Phlebotomus (Euphlebotomus) barguesae n. sp. from Thailand (Diptera – Psychodidae)

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Topology and Group Theory-Tools for Determinating the Stereochemistry of Molecules

Modern Chemistry requires to handle complex stereochemical problems with a computer. Therefore, it is necessary to find a suitable way of modelling ensembles of molecules and their reactions. This kind of modelling must also consider dynamic structural properties of molecules. This cannot be described sufficiently by rigid models. Developing concepts and computer programs for describing stereochemical and constitutional regards simultanously requires an exact chemical nomenclature. Thus, a nomenclature must be found which is easily applicable and produces onlyasmall amount of data. Especially concerning stereochemistry this nomenclature must be applicable to atoms of any validity. No rules for special cases should be defined. For a definite description of ensembles of molecules our algorithms profit by topological and graph theoretical methods. Based on uncoloured molecular graphs, first the chemical nature of the vertices and finally by group theoretical aspects stereochemistry is introduced. This hierachical ordering allows to compare structural properties of chemical different molecules. Thus, for example reaction patterns of molecules can be transferred between chemical different but structural identical ensembles

Faculty Publication Trends in a Japanese National University’s Medical Faculty: A Preliminary Diachronic Comparison

This paper presents a diachronic analysis of publication frequency and language medium for a Japanese national university’s medical faculty. Studies of trends in global writing for academic publication tend to implicate English language publication frequency increasing at the expense of publishing in national languages (Bennet, 2014). However, while increases in English language publication have been demonstrated (Fire & Guestrin, 2019), there remains little quantitative analysis of how the language publication practices of university faculty from outside the Anglophone center of higher education have changed, with Kyvik (1990, 2003), Daizen (2015), and Huang (2015) being notable exceptions. Here we diachronically analyze publication reports for a Japanese university’s medical faculty, examining annual university publication reports across two time periods, 1979 to 1980 and 2017 to 2018 for three medical subspecialties; biochemistry, internal medicine, and pathology. Across the subspecialties, English language publication in the most prestigious publication type, original journal articles, has largely come at the expense of Japanese language publication, with Japanese publications and English publications switching places in terms of frequency of publication between 1979 to 1980 and 2017 to 2018. However, less prestigious publication types have increased for both Japanese and English, suggesting that professional communication in Japanese remains important

Institutional research in South African higher education: Framing the contexts and practices

CITATION: Botha, J., Muller, N. J. & Webber, K. 2016. Institutional Research in South African Higher Education: Framing the Contexts and Practices, in J. Botha & N. J. Muller (eds.). Institutional Research in South African Higher Education: Intersecting Contexts and Practices. Stellenboach: SUN PRESS. 1-22. doi:10.18820/9781928357186/01.The original publication is available from AFRICAN SUNMeDIA.Universities are among the oldest social organisations in the world. Few would doubt that universities are crucially important social organisations. The public and private good of universities is generally recognised (and widely debated, cf. Singh 2001). The broad range of purposes ascribed to universities and society’s expectations of the value added by universities add up to form an intriguing phenomenon which is the object of research in a range of academic disciplines and professional practices.Publishers' versio

Floral scent evaluation of three cut flowers through sensorial and gas chromatography analysis

The main function of floral scent is to attract and guide pollinators, but it is also an important character in the ornamental plant industry. Several studies have considered the chemical evaluation of floral scent during vase life, but only a few have considered sensorial analysis of this character, which is a very important quality trait for the marketing of ornamental plants. This study focused on assessing the floral scent of three fragrant cut flowers of high economic importance: Lilium, chrysanthemum, and freesia. Eighty individuals were included in a sensorial analysis where the attributes of floral scent liking and intensity were evaluated. The composition of the floral scent was analyzed through the collection of headspace followed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The floral scents of oriental lily and freesia were perceived as more intense, compared to chrysanthemum. A total of 28 volatile compounds were detected and the monoterpenes β-pinene (40.7 ± 1.8 μg·L−1), β-cis-ocimene (5552 ± 990 μg·L−1), and linalool (11,800 ± 220 μg·L−1) were the major volatile organic compounds (VOCs) present in chrysanthemum, lilium, and freesia, respectively. The results presented in this study confirm that the concentration and abundance of volatile compounds is not directly related to the human perception of floral scen

Implications of pediatric extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation simulation for intensive care team confidence and coordination: A pilot study

Introduction Extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR) is associated with improved outcomes in select populations, however, crisis resource management (CRM) in this setting is logistically challenging. This study evaluates the impact of ECPR simulation on self-perceived confidence and collaboration of intensive care unit team members. Methods This is a prospective observational study analyzing data obtained between July 2018–December 2019. This study focused on non-surgical members of critical care team consisting of pediatric intensivists, resident physicians, registered nurses, respiratory therapists. Participants were expected to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) during the ECPR event, participate in code-team responsibilities and provide ancillary support during cannulation. Pre- and post-simulation surveys employed the Likert scale (1 = not at all confident, 5 = highly confident) to assess self-perceived scores in specified clinical competencies. Results Twenty-nine providers participated in the simulation; 38% had prior ECPR experience. Compared to mean pre-study Likert scores (2.4, 2.4, 2.5), post-simulation scores increased (4.2, 4.4, 4.3) when self-evaluating: confidence in assessing patients needing ECPR, confidence in participating in ECPR workflow and confidence in performing high-quality CPR, respectively. Post-simulation values of \u3e3 were reported by 100% of participants in all domains (p \u3c .0001). All participants indicated the clinical scenario and procedural environment to be realistic and appropriately reflective of situational stress. Additionally, 100% of participants reported the simulation to improve perceived team communication and teamwork skills. Conclusion This study demonstrated preliminary feasibility of pediatric ECPR simulation in enhancing independent provider confidence and team communication. This self-perceived improvement may establish a foundation for cohesive CRM, in preparation for a real life ECPR encounter

Pressure natriuresis in isolated kidneys from hypertension-prone and hypertension-resistant rats (Dahl rats)11Dr. Dahl, with whom we were collaborating, died just as this work was beginning. We wish to dedicate this paper to his memory.

Pressure natriuresis in isolated kidneys from hypertension-prone and hypertension-resistant rats (Dahl rats). Dahl described a strain of rats with genetically controlled propensities for hypertension. Chronic excess salt feeding increased blood pressure in sensitive (S) rats, whereas resistant rats (R) remain normotensive. We tested the pressure natriuretic function (urinary sodium excretion versus perfusion pressure) in isolated kidneys perfused with a cellular medium: in sodium-restricted normotensive sensitive (S0) and resistant (R0) animals; in sensitive rats receiving a high-salt diet for 3 weeks (S3); and in both S and R animals exposed to excess sodium for 7 weeks (R7 and S7). The aim of these studies was to determine if a preset alteration of the pressure natriuretic function might be present in S animals prior to the development of hypertension. Systolic blood pressure in S0, S3, and S7animals were 123 ± 4, 136 ± 2, and 162 ± 4mm Hg, respectively, whereas that of R0 and R7 were 121 ± 5 and 126 ± 5mm Hg. An increase of the perfusion pressure of isolated kidneys from 105 to 185mm Hg in stepwise fashion resulted in a pressure natriuresis whose slope was similar in R0 and S0 animals. Of interest was that the pressure natriuretic function slope of kidneys from R0(low sodium) and R7 (high sodium) rats was as predicted by the Guyton system analysis of normal blood pressure control. Micropuncture of the proximal nephrons demonstrated that the origin of the natriuresis resulted from a site beyond the accessible proximal tubule. Results from S7 kidneys contrasted with all others in that the natriuretic response was depressed (P < 0.01), which resulted from significantly lower filtration rates at higher perfusion pressures. We concluded (1) in normal R rats, the pressure natriuretic function is that predicted by the Guyton hypothesis, (2) Dahl S animals have no preset abnormality of this function until hypertension is present for some time, and (3) a depression of the pressure natriuretic function may aggravate hypertension in S rats once high blood pressure has persisted.Natriurèse de pression dans les reins isolés provenant de rats de Dahl sensibles ou résistants à l'hypertension. Dahl a décrit une souche de rats ayant une propension génétique à l'hypertension. L'administration d'une alimentation riche en sel augmente la pression artérielle chez les rats sensibles (S) alors que les rats résistants (R) restent normotendus. Nous avons étudié la natriurèse de pression (excrétion urinaire de sodium en fonction de la pression de perfusion) dans des reins isolés perfuses avec un milieu cellulaire provenant de rats normotendus S0 et R0 soumis à une restriction de sodium, de rats sensibles ayant reçu une alimentation riche en sel pendant trois semaines (S3) et de rats S et R exposés à un excès de sel pendant 7 semaines (R7 et S7). Le but de ces études est d'établir l'existence éventuelle d'une modification de la relation pression natriurèse avant le développement de l'hypertension. Les pressions systoliques des rats, S0, S3, et S7 étaient de 123 ± 4, 136 ± 2, et 162 ± 4mm Hg, respectivement, alors que celles de R0 et R7 étaient de 121 ± 5 et 126 ± 5mm Hg. Une augmentation de la pression de perfusion de reins isolés de 105 à 185mm Hg, par paliers, a eu pour résultat une natriurèse de pression dont la pente était la même chez R0 et S0. Il est intéressant de remarquer que la pente de cette relation pour les reins R0 (sodium bas) et R7 (sodium élevé) est celle qui est prévue par l'analyse de Guyton du contrôle normal de la pression artérielle. Des microponctions des néphrons proximaux ont montré que l'origine de la natriurèse est en aval du tuble proximal accessible. Les résultats des reins S7 ont été différents de tous les autres en ce sens que la réponse natriurétique a été déprimée (P < 0,001) en raison des débits de filtration significativement plus faibles à des pressions de perfusion plus élevées. Nous concluons: (1) chez les rats R normaux la relation pression-natriurèse est celle prédite par l'hypothèse de Guyton; (2) les animaux Dahl S n'ont pas d'anomalie préexistante de cette fonction; (3) une dépression de la relation natirurèse-pression peut aggraver l'hypertension chez les rats S une fois que la pression artérielle élevée a persisté

Cardiac Tamponade: Innovative Sternotomy Simulation Model for Training Pediatric Cardiac Intensive Care Team

Introduction: Cardiac tamponade occurring after cardiac surgery is rare but life threatening and requires simultaneous resuscitation and emergent sternotomy by the intensive care team. A simulated scenario using innovative mannequin with sternotomy wound has the capability of reproducing cardiac arrest associated with postoperative tamponade. We evaluated the face validity of this innovative mannequin, the confidence level and crisis resource management skills of the team during sternotomy to manage postoperative cardiac tamponade. Methods: The simulation case scenario was developed using innovative sternotomy mannequin for children’s hospital cardiac intensive care unit (CICU) teams. The case involved a 3-year old male, intubated, mechanically ventilated after surgical repair of CHD, progressing to cardiac arrest due to cardiac tamponade. We conducted a structured, video debriefing following each scenario. We conducted a formative learner assessment before and after each scenario and analyzed the data using student t-test. Results: Of the 72 CICU providers, a statistically significant proportion of providers (p \u3c 0.0001) showed improved confidence in assessing and managing cardiac arrest occurring following postoperative cardiac tamponade. All the providers scored ≥ 3 for impact of the scenario on practice, teamwork, communication, assessment skills, improvement in CPR and opening the chest and their confidence in attending similar clinical situation in future. Most (96–100%) scored ≥ 3 for perception on realism of mannequin, the scenario, re-opening the sternotomy and level of stress. Conclusions: Innovative adaptation of a high-fidelity mannequin for cardiac tamponade simulation can achieve a realistic and reproducible training model with a positive impact on multi-disciplinary team training

The latest development of the DELAD project for sharing corpora of speech disorders

Corpora of speech of individuals with communication disorders (CSD) are invaluable resources for education and research, but they are costly and hard to build and difficult to share for various reasons. DELAD, which means 'shared' in Swedish, is a project initiated by Professors Nicole Muller and Martin Ball in 2015 that aims to address this issue by establishing a platform for researchers to share datasets of speech disorders with interested audiences. To date four workshops have been held, where selected participants, covering various expertise including researchers in clinical phonetics and linguistics, speech and language therapy, infrastructure specialists, and ethics and legal specialists, participated to discuss relevant issues in setting up such an archive. Positive and steady progress has been made since 2015, including refurbishing the DELAD website (http://delad.net/) with information and application forms for researchers to join and share their datasets and linking with the CLARIN K-Centre for Atypical Communication Expertise (https://ace.ruhosting.nl/) where CSD can be hosted and accessed through the CLARIN B-Centres, The Language Archive (https://tla.mpi.nl/tools/tla-tools/) and TalkBank (https://talkbank.org/). The latest workshop, which was funded by CLARIN (Common Language Resources and Technology Infrastructure) was held as an online event in January 2021 on topics including Data Protection Impact Assessments, reviewing changes in ethics perspectives in academia on sharing CSD, and voice conversion as a mean to pseudonomise speech. This paper reports the latest progress of DELAD and discusses the directions for further advance of the initiative, with information on how researchers can contribute to the repository.Peer reviewe