AMINO ACIDS AS DIAGNOSTICS OF SOIL AND SOIL WATER QUALITY

Information on the contribution of amino acids to dissolved organic nitrogen and carbon exported from grassland soil is scarce. Evidence from the literature for other environments, suggests that determination of amino acid patterns of distribution may be a useful method for improved understanding of the interaction of microbial synthesis and degradation of organic N in conjunction with soil physical states. A sample pre-concentration technique and an HPLC methodology were developed that enabled the determination of dissolved free (DFAA) and combined (DCAA) amino acids in natural waters at picomolar concentration. These methods were used to examine the content of amino acids and their distribution patterns in waters from 3 different settings. Firstly, field-sized lysimeters (1 ha) were used to examine dissolved free and combined amino acids in surface runoff and drainage waters from a grassland soil over 3 winter drainage periods. The waters were collected from soils beneath drained and undrained permanent ryegrass swards, receiving 280 kg N haˉ¹yrˉ¹ , permanent ryegrass receiving no mineral N input, and grass/white clover (no mineral N). Total DFAA concentration ranged between 1.9 nM - 6.1 µM and total DCAA concentration ranged between 1.3 - 87 µM. A large library of amino acid distributions was assembled and multivariate pattern analysis techniques were used to determine whether there were distinctive amino acid signatures that could be used as a diagnostics for soil management and condition. Although addition of mineral N fertilizer increased amino acid concentration in waters, there was no detectable effect of fertilizer addition on DFAA distribution patterns. In contrast, both DFAA and DCAA patterns were strongly influenced by soil hydrology alone. However, in the case of DCAA patterns, there was evidence of an interaction between hydrology and fertilizer addition. Secondly, monolith lysimeters were used to determine the DFAA in drainage waters from 4 different grassland soil types, in order to find whether there was evidence of pattern difference with soil texture. Results showed that distribution patterns vary between soil types, and contrary to what might be expected, that clay soils do not necessarily retain basic amino acids. Thirdly, the concentration and patterns of DFAA were determined hourly over a 24 hour period, for a river that received exported soil waters from the field lysimeters mentioned above. Total DFAA concentration correlated with water temperature and NH4+ Compared with exported soil waters, the concentrations of DFAA in river water were several orders of magnitude smaller, although GLY, SER, LYS and MET were in greater relative proportions. Results of the studies show that amino acids have the potential to be used as diagnostics of source, soil condition and management.BBSRC Institute of Grassland and Environmental Researc

Apprenticeship in England

England was the only pre-modern European country with national legislation covering apprenticeship (the 1562 Statute of Artificers), setting unusually long and uniform seven-year terms. England was also unusual because around three-quarters of all English urban apprentices went to London for their training. Apprenticeships were regulated by a combination of guild rules and private contracts. The latter set individual conditions within the general framework. English apprenticeship fees varied widely, depending on the trade and the master’s reputation. Apprentices were rarely tutored by relatives and commonly choose other trades than their parents had exercised. Many apprentices left their masters early; only those aspiring to become masters themselves stayed on for the whole seven-year period. There was no formal examination at the end, nor other form of certification

Immune-monitoring disease activity in primary membranous nephropathy

Primary membranous nephropathy (MN) is a glomerular disease mediated by autoreactive antibodies, being the main cause of nephrotic syndrome among adult patients. While the pathogenesis of MN is still controversial, the detection of autoantibodies against two specific glomerular antigens, phospholipase A2 receptor (PLA2R) and thrombospondin type 1 domain containing 7A (THSD7A), together with the beneficial effect of therapies targeting B cells, have highlighted the main role of autoreactive B cells driving this renal disease. In fact, the detection of PLA2R-specific IgG4 antibodies has resulted in a paradigm shift regarding the diagnosis as well as a better prediction of the progression and recurrence of primary MN. Nevertheless, some patients do not show remission of the nephrotic syndrome or do rapidly recur after immunosuppression withdrawal, regardless the absence of detectable anti-PLA2R antibodies, thus highlighting the need of other immune biomarkers for MN risk-stratification. Notably, the exclusive evaluation of circulating antibodies may significantly underestimate the magnitude of the global humoral memory immune response since it may exclude the role of antigen-specific memory B cells. Therefore, the assessment of PLA2R-specific B-cell immune responses using novel technologies in a functional manner may provide novel insight on the pathogenic mechanisms of B cells triggering MN as well as refine current immune-risk stratification solely based on circulating autoantibodies

Adults with Autism and Postsecondary Supports: Parents’ Perspectives

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is characterized by deficits in social communication skills, cognitive functioning abilities and skills associated with adapting to new environments. Inclusion of adults with ASD to Post-Secondary Education (PSE) programs is increasing and the importance of caregiver involvement may promote increased opportunities for these individuals (Nuske, Rillotta, & Bellon, 2019). The purpose of this research report was to evaluate the literature related to the effect of parental support and perceptions on post-secondary education opportunities for transition-age young adults with ASD. A comprehensive literature search and critical appraisal were carried out by two authors independently. Authors searched for evidence using the three online databases Cinhal Complete, PsychINFO, and EBSCOhost. Three well-designed, non-experimental level III studies were retrieved in this review. Parents reported giving support prior to college life but expressed the desire for their child to be more self-sufficient and to use resources provided by the university and outside organizations. However, they also discussed a need to be involved in the consultation process and that their perspectives are dependent on their child’s perceived potential. Clinical implications and future research are discussed.https://encompass.eku.edu/swps_graduategallery/1136/thumbnail.jp

Adults with Autism and Postsecondary Supports and Perspectives

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is characterized by deficits in social communication skills, cognitive functioning abilities and skills associated with adapting to new environments. Inclusion of adults with ASD to Post-Secondary Education (PSE) programs is increasing and the importance of caregiver involvement may promote increased opportunities for these individuals (Nuske, Rillotta, & Bellon, 2019). The purpose of this research report was to evaluate the literature related to the effect of parental support and perceptions on post-secondary education opportunities for transition-age young adults with ASD. A comprehensive literature search and critical appraisal were carried out by two authors independently. Authors searched for evidence using the three online databases Cinhal Complete, PsychINFO, and EBSCOhost. Three well-designed, non-experimental level III studies were retrieved in this review. Parents reported giving support prior to college life but expressed the desire for their child to be more self-sufficient and to use resources provided by the university and outside organizations. However, they also discussed a need to be involved in the consultation process and that their perspectives are dependent on their child’s perceived potential. Clinical implications and future research are discussed

Disputatio iuridica de melioramentis

quam ... pro summis in utroque iure honoribus, privilegiis atque immunitatibus doctoralibus consequendis solenni disputationi exhibet Arnoldus à Bobart, Aurica-Frisius Orientalis, ad diem XXVIII. mensis Novembris A. M DC LXXIII. ...Enthält ThesenDiss. iur. Basel, 167