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Low-impact developments (LIDs) have emerged as effective strategies for mitigating the adverse impacts of urbanization on river environments. This study aims to enhance river environment quality by examining the effects of LIDs and land use/cover change (LUCC) in the context of river environment and hydrological conditions. Using the Stormwater Management Model (SWMM) in an urban river setting, the study investigates the impact of LIDs on urban river water volume. An analysis of river runoff quality and quantity is conducted, followed by the development of an optimal river water regulation scheme through a multi-objective ecological scheduling model. The results reveal that the incorporation of LIDs can substantially decrease river runoff yield for varying recurrence periods of design rainstorms. Consequently, the flood peak reduction rate ranged from 10% to 18%, and the flood volume experienced a reduction of 10–29% in the study area. The combination of river water regulation, LIDs and LUCC leads to a decrease in river water volume within the lower river channel by up to 47% especially in a typical dry year and dry season, accompanied by a decline in river flow velocity and water self-purification capacity. A risk-based multi-objective stochastic optimization model is employed to ensure sustainable management of urban river runoff in terms of both quantity and quality. This research contributes to the advancement of knowledge in sustainable basin management practices and offers practical insights for policymakers involved in the management of water resources and environmental conservation in semi-arid basins. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate change has resulted in an increase in extreme rainstorm events, posing the challenges of urban waterlogging and runoff pollution. Low Impact Development (LID) is widely used to address the issues above, but its effectiveness is unknown in mountainous areas. Due to a flash flood and high flood peak, storage pumping stations are also needed to drain. Thus, a framework composed of storage pumping stations and Low Impact Developments (LIDs) was proposed based on the topography and the regional upstream and downstream relationships. The water quantity in this framework is applied to YI County in Hebei Province, China. The results showed that individual LIDs effectively reduced runoff volume, with the implementation area being more crucial than the location. Combining storage pumping stations with LIDs significantly reduces peak outflow and delays it by 5 to 51 min. The combined downstream implementation of storage pumping stations and LIDs yielded the most effective results. These findings offer important insights and management strategies for controlling waterlogging in mountainous cities of developing countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report the implementation of a method for non-destructive remote diagnostics of the content of gas impurities retained in a material surface layer. The technique is based on the laser-induced heating of a surface layer and associated desorption of gas species in the presence of background inductively coupled plasma (ICP). The analysis of released gas species is made by optical emission spectroscopy (OES). The procedure of optimizing the signal efficiency by changing the spectrometer observation path with respect to the laser beam and the delay of spectrum acquisition is discussed. The applicability of laser-induced desorption spectroscopy (LIDS) was examined by studying the release of hydrogen from a Ti-V test sample exposed to Nd:glass laser pulses (λ = 1064 nm, duration 0.5 ms, energy 1–14 J), in a background argon plasma, by measuring the intensity of Balmer spectral lines. The demonstrated dependence of Hα intensity on the laser pulse energy enables implementing the LIDS technique for diagnostics of retained hydrogen. The lower limit of the laser pulse energy range suitable for diagnostics is associated with spectrometer sensitivity. The higher limit is governed by distortion of plasma conditions, which is detected as a deviation in argon emission intensity from constant value when the laser pulse energy exceeds 6 J. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Subclinical ptosis is prevalent in Asian patients presenting for aesthetic upper blepharoplasty. To achieve predictable and satisfactory results in these patients, addressing the ptosis component is critical. In this paper, we present a precision levator advancement technique that enabled us to predictably incorporate the levator advancement into our upper blepharoplasty to deliver more predictable results in these patients. Materials and Methods: Asian patients with normal or near normal margin to reflex distance 1 (MRD 1 of ≥ 3.5 mm) and symptoms and signs of straining of the frontalis with eyelid opening were diagnosed with subclinical upper eyelid ptosis and included in this prospective study. The advancement required was estimated pre-operatively using a formula that we developed. Our surgical technique is presented in detail here, and our long-term results were analysed. Results: From December 2019 to August 2022, 97 patients were included in this study. Sixty-five patients were primary cases and 32 were revision cases. The mean follow-up was 15 months. Of the 192 eyelids analysed, our formula was able to correctly identify the required fixation location in 69% of eyelids. In majority of the eyelids (94%), the correct location of fixation location within +/− 1 mm of the estimated location. All patients (100%) were satisfied with their long-term results. Our revision rate was 3%. Conclusions: Incorporating a precisely done levator advancement into the upper blepharoplasty in patients with subclinical ptosis is critical for optimizing the aesthetic and functional outcomes. This approach has enabled us to perform this procedure greater predictably in this group of patients. Level of Evidence III: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since its first introduction, levodopa has become the cornerstone for the treatment of Parkinson's disease and remains the leading therapeutic choice for motor control therapy so far. Unfortunately, the subsequent appearance of abnormal involuntary movements, known as dyskinesias, is a frequent drawback. Despite the deep knowledge of this complication, in terms of clinical phenomenology and the temporal relationship during a levodopa regimen, less is clear about the pathophysiological mechanisms underpinning it. As the disease progresses, specific oscillatory activities of both motor cortical and basal ganglia neurons and variation in levodopa metabolism, in terms of the dopamine receptor stimulation pattern and turnover rate, underlie dyskinesia onset. This review aims to provide a global overview on levodopa-induced dyskinesias, focusing on pathophysiology, clinical manifestations, therapy management strategies and future directions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate change has resulted in an increase in extreme rainstorm events, posing the challenges of urban waterlogging and runoff pollution. Low Impact Development (LID) is widely used to address the issues above, but its effectiveness is unknown in mountainous areas. Due to a flash flood and high flood peak, storage pumping stations are also needed to drain. Thus, a framework composed of storage pumping stations and Low Impact Developments (LIDs) was proposed based on the topography and the regional upstream and downstream relationships. The water quantity in this framework is applied to YI County in Hebei Province, China. The results showed that individual LIDs effectively reduced runoff volume, with the implementation area being more crucial than the location. Combining storage pumping stations with LIDs significantly reduces peak outflow and delays it by 5 to 51 min. The combined downstream implementation of storage pumping stations and LIDs yielded the most effective results. These findings offer important insights and management strategies for controlling waterlogging in mountainous cities of developing countries.

The paper considers the technological and typological features, and ornamental motifs of unglazed ceramics for kitchen purposes, discovered during archaeological excavations in the South Aral Sea settlements, related to the period of the Golden Horde. It mainly describes the kitchen ceramics from the Golden Horde quarters of the settlements of Mizdakhkan, Dzhampykkaly, Pulzhai and other monuments of the left-bank part of the Amudarya delta. Particular attention is paid to the technological and typological features, and ornamental motifs of kitchen ware. It is proved that kitchen ware has a unique place among the non-glazed products and material culture of the medieval settlements of the South Aral region. In terms to the morphological structure, the kitchen ware of the South Aral Sea region is compared with material artifacts from other regions of Central Asia and the Volga settlements. As for the decorative elements, the kitchen ware is compared to individual elements of folk applied art of the ethnic groups of the South Aral region. The ceramics of this period undergoes significant changes as compared to the previous period. The production of embossed kitchen ware is sharply reduced. Kitchen ware was widely used in everyday life by the population of the South Aral Sea along with other waere in the Golden Horde period. It is known from ethnography that such vessels were considered a cult object.

Summary: This work aimed to evaluate if a contact‐free radar sensor can be used to observe ultradian patterns in sleep physiology, by way of a data processing tool known as Locomotor Inactivity During Sleep (LIDS). LIDS was designed as a simple transformation of actigraphy recordings of wrist movement, meant to emphasise and enhance the contrast between movement and non‐movement and to reveal patterns of low residual activity during sleep that correlate with ultradian REM/NREM cycles. We adapted the LIDS transformation for a radar that detects body movements without direct contact with the subject and applied it to a dataset of simultaneous recordings with polysomnography, actigraphy, and radar from healthy young adults (n = 12, four nights of polysomnography per participant). Radar and actigraphy‐derived LIDS signals were highly correlated with each other (r > 0.84), and the LIDS signals were highly correlated with reduced‐resolution polysomnographic hypnograms (rradars >0.80, ractigraph >0.76). Single‐harmonic cosine models were fitted to LIDS signals and hypnograms; significant differences were not found between their amplitude, period, and phase parameters. Mixed model analysis revealed similar slopes of decline per cycle for radar‐LIDS, actigraphy‐LIDS, and hypnograms. Our results indicate that the LIDS technique can be adapted to work with contact‐free radar measurements of body movement; it may also be generalisable to data from other body movement sensors. This novel metric could aid in improving sleep monitoring in clinical and real‐life settings, by providing a simple and transparent way to study ultradian dynamics of sleep using nothing more than easily obtainable movement data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Levodopa (L-DOPA) administration remains the gold standard therapy for Parkinson's disease (PD). Despite several pharmacological advances in the use of L-DOPA, a high proportion of chronically treated patients continues to suffer disabling involuntary movements, namely, L-DOPA-induced dyskinesias (LIDs). As part of the effort to stop these unwanted side effects, the present study used a rodent model to identify and manipulate the striatal outflow circuitry responsible for LIDs. To do so, optogenetic technology was used to activate separately the striatal direct (D1R- expressing) and indirect (D2R- expressing) pathways in a mouse model of PD. Firstly, D1-cre or A2a-cre animals received unilateral injections of neurotoxin 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) to simulate the loss of dopamine observed in PD patients. The effects of independently stimulating each pathway were tested to see if experimental dyskinesias could be induced. Secondly, dopamine depleted A2a-cre animals received systemic L-DOPA to evoke dyskinetic movements. The ability of indirect pathway optogenetic stimulation to suppress pre-established LIDs was then tested. Selective manipulation of direct pathway evoked optodyskinesias both in dopamine depleted and intact animals, but optical inhibition of these neurons failed to suppress LIDs. On the other hand, selective activation of indirect striatal projection neurons produced an immediate and reliable suppression of LIDs. Thus, a functional dissociation has been found here whereby activation of D1R- and D2R-expressing projection neurons evokes and inhibits LIDs respectively, supporting the notion of tight interaction between the two striatal efferent systems in both normal and pathological conditions. This points to the importance of maintaining an equilibrium in the activity of both striatal pathways to produce normal movement. Finally, the ability of selective indirect pathway optogenetic activation to block the expression of LIDs in an animal model of PD sheds light on intrinsic mechanisms responsible for striatal-based dyskinesias and identifies a potential therapeutic target for suppressing LIDs in PD patients.

Mechanistic models have proven to be accurate tools for the numerical analysis of the hydraulic behavior of Low Impact Development (LIDs) techniques. However, their widespread adoption has been limited by their computational cost. In this view, surrogate modeling is focused on developing and using a computationally inexpensive surrogate of the original model. While having been previously applied to various water-related and environmental modeling problems, no studies have used surrogate models for the analysis of LIDs. The aim of this research thus was to investigate the benefit of surrogate-based modeling in the numerical analysis of LIDs. The kriging technique was used to approximate the deterministic response of the widely used mechanistic model HYDRUS-2D, which was employed to simulate the variably-saturated hydraulic behavior of a contained stormwater filter. The Nash-Sutcliffe efficiency (NSE) index was used to compare the simulated and measured outflows and as the variable of interest for the construction of the response surface. The validated kriging model was first used to carry out a Global Sensitivity Analysis of the unknown soil hydraulic parameters of the filter layer, revealing that only the shape parameter α and the saturated hydraulic conductivity Ks significantly affected the model response. Next, the Particle Swarm Optimization algorithm was used to estimate their values. The NSE value of 0.85 indicated a good accuracy of estimated parameters. Finally, the calibrated model was validated against an independent set of measured outflows with a NSE value of 0.8, which again corroborated the reliability of the surrogate-based optimized parameters.

Glutamatergic hyperactivity in the nucleus striatum, the main basal ganglia input, has been involved in the progression of Parkinson's disease (PD) and the onset of L-Dopa-induced dyskinesias (LIDs). Abnormalities in the spiny projection neurons excitability and firing, and in the overactivity of glutamate transmission found in animal models of PD, pointed to the synaptic dysfunctions as a primary target to counteract alterations before overt neurodegeneration, conferring a key role to striatal glutamatergic transmission in the early phases of the disease. The present paper provides an overview of the evidence that glutamatergic overactivity is a critical mechanism underlying different PD-associated striatal alterations in early and advanced symptomatic stages of the disease. These aberrant changes, under L-Dopa therapy, lead to a more complex synaptopathy that involves other neurotransmitter systems and persistent modifications to generate LIDs. The review discusses the main changes in glutamatergic functions found in PD preclinical models and clinical studies and an update of the current pharmacological strategies to modulate the glutamatergic systems at the pre- and postsynaptic levels will be provided.

In the paper the author pays attention to the one section of the highly and richly illustrated book “The Carolingian Age in the Carpathian Basin”, by Béla Miklós Szőke, who explored and analyzed the Zalavár fortified settlement and its finds for many years where Blatnograd – the capital of the Blatna Principality is located. The simple storage- and kitchen vessels discovered in Zalavar can be traced back mostly to the ceramic of the Late Avar Age, but part of them have parallels on both sides of the Lower Danube, i.e. in Bulgarian Khanate and in Byzantium. These are: chafing dishes; embers` covers; mugs-pail. The tableware from Zalavar was linked also by many more details with the Mediterranean world, namely with Byzantium. On the paper author,s opinion the pottery finds under consideration had a direct connection with the mission of the brothers St. Cyril and Methodius during their short stay in Blatnograd under the hospitality of Prince Chezil. They stopped there on their way from Great Moravia to the Pope in Rome (the end of autumn of 866 – the end of 867). For example: in Zalavar there were discoveries of the polished ceramic bottles with engraved letters, probably of rounded Glagolitic script which are dating of the same period. It can be assumed that most of the brothers' followers of the Moravian Mission and in particular during their stay in Blatnograd were the Byzantines. But some of them may have been the Bulgarians from the Bulgarian Kingdom which was located across the Danube.

The paper aims to identify and discuss, based on a specific case study, some of the ways in which the new official religion of the Roman Empire and its "trademark", the sign of the cross, pervade the everyday life and become embedded in the material culture of the period. The archaeological excavations conducted in Histria/Istros by a team from the University of Bucharest bring a better insight into the life of this ancient city from the Western Coast of the Black Sea (the province of Scythia Minor) during its last phase of existence. The Late Roman/Early Byzantine insula (second half of the 6th - beginning of the 7th centuries AD), currently under research in the Acropolis Centre-South Sector (henceforth ACS), offered so far rich and varied archaeological materials, among which of special interest for this article are objects bearing the sign of the cross or shaped as a cross. These items, such as pots incised with the sign of the cross, lids decorated with relief crosses, fine tableware decorated with stamped crosses, lamps with cross-shaped handles, bricks marked with the cross, bronze weights decorated with the cross, metal cross-shaped elements belonging to hanging devices, seem to be used on a daily basis by the inhabitants and as such represent a constant element in their life. Based on these observations and placing this case study in the larger context of the Roman world, the authors intend to shortly discuss the role and significance of the sign of the cross in household, everyday life, contexts, as a constant reminder, a protection, and a statement of belief, but also as a reflection of the place of this community in the larger socio-economical, ideological, and political network of the Roman Empire. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Spal: Revista de Prehistoria y Arqueologia de la Universidad de Sevilla is the property of Spal. Revista de Prehistoria y Arqueologia de la Universidad de Sevilla and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Objective: Spreading depolarization (SD) is a transient self-propagating wave of neuronal and glial depolarization coupled with large membrane ionic changes and a subsequent depression of neuronal activity. Spreading depolarization in the cortex is implicated in migraine, stroke, and epilepsy. Conversely, spreading depolarization in the striatum, a brain structure deeply involved in motor control and in Parkinson's disease (PD) pathophysiology, has been poorly investigated.Methods: We characterized the participation of glutamatergic and dopaminergic transmission in the induction of striatal spreading depolarization by using a novel approach combining optical imaging, measurements of endogenous DA levels, and pharmacological and molecular analyses.Results: We found that striatal spreading depolarization requires the concomitant activation of D1-like DA and N-methyl-d-aspartate receptors, and it is reduced in experimental PD. Chronic l-dopa treatment, inducing dyskinesia in the parkinsonian condition, increases the occurrence and speed of propagation of striatal spreading depolarization, which has a direct impact on one of the signaling pathways downstream from the activation of D1 receptors.Conclusion: Striatal spreading depolarization might contribute to abnormal basal ganglia activity in the dyskinetic condition and represents a possible therapeutic target. © 2019 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Urban stormwater managers have traditionally used pipes, ditches, ponds and other gray infrastructure elements to quickly divert runoff away from its main sources—buildings and roadways. In contrast, proponents of green infrastructure attempt to manage stormwater near its origin, utilizing natural drainage pathways and best management practices (BMPs) to reduce runoff and increase infiltration. In doing so, stormwater is retained where it is needed to support urban vegetation. This vegetation, in turn, helps reduce future runoff, while producing a whole range of environmental, economic, and social/human health-related benefits. Despite the many advantages of green infrastructure, retrofitting the infrastructure of a city is a costly process that requires careful planning. The transition from gray to green infrastructure requires communication between managers from different disciplines and a willingness to stray from management strategies that have defined stormwater management for centuries. The Gray to Green (G2G) green infrastructure planning tool is designed to facilitate these conversations—showing both technical and non-technical users how green infrastructure BMPs can work within the urban forest to manage stormwater on existing or proposed development sites. This paper details the data sources and research at the core of G2G—documenting all methods, equations, and assumptions used in its creation to provide users with a fully-transparent and peer-reviewed planning tool. The paper concludes with descriptions and user insights from two case studies from Tampa, Florida (United States) and Milwaukee, Wisconsin, (United States). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of West Asian Archaeology / Nishiajia Kōkogaku is the property of Japanese Society for West Asian Archaeology and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) has proposed an extension based on Mobile IPv6 (MIPv6), named as network mobility basic support protocol (NEMO-BSP), to support NEMO in IPv6 networks. However, NEMO-BSP inherits all the drawbacks of MIPv6, such as inefficient routing path, high handover latency, and packet encapsulation overhead. To address these drawbacks of NEMO-BSP, this paper proposes an NEMO supporting scheme based on a novel Locator/ID Separation (LIDS) architecture, namely LIDS-NEMO. In LIDS-NEMO, Multiple Virtual Mapping (MVM) scheme is proposed to differentiate the intra-NEMO and inter-NEMO mobility. Besides, packets are transmitted through the most optimized route in LIDS-NEMO. The simulation results show that LIDS-NEMO reduces the signaling cost significantly when compared with NEMO-BSP and it will be a promising scheme to provide NEMO support in the LIDS context.

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by progressive degeneration of dopaminergic neurons located in the midbrain. The gold-standard therapy for PD is the restoration of dopamine (DA) levels through the chronic administration of the DA precursor levodopa (L-DOPA). Although levodopa therapy is the main therapeutic approach for PD, its use is limited by the development of very disabling dyskinetic movements, mainly due to the fluctuation of DA cerebral content. Experimental animal models of PD identified in DA D1/ERK-signaling pathway aberrant activation, occurring in striatal projection neurons, coupled with structural spines abnormalities, the molecular and neuronal basis of L-DOPA-induced dyskinesia (LIDs) occurrence. Different electrophysiological approaches allowed the identification of  the alteration of homeostatic structural and synaptic changes, the neuronal bases of LIDs either in vivo in parkinsonian patients or in vitro in experimental animals. Here, we report the most recent studies showing electrophysiological and morphological evidence of aberrant synaptic plasticity in parkinsonian patients during LIDs in different basal ganglia nuclei and also in cortical transmission, accounting for the complexity of the synaptic changes during dyskinesias. All together, these studies suggest that LIDs are associated with a loss of homeostatic synaptic mechanisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work examines the chemical and morphological properties of the different types of aluminum foil lids used for packaging pureed fruit and vegetables (thickness, porosity and type of lacquer applied), their resistance to corrosion when in contact with simulant solutions and influence of the presence of residual air inside food packages. Resistance to corrosion was studied using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). In an initial approach focused on quality, this technique was used to determine the protective power of the different types of lacquers and to observe changes in the electrode system over time (storage at 37 °C for three days) with respect to permeability to electrolytes, occurrence of porosity and onset of a corrosive peeling process in the metal substrate. The results of the first accelerated tests carried out in electrochemical cells in air with saline solution, provided a quick, complete feedback on the corrosive behavior of peel-off lids and made it possible to determine the effectiveness of the different lacquering systems considered and the corrosion mechanisms at play. Electrochemical impedance measurements were also carried out in electrochemical cells, which enable the system to be kept in an oxygen-less environment for some time, in order to reproduce the physicochemical conditions that are observed in food packages and in a citric simulant solution with pH 4.0. The cells were stored at a temperature of 37 °C and observed over time for up to 14 days of contact. On the one hand, the results obtained confirmed the different corrodibility of the lid groups examined; on the other hand, they provided information on the commercial life of the packages made with materials that have a good degree of protection. The electrochemical impedance measurements performed with both electrochemical cells show how the value for resistance Rp and capacity Cc registered in the initial phases of the test are fundamental for predicting the corrosion resistance of materials. In conclusion, from the results obtained it was possible to define key physicochemical and electrochemical parameters, such as nature and porosity of the lacquer or presence of additives, to be taken into account in the production of peel-off lids for which aluminum protection is of fundamental importance. The electrochemical tests have provided information on the impedance values needed to ensure the required shelf life for this type of products, recently introduced on the market. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Levodopa (L-DOPA) administration remains the gold standard therapy for Parkinson's disease (PD). Despite several pharmacological advances in the use of L-DOPA, a high proportion of chronically treated patients continues to suffer disabling involuntary movements, namely, L-DOPA-induced dyskinesias (LIDs). As part of the effort to stop these unwanted side effects, the present study used a rodent model to identify and manipulate the striatal outflow circuitry responsible for LIDs. To do so, optogenetic technology was used to activate separately the striatal direct (D1R- expressing) and indirect (D2R- expressing) pathways in a mouse model of PD. Firstly, D1-cre or A2a-cre animals received unilateral injections of neurotoxin 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) to simulate the loss of dopamine observed in PD patients. The effects of independently stimulating each pathway were tested to see if experimental dyskinesias could be induced. Secondly, dopamine depleted A2a-cre animals received systemic L-DOPA to evoke dyskinetic movements. The ability of indirect pathway optogenetic stimulation to suppress pre-established LIDs was then tested. Selective manipulation of direct pathway evoked optodyskinesias both in dopamine depleted and intact animals, but optical inhibition of these neurons failed to suppress LIDs. On the other hand, selective activation of indirect striatal projection neurons produced an immediate and reliable suppression of LIDs. Thus, a functional dissociation has been found here whereby activation of D1R- and D2R-expressing projection neurons evokes and inhibits LIDs respectively, supporting the notion of tight interaction between the two striatal efferent systems in both normal and pathological conditions. This points to the importance of maintaining an equilibrium in the activity of both striatal pathways to produce normal movement. Finally, the ability of selective indirect pathway optogenetic activation to block the expression of LIDs in an animal model of PD sheds light on intrinsic mechanisms responsible for striatal-based dyskinesias and identifies a potential therapeutic target for suppressing LIDs in PD patients. • Activation of indirect striatal pathway suppressed L-DOPA-induced dyskinesias. • Direct pathway stimulation evoked optodyskinesias both in dopamine depleted and intact mice. • Optogenetic inhibition of striatal direct pathway failed to suppress LIDs. • L-DOPA priming potentiates optodyskinesias. • Direct pathway activation increased Fos-B only in dopamine depleted animals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A survey of the lids of some apothecary jars (albarelli) in the Museum of Hispanic Pharmacy at the Complutense University of Madrid reveals that they were made from printers' waste. We study the provenance of this waste, speculating that it may have come from the old library of Madrid's Colegio de San Fernando. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mechanisms underlying neurodegeneration and loss of dopaminergic signalling in Parkinson's disease are still only partially understood. Phosphodiesterase 10A (PDE10A) is a basal ganglia expressed dual substrate enzyme, which regulates cAMP and cGMP signalling cascades, thus having a key role in the regulation of dopaminergic signalling in striatal pathways, and in promoting neuronal survival. This study aimed to assess in vivo the availability of PDE10A in patients with Parkinson's disease using positron emission tomography molecular imaging with (11)C-IMA107, a highly selective PDE10A radioligand. We studied 24 patients with levodopa-treated, moderate to advanced Parkinson's disease. Their positron emission tomography imaging data were compared to those from a group of 12 healthy controls. Parametric images of (11)C-IMA107 binding potential relative to non-displaceable binding (BPND) were generated from the dynamic (11)C-IMA107 scans using the simplified reference tissue model with the cerebellum as the reference tissue. Corresponding region of interest analysis showed lower mean (11)C-IMA107 BPND in the caudate (P < 0.001), putamen (P < 0.001) and globus pallidus (P = 0.025) in patients with Parkinson's disease compared to healthy controls, which was confirmed with voxel-based analysis. Longer Parkinson's duration correlated with lower (11)C-IMA107 BPND in the caudate (r = -0.65; P = 0.005), putamen (r = -0.51; P = 0.025), and globus pallidus (r = -0.47; P = 0.030). Higher Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale part-III motor scores correlated with lower (11)C-IMA107 BPND in the caudate (r = -0.54; P = 0.011), putamen (r = -0.48; P = 0.022), and globus pallidus (r = -0.70; P < 0.001). Higher Unified Dyskinesia Rating Scale scores in those Parkinson's disease with levodopa-induced dyskinesias (n = 12), correlated with lower (11)C-IMA107 BPND in the caudate (r = -0.73; P = 0.031) and putamen (r = -0.74; P = 0.031). Our findings demonstrate striatal and pallidal loss of PDE10A expression, which is associated with Parkinson's duration and severity of motor symptoms and complications. PDE10A is an enzyme that could be targeted with novel pharmacotherapy, and this may help improve dopaminergic signalling and striatal output, and therefore alleviate symptoms and complications of Parkinson's disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous studies have shown that a large number of polyvinylchloride (PVC) lid gaskets exceed the existing migration limits for epoxidised soybean oil (ESBO) and correct prediction of ESBO release into food therefore appears to be a difficult issue. ESBO migration from PVC gaskets of metal closures into food simulants and food products from the Czech market is evaluated during a survey in 2009 and subsequently one in 2012 to assess progress in lid manufacturing and official testing conditions. ESBO migration from lids into various food simulants was studied at various temperatures (25, 40 and 60°C) during storage times up to 12 months. ESBO released into food simulants or food products was transmethylated, derivatised and analysed by GC-MS. The levels of ESBO migration in foodstuffs in 2012 exceeded the specific migration limit (SML) in fewer products in comparison with the previous survey. However, most of the products were analysed at a time far from the expiry date and exceedance of the SML at the end of the product shelf life is not therefore excluded. More severe test conditions (60°C for 10 days) for specific migration given by the current European Union legislation (Regulation (EU) No. 10/2011) still seem to be insufficient for the simulation of ESBO migration during long-term storage. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The paper presents, through the use of Autodesk Inventor software package, several mechanisms from the structure of an automated margarine box packaging system; the aspects taken into discussion are closely related to the problems that appear during the transportation process for the box lids. A graphical solution for resolving and improving the system is proposed. For a better understanding of the modifications, a three-dimensional model using the Autodesk Inventor program design was realized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An observational, descriptive, prospective and longitudinal study of 92 patients with ocular tumors of the adnexa who visited the Oculoplasty Department of "Dr. Juan Bruno Zayas Alfonso" General Hospital in Santiago de Cuba was carried out from January, 2008 to January, 2009, aimed at determining the most frequent types in these tumours, through biopsies to confirm histopathologically the suspected diagnosis. Advanced age, male sex and the white color of the skin prevailed in the investigation; also, all the affected patients presented an increase of volume, although most were asymptomatic. Tumors were frequently located in the lids (52.2%) and, in a lower number, in the conjunctiva (45.7%) with predominance of the basocelular carcinoma as malignant tumor and the vulgar wart as benign lesion, in a lower number in the first ones, as well as of the benign pigmented lesions and the pyogenic granuloma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Glutamatergic hyperactivity in the nucleus striatum, the main basal ganglia input, has been involved in the progression of Parkinson's disease (PD) and the onset of L-Dopa-induced dyskinesias (LIDs). Abnormalities in the spiny projection neurons excitability and firing, and in the overactivity of glutamate transmission found in animal models of PD, pointed to the synaptic dysfunctions as a primary target to counteract alterations before overt neurodegeneration, conferring a key role to striatal glutamatergic transmission in the early phases of the disease. The present paper provides an overview of the evidence that glutamatergic overactivity is a critical mechanism underlying different PD-associated striatal alterations in early and advanced symptomatic stages of the disease. These aberrant changes, under L-Dopa therapy, lead to a more complex synaptopathy that involves other neurotransmitter systems and persistent modifications to generate LIDs. The review discusses the main changes in glutamatergic functions found in PD preclinical models and clinical studies and an update of the current pharmacological strategies to modulate the glutamatergic systems at the pre- and postsynaptic levels will be provided. • Glutamate-mediated excitatory signals play a key role in the basal ganglia circuitry. • Excessive glutamatergic transmission in the striatum is implicated in the progression of PD and in the emergence of LIDs. • DA levels reduction leads to alterations in firing activity patterns in tPD striatum of experimental models and patients. • Blunting excessive glutamate transmission is a therapeutic strategy to normalize neurotransmitter synaptic levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The ocular surface is continually exposed to the environment and as a consequence to different types of microbes, but whether there is a normal microbiota of the ocular surface remains unresolved. Using traditional microbial culture techniques has shown that <80% of swabs of the conjunctiva yield cultivable microbes. These usually belong to the bacterial types of the coagulase-negative staphylococci, Propionibacterium sp., with low frequency of isolation of bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus, Micrococcus sp., Gram-negative bacteria or fungi. Even when these are grown, the numbers of colony forming units (cfu) per swab of the conjunctiva is usually much less than 100 cfu. Swabs of the lid more commonly result in microbial growth, of the same species as from the conjunctiva and slightly higher cfu. Contact lenses have also been cultured, and they yield similar microbial types. Microbes can be isolated from the ocular surface almost immediately after birth. The advent of molecular techniques for microbial identification based on 16S rRNA sequencing has opened up the possibility of determining whether there are non-cultivable microbes that can colonise the ocular surface. Additionally, use of these techniques with cross-sectional and longitudinal studies may help to understand whether the ocular surface harbours its own unique microbiota, or whether the microbiota are only transiently present. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

l-dopa-induced dyskinesias (LIDs) are a side effect of Parkinson's disease therapy that is thought to arise, at least in part, because of excessive dopaminergic activity. Thus, drugs that regulate dopaminergic tone may provide an approach to manage LIDs. Our previous studies showed that nicotine treatment reduced LIDs in Parkinsonian animal models. This study investigates whether nicotine may exert its beneficial effects by modulating pre-synaptic dopaminergic function. Rats were unilaterally lesioned by injection of 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) (2 × 3 ug per site) into the medial forebrain bundle to yield moderate Parkinsonism. They were then implanted with minipumps containing vehicle or nicotine (2.0 mg/kg/d) and rendered dyskinetic with l-dopa (8 mg/kg plus 15 mg/kg benserazide). Lesioning alone decreased the striatal dopamine transporter, nicotinic receptor ( nAChR) levels, and nAChR-mediated 3H-dopamine release, consistent with previous results. Nicotine administration reduced l-dopa-induced abnormal involuntary movements throughout the course of the study (4 months). Nicotine treatment led to declines in the striatal dopamine transporter, α6β2* nAChRs and various components of α6β2* and α4β2* nAChR-mediated release. l-dopa treatment had no effect. These data suggest that nicotine may improve LIDs in Parkinsonian animal models by dampening striatal dopaminergic activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Large collection of ceramic lids (120 pieces) from the Celtic oppidum Stradonice preserved in the National Museum possibilitates their first typological and chronological analysis. Besides the preponderant domestic production singular pieces were probably made outside Bohemia. The preponderant part of the lids was made only after the middle of the first century B.C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The concept of evolution trends comes from the idea that all technical systems follow the same patterns of evolution, thus making it possible to anticipate the technological jumps enabling an inventive problem to be solved. The problem nowadays is that evolution horizons have turned to the need for more ecological products. Hence, the question to be answered is that of how evolution lines are affected by this objective change. In order to analyse this question, the authors selected the LiDS-wheel tool, which was developed for classifying and managing the different strategies that can be used in eco-design. The aim of the present work is to compare the evolution trends of TRIZ with the eco-design strategies presented by LiDS in order to analyse the effects on the environmental parameters when the evolution trends advance in a design. The paper discusses the usefulness of the current evolution lines used for eco-design. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The article exemplifies some of the applications of the CAD concept in the study of the fundamental technical subjects, which precedes the study of the specialty subjects in military aviation equipment and technologies: double orthogonal projection and solid modeling, revolution bodies, mass properties, animated representation techniques, graphical methods for the cinematic study of the link rod mechanisms [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Through specially designed and constructed devices, the study and modeling of the opening process (perforation and tearing) of R-200 cans was carried out. This type of can is mainly used in storing food. This study included measuring the loads necessary for opening and tearing-off the lid. Because the material used to fabricate the ends is T5 tinplate, the tearing process was simulated on this material by manufacturing two parallel notches of different residual thicknesses, with the objective of obtaining a correlation between this parameter and the tearing load. The modeling of this process by the finite element method was made considering a three dimensional mesh. The software used was Algor TM. The model permits computing the necessary force to open the can and the tearing force of both the cans and the base material, finding a good agreement between experimental and predicted values. A set of mechanical and microstructural characterizations were also made in order to identify the principal features of these materials. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A gas chromatographic (FID) method is described which aims at the quantitative compositional analysis of the additives in plasticized PVC, particularly the plastisols used as gaskets for lids of glass jars. An extract of the PVC is analysed directly as well as after transesterification to ethyl esters. Transesterification enables the analysis of epoxidized soya bean and linseed oil (ESBO and ELO) as well as polyadipates. For most other additives, the shifts in the chromatogram resulting from transesterification is used to confirm the identifications made by direct analysis. In the gaskets of 69 lids from the European market used for packaging oily foods, a broad variety of plastisol compositions was found, many or possibly all of which do not comply with legal requirements. In 62% of these lids, ESBO was the principal plasticizer, whereas in 25% a phthalate had been used. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is a long history of Plains societies using paint in stylized and representational artwork This artwork has been well documented by anthropologists as well as art historians. What is less well documented are the materials used in painting by these groups, especially the means of paint storage. This paper discusses the use of ceramic vessels for paint storage by late prehistoric Plains Villagers in south central and western Oklahoma. Attributes of paint cups and lids are documented. The uses of the paint cups and lids as well as their deposition in the archaeological context are also characterized. Closing comments address contradictions between the ceremonial applications of paint on the Plains and the absence of ritual in the archaeological context of the paint cups and lids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many ocular traumas in childhood occur at home, and are at risk for unilateral visual loss. Gentle examination allows to check for signs requiring an ophthalmic examination and initiate the first-step treatment. Many lesions are superficial and completely resolve after topical treatment. Penetrating injuries and contusions can lead to profound amblyopia. Concerning the orbitopalpebral traumas, paediatric specificities need to be taken in account. Amblyopia and its treatment is a central point for the prognosis and encourages prevention. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Ophtalmic manifestations of nasal obstruction can involve palpebral, orbital and ophthalmic disturbances. They can be the consequence of:

The Liverpool Infant Distress Scale (LIDS) was initially designed to assess behaviours reflecting pain in neonates following surgery. This paper reports a further development of the validity and reliability of LIDS and its use as a measure of neonatal behaviour.In the first stage of validity testing the LIDS scores of infants prior to administration of analgesia were compared to LIDS scores postanalgesia. Significantly lower scores were recorded following analgesia. The second stage of validity testing compared LIDS scores of a control group of neonates with those undergoing surgery, each over 43 hours. A significantly lower score on LIDS was found for the control group of infants compared to the surgical group, providing support for validity.Internal consistency was high, providing support for reliability. By providing detailed description of neonatal behaviours LIDS may assist nurses in the identification and objective quantification of neonatal behaviour, the context of which will govern intervention. The efficacy of such interventions may also be measured using LIDS. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

• A simulation-optimization model was proposed to optimize a LID scenario. • Optimal solutions on various runoff reduction levels were found at different costs. • Thresholds from which the return of investment was not significant were identified. • Enhancements to the model are needed to develop a reliable LID design method. High rates of soil imperviousness, intensified by urbanization, have been contributing strongly to the occurrence of floods all over the world. To mitigate these impacts, Low Impact Development (LID) techniques seek to preserve the hydrology of urban catchments closer to pre-development conditions by using distributed stormwater control systems. Nevertheless, the application of these techniques is associated with a variety of challenges, including the design of the LID controls, due to the significant number of variables involved and the need to attend to multiple objectives simultaneously. In this context, the application of hydrologic simulation models integrated with optimization techniques has been recently explored as an alternative to assist in planning LID scenarios. This work aims to verify the applicability of an adaptation of the Genetic Algorithm NSGA-II, together with the hydrologic model SWMM, to assist the optimal design of a LID scenario seeking to reduce the stormwater runoff and the total costs on different return periods. This scenario has considered the combined implementation of permeable pavements, green roofs and bioretention cells. The results showed that the model was capable of finding a great variety of optimal solutions on various levels of runoff reduction, at different costs, for all return periods considered. Regarding the applicability of the optimization model as a LID design method, some limitations were found related to practical applications and possible oversizing of the subjacent layers of the LIDs. Therefore, suggestions on how to improve the model have been made to solve the identified problems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Die Rhinosporidiose stellt ein in Europa sehr selten vorkommendes Krankheitsbild dar, wobei vor allem die Schleimhäute des Nasopharyngealtraktes von polypösen Veränderungen betroffen sind. Ist nur das Auge befallen, wird das Krankheitsbild als Okulosporidiose bezeichnet. Es wird über einen Patienten berichtet, bei dem erst nach mehrmaligen Biopsien und Exzisionen sowie frustranen Therapieversuchen mit Antibiotika die Diagnose histologisch gestellt werden konnte. Es finden sich typischerweise kugelige Kapseln (Sporangien), welche mit einer großen Menge von Sporen gefüllt sind. Diese Kapseln platzen auf und geben die Sporen an das Gewebe frei, welches mit einer deutlichen Entzündung reagiert. Auffallend war die relative Schmerzlosigkeit trotz massiven Befundes und die starke Blutungsneigung bei Berührung der Läsionen. Rhinosporidiosis is a very rare disease in Europe, which provides polypoid masses of the mucous membranes of the nasal pharynx. It is called oculosporidiosis if only the eyes are infected. We report on a patient in whom the diagnosis of oculosporidiosis could be found histologically not until several excisions and biopsies and frustrane therapeutic trials with antibiotics. Typically round capsules (sporangia) are found filled with a large number of spores. These capsules rupture and set the spores free to the tissue which answers with a inflammatory reaction. Remarkable was the painlessness in relation to the severe status and the strong tendency towards bleeding when touching the lesions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]