularly for severe COPD; and (2) the impact of genetic risk scores on COPD. We genotyped 3,346 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in 2,588 cases (1,803 severe COPD) and 1,782 control subjects from four cohorts, and performed association testing with COPD, combining these results with existing genotyping data from 6,633 cases (3,497 severe COPD) and 5,704 control subjects. In addition, we developed genetic risk scores from SNPs associated with lung function and COPD and tested their discriminatory power for COPD-related measures. We identified significant associations between SNPs near PPIC (P = 1.28 × 10-8) and PPP4R4/SERPINA1 (P = 1.01 × 10-8) and severe COPD; the latter association may be driven by recognized variants in SERPINA1. Genetic risk scores based on SNPs previously associated with COPD and lung function had a modest ability to discriminate COPD (area under the curve, ∼0.6), and accounted for a mean 0.9-1.9% lower forced expiratory volume in 1 second percent predicted for each additional risk allele. In a large genetic association analysis, we identified associations with severe COPD near PPIC and SERPINA1. A risk score based on combining genetic variants had modest, but significant, effects on risk of COPD and lung function.

BackgroundThe standard treatment pathway for locally advanced rectal cancer is neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (CRT) followed by surgery. Neoadjuvant CRT has been shown to decrease physical fitness, and this decrease is associated with increased post-operative morbidity. Exercise training can stimulate skeletal muscle adaptations such as increased mitochondrial content and improved oxygen uptake capacity, both of which are contributors to physical fitness. The aims of the EMPOWER trial are to assess the effects of neoadjuvant CRT and an in-hospital exercise training programme on physical fitness, health-related quality of life (HRQoL), and physical activity levels, as well as post-operative morbidity and cancer staging.Methods/designThe EMPOWER Trial is a randomised controlled trial with a planned recruitment of 46 patients with locally advanced rectal cancer and who are undergoing neoadjuvant CRT and surgery. Following completion of the neoadjuvant CRT (week 0) prior to surgery, patients are randomised to an in-hospital exercise training programme (aerobic interval training for 6 to 9 weeks) or a usual care control group (usual care and no formal exercise training). The primary endpoint is oxygen uptake at lactate threshold ([Formula: see text] at [Formula: see text]) measured using cardiopulmonary exercise testing assessed over several time points throughout the study. Secondary endpoints include HRQoL, assessed using semi-structured interviews and questionnaires, and physical activity levels assessed using activity monitors. Exploratory endpoints include post-operative morbidity, assessed using the Post-Operative Morbidity Survey (POMS), and cancer staging, assessed by using magnetic resonance tumour regression grading.DiscussionThe EMPOWER trial is the first randomised controlled trial comparing an in-hospital exercise training group with a usual care control group in patients with locally advanced rectal cancer. This trial will allow us to determine whether exercise training following neoadjuvant CRT can improve physical fitness and activity levels, as well as other important clinical outcome measures such as HRQoL and post-operative morbidity. These results will aid the design of a large, multi-centre trial to determine whether an increase in physical fitness improves clinically relevant post-operative outcomes.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov NCT01914068 (received: 7 June 2013).SponsorUniversity Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust.

Short-acting β2-agonist bronchodilators are the most common medications used in treating chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Genetic variants determining bronchodilator responsiveness (BDR) in COPD have not been identified. We performed a genome-wide association study (GWAS) of BDR in 5789 current or former smokers with COPD in one African-American and four white populations. BDR was defined as the quantitative spirometric response to inhaled β2-agonists. We combined results in a meta-analysis. In the meta-analysis, single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the genes KCNK1 (P=2.02 × 10(-7)) and KCNJ2 (P=1.79 × 10(-7)) were the top associations with BDR. Among African Americans, SNPs in CDH13 were significantly associated with BDR (P=5.1 × 10(-9)). A nominal association with CDH13 was identified in a gene-based analysis in all subjects. We identified suggestive association with BDR among COPD subjects for variants near two potassium channel genes (KCNK1 and KCNJ2). SNPs in CDH13 were significantly associated with BDR in African Americans.The Pharmacogenomics Journal advance online publication, 27 October 2015; doi:10.1038/tpj.2015.65.

As part of a national e-learning benchmarking initiative of the UK Higher Education Academy, the University of Manchester is carrying out a pilot study of a method to benchmark e-learning in an institution. The pilot was designed to evaluate the operational viability of a method based on the e-Learning Maturity Model developed at the University of Wellington, New Zealand, which, in turn was derived from Carnegie Mellon's widely accepted Capability Maturity Model. The method is based on gathering evidence about the many and interdependent processes in the e-learning and student lifecycles and takes a holistic view of maturity, addressing multiple aspects. This paper deals with the rationale for the selected method and explains the adoption of a process based approach. It describes the iterative refinement of the questionnaire used to elicit evidence for measures of five aspects of maturity in a range of e-learning processes, in five process areas. The pilot study will produce a map of evidence of e-learning practice across the processes matrix and a measure of the degree of embedding in a sample of faculties within the institution expressed as capability and maturity. To provide a useful measure of where an organisation is with respect to a particular aspect of e-learning, it needs to be able to act on that measure, finding any new activities required or modifying current activities to improve its processes. The pilot study aims to evaluate the potential for improvement inherent in the capability maturity model and to examine the resource implications of obtaining useful evidence. A successful benchmarking effort should be able to inform an institution's planning and resourcing processes and the outcomes of this pilot should lead to an informed decision about a method for benchmarking the embedding of e-learning, both for the particular institution and for the sector, which in turn can lead to operational suggestions for improvement.

Useful lifetime of educational materials should be defined by their continuing ability to help meet defined learning objectives. More often lifetime is compromised by changes in the educational environment that do not specifically relate to the capacity of the material to assist learning. Approaches for integration of materials into the learning environment can be designed to maximise useful lifetime of materials against potential barriers created by, for example, instances of technological change. In this study, the impact of different approaches is demonstrated by examining the development of 163 learning objects, based on several licensed collections of streaming video procured for cross-­sector educational use by the UK Lifesign project. Constraints relating to sustainability work within the limitations of a short-­term project environment are specifically considered.

Hypoxemia is a major complication of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) that correlates with disease prognosis. Identifying genetic variants associated with oxygenation may provide clues for deciphering the heterogeneity in prognosis among patients with COPD. However, previous genetic studies have been restricted to investigating COPD candidate genes for association with hypoxemia. To report results from the first genome-wide association study (GWAS) of resting oxygen saturation (as measured by pulse oximetry [Spo2]) in subjects with COPD, we performed a GWAS of Spo2 in two large, well characterized COPD populations: COPDGene, including both the non-Hispanic white (NHW) and African American (AA) groups, and Evaluation of COPD Longitudinally to Identify Predictive Surrogate Endpoints (ECLIPSE). We identified several suggestive loci (P < 1 × 10(-5)) associated with Spo2 in COPDGene in the NHW (n = 2810) and ECLIPSE (n = 1758) groups, and two loci on chromosomes 14 and 15 in the AA group (n = 820) from COPDGene achieving a level of genome-wide significance (P < 5 × 10(-8)). The chromosome 14 single-nucleotide polymorphism, rs6576132, located in an intergenic region, was nominally replicated (P < 0.05) in the NHW group from COPDGene. The chromosome 15 single-nucleotide polymorphisms were rare in subjects of European ancestry, so the results could not be replicated. The chromosome 15 region contains several genes, including TICRR and KIF7, and is proximal to RHCG (Rh family C glyocoprotein gene). We have identified two loci associated with resting oxygen saturation in AA subjects with COPD, and several suggestive regions in subjects of European descent with COPD. Our study highlights the importance of investigating the genetics of complex traits in different racial groups.

Attrition represents a significant obstacle to overcome in any longitudinal research project. It is, perhaps, most keenly felt when the data collected are from a qualitative study, since, unlike quantitative longitudinal research, weighting factors cannot be applied to 'correct' for any biases in the achieved sample and even a small number of 'lost' respondents can equate to a large percentage of the original sample. It is perhaps because of qualitative longitudinal research's (QLR) reliance on, generally speaking, smaller samples that few have been able to shed much light on which re-contacting procedures are associated with achieving higher rates of retention. In this article, using data from a fifth sweep of a larger but particularly challenging cohort of 199 former probationers, we explore the strategies which helped us maintain high levels of retention in a QLR study. The article contains many practical suggestions which others planning or undertaking similar studies may find useful.

The article is a book review of "Nii Ndahlohke: Boys' and Girls' Work at Mount Elgin Industrial School, 1890-1915" by Mary Jane Logan McCallum. The book explores the history of the Mount Elgin Industrial School and its impact on Indigenous children. It reveals that the school not only failed to provide a useful education but also exploited the children for free labor. The author highlights the inadequate funding and poor conditions at the school, as well as the lack of opportunities and generational wealth denied to Indigenous people by the government. [Extracted from the article]

The article "Beyond History for Historical Consciousness: Students, Narrative, and Memory" analyzes 600 students' written responses to the question of the history of French Canadians in Canada. The authors examine how students construct narratives to explain the past and draw conclusions about their perceptions. They find that students' narratives differ based on geographic location, gender, mother tongue, and sense of identification. The authors also note the lack of representation of Indigenous history in the students' responses and suggest further research on this topic. Overall, the study provides insights into how students understand and interpret history. [Extracted from the article]

This article, published in the African Herp News, discusses the attempted predation of Nile crocodile hatchlings and juveniles by tiger fish (Hydrocynus vittatus). The tiger fish is a predatory fish found in tropical river systems in sub-Saharan Africa. While the predation of small Nile crocodiles by tiger fish is well-known, there is limited direct evidence of this behavior. The article presents supporting evidence of a predation attempt based on an observed bite mark on a juvenile Nile crocodile. The authors suggest that even smaller tiger fish would attempt to feed on juvenile crocodiles. However, the circumstances of the predation attempt are unknown as the observers did not witness the event directly. [Extracted from the article]

The proliferation of information resources for learning, and the increased range of media that make up learning resources, introduce new challenges for those supporting the effective use of online resources within education. This paper describes the importance of good on-line resources, and why despite the best efforts of their developers and institutional support staff, their uptake is low. It explores the issues of matching resources available to the identified needs of users and to their perceived expectations. An analysis of common strategies employed in building collections to improve uptake is made. While the impacts of these strategies are limited when separately adopted, it is possible to increase their effectiveness by combining collection-based and user-based strategies. A revised definition of critical mass is offered that is user-oriented and takes into account the human and technological constraints of developing and maintaining online resource services. The process of needs-analysis is linked to the central role of evaluation in building collections of resources that demonstrably meet the needs of users. The paper concludes that elements of both strategies are necessary to build collections that do support learning.

Discusses the implementation and use of computer-assisted learning in a traditional university physics course at Keele University (England), its effect on traditional course structure, and the effective use of academic staff time. Highlights SToMP (Software Teaching of Modular Physics), based on distance learning principles that permit self-paced learning within a conventional university context. (PEN)

RESUMO: Foram estudados 20 doentes com DPOC em estado estável, idade média de 68 anos, FEV1 médio de 43,6%, TLC â 128,7%, FRC â 174,2%. Os estudos funcionais foram efectuados após 4 h e 12 h de suspensão de broncodilatadores de curta e longa acção.Foram determinados os parâmetros funcionais basais por pletismografia e efectuado um teste de exercício cárdio-pulmonar limitado por sintomas. Em 8 doentes foram determinadas as pressões esofágicas, gástricas e transdiafragmáticas.Em todos os doentes foi efectuada pletismografia optoelectrónica (OEP) basal e no exercício. Esta técnica, altamente complexa, consiste na análise do movimento de 89 pontos da caixa torácica, onde são colocados reflectores sobre os quais incidem flashes de infra-vermelhos que são filmados por 4 câmaras de TV operando a 100 imagens por segundo e sincronizadas com os flashes de infra-vermelhos.Os volumes medidos por pneumotacografia e OEP foram praticamente idênticos, com uma diferença de 5 ml em repouso e de menos 100 ml em exercício, com uma linha de regressão de 1,12.Todos os doentes analisados em conjunto hiperinsuflaram no exercício (e com resultados semelhantes aos dos estudos de O´Donnell), mas os autores encontraram dois subgrupos de doentes que designaram por hiperinsufladores â H (12 doentes) e euvolúmicos â E (8 doentes) consoante a modificação encontrada no início do teste de exercício, sem carga, dos volumes torácicos no final da expiração: mais 494 ml em H e mais 46 ml em E.As diferenças basais destes dois grupos (E e H, respectivamente) foram significativas no índice de massa corporal (IMC) â 27,5 vs 24,2, FEV1% â 50,1 vs 39,2, FEV1/FVC% -51,4 vs 42.5 e no FEF25 e 50%, isto é, os E eram doentes com menor grau de obstrução e de limitação dos débitos expiratórios mas de igual insuflação de H (TLC e FRC sem diferença significativa).Durante o exercício nos H, o Vab permaneceu constante e os Vrc e Vcw aumentaram gradualmente até ao final (isto é, o aumento do volume corrente fez-se à custa do aumento da parte superior do tórax), enquanto nos E houve um abaixamento do volume de Vab que permaneceu constante até final do exercício, com estabilidade do Vrc (isto é, o aumento do volume corrente foi deslocado para a parte inferior do tórax).No entanto, os dois grupos não apresentaram diferenças na CI, na dessaturação no exercício ou no grau de dispneia e esforço dos membros inferiores no final do exercício.Mas, nos E, tanto a carga máxima -20 W, como a duração -8,8 min, foi muito inferior à dos H: 35 W de carga e 13,7 min de duração.Todos estes fenómenos se acompanharam de aumentos nas pressões pleurais, diafragmáticas e no trabalho respiratório, muito mais elevadas em E do que em H, isto é, os E responderam ao exercício com maior trabalho muscular respiratório e menor hiperinsuflação do que os H, que hiperinsuflaram acima do volume corrente e tiveram pressões pleurais e gástricas muito inferiores. COMENTÃRIOS: Estes resultados são de facto surpreendentes, até para os próprios autores.A OEP permitiu discriminar dois subgrupos de doentes que habitualmente são estudados em conjunto e que com os métodos clássicos não foi possível identificar (embora nos vários estudos de OâDonnell exista uma grande variação no tempo de endurance dos vários doentes).Não parece existirem diferenças significativas nos resultados obtidos pela OEP e pelos métodos convencionais que justifiquem que as diferenças encontradas nos dois grupos sejam dependentes desta técnica inovadora.Como explicar então o diferente comportamento respiratório destes dois grupos de doentes com DPOC, com obstrução grave e insuflação significativa e que apenas apresentam diferenças no grau de limitação dos débitos expiratórios â FEV1, FEV1/FVC, FEFs (e também no IMC).Várias hipóteses de explicação são possíveis.A maior limitação expiratória dos H condiciona nestes maior insuflação dinâmica acima do volume corrente, enquanto nos E (menos graves) o aumento de volume no final da expiração é contrariado por pressões abdominais mais altas. Será que este fenómeno depende da gravidade, isto é, será que âquandoâ os E apresentarem maior gravidade na limitação expiratória, como nos H, adoptarão um padrão respiratório diferente?O padrão de recrutamento dos músculos respiratórios é controlado pelo comando central respiratório e adaptado à s condições mecânicas torácicas. Será que os E ainda possuem condições musculares mais preservadas para contrariar a insuflação dinâmica e os H já têm os seus músculos enfraquecidos e o padrão respiratório mais adequado será o de insuflarem?Ou será que à partida existem dois tipos de controlo ventilatório diferentes nestes doentes, como já foi encontrado em indivíduos normais a quem foi aplicada uma resistência externa respiratória?Os autores inclinam-se mais para que a explicação mais provável seja a maior limitação expiratória nos H do que nos E. No entanto, a estratégia respiratória diferente dos E é desfavorável, uma vez que o trabalho respiratório é muito maior nestes do que nos H. E também ajuda a explicar porque em doentes com menor obstrução se encontre significativa limitação de exercício independente da insuflação dinâmica.Este estudo é de facto um grande avanço na compreensão da limitação funcional na DPOC, mas mais estudos são necessários para confirmar estes dados.