Two new Gorgonopsian skulls

Main articleTwo complete and well-preserved skulls are described. One is referred to the species Gorgonops torvus Owen. It gives information on several details that are not clear in the type specimen. The second skull is recognized as a new species of Prorubidgea, and named Prorubidgea brinki.Non

Het Bijbelse scheppingsverhaal en de natuurwetenschap

The following article, by A. A. Manten of the Netherlands, was published in KOERS in March and April 1959 (Volume XXVI, numbers 9 & 10) as part of a centenary debate on evolution and Darwinism. He deals with the fact that the Bible does not have the intention of teaching scientific fact - and this leads him to the point that Interpretation is of paramount importance. In the course of the article he refers to the controversies surrounding the interpretation of Genesis 1 and 2. (In this respect we refer the reader to a further article published in the course of this debate in KOERS (Volume XXIX, nos. 7 and 8, Jan-Feb 1962) in which Prof. S. du Toit, in a long and closely documented article deals with the Issue of "Progressive Creation - an attempt at a new approach towards the problem Creation-Evolution". This article was written by the author to commemorate his silver Jubilee as a professor at the Theological School of the Reformed Church, and was seen, in 1962, as a momentous contribution to the discussion surrounding the issue of evolution and creation.

Het Bijbelse scheppingsverhaal en de natuurwetenschap IV: De bewoners van water en lucht

„En God zeide: Dat de waterenwemelen van levende wezens, en dat het gevogelte over de aarde vliege langs het uitspansel des hemels. Toen schiep God de grote zeedieren en alle krioelende levende wezens, waarvan de wateren wemelen, naar hun aard, en allerlei gevleugeld gevogelte naar zijn aard”

Het Bijbelse Scheppingsverhaal en de Natuurwetenschap III: De Chaos begrensd

„En God zeide: Daar zij een uitspansel in het midden der wateren, en het make scheiding tussen wateren en wateren!” Bij het lezen van dit vers zullen wemoeten bedenken, dat de bijbelschrijverseen geheel andere voorstelling van de wereldruimte hadden dan wij

Het Bijbelse scheppingsverhaal en de natuurwetenschap

Het is dit jaar precies een eeuw geleden, dat gezamenlijk door Charles Darwin en A. R. Wallace het begrip evolutie vaste voet kreeg in de moderne natuurwetenschappen. Vanaf het eerste ogenblik werd dit begrip zowel enthouiast verdedigd als scherp aangevallen. Binnen de kringen der natuurwetenschap werd de tegenstand echter al snel minder en tegenwoordig wordt daar het feit der evolutie wel algemeen aanvaard. Als er hier nog wat strijd is, dan gaat dat slechts over bepaalde bijzonderheden en zekere voorstellingen en niet meer over het begrip evolutie als zodanig

Modulation of cytokine release and neutrophil function by granulocyte colony-stimulating factor during endotoxemia in humans

In this double-blind, cross-over, placebo-controlled, randomized study, two groups of eight healthy male volunteers were challenged with endotoxin (4 ng/kg) on two occasions, once in conjunction with placebo and once with granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF; 5 microg/kg). In group 1, G-CSF was administered intravenously 2 hours before endotoxin challenge; in group 2, G-CSF was administered subcutaneously 24 hours before endotoxin challenge. In group 1, G-CSF significantly enhanced the release of tumor necrosis factor (TNF), interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-8, IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1ra), and soluble TNF receptors. In group 2, G-CSF significantly reduced IL-8 concentrations and modestly attenuated TNF and IL-6 levels. In this group, IL-1ra and soluble TNF receptors were enhanced by G-CSF pretreatment and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced soluble TNF receptor release was further augmented, whereas LPS-induced IL-1ra concentrations remained unaltered. Both pretreatments with G-CSF increased LPS-induced peripheral neutrophilia; the expression of CD11b, CD18, and CD67; and the release of elastase and lactoferrin. Both pretreatments also down-regulated neutrophil L-selectin expression and prevented the endotoxin-induced pulmonary neutrophil accumulation during the first 2 hours after endotoxin challenge. These data indicate that two different pretreatments with G-CSF result in differential effects on LPS-induced cytokine release but similar effects on LPS-induced neutrophil activation and changes in expression of cell surface molecules. Finally, regardless of the effects of G-CSF on LPS-induced cytokine release, G-CSF blocks LPS-induced pulmonary granulocyte accumulatio

Palaeobiology, ecology, and distribution of stromatoporoid faunas in biostromes of the mid-Ludlow of Gotland

Six well exposed mid−Ludlow stromatoporoid−dominated reef biostromes in four localities from the Hemse Group in southeastern Gotland, Sweden comprise a stromatoporoid assemblage dominated by four species; Clathrodictyon mohicanum, “Stromatopora” bekkeri, Plectostroma scaniense, and Lophiostroma schmidtii. All biostromes investigated in this area (of approximately 30 km2) are interpreted to belong to a single faunal assemblage forming a dense accumulation of fossils that is probably the best exposed stromatoporoid−rich deposit of the Silurian. The results from this comprehensive study strengthen earlier interpretations of a combination of genetic and environmental control on growth−forms of the stromatoporoids. Growth styles are similar for stromatoporoids in all six biostromes. Differences in biostrome fabric are due to variations in the degree of disturbance by storms. The uniformity of facies and the widespread low−diversity fauna support the view that palaeoenvironmental conditions were similar across the area where these biostromes crop out, and promoted the extraordinary growth of stromatoporoids in this shallow shelf area

Operation and Utilisation of the High Flux Reactor - Annual Report 2009

The High Flux Reactor (HFR) at Petten is managed by the Institute for Energy (IE) of the EC - DG JRC and operated by NRG who are also licence holder and responsible for commercial activities. The HFR operates at 45 MW and is of the tank-in-pool type, light water cooled and moderated. It is one of the most powerful multi-purpose materials testing reactors in the world and one of the world leaders in target irradiation for the production of medical radioisotopes.JRC.F-Institute for Energy and Transport (Petten

Comprehensive Assessment of Incidence, Risk Factors, and Mechanisms of Impaired Medical and Psychosocial Health Outcomes among Adolescents and Young Adults with Cancer:Protocol of the Prospective Observational COMPRAYA Cohort Study

Simple Summary Adolescents and young adults (AYA), aged 18-39 years at first cancer diagnosis, are recognized as a distinct population within the oncology community due to the unique challenges they encounter including recognition, diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring of their disease. It is imperative for advances in the field of AYA oncology to pool data sources (patient-reported outcomes, clinical, treatment, genetic, and biological data) across institutions and countries and create large cohorts that include the full range of AYA ages and diagnoses to be able to address the many pressing questions that remain unanswered in this vulnerable population. The Dutch COMPRAYA study aims to examine the incidence, risk factors, and mechanisms of impaired health outcomes (short- and long-term medical and psychosocial effects) over time among AYA cancer patients. The overarching aim is to provide a research infrastructure for (future) data analyses and observational retrospective/prospective ancillary studies and to expand data collection to other countries. Adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer patients suffer from delay in diagnosis, and lack of centralized cancer care, age-adjusted expertise, and follow-up care. This group presents with a unique spectrum of cancers, distinct tumor biology, cancer risk factors, developmental challenges, and treatment regimens that differ from children and older adults. It is imperative for advances in the field of AYA oncology to pool data sources across institutions and create large cohorts to address the many pressing questions that remain unanswered in this vulnerable population. We will create a nationwide infrastructure (COMPRAYA) for research into the incidence, predictive/prognostic markers, and underlying mechanisms of medical and psychosocial outcomes for AYA between 18-39 years diagnosed with cancer. A prospective, observational cohort of (n = 4000), will be established. Patients will be asked to (1) complete patient-reported outcome measures; (2) donate a blood, hair, and stool samples (to obtain biochemical, hormonal, and inflammation parameters, and germline DNA); (3) give consent for use of routinely archived tumor tissue and clinical data extraction from medical records and registries; (4) have a clinic visit to assess vital parameters. Systematic and comprehensive collection of patient and tumor characteristics of AYA will support the development of evidence-based AYA care programs and guidelines

A prospective study on rapid exome sequencing as a diagnostic test for multiple congenital anomalies on fetal ultrasound

Objective: Conventional genetic tests (quantitative fluorescent-PCR [QF-PCR] and single nucleotide polymorphism-array) only diagnose ~40% of fetuses showing ultrasound abnormalities. Rapid exome sequencing (rES) may improve this diagnostic yield, but includes challenges such as uncertainties in fetal phenotyping, variant interpretation, incidental unsolicited findings, and rapid turnaround times. In this study, we implemented rES in prenatal care to increase diagnostic yield. Methods: We prospectively studied 55 fetuses. Inclusion criteria were: (a) two or more independent major fetal anomalies, (b) hydrops fetalis or bilateral renal cysts alone, or (c) one major fetal anomaly and a first-degree relative with the same anomaly. In addition to conventional genetic tests, we performed trio rES analysis using a custom virtual gene panel of ~3850 Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man (OMIM) genes. Results: We established a genetic rES-based diagnosis in 8 out of 23 fetuses (35%) without QF-PCR or array abnormalities. Diagnoses included MIRAGE (SAMD9), Zellweger (PEX1), Walker-Warburg (POMGNT1), Noonan (PTNP11), Kabuki (KMT2D), and CHARGE (CHD7) syndrome and two cases of Osteogenesis Imperfecta type 2 (COL1A1). In six cases, rES diagnosis aided perinatal management. The median turnaround time was 14 (range 8-20) days. Conclusion: Implementing rES as a routine test in the prenatal setting is challenging but technically feasible, with a promising diagnostic yield and significant clinical relevance