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Background: The authors developed a pain monitoring app offering educational information, and real‐time health care professional feedback on clinically significant pain (>4 numeric rating scale [NRS]‐11) for children with cancer to reduce pain at home. Methods: This monocenter, nonblinded randomized controlled trial enrolled Dutch children (0–18 years old) receiving cancer treatment (≥3 months after diagnosis, ≥2 months treatment remaining). Children were randomly assigned to use the app or receive usual care (two parallel groups). We assessed whether use of the app yielded less clinically significant pain (aim 1) and whether it affected pain severity, duration, interference, pain management strategies, and parental emotional well‐being (aim 2). The app was also evaluated by families (aim 3). Results: A total of 94 children were randomized to use the app (15 drop‐outs), and 90 were to receive care as usual (11 drop‐outs). The app group (n = 79, mean age: 7.5 [5.1] years, 48% girls, 63% hemato‐oncology diagnosis) reported significantly less clinically significant pain compared to usual care (n = 79, mean age: 7.5 [5.4] years, 52% girls, 65% hemato‐oncology diagnosis) (odds ratio [OR], 0.38; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.198–0.734]) (aim 1), as well as significantly lower pain severity (β = –0.27; 95% CI, –0.407 to –0.142). No differences were found for duration, interference, or management strategies. Parents in the app group reported significantly less distress compared to usual care (β = –0.84; 95% CI, –1.61 to –0.03]) (aim 2). Families generally evaluated the app positively (aim 3). Conclusions: Use of the app resulted in less clinically significant pain at home. The exact working mechanisms of the app should be further elucidated. Use of a pain monitoring app with educational information on pain (management) and real‐time health care professional feedback reduced clinically significant pain in children with cancer at home. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Objectives Methods Results Conclusions Reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) has shown promise in predicting surgical outcomes by non‐invasively detecting subclinical lentigo maligna (melanoma) (LM/LMM).To assess the effects of presurgical mapping using handheld RCM (HH‐RCM) on surgical treatment, follow‐up outcomes and management decisions.A total of 117 consecutive LM/LMM cases (2015–2023) were included. The diagnostic accuracy of HH‐RCM in detecting subclinical LM and invasive components was evaluated. The primary endpoints included histological margin status and changes in management based on the outcomes of the HH‐RCM mapping procedure. Margin and follow‐up outcomes were compared to a historical cohort before HH‐RCM was introduced in our center (n = 94) (2003–2014).HH‐RCM detected subclinical LM in 60% (n = 60) of cases. The median mapping duration was 14 min (range 4–50). In 27% (n = 33), the mapping procedure resulted in modified management, the majority consisting of limited surgery with adjuvant imiquimod (n = 15) or imiquimod monotherapy (n = 14). The remaining cases (n = 84) underwent HH‐RCM‐assisted surgery. Histological margins were cleared in 96.5% of the patients with a median histological margin of 3.0 mm, significantly higher than 81% in the historical cohort (median 2.0 mm) (p = 0.001). The sensitivity and specificity for detecting the extent of subclinical LM were 94% (95% CI 80.4–99.3) and 84% (95% CI 70.3–92.7), respectively. The negative predictive value for the detection of LMM was 94% (95% CI 84.4–97.7), and 75% of the initially missed LMM (n = 12) were identified during the HH‐RCM mapping procedure. The study cohort had a 1.6% local recurrence rate compared with 25% in the historical cohort.Integrating HH‐RCM as the standard of care could lead to more personalized treatment strategies for LM/LMM and allows for the selection of patients suitable for nonsurgical treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

I read with interest the excellent guidelines by Kelly et al. on implementing human factors in anaesthesia [[1]]. Anaesthesia 2023; 78: 407 - 10. 4 Cooper JB. Critical role of the surgeon-anesthesiologist relationship for patient safety. We were surprised to find a disconnect between anaesthetist perceptions of surgeon and theatre team enthusiasm for human factors training (not a lot), and their actual enthusiasm (a lot!). [Extracted from the article]

Tracheal intubation with a double-lumen tube can be more challenging than with a single-lumen tube. A bougie can be used to facilitate intubation. Case reports have described fragment shearing from bougies when they are removed from the tube after intubation. These fragments have the potential to cause harm. It has even been suggested that bougies and double-lumen tubes should not be used together. We conducted a benchtop trial to investigate factors that influence the risk of shearing. We investigated three brands of double-lumen tube (each in three sizes and both lateralities) and four brands of bougie. We simulated one intubation and 29 further insertions/removals of bougie with every bougie-double-lumen tube combination. We inspected the inside of the tube for evidence of shearing after first, tenth and thirtieth removals. We found that brand of bougie, brand of double-lumen tube and size of double-lumen tube (but not its laterality) all influenced the degree of shearing. Certain bougie-double-lumen tube combinations produced a particularly high degree of shearing, so these should be avoided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Response surface methodology has been used to optimize the extraction conditions for total phenolics and carotenoids from leaves of Centella asiatica. Solvent concentration (30%–100%), extraction temperature (30–60°C), and extraction time (30–90 min) were used as the independent variables. A second‐order polynomial model produced a satisfactory fitting of the experimental data with regard to total phenolics (R2 = 84.75%, p < 0.004) and carotenoid (R2 = 78.74, p < 0.019) contents. The optimum extraction conditions of ethanol concentration, extraction temperature, and extraction time for phenolics were 6.1%, 70.2°C, and 110.5 min and for carotenoids, the optimum parameters were 100%, 70.2°C, and 110.5 min, respectively. The optimal predicted contents for total phenolics (9.03 mg Gallic Acid Equivalent (GAE)/g DW) and carotenoid (8.74 mg/g DW) values in the extracts were agreed with the experimental values obtained with optimum extraction conditions for each response, and also they possess significantly higher total antioxidant capacity. Centella asiatica is herb, a leafy vegetables in tropical country and posses many health benefits. Rich in phenolics and carotenoids. Extraction is important for possible application in functional foods and nutraceutical industries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT: Beginning with the question of how a sense of geological time remains strangely withdrawn in contemporary discussions of the Anthropocene in the human sciences and yields place to the more human‐centered time of world history, this article proceeds to discuss the differences between human‐historical time and the time of geology as they relate to the concept of the Anthropocene. The article discusses the difficulty of developing a mode of thinking about the present that would attempt to hold together these two rather different senses of time and ends with a ground‐clearing exercise that might enable the development of such thought. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The main aim of this systematic review was to evaluate the prevalence and type of associated anomalies in fetuses with heterotaxy diagnosed prenatally on ultrasound; the perinatal outcome of these fetuses was also studied.Methods: An electronic search of MEDLINE, EMBASE and CINAHL databases was performed. Only studies reporting the prenatal diagnosis of isomerism were included. Outcomes observed included associated cardiac and extracardiac anomalies, fetal arrhythmia, abnormal karyotype, type of surgical repair and perinatal mortality. The analysis was stratified according to the type of heterotaxy syndrome (left (LAI) or right (RAI) atrial isomerism). Meta-analyses of proportions were used to combine data. Quality assessment of the included studies was performed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale for cohort studies.Results: Sixteen studies (647 fetuses) were included in the analysis. Atrioventricular septal defect was the most common associated major cardiac anomaly found both in fetuses with LAI (pooled proportion (PP), 59.3% (95% CI, 44.0-73.7%)), with obstructive lesions of the right outflow tract occurring in 35.5% of these cases, and in fetuses with RAI (PP, 72.9% (95% CI, 60.4-83.7%)). Fetal arrhythmias occurred in 36.7% (95% CI, 26.9-47.2%) of cases with LAI and were mainly represented by complete atrioventricular block, while this finding was uncommon in cases with RAI (PP, 1.3% (95% CI, 0.2-3.2%)). Abnormal stomach and liver position were found, respectively, in 59.4% (95% CI, 38.1-79.0%) and 32.5% (95% CI, 11.9-57.6%) of cases with LAI, and in 54.5% (95% CI, 38.5-70.1%) and 45.9% (95% CI, 11.3-83.0%) of cases with RAI, while intestinal malrotation was detected in 14.2% (95% CI, 2.5-33.1%) of LAI and 27.1% (95% CI, 7.9-52.0%) of RAI cases. Hydrops developed in 11.8% (95% CI, 2.9-25.6%) of fetuses diagnosed prenatally with LAI. Biventricular repair was accomplished in 78.2% (95% CI, 64.3-89.4%) of cases with LAI, while univentricular repair or palliation was needed in 17.0% (95% CI, 9.7-25.9%); death during or after surgery occurred in 26.8% (95% CI, 4.6-58.7%) of LAI cases. Most children with RAI had univentricular repair and 27.8% (95% CI, 15.5-42.1%) died during or after surgery.Conclusions: Fetal heterotaxy is associated with a high prevalence of cardiac and extracardiac anomalies. Approximately one quarter of fetuses with heterotaxy died during or after surgery. Abnormal heart rhythm, especially heart block, is common in fetuses with LAI, while this finding is uncommon in RAI. Biventricular repair was common in LAI while univentricular repair was required in the majority of children affected by RAI. Copyright © 2017 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Age‐related hearing loss (ARHL) is highly prevalent in older adults, and more than two‐thirds above age of 70 years suffer from ARHL. Recent studies have established a link between ARHL and cognitive impairment; however, most of the studies have used verbally loaded cognitive measures to investigate the association between ARHL and cognition. It is possible that due to hearing impairment, the elderly may experience difficulty in following verbal instructions or completing tasks that heavily rely on hearing during cognitive assessments. This may result in overestimation of cognitive impairment in such individuals. This baseline cross‐sectional study investigated the associations between untreated hearing loss and a number of cognitive functions using a battery of non‐verbal cognitive tests. Further, association between hearing loss and psychological status of older adults was examined. Study design: Prospective case‐controlled study. Methods: A total of 119 participants (54 males, M=66.33±10.50 years; 65 females M=61.51±11.46 years) were recruited. All participants completed a hearing assessment, a computerised test battery of non‐verbal cognitive functions and the depression, anxiety and stress scale. Results: Hierarchical multiple regression analysis results revealed that hearing thresholds significantly associated with the working memory (P<0.05), paired associative learning scores (P<0.05), depression (P<0.001), and anxiety (P<0.001) and stress (P<0.001) scores. Analysis of covariance results revealed that participants with moderately‐severe hearing loss performed significantly poorer in paired associative learning and working memory tasks and psychological function tests compared to those with normal hearing. Conclusion: Results of the current study suggest a significant relationship between ARHL and both cognition and psychological status. Our results also have some implications for using non‐verbal cognitive tests to evaluate cognitive functions in post‐lingually hearing impaired ageing adults, at least for those with more than moderately‐severe levels of hearing loss. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Artificial hollows are commonly used to mitigate the scarcity of den and nest sites that threatens fauna species globally, but there is a risk that these do not provide suitable microclimates for the populations they are intended to support. We monitored temperature, humidity and occupancy in artificial dens (nest boxes and chainsaw‐carved cavities) provided for the critically endangered Leadbeater's possum (Gymnobelideus leadbeateri) in south‐eastern Australian forests. Monitoring occurred over both winter and summer in five habitat types spanning a broad elevational gradient (110–1580 m asl). We then used a biophysical model to explore the physiological consequences of the den temperatures recorded, and the potential effectiveness of behavioural strategies in reducing thermoregulatory costs. Monitoring revealed that nest box temperatures tracked ambient over both seasons, ranging from −5.5°C to 48.5°C, while chainsaw hollows provided more stable internal conditions. However, we found that inferences regarding the thermal suitability of artificial dens were site‐specific, and dependent upon habitat type, season and assumptions around behavioural strategies. During winter, behaviours such as the construction of large, insulative nests and huddling are likely critical in overcoming high energy costs associated with poorly insulated artificial dens. In contrast, during summer high thermoregulatory costs were predicted for the warmest (lowland) site and coincided with low nest box occupancy. Our study reinforces the importance of factoring in local climates, and behavioural and physiological strategies employed by target taxa, when implementing artificial den programs to support fauna populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Morphological and structural features of the sperm of the Triatoma brasiliensis Neiva, 1911 ( Hemiptera: Reduviidae) species complex were examined in this first study investigating the sperm of Heteroptera and the genus Triatoma. Males were dissected and their seminal vesicles removed. For measurement, seminal vesicles were squashed on glass slides, spread, fixed and observed under a photomicroscope. The images were analysed and measures of sperm were made. Data were analysed using one-way analysis of variance and Tukey's test to detect differentiation among taxa. Furthermore, seminal vesicles were prepared for studies of transmission electron microscopy. All taxa studied showed polymorphic (short and long) sperm. The sperm of Triatoma brasiliensis macromelasoma was significantly longer (in total length) than that of the other four members of the complex, which supports the hypothesis of hybrid speciation of this member of the complex as an increase in the size of typical hybrids under heterosis was previously shown. The sperm cells of the five taxa have similar ultrastructural morphology. The ultrastructural features observed confirm the hypothesis, raised by previous studies, that they are synapomorphic to the suborder Heteroptera. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim To compare the degree of fibre shedding by six brands of endodontic paper point when used for the paper point technique ( PPT) of working length confirmation. Methodology An in vitro model simulating the clinical use of paper points in PPT was used to assess the degree of fibre shedding of six brands of size 20, .02 taper paper point. Whilst observing the artificial terminal foramen with polarized light microscopy, the number of fibres shed directly (point inserted 1 mm beyond the terminal foramen) and indirectly (point inserted to length then a gutta-percha point inserted) was assessed. The degree of direct fibre shedding as a function of brand was analysed with Fisher's exact test and multiple pairwise comparisons. Indirect fibre shedding was analysed with Kruskal-Wallis and Wilcoxon rank-sum tests. Results All brands shed fibres both directly and indirectly, with a significant influence of brand on the proportion of fibres shed directly ( P < 0.0306) and on the mean number of fibres shed indirectly ( P < 0.0001). Post hoc analysis demonstrated a similar hierarchy of point integrity for both tests with Classic (UnoDent, Witham, UK) shedding significantly more than other brands and SS White (Gloucester, UK) and Antæos® ( VDW, Munich, Germany) shedding the least. Conclusion All brands of paper point may shed cellulose fibres both directly and indirectly with a significant influence of brand on the degree of fibre shedding. Further work should be undertaken to develop biocompatible absorbent dental points. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A sample of the Vinland Map remaining from the radiocarbon dating was analysed with the purpose of identifying the post-1950 contaminant and establishing other evidence on the material composition, identity and condition. The analyses revealed that the parchment originates from a bovid and contains hair remnants. The fibre structure was in poor condition, with fragmented collagen fibres and a low hydrothermal stability. Greenish and reddish particles were observed on the parchment. The greenish particles were identified as basic copper(II) chloride, most probably atacamite, and the reddish particles as rust; that is, various iron(III) oxides. The extracted modern contaminant was identified as being naturally produced glycerol monostearate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The behaviour of the tompot blenny Parablennius gattorugine was studied from a long-term underwater photographic record from two sites on the south-west coast of the U.K. Repeated observations of individually identifiable P. gattorugine during 112 dives revealed that male P. gattorugine may guard eggs in a particular crevice over subsequent breeding seasons, reside in the same location for up to 4 years and recover from injuries received in disputes over territory. Further observations included resident males wiping eggs with greatly expanded anal glands, adult-type fighting between juveniles and unusual behaviour where a large male manipulated an empty mollusc shell for the attention of two smaller conspecifics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Most Asteraceae species are pollinated by insects, mainly bees and butterflies, although pollination by birds has been documented and pollination by bats has been suggested for some species. Here, we investigated the pollination of Gongylolepis martiana, a species supposedly pollinated by bats.We assessed floral traits and visitors in a population of G. martiana in the Brazilian Amazon, measuring pollen removal from anthers and deposition on stigmas by diurnal and nocturnal visitors.Florets opened at dusk and lasted for 4 days, with the male phase starting on the first night and the female phase on the third night. Accumulated nectar per capitulum was 69.6 μl per night and sugar concentration was 15%. Nectar‐feeding bats and hummingbirds contacted the sexual parts, but pollen removal and deposition were greater throughout the night than during the day, when Meliponini bees considerably reduced pollen availability. Other nocturnal visitors of G. martiana were rare, including nocturnal bees and moths that foraged for pollen and nectar, respectively.Our results support that nectarivorous bats are the main pollinators of G. martiana, confirming Vogel's hypothesis of bat pollination in Asteraceae, particularly in the genus Gongylolepis. Since anthesis and each sexual floral phase started in the evening, nectarivorous bats and diurnal bees caused additive priority effects, preventing hummingbirds from being efficient pollinators. The high density of flowering individuals of G. martiana in patches from white‐sand forests likely increases bat attraction, while the small amount of nectar per plant favours cross‐pollination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Virtually nothing in nature is uniform. Observed at the right scale, most entities are clustered rather than evenly distributed, spatially and temporally, and this applies across domains from the distribution of matter in the universe, to habitats across the Earth's surface, and to energy in the landscape. Patchiness means organisms cannot carve out even territories. Instead, their shape and size depends on the dispersion of materials needed for survival and reproduction. This fundamental feature of life is intrinsically understood in ecology, for example, in the ideal free distribution and optimal foraging theory, and is represented in the anatomy as well as behaviour of organisms via the structures and strategies for moving, finding and capturing these patchy resources. But perhaps most striking of all is the role of patchiness in facilitating the formation of social groups - of societies. The resource dispersion hypothesis ( RDH) suggests that where resources are dispersed and rich enough, multiple individuals can collapse into groups that share the same space at little cost to each other. Cooperation may be absent, but sociality is favoured nevertheless. Thirty years after the origin of the hypothesis, we review the accumulating models, critiques, evidence and experiments, concluding that RDH is a pervasive feature of animal spacing patterns across a wide range of species, taxonomic groups and ecosystems. In the spirit of the original objective of the Huxley Reviews to 'suggest and inspire research that will improve our knowledge in the future', we also take the opportunity to consider wider implications of the RDH. If we live and evolved on a patchwork planet, then we should expect broader effects. Indeed, we suggest that the RDH has played an important role in the evolution of cooperation, biodiversity, behaviour and, not least, in the social organization of humans in our evolutionary past and today. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fluorite CeO2 doped with group IV elements is studied within the density functional theory ( DFT) and DFT + U framework. Concentration-dependent formation energies are calculated for Ce1− x Z x O2 (Z = C, Si, Ge, Sn, Pb, Ti, Zr, Hf) with 0 ≤ x ≤ 0.25 and a roughly decreasing trend with ionic radius is observed. The influence of the valence and near valence electronic configuration is discussed, indicating the importance of filled d and f shells near the Fermi level for all properties investigated. A clearly different behavior of group IVa and IVb dopants is observed: the former are more suitable for surface modifications and the latter are more suitable for bulk modifications. For the entire set of group IV dopants, there exists an inverse relation between the change, due to doping, of the bulk modulus, and the thermal expansion coefficients. Hirshfeld-I atomic charges show that charge-transfer effects due to doping are limited to the nearest-neighbor oxygen atoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the acute effect of a low-volume static and dynamic stretching on maximal isometric peak force (MIPF), time to maximal isometric force (TMIF), rate of force production (RFP) and average amplitude of the surface EMG (AvgEMG) of the main agonist muscles acting on the bench press maximum isometric force exercise. Thirty subjects were randomly divided into three groups: static stretch (SG: 22.8±5.6 years, 176.6±3.5 cm, 74.4±5.9 kg), dynamic stretch (DG: 21.4±3.9 years, 178.4±7.2 cm, 71.7±8.2 kg) and control group (CG: 20.4±3.6 years, 179.8±5.8 cm, 74.4±9.8 kg). SG performed two 30-s repetitions and DG performed 10 repetitions of each of the two different exercises for the pectoralis major and triceps brachii. The MIPF, TMIF, RFP and AvgEMG of the pectoralis major (sternocostal part) and triceps brachii (long and lateral head) were measured before and immediately after the stretching protocols. A significant decrease in the MIPF from pre- to post-stretching was observed in both SG (p <0.001) and DG (p <0.05). No significant differences were found in the CG for all force parameters. No significant differences in the TMIF and RFP from pre- to post-stretching were found in the three groups. The SG showed a significant (p <0.05) decrease in the AvgEMG of the three muscles, whereas no significant differences were found for the DG and CG. These findings suggest that a low-volume static and dynamic stretching adversely affects efforts of muscle maximal strength of the upper limb muscles studied, but it does not seem to affect TMIF or RFP. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Contents [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was designed to address whether juvenile small spotted catsharks Scyliorhinus canicula aggregate and to determine whether potential aggregation is underpinned by social preferences for conspecifics. Using controlled and replicated experiments, the role of familiarity as a potential mechanism driving aggregation and social behaviour in this species was considered. Observed S. canicula association data compared to null model simulations of random distributions revealed differences in aggregation under different social contexts. Only familiar juvenile S. canicula aggregated more than would be expected from random distribution across their habitat. Familiarity increased the mean number of groups but did not significantly affect mean group size. Significant preference and avoidance behaviour across all groups were also observed. Furthermore, the strength of social attraction, quantified by the mean association index, was significantly higher in groups containing familiar individuals. Mixed familiar and unfamiliar treatments were also conducted to test for within- and between-group effects, finding high variation across replicates with some groups assorting by familiarity and others not. It is believed that this study is the first to examine experimentally the influence of conspecific familiarity on aggregation behaviour in sharks. These results not only imply a functional benefit to aggregation, but also suggest that persistent social affiliation is likely to influence dispersal following hatching in this small benthic elasmobranch. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inorganic polyphosphate (poly P) is a polymer of phosphate residues that has been shown to act as modulator of some vertebrate cathepsins. In the egg yolk granules of Rhodnius prolixus, a cathepsin D is the main protease involved in yolk mobilization and is dependent on an activation by acid phosphatases. In this study, we showed a possible role of poly P stored inside yolk granules on the inhibition of cathepsin D and arrest of yolk mobilization during early embryogenesis of these insects. Enzymatic assays detected poly P stores inside the eggs of R. prolixus. We observed that micromolar poly P concentrations inhibited cathepsin D proteolytic activity using both synthetic peptides and homogenates of egg yolk as substrates. Poly P was a substrate for Rhodnius acid phosphatase and also a strong competitive inhibitor of a pNPPase activity. Fusion events have been suggested as important steps towards acid phosphatase transport to yolk granules. We observed that poly P levels in those compartments were reduced after in vitro fusion assays and that the remaining poly P did not have the same cathepsin D inhibition activity after fusion. Our results are consistent with the hypothesis that poly P is a cathepsin D inhibitor and a substrate for acid phosphatase inside yolk granules. It is possible that, once activated, acid phosphatase might degrade poly P, allowing cathepsin D to initiate yolk proteolysis. We, therefore, suggest that degradation of poly P might represent a new step toward yolk mobilization during embryogenesis of R. prolixus. J. Cell. Physiol. 222: 606–611, 2010. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Purpose: Kinins are implicated in many pathophysiological conditions, and recent evidence has suggested their involvement in colitis. This study assessed the role of the kinin B1 receptors in a mouse model of colitis.Experimental Approach: Colitis was induced in mice by 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulphonic acid (TNBS), and tissue damage and myeloperoxidase activity were assessed. B1 receptor induction was analysed by organ bath studies, binding assay and reverse transcription PCR.Key Results: TNBS-induced colitis was associated with tissue damage, neutrophil infiltration and time-dependent increase of colon B1 receptor-mediated contraction, with the maximal response observed at 72 h. The upregulation of the B1 receptor at this time point was also confirmed by means of binding studies. B1 receptor mRNA levels were elevated as early as 6 h after colitis induction and remained high for up to 48 h. TNBS-evoked tissue damage and neutrophil influx were reduced by the selective B1 receptor antagonist SSR240612, and in B1 receptor knockout mice. In vivo treatment with inhibitors of protein synthesis, nuclear factor-kappaB activation, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) or tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNFalpha) significantly reduced B1 receptor agonist-induced contraction. Similar results were observed in iNOS and TNF receptor 1-knockout mice.Conclusions and Implications: These results provide convincing evidence on the role of B1 receptors in the pathogenesis of colitis. Therefore, the blockade of kinin B1 receptors might represent a new therapeutic option for treating inflammatory bowel diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Denning groups (colonies) of Leadbeater's possum Gymnobelideus leadbeateri inhabiting nest boxes in lowland swamp forest were characterized by the presence of only a single breeding pair. The percentage of adult females and males in the population that held the position of ‘resident breeding individual’ within their colony was 66±12 and 62±13%, respectively. The remaining animals were mainly younger adults yet to acquire breeding positions within established colonies. Male and female Leadbeater's possums that attain breeding status within a colony usually reproduced for more than 3 years. Breeding vacancies that arose following the death of an individual were quickly filled by immigrants from neighbouring colonies. Typically, both male and female possums did not commence breeding until they were more than 2 years of age and had dispersed from their natal colony to a neighbouring group. Births were recorded in every month, with no discernible peaks in reproductive activity. This is the first reported case of aseasonal reproduction by a small petaurid species in temperate Australia. The mean litter size was 1.55, and females typically produced two litters per year. The reproductive ecology of Leadbeater's possum differs from that of other small (<260 g), communally denning petaurids in temperate Australia in the following respects: (1) first breeding occurs when individuals are older, (2) breeding occurs throughout the year, (3) the natality rate per female is higher and (4) at any time, reproduction appears to be restricted to a single pair of animals within each colony. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Current orthodoxy states that coronary heart disease results from the unhealthy lifestyles of westernized adults together with a contribution from genetic inheritance. This does not provide a secure basis for prevention of the disease. Geographical studies gave the first clue that the disease originates during intra-uterine development. Variations in mortality from the disease across England and Wales were shown to correlate closely with past differences in death rates among newborn babies. In the past most deaths among newborns were attributed to low birthweight. This led to the hypothesis that undernutrition in utero permanently changes the body's structure, function and metabolism in ways that lead to coronary heart disease in later life. The association between low birthweight and coronary heart disease has been confirmed in longitudinal studies of men and women around the world. The developmental model of the origins of the disease offers a new way forward. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on the rising rates of obesity in children that leads to chronic diseases in later life. The development of coronary heart disease and type 2 diabetes in children with low birth weight and low body mass index (BMI) is examined. The article studies the relationship between childhood overweight and maternal overweight. The prevention of childhood obesity and later diseases is also discussed.

Low birthweight is now known to be associated with increased rates of coronary heart disease and the related disorders stroke, hypertension and non-insulin-dependent diabetes. These associations have been extensively replicated in studies in different countries and are not the result of confounding variables. They extend across the normal range of birthweight and depend on lower birthweights in relation to the duration of gestation rather than the effects of premature birth. The associations are thought to be consequences of developmental plasticity, the phenomenon by which one genotype can give rise to a range of different physiological or morphological states in response to different environmental conditions during development. Recent observations have shown that impaired growth in infancy and rapid childhood weight gain exacerbate the effects of impaired prenatal growth. Coronary heart disease and the disorders related to it arise through a series of interactions between environmental influences and the pathways of development that preceded them. These diseases are the product of branching pathways of development in which the branchings are triggered by the environment before and after birth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sri Lankan black pepper with symptoms of yellow mottle disease contained a mixture of viruses: Piper yellow mottle virus (PYMV) particles (30 × 130 nm), Cucumber mosaic virus (CMV, 30 nm diameter isometric particles), and unidentified, isometric virus-like particles (30 nm diameter). An effective purification procedure is described for PYMV. Immunosorbent and conventional electron microscopy successfully detected badnavirus particles only when at least partially purified extracts were used. PYMV was confirmed as the cause of the disease, with the other two viruses apparently playing no part in producing symptoms. PYMV was transmitted by grafting, by the insect vectors citrus mealy bug (Pianococcus citri) and black pepper lace bug (Diconocoris distanti), but not by mechanical inoculation or through seeds. The CMV isolate was transmitted to indicator plants by mechanical inoculation and by the vector Aphis gossypii, but not by Myzus persicae; but neither mechanical nor insect transmission of CMV to black pepper was successful. A sensitive polymerase chain reaction assay was developed to detect PYMV in black pepper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Classical models of social organization in mustelids suggest that female ranging patterns are determined by the dispersion of resources, whereas those of males are determined by the dispersion of females. However, mating systems and social spacing patterns vary widely both between and within species. For example, European Badgers exhibit a continuum from the classical mustelid model of intra-sexual territoriality and inter-sexual overlap to very large, mixed-sex, promiscuous groups. We evaluated hypotheses and existing data to explain this variation, using comparative analyses and Principal Components Analysis of life history and ecological variables. In addition, we applied a null model of allometric scaling to test for associations between group mass and residual home range size. We found that: (1) the degree of social behaviour and breeding group size increased with life history variables indicative of K-selected strategies of parental investment. (2) Absolute home range size and residual home range size (derived from allometric home range scaling) decreased, paradoxically, with breeding group size and group mass, respectively. These results provide support for ecological theories of social grouping in general and, in particular, for the importance of dispersed resource-rich patches as developed in the Resource Dispersion Hypothesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary1. Copepoda, Ostracoda and ‘Cladocera’ are important meiobenthic Crustacea which can be both numerically abundant and species rich in running waters. Harpacticoids and ostracods are well adapted to benthic life because they are typical crawlers, walkers, and burrowers. Many cladocerans are substratum dwellers, but most benthic species among these can also swim. Cyclopoids which are generally good swimmers are nevertheless often bottom frequenters and actively colonise sediment interstices (the hyporheic zone). 2. The subclass Copepoda includes 10 orders. With 53 families, the order Harpacticoida dominates the benthos. Only five of these families are represented in fresh waters (ca. 1 000 species and subspecies). The order Cyclopoida includes 12 families of which the Cyclopidae is well represented in freshwater habitats with 900 species and subspecies. Freshwater Ostracods belong to the order Podocopida (5 000 species) with three superfamilies occurring in running fresh waters. The group ‘Cladocera’ contains four orders, 12 families, more than 80 genera, and 450–600 freshwater species. Most of the benthic species are found in the families Chydoridae (39 genera), Macrothricidae, Ilyocryptidae and Sididae. 3. For each of the three major taxa, morphological characteristics are presented, specimen collection and preparation are described and references to available taxonomical keys are provided. 4. Biological characteristics are extremely diverse among and within the three taxa, resulting in a great variety of strategies in meiobenthic crustaceans. Characteristics of reproduction, sexual dimorphism, cyclomorphosis and population parameters (i.e. clutch size, lifespan, growth, moulting) are provided for some of the most common species. 5. Important differences between the three main taxa were found at the species level. Ecological requirements such as hydraulic microhabitats and geomorphologic features of the streambed are the major determinants of species diversity and abundance for benthic microcrustacea of lotic habitats. Many studies on the ecology of these communities are limited by a lack of knowledge of the life history characterisitics of lotic (especially interstitial) crustacean populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lipoxygenase-dependent low-density lipoprotein (LDL) oxidation is believed to be involved in atherogenesis. Inhibition of lipoxygenase-induced lipid peroxidation might, therefore, be an important mode to suppress the development of atherosclerosis. Because dietary antioxidants inhibit LDL oxidation in vitro and their intake is inversely associated with coronary heart diseases, we compared the inhibitory effect of three typical flavonoids- quercetin, epicatechin, and flavone-with α-tocopherol and ascorbic acid against human LDL oxidation catalyzed by mammalian 15-lipoxygenase. The oxidative modification of LDL was monitored by measurement of cholesteryl ester hydroperoxide (CE-OOH) formation and consumption of antioxidants by using HLPC. Quercetin and epicatechin were the strongest inhibitors of LDL oxidation catalyzed by 15-lipoxygenase; ascorbic acid was an effective inhibitor in the first 3 h of oxidation; and fivefold α-tocopherol-enriched LDL showed a partial inhibition of CE-OOH formation only after 4-6 h of incubation. Flavone had no effect. Quercetin, ascorbic acid, and α-tocopherol were consumed in the first 3 h of incubation. Consumption of LDL α-tocopherol was partially inhibited by ascorbic acid and quercetin, whereas epicatechin and flavone were without effect. These results emphasize the inhibitory effect of the flavonoids quercetin and epicatechin on 15-lipoxygenase- mediated LDL lipid peroxidation. At similar concentrations, they are stronger antioxidants than ascorbic acid, α-tocopherol, and flavone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Flow cytometry (FC) is a helpful tool for the diagnosis of myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS). Different FC score systems have been developed. The "Ogata score" is a simple diagnostic score that has been validated having a sensitivity of 69% and a specificity of 92% in low‐risk MDS. We aimed to study the feasibility and the utility of the "Ogata score" for the diagnosis of MDS among Latin America (LA) Laboratories. Methods: This is a case and control study conducted in LA institutions members of Grupo Latinoamericano de Mielodisplasia (GLAM). A total of 146 MDS patients and 57 control patients were included. "Ogata score" was calculated. Results: The sensitivity of "Ogata score" was 75.6% (95% CI, 66.8‐81.3), specificity was 91.2% (95% CI, 79.7‐96.7), PPV was 95.6% (95% CI, 88.5‐98.3), and NPV was 65.4% (95% CI, 49.1‐71.9). In low/intermediate‐1 IPSS patients group, the sensitivity was 70.1% (95% CI, 60.2‐78.2), specificity was 91.2% (CI‐95%, 79.7‐96.7), PPV was 94.2% (95% CI, 86.4‐97.8), and NPV was 62.1% (95% CI, 53.0‐78.7). In the group of patients "without MDS specific markers" (patients without ring sideroblasts, blast excess, or chromosomal abnormalities), the sensitivity was 66.7% (CI‐95%, 55.8‐76.0), specificity was 91.2% (95% CI, 79.7‐96.7), PPV was 92.3% (95% CI, 82.2‐97.1), and NPV was 63.5% (95% CI, 51.9‐73.5). Conclusions: The diagnostic power found in this study was similar to the reported by Della‐Porta et al. Also in LA, the analysis was made in modern equipment with acquisition of at least 100 000 events which permits a good reproducibility of the results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary This paper examines children's potential access to school health services by analysing data on the demographic structure, enrolment patterns and reported causes of early school-leaving in 347 schools in Tanga Region, Tanzania served by a school-based health programme. The analysis indicates that net enrolment ratios have risen over the previous 6 years, particularly among children under 10 years. However, in 1994 children were still much older than expected for a basic school population: 81% were adolescents ($10 years) and the mean age was 12 years. These data suggest that schools can provide equitable access to health education and school-based health services for a majority of children, even in a low-income country, and that the primary school population is predominantly adolescent and would benefit from health programmes targeted at that age group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper deals with two sectional models each involving three Weibull distributions. It presents a characterization of the different shapes for the density and the failure rate functions for these models. It also discusses the Weibull Plotting Paper (WPP) plots to determine the suitability of such models to model a given failure data set. © 1997 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Owing to quality uncertainty in manufacturing, some of the items produced can be non-conforming. When items are sold with warranty, the warranty servicing cost for non-conforming items can be high. Life testing can be used to weed out such items and reduce the warranty cost. Such testing is expensive in terms of time and money. Releasing items with no testing can result in an increased number of early failures which in turn leads to consumer dissatisfaction and affects future profits, due to a loss of consumers. We propose a new policy which involves no testing and incorporates an incentive feature to reduce consumer dissatisfaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

When a product is sold with a warranty, the manufacturer incurs additional costs in the form of warranty servicing costs. Owing to quality variations in manufacturing, some of the items produced do not meet the design specification and are labelled as defective (or non-conforming) items. The warranty servicing costs for such items are high and can be reduced through a weeding process. This paper deals with life testing as a means to weed out defective items being released, and examines the optimal testing period for three different types of warranties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A follow-up study was carried out to determine whether either impaired or disproportionate fetal growth arc associated with a raised total serum lgE concentration in men and women aged 50 years. The serum IgE concentration was measured in 146 men and 134 women born in Preston (Lancashire. UK) between 1935 and 1943. whose site at birth had been measured in detail. Sixty-two subjects were found to have an IgE concentration above 80 lU/ml Compared with subjects with a normal IgE on average they had a 0-30 inch larger head circumference at birth (P=0004) and weighed 56 ounces more at birth (P±0.04), People with a raised and with a normal IgE were of similar crown -heel length at birth, indicating that in intro those with a Taised IgE had had disproportionate growth of the head in relation to the trunk and limbs. The prevalence of a raised IgE rose from 14% in subjects whose head circumference at birth was 13 inches orkss to 37% in those whose head circumference was more than 14 inches. This association was independent of gestational age at birth and of the mother's pelvic site and parity. It was also independent of adult physique. social class and smoking. and was similar in men and women. In multiple logistic regression analyses odds ratios of a raised IgE rose progressively to more than 4 as head circumference at birth increased from 13 inches or less to more than 14 inches. One possibility is that these associations reflect the long-term effects of sustaining fetal brain growth at the expense of the trunk. in particular the thymus. This may be a consequence of fetal under-nutrition in late gestation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A technique is described for non-destructive observations and analysis of root growth in granular media, using time-lapse video in conjunction with a pressure cell. The pressure cell consists of one half of a traditional triaxial cell with a flat clear perspex front allowing growth of the root to be monitored using a video camera The cell is connected to an external pressure supply, which is used to regulate precisely the confining pressure, and hence, the physical impedance to root growth. Preliminary results of the growth of root axes and the emergence of laterals of peas over a range of physical impedances are presented to illustrate the potential of this technique in studying root growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The complete amino acid sequence of the major α subunit of the lectin from seeds of Dioclea grandiflora was determined. The sequence was deduced from analysis of peptides derived from the native α subunit by digestion with trypsin, chymotrypsin, the Staphylococcus aureus V8 protease, and pepsin; and from larger peptides produced by digestion of the citraconylated protein with trypsin. The α subunit consists of a single polypeptide chain of 237 amino acids which differs from the sequence of concanavalin in 53 positions. Significant levels of heterogeneity were observed in five positions in the sequence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A letter to the editor is presented which focuses on a medical case of a 90-year-old patient who suffered from unilateral capsular phimosis after a cataract extraction and intraocular lens implantation procedure.

Frova and Sorbello raise the valid point that further research should also consider the safe use of bougies with single-lumen tracheal tubes (SLTs); they cite three case reports which describe bougies shearing in SLTs [[3]]. With the dramatic increase in different bougies now on the market (leading to a vast range of DLT/SLT/bougie combinations), further studies will inform the clinician of risks and the manufacturer of design priorities. [Extracted from the article]

Variation in barometric pressure in Melbourne does not significantly affect the BTPS correction factor JOHNS DP, HARTLEY MF, BURNS G, THOMPSON BR. Respirology 2004; 9: 406–408 The conventional BTPS (body temperature and pressure, saturated with water vapour) correction factor varies with ambient barometric pressure (PB) and many lung function laboratories measure PB daily. The aim was to investigate whether a fixed value for PB could replace daily measurements. PB was measured daily over a 12-month period. The highest and lowest values in Melbourne in the last century were also recorded from data published by the Bureau of Meteorology. Using these PB values, the BTPS factor was determined for a range of spirometer temperatures and compared to the BTPS factors obtained using a fixed ambient pressure of 101.3 kPa. The mean (SD) PB measured over the 12-month period was 102.2 kPa (0.64) with a range of 99.9–103.6 kPa. The level of disagreement between the BTPS factor calculated using a PB of 101.3 kPa instead of the measured value was greater at lower temperatures. Over the extremes of PB during the last century (98.0–104.3 kPa) the use of a standard pressure (101.3 kPa) produced an error in the BTPS factor of ≤ 0.16%. Daily variations in PB do not significantly affect the magnitude of the conventional BTPS correction factor and a fixed value, such as 101.3 kPa at sea level, can be used with little error. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Epanechnikov kernel (EK) is a popular kernel function that has achieved promising results in many machine learning applications. Although the EK is widely used, its basic formulation requires fully observed input feature vectors. A method is proposed to estimate the EK when these input vectors are only partially observed, i.e. some of its features are missing. In the proposed method, named expected EK, the expected value of the kernel function is estimated given the distribution of the data and the observed values of the feature vectors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The last few years the number of Brazilian recovered meteorites has doubled due to an intensive outreach program on meteorites, which began in 2009 with "There is an ET in your backyard [1,2], followed by Geologando project, and with collaboration of fireball camera networks. The number of new recovered freshly meteorite in the last 12 years is: 6 recovered falls, 3 probably falls, added to many finds some not yet submmited to NomCom. Many strewnfields were already determined by the sky observation cameras, but without recoveries yet, due to tropical vegetation and no government efforts. In Brazil there is no financial support to researchers for travel or to buy meteorites. This situation leads to an unbalanced scenario between individual and scientific interests. Recently, a fallen meteorite in Santa Filomena (SF) caught the media's attention, even during the Covid-19 pandemic [3]. Almost instantly, collectors and foreign dealers arrived at the small city, alarming the local authorities regarding the existence of a legal commercialization. How there is not yet a law that regulates meteorite property rights, these space objects could be treated as a thing without a previous owner, called "res nullius" [4] The Brazilian Constitution allows the creation of laws, therefore deputies proposed two specific bill for meteorite property. One of them known by the number 4.471/2020, prays to keep meteorites found in Brazil in private hands, but allows the State to retain the pieces for a limited time, if there is interest in researching them. The other one, registered under number 4.529/2020, aims to create what is called Brazilian Scientific Heritage from Space. Under this project, all meteorites found in Brazil would be state property [5]. The Brazilian Society of Geology (SBG) created a working group to propose a law substitute for the bills, which guarantees that Brazilian meteorites be studied by Brazilian scientists and after that, released to the market. The law had not yet been voted on when the scientific society became aware that a new Brazilian meteorite, named Socorro, had been approved at MB 110. It happens to be the second Brazilian Martian meteorite and the first basaltic shergottite, reforcing the arguments, of some researches, whose deffends the need of a restrictive law in Brazil. To ensure the discontent of Brazilian scientists, four grams of Socorro meteorite was gently donated by the dealer Michael Farmer. Socorro has been analysed by optical microscopy, Electron Probe Micro-Analyzer, Raman Spectroscopy, X-ray Fluorescence Spectroscopy, Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), Time of flight-Mass spectrometry, Particle Induced X-Ray Emission and other techniques. Some of those laboratories are working with meteorites for the first time. This could be of few interest for the international meteorite community, but the engagement of new scientists in the study of meteorites in Brazil have been very producent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Increasing temperatures pose a significant threat to crop production in the tropics. A field experiment was conducted with mung bean at three locations in Sri Lanka representing an increasing temperature gradient (24.4-30.1 °C) during two consecutive seasons to (i) determine the response of mung bean to increasing temperature and (ii) test a selected set of crop management practices aimed at decreasing essential inputs such as water, synthetic pesticides and inorganic nitrogen fertilizer. The control treatment (T1) consisted of standard crop management including irrigation, chemical crop protection and inorganic fertilizer application. Adaptation system 1 (T2) included mulching with rice straw at 8 t ha-1 with 30 % less irrigation and crop protection and nutrient management as in T1. Adaptation system 2 (T3) included crop protection using a pretested integrated pest management package with water and nutrient management as in T2. In adaptation system 3 (T4), 25 % of the crop's nitrogen requirement was given as organic manure (compost) at 0.8 t ha-1 while 75 % was given as inorganic fertilizer with water management and crop protection as in T3. Durations of both pre- and post-flowering phases were reduced with increasing temperature. In the warmer (25.4-30.1 °C) yala season, seed yield (Y) of T1 decreased with increasing temperature at 366 kg ha-1 °C-1. However, in maha season, Y did not show a significant relationship across the narrower temperature gradient from 24.4 to 25.8 °C. Pooling the data from both seasons showed a second-order polynomial response with an optimum temperature of 26.5 °C. In addition to shortened durations, reduced crop growth rates and reduced pod numbers per plant were responsible for yield reductions at higher temperatures. In yala, yields of all adaptation systems at all locations were on par with yields of the respective controls. Furthermore, yala yields of T2 and T3 were less sensitive than T1 to increasing temperatures (265 and 288 kg ha-1 °C-1). In maha, T3 and T4 had greater yields than the control at the relatively cooler site while having lower yields than the control at the warmer site. Maha yields of T2 were on par with the control at both temperature regimes. While demonstrating the significant temperature sensitivity of mung bean yields, results of the present work showed that components of the tested adaptation systems could be promoted among smallholder farmers in Asia, especially in view of their long-term environmental benefits and contributions to sustainable agriculture in a warmer and drier future climate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: This prospective clinical study evaluated the incidence of instrument fracture observed after single‐file root canal treatment of molars using WaveOne Gold instruments. Methodology: Three standardized, experienced and calibrated specialists treated 750 maxillary and mandibular molars with curvatures less than 45° (2691 root canals) over a 12‐month period. All the treatments were performed in a single session. A total of 1104 WaveOne Gold instruments were used, including 38 small, 750 primary, 228 medium and 88 large instruments. Intracanal procedures were performed according to the manufacturer's recommendations, and each instrument was used in a single clinical case. The instruments were examined after their removal from the canal, under an operating microscope at 8× magnification. Results: No fractures were observed in any of the 1104 instruments used. Conclusions: No fractures of WaveOne Gold reciprocating instruments occurred during root canal preparations performed in maxillary and mandibular molars with curvatures less than 45° when used strictly according to the manufacturer's recommendations and applied in a single clinical case. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The influence of oxidation of a Ti-6Al-4V alloy at 800 °C on its tensile properties at 600 °C has been studied. Specimens of this alloy were oxidized at 800 °C for 0.5, 1, 5, 10, 20 and 40 h. Tensile tests at 600 °C were carried out and the fracture surfaces were also examined. Oxidation of the specimens resulted in the formation of an oxide layer that spalled and another oxide layer that adhered to the substrate. Oxide formation increased with increase in duration of oxidation. In this investigation, density curves of the oxide layer as a function of duration of oxidation at 800 °C were used to identify a parabolic oxide growth law. The results of this study revealed coherence between the experimental data and calculations based on the Pilling-Bedworth law. The mechanical strength of the Ti-6Al-4V alloy did not vary significantly with oxidation, but reduction in cross sectional area with increase in oxide layer thickness, as well as the slope of the stress-strain curve decreased beyond the ultimate tensile strength. Fracture of the tensile tested specimens was predominantly ductile with microcavities. At certain regions of the oxide layer, brittle fracture with radial cracks was observed indicating intergranular fracture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We observed lunar exospheric potassium D1 (7,698.9646 Å) emissions using a high‐spectral resolution Fabry‐Perot spectrometer in 2014. We present the first potassium line profile measurements, which are representative of the potassium velocity distribution. Inferred temperatures are greater during the waxing gibbous phase, 1920±630 K and lower at waning gibbous phase, 980±200 K. Exosphere models suggest that the measured line widths are a combination of photon‐stimulated desorption and impact vaporization sources. The relative potassium emission intensity decreases by ∼2.5 between lunar phases 80° and 30° and is brightest off the northwest limb near the Aristarchus crater, which is a potassium‐rich surface region. Additionally, the emissions off the northern limb are brighter than the southern limb. The intensity decrease and the greater line width during the waxing gibbous versus the waning gibbous phase suggests a dawn‐dusk asymmetry. Plain Language Summary: Potassium is one of the constituents in the rarefied but measurable lunar atmosphere. Although not the most abundant element, it can be observed spectroscopically from Earth and can be used to understand processes that are responsible for sustaining the lunar atmosphere. We present the first atmospheric potassium data set of ground‐based observations to cover several months and the first potassium line profile measurements. We analyze potassium in the Moon's atmosphere in terms of temperature and intensity as it relates to the lunar phase. The potassium temperature during waxing phases is approximately 2 times hotter than the temperature during the waning phases, creating a noticeable asymmetric pattern. The potassium intensity gradually decreases as the Moon gets brighter until the emission signal is lost in scattered moonlight then increases again with time after full Moon. Data near surface regions known to be rich in potassium have higher intensities in the atmosphere than at other locations. Studying temperature and intensity patterns combined with future modelling gives insight to the processes regulating the Moon's atmosphere. Key Points: The average potassium effective temperature is 1920 +/‐ 630 K and 980 +/‐ 200 K for waxing and waning gibbous phases, respectivelyThe relative intensity curve suggests that the source rate decreases more rapidly with local time for waxing than waning phasesThe relative intensity is affected by location, being brightest above potassium‐rich KREEP soils [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Purpose: Problem‐based learning (PBL) students report uncertainty on the depth and breadth of learning required, and this is a significant stressor and challenge. Student‐generated MCQ questions were trialled and evaluated as a way to support depth and breadth of learning. Methods: Students set MCQs relating to specified learning issues, and an analysis and evaluation of setting and answering the MCQs were performed. The Revised Study Process Questionnaire (R‐SPQ‐2F) and final written examination scores were correlated to question setting and answering. Students were asked to rate the impact of the MCQs on their learning in PBL. Results: A total of 147 questions were created and 2373 answered. Students reported challenges with setting questions, although these made them think more deeply and helped their learning and affirming their learning progress. MCQs authored indicated significant associations with Understanding, and examination scores were associated with MCQs authored. Students reported a moderate response to how the MCQs supported their depth and breadth of learning. Conclusions: While MCQ setting was perceived as a useful learning exercise, students engaged to different levels and experienced challenges. Students were uncertain whether the MCQs helped clarify the depth and breadth of learning in PBL, as they were not clear whether the questions set by their peers were relevant to the required learning outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]