A Stereotaxic Atlas of the Brain of the Chick (Gallus domesticus)

Nine brains taken from chicks two weeks of age were used for the development of this atlas. Each chick was first anesthetized with an intravenous (IV) injection of Chloropent2 (1.8 ml/kg). Chicks were then perfused via the heart with 90 ml physiological saline followed by 90 ml Heidenhain\u27s3 solution. Each head was then positioned in a stereotaxic instrument as described in the previous section and three stainless steel (SS) insect pins (#2) were implanted in each brain at known coordinates. In the case of the brains used to construct the cross- sectional atlas plates, two pins were implanted horizontal to the base of the stereotaxic instrument. Each was inserted into the forebrain and the pins exited either the brainstem or the cerebellum. The third pin was inserted vertical to the base of the stereotaxic instrument. The brains used to construct the sagittal atlas plates had two pins inserted horizontally and one pin inserted vertically to the stereotaxic instrument. The horizontal pins entered the right side of the brain and exited the left side. The brains used for the horizontal plates had two pins inserted vertically and one pin horizontally. The latter entered the forebrain and exited the brainstem

Draft genome sequences of 11 Staphylococcus epidermidis strains isolated from wild mouse species

We report here the draft genome sequences of 11 strains of Staphylococcus epidermidis, a common bacterium inhabiting the skin of humans and other animals. These isolates, obtained from five mouse species, provide valuable information on the native Staphylococcus spp. of this important model organism and form a basis for studying host-bacterial interactions in their natural environment

Encapsulation of Cs/Sr contaminated clinoptilolite in geopolymers produced from metakaolin

The encapsulation of caesium (Cs) and strontium (Sr) contaminated clinoptilolite in Na and K based metakaolin geopolymers is reported. When Cs or Sr loaded clinoptilolite is mixed with a metakaolin geopolymer paste, the high pH of the activating solution and the high concentration of ions in solution cause ion exchange reactions and dissolution of clinoptilolite with release of Cs and Sr into the geopolymer matrix. The leaching of Cs and Sr from metakaolin-based geopolymer has therefore been investigated. It was found that Na-based geopolymers reduce leaching of Cs compared to K-based geopolymers and the results are in agreement with the hard and soft acids and bases (HSAB) theory. Cs ions are weak Lewis acids and aluminates are a weak Lewis base. During the formation of the geopolymer matrix Cs ions are preferentially bound to aluminate phases and replace Na in the geopolymer structure. Sr uptake by Na-geopolymers is limited to 0.4 mol Sr per mole of Al and any additional Sr is immobilised by the high pH which causes precipitation of Sr as low solubility hydroxide and carbonate phases. There was no evidence of any other phases being formed when Sr or Cs are added to metakaolin geopolymers

School\u27s out: Parenting stress and screen time use in school-age children during the COVID-19 pandemic

Background During the COVID-19 pandemic, millions of children abruptly moved to online schooling, which required high levels of parental involvement. Family routines were disrupted, potentially increasing parental stress, and may be reflected in greater media screen time use in children. Objectives To determine whether (1) parenting styles and (2) parenting stress were associated with children\u27s screen time use during the pandemic compared to the pre-pandemic period. Methods Parents (\u3e 18 years of age) were recruited to complete an online survey regarding changes in their children\u27s (6–12 years) screen time use and daily activities before and during the pandemic. Stress and parental involvement were assessed using the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) and Alabama Parenting Questionnaires respectively. General linear models assessed whether parenting style and parent stress were associated with children\u27s screen time during the pandemic, adjusting for demographic variables and daily activities. Results 104 parents were enrolled, and 73 (70.2%) parents completed the surveys. Children\u27s screen time (e.g., watching television and playing video games) increased significantly, from 2.6 to 5.9h a day (p =.001) during pandemic-related school closures. Fewer changes in children\u27s screen time use were significantly associated with greater parental involvement (p =.017). Parent stress (p =.018) significantly predicted children\u27s screen time use. Lower household income was associated with increased hours of screen time in both models (both, p \u3c.05). Conclusions: Children\u27s screen time increased significantly during the initial months of the pandemic. Parent stress and parenting styles may be modifiable risk factors to promote children\u27s well-being during the ongoing pandemic

Method for the stimulation of sperm production and gonadal development in animals

A method to stimulate or enhance sperm development in males and gonadal development in females is disclosed. This is done by administration of an agent which results in a transiently lowered level of a thyroid hormone such as T3 and increased gonadotropin levels in the blood

Scalable Synthesis of Microsized, Nanocrystalline Zn0.9_{0.9}Fe0.1_{0.1}O-C Secondary Particles and Their Use in Zn0.9_{0.9}Fe0.1_{0.1} O-C/LiNi0.5_{0.5}Mn1.5_{1.5}O4_{4} Lithium-Ion Full Cells

Conversion/alloying materials (CAMs) are a potential alternative to graphite as Li‐ion anodes, especially for high‐power performance. The so far most investigated CAM is carbon‐coated Zn$_{0.9}$Fe$_{0.1}$O, which provides very high specific capacity of more than 900 mAh g$^{-1}$ and good rate capability. Especially for the latter the optimal particle size is in the nanometer regime. However, this leads to limited electrode packing densities and safety issues in large‐scale handling and processing. Herein, a new synthesis route including three spray‐drying steps that results in the formation of microsized, spherical secondary particles is reported. The resulting particles with sizes of 10–15 μm are composed of carbon‐coated Zn$_{0.9}$Fe$_{0.1}$O nanocrystals with an average diameter of approximately 30–40 nm. The carbon coating ensures fast electron transport in the secondary particles and, thus, high rate capability of the resulting electrodes. Coupling partially prelithiated, carbon‐coated Zn$_{0.9}$Fe$_{0.1}$O anodes with LiNi$_{0.5}$Mn$_{1.5}$O$_{4}$ cathodes results in cobalt‐free Li‐ion cells delivering a specific energy of up to 284 Wh kg$^{-1}$ (at 1 C rate) and power of 1105 W kg−1 (at 3 C) with remarkable energy efficiency (>93 % at 1 C and 91.8 % at 3 C)

Перспективные направления и проблемные вопросы стратегического партнерства России, Монголии и Китая во внешнеэкономической и таможенной сфере

В силу исторических и геополитических традиций и тенденций развития Россия, Монголия и Китай на протяжении длительного периода являются стратегическими партнерами в сфере внешнеэкономической деятельности и таможенного дела. В статье анализируются историко-правовые аспекты и перспективные направления развития экономического и таможенного партнерства трех стран в 21 веке в условиях глобализации и международной интеграции

Reducing Capacity and Voltage Decay of Co-Free Li1.2Ni0.2Mn0.6O2 as Positive Electrode Material for Lithium Batteries Employing an Ionic Liquid-Based Electrolyte

Lithium‐rich layered oxides (LRLOs) exhibit specific capacities above 250 mAh g$^{-1}$, i.e., higher than any of the commercially employed lithium‐ion‐positive electrode materials. Such high capacities result in high specific energies, meeting the tough requirements for electric vehicle applications. However, LRLOs generally suffer from severe capacity and voltage fading, originating from undesired structural transformations during cycling. Herein, the eco‐friendly, cobalt‐free Li$_{1.2}$Ni$_{0.2}$Mn$_{0.6}$O$_{2}$ (LRNM), offering a specific energy above 800 Wh kg$^{-1}$ at 0.1 C, is investigated in combination with a lithium metal anode and a room temperature ionic liquid‐based electrolyte, i.e., lithium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide and N‐butyl‐N‐methylpyrrolidinium bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide. As evidenced by electrochemical performance and high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and online differential electrochemical mass spectrometry characterization, this electrolyte is capable of suppressing the structural transformation of the positive electrode material, resulting in enhanced cycling stability compared to conventional carbonate‐based electrolytes. Practically, the capacity and voltage fading are significantly limited to only 19% and 3% (i.e., lower than 0.2 mV per cycle), respectively, after 500 cycles. Finally, the beneficial effect of the ionic liquid‐based electrolyte is validated in lithium‐ion cells employing LRNM and Li$_{4}$Ti$_{5}$O$_{12}$. These cells achieve a promising capacity retention of 80% after 500 cycles at 1 C

Assimilation of healthy and indulgent impressions from labelling influences fullness but not intake or sensory experience

Background: Recent evidence suggests that products believed to be healthy may be over-consumed relative to believed indulgent or highly caloric products. The extent to which these effects relate to expectations from labelling, oral experience or assimilation of expectations is unclear. Over two experiments, we tested the hypotheses that healthy and indulgent information could be assimilated by oral experience of beverages and influence sensory evaluation, expected satiety, satiation and subsequent appetite. Additionally, we explored how expectation-experience congruency influenced these factors. Results: Results supported some assimilation of healthiness and indulgent ratings—study 1 showed that indulgent ratings enhanced by the indulgent label persisted post-tasting, and this resulted in increased fullness ratings. In study 2, congruency of healthy labels and oral experience promoted enhanced healthiness ratings. These healthiness and indulgent beliefs did not influence sensory analysis or intake—these were dictated by the products themselves. Healthy labels, but not experience, were associated with decreased expected satiety. Conclusions: Overall labels generated expectations, and some assimilation where there were congruencies between expectation and experience, but oral experience tended to override initial expectations to determine ultimate sensory evaluations and intake. Familiarity with the sensory properties of the test beverages may have resulted in the use of prior knowledge, rather than the label information, to guide evaluations and behaviour